Friday, March 5, 2010, Airtel Plaza Hotel, 6:00 p.m.
Featured speaker:
Richard W. Halsey
Richard W. Halsey is the director of the California Chaparral Institute, a non-profit research and educational organization focusing on the ecology of California’s shrubland plant communities, wildland fire, and how Mediterranean-type ecosystems have helped shape human culture. He has given more than 300 presentations over the past five years concerning chaparral ecology, how communities can adapt to fire-prone environments, and the importance of nature education. Mr. Halsey also provides living history performances focusing on the Middle East in the 1100s and California in the 1800s. He taught biology for over thirty years in both public and private schools and was honored as Teacher of the Year for San Diego City Schools in 1991.
Mr. Halsey also works with the San Diego Museum of Natural History, publishes The Chaparralian, a journal focusing on chaparral and wildfire issues, and continues to teach natural history throughout the state.
Mr. Halsey earned undergraduate degrees from the University of California in environmental studies and anthropology. During graduate work he received teaching credentials in life, physical and social science and a masters in education. He has also been trained as a Type II wildland firefighter. The second edition of his book, Fire, Chaparral, and Survival in Southern California, was awarded the 2008 Best Nonfiction-Local Interest Book by the San Diego Book Awards Association.
A registration form is included in the January issue of the Phainopepla on page 8, and is also available online. Reservations due by February 26, 2010.