Richard Bryson

Richard Bryson, the Southern Highlands Reserve’s native plant specialist and plant accession record keeper, is a lifelong resident of the Sapphire area. His ancestors were among the first people to settle in upper Transylvania County.

Richard and his mother, Anita, live on a 30 acre tract that has been in their family for generations. Anita’s house is over 100 years old. Richard lives a short distance away in a one room cabin with no electricity.  Needless to say, we refer to 49 year old Richard as ‘nature boy’.

Richard built his cabin over 25 years ago after reading Walden Pond by Thoreau. Sited in a tranquil woodland setting, Richard’s cabin is surrounded by native plantings and a network of trails he has developed and maintained over the years.

Richard’s love of and knowledge of native plants began with his grandmothers influence. His grandmother always treated him with herbal medicines when he was young. Her knowledge of native medicinal herbs came from Richard’s great-grandmother, who learned about native herbs from local Native Americans.
An avid outdoorsman, hiker and woodcarver, Richard has an intimate and authentic knowledge of woodland ways and methods. His favorite time to hike is on moonlight nights. Richard says his nearest childhood neighbor was several miles away when he was growing up and since he had no toys to play with, he spent most of his time in the woods.

Richard’s attention to detail, coupled with his knowedge of native plants, make him an important part of the SHR team.  “This is enjoyable work,” said Richard. “ I feel like I am helping to build something for the future.”