Mark Aspelin
Wildlife & Ecotourism Writer
Telling stories that inspire conservation and adventure
About Me
As a Wildlife & Ecotourism Writer, my work focuses on crafting stories that inspire conservation and adventure. With over 20 years of diverse experience, I’ve contributed to projects as a Conservation Biologist with The Nature Conservancy’s Field Office at White Sands Missile Range and as an Aviculturist and Conservation Biologist with the International Crane Foundation. My work at ICF included raising endangered crane species in Wisconsin and conducting on-the-ground conservation efforts in rural Kenya.
As a Wildlife & Ecotourism Writer, I craft stories that spark curiosity, inspire conservation, and invite readers into the wild. My work is grounded in over 20 years of diverse experience in conservation biology, environmental planning, and strategic communications.
I began my conservation journey with the International Crane Foundation, where I served as an Aviculturist and Conservation Biologist—raising endangered crane species in Wisconsin and working on community-based conservation projects in rural Kenya. Later, I joined The Nature Conservancy as a Conservation Biologist at the White Sands Missile Range field office in New Mexico, contributing to efforts that balanced ecological preservation with land management needs.
Throughout my career, I’ve held roles across the nonprofit, corporate, and consulting worlds—blending scientific insight with business strategy. I’ve managed environmental programs for companies like The Coca-Cola Company, worked as an Environmental Planner for top-tier consulting firms, and led customer intelligence and marketing efforts for organizations including Intel and several healthcare companies. This broad perspective allows me to highlight the vital connection between business success and environmental stewardship in my writing.
I hold a B.S. in Biology from the University of Notre Dame, an M.S. in Biology from Creighton University, and an MBA in Natural Resource & Environmental Management from the University of Texas at Austin. I’ve also been a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2005. Whether in the field or at the keyboard, I bring strategic thinking, scientific depth, and a passion for storytelling to every project.
My Approach
Effective storytelling can transform conservation ideas into meaningful action, demonstrating how protecting wildlife and promoting sustainable practices generate tangible benefits for both nature and business. My work often explores the intersection of conservation, ecotourism, and profitable business strategies, showing that environmental stewardship and economic success can thrive together.
With firsthand experience in wildlife conservation and a strategic approach to sustainable business practices, I focus on creating content that educates, inspires, and empowers businesses and communities to make a positive impact on our planet.
Author & Thought Leadership
My book, “Profitable Conservation: Business Strategies that Boost Your Bottom Line, Protect Wildlife, and Conserve Biodiversity,” explores how business strategies can align with conservation goals, creating both economic and environmental benefits.
Insights and stories from my work have been featured in publications such as GreenBiz (now called Trellis), Inside EPA, and E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation’s Half-Earth Project. These platforms provide a global stage for sharing how effective conservation strategies create lasting benefits for wildlife and local communities.
Let’s Connect!
If you’re looking for a writer who blends scientific expertise, business insight, and a passion for storytelling, I’d love to connect. I’m always open to new projects, collaborations, and conversations that support conservation and sustainable tourism.
📧 Email: mark.aspelin@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 650-487-2648
🌐 Website: MarkAspelin.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markaspelin
