Artemis Profile: Chris Hill

We are at a crossroads in the history of American conservation. In order to continue to tell stories that resonate with people across the country, we must incorporate more stories. Artemis Sportswomen is committed to honoring and uplifting a diversity of age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and political affiliation. What we all have in common is a connection to the natural world through hunting and fishing and a deep commitment to advocating for wildlife and wild places.

This month we profile Chris Hill.

Hi! My name is Chris and I’ve been an avid adventurer since I was young, having fun backpacking, climbing and snowboarding all around the world. My passion for fly fishing started a number of years ago while on a backpacking trip in Alaska. I currently split my time between the nation’s capital and Haines, Alaska, where my boyfriend currently resides.

Artemis: Tell us the story of how you started fishing?

Chris: My passion for fly fishing started with my first lesson on the Brooks River in Katmai National Park, Alaska. First cast, first fish and the rest is history! (to be honest, out of the 2.5 hours of fishing we did that afternoon, I only caught that first fish, but I was hooked!) When I got back home from that trip, I searched the internet for a women’s fly fishing group in my area and found Chesapeake Women Anglers. This wonderful community of women anglers was really how I blossomed into the angler I am today. I learned so much about the art of fly fishing from this group and developed lifelong friendships along the way. Since that first lesson, the passion has grown significantly and has taken me all over to fish, from the remote rivers of Alaska to the tropical waters of Belize to the small streams in the Shenandoah National Park.

Artemis: What ignited the spark to activate you as a conservationist?

Not only did this camp ignite my love for the outdoors and the drive to explore, but it also taught me the deep importance of these wild spaces, the importance of conservation, and the strong need to protect it now and for future generations.

Chris: When I was in elementary school, my mom signed me up year after year to attend a local adventure summer camp, Camp Calleva. My fondest childhood memories are from these summers–being outside all day, learning about the natural world, rock climbing and backpacking. Those summers were just amazing. Not only did this camp ignite my love for the outdoors and the drive to explore, but it also taught me the deep importance of these wild spaces, the importance of conservation, and the strong need to protect it now and for future generations.

Artemis: What roles do you hold in conservation or fishing communities?

Chris: I have been entrenched in the environmental space since graduating from Vermont Law School in 2009. For the last 10 years, I have been an environmental lobbyist on the state and federal level, advocating for strong policies regarding clean energy, clean air and clean water. Currently, I am Sierra Club’s Associate Campaign Director for the Lands, Water, Wildlife Campaign. This campaign works to advance a more just, equitable and healthy world for all – one in which all people have access to clean air, clean water, and shared green spaces and nature.

Sometimes, at the end of the day, it’s not about how many fish you catch or how big the fish are, it’s about being outside, reconnecting with nature and enjoying time with friends.

Artemis: If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out as a sportswoman conservationist, what would it be?

Chris: Find a group of gal pals you can go out with. Find a local women’s group or do a class with a friend that is also interested. I find that my time fishing with my girlfriends is invaluable. I learn so much from them, we learn from each other, and we have so much fun together. Sometimes, at the end of the day, it’s not about how many fish you catch or how big the fish are, it’s about being outside, reconnecting with nature and enjoying time with friends.