Carly Schmidt

Originally from Ontario, Canada, Carly Schmidt (she/her) now lives and works in Colorado, on Arapaho, Ute, and Cheyenne lands.

Carly Schmidt, Communications & Marketing Director at River Network, shares stories of water and environmental justice through written reporting, audio podcasting, and video storytelling. Prior to River Network, Carly created content for Project WILD (a project of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies), managed operations and communications at Austin Wildlife Rescue, and managed a STEM education program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Tulsa, where she captained the women’s rowing team, and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences & Policy from Northern Arizona University.

Fishing in Muskoka

What motivates you to go to work everyday?

People! My colleagues at River Network, whose care and expertise I am grateful to witness every day, and also the broader network of advocates. There’s not a lot of good news coming out of our climate outlets these days, but there is so much good work happening on behalf of our waters, driven forward by justice-oriented advocates who care deeply about the most precious and fragile piece of our planet. It is a tremendous privilege to tell their stories and I hope that, by sharing their knowledge and experience, we can hold more collective power as we build our sustainable future.

What called you to work in water?

I grew up on Lake Ontario, so this vocation was sparked by the joy of being in or on the water, and also the rage I felt at observing the disregard for the water’s health. I’ve had the privilege of playing on so many bodies of water in varying states of health. As I took more of an academic interest in freshwater science and protection, I learned that we must not take water for granted.

How do you recharge outside of work?

Home and community gardening. Reading. Lounging in a hammock in the sun. Swimming (when I can). Patios with friends. Walks down Bear Creek. Trail running. Cooking. Sleeping.