STAFF & FRIENDS

Richard W. Halsey

Director & Founder
Besides being the Chaparral Institute's director for the past 17 years, Richard is also a writer, photographer, and a guide to help others reconnect with Nature and their wild, inner selves.

Richard loves sharing the magic of Nature best, but is sometimes forced to lead CCI's efforts to take government agencies to court when they plan things that would destroy that magic. He started teaching biology as a 16-year-old volunteer naturalist at the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach, California, enjoyed college, then taught high school biology for a couple decades until he realized the educational system is more interested in serving itself than the kids. He’s written a handful of research papers, a book, contributed to a few more, but his current favorite is his new coloring book of the chaparral. Richard has given hundreds of presentations and authored numerous publications concerning chaparral ecology and the importance of reestablishing our connection with Nature. He also works with the San Diego Museum of Natural History and continues to teach natural history throughout the state. He founded and has been leading the innovative Chaparral Naturalist Certification Program for the past six years. His canine pal, Cooper, is CCI's Chief Spiritual Officer. For a list of Richard's publications and interviews, please visit our Publications Page.

Bryant Baker

Research Associate
Bryant is an experienced GIS specialist, photographer, naturalist, and fire/land management policy expert who spends countless hours in the field exploring the natural environment. Since earning his Master's degree in Environmental Science, he has offered his expertise on water quality, fire ecology, and land management polcies to community groups and government agencies. He has also conducted dozens of expert evaluations of damaging projects on national forest land undergoing National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) review.
Lori Brickley
Chaparral Educator
Kilyn Smith
Chaparral Naturalist
Cooper
CCI's Chief Spiritual Officer
Some of the thousands of friends with whom we have shared the secrets of the Chaparral!