Free lecture with Richard W. Halsey.

Thursday, Oct. 27, 7:00 p.m.
Legion Wing, Veterans Memorial Hall.
1745 Mission Dr., Solvang.

Once home to the California grizzly bear, and where the last California condors were able to hold off extinction, the chaparral remains one of the most misunderstood and under-appreciated ecosystems on earth. Chaparral is found in every county in the state, supports a wild variety of animals and plants, and is being threatened by too many fires. Join this exciting exploration of the chaparral’s unique natural history and discover why it represents such a vital link to nature for all Californians.

Richard W. Halsey is Director of the California Chaparral Institute, a non-profit, research and educational organization focusing on the ecology of California’s chaparral ecosystem, 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. Mr. Halsey taught biology for over twenty years in both public and private schools and was honored as the Teacher of the Year for San Diego City Schools. The second edition of his book Fire, Chaparral, and Survival in Southern California was published in 2008. Mr. Halsey has also been trained as a Type II wildland firefighter.

Lectures are free and open to all. Donations are much appreciated; they help us defray the cost of presenting lectures and films. Look for our donation box near the entrance to these events.

Feature photo: courtesy California Chaparral Institute