Supporter Spotlight: Ilima Knapp
This month, we’re excited to spotlight Ilima Knapp, a passionate advocate for conservation and a valued member of our Advocacy Committee. Her dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement has made a lasting impact on IATC’s mission.
Ilima at Mt. Shuksan. Photo courtesy of Ilima Knapp.
By Ilima Knapp
I got involved with the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC) after attending an urban forestry community event, where I was awed by the “before and after” maps showing how advocacy and land acquisition were the reason behind Issaquah’s green spaces, which I so enjoy using. When I expressed my excitement about this, someone encouraged me to connect with Kelly Jiang, IATC’s board president. That’s how it all started.
I grew up hiking occasionally, but after college, I became an avid rock climber, backpacker, skier, and trail runner. Through these sports, I developed a deep connection to outdoor spaces. My passion for conservation grew gradually as I learned more about the threats facing wild spaces. I credit documentaries, like those by David Attenborough, Jimmy Chin, and Patagonia Films, for opening my eyes to the urgency of protecting nature. The film Wild Life, which follows Kristine and Douglas Tompkins’ efforts to create national parks in Chile and Argentina, was especially inspiring with its story of the largest private land donation in history. It’s a stunning example of how land acquisition can be a powerful tool for conservation.
Birthday celebration at North Cascades. Photo courtesy of Ilima Knapp.
I’m a civil engineer working in the construction industry, where I helped launch my company’s sustainability department. My work focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing sustainable infrastructure, and strengthening ESG commitments. Recently, earning a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability deepened my curiosity about regenerative solutions and conservation finance. Our built environment and the protection of wild spaces are deeply intertwined, and I find it exciting to think about the opportunities ahead of us to create healthier communities and thriving outdoor spaces.
Backpacking at Hoh River Trail. Photo courtesy of Ilima Knapp.
My advice for others who want to get more involved in conservation or community advocacy is simple: work on the issues that matter to you, alongside people who care just as much. It’s uplifting! Seeing the good work already being done can remind you there’s still reason to hope. And that hope becomes the fuel that keeps you and everyone with you moving forward.
Ilima with her husband, Connor. Photo courtesy of Ilima Knapp.
One of my favorite places in the Issaquah Alps is Timberlake Park, just down the road from our home. My husband, Connor, and I are volunteer forest stewards, so we feel especially connected to this space. We love walking down to the lake and wandering all the secret side trails (shh!), surrounded by a thriving little pocket of forest. I really love the huckleberries, and our dog loves to go absolutely bonkers at the beach.
Our dog, Fitz Roy, at Timberlake. Photo courtesy of Ilima Knapp.