Staff and Friends
The 2023 Chaparral Naturalist Class and several Chaparral Philosophers.
Richard W. Halsey
Director & Founder
Besides being the Chaparral Institute's director since its founding in 2003, Richard is also a writer, photographer, and a guide to help others reconnect with Nature and their wild, inner selves. He started teaching biology as a 16-year-old volunteer naturalist at his neighborhood nature center, enjoyed college, then taught high school biology for a couple decades. He’s written a handful of research papers, a book, and a fair number of editorials. Along the way, Richard spent time as a film producer in Hollywood and was trained as a wildland firefighter with the US Forest Service. Backpacking the trails of the Sierra Nevada is one of his key sources of inspiration.
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 since 2015. Richard has been expanding his investigation of geology over the past few years to enrich the Institute's offerings. His canine pal, Cooper, is CCI's Chief Spiritual Officer.
For a list of Richard's publications and interviews, please visit our Publications Page.
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 since 2015. Richard has been expanding his investigation of geology over the past few years to enrich the Institute's offerings. His canine pal, Cooper, is CCI's Chief Spiritual Officer.
For a list of Richard's publications and interviews, please visit our Publications Page.
Ask for What You Need and Treat Everyone
Like a Rock Star
Cooper
CCI's Chief Spiritual Officer
I met my best friend in a parking lot about 11 years ago.The situation that drew me there we can skip. The important thing to tell is that although there were others around, he was the only one I was immediately attracted to. I don’t know if it was how he stumbled toward me after our eyes met, the rebel way his hair was askew, his half smile, or maybe all of it. Regardless, I’ve always been drawn to divergent spirits, individuals who know exactly what they want (most of the time), but have a tender vulnerability right below the surface – like this guy.
Have you ever connected with someone so quickly it felt like you’d known them for years?
That’s what happened to me. A few minutes after we met, we had our arms around each other, looking like long lost friends. The warmth he generated within the center of my body was intoxicating.
He ended up coming back to my place that night. He had no where else to go.
After I helped him into a spare bed, he rolled onto his side, let out a long sigh, and fell fast asleep. Considering the evening’s events, I figured he wouldn’t wake until noon. Wrong. He was up early the next morning as if the day was made for him. He was running around the kitchen getting ready for breakfast...Continue reading here.
He ended up coming back to my place that night. He had no where else to go.
After I helped him into a spare bed, he rolled onto his side, let out a long sigh, and fell fast asleep. Considering the evening’s events, I figured he wouldn’t wake until noon. Wrong. He was up early the next morning as if the day was made for him. He was running around the kitchen getting ready for breakfast...Continue reading here.
Some of the thousands of friends with whom we have shared the secrets of the Chaparral!