Earnhardt’s parents gave him free reign to explore nature during his boyhood in the 1950s spent in Thomasville and the family cabin in Hickory Nut Gorge near Asheville.
Earnhardt’s father, who taught him how to fly fish, presented him with a fly tieing kit on his ninth birthday. When the fishing was slow, his dad, a textiles salesman, pointed out the bounties of nature. His mother supplied the books corresponding to his interests. Thus, the fire was ignited that has turned Earnhardt into one of the most respected and knowledgeable lovers of North Carolina’s natural world.
He is the writer, host and co-producer of public TV’s “Exploring North Carolina,” an Emmy-nominated series that has been on the air for 11 years. Earnhardt also has written two other books – “Fly Fishing the Tidewater” and “Boats for Fishermen.” A new book with the working title of “Native Intelligence” is expected in the next year or so.
Two men, the late William Friday, president of the UNC system, and the late Grier Martin, president of Davidson College, have had a profound influence on Earnhardt.
“I am amazed at how they could talk through any problem with civility,” he said.
Earnhardt wishes that today’s leaders possessed the same statesman qualities as Friday and Martin.
Does Earnhardt desire to enter politics? He has considered it and will not rule out the possibility.
In the meantime, he will continue to serve on numerous conservation and environmental boards. He also will be found fly fishing at the coast and in the mountains. And come winter, he will be duck hunting Down East with his buddies.