If you’ve climbed at Astral Valley, Boogerboo, Sage Mountain, or Shepherd Mountain in Missouri, you’ve got one organization — and one man — to thank. Eastern Missouri Climbers Association (EMCA), led by cofounder and president Nick Richards, is an instrumental nonprofit that helps develop, conserve, and maintain outdoor climbing access near St. Louis. Richards also promotes a welcoming, inclusive climbing culture through online outreach and in-person events. We sat down with Richards to discuss the history of the EMCA, his long-term goals for Missouri climbing, and how others can get involved.

How did you get into climbing?
I started in Dallas, Texas, on a date at the gym that did not go well. They didn’t show up, so I just stuck around and kept climbing. For the first couple of years, I was doing it almost every day, in the gym or outside. I moved to St. Louis in 2016. Elephant Rocks and St. Francois are where I started outdoor climbing in Missouri. 

Tell us the origin story of the EMCA.
I was sitting around with my friend and fellow climber Dan Provasnik, and we were talking about how it would be great if there was more climbing in the St. Louis area. We basically said how we really wish someone would be active. There were all these areas — Robinson Bluff, St. Francois — that didn’t have any support. All they needed was someone to reach out to them. So we were trying to fill in a necessary gap. 

The EMCA has developed many new climbing areas, including Astral Valley, Boogerboo, and Sage Mountain. Walk us through the process of that development.
We go to privately owned areas and start a conversation with the landowner. There’s a lot that goes into that. If it’s someone’s land and they don’t have anything going on, it can be an easy switch. Boogerboo was basically someone’s backyard. We ask the landowners what we can do to make sure it stays around as long as possible. I say, “What do you want? Are you OK with this?” Then, “OK, I’ll go develop it for you.” 

How do you promote and build community among St. Louis climbers?
We have people come out for trail, volunteer, and community days at places like Robinson Bluff and Silver Mines. We also have festivals, like Sage Mountain Campout. We had about 70 people come this year. It’s pretty big. There are a lot of activities: climbing, yoga, and clinics. 

Nick Richards in action. (Courtesy of Nick Richards)

What are your long-term goals for the EMCA?
I would love for us to have a Holy Boulders in Missouri. I want to create an environment where people don’t have to drive so far to climb. Carbon emissions are definitely a thing that should be on everyone’s mind. I want Sage Mountain to be a place where beginner climbers can go, where people can save time and money, and maybe it will prepare you to go to those bigger areas in Colorado or Southern Illinois.

Along with the other EMCA board members, you do all this work on a volunteer basis while keeping a full-time job. How do you stay motivated?
It’s not just about climbers today. It’s about climbers in the future. If we ever want Missouri to be a place where people come from out of state to climb here, we’ve got to put time and effort into these things. I want everyone to feel like they’re a part of the organization.

How can people help support the mission of the EMCA?
Last year, we bolted 12 new lead routes at Astral Valley, among other projects. Bolting a route costs $100 or more. We earn money for our projects by selling T-shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise. We’re a nonprofit, and donations are coming in slowly. We’re also building up our membership, which costs $20 a year. So if people want to support the EMCA, they can donate, buy merchandise, or become a member.

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Nick Richards’ Essentials

TOTAL FIRST ASCENTS
211

FAVORITE BOULDERING AREA
“Sage Mountain. That place is the EMCA’s baby. We put a lot of time into it, and it’s just one of the coolest places.”

BEST PLACE TO ROPE CLIMB
“St. Francois State Park. There are still climbs there that I get challenged by.”

CURRENT OBSESSION
“There’s a new V5/V6 boulder on the Raspberry Ridge trail at Sage Mountain I’m working on.” 

MOST PRIZED GEAR
“My Mad Rock crash pads. I use two of them when I boulder to give me about a king-sized mattress’ worth of protection.” 

For more information about the EMCA, visit emclimbers.com.

Author: Mary Andino is a frequent contributor to Terrain.

Top image: Nick Richards. (Mary Andino)