Supporter Spotlight: Hannah Wheeler
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Hannah Wheeler, whose passion for the Issaquah Alps has fueled years of advocacy and leadership with IATC. From board member to interim Executive Director, her work helps ensure these trails stay protected and accessible for all.
Photo courtesy of Hannah Wheeler.
By Hannah Wheeler
As a long-time supporter of the IATC, I find both the nature of the Issaquah Alps, and the community dedicated to protecting and preserving them, inspiring and motivating.
Photo courtesy of Hannah Wheeler.
I first joined the IATC as a board member in 2018 to support the IATC’s communications, social media marketing, and transition from the paper Alpiner to a digital newsletter. I met the IATC’s then-President, David Dunphy, through my work with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, where I supported seasonal habitat restoration work—including projects at Confluence Park, Lake Sammamish, and on properties along the length of Issaquah Creek. I grew up near Issaquah, and hiked there often, but it was through this work I truly got to know the habitats, landscapes, trails, and communities of the Issaquah Alps.
Hannah and her husband, Scott, enjoying our local trails. Photo courtesy of Hannah Wheeler.
After connecting with David at the Greenway’s annual dinner, I agreed to become their youngest board member (at the time), and quickly discovered its unique and important history—and its role in conserving the land and trails I had spent so much time caring for. Since then, I have served in many capacities with the club, including as a staff member supporting volunteer stewardship and communications, interim Executive Director, and now on the Advocacy Committee.
For me, the Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and it isn’t that way by accident. The fact that I can drive less than an hour and be surrounded by a forest, filled with native plants I now know by name, is so incredibly special. I think it’s important to keep these places accessible, so that everyone can experience the benefits of being surrounded by nature, while balancing the need to protect our ecosystems from human impacts—and I don’t think these things are mutually exclusive. In my experience, getting to know the trails, plants, and wildlife around me is what drives me to want to protect them. Collaborating with the IATC, and the greater community of conservation organizations in the region, I’m inspired and motivated to keep advocating for public lands.
Photo courtesy of Hannah Wheeler.
My favorite trail in the Issaquah Alps approaches Debbie’s View from the May Valley Loop trailhead in Squak Mountain State Park. Take the May Valley Loop trail to the Perimeter Loop, then head towards Debbie’s View. From there you can take a side quest to the Bullitt Fireplace or even turn your adventure into a through-hike by going back down Margaret’s Way. Either way, approaching Debbie’s View from the South side of the mountain has always been, for me, a relatively quiet hike through some beautiful parts of the Squak Mountain forest. It also helps that I did some work on parts of that trail many years ago.
View of Mount Rainier from Debbie’s View. Photo courtesy of Hannah Wheeler.
Interested in becoming an active member of IATC? Learn more about our programs here.