On Thursday, September 19, Rick Halsey, director of the California Chaparral Institute, will present “Exploring the Chaparral and Rediscovering Yourself through Nature,” a community lecture beginning at 7 PM at the Museum of Ventura County. A part of Ventura Land Trust’s ongoing Environmental Speaker Series, Halsey will discuss how connecting with nature through local native habitats 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.”

“For more than two million years, evolution took place out in nature and was driven by our instincts,” said Halsey. “Today, as we try to reconcile the conflict between the demands of civilization, social expectations, and our ancient, wild selves, nature often provides the best remedy.”

Halsey is a writer, photographer, and the director of a non-profit research and educational organization dedicated to the preservation of California's native chaparral ecosystem and supporting the creative spirit as inspired by nature. He has given more than 500 presentations and written numerous papers and articles over the past 15 years concerning the importance of reestablishing our connection with nature and understanding local habitats, especially the chaparral.

Ventura Land Trust’s Environmental Speaker Series, now in its fourth year, is one of the many ways VLT works to educate the public about important environmental topics. Reservations are highly recommended and a $10/person donation is suggested at the door.