ROBERT RICE

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Robert Rice worked at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) from 1995 until 

2019, focusing on policy issues related to migratory bird habitat and conservation. His research centered around managed lands’ impact upon the environment, including the ways that new technologies transform physical and social landscapes. He brings a keen interest in the historical geography and a critical analysis framework for any project in which he is involved.

A native of NC, Rice was born and raised in Raleigh and obtained an English degree from 

the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s and Doctorate in Geography from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and the University of California-Berkeley, respectively. He has lived in Peru, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala over the years and is fluent in Spanish. Rice has made Ashe County his periodic home since the late 1970s. HIs love and fascination of Appalachian culture were instrumental in his decision to make Lansing his permanent home in 2019, where he currently loves cooking, roasting coffee, delights in playing the guitar (still taking lessons) and aims to become a gentleman farmer on his property.