Argomenti trattati
The Issaquah Alps inspire many who live nearby, and one local volunteer stands out for linking professional skills with outdoor passion. James Li is a resident of Issaquah and serves as the IATC treasurer; he combines a background in accounting with a dedication to local trails. Raised in Vancouver, Canada, James moved to Seattle in 2018 and later settled in Issaquah in 2026. These moves led him to discover the network of hikers, runners, and conservation-minded neighbors who helped shape his path to the Alps.
James’s introduction to the local outdoor community came through running groups and chance conversations that opened doors to volunteer service. After meeting fellow trail advocates, including the IATC board president, he learned about the organization’s open role overseeing finances and was encouraged to apply. Holding a CPA qualification from earlier in his career, James accepted the role and began formally serving as treasurer in February 2026. His story shows how professional experience can be redirected toward community priorities and environmental care.
A personal trail to the Issaquah Alps
Daily trail runs around Squak Mountain helped James move from curiosity to stewardship. Spending time outdoors led him to appreciate both the solitude and the shared responsibility of maintaining wild spaces. For James, stewardship means more than enjoying a view: it includes hands-on participation like trail maintenance and advocacy at city and regional meetings. He often cites modest but beloved local routes such as the Bullitt Fireplace Trail and Debbie’s View—places that reward quiet observation with striking scenery—and the quick, energizing Chybinski Loop, which he runs frequently with his dog, Nico.
Balancing numbers and nature
James spent much of his early career at a Big 4 firm in Canada before shifting into the tech world as a product leader. That career pivot allowed him to blend analytical rigor with strategic thinking, skills he now brings to volunteer finance work. At IATC he focuses on building a stable financial framework that supports educational hikes, habitat restoration, and community outreach. This work is less visible than trail restoration but equally vital: without sound fiscal practices, programs that protect and interpret the Issaquah Alps would struggle to continue.
What the treasurer does
As treasurer, James oversees budgeting, reporting, and long-term planning so that volunteers and staff can focus on mission-driven activities. His responsibilities include ensuring transparency in expenditures, forecasting revenue for conservation projects, and helping board members understand basic financial concepts. James enjoys mentoring volunteers in financial literacy and translating complex numbers into practical decisions for everyday stewardship. By emphasizing financial sustainability, he aims to make it easier for IATC to fund restoration efforts and educational programs year after year.
Conservation in practice
For James, conservation blends small daily habits with public engagement. On the trails he models Leave No Trace principles and participates in hands-on work like planting native species and clearing invasive plants. Off the trails he attends hearings, speaks up at public forums, and helps raise awareness in the community. He describes restoration events as both practical and social—opportunities to repair habitat while meeting neighbors who care about the same places.
How to get involved
James encourages newcomers to take small steps: join a restoration morning, sign up for an educational hike, or show up at a municipal meeting to learn how land-use decisions affect trails. He emphasizes that every contribution matters and that IATC welcomes people from many backgrounds and experience levels. Whether someone can volunteer a few hours for a planting event or offer professional skills like accounting, communications, or legal help, these contributions add up to protect the Issaquah Alps for future generations.