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Disclaimer
This blog was created for ENVS*3000, University of Guelph.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph.
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Blaze
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Hi everyone!
Wow… I can’t believe this is the last blog of the year! It’s quite a bittersweet feeling but I’m excited to wrap up everything I’ve learned and explored throughout the course in this final post and dive into my true personal ethics as a nature interpreter. Here we go!
What are my personal beliefs?
One of my main personal beliefs as a nature interpreter is sharing empathy and inclusivity through the belief in fostering and creating inclusive spaces where people from all backgrounds and learning abilities feel welcome to connect with and learn from the natural world. As someone who has spent hours volunteering at Kids Ability and has always shared a deep passion for helping people with a disability whether that be physical, mental or emotional, I strongly believe that as a nature interpreter, it is our duty to make all people feel welcomed and included. As I learned in this course, “interpreting to people with disabilities involves getting people to participate and learn by building on their knowledge, interests, and skills, just as with any group of visitors!” and that is exactly the approach I would have as a nature interpreter (Beck, 2018). I also believe this relates to the privilege I have as a nature interpreter in recognizing the importance of integrating all audiences by providing opportunities for building social skills for those with and without disabilities while also recognizing the privilege we carry in relation to those around us. Some suggested examples of proper etiquette when working with people with disabilities are: don’t “talk down’ to a person with a disability, speak in a normal tone of voice, be patient and encouraging, do not lean on a wheelchair or any other assistive device, offer assistance only when permission is given, etc (Beck, 2018).
Secondly, another important belief I carry as a nature interpreter is the belief in lifelong learning. One of my favourite things about nature is that there is always more to learn and discover and always more than what meets the eye. As a nature interpreter, I believe in fostering an environment of lifelong learning where individuals are encouraged to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the natural world through their own individual curiosity and interest. I believe that every individual experiences and interperets the world differently and there is no right way to see the things around us and that learning is continuous.
What are my personal responsibilities?
One of my main responsibilities as a nature interpreter is the responsibility to advocate for the conservation and protection of natural habitats and species, using my platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and what we as a society can do to help. As I learned throughout this course, “public advocacy can be risky, and not always possible everywhere, but for the right organizations there can be enormous opportunities to more deeply connect with their clientele and make a difference in the world,” and that would be my responsibility as a nature interpreter (Beck, 2018). Some of the ways I would promote advocacy is by raising awareness about environmental issues such as climate change or pollution, promoting local conservation efforts and encouraging sustainable practices such as recycling and waste reduction. By using my knowledge, communication skills and passion, I can inspire others to become environmental stewards and advocate for policies and practices that protect and preserve the world around us.
Another key responsibility of mine is to ensure that as a nature interpreter, I always lead ethically and adhere to ethical standards in my interactions with both nature and people, ensuring that my actions are aligned with principles of respect, integrity and honesty. Some of the actions I can take to ensure this would be refraining from actions that cause harm or disruption to ecosystems and wildlife, only conveying information about the natural world that is accurate and honest, recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for indigenous knowledge when interpreting nature and adhering to principles of informed consent before using photographs or data. Ethics are important as a nature interpreter as it’s essential for protecting the environment, species and resources, encourages us to think beyond our immediate needs and consider the impacts of our choices, teaches us to advocate for environmentally friendly practices and also builds trust between the interpreter and their audience (GFG, 2023).
How would I approach this?
One way I would approach being a nature interpreter in a way that is most suitable for me, is through use of experiential learning that involves a hands-on approach to learning that engages participants directly in the learning process. As someone who has always been more of a kinesthetic learner, I believe my teaching approach would be best suitable for things such as hand-on activities including touching or examining leaves or rocks, field investigations, nature-based crafts or projects and physical games like scavenger hunts or obstacle courses. By incorporating this hand-on approach to nature interpretation, I can effectively engage learners in a hands-on, experiential learning experience that fosters connection and curiosity towards the natural world. In doing so, it is also my duty as an interpreter to also recognize that although this is a suitable learning style for me, it might not be the most suitable for those around me. As an interpreter, I must not only be able to cater to every learner, but I need to be able to quickly adapt to suit my audiences needs (Hooykaas, 2024). Incorporating my own preferred learning style while also adapting to the needs of those around me, is what will create the best possible learning environment for my audience as a nature interpreter.
Secondly, another approach I would take as a nature interpreter is teaching through storytelling. As someone who has always been more creative and curious about the natural world, the stories and cultural significance of nature is something that has always appealed to me. Storytelling is a powerful tool in nature interpretation and can, “powerfully convey information about cultural and natural history where stories have the potential to hold the attention of large, mixed-age audiences” (Beck, 2018). Some ways I can use storytelling through nature interpretation is by sharing stories that highlight traditional knowledge, historical events associated with a particular place and Indigenous perspectives. Additionally, by engaging the audience through use of imagination, inviting the audience to envision themselves as part of the narrative through use of vivid imagery or sensory details. Overall, I believe storytelling is one of the best ways to interpret the beauty of the world around us and create an experience for the audience that is unique and inspiring.
Ultimately, as nature interpreters, we play a vital role in bridging the gap between humans and the natural world, encouraging curiosity, appreciation and action. Although each one of us may have different outlooks on important beliefs, responsibilities or approaches, we all play the same important role in the end. I hope you enjoyed listening to mine!
To end this post, I would love to know what your personal most important belief, responsibility, and approach is when it comes to nature interpretation? Do you think one is more important than the other?
Thanks for listening!
Natalie
Works Cited
Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Publishing.
Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 02: Teaching Learners. ENVS3000 Nature Interpretation. University of Guelph.
GfG. (2023, September 10). Environmental ethics - types, importance, examples. GeeksforGeeks. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/environmental-ethics/
Hi Natalie,
As someone who has also worked closely with individuals with a variety of disabilities, I really appreciate you mentioning the importance of interpreting to include people of all abilities!
I also appreciate your prompt at the end, and I will do my best to engage in it.
Personally, my most important belief in nature interpretation is to have a respect for where your knowledge comes from. Whether it be rooted in traditional western science, or as a part of an Indigenous knowledge system, I believe that you must be able to acknowledge and give credit to what gave you the privilege to interpret nature in the first place.
The most important responsibility we hold as interpretors is, in my opinion, not a particularly close contest. We, as interpretors, must be stewards before anything else. The entire purpose of being an interpretor is being able to present information under your own interpretation, for the betterment of others and the natural world around us (or that is the definition I have pieced together thus far). Interpretation is absolutely wasted if you do not interpret with the intention of using this privilege selflessly.
Finally, the approach that I value most is learning through play. I work with kids a lot, in both the school setting as well as a day camp setting during the summer. What I have gathered in my experience in these environments is that members of the youth learn best when they do not know they are learning. This is in no way an effort to deceive them, only to make their learning experience more enjoyable.
Your last question, asking if one is more important than another, is a difficult one to answer. I believe that for each individual interpretor and learner, there is one belief, responsibility, and approach that is most important to their success in interpretation. For me, I believe I have a most important belief and responsibility, but my approach would need to vary depending on the audience. Interpretting for adults or teenagers is far different than interpretting for children, but similar practices and principles can be transferrable. I know that in one of my classes in university, my professor used Minecraft to teach about soil types. Some adults may find that using a kids game to teach an important piece of course work is a waste of time, those willing to listen and participate found the activity very engaging and useful for our development as students in that class!
09: My final blog!
As I’m getting ready to graduate soon, ready to hopefully go into the world of science and nature interpretation, I can't help but feel both excitement and a bit of nervousness. Reflecting on my journey through university, I realize that my personal ethic has been quietly evolving, shaped by my deep love for nature and my desire to share its beauty with others!
Since I was a kid, I've been really drawn to the outdoors and nature, especially animals. Whether it was chasing butterflies through meadows, building forts in the woods, or simply lying in the grass and watching clouds drift by, nature has always been one of my happy places. As I grew older, my passion for nature grew more into a passion for conservation and environmental advocacy. I think I started to see nature not just as a playground, but as a precious and fragile ecosystem that needed protection. From the smallest hummingbird to the mightiest lion, every creature and every corner of the natural world has become special to me.
As I prepare to step into the role of a nature interpreter in the future, I find myself thinking about a whole new set of questions and responsibilities. What beliefs do I bring to this work? What kind of interpreter do I want to be? At the heart of my personal ethic, I have a passion for the beauty and complexity of nature. I think that every leaf, every rock, every drop of rain is a masterpiece in its own right, deserving of awe and admiration. But my passion also goes beyond just appreciation, it extends to a determination to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. In my eyes, being a nature interpreter isn't just about pointing out cool animals and pretty flowers (although those are definitely fun parts of the job). It's about creating a sense of wonder and curiosity, giving people a deep connection to the natural world and inspiring others to become passionate stewards of the earth as well (Beck et al., 2018, p. 42).
To achieve these goals, I'm personally a firm believer in the power of hands-on learning. There's just something magical about getting your hands dirty and your feet wet, about feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Whether it's leading nature walks, conducting field research, or getting to hold and touch cool animals, I'm all about getting out there and getting involved. I think that hands-on experiences are great at creating a sense of connection (GGI Insights, n.d.). They engage multiple senses, promote direct interaction with the environment, and create memorable, immersive experiences that resonate deeply with people (Bloemendaal, 2023). But hands-on learning isn't just about having fun (although, again, it's definitely a perk). It's also about deepening our understanding of the natural world, bettering our observation skills, and creating a sense of empathy for the creatures we share this planet with (GGI Insights, n.d.). After all, it's hard to care about something you've never seen or experienced firsthand.
In addition to hands-on learning, I'm a big fan of interdisciplinary approaches to nature interpretation. The natural world is truly a complicated place, so understanding it requires more than just a basic knowledge of biology or ecology. It requires us to consider the cultural, historical, and social factors that shape our relationship with nature, as well as the ethical implications of our actions (Spokes, 2020). That's why I think it would be important to always be on the lookout for new ways to weave together different disciplines and perspectives in nature interpretation work. Whether it's incorporating indigenous knowledge into nature walks, exploring the intersection of art and science in outreach programs, or delving into the psychology of conservation behaviour in research, it’s important that we build connections between disciplines (Spokes, 2020). Especially as someone who has a passion for science, discussing science in nature interpretation is crucial because it provides a foundation of understanding, creates informed appreciation, and empowers people to make informed decisions about conservation and environmental stewardship.
Of course, no discussion of nature interpretation would be finished without addressing the elephant in the room: ethical wildlife viewing. As someone who's spent more hours than I can count marvelling at the beauty of wild animals and trying to do wildlife photography, I know how tempting it can be to get up close and personal for that perfect shot. But I also know that our desire for a good photo shouldn't come at the expense of the animals we love. That's why I'm committed to practicing responsible wildlife viewing techniques, like keeping a safe distance, minimizing habitat disturbance, and never feeding or approaching wild animals (Burns, 2017).
Finally, I believe that as a nature interpreter, I have a responsibility to address pressing environmental issues like climate change and habitat loss. These are not just abstract concepts or distant threats, but real problems that are already having a huge impact on the world around us. That's why I'm committed to using my platform as a nature interpreter to raise awareness about these issues, to share stories of resilience and adaptation in the face of environmental change, and to inspire other people to take action in their own lives and communities. Because at the end of the day, it's not enough to simply appreciate the beauty of nature, we have to fight for its protection.
Overall, my personal ethic as a nature interpreter is grounded in a deep passion for the natural world, a commitment to hands-on learning and interdisciplinary approaches, a dedication to ethical wildlife viewing, and a passion for environmental advocacy. As I Start this journey, I know that the road ahead will be long and challenging, but I'm ready to face whatever comes my way with determination, curiosity, and a whole lot of love for nature!
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp. 42). Sagamore Publishing.
Bloemendaal, M. (2023, March 5). Unlocking the Power of Hands-On Learning: Benefits, Activities, and Examples. Studio Why. https://studiowhy.com/unlocking-the-power-of-hands-on-learning-benefits-activities-and-examples/
Burns, G. L. (2017). Ethics and Responsibility in Wildlife Tourism: Lessons from Compassionate Conservation in the Anthropocene. Wildlife Tourism, Environmental Learning and Ethical Encounters, 213-220. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55574-4_13
Conservation Education: Young People for Environmental Stewardship. (2024, March 8). Gray Group International. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.graygroupintl.com/blog/conservation-education#:~:text=Hands%2Don%20learning%20and%20outdoor%20experiences%20provide%20learners%20with%20opportunities,sense%20of%20responsibility%20and%20stewardship
Spokes, M. (2020, October 23). The interdisciplinary path to a more diverse conservation movement. Conservation Optimism. https://conservationoptimism.org/the-interdisciplinary-path-to-a-more-diverse-conservation-movement/
Hello!
I, too, am graduating this year and I share many of your sentiments about the occasion. The idea of leaving university, a place that has brought me such comfort and acceptance these past four years, and embarking on a new journey is quite terrifying!
It is clear from your post that you have become quite the nature interpretor these past few years, not to mention how your love for nature that was instilled in your youth has granted you with a very valuable basis for interpretation! I can tell that whatever avenue you choose to pursue in the future, nature interpretation will surely prove to be a useful skill in your endeavors!
In your post, I particularly appreciate your mention of interdisciplinary approaches, especially weaving Indigenous knowledge systems into the way we interpret nature. Due to the injustices committed by the Canadian government towards the Indigenous people of Canada, I believe it is incredibly important include their knowledge systems when discussing nature interpretation. With globalization and the Eurocentric takeover of North America, we lose focus of the importance of native language, information, and culture that once reigned supreme in Canada. Generations of knowledge of the natural world, passed down through story and song, has seemed to lose its impact in our scientific and natural discussions. Out of respect for those who have lived on this land for the longest, I believe Indigenous knowledge systems be included in modern discussions of nature interpretation.
Additionally, I believe that all knowledge systems should be included in this discussion. In the West, we have a tendancy to favour western information. Take medicine for example: there exists a vast wealth of knowledge in Eastern medicine, but medical practitioners do not implement these teachings in their practices. This could be due to the lack of emphasis on these knowledge systems when they are conducting their schooling, but it could also be a general lack of interest in exploring alternative remedies and practices due to a distrust in foreign knowledge systems.
Nature Interpretation's Role in Environmental Sustainability
Hello! It is very hard to believe that this is my last blog post of the semester! It has been a wild ride to say the least.
What beliefs do I bring?
As an interpretor, I bring a variety of different beliefs from many aspects of my life. Some beliefs stem from previous experiences, whereas others have been gained throughout the course of this semester. Some beliefs, such as my belief that different distinct learning types are integral to an effective learning culture, are preexisting but are reinforced by content learned this semester (Hooykaas, 2024, Unit 02). This particular belief originates from my love of learning and teaching, and my desire to enter the field of education. Additionally, I possess a fair amount of experience working with youth which has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and insight into how to navigate different learning styles.
The second strongest belief that I bring to interpretation is the importance of a scientific approach, or at least having an appreciation for the science behind whatever I am interpreting. As a nature interpretor, much of the content being interpreted has a basis in science, which cannot be ignored. However, it is important to try to combine science with contrasting approaches, like art. This way the possible density of a scientific concept can be lightened by a more digestible format (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 90).
Finally, an overarching belief that encapsulates everything I believe as an interpretor is the importance of using my interpretations to promote positivity, justice, and equity within our world (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 13). This will be further elaborated on in the next section.
What responsibilities do I have?
As I stated above, being a steward of nature is one of the biggest responsibilities of an interpretor. However, I believe it extends well past that. Even if I am trying to be an interpretor of nature, I must be a steward of far more than just nature. Any and all interpretors should be advocates of all good and just, whether it relates to nature or not. Realistically, humans are an incredibly impactful aspect of nature that is often overlooked, so issues of social justice and concerns related to humans are absolutely related to nature.
Outside of the responsibility of being stewards of Earth, I also have the responsibility of taking the knowledge gathered from this course and from my life experiences, and interpretting it in ways that are digestible by the general public. Any individual with higher understanding or proficiency in an area of study has the responsibility to do good with said information. In my case, the best way I can use my influence for good is by being an interpretor now and in the future.
What approaches are most suitable for me as an individual?
When examining which approaches are most suitable to me, I believe it is important to note that regardless of the approach, Tilden's Principles of Interpretation are always considered. In particular, the fourth principle is most applicable to me as an individual. This principle states that "the chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation", which is particularly important to me because many of people can recount an instance in their life when an individual who was supposed to be an interpretor was instead just giving instruction (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 84).
I believe the best approach for me is a combination of practical, hands on learning and games. My experience with teaching and learning with kids has taught me that play is easily the most effective method of interpretating nature. This approach keeps the learners engaged on the activity because there is an explicit aspect of enjoyment for them. In many instances, an interpretor can mask their teachings with play, so much so that the participants may not even realize that their activity has an ulterior motive, one of education and interpretation.
What personal ethics do I have?
Personally, I hold myself to high standards as an interpretor. I can acknowledge my privileges, or the baggage I carry in my invisible backpack, and I attempt to push these preexisting notions aside (Hooykaas, 2024, Unit 03). As an interpretor, I will face a wide array of different people, each with unique backgrounds and experiences. It is when I encounter these individuals that I must be completely transparent and able to tailor my interpretations so that it does not exclude or favour any single individual. My interpretations must be objective in every sense of the word, especially since, ideally, those learning from my interpretations can take what they have learned and interpret it for others in the future.
References:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp. 13). Sagamore Publishing.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp. 84). Sagamore Publishing.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp. 90). Sagamore Publishing.
Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 02: Teaching Learners. ENVS3000 Nature Interpretation. University of Guelph.
Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 03: Risk versus Reward in Interpretation. ENVS3000 Nature Interpretation. University of Guelph.
Sense-Making of Nature Interpretation
This week we are asked to interpret the most amazing thing we know about nature, which is a very loaded topic in my opinion.
There are so many aspects of nature so the “most amazing” will be very subjective with people. For me, the thing that amazes me most in nature is the variety of different ecosystems and their species that exist around the world. I’ve been very fortunate to have travelled to some very cool places in the world and observed many otherworldly plants and animals. Australia is probably my favourite and I want to use it as an example for this because it is one of the farthest places on Earth from Canada. As an environmental science student, I was in awe of so many unique plants and animals that I didn’t even know existed. Australia's isolation has led to the evolution of many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. I gained an immense appreciation for the evolution of plants and animals for how they adapt to unique climates and environmental conditions. The most popular example is the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world with an overwhelming display of aquatic organisms.
This is a picture I took of a little pied cormorant in Great Otway National Park in Victoria, Australia.
There are countless regions of the world that offer a unique array of species, but we must know that long-distance travel isn’t the only way to observe diverse environments. Here in southwestern Ontario, we are situated in close proximity to so many diverse different environments that all have very unique offerings. For example, the Pinery Provincial Park in Grand Bend is one of the last remaining oak savannah ecosystems in Canada, with over 800 plant species, 300 bird species and many rare/endangered, it is one of the most diverse regions in Canada. Other nearby examples of areas with unique biodiversity include Long Point Wildlife Reserve, Point Pelee National Park, and many areas along the Niagara Escarpment.
I find inspiration in different environmental experiences, whether it’s going to provincial parks I’ve never been to before or seeing a rare/endangered organism. This is one of the many beauties of nature, it’s more accessible than people think and does not require lots of money spent on travel to experience something new.
I’d love to hear some of your experiences with this and if there was any one moment that inspired you to be more connected with nature!
References:
Hooykaas, A. (2024). ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation course notes
Pinery Provincial park. Welcome to Pinery Provincial Park. (n.d.). https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/pinery
Hey!
Your exploration into the uniqueness of nature truly encapsulates the prompt for this week. Personally, I chose to look at one very specific mechanism of nature, whereas your angle was moreso focused on the bigger picture. I wanted to go more grandiose in scale, but I couldn't pick just one fact that I felt was suitable, yet I think you found one!
Your post also stuck out to me because you mentioned the Pinery Provincial Park in Grand Bend, which I live super close to! I've been to the Pinery many times - probably too many times to count - so I can attest to the fact that it is incredibly diverse in it's biota. I have explored many provincial parks in Ontario, including Lake Superior, Algonquin and Killarney, and the Pinery remains as the most visually and aesthetically unique landscapes (though this could be due to the unique nature of it's biome type).
If anyone is reading this and has never been to the Pinery Provincial Park, I cannot recommend it enough. However, avoid going in the summer, because the summer crowd is a little unruly and the park gets overcrowded quickly.
Sense-Making of Nature
This week's prompt has tasked us with interpretting the most amazing thing that I know about nature - easier said than done! Trying to narrow it down to only one amazing fact is very difficult, because each idea that comes to mind does not feel spectacular enough. However, I decided to ignore this and pick one tidbit that is of particular interest to me, even though it may not be the most incredible on a grandscale.
The wood frog is a small tundra-dwelling species of frog that is a generally normal appearing amphibian than can be found here in Canada, but they have a very unique trait that helps them survive!
(National Wildlife Federation, n.d.)
These frogs have antifreeze-like properties in their blood that allow them to prevent cellular freezing, which would otherwise be fatal. This allows wood frogs to hibernate in extremely cold temperatures, all while maintaining their internal functioning without freezing! However, it is only cellular damage that is prevented. During hibernation, other parts of their body, like the space between cells, freezes and then thaws once hibernation has been completed.
In a previous course, vertebrate structure and function, we were tasked with creating our own unique vertebrate species using aspects of other pre-existing species. I chose to include the antifreezing properties of the wood frog, as it was the most unique individual trait I came across. Since then, this species has fascinated me immensely, making them the subject for, in my opinion, the most amazing nature fact!
Reference:
Wood frog. National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). https://www.nwf.org/educational-resources/wildlife-guide/amphibians/wood-frog
Blog 7: Planting musical roots
I believe music in nature is very easy to find. Birds are found on every continent and sea birds such as the Albatross spend most of their life at sea or near water. One could even say that it is very difficult to find a location where birds have not colonized. One of the unique aspects of birds is their mating rituals, which involve multiple dance routines, plumage colors, structures such as nests, and, most importantly, songs.
Male Bowerbird decorating its nest with bright objects to attract a potential mate.
Bird songs and calls are perhaps the most recognizable characteristics of birds apart from their wings and beaks. Many bird species identification books and keys use bird songs and calls to identify the species since you cannot always see a bird, but you can definitely hear it. Characterizing bird songs as music, as defined by humans, tends to be controversial. Musicians, composers, scientists, researchers, and bird experts cannot agree that bird songs are music. One of this week’s assigned papers, ‘The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music’ by Gray et al. (2001) supports that bird songs are music but articles over the years from (2012) and (2023) still showcase that the discussion is ongoing and will likely not reach a concrete conclusion any time soon.
Nature in music is, in my opinion, vague. Can you call a song describing a couple’s divorce, written after the author went on a nature hike as being inspired by nature? Does the song have to mention or explicitly revolve around nature to be considered as a song inspired by nature? I do not know, to be honest, but that’s the beauty of music as an art form, it's subjective, so you can define nature in music however you want.
Plant Wave in progress, where electric singnals from the plant are being converted to music.
Regarding nature in music, I want to talk about a specific type of music or phone application; Plant Wave. Plant Wave is a phone application that converts electrical signals produced by plants into music that plays through the app by using a sensor that is hooked up to the plant. The creator of Plant Wave, Joe Patitucci, has released some songs he has made using plants. I personally find this fascinating since you do not think about plants when it comes to music but Joe Patitucci did, and he has opened a gateway for people to enjoy nature even more through Plant Wave.
My story revolving plant wave is funny as I found one of Joe’s songs on Spotify while listening to a playlist about space themed synthwave music (think about the interstellar movie theme). I found this rather amusing because while looking for music relating to the vastness of space, I ended up back on Earth listening to a plant’s electronic signals instead. This scenario showcases how the reach of nature can be further expanded using media as described by this week’s assigned textbook chapter reading. If Joe had not decided to share his nature experience with the public, I would have never gone down the rabbit hole that was plant wave.
C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E-S-O-N-G song being performed live in public for the first time
As for a song that takes me back to natural landscape, I think about the CAMPFIRE song song (yes it is song song, not a typo) from SpongeBob Squarepants. The whole episode revolves around how camping can be fun and dangerous. Nowadays, whenever I hear camping or campfire, that song immediately comes to my mind, especially the sear bear scene (if you have watched the episode, you know the sea bear scene).
Hello there!
I am so so SO glad someone brought up the CAMPFIRE song song, as that song has great significance in my early life. As well, Gary's Song brings back memories of screaming its lyrics on the way to summer camp. I think Spongebob, especially for our generation (gen z) helped create associations between nature and music, being that the show often incorporated musical numbers into many of their episodes. Just off the top of my head, I can think of so many songs from Spongebob Squarepants that could have also impacted me in the same way; Sandy's Texas song, Ripped Pants, Goofy Goober Rock, and so many more. I believe it is imperative that shows like Spongebob exist to help kids form memories, whether it be of nature or of any important event of their childhood. I believe the memories I remember best have some form of scent associated with it, whether it be touch, taste, smell, or sound in the case of music.
I really like how you talked about plantwave and initially starting by looking through spacewave playlists, because I think I have the perfect recommendation for you. Listen to The Spring Carried Maple Leaves by Forklift Operator. They are a super underrated synthwave inspired artist, and this song in particular has numerous nature sounds incorporated into the production. On top of this, none of their songs have over 4000 streams on Spotify, absolutely a hidden gem if I do say so myself!
The Nature of Music
For many, music may be considered one of humankind's most culturally impactful inventions, but did humans really create music?
Much of what we know as music has been created and curated by humans, but there is a whole musical world that can be found in the natural world. In fact, it is quite easy to find this natural music, but it is also quite easy to miss. Some songs have geographic or climatic origins, like thunderstorms, the smooth sounds of waves crashing on a shoreline, or roar of a raging wildfire. Other songs come from biota, like the howling of wolves, the singing of songbirds, or the chittering of squirrels.
Like anthropogenic music, the sounds of nature have been proven to provide numerous positive impacts on human health. Some of these effects include increased levels of attentiveness and relaxation, improved sleep, and improved mood (Ontario Parks, 2019).
Beck et al. states that music is able to evoke strong emotions from an audience, making it a strong tool to explore themes of nature (Beck et al., 2018). When examining topics of concern regarding nature, such as climate change, music can be a useful medium to not only reach the masses but also to try to inspire a sense of natural stewardship to help mitigate or prevent said concern.
I have one song in particular that I would like to share that blend music and nature, and are tied to some of my fondest memories. The first song is Silver Lining by Mt. Joy. This song has a ton of value in my life, as it was pretty much the theme song to my favourite camping trip ever: Lake Superior provincial park in the Summer of 2023. This was the most recent trip I took with my significant other, and camping is a passion we share that unites us. When listening to this song, I can't help but reminisce on the beautiful lakeside breeze and mountain top views, like the image below.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing
Ontario Parks. (2019, July 30). Listening to nature’s music. Parks Blog. https://www.ontarioparks.ca/parksblog/natures-music/
Nature Interpretation through history
Hey guys! Delving into the realms of the quote, "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity," we embark on a journey to unravel the interconnected essence of ancient artifacts and the virtue of integrity. This quote pushes us to re-think the significance we link to historical elements and traditions, shedding light on their role in maintaining the overall unity intact.
The quote is all about integrity, not just being morally right, but showing how different things can work together smoothly. It's like a super glue that makes sure everything, old or new, fits well together to make a complete picture.
To understand the meaning behind the quote, we need to realize that the past isn't just something stuck in one place. Knowing and remembering old stuff is super important for keeping things together now and in the future. Think of ancient things like the building blocks that give our story more history and make the whole picture more interesting.
The quote uses a train station metaphor as an example to show why we shouldn’t ignore our past. Saying the station (which is like the past) only matters when our train (representing the present) is there is not the best mindset to have and is overall, just a wrong interpretation. The metaphor doesn't consider how the past keeps affecting the present and future, like a train station that's always part of a long track, not just when our train passes through.
For each person, grasping the value of integrity means knowing where they come from. It's not just about what's happening now; it's also about realizing that who we are and how we grow is influenced by our past. And for societies, giving importance to ancient things means appreciating our cultural history, and traditions, and knowing our past, they're like key pieces that make up our shared identity.
Breaking down this thoughtful quote, we discover a deep truth about the importance of integrity and how it's closely tied to ancient things. It prompts us to see the past, present, and future as connected, encouraging a wider outlook. While we navigate today's complex world, let's not overlook the valuable lessons from history. What are your thoughts on balancing ancient elements and the virtue of integrity?
As we connect the dots between the past and present, we realize ancient things aren't just old; they're like hidden treasures that make our lives today more vibrant. They're not just history books; they're the cool stories and traditions that give us a sense of who we are. Picture it like weaving a colorful blanket with bits of old stories, cultural stuff, and the wisdom of our ancestors. Recognizing how ancient things and integrity work together is like understanding that these threads in our big blanket are always relevant. So, let's dig into our old stories, blend them into our lives now, and make sure the next generation gets a cool, colorful blanket too. What old stories or traditions do you think are super important today?
Sofia
Hi Sofia!
You ask a very valuable question that I don't believe I am in the position to answer directly. I say this because there is so much importance in any and all stories and traditions, even if some are more important than others. I believe that every story, every song, and every tradition has helped shape our world in some way. If you were to ask what old stories or traditions do I think are important to me, then perhaps I would be able to better answer the question. The beauty of the individual experience is that we all draw inspiration for our cultures and lives from different sources. However I believe as Canadians, the most important stories and traditions are those that are often viewed with less importance or with less emphasis on their impact on our daily lives. It may come across as cliche, but I really wholeheartedly believe that Native Canadian traditions, stories, and teachings are lost in the industrialised Canadian society, despite being integral to understanding our natural world. These stories often come from times of industrial absence: a time when nature was in it's most untouched state. When Hymes stated, "the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things", your question made me realize: what is more ancient than the stories of North America's first people? Who understands nature at the most personal and intimate level, if not the people who have been living amongst it's beauty for the longest?
Nature Interpretation through History
In chapter 7 of The Gifts of Interpretation, Edward Hymes states "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". Breaking down this excerpt begins by understanding the meaning of merit. In this context, merit likely refers to the value something can hold and by stating that there is no peculiar merit in ancient things, the author is claiming that things do not necessarily have value just because they are old. Hymes then goes on to state that it is truth and presenting a topic as a whole rather than select parts that dictates value. So far this quote is quite straight forward, but we're about to get a lot more confusing.
Hymes then says "maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things", which makes the "there is no peculiar merit in ancient things" statement seemingly contradictory. However, this only suggests the importance of "ancient things" is found when we are able to refer to these relics of the past in order to help dictate our future decisions. To me, maintenance of integrity is done whenever you feel as though you are lacking in your role as an interpretor. Being an interpretor means you present your interpretations honestly, without bias, and as an entirety. If we feel like we are not meeting this definition, then we must look to those before us and the work they have laid out in order to gain insight on how to move forward.
The last part of Hymes' excerpt is his analagy regarding the importance of history. In this scenario, our train is us as interpretors and the train station could be nature or whatever topic is being interpreted. We are only able to be interpretors because there is something to interpret, as a train can only run because there are train stations. However, sometimes we feel as though the opportunity to be interpretors is unique to us, or the interpretation only exists because we exist to interpret it. This, of course, is false, as there have always been a multitude of interpretors to come before us and there is an immense wealth of interpretors waiting to come after us.
Now how does this all tie into nature? Well, nature and history are strongly interconnected. When examining a natural environment, there is a great wealth of history tied to a variety of different natural aspects (Beck et al., 2018). History can be observed in the visible biota, the geology and land formations, the climate and existing weather patterns, and so much more.
References:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Blog 5: La Divina Comedia
This week's post will be a bit out of the box, more of an analysis of nature through a story I grew up with. Being raised as a Roman Catholic, Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy was often referenced as he was a famous 14th-century Catholic poet from Florence, Italy. It is a three-part piece that follows Dante through the nine circles of hell, purgatory, and heaven (Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso). This story takes most of its inspiration from the Bible, as well as Greek and Roman mythology. It is not a real account of things that exist, it is an idea that even the church doesn't fully agree with (as a disclaimer if you want to read up on it).
In this story, nature is used as a motif, serving as a metaphor and emotional representation. Dante begins by finding himself lost in a dark forest, symbolizing a state of confusion and moral decay. The dense forest represents a state where people are trapped in spiritual darkness, consumed by worldly desires.
As he descends into the nine circles of hell, the landscape around Dante becomes increasingly mutilated. This mirrors the moral anguish of the people there. There are rivers of fire and frozen wastelands, both as a punishment and a representation of what sin is happening in that layer. Here, nature reflects humanity’s darkest places, a reminder of the emotional turmoil the inhabitants and Dante are going through with each worse level.
La Pandamonium by John Martin via Google Images
When Dantes completes his descent through hell, he finds himself in purgatory. Purgatory is illustrated as a mountain with lush vegetation and clear water, a clear separation from the last place Dante was. This natural representation signifies hope and purification. The fact that there is also light in purgatory indicates no more turmoil or confusion, only ambition. As Dante ascends the mountain, he is accompanied by the growing beauty of the landscape surrounding him. This guides him spiritually and emotionally toward enlightenment and happiness.
In heaven, nature goes beyond its earthly limitations, becoming more beautiful and serene than ever seen before. It is able to manifest as celestial orbs with radiant light. This represents eternal happiness and beauty, there is no confusion, turmoil, or bad feelings here. The natural world unites with the divine world, embodying harmony and becoming a metaphor for the indescribable beauty and interconnectedness between us and nature.
Dante’s references to nature represent the interconnectedness of all living things. By exploring the implications of the landscape around him in his journey, Dante makes you think about your relationship with the natural world. This can be seen in my favourite era of art, the Classical period. These paintings serve as a visual aid in the story and invite us as viewers to contemplate the deeper meaning.
Palace of Versailles Ceiling Art by Jon Berghoff, photo taken by me
Hello,
Given the lack of prompt this week, your chosen discussion topic is particularly unique. By choosing this topic, you were able to create a post that reflects both your personal life as well as a unit of content discussed in class (nature as art).
Before reading your post, all I knew about Dante was the name. As I began diving into the content of this post, I was rather confused how you would be able to tie this into nature, but it all came together in the end.
Your point regarding the interconnectedness in nature is, what I believe, the most important aspect of understanding nature as a whole (if that is even possible!). If I could draw a similarity to another belief system, I would suggest looking into interconnectivity within native Canadian belief systems. Below I will attach an article that goes further in depth into this idea, but to summarize, interconnectivity is the concept that everything in the universe is connected.
This relates further to a teaching that I am quite fascinated with: trophic interactions and the transfer of energy within an ecosystem. The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, which suggests that all existing energy is infinitely recycled and recycling. Due to this, I believe that it is fair to say that everything in the universe is either connected, will be connected, or has the potential to be connected.
AH
Interested in understanding how Indigenous connectivity affects decision making in Indigenous communities? This short article provides some
Terrarium building!
A topic that has been on my mind for a while now is the hobby of terrarium building. More specifically, I am very interested in trying to achieve a self-sustaining terrestrial colony within my home.
Isopods, or roly-polys, have become one of my favourite animals in recent years. In a self-sustaining terrarium, isopods play a critical role in nutrient cycling as detritivores.
However, isopods do not act alone. A very common pairing with these decomposers are springtails. Springtails are a versatile species of detritivores that are known for their taste for mold. Mold can become an issue in terrariums because they often have warm, moist conditions: perfect for the cultivation of mold. I am also quite fond of these little guys, mostly because I find their spring-loaded tail-jumps particularly interesting.
Terrariums are so fascinating to me in particular because I am quite interested in trophic relationships and food web interactions. Having a controlled environment of my own to examine and analyze at any moment is a dream of mine. If I had unlimited funds, I would build a giant terrarium called a vivarium with large plant life, a black water system, and numerous different trophic levels (including apex predators for natural population control). If you wanted to get a better idea of my vision, AntsCanada has a really interesting series on YouTube where he builds an awesome rainforest vivarium.
I hope I have inspired you to look into the magic of self-sustaining terrariums, either terrestrial or aquatic!
My Relationship with Nature
Hi!
Despite this being numerous weeks late, I thought I would still make a post regarding my relationship with nature.
My relationship with nature has been strong since a young age. I grew up in a rural area, and was offered many opportunities from my family to explore nature in a variety of settings. For as long as I can remember, I have been exploring Ontario's forests and lakes, the coasts of the Eastern maritime provinces, the Rocky Mountains of Western Canada, and the coral reefs in the Caribbean. Though I believe I took these experiences for granted and never fully appreciated the beauty surrounding me, likely due to my young age. My relationship with nature has evolved as I have grown older as I now have the freedom to enjoy nature at my own pace, on my own accord.
I believe the person who offered me "a sense of place" is my significant other. We have been together since we were 14, and it has been in these past few years of adulthood that she has given me the opportunity to carve out my identity as an enjoyer of nature. She has shared the beauties of Northern Ontario, as she grew up camping in the area. Due to this, I feel as though camping in the Ontario wilderness has given me my "sense of place".
4: Art and Nature
I think that art has been inspired by nature for such a long time, and it's no wonder why. Nature is beautiful, in so many different ways, that it's easy to draw inspiration from the world around you. Now me personally, I'm not really an artist, but I love looking at art, and I love nature, so art inspired by nature always make me feel good. So many artists are so talented at not just drawing landscapes, but showing their appreciation for nature through their art. I find that my favourite artists are able to connect with the intricacy of nature, such as ecosystem balances, and the connections within nature. My favourite paintings make me feel something, which I think is the key to successful interpretation through art.
Some of my favourite nature paintings: Top: Ivan Aivazovksi's The Ninth Wave (personal favourite, I have a print of it!). Bottom left: Claude Monets' Cliff at Varengreville. Bottom right: Albert Bierstadts' Mount Corcoran.
The most important part of art and nature is the translation of sentiment from artist to audience (Beck et al., 2018). As I said above, I find that my favourite pieces make me feel anything. The ones I added to this post make me feel small, in a good way. Nature is everywhere, and it's boundless, so I appreciate each of these paintings for the way that they can capture that feeling, at least to me.
My kind of nature interpretation through art would probably be the art of flower pressing. My dad and I used to do it when I was young, and I remember pressing the first flowers that would bloom in our backyard in the springtime. I find pressing flowers creates a memory, and as someone who loves preserving things and being able to remember them later, pressing flowers was the way to do that. I also like that I was able to do it with my dad, and that he taught me the way to do it, so I can do it with someone else in the future.
In conclusion, the relationship between art and nature is quite the dramatic interplay, shaped the most by the interpretations of both the artists and the viewers.
References:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing.
Wow!
You sharing your memory of flower pressing with your dad was incredibly touching, almost like you are sharing with us a little part of the love shared between you and your dad. I believe this brings up another aspect of nature in an artistic medium, which is the personal connections it can draw between individuals. Most of us do not share a personal tie to most of the artists of famous paintings of nature, but I am sure many of us have more personal pieces of art that can be connected to a loved one or close friend. Personally, I have glass paintings of whales that I had done with my significant other, and while on the surface they are just paintings of whales, there comes a much more valuable aspect to it. Memories, in my opinion, are the most cherished belonging, but also one of the most overlooked. It is so common for people to forget important moments in their life, both big and small. Having a physical memento of these instances can drastically help the retention of these moments that help sculpt us as people and the relationships we hold dear.
Amazing post, and thank you for sharing both your personal details and your favourite art pieces!
AH
Nature Interpretation through Art
Everybody has a different relationship with nature and art; both separately and in conjunction with one another. Both nature and art have the capability of evoking emotion through the natural beauty and fond memories they can hold. When answering the question "who are you to interpret nature through art?", I believe the best course of action is to think from the artist's perspective. The purpose of nature through an artistic medium can be argued to being merely a translation of sentiment from the artist (Beck et al., 2018). There is no target audience, no one that the artist is tailoring their work for. The expression of nature through art is the sharing of the artist's perspective; their memories, their passions, the beauty that they have experienced that they wish to share with the masses. However, it is important to note that this form of art does not exist to simply showcase the visual appeal of nature, but it also instills a feeling of responsibility in the audience: a responsibility to conserve this natural beauty for future generations (Beck et al., 2018). On a rather depressing note, we know that human life is limited in time. Similarly, the appearance of the natural world feels fleeting in it's beauty, especially if your live in a heavily urbanised area. Art is everlasting as long as we have those dedicated to curating it, meaning we will always have snapshots of what can be achieved in terms of the condition of the natural world.
Answering the second question "how do you interpret the gift of beauty?" was not as simple. This actually took a lot of self-reflection, but I believe my conclusion is concrete. I interpret the gift of beauty through experience, and documenting said experiences with photographs. In recent years especially, my partner and I have fallen in love with exploration. We take every opportunity we have to pack up and absorb the natural world around us, travelling hundreds of kilometres to be connected to many parts of our beautiful province. If I ever feel cramped in the big city (yes, Guelph is a big city to me!), I take a few minutes to reflect on my collection of photographs from some of my favourite places in the world. For a brief moment, I am there. I am amongst the trees, feeling the cold air on my breath and the rough terrain underfoot. I am scaling cliffs, overturning logs on the hunt for critters, or just sitting riverside with those I love most. I interpret beauty as memories to be relived whenever I feel a lack of natural beauty in my life♥.
Thank you for taking this trip with me, granted it became a little more emotional than I intended! Attached below are some of my fondest memories in photo form.
AH
Blog 3
The idea of privilege is significant yet often overlooked in the fields of environmental research and nature interpretation. To define privilege, I would suggest it is a complicated combination of unfair advantages that people may accumulate during their lives. It covers a wide range of social benefits, frequently categorized by country, race, gender, socioeconomic background, and level of education.The understanding of nature is not exempt from the effects of privilege. It has a big impact on the stories we tell about the natural world and who gets to have a say in them. There is an uneven distribution of access to natural areas. Many people are unable to take advantage of the peace and educational possibilities that nature offers due to geographical and economic constraints. For example, those who live in urban or low-income neighborhoods have a difficult time getting to green spaces since they are frequently few or ones too distant from their homes. The feeling of safety and belonging in nature extends well beyond easy access. Another factor such as a person's degree of education frequently determines how deeply they connect with their surroundings. Higher education, especially in environmental science-related fields, gives people the skills necessary to analyze ecological phenomena, comprehend conservation issues, and participate in academic discussions. This is a privilege that can improve one's advocacy for and appreciation of nature, but it is not available to everyone.
When I consider my personal experiences, I see how my privileges influence how I engage with the natural world. Since I am physically able to, I can walk through harsh terrain that would be impassable for someone with a physical disability. Given my training in environmental science, I would also be able to understand the complexities of ecosystems, which makes spending time in nature both a spiritual and intellectual experience. Being fluent in English gives me the opportunities to express my opinions and access a wide range of scientific material, which deepens my comprehension and makes it possible for me to take part in international discussions regarding conservation. The goal of acknowledging these benefits is to raise awareness of the discrepancies that exist. Those of us who work in the field of nature interpretation have a responsibility to utilize our privilege to promote diversity and close inequalities in society. This means appreciating the ecological wisdom of all cultures, establishing venues where a range of views are acknowledged and heard, and providing fair access to natural regions. Adopting this kind of inclusion enhances environmental research as a whole and makes it possible for a larger community to enjoy and share nature's advantages and beauty.
To summarise, while we investigate the natural world and our position within it, we must constantly reflect. By doing this, we may work to lower the obstacles that stand in the way of people enjoying nature's beauty and make sure that our perceptions of the surrounding landscape are as varied and complex as the ecosystems we study. This understanding is the first step towards an interpretation of nature that is more just and equal and that honours all viewpoints and experiences.
Hey!
Your post shares a lot of similar themes to my own, but I think one thing you pointed out that I wish I had considered is the concept of cultural wisdom within ecology. As a non-native Canadian citizen, I am so incredibly privileged to be able to call Canada my home, but it is so important to acknowledge those who were here before us. Not only must we acknowledge their status as the original inhabitants of Canada, but we must respect their contributions to the scientific world. The scientific world, especially the world of scientific literature, has long been dominated by white male contributors. There is so much cultural knowledge from all around the globe that does not receive the same clout as Western knowledge systems.
If you were interested in exploring further into Indigenous knowledge systems regarding the natural world, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer looks into the connection between nature and humans, but I am sure you have read it already if you are in the environmental sciences!
Do you think that if we had incorporated the knowledge systems of other cultures around the beginning of the Information Age, then we would be further along in terms of our understanding of the natural world? Or do you believe that it is more important to focus on a few information systems rather than as many as possible?
Thanks!
Privilege in Nature Interpretation
Privilege, in the context of nature interpretation, is often overlooked by the general public. Nature may seem to some as being easily accessible, but the degree of accessibility is greatly impacted by one's privilege. To understand this, we can define privilege as the advantages held by an individual that grant unfair benefits. These advantages can be attributed to many factors including race, sex, gender identity, sexuality, socioeconomic standing, religion, or a multitude of other life traits. It is also important to note that privilege is unearned and it is not possible to gain more privilege than what has already been granted to you. Privilege is present in all aspects of life, though it is not always easy to spot. For example, white privilege is extremely common in Western society as Caucasian individuals have more advantages in day-to-day life than people of other racial groups. While this is a rather common example in daily life, how does this extend to nature interpretation?
Privilege in nature interpretation truly encapsulates any factor that allows for advantages in opportunities in nature for an individual. This could include growing up under higher economic conditions allowing for more opportunities to travel and experience nature. Another, likely less considered privilege is the privilege of being able-bodied and in good health. Those who have the ability to go out and learn about nature first hand often take this privilege for granted. Some of Earth’s natural world is not able to be experienced by those unable to traverse harsh terrain or less favorable environments. Someone without the use of their legs would face difficult barriers if they wanted to experience mountain climbing or exploring a coral reef. Where an individual lives geographically can also be a determining factor of whether or not they are privileged. Those who reside in extremely urban areas are more disadvantaged than those with greater access to a wider variety of natural spaces, especially if there are economic barriers that prevent them from traveling away from their home in search of nature.
In terms of the interpretation of nature, those that are less privileged with knowledge, experience, and opportunities are far more likely to interpret nature with less value attributed towards it. This is in no way their fault, they are simply cursed with a more narrow scope of what they perceive to be nature. Those with more privilege are more likely to value nature highly, as more positive experiences with nature make for positive opinions regarding the subject.
Now I do not want this to come off as being entirely black and white. Even though someone may be granted more opportunities to experience the natural world, it does not mean that they are guaranteed to place value in these experiences. The same can be said for the other side - those less privileged. I believe that value can be found in the aspiration to experience nature, not necessarily just by experiencing it.
