Oakes: Thanks for the clarification.
My original training was in English and History, but I've had a lifelong interest in science and I've tried to learn as much as possible on my own. I've spent a large portion of my life outside: camping, hiking, climbing, canoeing, etc. and that has only increased my curiosity about the natural world.
I've occasionally run across trained scientists or professionals in a specific field that have a very dismissive and even contemptuous attitude toward amateurs like me, but I suppose that they've encountered enough "backyard experts" to warrant that attitude!
Most of the time, however, whether it's a geologist or an astronomer or a nuclear physicist, I've found that they're very appreciative of someone who is interested in their specialty and will go out of their way to explain things.
OT: I'm one of those "green folks", to a certain extent, but also a very experienced and practical businessman (it's about avoiding ridiculous extremes, about compromise.) Unfortunately, I think the term has been demonized and politicized. You obviously love the natural world and know a vast amount about it: you're green too! :-) -ob
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