A Century with Harvey on the Trail
Statue of Harvey Manning, founder of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club; photo courtesy of Kim Ngo.
By Kim Ngo, IATC Executive Director
On a joyful evening in the Issaquah Alps, community members, public officials, conservation groups, and dedicated volunteers gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Harvey Manning, founder of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC) and a towering figure in Northwest conservation whose legacy still shapes the trails we hike and the mountains we love. The celebration honored not only Harvey’s lifetime of advocacy and stewardship but also the vibrant volunteer community he helped inspire. Manning’s passion for conserving wild lands and expanding public access has left an indelible mark on the region, and this day was a reflection of that legacy in action.
State Senator Victoria Hunt addressing the community. Photo courtesy of Kim Ngo.
Speeches, Stories, and Remembrance
The program opened with remarks from State Senator Victoria Hunt, who honored Harvey Manning’s lasting impact on conservation and stewardship in the Issaquah Alps and his role in laying the foundation of the beauty we enjoy in Issaquah today. Former presidents of IATC, including David Kappler, Steve Williams, and Ken Konigsmark, shared stories of working alongside Harvey, highlighting his passion, dedication, and influence on local trail advocacy. The North Cascades Conservation Council delivered a powerful presentation highlighting Harvey’s early efforts to establish North Cascades National Park and his pivotal role in advocating for wilderness protections across Washington State, serving as a stirring reminder that his impact extends far beyond the Issaquah Alps.
Terry Swiatkowski, Conservation Hero of the Year. Photo courtesy of Kim Ngo.
Honoring Today’s Stewards
As part of the celebration, we recognized those who continue Harvey’s legacy through their hands-on dedication. Volunteer stewards and community partners were honored for their tireless work repairing trails, restoring habitats, and advocating for conservation. A special award was presented to Terry Swiatkowski, named our Conservation Hero of the Year, in recognition of his outstanding leadership in organizing multiple work parties on Squak Mountain after the devastating November bomb cyclone, helping to repair and restore damaged trails and ensure the mountain remained accessible and safe for the public.
Many of our supporters and stewards gathered to enjoy the evening together! Photo courtesy of Mark Griffith.
Trail Fun, Treats, and a Harvey Sighting
This was a celebration, after all, and it wouldn’t be a birthday without cake. Families and hikers enjoyed a festive scavenger hunt and trivia from the Issaquah Alps Trail Cam project, along with birthday cake and refreshing ice cream from the Issaquah Ice Cream Trike, a local favorite. Just when we thought the day couldn’t get more magical, there was even a Harvey Manning sighting!
Photo courtesy of Mark Griffith.
Ben Armlin of Issaquah Ice Cream Trike with Dan Hint from the City of Issaquah. Photo courtesy of Kim Ngo.
IATC Historian Tom Anderson with Sasquatch. Photo courtesy of Kim Ngo.
It’s a Harvey sighting! Photo courtesy of Mark Griffith, aka Harvey Manning 2.0.
A Lasting Legacy
This centennial birthday celebration was more than just a party. It was a moment to reflect on how far we have come and to recommit ourselves to the values Harvey championed: public access, environmental stewardship, and community-powered conservation. To everyone who joined us, thank you for being part of this story. Here’s to the next 100 years of conserving the Issaquah Alps and beyond.
Past presidents David Kappler, Ken Konigsmark, Anne Newcomb, David Dunphy, and Steve Williams. Photo courtesy of Tom Anderson.
If you missed the event, you can still experience the heart of it.
Watch the full speaking portion of the program below.