Alyssia Gentile Nature Interpretation Blog

ENVS*3000 Blog F24'

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Disclaimer

This blog was created for ENVS*3000 DE Fall24', University of Guelph. 

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph. 

The University of Guelph is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by this blog.

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Final Blog-amenvs3000fall

As a nature interpreter, I often think back to my own experiences outdoors, especially those summers spent fishing at my lake, fishing at other lakes, and camping. My lake, Varty Lake with its shallow waters, home to many freshwater species of fish, was where I first learned to fish and what it felt like to be connected to nature. Now, as I guide others to discover the outdoors, I aim to bring these personal experiences and beliefs to my approach to my role as an interpreter to create an meaningful experience for others.

For me, being a nature interpreter is about creating accessible experiences that anyone can connect to. Growing up, I was lucky to have the chance to camp and fish and be in the outdoors regularly, but I realize that not everyone has those same opportunities. Privilege plays a huge role in who can access and enjoy nature, and it’s my responsibility to recognize that when I guide others. This means creating a welcoming, open space that feels inclusive, no matter someone’s background or experience. My goal is to encourage curiosity and give everyone the tools to explore without assumptions or expectations. Just as I was able to explore nature with my family, I want to make it easy for others to step into the outdoors and experience that same sense of wonder.

Another belief I carry with me is that nature can be both grounding and inspiring. I think of nature as a space that calms us and brings us back to the present moment, a feeling I know well from quiet mornings spent fishing. There’s something magical about the simple peace of casting a line, waiting, and feeling the world around you. I want to help others experience this too, even if the experience is much simpler than that. 

Along with sharing nature’s beauty, I feel a deep responsibility to inspire environmental stewardship, especially in younger generations. I know that each experience I create has the potential to shape how someone views nature and their role in it. So maybe one day when I potentially introduce my own kids to nature, I’m hoping to plant a seed of appreciation that will grow with them. Even small experiences can leave a lasting impact. One walk in the woods, catching a fish, or just any good experience in nature can create respect and care for the environment in a way that facts alone often can’t. 

The approach that feels most genuine to me is storytelling combined with hands-on experiences. Stories have a way of drawing people in, making an idea or a place feel more real and relatable. I like sharing my own experiences, like the time spent with friends fishing, joking, and trading stories on the water. Moments like these are universal, they remind us of our shared connection to nature and each other. Through storytelling, I can give a glimpse of my own experiences to those who have never experienced what I have experienced. And for those who learn best by doing, I can offer activities that let them explore firsthand, such as taking them fishing, exploring, or just straight chilling in nature, these moments of hands-on learning are the ones that stick.

I’m also conscious of the fact that everyone learns differently, and it’s important to adapt to meet people where they are. Some people may connect best by listening to stories, while others need to see things laid out visually. Nature itself is full of opportunities for different learning styles, auditory learners on stories, and cool facts. Visual learners on species identification, and kinesthetic learners on physically exploring trails. Recognizing and embracing these different approaches makes the experience more impactful for everyone. By being flexible in my approach, I can help each person find their own way to connect with the outdoors.

Writing this blog has been incredibly helpful for me in my learning this semester. The process of putting my thoughts into words has helped me reflect on what it truly means to be a nature interpreter. Through blogging, I've been able to articulate my voice in my writing, and examine my personal beliefs about nature, a thing i am very passionate about. It’s given me a chance to think deeply about what I bring to my role and how I can continue to improve. Sharing my stories and perspectives has also made me more aware of the impact I want to make. I’ve come to see that blogging isn't just about sharing ideas with others but also about learning from my reflections and growing into a better interpreter, storyteller, and guide.

Ultimately, my goal as a nature interpreter is to help others build a personal connection to nature that goes beyond a single experience. Just as my memories of fishing and camping at Varty Lake have stayed with me, I want the people I guide to leave with their own sense of appreciation for the natural world. I hope that in sharing what I love, I can create a space where others feel comfortable and excited to explore nature on their own terms.

Thanks guys for giving me the chance to share my ideas and stories in this blog, I hope all of you reading a great rest of your semester and a merry Christmas if you celebrate!

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Hi, I really enjoyed reading your final blog post and appreciated the personal insights you shared. The way you connected your personal memories and experiences from fishing to your role as a nature interpreter really resonated with me. I too have a lot of memories from over the year such as hiking and weekends spent up North with family and friends that have shaped my role as a nature interpreter. They have showed me the beautiful world of nature and sparked such a interest and wonder for the environment in me. It's clear that your time spent in nature has shaped your perspective as well.

I love how you emphasized creating accessible and inclusive experiences, especially recognizing the privilege involved in having regular access to nature. Your goal as a nature interpreter is very meaningful, and I can really see how passionate you are about helping others build lasting connections to nature. I completely agree that helping others have their own experiences, connected and inspired, is key to fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The way you highlighted nature’s grounding and inspiring qualities is very relatable to me. There’s something really peaceful about just being in nature, and your emphasis on helping others experience that same peace is important. As someone who has such a deep connection to nature, all I wish is for others to be able to have their own experiences that make them feel that same sense of peace comfort. It so great to see how many of us in this course are committed to bringing that sense into the lives of others.

Overall, I really love how you’ve reflected on how writing this blog has helped you grow as a nature interpreter. It’s inspiring to see how you’ve used this process not only to share your thoughts but also to deepen your understanding of your role and goals. Wishing you all the best in your future work as a nature interpreter! I hope the end of your semester goes well and that you have a happy holidays. Thanks!

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Blog Post 10

I've never been someone who felt super connected to nature. As I’ve shared in so many of my posts, I didn’t grow up with much exposure to it, and it wasn’t a major part of my life. All I knew about it was that once a year my family and I would leave our city life behind to spend time at the cottage. Those trips sparked my curiosity, but I didn’t get the chance to really explore it until now, through this course.

Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy this class as much as I have. Doing the work felt less like an assignment and more like something I looked forward to each week. I couldn’t wait to see what blog prompt we’d get next! I loved having the chance to talk about my experiences and connect them with the readings and course material. This course has taught me a lot about myself, in ways I didn’t see coming. There were parts of my life I didn’t think had anything to do with nature that, surprisingly, connected deeply.

For instance, I never would have thought the color pink, a color I associate with my sister’s late friend, Jordy, could have anything to do with nature. But through Blog 4, I learned that nature can serve as a kind of memory keeper. Those pink sunsets have become a comforting reminder of her. I also learned about the privilege of experiencing nature (Knudson et al., 2018). While I hadn’t thought about it much before, being able to go to the cottage each year is a privilege, one that’s given me opportunities to connect with nature that not everyone has. Blog Post 3 really opened my eyes to this, deepening my appreciation for those moments.

I didn’t realize that nature could be a part of my favorite songs either. In Blog 7, I explored how music connects me to the natural world through different sounds and patterns (Knudson et al., 2018). But one of the biggest things I’ve learned, and something that came up in nearly every blog post, is that a connection to nature isn’t based on location; it’s built through experiences. I live in Niagara Falls, with one of the world’s natural wonders right in my backyard, yet that doesn’t feel like “nature” to me. Nature for me is the experience of being at the cottage with my family.

Reflecting on all these moments with the help of course readings has helped me realize that nature isn’t just part of my annual trips up north, it is actually one of the most prevalent aspects in my life and prevalent throughout so many of my experiences.

As I spent the first half of the blog mainly talking about what I learned from this assignment, I now would like to answer the assigned blog prompt.

From taking this class, and as I start to develop my own style as a nature interpreter, I’m realizing it’s not just about listing facts about nature, or just lecturing to people the scientific explanation behind it. In my eyes, it's more about helping people feel a connection. My personal experiences showed me that nature can actually bring comfort and hold meaning. This personal side of nature is what I want to bring into my approach to interpreting it for others.

One of my primary responsibilities is to make nature accessible and inclusive for people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This involves recognizing my privilege. I now know I've been lucky to have access to nature since I was young, and I want to help make these kinds of experiences meaningful for everyone. I want people, especially those like me, who may not feel a strong connection to nature, to see that it’s something they can discover at any point in their lives, and is actually more relevant than they may realize.

In the article “Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope,” Jacob Rodenburg highlights how important it is to teach in a way that brings joy and wonder to kids, without jumping straight into big issues like climate change. Instead, he suggests helping kids fall in love with nature first, something I only got to experience once a year as a kid (Rodenburg, 2019). I see my role the same way; building connections first and saving the technical stuff for later. I really like Rodenburg’s idea of bringing people back to “magic” places so they can create their own stories and feel a sense of belonging in nature. For me, that’s the cottage, it’s my own “magic place.” This approach makes learning personal and memorable.

In my approach, I want to be a storyteller. I think bringing curiosity and excitement into learning about nature would greatly impact the connections made with the people learning about it. Working on the children’s podcast showed me how important this is. My job as the narrator was to take the science facts and tell them in a way that kept kids interested, making sure they could actually enjoy and follow along with what we were saying. I really like how Rodenburg talks about the students’ connection to the killdeer bird; by telling its story, he helped them feel invested in it, like they had a role in its life. That’s exactly what I’d love to do, help people feel connected to the nature around them.

Ultimately, my goal as an interpreter is to help make nature feel meaningful and accessible to everyone. Through simple, shared experiences, I want to show that nature isn’t just a place to visit; it’s something that can become part of who you are. I hope to help people find their own “magic places” and show that even small things, a sunset, a song, or a quiet walk, can bring them closer to nature. For me, it’s about encouraging these moments of connection, and helping people see that nature, even in little ways, is something they can take with them wherever they go. By bringing together what I’ve learned in this course with my own experiences, I want to make nature feel just as relevant to others as it’s starting to feel for me.

Knudson, Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope. Clearning Magazine. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300 

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Hi Milana,

I really enjoyed your blog post this week and I also really glad to hear that you ended up enjoying this course more than you thought you would! I too will miss these weekly blogs as I looked forward to seeing what our topic for the week would be and getting to share my own stories and experiences was my favorite part, alongside getting to read and reflect on all our classmate posts. I really love your reflection and connection to how nature can connect us to our own personal emotions and memories. The story you shared on the colour pink and the sunsets you associate it with was beautiful and moving. Its also wonderful that you have a space at your cottage where you consider it your “magic place”. Having a “magic place” is such a wonderful thing and I love how you encourage people to find their own “magic place” to connect to the natural world.

The concept of creating connections through storytelling really resonated with me as it is something I too hold high value too. I agree that helping people feel that emotional connection to nature, whether it's through a memory, a song, or simply a peaceful moment, can be more impactful than just presenting the scientific facts. I think engaging kids through storytelling, like you did with the podcast, is such a powerful tool. When children, or anyone, can connect with a story, it makes the lesson feel more real and impactful. I agree with you that Rodenburg’s approach of focusing on building connections first, and leaving the more serious topics for later, is a great way to inspire a genuine love for nature. I also want to be able to bring storytelling into my approach in interpretation so I really enjoyed reading that aspect of ur blog.

Overall, I think your focus on making nature feel meaningful and accessible to everyone is exactly what this kind of interpretation needs. I'm excited for what your future in interpretation, whether it be in you personal or professional life brings you. Thanks for sharing and best of luck going forward!

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The final blog post

I have spent my life interpreting nature even before I realized it. I seek nature’s interpretation to expand knowledge, interest and enthusiasm (Beck et al. 2018, p.12). I have often found myself interpreting through museums, campgrounds, hikes, and visitors centres. Over the years, as my knowledge of the connections and interactions within nature expands, my interpretations become more applicable to my education, allowing me to exercise and expand my learned knowledge. When I am interpreting, there are several things I look to achieve and take away from the experience. This course specifically has taught me to allow my interpretations to be more open-minded, allowing me to see the connections when I reflect on my past experiences interpreting the world (Beck et al. 2018, pg. 13). These connections help me understand why something made me feel a certain way, or why a specific event might be so clear in my memory. This course has taught me to feel and connect my emotions through interpretation, whether it be art, nature, or music. In terms of my personal ethics regarding interpretation, I will never be the person to push boundaries within interpretation for the amusement of my own fascination. Pushing these boundaries offers risk of losing opportunities for anyone else which is not ethical. When at a museum if they say don’t touch something, regardless of if touching it will impact it’s quality I will not touch it. Or if on a hike and there’s a sign stating that these rocks are sensitive don’t step on them I would not push the boundaries for the security of knowing that others will get the same experience when they visit. I feel these are ethics and morals that should go without said, especially for people who often visit nature and might be seen as a role model. I am so strict within these rules for myself because I can recall one time my family was viewing these rocks on a hike in northern Ontario that were so impressively balanced on each other for hundreds of years, and just days before we visited, one of them had been pushed over by people who ignored the boundaries and it was so disappointing for us. 

In terms of my personal beliefs regarding interpretation, I am often fascinated by observing and thinking or discussing with others. Especially in natures surroundings like hikes, I do not feel the need to interact or disturb nature’s processes, rather observe with fascination and apply my knowledge. I feel this allows for a more successful interpretation because you are watching experiences that would occur if you were or were not there. When watching nature, it is so interesting to wonder. When watching the squirrels, I love wondering what their mental processes are at the moment of our interaction. This goes hand in hand with the ethics of respecting boundaries. As someone who is in school for zoology, people are starting to come to me for questions about certain animals or situations within nature. People are starting to look towards me to feel comfortable within nature and that tells me I need to work even harder to be the best role model possible.

As someone who is very passionate and becoming educated about the contexts of natures and its interactions, there are several things I am responsible for when it comes to interpreting nature. I am a part of a group of people who are responsible for the quality of our nature and its future. Although I do not work or display myself in public opportunities for interpretation, I do have goals for my future. In whatever I might enroll myself in I have the responsibility to maintain accuracy of information, ethical information, and I will never share a belief for the point of pleasing others, I will always spread information that I also believe in and feel passion towards (Beck et al., 2018 p. 37). In my personal life, my responsibilities include the maintenance of stewardship to stay connected with the goals, beliefs, and cultural morals that portray themselves within whatever I might be interpreting (Beck et al., 2018 p. 37). This will allow for the stories, connections and history expression to stay present (Beck et al., 2018, p. 37).

I work at a dog boarding and daycare facility and I always love answering peoples questions about dog behaviour, why they do certain things, and further informing people on how their dogs might thrive better. All of my answers to peoples questions come from experience, and knowledge. My enjoyment of answering these questions tells me I would thrive in a position where this situation can be applied to nature. I have considered working at trailer parks, or volunteering to do nature lessons with rescued animals, and as someone who might have this future role, there are many responsibilities. These include but are not limited to, the promotion of knowledge towards conservation, educating people on how they can improve themselves or just educating to make more people aware of an issue, engaging people within my lessons without creating disruption, and applying the knowledge to other scenarios like cultures, beliefs, or background information. All this would be present while demonstrating ethical behaviour myself. I can be successful in an advocacy educational role by applying knowledge learned from this course, like different learning behaviours, understanding how to grasp the attention of diverse audiences, and understanding where I would fit in best to educate my audience.

These blog posts have forced me to interpret my life experiences through a new lens. They have allowed me to explore my emotional connections and understand my memories. In an ideal world where I have more time, I would enjoy beginning to journal because connecting my blog posts with my thoughts is something I have enjoyed doing. Starting a journal as inspiration from these blog posts would allow me to deeply understand myself and I also enjoy going back and reading my initial interpretations of the blog prompts to see how I would change my answer now. Finally, this course has taught me that I have unknowingly been interpreting nature this whole time. 

 Reference

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC.                   https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

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Hi Kayla,

Thank you for this beautiful final blog post, It really encapsulates the depth of your knowledge and connection to the natural world. It's clear that your personal experiences and passion for nature have shaped your views on ethical interpretation. Your commitment to ethical behavior in interpretation, like not crossing boundaries in museums or on hikes, really stood out to me and I respect the boundaries you have set within this. The story you shared about the rocks in Northern Ontario is a powerful reminder of how our actions affect the experiences of others and the integrity of natural spaces. It’s something that I think all nature interpreters should remember, and it's refreshing to see that level of awareness and responsibility in your perspective.

I agree with your beliefs of the practice of observing nature rather this disturbing it. Sometimes just taking the time to watch and reflect on the natural world can show and tell us more than directly interacting with it. When I take the time to just observe I find myself discovering so many things I may have missed otherwise. I’m inspired by how you’ve connected this approach to your future goals of educating others in a way that fosters both conservation and respect for the environment.

Your idea of journaling to reflect on your thoughts and interpretations further is also a great idea! It’s a great way to not only understand yourself better but also track your growth as an interpreter. I think you’ve already shown a lot of growth through this course and your blog posts, and I have no doubt that you will continue to develop and inspire others in the future.

Great job! Your blog post was insightful, and I wish you all the best in your future journey in interpretation.

[agenvs3000f24]

Unit 10 Blog- My Personal Ethic As A Nature Interpreter!

As we wrap up the semester and our blogs come to a close, I have been reflecting on all the aspects of interpretation learned throughout this course. Throughout this blog, I'm going to explain the personal ethic I have developed as a nature interpreter through the exploration of my beliefs, responsibilities, and approaches to the topic. Nature interpretation is very special to me, as I have had the wonderful opportunity to work as a nature interpreter. With all my new profound knowledge, I am excited to be able to apply my newly defined personal ethic to my future career, which I hope includes a large portion of interpretation in it. 

To begin, I truly believe that everyone has their own personal connection to nature. These connections may look different for each person, shaped by their experiences, culture, and environment, but they are all equally important. From reading all the amazing blogs throughout this Semester, it is very evident that all of us have our own deep connection with the natural world. I believe that the root of our connections with the natural world stem from my belief that we are deeply interconnected with it. This interconnected relationship is both physical and spiritual. In the physical realm, humans rely on nature for essential resources like clean air, fresh water, food, and materials for shelter. Ecosystems regulate the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and pollinate the crops that feed us. These systems well-being is strongly related to human survival and health, demonstrating how deeply our lives interconnect with nature. On the other hand, humans are also deeply spiritually connected to nature. Spending time in nature gives many of us a strong sense of peace, wonder and belonging. I know that I feel whole when spending time in nature, as well as a strong sense of wonder for the world around me. Whether it’s the awe of standing beneath a star-filled sky , the joy of watching a golden sunrise, these experiences often evoke feelings that are hard to put into words or the sense of accomplishment when we get to the top of a hike. They remind us that we live in a world much larger than just ourselves. I truly believe that every one of us has our own connection with nature, and recognizing and nurturing this connection deepens our appreciation for the planet and helps us be better stewards of the environment. 

The top of the The cRack Trail at Killarney Provincial Park, one of my favorite hikes and a reminder of the beautiful views of nature!

Lastly, I truly believe there is a huge importance in fostering a love for nature and the natural world, especially in younger generations. Reading Jacob Rodenburg’s article “Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope” really resonated with me. I am also a strong believer that children do not get outside enough these days (Rodenburg, 2019). There is too much unnecessary technology involved, and school systems do not foster outdoor time and nature education. This is especially apparent in urban cities. I say this with experience as I grew up in a very populated urban city, and there were close to no classes about the environment and the natural world in my high school. While friends who grew up in rural places had upper high school environmental science and geography classes that included field trips up north and fostered a love and appreciation for the environment. I think this needs to be a requirement in all school systems for all ages.  I very heavily agree with Rodenburg’s statement that children have a right to experience the outdoor world and the joy of the natural world (Rodenburg, 2019). Allowing children to experience this has become viewed as a burden or danger, and I do not agree with this at all (Rodenburg, 2019). If we want any chance of saving our planet and creating an environmentally healthy world, we need to foster a love of nature in children (Rodenburg, 2019). They are the future of the world, and by keeping them locked inside, the natural world is in danger. This belief drives my feeling of responsibility to contribute to our education and interpretation to support the next generation of learners. 

I feel many obligations to the environment and the profession of nature interpretation. The main responsibility I feel is education and educating as many people as I possibly can in my personal and professional life and career. This obligation has become clearer and stronger throughout my time learning in this course.  As I’ve gained more knowledge about the natural world and how interconnected everything is, I’ve come to realize the power of education in shaping how people view and interact with the environment. Nature interpretation, to me, is more than just sharing facts; it’s about fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world. As we have learned throughout this course, helping others understand the importance of ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable practices, we can inspire them to take action and become stewards of the planet (Merenlender et al., 2016).  

I not only want to educate individuals, but be able to help them strengthen their own personal connection to the natural world. My connection to the natural world is something that I value so deeply, and it has changed my perspective and sense of purpose throughout my life. I want to be able to spark interest in young children and be able to provide the same sense of wonder for the world I had when I was young. I don't believe many schools systems nurture this in childhood education, therefore I hope to be able to provide opportunities for children in my career. I also want to be able to give people of all ages these same opportunities. Many people have not had the same opportunities as me to explore and learn about the natural world, to take week-long trips camping, or to go hiking all weekend. If I can provide even a small portion of that amazing feeling I have when I spend time in nature and hopefully open them up to more opportunities through interpretation, I have succeeded in my goals. 

I truly feel a sense of responsibility in outdoor education and interpretation and have a strong passion and drive to achieve these goals in my future career. This course has provided me with many different approaches best fit to be able to put my responsibilities into action. 

First off, learning about the different approaches of learning through interpretations was extremely helpful. Everyone learns in different ways and incorporating multiple senses in the delivery of interpretation can enhance the learning experience (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018).  For example, leading nature walks where participants can observe wildlife, touch different textures in nature, and listen to birdsongs adds much more to a program than just relaying verbal information (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018). Secondly, a big part of my responsibility turns towards educating children, therefore I will ensure that I employ tactics to best fit the learning styles of young individuals. Our textbook often highlights how using storytelling in interpretation is a valuable tool (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018). I love telling stories, so I will definitely use this to my advantage. Young children respond well and connect best to places through stories and faces (Rodenburg, 2019). Therefore, I will utilize the amazing stories so many places hold in my interpretation to enhance the experience for all individuals. Rodenburg’s article highlights how important it is to teach children to love the natural world first, so that later they may use their connection to the world to become stewards of the planet and care for our natural spaces (Rodenburg, 2019). With this, I will focus on engaging children with the natural world, nurturing their natural sense of wonder, and engaging them with hands-on activities such as planting trees or pollinator gardens in programs to give them a sense of their own accomplishment. This will allow me to connect my interpretation and teaching to the local environmental challenges, making learning more relevant and meaningful to participants. This can further empower individuals to take action in their communities, making them part of the solution to fight environmental issues (Merenlender et al., 2016). With this I will promote citizen science, encouraging individuals to actively participate in projects that contribute to environmental research and conservation through apps like iNaturalist. Citizen science not only helps the environment but also teaches people more about the challenges we face and how they can help (Merenlender et al., 2016). It builds a sense of community as people work together on local issues while contributing to bigger projects (Merenlender et al., 2016). Through this, I hope to inspire others to see themselves as part of protecting nature. I will use apps like iNaturalist within programs and encourage people to go out on their own and use these platforms to continue to discover the natural world while contributing to scientific research. Within my work in Ontario Parks, I incorporated these platforms in my programs, and it was a great way to engage individuals in the program. Finally, I will utilize technology to my advantage. Not everyone has the time to make it out to programs due to life responsibilities, but in the world, we live in today, technology provides us with the advantage of reaching people virtually. Chapter 8 in our course textbook explains how technology is a great platform to be able to provide interpretation to the masses (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018). I want to be able to reach as many people as possible and therefore I am committed to creating virtual programs, tours, and even podcasts to be able to give everyone a chance to experience interpretation and learn about the natural world. 

To wrap up my final blog, I would like to say thank you for all the amazing interactions had and blogs I've read this semester. You all have provided such amazing insights and knowledge, and I'm very grateful to have been able to learn a bit from all of you, so thank you. I believe we all are set to be amazing interpreters one day. As I move forward in my career, I am committed to using the knowledge and approaches I have gained in this course to foster deeper connections between people and nature. I see education as a powerful tool for inspiring action, and I am excited to continue learning and growing as an interpreter. I believe that together we can all create a more sustainable future for the planet.  

This is a picture of a program I developed for children working as a interpreter for Ontario Park. It was a fun, interactive way to connect and teach children and is definitely something I would use again in interpretation going forward!

These are some of my favorite nature finds I wanted to share! Some amazing fungi that are super beautiful and a Red Backed Salamander. That was the first salamander i had ever found in the wild while camping.

Thank you everyone! :)

Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. CLEARING. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. 

Merenlender, A. M., Crall, A. W., Drill, S., Prysby, M., & Ballard, H. (2016). Evaluating environmental education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs. Conservation Biology, 30(6), 1255–1265. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12737 

[agenvs3000f24]

Unit 9 Blog

Picture yourself walking through the forest, the sunlight peeking through the dense forest canopy, the birds are singing beautiful melodies, and the wind is circulating the wonderful scent of earth. The peaceful ways of nature calm your soul. But did you know that beneath your feet as you walk is an unseen world the holds the forest you love so deeply together. This is the world of mycelium, nature's own communication network, and it’s nothing short of magical. This is most amazing thing I know about nature.

Mycelium is a vast network of tiny, thread-like structures called hyphae that spread through the soil (Holewinski, n.d.). They are the root systems of Fungi that travel underground, connecting to plants and trees, interconnecting the entire ecosystem (Holewinski, n.d.). The collection of trees we see above ground are interconnected through mycelium underground. This network is massive and fills the soil beneath the surface. It is one of the largest organisms present on this planet (Holewinski, n.d.). Trees and Mycelium have an interconnected relationship. Trees use photosynthesis to create sugars and share them with the mycelium (Johnston & Brewer, 2023). In return, the mycelium acts as a devleity system, bringing water and nutrients to the trees (Johnston & Brewer, 2023). The most fastiting part of this relationship is that Mycelium act as a communicate hubs for trees. They are able to communicate through sending signals and warnings through mycelium about pests or diseases (Holewinski, n.d.). This allows the trees to activate defense mechanisms to protect themselves (Holewinski, n.d.).

This is such a magical part of nature that I find so fascinating. There is an entire world that communicates and take care of each other existing right beneath our feet that most people have no idea exists. This is how forests stay strong and healthy. Trees can also share resources to weaker or younger trees to support their life and growth (Holewinski, n.d.). The relationship between mycelium and trees teaches us something profound about life, that everything is connected. Trees don’t just survive, they thrive because of this underground partnership. Without mycelium, forests as we know them wouldn’t exist.

This can teach all of us that life does not survive standing alone, but by being part of a greater community. The incredible network of Mycelium and its relationship with trees serves as an reminder for humans that when we stand united, we are stronger. Collaboration and support with each other is what makes us stronger. We can try to walk through life alone, but when we have the support and love of people around us is what truly sustains us. Just like the young trees find strength to grow stronger from the elder trees around them, we humans grow stronger when we can lean on one another. This reminds us that there is power in community, and with community we can succeed in anything.

References:

Johnston , E., & Brewer, G. (2023, March 11). Mycelium: Exploring the hidden dimension of fungi. Kew. https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/fungi-hidden-dimension

Holewinski, B. (n.d.). Underground networking: The amazing connections beneath your feet. National Forest Foundation. https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/underground-mycorrhizal-network

[awenvs3000s24]

Unit 9

There's a quiet moment just before dawn, a stillness so deep that you feel as though the world has paused to let you breathe. Out there in the woods, right before the sun’s first light spills across the horizon, the air is dense with anticipation. It’s my favorite time to be in nature. But there’s one thing in particular I always find myself thinking about, something that, as a hunter, fills me with awe every single time: the primal, hidden world of nature’s silent hunters.

Predators in the wild have perfected the art of survival over millennia, developing instincts and abilities that are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Picture this: a wolf, lean and powerful, moves like a shadow through the underbrush. Its eyes glint, piercing through the twilight, ears twitching to every sound, nostrils flaring to catch the scent of its prey. There’s a thrill in knowing that while we may be seasoned hunters ourselves, we are always being outclassed by these masters.

The art of the hunt is one thing, but what really amazes me is the way nature has designed these animals for silence and efficiency. Take the owl, for instance. Unlike any other bird, the owl’s feathers have a unique structure that muffles the sound of its flight. Imagine that: nature itself engineered silence. A rabbit won’t even hear the approach, and to witness an owl in the act, swooping down in complete silence, is like watching a ghost materialize out of thin air.

But the marvel doesn’t stop there. Think of a mountain lion, hidden among the rocks. You’d think it would take brute strength to bring down its prey, but no; it relies on patience. That cat could spend hours or even days waiting, honing in on the rhythm of the landscape, learning the patterns of its prey. And when it finally moves, it’s pure power and precision, no second chances. There's something almost spiritual about the patience of a predator in nature; it’s a reminder of the balance and unbreakable cycles that exist in the wild.

So, why does this captivate me as a hunter? It’s not just admiration—it’s respect. The more you watch, the more you learn, not only about the animals you pursue but about yourself. Nature, in its simplest and wildest moments, teaches us humility. It reminds us that out there, in the deep woods or open plains, we are part of something far bigger than ourselves, something primal that binds every hunter and hunted together.

To experience this, to be there, breath held, feeling the heartbeat of the forest, is to understand that nature isn’t just a place; it’s an adventure. And for those few, fleeting moments when you witness the craft of a predator, you’re glimpsing a piece of wild knowledge that’s older than time itself. That’s what makes every dawn, every quiet moment in the woods, worth it.

[agenvs3000f24]

I have to tell you, this is incredibly well written. The moment I started reading your post I was captivated in the way you describe the natural world. Such a beautiful way of encapsulating the stillness before dawn and the intensity of the hunt, it truly pulls the reader into that moment with you. I admire the way you describe the predators such as the wolf and the owl. I could feel the anticipation of their hunt in your writing. I love how each species has a unique set of skills in their hunt. The way you speak about how witnessing this helps you learn about yourself as a hunter, it resonates on such a deep level. There's something sacred about the way these predators live and hunt, and I think your reflection really captures that.

I have never hunted but I have heard similar stories from other hunters who individuals who grew up in families that hunt. I find that hunters have such a unique perspective and understanding of the natural world due to the amount of hours they spend still just observing the natural world. My boss at Ontario Parks developed his love for nature and his career as a naturalist from the countless hours he spent hunting in the wild with his father.

What really stood out to me is how you connect being a hunter with the humility that comes from seeing these animals' skill. It’s not just about the hunt, but understanding your place in the bigger picture. The idea of balance and respect is powerful, and it makes the experience feel almost spiritual, as you said. This post doesn't just tell a story, it draws the reader into a shared moment of awe and respect for nature. This is an amazing blog post, thank you for sharing this experience.

[smenvs3000f24]

Unit 9 Blog #1

If you were anything like me as a kid, I bet you spent some time flipping over rocks and logs to discover tiny animals hidden beneath. Maybe you found salamanders, worms, and beetles, maybe something even more exciting for a young mind investigating nature for the first time. I can almost guarantee that something you found while doing this was a hectic, bustling colony of ants. I know when this used to happen to me, I would jump backwards, startled and somewhat unsettled by the squirming pile of tiny bugs, but as I became accustomed to this sight, I would notice how organized these insects seemed to be, gathering up the larvae and eggs and marching them into the tunnels to remove them from this newly exposed section of their home. After a while, I began to have an appreciation for these tiny workers.

As a group that is often overlooked and found to be more of a nuisance than anything else, ants aren’t usually the target of discussions promoting insects, although I hope some of this perspective can be changed eventually. It is much easier to sell a crowd on what we call the “charismatic megafauna” of insects. Things like praying mantises, monarch butterflies, and the large and colourful beetles of the world are easier to convince people to care about than flies, ants, or biting and stinging insects that people are predisposed to dislike. I believe that this could go into a deeper discussion about how we place more value on things that are more visually appealing or clearly benefit us, but that is another topic.

I’m going to delve into a couple of aspects of ant life that many people wouldn’t know about in hopes of instilling that just because these creatures are tiny and may be seen as a nuisance to us, they have been evolving and living their own complex lifestyles for such a long time, and deserve at the minimum respect (because despite my endearment for these little insects, I know this isn’t realistic to expect from others). I bet you never would’ve guessed that ants engage in agriculture! Some ant species keep other insects as livestock in the same way we keep cows. A group that can often be found in these livestock roles are Hemipterans, common name “true bugs”, funnily enough. Aphids are one example of Hemipterans often kept as livestock, and ants will feed them, take honeydew they produce for their own food (much like us milking cows), and even cull their population for protein when it is large enough. Other ant species are known to keep gardens of fungus or plants, some even going to the extent of producing herbicides to maintain these gardens and co-evolving with the gardened plant species.

Ants are so complex, and I truly encourage anyone interested to look into them more, and for everyone, perhaps consider why it is that we value those “charismatic megafauna” insects more than smaller, less visually appealing ones.

[agenvs3000f24]

Your blog this week was really well written and your reflection to your childhood reminded me a lot of my own. I spent countless hours as child digging in my grandfather's garden and collecting all the tiny creatures I could find beneath the soil. As a child I never truly understood how important these species were. Now being older, I have a more complex understanding of their true importance. I agree that despite some of these species being considered pests, they have much more to offer in terms of their role in nature. It makes me sad that many people disregard their life, often killing Ant colonies for their own benefits not realizing their importance in the ecosystem.

I remember the first time I ever discovered a Red Backed Salamander in the wild, just a few springs ago while camping, I was turning over a rocks looking for them and finally spotted one and I was amazed. These small creatures are very under looked and appericted and I agree that they hold so much value that needs to be better represented. You also bring up a interesting subject on how people prefer some animals to others. The degree of care and attention given to "charismatic megafauna" like butterflies is definitely affected by the perception that they are more likeable or beautiful. I think that all species are beautiful in their own and the roles they play to nurture the natural world.

I think it would be interesting to explore why certain species receive more public affection than others. I wonder if it is mostly due to aesthetics, or possibly due to cultural or emotional connections humans form with species they interact with. I know that sometimes fear for a species can be connected to a bad experience. For example, I had a bad experience with earwigs as a child and today I am still afraid of them.

Overall, your post does a great job of highlighting the often overlooked world of ants and small creatures! I think you have encouraged readers to see these small, but important creatures in a new way.

[esenvs3000f24]

Unit 07 Blog Post

You’ll rarely find a quiet moment in nature. Whether it’s wind rustling through the trees, the gentle patter of rain on your window, crickets chirping in a nearby meadow, or ocean waves crashing onto the shore, it’s undeniable that the natural world is full of sound.

So, where do we find music in nature?

According to Gray et al. (2001), we define music by sound patterns varying in pitch and time. As such, unlike noise, music is ordered and created with intention. Music structures sound in a way that evokes feelings and conveys messages without necessarily involving words. In this sense, we can view music as an intuitive, non-verbal method of communication/storytelling that is both informative and creative (Grey et al., 2001).

So, aside from humans, what animals are known to demonstrate musical expression?

What immediately comes to mind is the drumming stylings of male chimpanzees! For those unfamiliar, while vocalizing, male chimpanzees use their hands and feet to drum on large tree roots to convey long-distance messages to one another (Gill, 2022). What you may find particularly interesting is that each chimpanzee uses a different pattern of beats to achieve a unique drumming rhythm, as showcased in this video below (Gill, 2022).

Video showcasing the different drumming styles of male chimpanzees in Uganda’s Budongo Forest.

Video Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-aXclk0fs8

As discussed in the article by Gray et al. (2001), there are also some remarkable similarities between music made by humans, whales, and songbirds. For instance, although humpback whales could just as easily communicate through arrhythmic noises or unpleasant grunts/ roars, the overall tone, timbre, and structure of humpback whale songs closely resemble human music (Gray et al., 2001). Humpback songs even contain repeating refrains that form rhymes (Gray et al., 2001). How fascinating!

Commentary by National Geographic’s Roger Payne (1979) on the songs of the humpback whale.

Video retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya1e_aaLv94

So, we've established numerous examples of music in nature, but where do we find nature in music?

As Gray et al. (2001) explain, the “soundscape” of the natural world has inspired human musical expression for centuries. Our connection to nature is often intrinsic to our need to create, perform, and listen to music (Gray et al., 2001). Some of the greatest classical music composers have drawn inspiration from nature, often using their instruments to mimic natural rhythms. For instance, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee” famously uses string instruments to mimic the hurried buzzing of a bumblebee. Other musical pieces directly incorporate samples of natural sounds, such as Minnie Riperton’s song “Lovin’ You,” in which you can hear songbirds softly chirping throughout. Lastly, nature offers a rich source of metaphors, symbolism, and imagery used frequently in song lyrics. One of my favourite examples is Simon & Garfunkel’s song “April Come She Will,” which uses the imagery of the changing seasons as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of a relationship.

One song that immediately takes me back to a natural landscape is "Summertime" by The Sundays. It's just one of those optimistic, upbeat songs that put you in a good mood no matter what, making it a quintessential summer road trip song. Thus, listening to this song instantly transports me back to summertime and happy memories with my friends at the beach. Give it a listen and feel free to share your interpretation!

Music video for "Summertime" by The Sundays.

Video retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z778slDEsds

As a follow-up question:

Do you have different song preferences during certain seasons compared to others (i.e., more melancholic songs in winter, more upbeat in summer)? Why might you associate different weather/ seasons with different melodies or genres?

As a music lover, I really enjoyed this week's discussion! I'm super excited to read all your stories about interpreting nature through music.

References:

Gill, V. (2022). Chimps show off their “signature” drum beats. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62809420

Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8

[agenvs3000f24]

Hi emily,

Great blog post this week! I love how you highlighted the musicality of nature, especially with the examples of chimpanzee drumming and humpback whale songs. It’s such a cool way to show how rhythm exists beyond humans. You also provide great examples of both nature in music and music in nature!

When I read your follow up, I immediately had an answer for you. Absolutely! I always see the music I connect with change as the seasons shift from one to another. For example, I love country music in the summer, something about driving with the windows down and listening to country songs just fits the season. But as we have shifted into fall I find myself listening to more melancholic songs, or songs that fit the vibe of fall by they way they sound. Right now for me it is Hozier, his music and voice and that way he connects nature into his lyrics just fits the season we are experiencing right now. His music is a mix of slower and some upset songs, so I feel as we transition deeper into fall and away from the warmth of summer, his music is a great fit. I think that we often associate different weather or seasons with specific melodies or genres because of how music mirrors our emotions and energy levels, which fluctuate with the environment as well. I know when it's gloomy or rainy I listen to alot of Bon Iver, which is slower, sadder music, but when its super sunny and fresh outside I gravitate towards more upbeat, positive music. In winter, slower, melancholic music resonates more with the cold and energetic songs feel more fitting during summer when we're more active and outdoors.

Great question, it's super fitting and I loved activity thinking about how my music interests change throughout seasons and weather!

[hgmenvs3000f24]

Week 7 Blog

Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music? What song takes you immediately back to a natural landscape? What is the context?

Music is omnipresent in nature, and nature is deeply embedded in music. Whether it's rhythm, melodies, or metaphors, a simple walk outside reveals the symphony of birds singing and the myriad ways artists have drawn inspiration from the natural world for centuries.

If you shuffle play a playlist of the one hundred best songs of all time, you can be certain that within the first three tracks, there will be references to elements of nature. Just as in visual art, nature inspires artists to express their emotions in ways that resonate universally with listeners. Even someone who has never physically experienced nature can grasp concepts like being "pretty as a vine" or "sweet as a grape." Such similes and metaphors create a strong and familiar connection, allowing nature to serve as a conduit for expressing complex feelings in song. For instance, when a song likens one’s love to the depth of the ocean, it conveys a profound emotional vastness that humans can visualize and understand. Without nature, how could one replace the metaphor of the ocean? Perhaps with something less evocative like a "man-made hole" or a "sewer system"? The comparison pales in significance and highlights our reliance on the natural world to articulate emotions.

Conversely, the presence of music in nature is equally compelling. However, unlike the way music often guides listeners through metaphors, appreciating the music of nature requires active listening. Birds, for example, are renowned for their vocalizations, which serve various purposes such as attracting mates, warning of predators, or simple communication. Similarly, whales communicate through melodic sounds that can travel astonishing distances—some songs can reach up to 10,000 miles (Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, 2022). It’s also common for people to listen to recordings of whale songs or birdsong as a form of white noise, further emphasizing the musicality inherent in nature.

One song that evokes the essence of nature for me is "To Someone From A Warm Climate (Uiscefhuaraithe)" by Hozier. This track is my go-to when I need to clear my mind and immerse myself in nature, particularly during walks on scenic trails. The title itself, "Uiscefhuaraithe," encapsulates a unique feeling often associated with natural settings. As Hozier explains, it refers to "the feel of coolness only water brings." I interpret these lyrics as an invitation to be fully present, to embrace the sensation of coldness that is distinct to natural bodies of water, whether a river, a waterfall, or the ocean. While one might associate this experience with man-made sources like showers, I personally resonate more with the beauty of natural water. This duality exemplifies the power of Hozier’s work and the natural world: each listener can derive personal meaning and lessons from both.

References

Hozier. (2023). To Someone From A Warm Climate (Uiscefhuaraithe) [Song]. On Unreal Unearth. Rubyworks Records.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2022). Unraveling Mysteries of Humpback Whale Song at Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Retrieved from https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/sep22/mysteries-of-humpback-whale-song.html

[agenvs3000f24]

Hi Hunter,

Your reflection on nature interconnectedness within music is very reflective and well written. I totally agree that it isn't hard to find a song that references some element of nature. This reminded me of how some songs start up with sounds of nature such as birds, trees whistling wind etc. Music is an art and nature is the muse for many musicians, inspiring their works and connecting with a deep part of who they are. This is evident through many artists we see today, especially Hozier! Wildflower and Barley by Hozier is a great example of this, the song begins with sounds and songs of birds and they remain present in the background of the track, this helps us listeners really picture that landscape that he is painting for us. The song opens up with words like "Springtime in the country" and "I can smell summer on its breathe". These really help listeners imagine the temperature and season he is describing, the late spring warmth on the tip of summer where you smell its arrival close. I think Hozier's incorporation of nature elements really connects me to his music as well. Many other artists also use similar connection and resources from nature, but I thought i'd connect to a hozier examples since I can see your a fan of his work as well.

It's interesting how even people who've never experienced the ocean or mountains can connect with lyrics that draw on those metaphors. As someone who's never been to the mountains, I somehow feel a connection to them based on the way they are represented and translated through art, especially music! It just goes to show how universal nature is in helping us express complex feelings. The comparison between the metaphor of the ocean and a "man-made hole" made me laugh, but you're right, it wouldn’t have the same emotional weight. Nature really is irreplaceable in art and music!

Also "To Someone From A Warm Climate" is such a beautiful song, definitely one of my favorites. His representation of nature through the lyrics is perfect. Even though his songs aren't all directly about nature, he uses natural components to heighten and bring to life the story he tells.

Thank you for your post this week, it was really fun to connect too!

[agenvs3000f24]

Unit 7 Blog Post :)

There is both nature present in music and music present in nature and these two concepts have been interconnected for centuries.  Music surrounds the natural world, as all living things have the gift of producing sounds much like humans, but in their own unique way. When I think of music in nature, I can hear the mourning doves singing loudly in the early mornings, the rustling leaves in the wild as I hike through the woods, the rain hitting my window on a gloomy afternoon, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore as the sun sets. All these are perfect moments in nature when I can close my eyes and allow my ears to fully immerse me in the space. The sounds of nature are pure and free; listening to nature communicate in its own way. I do not need to understand their language in order to feel their energy fill the natural world.

Each creature communicates through its own symphony, and these are what make up the collection of sounds that creates the acoustic environment of any biome (Gray et al., 2001). The article “The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music”, references this as Biophony (Gray et al., 2001).  Like the instruments in an orchestra, each sound in an ecosystem has a specific role to play in the overall acoustic message of the environment (Gray et al., 2001). I love the way that this article provided for this unit connects this to human music, implying that music is a kind of communication that unites people, animals, and even different disciplines. This connection is one of my favorite parts of music, it unifies us. One of my favorite activities is attending concerts because of the way it brings all the people in the room together.  The music speaks to us and even if it translates to us differently, it connects us all. I have had the wonderful opportunity to see Hozier live twice now, and his shows are the most magical, unifying experience. You can sense how his music touches everyone deeply and how we all sway to his voice and instruments, feeling every inch of the sounds and words he produces. 

Nature translates all throughout music as well. Nature is a source of inspiration, composers and musicians draw from the sounds of nature and songwriters use natural imagery within their lyrics. Ben Mirin integrates recordings of natural sounds like trees and lemurs, mixed with his own beatboxing to compose music. His example in the article “Music As A Gateway To Nature” was super interesting and unique. Many indigenous cultures also use natural material from nature, like woods or bones,  to make musical instruments. Nature is incorporated in all aspects of music, and I think that is such a beautiful element to the musical world. Nature in music is a major cultural component to many communities.

A song that takes me  immediately back to a natural landscape is Take Me Home, Country Roads  by John Denver. On every road trip up north to a day at the beach, a week camping or sitting by the campfire, this song is always played. It holds such a special place in my heart as it takes it back to all my favorite memories out in nature, with people who are very special to me. It's a tradition of mine to always play the song on the way there and on the way home  to both begin and end my time spent in the natural world.  I have countless memories playing this song in the car with my parents and friends after spending a beautiful day, or a longer period of time out in nature to wrap up our trip. Everyone always sings along as the windows are down and the volume is on full blast. Driving up north on the country Roads it really does make you feel like you're going home and for me nature is an example of a home in my life.

I'm super excited to hear about the songs that transport you back to your favourite memories in nature, thank you and have a great week :)

[ooenvs3000f24]

Unit Blog 6- Additional Substantive Post.

Just a quicker summary of my first post for week 6:

Have you ever pondered what stories the trees may tell if they could talk when you were strolling through a park or a forest? Envision narratives that span millennia, linking human actions, calamities, and changes in the environment. We are strolling through history rather than merely passing through a landscape.

The quotation from Edward Hyams' emphasizes how crucial it is to preserve integrity across time, particularly when it comes to how we interpret environmental history. In this context, integrity refers to maintaining the relationships, even across centuries between human behaviour and the environment. Ignoring the past is like to believing that a train station is only a mirage that appears while we are present.

Examining the historical interactions between people and the natural world, environmental history as a field contributes to preserving such integrity. Donald Worster's Dust Bowl serves as one illustration of what happens when these relationships are ignored. The ecological catastrophe of the 1930s was not only natural; human mismanagement, stemming from a failure to recognize the fragile equilibrium between climate and land, also moulded it.

Another viewpoint is provided by Alfred Crosby's Ecological Imperialism, which examines how colonisation dispersed ecosystems by bringing European species to other areas. Long-lasting environmental changes resulted from this disturbance, demonstrating once more how human activity may break apart the natural world.

Our job as environmental interpreters is to assist people in identifying these historical links. Centuries of human and environmental interaction have created the landscapes we see today. We contribute to maintaining that purity by narrating these stories and providing background on contemporary environmental issues. History then serves as a tool to inform decisions made in the future.

Particularly in this era of environmental issues and climate change, the past may teach us important lessons. By neglecting the complex link that exists between humans and environment, are we repeating the mistakes of the past? What occurs if stories of the region are lost?

[agenvs3000f24]

Hi Olise,

The questions you pose in this blog post really caught my eye, they are insightful and I would like to share my thoughts. I have wondered many times what the tree would day if they could speak. Many are so old and have been standing tall for decades, I could only imagine the depth of their knowledge and things they have seen and experienced, I would love to listen to the stories from a tree of they could speak to us. I wonder what advice they would give us to help combat climate change? What would they tell us to stop? What would they tell us would be the best way to save the planet?

To answer your questions posed at the of your blog, I definitely think that if we neglect such links that exist between humans and the environment, we are 100% at risk of repeating mistakes of the past. If these stories of regions are lost, we lose our understanding of vast environments and they are at greater risk of danger. This lack of understanding can lead to poor decision-making, potentially endangering the very ecosystems we rely on for our survival. For example, If we lost the historical information we have on the climate systems, we lose our basis to model such systems in order to understand how human actions are currently impacting such systems and the ways we need to change in order to stop the danger from increasing. We need history and the past stories and evidence in order to foster a healthier world in the future. Without it, we are at risk of losing the natural world and all its benefits for good. The thought of that poses a scary future for humans as we are more interconnected and relient on the natural world then we like to admit.

Thank you for sharing this week!

[zaenvs3000f24]

Unit 06 Blog - History in Nature Interpretation

In the quote written by Edward Hymans from The Gifts of Interpretation, we can explore the value of understanding and collectively looking at the past, present and future in interpretation and learning through history. Now you may be asking, what exactly does this mean? Well, Hyman suggests that “there is no peculiar merit in ancient things”, in simpler terms this is referring to ancient items having no value in the absence of history and explanation, or what he refers to as “integrity”. Without the narrative that ties them to the present, ancient things are just old things without a story. In this way, “integrity” brings together the bigger picture of the past, present and future, ensuring that nothing is forgotten or disconnected from the broader sense of history and culture. 

Looking deeper, Hyam mentions that to neglect the past is also to ignore the connectedness of time between the past, present, and future. He mentions that “To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.” In this analogy, just as a station remains after your train has passed, the events, species and overall ecosystems of the past indirectly remain a part of the present - even if they are not immediately visible. When we fail to communicate with integrity, we risk overlooking the impacts of historical events. 

In the context of nature interpretation, Hyam’s quote can remind us of the importance of recognizing historical moments in natural settings. When we interpret nature, we are telling the story of how ecosystems have evolved over time and how the past has shaped what we see as nature today. For instance, one might highlight the contribution of historical organisms to the present and future evolution of ecological systems. Take a forest ecosystem as an example, the trees that make up a lineage shaped by centuries of climate changes, species to species interactions, and human impact. Or maybe how the presence and absence of a species in a location can have a ripple or cascading effect that changes the entire system ecologically. For example, the extinction of a keystone species can lead to overpopulation of prey in turn, depleting vegetation and overall affecting ecosystems as a whole. 

Additionally, this can be explained in terms of natural events and disasters, such as glaciation, volcanic eruption from years ago play an important role in forming today’s landscapes. Without the extent of past events, we would not get to experience the beauty of today’s world. As interpreters, it’s important to recognize the history of growth, adaptation and interactions in relation to our own, human activity as well. By simply maintaining “integrity” we can help others to acknowledge the importance of history in the past relating to the future of preserving our environment for generations to come. In other words, understanding the past is key to ensuring a sustainable future, where ecosystems thrive.

[agenvs3000f24]

Hi Zipporah,

Your blog post provides a thoughtful interpretation on quote written by Edward Hymans from The Gifts of Interpretation. I appreciate how you use Edward Hyams' ideas to emphasize the importance of connecting the past with our understanding of the present and future. This is a vital part of understanding our world today and the possibilities our future may hold as well. How we understand our past and help us make more environmentally steward like decisions to benefit our future.

Your explanation of the importance of highlighting the contribution of historical organisms to the present and future evolution of ecological system was very insightful. Your forest example was especially interesting and I completely agree with your statement that the trees that make up a forest lineage are shaped by long term interactions of climate changes, species and human impact. We can see the impact of these events through the exploration of tree rings in scientific research. The historical past of these tree communities can help us better support them for generation to come. By explaining how species interactions affect ecosystems, like the extinction of a keystone species, you show how interconnected our natural environments are, this both educates and encourages individuals to consider their own impact on the environment and the importance of these complex relationships as humans too are interconnection in many natural systems.

I agree with your point that the role of nature interpreters in maintaining "integrity" is crucial. As nature interpreters we stand at a forefront for connection ecologically and historically events in places to visitors. We foster the understanding of many connections in the world. Our roles as Interpreters can help foster growth and responsibility of conservation and environmental stewardship to visitors, in order to solve current issues and protect the natural world for many more generations. You blog does a great job and exploring the key points from Hymas qoute and unit 6 connect of historical interpretation, Thank you for sharing!

[agenvs3000f24]

Unit 6 Blog Post

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, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it. (Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)

Hyams' passage presents the idea that past history and its content holds significance not because they are old but because they have a large role in preserving the integrity of a whole. The separate parts of history maintain such a connection between the past and present time and they also segway into our connection with the future. This is what Hyams considers the integrity of ancient things to be. Which I agree with, we need our historical past in order to understand the events taking place in the present time, as well as a means of predicting what will come in the future.

I enjoy Hyams analogy of the railway station as it presents another way of viewing this important concept. Regardless if the train is present at the station or not, the station still exists when the train has passed through it. Relating to the merit of ancient things as the history still exists and holds immense value although its time has passed. If we choose to ignore and dismiss the events of the past, this could lead to a fragmented understanding of the world today. For example, in our academic career here at university, many of the courses we take consider information and teachings that have already taken place to further our understanding of the present lessons. In my climate change course last semester, we thoroughly explored past climate conditions and transitions throughout time and history. Exploring the history of climate patterns is an extremely important part of dealing with climate change issues today. Without the vast research and information we have access to from past scientists we would not be able to model our current and future climate systems, thus making it difficult to understand what we need to do to ensure that we stay within safe climate ranges for the wellbeing of the planet. This example is one way that proves the importance of the integrity of ancient things. 

Interpreting nature through history is an important aspect of nature interpretation.  The video provided in this week's unit with Robert Sutton, The National Park Service Chief Historian, emphasizes the importance of historical nature interpretation by connecting people with the stories, landscapes, and cultures that have shaped national parks. Sutton stresses his opinion that visitors' appreciation and sense of stewardship are enhanced when they are aware of the historical background of natural sites. His example of historical interpretation of the Civil War site helps visitors understand the events that took place there but also the cultural and environmental changes over time. By demonstrating the strong relationship between history and nature, this helps people relate to the human tales connected to the land, adding significance to their visits.

When I worked at an Ontario Provincial Park, our park focused heavily on both the ecological and historical value of the land, giving visitors aspects of both. As part of the interpretation staff, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the historical past of the park and getting to interpret such stories to visitors and I always found visitors to be really engaged with the historical past. We used costumes to interpret the Victorian time frame in the old farmhouse that was our living museum for visitors to explore. As staff we would act as Victorians to interpret the culture of the past to visitors and teach them about how such individuals lived back in the past. Many Ontario parks focus more on ecological value through interpretation and I think more parks should include interpretation of history as it allows for such a deeper connection and understanding of the area to visitors. I'm interested to hear about any stories you all may have with historical interpretation in Ontario parks!

[agenvs3000f24]

Unit 5 Blog Post #2

Hey everyone,

As I ventured out on my long drive home today, I was listening to a podcast called How Wild and since these weeks blog is promt free, I wanted to share some of the cool topics they covered in this podcast.

Have you ever wondered what the true meaning of "Wilderness" is? Does "Wilderness" truly exist? Well this podcast travels deep into the discussion of the Wild and I highly recommend you all check it out!

In episode one, titled "Untrammeled", they discuss how wilderness is deemed to be areas completely free from human intervention, but in a world that is being altered due to climate change, does it become appropriate for humans to intervene? In the podcast they use Sequoia National Park as an example. The park, known for its ancient giant sequoia trees, is experiencing severe threats from wildfires, drought, and insect infestations exacerbated by climate change. With these events on a rise, the question is raised weather or not humans should intervene to protect these ecosystems. Human intervention on this issue may include implementing controlled burns to reduce the risk of severe wildfires. Many traditional views strongly believe that the wilderness should be left alone and free from human touch. But what will happen to these national areas and old growth trees such as the Sequoia trees if we don't intervene. The podcast explains that some of these areas are are burned so badly to point of no return, it is no longer possible for them to revert back to the same natural environment on their own. Therefore, plant species like sequoias will not be able to self rejuvenate and we will be left with shrubs and grasses. The severity of these fires are so strong that it can leave the natural environment unable to regenerate naturally, if we refuse to intervene, species such as Sequoia trees may cease to exist. So where does this leave the debate of human intervention on untouched wilderness? What choice do we have at this point? Do we have have enough time to let nature run its course at this point in history?

I'm not sure of the answers to these questions myself, and I have been pondering them all afternoon. So, I thought I would share them here and would love to read some of your guys thoughts!

In my opinion, I understand the importance of keeping land a 100% wild space, but we need to work on reducing our environmental impacts so we can give nature a better chance to heal on its own to decrease the risk of more negative human intervention risks to natural spaces. Although at this point, it may be too late to mitigate these challenges and human intervention might be the only way to save species at risk like the Sequoia trees.

How Wild. (n.d.). How Wild Podcast. https://www.howwild.org/

[erenvs3000f24]

Blog Post #5: Finding Joy in the Chill of Winter

Hey everyone! For this week’s blog, something that has been on my mind recently has been the soon-approaching cold weather. As someone who thrives during summer and fall, the thought of winter can feel discouraging. Over the past few weeks, temperatures have already dropped, and I find myself dreading the long, chilly months ahead. I sometimes refer to myself as a plant that needs sunshine to function properly, and without it, I don’t always feel my best. The shorter days also contribute to my worries about winter as the fewer hours of daylight seem to make me feel more unmotivated. I’ve struggled with seasonal depression in the past, and to get a bit vulnerable, I’ve been feeling anxious about the possibility of slipping back into that mindset. Speaking about this topic is tough, but I know that I’m not alone in these feelings, which is why I’m open to starting a conversation about it! 

With this in mind, I’ve been reflecting on how I’m feeling recently, and have come to realize the importance of staying connected with nature, even when it’s cold outside. During winter, surrounding ourselves in natural environments can ground us, and can provide a sense of calm and clarity. Although it’s easy to stay inside and hibernate - which is something I’ve done in the past - I now see how crucial it is to embrace the outdoors, even if it means bundling up in many layers of clothing. 

I’ve been brainstorming ways to stay connected with nature during this winter, and a surefire way would be to keep going on my walks around the neighbourhood. This is something I used to do with my family during the pandemic, and I always found it super refreshing. The cold air and peaceful surroundings brought me a sense of calm and contentment. Going for a stroll and enjoying the sun whenever it’s out can be a great mood booster, and getting some exercise would shake off any sluggish feelings too. Another idea would be to try out seasonal activities to bring some fun and excitement to the winter months. There are lots of fun options, like building a snowman, or baking Christmas cookies, or even trying out a winter sport like skiing or snowboarding. Taking part in these activities would offer great opportunities to bond with friends and family. Whether it would be from starting a snowball fight, or laughing with each other while on the slopes, these little moments can help us find joy and appreciate the natural wonders of winter. 

Taking a stroll on campus earlier this year!

Those are just a few suggestions for staying connected with nature, which is truly essential for our physical and emotional well-being. As nature interpreters, we can learn to appreciate the unique beauty of winter, and reflect on the deeper meanings behind the changing seasons. I hope to have inspired others to find joy in winter, and nurture their connection with nature, no matter how chilly it gets!

[agenvs3000f24]

Hi emma,

As someone who tends to struggle during the winter months, I really appreciate your openness in this post! Winters can be hard to get through, especially as someone who is used to thriving through the warmer, longer days, filled with sunshine. Even though I was born and grew up here, with cold and snowy winters, I have never been able to get used to the short, cold days of the winter months. There is something so difficult about getting up in the frigid mornings while the sky is still dark at 8m. I really appreciate your sharing of your experience with seasonal depression too. It’s such an important topic, and starting a conversation around it can really help others who might be feeling the same way.

I agree, that despite the difficultness and coldness of winter, it is important to stay connected to nature. It's so easy to get stuck inside, I often find myself hiding in the comfort of my home, but I know this is not health for my mental or physical health. So I try to get outside, even just for small walks. I often feel that it seems more daunting to get outside in the winter then it actually is. Once you get out the door, and spend a few minutes adjusting outside, it isn't so bad and I often end up feeling really glad I pushed myself to get outside. The ideas you presented such as building snowmen or participating in winter sports are great ways to make winter more enjoyable and create positive memories during the colder months. I think it's important to remember that no matter how much some of us may dread the colder months, there is nothing we can do to avoid there presence, so we may as well find ways to make the best of them. I really admire how you’re embracing the natural beauty of the season, and I think your suggestions will inspire others to do the same as they have inspired me ! :)

[clbenvs3000f24]

｡˚·ꕤ⋆Blog 5｡⋆❀

I’ve always been aware that my relationship with our earth is one very intuitive and enlightening by nature. I didn’t realize how heavily this would tie into my future career and role as a nature interpreter until this semester. As a biology and business major (BAS), I enrolled in this course with interest from a scientific and academic approach; however, as I answer each weekly prompt, I realize the sacred views I have of nature are not inherently how everybody feels about it. I’ve always felt a sense of belonging and “oneness” outdoors, surrounded by the ethereal and whimsical elements of nature and wildlife. Similarly, this blog has become an outlet for me to reflect and connect with individuals who share the same love for the natural world. I wasn’t quite sure of what to write for this week’s open topic. I considered talking about the detrimental impact fast fashion has on our environment, as it’s something I’ve always been pretty vocal about. After some thought, I realized I’ve been excessively reflecting on and comparing the differences between my opinions and experience to that of my peers. I’ve asked myself the questions “is it really that deep?” and “is my perspective not scholarly enough?”

While browsing through the collection of my peers’ blog posts, I’ve read about various perspectives of “nature interpretation” and how those views were formed through different life experiences. I’ve been captivated by photographs and entries written by a wide range of individuals, each telling tales of their own unique encounters with the outdoors all over the world! I’ve noticed a decent percentage of my peers are in environmental studies and expressed interest in future roles educating the public in national parks and museums. It’s evident that majority of us aspire to have future careers immersed in nature, encouraging others to increase their awareness to current environmental issues and preaching appreciation for nature as a whole. Likewise, I also envision a future for myself educating the public, but my passion for nature has always been tied to wildlife conservation and raising awareness for all species on our planet.

I’ve resonated with and related to numerous entries in the past four weeks, specifically with classmates who’ve expressed a significant emotional or spiritual connection with nature. I agree with everyone that nature can be very healing and physically/mentally soothing, but it goes far beyond that for me. Nature isn’t something I view as a place to go to escape the busyness and stress of life in our society, but something I wholly identify with.

To me, nature is mystical and enchanting: It’s debatably magical. I feel validated and connected after reading that some of you also see it through this transcendental lense! My introduction to this philosophic ideology was the first time I had considered the significance of maintaining the harmonious aura that connects nature and mankind. I can thank my grade 9 English teacher for introducing me to Henry David Thorough: I even glued the quote “All Good Things are Wild and Free” on my high school graduation cap.

𓅫

[agenvs3000f24]

Hi Chance,

I really enjoyed your heartfelt blog for for this week, it is clear that you share such a deeply rooted connection with nature. I agree with many of the points you've made here and feel deeply about my connection with nature as you do. This connection we share with the natural world come from more than our academic backgrounds or what we have learn about nature, it is a personal spiritual connection with the natural world. You are not alone in this feeling, I too feel that I share a deeper relationship with nature then most may agree with.

You post has helped me reflect on the way I have been talking about my relationship with the natural world as well. I think I often refer to nature as an escape, as something I seek refuge into. While this is still true, and it is my favourite place to rest and refuel, my connection with the natural world began well before this. I believe it is something I have carried with me since I was a young child, and has grown with me throughout my life.

As for your question about whether your perspective is “scholarly enough,” I think that’s exactly what makes your voice so powerful. You bring heart and depth to your writing, and that kind of reflection is as valuable as any academic analysis. In this course, we have spoken a lot about how bringing connection and emotional feeling into nature international is so important. Engaging with visitors through these personal and emotional connections, bring more inspiration to engage with environmental issues in more meaningful ways. Your post this week hit this goal of interpretation for me, it brought to light the emotional connection I hold so deeply with nature, and had me reflecting on this matter.

It’s amazing how this blog has provided a space for you to explore these feelings and connect with others who share your love for nature. I too am appreciative to have this platform to share my ideas and stories through this course. Keep embracing your unique perspective—it’s exactly what the world needs more of.