Sam Wilson grew up near the Sourland Mountains in central New Jersey making frequent trips to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in the Appalachians of Eastern Pennsylvania. 

Prior to coming to EXP, Sam worked as a naturalist guide for five years in the Alaskan Backcountry, including three seasons in Denali National Park. Sam started his career as an environmental educator, teaching marine science and bird migration at New Jersey Audubon’s Nature Center of Cape May and Cape May Bird Observatory. From Cape May’s backbay salt marshes to Kachemak Bay on the south-central Alaskan coast, Sam has led numerous kayak and boat-based wildlife tours across the country. Sam has worked as a field biologist in Kauai’s remote Alakai Wilderness, and volunteered for several organizations guiding trips and assisting in field research on migratory birds.

In addition to being in the field, Sam has written articles for Cape May Magazine, American Birding Association’s Birding Magazine and has been featured as a published wildlife photographer, including National Audubon’s Top 100 in 2018.

Sam is a certified Wilderness First Responder . When not guiding, Sam and his wife, Margeaux, enjoy backpacking around the world. They have traveled extensively in Asia, and the Americas seeking out rare birds and wildlife. Though Sam has a high-level of expertise in natural history in the field, his enthusiasm and curiosity extends to collecting music, growing super-hot peppers, and visiting local breweries.