Meet Nico Castellano | Wildlife Biologist & Nonprofit Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nico Castellano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/ career?
I believe taking risks is really the only way to live and thrive.

Doing things differently is what makes each of us unique. Our ideas, preferences, and individuality that sets us apart. If we didn’t take risks and try new things, think of all the feats we never would’ve conquered!

Imagine the Wright brothers never trying to fly. Or people believing the moon was too out of reach. The first skydiver that believed in their parachute to work. Or personally, starting a conversation with someone you have a crush on. Leaving a job that’s been sucking out your soul, even if it’s providing a living wage. Driving a car for your first time as a teenager.

We all have walls in some form or another. Then we do things that get our heart beating and adrenaline pumping. If we lived our lives controlled by our fears, we wouldn’t leave the house. We wouldn’t get on planes to explore foreign worlds. We wouldn’t skydive, rock climb, travel, hike, or even drive. We would only be surviving, we wouldn’t be thriving. We wouldn’t feel the life in us and be lifted up when pondering the possibilities this world has to offer.

For me, I guess I’ve always made it a point to take risks and conquer fears. I realized pretty early on that each irrational fear prevents us from experiencing life to it’s fullest. I found that if it scares you (but isn’t a risk to your or other’s lives) it’s probably a good thing to do.

Following these guidelines has led to some of the best moments of my life. I’ve traveled to Tanzania as a teenager to study wildlife conservation and management. Saw wild mountain gorillas in the misty mountains of Uganda. I’ve dove the lush coral reefs of Mexico. Skydived in Hawaii. Worked in Alaska’s arctic, researching birds and their predators. I’ve rock climbed on the coast of Scotland. Traveled solo through Switzerland. Moved into a van to pursue my dreams 5 years ago. Added two lovely goats to that life immediately after. Currently, I have chickens and a dog in my van as well. And for 3 years now, I have been the owner of a nonprofit based on inspiring conservation, sustainability, and mindfulness. 

Most of my life has been some form of a risk. Of course, I get scared and nervous. But I think it’s worse to spend the rest of your life wondering ‘what if I had..’ than ‘at least I tried.’

That’s where I’m at now. Trying to make my nonprofit my full time career and get it and myself out of debt in this expensive world. To live the life of my dreams and better the world in doing so. To inspire people to be kinder to the environment, themselves, and their neighbors. To spread love and make combatting climate change fun instead of daunting. I fully believe all of these things are possible. It’s just working through some of my walls and fears to make me unstoppable! Just as you can do anything you can dream up. You just need to give it all you’ve got!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I studied Wildlife Conservation with minors in Marine Biology and Zoology for my bachelor’s. I attended 7 different universities during this process, and only graduated a year late after taking a semester off! I am pursuing my Master’s, however it has been quite hard to secure funding the last few years.

My main passion is doing wildlife field work. Being out in the wilderness, gathering the data to help protect species and their habitat for generations to come.

However, when I wasn’t in the field, directly contributing to conservation, I still wanted to be having a positive impact.

I have always loved photography, and I also caught on to the sticker craze these days. So, I learned graphic design, made stickers that featured my photos, and sold them at the gear store in Alaska I worked at in the off season. I donated $1 per sticker to a local conservation nonprofit.

However, I realized there were some gaps in the non profit’s approach and what they were covering. They were also impossible to work with in collaborations and even trying to volunteer for.

So I founded my own nonprofit; Wild Edsie, Inc.!

It’s a van based organization that focuses on inspiring conservation, sustainability, and mindfulness. My goal is to provide an accessible platform to get people outside and connected to nature. To create a stage for other’s to spread their knowledge. For us to cultivate a wholesome community that makes each of us want to love nature, ourselves, and our neighbors even a little bit more.

Wild Edsie is unique because, as far as I’m aware of, we’re the only woman- run, Alaska based nonprofit that’s out of a van with goats, chickens, and a dog. We’re all about breaking down walls and re-defining what’s possible and normalized!

I am proud of how many people’s minds we’ve changed and expanded. I am proud of all the obstacles we’ve overcome since we started; even crawling in the right when we can’t manage any more. I’m most excited about one day achieving the nonprofit being a full time job for me. With this, we’d have the ability to inspire as many people as possible and therefore have the biggest impact.

Our journey has been anything but easy. I submitted the paperwork only a few weeks before Covid hit the USA. Doing wildlife technician work absolutely does not lead to financial stability. Throughout the pandemic, I was doing everything I could to stay financially afloat. The critters had quite a bit of bad luck, racking up vet bills. My van kept breaking down, plunging me into debt. I had waves of mental health issues I was doing my best to tackle. And all this is only the tip of the ice berg. Then just everyday life made perfecting the nonprofit a slow process. I still am not satisfied with where the website is and my attention to the Instagram and business plan. We only had one education event before quarantine. Now that we feel comfortable gathering people in an outdoor setting again, we’re navigating logistics in every town we visit. However, I feel that anything is better than nothing. I am staying persistent and will keep going no matter what! With a good attitude and a backing of supportive humans and pets, we will go far.

One lesson that continues to stand out is that I am my own worst enemy. Whenever I find that I’m stalling on something or reluctant to take advantage of an opportunity that presents itself to me, I can almost always track the true problem to self doubt.

Why haven’t I approached the local nonprofits about collaborating? Why haven’t I hosted an event this week? Why haven’t I promoted the nonprofit on my personal Instagram account in a while? Why am I mega shy when it comes to marketing? I have been holding myself back more than anything. Of course some random people’s comments and people who have been close to me that doubted me have not helped me tackle this issue. But it’s still up to me to find the strength to stand tall despite opposition. It is important to look into the roots of the problems you have in business and life. Is it an external or internal problem? More often than not, it helps us find the wounds and walls within us that need work. As difficult as it can be to face this and do the work, I can absolutely guarantee it is worth it. You will be so much happier when you free yourself from those burdens.

If I could send a message to each individual in the world, I’d want everyone to know that you’re capable of much more than you think. You’re deserving of love, safety, and reliable relationships. That we need this earth just as much as she needs us. That everything we do has an impact. That every action we take and choice we make can be for the good. That we can tackle the climate crisis and live in harmony with nature once again. And I’d want everyone to know that they can make the difference we need to have a better world. This is what Wild Edsie, my nonprofit is based on. Uplifting the individual and inspiring them to inspire others. I know that we all can do this. Now let’s make it happen!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out?
Well firstly I must say that I adore sharing places I love with people I adore. However, I think it is also very important to keep many places a secret, for their own good. Many destinations have been getting ‘loved to death’ lately. It’s part of that ‘tag responsibly’ movement.

So that being said, I’ll give a more modest itinerary for Anchorage, Alaska. The place shrouded in mountains and bordering the ocean that I’m lucky enough to call home for most winters. Let’s assume it’s spring.

On day one, we’d go to Kincaid park to walk some trails and play on the sand dunes. I’d pack a picnic dinner so we can watch sunset on this beautiful sandy bluff that overlooks the water.

I’m pretty keen on going to bed early and taking advantage of the day so we’d get a good night’s rest and go on a hike in the morning.

I’d probably take them to Flat Top. The most popular hike in Anchorage, and maybe all of Alaska. It’s a fairly easy hike with a modest section of scrambling up some rock. The view from the top is stunning. You can see the ocean and a lot of the front range of the Chugach.

After a day soaking up some mountains and sun, I’d take them to Moose’s Tooth Bar and Grill. This is my all time favorite place to get food. My personal favorite is their cheesy bread sticks with diablo sauce and their salad with the mandarin orange slices on top. Yum! They’re a rad local brewery that’s the perfect place to hang out summer or winter. Better yet, they’re right across the street from the climbing gym!

We’d go to Alaska Rock Gym for a good climbing session, then go back to Moose’s Tooth for some food and drinks! They have a splendid fire pit outside you can enjoy drinks around. Then we’d hit the hay for another big day!

In the morning, we’d get stoked for a beautiful road trip! In spring, there’s lots of edible buds and plants popping up so there’d be plenty of stops to gather some wild goods. We would head northwest towards Denali National Park. I’m a fan of slow travel so we’d meander our way to Talkeetna. We’d go to the lodge there and grab some hot chocolate for sunset to gawk at Denali if she’s out. Beforehand, we’d explore the cute little town. I’d probably opt for making dinner on our camp stove to cut down on costs. We’d sleep near the river after a drink or two at Fairview bar, especially if they’re having live music.

In the morning, we’d go to the Roadhouse for their famous sourdough pancakes and get a razzle (this delicious giant cinnamon roll with raspberry jam) to go. Then off to Denali National Park!

We’d probably get to Denali Village by late afternoon so we’d do a little exploring of the town and check out the roaring Nenana river. I’m sure we’d see some moose and squirrels. If we’re lucky, maybe more! We’d get some food at the Salmon Bake because that’s where we went the very first time we went to Denali! Again, we’d make sure we went to bed early so we can catch the bus into the park at the crack of dawn!

I always recommend taking the bus into Denali National Park. It’s a landscape you’ll see nowhere else. It’s also the first place I saw wild wolves. You’re almost guaranteed to see grizzlies, moose, and dall sheep. And perhaps your best chance of seeing wolves on the road system.

After a breathtaking day in the park, we’d probably get some food to go and eat dinner with a view by the river. Then rest up for another big drive the next day!

In the morning we’d head south to Seward. Again with the slow travel. We would make lots of stops to take photos, jump in rivers, and enjoy nature.

We’d sleep on the road probably a bit north of Seward or perhaps on Turnagain pass. The next morning we’d get to Seward and make sure we secured a spot on a wildlife cruise and/or kayak trip to a glacier. The amount of marine wildlife is unbelievable! From sea otters right near the road to humpbacks breaching what seems like 400 feet from shore. There’s a good Thai restaurant we’d probably eat at that evening.

That night we’d sleep near the water. In the morning we’d go to Resurrection Art Cafe, this super rad cafe that was an old church. It’s full of local artist’s work for sale, has a mini thrift store in the corner, delicious snacks and drinks, and the kindest workers! Maybe that day we’d spend on the beach at lowell point. We’d explore the rocks at low tide and find all the mussels and barnacles. The sea lions are usually peeking above the water at the beach goers, which is always entertaining.

That night we’d eat at the brewery and check out the Yukon bar; always a good time. Then another early night.

The next morning we’d hit the road back to Anchorage to wrap up the trip!

As I said, this is perhaps the most budget friendly and ecofriendly Alaska sightseeing options. There are many wild places around that are best kept secret so the ecological impact is minimized and we can keep Alaska the beautiful, wild place it is. 

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?
I am constantly grateful for the wonderful beings that have helped me get to where I am now. Many are close and some I have never met.

From my roots, Steve Irwin and Jeff Corwin fueled my burning passion for wildlife and nature. Teaching me more and deepening my love for this beautiful planet. And of course, David Attenborough for his soothing voice and dedication to showing everyone the beauty in every corner of the earth.

Closer to me, I appreciate my parent’s acceptance of my unique passions and lifestyle. From letting me get animal print clothes as a kid to supporting me through college. They helped me set up my nonprofit and are constantly giving me business advice and guidance (which I greatly need and appreciate!).

Then to even try and list every amazing friend who’s helped me, given me advice, or stood by my side throughout the journey, would be impossible. Each of you know who you are and I’m sending so much love and gratitude.

I am truly grateful for every person who’s crossed my path and who is yet to. For every one of you has shown interest or even those who have shown doubt. Every step of my life has gotten me to exactly here. So, thank you.

And of course, the amazing critters I am lucky enough to call my family. To Bergsteiger and Lachlan who are my always and forever adventure buddies. Who have been with me for every bump on this crazy road of life. That are human magnets that put smiles on everyone’s faces. Who help people question what we accept and what we are capable of. We will be together until the very end and I’d be happy with nothing less. And to Windigo, the already trusty herd- member. His stoke for this world and love for play keeps us going even on the darkest days. His presence is a medium for expansion. To the chickens who have worked with me to figure out how to make it work in a van on the road. Who provide delicious, colorful eggs and are living composters. Who will continue to teach me how to perfect a more sustainable lifestyle. I have the best herd I could ask for.

Thank you to everyone. To all of you who share love, kindness, and lift me up. I hope I do the same for you <3

Website: Wildedsie.org

Instagram: @necofriendly ; @wildedsie

Image Credits
Gaby Guyman, Eric Parker, Leland Nisky, Victoria