For more than two million years we evolved outside, in Nature, driven by our instincts. Over the last several thousand years, our newly conscious minds have tried to reconcile the conflict among the demands of civilization, social expectations, and our ancient, wild selves. Yet despite our best efforts, the conflict persists, causing many of the personal, social, and environmental problems we face today. Nature provides the remedy. Join us as we explore how connecting with Nature through California’s most extensive ecosystem, the chaparral, offers us a way to achieve what so many philosophers through the ages have identified as essential to achieving a meaningful existence – to “know thyself.”

This month’s speaker is Rick Halsey. Besides being the Chaparral Institute’s director, Mr. Halsey is also a writer, photographer, and, most importantly, a guide to help others reconnect with Nature and their wild, inner selves. Rick has given more than 500 presentations and written numerous books, research papers, and articles over the past 15 years concerning chaparral ecology and the importance of reestablishing our connection with Nature. Rick 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 Chaparral Naturalist Certification Program over the past five years. 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.

Join Rick Halsey as he opens our eyes and mind to our own backyard.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Social: 6:30 p.m. Walk & Trip Information: 6:45 p.m. Program: 7:00 p.m.