Teton Gravity Research (TGR), a leader in action and adventure lifestyle apparel, optics and accessories, brings to life a multi-part, eye-opening digital series that shows the reality of climate change, highlighting the communities impacted, and the scientists on the front lines in a lesser-known region of the Yukon Territory, Canada.
The series launched on April 22 in celebration of Earth Day.
“Despite pushing boundaries, TGR aims to tread lightly in the amazing places we explore,” said co-founder Steve Jones. “Central to our core values is the organization’s commitment to minimizing its impact on the environment and supporting a range of environmental initiatives and nonprofits. Progression takes many forms.”
TGR supports Protect Our Winters, 1% for the Planet, Ceres Policy Network (BICEP), and the Surfrider Foundation.
In 2022, a TGR film crew and athletes set off on an exploratory mission to conduct research on remote glaciers in the heart of Kluane National Park and Reserve, in the Canadian Yukon Territory. Two University of Ottawa glaciologists, Dr. Luke Copeland, a professor and the University Research Chair in Glaciology in the Department of Geography, and Dr. Dora Medrzycka, joined the crew on the expedition. Turns out that findings from their mission could help contribute an additional 30 years of glaciology data to the register.
A three-part series, Playgrounds: Kluane is set to release through May 6. Part one was released Saturday in conjunction with Earth Day.
The series focuses on the science, history, people, and place of this remote and expansive part of Southwest Yukon. The Kluane’s striking landscape is part of the traditional territory of the Southern Tutchone people, represented in the Kluane region by the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Kluane First Nation (source: ParksCanada.ca).
This is a region that has haunted and enticed mountain explorers for centuries and is home to Mount Logan (5,959m, 19,545′), the highest mountain in Canada and the second-highest peak on the continent, Mount St. Elias (5,488m, 18,005′) and Mount Lucania (5,231m, 17,162′) among others.
The Playgrounds: Kluane series features scenic footage and interviews captured over three expedition trips in 2022 and a compelling editorial from Mike Berard, renowned Canadian storyteller and outdoor writer, along with Taylor Fry, a prolific TGR contributor.
The expeditions and research efforts were made possible with support from Protect Our Winters Canada and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
The Playgrounds: Kluane series will be available online at www.tetongravity.com/playgrounds.
Photo: Leslie Hittmeier
