In partnership with the University of Wyoming’s Center for Global Studies, The National Wildlife Art Museum, and the Wyoming Humanities Council, IC 21 is pleased to announce the return of Mark Jenkins, a National Geographic writer whose last presentation in Jackson was standing room only! On Sunday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the National Wildlife Museum, Mark will give a talk entitled “Burma’s Resurrection: An Expedition Deep Into A Forbidden Land.” Last year, Jenkins, along with a team of North Face athletes, attempted to climb the highest peak in Burma, Hkakabo Razi, which reaches 19,300 feet. The peak lies in the far north of the country on the border of Tibet. Taking trains, motorcycles, buses, and a boat up the Irrawaddy River, and then hiking for two weeks through an almost impenetrable jungle, the team battled leeches, poisonous spiders, and venomous snakes. From basecamp they set out to ascend the serrated, heavily glaciated West Ridge of Hkakabo Razi.

Their expedition was featured in the September 2015 issue of National Geographic Magazine in the story, “Point of No Return,” and in the Renan Ozturk documentary “Down to Nothing.” Mr. Jenkins’ presentation will provide a complete account of this unrivaled expedition to Burma—stories of hardship and hilarity, bear hunters and Buddhist monks, fear, failure and freedom.

Prior to Mr. Jenkins’ lecture, three students supported by University of Wyoming Center for Global Studies Fellowships will give presentations about their fieldwork. The “What in the World?” presentations will be at 4:00 p.m. at the National Wildlife Art Museum. The presentations are an opportunity to present their work, which focuses on sustainable development and land management themes with work from Panama, Kyrgyzstan, and Nepal. Join us at the National Wildlife Art Museum to learn about the great work taking place through the Center for Global Studies!