Letter from the President
Lupine atop Tiger Mountain. Photo courtesy of Tom Anderson.
Kelly Jiang is the Board President of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club.
As we celebrate the 46th anniversary of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club, I find myself reflecting on the countless hikes, restoration events, and vibrant community gatherings that have shaped our work over the years. From the earliest days of hiking unmarked trails through the Issaquah Alps, to this summer’s “Harvey Manning’s 100th birthday celebration” at the Issaquah Community Center, IATC’s work over the years has been strengthened by bringing people together for our shared goal of a vibrant, thriving Issaquah Alps ecosystem.
Past IATC Board Presidents (L-R): David Kappler, Ken Konigsmark, Anne Newcomb, David Dunphy, Steve Williams with statue of founding member, Harvey Manning at his 100th Birthday Celebration in June. Photo courtesy of Mark Griffith.
This year, the Issaquah Alps have served as a refuge for many of us. Whether it’s watching the wildflowers burst into bloom, or watching paragliders soar into the sunset, spending time in nature is grounding and restorative. And, amidst chaos and uncertainty in the world, volunteers have shown up time and time again to make the Issaquah Alps stronger and more resilient. We’ve hosted nearly 40 restoration events thus far, including 15 work parties to restore trails damaged by the bomb cyclone on Squak Mountain, and hosted 10 work parties at our Miyawaki Forest project near Issaquah Creek, right in the heart of Issaquah’s historic downtown.
Community restoration in action at Park Pointe. Photo courtesy of Anne Newcomb.
Miyawaki Kickoff Event in March 2025. Photo courtesy of Kira Telgen.
Miyawaki Forest in August 2025. Photo courtesy of City of Issaquah.
We’ve stepped up our advocacy efforts this year, including hosting land manager roundtables, advocating for conservation in Olympia, and convening meetings with state legislators and our Commissioner of Public Lands. We helped secure $16.9 million for Trust Land Transfer funding, resulting in thousands of acres placed into conservation statewide. We hosted Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove at Issaquah City Hall, and are honored to host him again as our keynote speaker for our Public Forum on October 22nd.
We’re launching our 2025 Annual Campaign with an exciting opportunity: our Board of Directors has pledged to match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000 through the end of the year. This means your contribution will have twice the impact in conserving and restoring land, hosting community events, and ensuring everyone can enjoy the “wilderness within” - now and for generations to come.
I also want to remind you that many companies offer corporate donation matching programs, which means that your gift could be quadrupled! Many companies will match charitable donations made by their employees, which is an incredible way to amplify your impact. Simply check with your employer to see if they participate in donation matching.
IATC Advisory Committee at WA State Capitol during TLT Lobby Days (L-R): Shelby Burgess, Kira Telgen, John Sherwin, late Senator Bill Ramos, Kelly Jiang, Ed Hazen, Sue Holbink, and Anne Newcomb. Photo courtesy of Shelby Burgess.
Your support is critical to ensuring that IATC can continue to do this work. Our amazing staff of two punches well above their weight class, consistently growing our impact despite our limited resources. They ensure that your dollars are spent wisely, both on programs and results you can see on the ground today, and on partnerships that will bear fruit in the years and decades to come. Every dollar you give will directly contribute to the future of the Issaquah Alps. Whether you’re able to give $46 or $4,600, every contribution helps us strengthen our shared mission of conservation, education, and advocacy for the Issaquah Alps for present and future generations.
Kelly Jiang testifying before the House Appropriations Committee. Photo courtesy of Jim Freeburg.
Please join us in celebrating this milestone by making a tax-deductible donation today. Your support will ensure that the Issaquah Alps remain a thriving, welcoming space for all. I’m grateful to share these lands and trails with you, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.
With gratitude,
Kelly Jiang
IATC Board President
P.S. Remember, all gifts will be doubled until December 31, and with corporate matching, your gift could have four times the impact! Now is the perfect time to make a lasting difference.
