For many years, Eustace Conway has been known as a figure of determination and independence. As the founder of Turtle Island Preserve and a central personality on the History Channel series Mountain Men, he became a symbol of self-sufficiency, traditional living, and respect for the natural world.
Conway’s journey has inspired countless people. He has been featured in books, interviews, and documentaries, and admired for his commitment to a way of life that blends hard work, resourcefulness, and environmental stewardship. Yet behind the well-known public image, he has also faced personal and professional challenges that tested his resilience.
Choosing a Life in the Wilderness
At the age of seventeen, Conway chose to leave his suburban home in South Carolina and live in the wilderness. Using handmade tools and relying on skills he developed himself, he built a life without modern conveniences. He hunted, foraged, and lived in a tipi, fully embracing the principles of living close to nature.
Over the decades, Conway established Turtle Island Preserve — a thousand-acre educational camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The preserve became a place where visitors could learn traditional skills such as woodworking, farming, and cooking over an open fire. For Conway, it was not only a home but a mission to help others reconnect with the land and understand the value of simple living.
Public Recognition and Television
In 2012, Conway’s work reached a broader audience through Mountain Men. The show documented his daily life and the upkeep of Turtle Island, from building log cabins to teaching apprentices. Viewers were drawn to his authenticity and dedication.
While television exposure helped support his mission financially, it also brought increased public attention. With more visibility came greater interest from local authorities, and regulations regarding building codes and safety requirements became a recurring challenge.
Navigating Legal and Financial Pressures
Operating a large educational preserve brought both rewards and responsibilities. Over the years, Conway faced legal matters and compliance requirements related to Turtle Island’s facilities and structures. Meeting these obligations required significant time, energy, and resources, often pulling him away from the day-to-day work he valued most.
Through it all, Conway remained committed to keeping the preserve open and continuing its educational programs. Supporters from across the country expressed appreciation for his efforts, recognizing both the environmental and cultural importance of Turtle Island.
Coping with Loss and Change
In 2017, Conway’s close friend and colleague, Preston Roberts — who appeared alongside him on Mountain Men — passed away. Roberts had been a key part of Turtle Island’s operations and a trusted partner in teaching traditional skills. His absence was deeply felt, both personally and within the community Conway had built.
The years that followed brought further adjustments. Maintaining the preserve required balancing teaching, leadership, and administrative responsibilities, all while ensuring the mission stayed true to its original vision.
Continuing the Mission
In recent years, Conway has taken steps to share his knowledge in new ways, including working on restoration projects and teaching traditional building techniques in nearby communities. While the challenges of operating Turtle Island remain, his dedication to craftsmanship and nature has not diminished.
Conway’s story is not just about living apart from modern conveniences; it is about creating a life of purpose and sharing it with others. His experiences show that even when faced with obstacles — whether legal, financial, or personal — determination and adaptability can keep a mission alive.
A Lasting Legacy
Eustace Conway’s legacy is defined by more than his television appearances or public profile. It is reflected in the thousands of people who have visited Turtle Island Preserve, learned practical skills, and been inspired to live more sustainably.
His work has sparked conversations about environmental responsibility, self-reliance, and the value of preserving traditional knowledge. While the path has not always been easy, Conway’s story remains an example of dedication to a vision and the enduring human desire to live in harmony with nature.