History is not only something to be read within the pages of books or viewed hanging in museums; it is living, part of the landscapes in which we walk, in the parks we visit, and even the air we breathe. The tales of land, people, and ecosystems are interwoven as one takes a closer look at nature from an historic perspective. Like history, so too is nature dynamic and ever-changing. That connection is what we are to help others visualize as interpreters.
The quote by Edward Hyams , "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole…" The idea of integrity in storytelling truly identifies with me. In the context of nature interpreters, it means we cannot look at nature just in this present moment. And we should learn from and share its wholstory-one that stretches far into the past. A forest isn't just a collection of trees, and a river isn't just water in motion; they are replete with stories of their making. To ignore that is to pick up a book and skip over its most critical chapters.
Now, bring into your mind a favorite natural spot-perhaps a nearby park, a less-traveled hiking path, or an overlook with a view. Now, imagine this same place 100 years ago. What did it look like? Who might have lived or worked there? What sorts of species thrived in this ecosystem? History gives us answers to these kinds of questions, and aids us in looking beyond what is there right before our eyes. It's sort of like adding layers of meaning to what might otherwise be a simple peaceful walk in nature. For example, a national park may appear as a pristine, untouched natural setting today, but scratch the surface and you may find underlying Indigenous histories of people who lived sustainably on the land well before it was a protected area. Or maybe that area is one that was heavily logged or mined, and what you see in that forest has been the result of quite a long recovery process. These stories add depth to our understanding and appreciation of the place.
What Hyams means here is keeping "the parts of any whole" together. One cannot just focus on the here and now without understanding the full journey that brought us here. That is why history plays an important role in nature interpretation: to put into context the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
But it's more than just facts that are shared in storytelling in nature interpretation; it's about connection, and that's where things can get really interesting. Every story has multiple points of view, and in interpreting nature through history, we have to consider whose stories we're telling-and whose stories are not being told. Let's return to that example of a national park. That is, talking about the present conservation only, not mentioning a word about the aboriginal people of that place-we are omitting something. And again, if we do not tell them how those places have changed because of industrialization or because of climatic change, we are not telling them the whole story. We are interpreters and must question: What stories are being told? And what is missing? And, more importantly, why?
Sharing such diverse stories allows people to connect with the landscape in their own ways. It may remind some of their personal history or challenge them to think differently about how we treat nature. It may provoke a new appreciation for a place that was not previously considered important by another. Either way, through storytelling, nature is brought alive in ways that go far beyond what we see on the surface.
Of all the tools in this kit, writing probably plays the largest role. Because we know not everyone will get a live interpreter, we write books and articles, brochures, and signs at parks and even trailheads. The problem is, nature interpretation writing is not as straightforward. It's not enough to get the information across, we also have to work our words so they make sense to the most people.
That is to say, having in mind an audience. Whom would we be writing for? For frantic lovers of nature who almost have to know ecology inside and out; for other professions, people just coming in and getting a breath of fresh air on an afternoon's stroll. We have got to strike a balance between the two: how much to explain and how little. And it's not just about knowledge levels-what about people for whom reading might be challenging? Young children, foreigners, and blind individuals? Our writing should be flexible enough to engage any and all of these individuals whatever their background may be.
Hyams' point on integrity carries over here as well. While writing the history of nature, we should be complete in telling a story that incorporates the view of a native person, an early settler, and modern-day conservationists, as well as one from everybody in between. It is part of the greater scheme of things.
So, why does any of this matter? Because nature, much like history itself, is constantly in a state of flux. Climate change, urban development, and even tourism in places we love imposes stress on natural spaces. The landscapes we see today will not look the same 50 or 100 years from now. That's why knowledge of its history is so crucial-because it helps us anticipate what might come next.
We are not referring to the past when we share these stories. We give people an idea of where we come from and where we are headed, and through that, we might even help inspire deeper connections to these places, an affection cemented in understanding and respect.
Next time you are outdoors, take a moment to consider its history. Who came before you on this land? What has this place witnessed? What stories lie beneath the surface, waiting to be found? Interpreters have a job to make sure those stories get told and remembered for future generations to go out and experience such spaces by appreciating and protecting these areas.
Writing, however offers us the unique opportunity to add our voice into this greater narrative. That's a powerful responsibility. Our words shape the way others see the world, so it's important we use them thoughtfully.
Hyams, Edward. The Gifts of Interpretation. Chapter 7.