Forest Family: Rick Schmid

Meet Rick Schmid, Fontenelle Forest’s director of operations and an avid nature enthusiast.

How long have you worked at Fontenelle Forest? 

Since July 2009

What do you do at Fontenelle Forest? 

Director of Operations, responsible for: facilities, accounting/finance, human resources, payroll, Insect Club & Bird Club liaison…and of course, bird banding

What is your background? 

I was born in Columbus NE, grew up in Sumter SC, returned to NE and graduated from Norfolk Senior High School. I attended UNL and obtained a B.S. in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering. I worked in the software industry for 26 years (23 years at ACI Worldwide in Omaha) prior to working at Fontenelle Forest.

What is your favorite part about working at Fontenelle Forest? 

I love being at the Forest every day, and I get outside as much as I can. I update all the nature sightings on our website and in the nature center.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working? 

Spending time in nature, especially birding and looking for insects.  I also play golf and spend time with my wife, children and grandchildren. I am very active in my church, Waters Edge United Methodist, and I have planned, led and participated in ten mission trips to Belize. I have also planned and led numerous birding trips all over the U.S.