Mills to Discuss 'The Adventure Gap' March 2

Author James Mills will give the talk, "The Adventure Gap," Monday, March 2, at 6 p.m. in the Forum of the Elaine Langone Center at Bucknell University.

The talk, which is free and open to the public, will include the screening of the documentary, "Expedition Denali."

"Expedition Denali" relates the adventures in 2013 of the first all African-American team of climbers, following the men and women team members as they train to the final summit attempt. The documentary explores how minority populations view their place in nature.

Mills is the author of The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors. According to Mills, a 2010 Outdoor Recreation Participation survey conducted by the Outdoor Foundation reported that of 137.8 million U.S. citizens engaged in outdoor activities, 80 percent were Caucasian, a trend that is also reflected in the demographics of those who chose wilderness protection as a career.

A freelance journalist, Mills is an independent media producer who specializes in telling stories about outdoor recreation, environmental conservation, acts of charitable giving and practices of sustainable living. Since 1989, he has worked as a guide, outfitter, writer and photographer, with experience in expeditions ranging from mountaineering and rock climbing to back-country skiing and kayaking.

Mills, who has written for the Wisconsin State Journal, Madison Magazine, Wisconsin Trails, and other publications, is a contributor to several outdoor-focused print and online publications such as National Geographic Adventure, Rock & Ice, Alpinist, SUP, Paddlesports Business, Sporting Goods Business, Elevation Outdoors, Women's Adventure, the Clymb, and High Country News.

His radio production credits include Wisconsin Public Radio, the Public Radio Exchange, American Public Media's Marketplace, and the Public Radio International programs To the Best of Our Knowledge and The Tavis Smiley Show. He is also the producer of a blog and podcast series called The Joy Trip Project that focuses on adventure culture.

The event is co-sponsored by the Campus Activities and Programs Center, the Bucknell Center for Sustainability and the Environment, Bucknell Student Government, Black Student Union, the Outing Club, the Office of Intercultural Equity and Advocacy, and the Office of Outdoor Education and Leadership. This event was made possible in part by the "It Starts With Me Mini Grant."