Growing up in North Carolina surrounded by the flora and fauna of the Piedmont, Raymond spent much of his childhood exploring the simple wonders of the woods. As a proud father, he has shared this passion with his son, using the outdoors as a classroom, exploring the little things that often go unnoticed; a tuft of fox hair on a bramble or a bit of lichen, they all have stories to tell.  He considers himself an amateur biologist in love with all things of the natural world, but particularly fond of mushrooms.  He is an advocate for the forest floor and understands it is as alive as the beings that live above. He strives to impart the importance of caring for the environment and the need for land conservation and responsible development of our most precious ecosystems.

The Berry Bear and Friends series has been shaped out of this love for the natural world but stems from his son’s love of stories.  An exhausted dad and restless child who wanted just one more story before bed, led to the telling of Berry Bear and Friends.