Rick Mansfield

Dr. Eric "Rick" Mansfield is a retired educator who, along with his wife Judy, lives on a small organic farm outside Ellington, Missouri. They are entertained by miniature bluetick beagle Dharma and full sized bluetick Big Daisy. After a career in mostly rural districts, Rick returned to his roots of spending time in the outdoors and a pursuit of writing. He has been a syndicated columnist, Reflections from the Road now appearing in several Missouri papers; and a freelance contributor to numerous outdoor magazines. He has now published his fourth book and is working on several more.

Rick draws from experience as he both writes and story tells. In his youth, he worked as a logger, truck driver, security guard, canoe hostler, campground manager and outdoor guide. Even did a fair bit of boxing and rodeo riding. Since his retirement, he has served as an events facilitator for a Grateful Dead tribute band as well as serving on numerous community boards. For a brief spell, he even drove a fuel truck. He volunteers his services as a preacher, filling in at small congregations and having had the honor of performing more than two dozen marriage ceremonies and speaking at more than sixty funerals. He has also been blessed by getting to assist in several Baptisms.

Rick currently serves as the president of the Ozark Heritage Project, a non-profit that "preserves" and "restores" the culture and the environment of the Ozark plateau and works with today's youth to "inspire" them to do likewise. OHP conducts numerous stream cleanings and assists with cultural events that honor local heritage. Rick and other volunteers are working to record video history of life as it once was on and around these Ozark streams. Rick hopes that he honors our Lord with his writings and other efforts, and is always looking for new audiences.