Letter from the Executive Director: A Year of Growth and Resilience
Photo courtesy of Kim Ngo.
Kim Ngo is the Executive Director of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club
As we begin 2026, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the progress we've made together over the past year. Thanks to the dedication, hard work, and generosity of you—our donors, volunteers, partners, and community—the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC) has made meaningful strides in conserving, restoring, and celebrating the beauty of the Issaquah Alps. Every contribution, every hour of volunteering, and every message of support has been vital, and we’re deeply grateful for all that you’ve helped us achieve.
Even amidst economic and political challenges, our community rose to the occasion. Since launching our 46th Anniversary Annual Campaign in late September, we have raised over $80,000—surpassing our $46,000 goal. This includes a remarkable $30,000 from our Board of Directors, exceeding their $25,000 matching goal. This outpouring of generosity reflects our shared vision to safeguard the Issaquah Alps for future generations. We are also deeply grateful for the support of our institutional partners, including the City of Issaquah, Forterra NW, the Foundation for Intelligent Life on Earth, the Grousemont Foundation, and the REI Cooperative Action Fund. Your commitment strengthens every aspect of our work, from habitat restoration to public education.
This past year, we also expanded our team with the addition of a Program and Volunteer Coordinator, a crucial role in helping us advance our mission. With limited staff and resources, this position has been key in supporting and growing our volunteer efforts, improving coordination, and expanding our outreach. This addition strengthens our ability to manage projects more effectively and ensures we can continue building on our progress in the years ahead.
Highlights from 2025
Squak Mountain Restoration: In partnership with Washington State Parks, we led 32 volunteer work parties at Squak Mountain—25 focused on trail repairs following the November 2024 Bomb Cyclone and seven dedicated to habitat restoration. These collective efforts enabled the successful reopening of the Old Griz Trail in November 2025 and made significant progress toward eradicating invasive English holly.
Youth Engagement: The Miyawaki Forest and Wildlife Cam Project provided 52 youth stewards and three student interns with hands-on restoration experience, contributing over 150 hours to habitat restoration. These young stewards not only gained valuable leadership, teamwork, and environmental education, but also formed a deep connection to the Issaquah Alps that will last a lifetime.
Partnerships and Collaboration: Our quarterly Land Managers’ Roundtables, along with our ongoing collaboration with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks, King County Parks, the City of Issaquah, and local stewards, allowed us to align our priorities, share resources, and coordinate science-based restoration efforts. These partnerships are critical to ensuring lasting, positive impacts across the Issaquah Alps.
Public Engagement: We hosted two major forums: the King County Executive Candidate Forum and the IATC Public Forum, each drawing over 75 attendees to discuss important issues around conservation and land use. These forums, combined with our newsletters, social media updates, and in-person events, have played a key role in strengthening community engagement and raising awareness about our conservation efforts.
Photo courtesy of Anne Newcomb.
Looking Ahead
The success of 2025 has laid a strong foundation for an even more impactful 2026. We’re excited to expand our youth programs, deepen our hands-on restoration work, and continue growing our digital presence to reach even more people in the year ahead. Strengthening our partnerships with land managers, local stewards, and community organizations will remain central to ensuring that our conservation efforts are sustainable and effective for generations to come.
As we look to the future, I invite you to continue this journey with us, whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about our mission. Every action counts, and together, we will ensure that the Issaquah Alps remain vibrant and accessible for the future.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kim Ngo
Executive Director, Issaquah Alps Trails Club
Photo courtesy of Kim Ngo.