RJ Taylor

RJ grew up in northern Indiana but has always considered the South as his true home.  Much of his early years were spent exploring in the woods or playing in the streams and wetlands of his Indiana home and his family lands in Kentucky.   A scientist at heart, he could be found running barefoot through the woods and climbing trees, playing with his chemistry set or dissecting earthworms in the garage.  He has always had a bond to the land and to the natural features in the landscape.

After graduating with a Masters Degree in Geology from the University of South Carolina, RJ spent many years as a geologist in the oil/gas business along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas.  When the cyclic nature of that industry resulting in a layoff on EarthDay, RJ saw it as a sign from the heavens and left that industry for a change in his career path to environmental sciences.  Since then, he has worked for several environmental consultants in Texas and for a county agency that managed the bayous and other waterways in Houston, Texas.

After the experiences of volunteering with a number of non-profit land and water conservation groups,  he was offered the position of Conservation and Stewardship Director of a land trust protecting urban and rural lands in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.  He has recently moved here to Asheville area to follow his bliss and be a part of the culture and outdoor attributes of western North Carolina.  His passions include the study of native plants, natural habitats and work on river systems.  With previous certifications in wetland sciences and environmental studies, RJ feels that his role as a steward of the natural ecosystems and the landscape is an important calling in his life.

RJ enjoys hiking, camping, biking, and kayaking, along with travel and the study of nature.  Like when he was a boy, he still enjoys getting outside and exploring our amazing natural world.  Many years of experience in working with land and water have taught him that protection and conservation of our surface and groundwater water resources is an important objective for all landowners and our communities.