James Edward Mills is a freelance journalist and National Geographic Explorer, who specializes in telling stories about outdoor recreation, environmental conservation, acts of charitable giving and practices of sustainable living. Since 1989, he has worked in the outdoor industry as a guide, outfitter, independent sales representative, writer and photographer. He is the author of the book The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors, as well as the co-writer and co-producer of the documentary film An American Ascent.
James has written for the Wisconsin State Journal, Madison Magazine, and Wisconsin Trails. He is currently a contributor to numerous outdoor-focused print and online publications, such as National Geographic Adventure, Rock & Ice, Alpinist, SUP, Elevation Outdoors, Women’s Adventure, The Clymb, Park Advocate, High Country News, Land & People, Sierra, Backpacker, Outside Magazine, The Guardian and The New York Times.