The Idea of Nature public lecture series presents: James Edward Mills, Freelance Journalist and mountain guide, “Over the Adventure Gap”

Mr. Mills will provide a clear understanding of the socio-cultural circumstances that have created disparities among the U.S. population in citizensʼ ability to access and enjoy public land. National parks, wilderness and monuments that are set aside for recreational enjoyment are disproportionately underutilized by African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans for reasons that are inextricably linked to past and present racial discrimination. Broadening access and participation in outdoor recreation requires a clear understanding of this history, as well as an appreciation of the continuing efforts by people of color to reassert their right to the outdoors.

This lecture is both in person and via webinar, with a Q & A, reception, and book signing to follow.

Registration is free and open to the public.

The goal of the lecture series, founded in 2012 by Dr. Samantha Harvey, Professor of English Literature, is “to promote interdisciplinary inquiry and to foster dialogue across campus and community, based on the premise that big questions need interdisciplinary answers”.

There will be two additional lectures to come in the April.

The Idea of Nature public lecture series is sponsored by the following: The Nature Conservancy, Idaho Humanities Council, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Ada Soil & Water Conservation District, Roots Zero Waste Market, Boise State’s College of Arts and Sciences, Department of English Literature, Department of Environmental Studies, College of Business, College of Education, School of Public Service, College of Health Sciences, School of the Arts and the Honors College.

More information and recordings of past lectures can be found on our ScholarWorks website: https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/ideaofnature/