Board of Directors Feature: Emmanuel Nolasco

We’re thrilled to introduce our newest Board Members at American Hiking: Emmanuel Nolasco, Rochelle Altman, Chuck Frank, Nicole Prim, Aidan Smith, and Daniel Yang. This outstanding group of passionate outdoor enthusiasts and trail advocates are ready to help us further our mission of empowering all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting each of them, explaining what inspired them to join the Board of American Hiking and sharing their unique perspectives on why trails are so important. Please join us in welcoming and stay tuned for their stories and insights!

First to the trailhead is Emmanuel Nolasco:

The first generation of his family to call the US mainland home, Emmanuel was born and raised in the Washington DC metro area to a Salvadorean father and Puerto Rican mother. He discovered how much he loved hiking after a series of sports injuries forced him to seek out new ways to exercise. He soon realised hiking not only allowed him to keep fit physically, but uncovered a deeper sense of peace and connection to the natural world, which ultimately led him to move across the country to Colorado to pursue a life and career rooted in the natural world.

Emmanuel is a Marketing Manager at the National Wildlife Federation where he works to inspire individuals of all backgrounds to enjoy and conserve our nation’s natural environment and wildlife. In joining the AHS Board, Emmanuel is hopeful to connect even more people to trails and the natural world, especially by recognizing and tackling the barriers which exist for so many people around the country.

“I have hiked throughout the country and have personally felt the happiness, healing and excitement being on the trails can provide, and would like to do all I can to have others experience these positive sentiments. I have also experienced some of the negatives that exist while being on trails within our country such as racism and elitism, and would like to help solve these issues to truly create a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging in the hiking community.”

Highlights from our conversation with Emmanuel:

What is one of your favorite hiking memories? And how has it shaped your connection to the trails or the outdoors?

“I think some of my favorite hiking memories are when you’re out in a more remote place and you have a conversation with a complete stranger, that just ends up being so deep and loving. I know I go out to the trails to connect with nature and feel connected to the environment, but sometimes I forget how connected we can feel to each other in places we don’t really expect it, like on the trails.”

What is one of your favorite places to hike?

“I’d say around here, in Colorado Springs, it’s North Cheyenne Cañon Park. It’s one of my favorite places to hike since it’s really close by. It is a beautiful canyon and has a little bit of everything for everyone, with great views of the mountains, valleys, streams, and waterfalls. There are also trails with a decent amount of elevation gain and some good seclusion, which I personally like when I’m out hiking. It’s nice to be able to find someplace like that so close to the city.”

 What advice would you give someone who’s brand new to hiking?

“The advice I usually tell a lot of my friends, who don’t really hike, is don’t overthink it. It’s basically just walking. If you’re able to walk, then you’re able to hike. There are so many different trails, so you can find something that fits your comfort level, whether it’s short to long, flat to steep, super remote or heavily trafficked – just find somewhere you feel comfortable and get out there!”

What role do you see trails playing in building communities and connecting people to nature?

“Trails build community by the camaraderie they bring. When you get together with some friends and take a walk or run, there’s not much to do besides look at nature and talk, and with those conversations, you get closer to each other and the natural world.

Also, I think the strongest connections happen via type 2 fun, which is an activity that sucks in the moment, but then in hindsight, you’re like, man, that was a great time! So when you’re with friends going through some serious elevation gain and feel like, “I can’t do this,” but then end up doing it together. Well, that builds a strong connection and sense of camaraderie!”

What excites you most about contributing to the AHS’s mission to preserve trails and inspire stewardship?

“I think what is most exciting for me is being a part of the positive impact AHS’s mission has for all people and the planet. If we preserve trails and inspire stewardship, more people can get out on the trails, which not only benefits them and their personal life, but because these people are connecting to nature, they’re also more likely to be conservationists or just help with conservation efforts. That leads to a healthier planet, which in turn benefits us all.

As part of the Board, I’m specifically looking to support the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. I would like everyone from all walks of life to feel included, welcomed and supported when they’re on the trails.”

We are thankful Emmanuel found his way to our trail community and are excited to work with him to continue to reduce barriers to ensure others are able to experience the healing and connections trails can bring.

Please stay tuned in the coming weeks for more stories and insights from our newest members of the AHS Board of Directors.