Richard W. Halsey

Richard W. Halsey is the director of the California Chaparral Institute, a nonprofit research and educational organization focusing on the ecology of California’s chaparral ecosystems, the dynamics of wildland fire, and the promotion of nature education in a way that encourages communities to better connect with their surrounding natural environment. He established the highly successful Chaparral Naturalist certification program at the Elfin Forest Reserve in Escondido to create a growing cadre of nature advocates. Mr. Halsey taught biology for over 20 years in both public and private schools and was honored as Teacher of the Year of San Diego City Schools.

Richard earned undergraduate degrees from the University of California in environmental studies and anthropology. The second edition of his book, Fire, Chaparral, and Survival in Southern California, was published in 2008.