Alyssa Harper

ENVS 3000 F24 Blog!

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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. 

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

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10: Interpretation ethics

As an ex-Catholic, I spent a good amount of time in my teens thinking about how my personal ethics and rules on morality both differ from and sometimes agree with Catholicism. However, I haven’t really taken the time since  then to extend my personal ethics past post-Catholic discourse and relate it to my environmental values. I think it’s very valuable to be aware of your own ethical stances in terms of interpretation. Our ethics are the filter that shapes how we interpret nature, whether or not we acknowledge it. And that interpretation is then past on to our audience.

The first belief I bring to nature interpretation is kindness. Showing kindness to the nature around us means walking lightly and respectfully as we explore. Showing kindness to each other means creating a space where everyone feels able to ask questions and learn. I believe that kindness is one of the key elements that goes into creating a welcoming environment. And welcoming environments set up the possibility for growth and learning.

I also believe that curiosity and discovery lead to caring. It’s very difficult to care about something that you don’t know much about. But by encouraging questions, sharing facts/stories, and pointing out the beauty all around us, a nature interpreter can create connections between their audience and nature. In tandem with curiosity and discovery, is the power of awe. I want to get people excited about that cliff, that leaf, that creek. Wonder is a very powerful tool.

Spent a very long time staring at this view awestruck when I visited Vancouver last summer

Interpretation also comes with many responsibilities. When you act as a nature interpreter, people are putting their trust in you to act responsibly in your role. The basis of this trust is safety. Like we learned from the Timiskaming Tragedy, a lot of things can go wrong in outdoor education spaces. Physical safety means being prepared for hazards, natural disasters and changing weather. But emotional safety also play an important role. Words have power. And that power can be used to harm others if wielded carelessly or irresponsibly. Sensitive topics have to be addressed with care and nuance. Your audience should feel welcome and included in the space you create, through the language used and interpretation employed.

I also think that nature interpreters have a responsibility to convey accuracy whenever possible. This is especially important when interpreting for children, who may not have the skills to properly fact-check your claims. Adult audiences also deserve access to well researched and meaningful information. Working as a nature interpreter means positioning yourself as an expert, and your audience is placing their trust in you to know what you are talking about. I believe in putting in the time and effort to research a topic fully before you share it with others.

There are several interpretation approaches that work best for me as an individual. And those approaches vary greatly by age group. For kids, who often have short attention spans, I think that exploration and games work best. Exploration allows kids to experience nature on their own terms and form a more personal relationship with the world around them. It also allows for the reintroduction of unstructured play that is missing from many kids lives. Giving kids a magnifying glass and a simple objective (eg. “Find as many colour as you can!”) gives them the opportunity to look closer at their surroundings and discover something new.

Games are also a powerful tool for interpretation. Minds often wander during lengthy explanation, but games keep kids focused and their attention on the task at hand. They can also help simplify complex topics and break them down into bite sized pieces. As an example, at my summer job last year, I ran a workshop for 10–12 year-olds who were planting a pollinator garden at their school. I wanted to convey the importance of building new pollinator habitat and introduce them to the concept of habitat fragmentation. So, I created a game that was kind of a mashup of musical chairs and shrinking islands. I placed picnic blankets (“habitats”) on the floor and told the children to pretend to be their favorite pollinator. As the music played, they could fly around, and when it stopped, they needed to find a habitat to stand on. As the game progressed, the habitats kept getting smaller and smaller as I folded down the picnic blankets to represent habitat destruction. Near the end of the game, we added another picnic blanket to represent the new habitat the students were creating. The game showed the students the importance of their garden, while also engaging them with the power of fun.

For adults, I think the best approaches for me to use are storytelling and writing. Stories have staying power, and also allow people to come to their own conclusions in a very fluid way. If I tell you about how I tried (and failed) to stop a park tree from being cut down when I was in the second grade, the take home message can be very different depending on how I spin the story and your own personal beliefs. You might walk away thinking about the importance of urban trees, the emotional bonds kids form with nature, or how privilege impacts how people engage with activism.

Article from The Stoney Creek News

From a personal standpoint, I think that writing is an approach that I am very drawn to. I enjoy the act of writing and like that I can fine-tune my words until I am satisfied. Evocative language can really come alive on the page, and writing allows lots of space for larger ideas to be explored. And, as a creative writing and ecology student, writing about nature in an interpretive way seems like the natural way to blend my two areas of study.

I know that my personal ethic will continue to develop and change as I grow as an interpreter. I’m looking forward to adding more nuance and challenging my own perspective.

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Hi! Thank you for sharing such a reflective and thoughtful post! I found it fascinating how you connect your personal ethics and past experiences with environmental values, especially the role that kindness and respect play in shaping a welcoming interpretive space. That aspect of your reflection really connects back to the issues we explored pertaining to privilege, and how we as nature interpreters can break down barriers preventing minority groups from accessing interpretive opportunities. Your awareness of the importance of emotional safety alongside physical safety really stood out to me—it’s a reminder that interpretation isn’t just about information but also about creating a space where people feel included and valued. We have certainly learned a lot in this course about the risks associated with nature interpretation — and we as interpreters are responsible for taking the strength of nature seriously and keeping activities safe. Learning from tragedies like the one at Lake Timiskaming is an important part of this nature interpretation journey, because although many of the topics we discussed in this course are pretty light hearted, pushing boundaries and ignoring red flags in nature can have serious consequences. In the world we live in today, we can be really comfortable and feel invincible to the powers of nature, but that simply isn’t true, and its the responsibility of nature interpreters to facilitate safe avenues of exploring and learning outdoors.

I also love your approach to fostering curiosity and awe. Your game for kids planting the pollinator garden was a brilliant way to teach a complex concept like habitat fragmentation in an accessible and engaging way. It shows how hands-on learning can create lasting impressions, and it’s clear that you put thought into making the activity meaningful. Your storytelling approach for adults sounds equally impactful. The flexibility of stories allows people to connect in their own unique ways, and your example of the tree from your childhood beautifully illustrates how different takeaways can emerge from the same experience.

Your commitment to accuracy in interpretation also really resonates with me. It can be easy to forget the level of trust audiences place in interpreters, and your dedication to research shows how seriously you take that responsibility. Lastly, I think it’s awesome that you’re combining creative writing with ecology; this approach can add so much depth and a personal twist to nature interpretation. I look forward to seeing how your evolving perspective as an interpreter continues to shape your work. Thanks again for sharing your insights!

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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!

What a thoughtful and meaningful post! I really enjoyed reading about how your connection to nature has evolved through this course and how personal experiences have deepened your understanding. It was touching to read about your memories with the color pink and how it’s become a comforting connection to your sister’s friend, Jordy—and such a beautiful way that nature can hold memories and bring comfort. The idea that nature can be a “memory keeper” resonates deeply with me; it highlights how our relationship with nature isn’t just about physical places but also about emotional ties and shared histories. Your story reminded me of my late uncle, who built my cousins and I a treehouse in the woods behind their cottage when we were really little. We're all too big to fit in it now, but I can remember countless sleepless nights that myself, my sister, and my two cousins spent out there. That little spot in nature will always be special to me, and is a comforting reminder of my uncle and what he meant to all of us.

I admire your perspective on making nature accessible and inclusive. Recognizing privilege in accessing nature can be a difficult insight to reach, especially if it’s something that’s always felt like a “given.” It’s great that this course has helped you see the value of creating that space for others, particularly for those who might not feel connected to nature. Your approach of building connections first and then introducing technical knowledge feels like a meaningful way to foster lasting relationships with nature.

Your experiences from creating the children’s podcast are inspiring too! Crafting stories to build curiosity in younger audiences, just like Rodenburg’s approach with the killdeer bird, is such a powerful way to connect people with nature. It sounds like you’re already well on your way to creating memorable, impactful experiences as a nature interpreter. Thank you for sharing, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes you!

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Unit 10 Blog Post

As I reflect on my journey toward becoming a nature interpreter, I realize that the foundation of my ethic is rooted in the belief that fostering a love for the natural world is one of the most powerful ways to inspire long-term environmental stewardship. Through my experiences, particularly with a background in working with children, I’ve come to understand that the most enduring memories and connections to the environment often begin in childhood. This early spark can shape how individuals relate to nature throughout their lives, influencing how they advocate for the planet.

As I continue to develop in this field, and from what I have gathered in this course, I understand there is a lot of work required to successfully strike a balance between imparting knowledge, inspiring curiosity, and empowering others to connect with the natural world in a meaningful way. For me, nature interpretation, and many of my previous jobs haven't just been about conveying facts— it’s about cultivating a sense of wonder and inspiration. Specifically for nature interpretation its about imparting a sense of responsibility and a sense of care for the Earth that will last a lifetime.

One of the key principles that shapes my personal perspective is the deep conviction that fostering a love for nature in children is essential for the future of the planet. This belief stems from my own experiences of watching young learners light up with wonder during hands-on, community STEM workshops in my previous job, and it is reinforced by insights from environmental educators like Jacob Rodenburg, who emphasizes the importance of creating nature-rich experiences for children (Rodenburg, 2019).

Looking back at the Unit 1 posts for this course— I personally wrote about my childhood nature experiences, and how that had the biggest impact on my relationship with nature. Specifically, my cottage. Even looking at my most recent post— the natural phenomena I find most amazing is tied to fond childhood memories of watching fireflies dance in the night. Looking back at my favourite memories in nature, there always seems to be a magical quality to childhood memories. Whether it's simply the innocence and childlike wonder we're remembering feeling, or just feeling nostalgic for the past, there's something extra special about our experiences as children. I truly believe that the experiences I had in nature as a child are the most impactful ones, because they just have an extra emotional kick to them. Growing up spending summers at my family cottage is a central part of my relationship to nature, and my life in general. Whether it was early mornings spent fishing with Dad, long hikes through the woods with my neighbours and sister, or simply observing the subtle changes in the landscape throughout the seasons. There is one tree by the lake, a little maple tree, that always turns a deep red by the end of August, way before the rest of the trees do. Seeing this tree go red year after year has become an important marker in my life of change. Each time I see it, I know that summer is coming to an end soon, and that the fall is on it's way. My childhood experiences at my cottage, and even further on in my life, have taught me to value the simplicity of nature— it offers both peace and profound lessons. For example, moments like watching a sunset, hearing the call of a loon, or noticing the colour change of the trees became more than just pleasant experiences for me; they became moments of reflection, connection, and gratitude.

As I've been thinking about the part that my childhood experiences played in me becoming such an avid lover of the outdoors, I can't help but return to the concept of a "sense of place". Having thought about this, I definitely believe that a strong sense of place in nature often stems from positive experiences in nature as a kid. When you grow up surrounded by nature, you can't help but feel more and more enveloped by it, and I feel like my sense of belonging has only grown throughout time at special places like my cottage. Fostering a connection to a specific place is something that Rodenburg emphasized in his article (Rodenburg, 2019). Just as I have personally developed a deep connection to a unique place, so has everyone else in this course. I think the fact that my connection began when I was little, I almost perceive those places as a "magical place" that I can return to. It's a certain feeling that I'm not entirely sure how to describe, but I can certainly say that this is a central motivation that would guide me as a nature interpreter— to help children and adults develop a sense of ownership and familiarity with the places they explore.

Today, the challenges facing the environment— from climate change to species extinction— can feel overwhelming. I have definitely felt defeated at many times, especially when I am actively taking environmental science courses and learning more and more about the issues we face. As Rodenburg points out, the weight of these issues often leads educators to feel like they’re trying to stop a rushing river with a teaspoon (Rodenburg, 2019). The urgency to address these complex problems is real, but I firmly believe that the role of a nature interpreter, particularly when working with children, is to ignite hope and wonder, rather than burden young minds with the enormity of global crises. If I am struggling to manage my own emotions on these problems at 21, it would certainly unfair to put those problems on the shoulders of a child. This approach aligns with my ethic: fostering connections to nature in ways that empower children to care for the world around them, without overwhelming them with the dire realities of environmental degradation. I think this concept can be applied to pretty much anything in life— if you fill people's heads with negativity, they start to feel defeated, and are not motivated to do anything about it. A lot of the news nowadays is so extremely pessimistic, and it can sometimes feel like the world is too far gone to change. I truly believe that the world's most prominent environmental activists and nature interpreters didn't fall in love with the planet because it was dying. They fell in love because of the beauty and wonder they experienced one or many times in their life or childhood. So to rob children of the opportunity to innocently explore nature, without having to worry if tomorrow it won't be there, I think will be damaging to future conservation efforts, and also to their personal relationships with the environment. The next generation is depending on us, and we have a responsibility to provide unburdened activities where children can grow and learn outdoors. Until they're old enough to tackle these issues alongside us, it's better we leave them out of that conversation.

So long story short, I personally hold the belief that children don’t need to be lectured about global warming or pollution at a young age, but rather encouraged to explore, discover, and build relationships with the land they live on. Rodenburg emphasizes that younger children aren’t yet cognitively ready to grasp the complexities of environmental issues, but they are always ready to love nature (Rodenburg, 2019). As a nature interpreter, my responsibility is to nurture that love by providing experiences that spark awe and curiosity. I’ve witnessed firsthand how powerful these moments can be— whether it's a child’s delighted reaction to finding a salamander under a log or their awe at the beauty of a tiny insect in the grass. One of the most special memories I can recall from being a STEM Community Presenter, are the times during a workshop where the kids would combine baking soda and vinegar, and were always delighted at the fizzy reaction that ensued. Watching their faces light up, having them turn to me for an explanation, and then watching the gears turn in their head as they understood what was happening in front of them really felt like I was fostering the first of many moments of falling in love with science. I truly believe the same should be striven for in the case of nature interpreters. These experiences don’t just build knowledge; they create an emotional bond with the environment that will last a lifetime.

Personally, when I consider what I would love to do as a nature interpreter, I am really excited about the prospect of using art as a bridge to nature. I have always been a bit of a creative mind, since I was young I have loved drawing and painting with watercolours. In the past I have also been a camp counsellor at arts camps. Since taking this course, I have looked back on many of my artworks and found a common theme of always painting stuff that I loved or was passionate about. With this in mind, I believe that art, something that can be so emotionally powerful, is a fantastic tool to foster love for the environment (which we have certainly seen in Unit 4!). Creating art— whether it’s sketching plants, painting landscapes, or capturing wildlife in a work of art— enhances your understanding and appreciation of the natural world. For me, I responsibility I would like to uphold would be showing that art can be more than a hobby; it can be a way to reflect on nature’s beauty, its intricacies, and its rhythms. In a future setting, as a nature interpreter facilitating activities, I believe I would excel at designing art activities to help children capture the beauty of the environments around them, making them more mindful and observant of even the smallest details in nature.

Overall, as someone who is a lover of both arts and science, I would love for my future nature interpretation journey to be about blending beauty with facts. Whether it's understanding an ecosystem, identifying insect or plant species, or observing animal behaviour— I think it will be so important to also foster an appreciation for its aesthetic and emotional aspects. I would love to create activities that combine observation with creation. For instance, I would love to encourage nature journaling, sketching, and storytelling to help people see nature from both and intellectual and an emotional perspective. And specifically to children, this kind of dual approach could help them engage and fall in love with nature on multiple levels, fostering both their scientific understanding and their creative imagination.

To quickly touch on a belief that I bring to nature interpretation, I truly believe that mentors are a key part of who and where I am today. Whether it be parents, teachers, or other influential figures in my life, they have shaped my journey through their guidance and encouragement. Although looking back it may seem insignificant, teachers who brought my elementary classes on field trips to outdoor conservation areas, to art museums, or to the science center, all provided me with formative experiences. These trips and the mentors who organized them helped me see the value in nurturing relationships with the things that inspire you, and nature is certainly one of them. In my journey of nature interpretation, my goal would be to become a mentor to others, particularly children. I aspire to provide the same kind of guidance and inspiration that my mentors gave me, whether it's through sharing knowledge, fostering creativity and freedom, or simply offering a listening ear.

Lasltly, I'd like to discuss how this course has been a reminder that my personal journey with nature is ongoing. I just spoke a lot about how childhood is the most important part where a deep connection to nature begins, but that doesn't mean that as an adult we aren't capable of growth and progress. Loving nature can be a lifelong process of discovery and learning, and I find that this mindset is an inspiring way to frame my approach to nature interpretation. Nature, a lot like art, is always in flux, and my role as a nature interpreter would be to help others embrace that flux and be open to new discoveries. Whether that will be through scientific exploration, creative expression, or personal reflection, I am yet to see.

As a closing note, I just wanted to mention that I have thoroughly appreciated this course this semester. I have been working with a busier schedule than I ever have before, and my classwork and courses are typically a reason for me to stay inside and work. However, this course this semester provided a fantastic weekly reminder to take time for myself, and spend time outside. I believe it was very beneficial to my mental health, and has made me subscribe to the ideals of nature interpretation— most of all what it can provide to our spirits and our souls. Spreading that love for nature this semester has been extremely rewarding. Thanks so much for reading!

References Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. Clearing Magazine. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

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Week 9: Truly Amazing Natural Phenomena

One of the most incredible natural phenomena I’m aware of I learned about in a viral post. Truthfully I don’t remember where I first heard it or what the source was, only that I was immediately skeptical. With many incredible tales about nature we hear about online, their sources and authenticity can be murky at best. It’s an issue I’ve found myself thinking about a lot this week in considering the ways nature can amaze and astound us, and the role technology plays in nature interpretation.

As we read this week, technology has some enormous benefits to offer us in nature interpretation: accessibility of information, connection to remote places and people, access to experts and resources (Beck et al., 2018). It also presents us with challenges, and while our textbook does a good job of describing many of these (effects on memory, interpersonal connection for example), I think it fails to adequately describe the dangers of misinformation in nature interpretation.

When Covid lockdowns were first put in place, I can remember my news feed being flooded with images of “nature healing itself”. Deer wandering through the streets, goats lounging in city parks. The assertion was that with less cars on the road, and everybody staying home, animals were free to roam once more. It was a nice thought, and to some extent - animal behaviour did change (Tandon, 2020), but a lot of these photos were fake, or entirely misattributed for a nice, heart-warming story. 

Which is why when I first read about the hermit crab house exchange, I assumed it was another instance of this. But nature really is more amazing than we can easily believe. Hermit crabs live in discarded shells of other crustaceans. They evolved without shells, nature’s squatters. As they grow, they often outgrow their found shells. Groups of hermit crabs will gather and form an actual organized line by size. They each leave their shells in an orderly queue, in order to trade-up. They take their new shells in order of largest to smallest, each waiting their turn to acquire their fancy new house (Osorno et al., 1998).

It really is one of the most incredible facts about animal behaviour I had heard, and it has the same ring of an uplifting, feel-good story. Luckily, this one is absolutely true and has been both studied and recorded. Humans love stories, and we especially love stories with an uplifting moral message. In this case: the crabs appear to be cooperating, though in reality this is an in-grained evolutionary behaviour with a perfectly reasonable explanation.

It may be tempting to see the fake images around covid lockdowns as innocent and harmless fiction. But in nature interpretation, the job of the interpreter is not only to provide a unique and meaningful experience, but to interpret nature as it is, not as we’d like to see it. Misinformation, even when it doesn’t lead directly to harmful beliefs, can erode trust and cause misconceptions about nature. And when the natural world is full of amazing phenomena, there’s no reason to exaggerate for effect: nature gives us plenty of wonderful material. 

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Venture. 

Osorno, J., Fernández-Casillas, L., Rodrı́guez-Juárez, C. (1998). Are hermit crabs looking for light and large shells?: evidence from natural and field induced shell exchanges. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 222(1-2), 163-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-0981(97)00155-X

Tandon, A. (2020). Why do we keep falling for fake news about animals and what can go wrong? Mongabay. https://india.mongabay.com/2020/04/why-do-we-keep-falling-for-fake-news-about-animals-and-what-can-go-wrong/

[akhenvs3000f24]

Hi there!

Your blog post this week about the role of technology and misinformation in nature interpretation is very thoughtful, and really resonated with me! It's definitely true that nature is full of marvels that need no embellishment!

The hermit crab exchange you talked about is such a great example of how animal behaviour can captivate us. Stories like these connect us to the natural world in ways that are both factual and uplifting, and to your point, when we know they're rooted in real science, they can have a much deeper impact.

As you mentioned, I also think it's essential for nature interpreters to guard against misinformation. When misinformation spreads, even innocently, like in covid to uplift people's spirits, it risks diluting the wonder of real phenomena, and undermines the trust of the public in authentic nature interpretation and information communication. Unfortunately, the stories spread in lockdown, even if meant to be heartwarming, highlighted a growing need to fact-check even "feel-good" stories. As much as they connect us, online stories can mislead, and it's up to both interpreters and the public to question sources of information critically, which isn't always easy!

As we've read in our textbooks, technology is a quickly advancing part of our lives, and has advantages and disadvantages. It is certainly a medium we can use to connect the public to nature interpretation, but can also be a platform where false narratives are spread. In today's digital age, balancing accessible information with credible interpretation is so important. I think that as nature interpreters, by promising stories that are both fascinating and truthful (like the hermit crab shell exchange), we can encourage a more honest appreciation for the natural world. Hopefully, one where fact and awe can go hand in hand! Great post, thanks for sharing! :)

[akhenvs3000f24]

Unit 09 Blog Post

The most amazing thing that I love about nature is bioluminescence. Fireflies are a prime example of this and are near and dear to my heart. In the summertime, there are so many of them around my cottage and they are such a breathtaking sight to see. When the whole forest around us is twinkling in the night, I am always overtaken by a sense of awe and wonder. These creatures, and their amazing ability to create light naturally is one of the most amazing things in nature! This aspect of nature really reminds me of an important principle from our textbook, that "involvement with nature doesn’t begin in adulthood, but rather during early-to middle-childhood" (Beck et al., 2018). I think the aspects of nature that I have the deepest admiration for are things I experienced when I was young, which added a magical and nostalgic element to them. As a child, I loved running around in the dark catching fireflies and watching them light up inside my hands, which is probably why I have such a fondness towards them.

Bioluminescence is an incredible natural phenomenon, but many people don't know the science behind it. It comes from a complex biochemical reaction involving two key components: luciferin, a light-emitting compound, and luciferase, an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction. What is so special about the way fireflies create light is that they lose very little amount of energy as heat, because otherwise their bodies would overheat (which is an amazing feat!) (Dunuweera et al., 2024).

The chemical reaction goes like this: Luciferin + Oxygen → Oxyluciferin (in a reactive state) + Light

Fireflies can control their light emissions with remarkable precision. They can switch the light on and off by regulating the availability of oxygen, ATP, and the enzymatic reaction itself. This ability to flicker their lights serves multiple purposes, such as attracting mates, signaling to other fireflies, and warning predators about their potential toxicity (Dunuweera et al., 2024). What I find so amazing about this is that something as beautiful as the lightshow fireflies provide at night is actually an adaptation that helps them survive.

Fireflies are just one example of bioluminescence in nature. This phenomenon is found in various organisms across the animal kingdom, each showcasing unique adaptations. For example, bioluminescence is prevalent in the ocean, where many creatures produce light, and bioluminescence is actually most commonly observed in marine creatures. There are deep-sea lanternfish that use their bioluminescent organs for camouflage, jellyfish that use it to deter predators and attract prey, and famous dinoflagellates that create beautiful displays in the ocean. When dinoflagellates are disturbed, they emit light and create a beautiful glowing effect in the water (Dunuweera et al., 2024). If you've never seen the ocean light up under your hand like magic because of these creatures, it really is a sight to see. I was lucky enough to travel to visit my friend on Vancouver Island, and off the coast of her cabin, late at night, we went outside to the shoreline and saw flickers of the bioluminescent dinoflagellates that are so famous. It was truly amazing to see, and a memory that I'll never forget. Placing my hand and seeing the water light up around it was honestly nothing short of magical.

Humans have clear fascinations with bioluminescence, which is why it pops up in many famous movies like Finding Nemo and Moana. I think it is no coincidence that art forms like movies and the technologies of animation have tried to convey and capture the beauty of bioluminescence in nature.

Lastly, I honestly think this topic came into my mind because of the recent northern lights many of us might have had the chance to see! I happened to be up at my cottage with my family while they were visible, and it was an incredible experience that I'll never forget. Seeing the Northern Lights had always been something on my bucket list, and I was so excited and lucky to have been able to view it. Although it's not the same phenomenon as bioluminescence, I think that any kind of lightshow in nature has such a magical and wonderful element! I've included some pictures below from the night that my family and I sat on our dock to watch the lights, mostly sitting in silence in awe of the spectacle above us.

Light is a beautiful thing in nature, and I believe bioluminescence is one of the most magical and amazing things we get to experience :)

References

Dunuweera, A. N., Dunuweera, S. P., & Ranganathan, K. (2024). A comprehensive exploration of bioluminescence systems, mechanisms, and advanced assays for versatile applications. Biochemistry Research International, 2024, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8273237

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Venture.

[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

[akhenvs3000f24]

Hi Emily!

I really enjoyed reading your post and I thought you introduced some great points to this week’s discussion on music and nature! I completely agree with your point that nature is rarely quiet, and the sounds we hear, whether from animals, wind, or water, can be viewed as a kind of natural soundtrack. It’s remarkable how animals like chimpanzees and whales create sound patterns that mimic human musicality. The fact that each chimpanzee has its unique drumming rhythm or that humpback whales incorporate refrains into their songs really challenges our perception of music as an exclusively human endeavor. These examples help bridge the gap between humans and other species, revealing a shared appreciation for rhythm and sound.

To expand on your point about nature influencing music, I think it’s also interesting to consider how different cultures express their relationship with the environment through traditional music. For example, Indigenous cultures often use music and rhythm to not only mimic nature but to communicate with it, treating the land and its sounds as a living entity. This aligns with your insight into how music serves as a form of storytelling and emotional expression, offering an intuitive way to communicate ideas and emotions beyond words.

As for your follow-up question about associating different seasons with different songs, I definitely have seasonal preferences! In the fall, for instance, I find myself drawn to more acoustic music—something about the changing leaves and cooler air evokes a desire in me for calm, reflective tunes. In contrast, summer always brings out the upbeat, energetic songs that match the vibrancy of the season. It’s fascinating how our moods shift with the seasons and how we seek out music that complements or enhances those feelings. I also find myself seeking out specific soundtracks of movies or tv shows I associate with a specific time of year. For example, in the fall I often listen to songs from the "Over the Garden Wall" soundtrack, and in the winter, the "A Charlie Brown Christmas" album.

Overall, this post has me reflecting on how music and nature are intertwined in ways we might not even realize. It’s exciting to think about how we can tap into these connections more intentionally, both in our everyday lives and in the work we do as interpreters of nature.

[akhenvs3000f24]

Unit 07 Blog Post

The relationship between music and nature is profound and timeless. Nature is a vast soundscape, and for as long as we can recount, humans have drawn inspiration from its rhythms and melodies. Indigenous cultures like the Tlingit and Inuit have long been attuned to natural sounds, like whale songs and African tribes have incorporated the deep, low-frequency sounds of elephants into their cultural expressions. This deep connection between natural sounds and human music spans across species, cultures, and time. Whales, birds, and humans create music with striking similarities, despite the millions of years we have spent diverging from one another evolutionarily. Humpback whales compose songs that follow structures and patterns remarkably akin to human music, using repetition and rhythm similar to human composers. Likewise, birds sing intricate songs with call-response patterns, and even sing in recognizable scales. This shared musicality across species suggests that music might be more ancient and universal than we might initially think. I believe music could be an intrinsic part of life itself, a form of communication that precedes human invention.

Natural soundscapes have long inspired human music and found their way into human compositions, serving as a reminder of our connection to the natural world. Music imitates the flow of rivers, the rustle of leaves, and the calls of animals. I think it is beautiful that we try to emanate and embody the harmony and beauty we perceive in the environment. I believe that music acts as a medium that reawakens our emotional and spiritual connection to nature, offering a way to better understand nature’s significance beyond its material or economic value. For example, when forests like the ones in Finland are viewed only in terms of forestry management, this view diminishes the forest's sacredness and alienates people from a spiritual connection to the land. However, folk music, which is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions, can offer a way to bridge this gap through the spiritual experience it can provide. Nature can be understood in many different ways: scientifically, economically, emotionally, spiritually, and much more. This is why it is important to use an interdisciplinary approach when interpreting nature.

I believe that music can be a powerful tool for inspiring an audience of people to connect with nature. Because of its intrinsic ability to awaken our emotions and our spirits, when used in the context of nature and interpretation, it could be a effective tool for fostering deep relationships with nature and encouraging environmental stewardship.

In a time where technology is more prevalent than ever and humans are more and more engrossed by their phones, I believe music is a possible avenue for encouraging people to spend time outside and connect with nature. A challenge of interpreters is to convince people to get involved with nature. Although it might seem obvious to say that we should encourage people to simply throw away their tech as the solution to get into nature, technology isn't going away. As interpreters, we can either embrace it or fall behind. The internet, social media, television, music and much more can all serve as ways of reaching the masses and informing people about interpretive opportunities. Technology is a great way to communicate broadly, and I think this ties in with the theme of music being a method of communication, one that can convey meanings that go beyond words. Technology is a fantastic way to learn about nature and be encouraged to see the beauty in it, and something that certainly comes to mind for me are the many Planet Earth documentaries narrated by David Attenborough, which are impeccably good at capturing the vast diversity of our planet.

Lastly, a song that transports me to a natural landscape: Flowers by In Love With a Ghost. This is a simple instrumental song that I have loved for years, which incorporates natural sounds like running rivers within its composition. I have always found it very calming and lullabylike, and I associate it heavily with taking walks out in nature because that is when I listen to it the most.

I think it is no coincidence that many people can think of a list of songs they associate with nature, and that is because the two are deeply and intrinsically connected!

Thanks for reading! :)

[tsenvs3000f24]

BLOG POST 6

In Edward Hyams' quote, "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity," he offers a thought-provoking perspective on how we should think about the past. At first glance, it might seem like Hyams is dismissing the value of ancient things. What he’s really emphasizing is that the importance of the past doesn’t come from its age, but from how it helps us maintain integrity in the present.

Integrity is more than just being honest or having moral principles. In this case, Hyams is talking about integrity as the idea of wholeness or completeness. It’s about keeping all the parts of something together, making sure nothing essential is excluded. For instance, If a piece is missing, the image is incomplete, and that’s how Hyams views the relationship between the past and the present. The past is a part of the puzzle of our lives, and to ignore it would leave gaps in our understanding of the present.

Hyams goes on to explain that keeping this integrity intact requires us to have a memory of ancient things. This means we need to remember and acknowledge the past in order to fully understand who we are today. The past is not valuable simply because it’s old, but because it is an essential part of the larger whole. The traditions, experiences, and lessons from history provide context for the present. Without this context, we risk misunderstanding or simplifying the complexities of our current world.

Hyams uses a powerful analogy. He says that to think or act as though the past is done with is like believing a train station only exists while our train is in it. Just because we’ve moved past something doesn’t mean it no longer exists or has no impact. The train station, the past remains, even after we’ve left it behind, and it shapes the rest of our journey. This is a reminder that the past continues to influence the present, even if we aren’t actively thinking about it.

This analogy illustrates how easy it can be to overlook the past simply because we aren’t in it anymore. But just like a train station remains important to the journey, the past remains relevant to our present. Even if we think we’ve moved on, our current experiences, values, and decisions are still shaped by the things that came before. By ignoring history, we risk losing important parts of the whole picture of who we are and where we’ve come from.

In essence, Hyams is encouraging us to rethink how we view history. He isn’t saying that old things are valuable just because they’re ancient, but rather that they have merit because they help us keep the present intact. Without the memory of the past, we can’t fully understand the present. To ignore or dismiss the past is to live with an incomplete understanding of the world, missing pieces of the puzzle that make up the full picture of our lives.

[akhenvs3000f24]

Hi Tabi! I really enjoyed reading your blog post for this week, and I think both of our posts shared a lot of similarities. Hyam's quote also made me think of a puzzle metaphor, and I completely agree with your interpretation of integrity being about completeness. Without all the individual pieces of a whole, the stories we learn about in history can be inaccurate and misleading. Our history is an extremely important thing, not because it happened a long time ago, but because it can inform what we do in the future. Learning from our faults and our accomplishments, and even connecting to one's cultural traditions and ancestry, all weave into the larger historical narrative.

I also completely agree with your interpretation of the train station metaphor. Just because the past is over, doesn't mean it doesn’t affect or influence our society today. History is the foundation upon which our current systems, values, and perspectives are built. This really brings to mind Canada’s dark past of colonization and its ongoing impacts on Indigenous peoples. For example, the closing of Residential Schools didn’t close the chapter on the harm they caused; the effects of that era continue to reverberate through Indigenous communities in the form of generational trauma.

Generational trauma is a powerful example of how the past doesn’t just ‘end’—it lingers and shapes the present. In the case of Indigenous peoples, the stripping away of culture, language, and identity through institutions like Residential Schools left gaps in historical continuity, much like missing puzzle pieces. The loss of Indigenous stories and traditions parallels the loss of biodiversity in ecosystems, where each missing element disrupts the overall balance. This makes it even more important to actively reclaim those stories and ensure that Indigenous voices are central to our current understanding of history and nature. By integrating those voices, we can not only better understand the past but also heal some of the historical wounds that still affect people today.

I think it’s crucial that we, as nature interpreters, work to ensure these missing pieces are not overlooked in our narratives. Just as you pointed out in your post, ignoring the past leaves us with an incomplete and less complex picture—one that doesn’t allow us to fully understand the systemic issues that still exist. Only by recognizing and integrating these historical truths can we move toward a more inclusive and just society. Your point really resonates with me because it reminds us that while history may seem like something fixed and unchangeable, its interpretation can evolve as we incorporate new perspectives and voices into the conversation.

[akhenvs3000f24]

Unit 06 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)

This quote suggests that integrity, as a form of completeness, means bringing together different parts of a whole—much like assembling the pieces of a puzzle to reveal a full picture. The concept of integrity applies not only to history, but also to our relationship with nature. Just as historical events must be woven together to form a complete narrative, interpreting nature requires acknowledging its past. The delicate integrity of ecological systems mirrors this, where the health of ecosystems depends on the preservation of all their components -- plants, animals, and habitats come together to form a complete system. This matches how ancient artifacts, stories, or perspectives are important to maintaining historical accuracy. In nature, the loss of biodiversity is akin to losing stories -- both create gaps in our collective understanding of the past and present.

I believe a core idea presented by this quote is that ancient things are not necessarily valuable unless they contribute to a larger whole, or to preserving a broader historical narrative. Ancient artifacts are not inherently valuable because they are hundreds or thousands of years old, but because they connect the present to the past.

What I personally gathered from the railway metaphor in this quote is that if we treat the past as irrelevant, we are robbing ourselves from a complete understanding of the journey we're on. Without a clear understanding of where we've come from or where we started, we are more likely to repeat our mistakes, and not learn from or build upon our past. This concept personally reminded me of something I learned a couple of weeks ago in a different course here at Guelph in BIOL 4350 (Limnology of Natural and Polluted Waters). I learned about the "shifting baseline syndrome" in which people's personal perceptions of how bad an environmental issue is can be heavily influenced by their age. For example, with worsening eutrophication of Lake Erie, someone 80 years old who remembers the lake as crystal clear in their youth, would consider the problem to be much worse than a child today who grew up with the lake always having been murky and green. The shifting baseline syndrome essentially describes a gradual change in society's accepted norms for the natural environment, and is very dangerous for environmental conservation. Interpreters can play an important part in ensuring more people are aware of the constant changes (good or bad!) in our environment!

A similar phenomenon occurs when we compare satellite images of forests over time. Clearcutting and deforestation have drastically altered landscapes, but without the ‘before’ images, we might not realize how severe the damage is today. I've provided a couple of examples below.

Therefore, having a better understanding of the past means more informed environmental stewardship. Nature interpretation plays an important role in acknowledging the history of environmental degradation, and without it, we would have a more fragmented understanding of current environmental crises.

There are many ways humans have sought to preserve history, with writing being a permanent medium that allows for the preservation of events and ideas. As nature interpreters using writing, it is important to relate to your reader and encourage them to care about the subject matter. Not only that, but relating one's writing to a historical artifact or cultural and natural sites encourages a reader to form emotional connections. It is important for interpreters to consider both their audience and whose story they are telling, and interpreters should always aim to integrate diverse perspectives in nature!

It is extremely important to consider how privilege impacts whose stories are amplified and whose are silenced. Those with the influence and resources to write history often have the power to control how natural resources and land will be developed or conserved. Therefore, I think a vital part to maintaining integrity when interpreting history in nature is to actively seek out and include voices that are often marginalized or forgotten, ensuring that the information is inclusive and holistic. As interpreters, by prioritizing inclusive narratives, we ensure that stories historically left out—often due to privilege—are given the attention they deserve.

In Western societies, writing holds significant legal and contractual weight, often viewed as binding. This contrasts with oral traditions in Indigenous cultures, which, though considered less "permanent" by Western standards, are equally valuable in maintaining cultural wholeness and historical integrity. How we choose to preserve the past deeply shapes our identity and worldview. In Western cultures, writing is often seen as more powerful or credible than oral storytelling, leading to a skewed or incomplete interpretation of history and nature.

At the end of the day, environmental interpretation isn’t just about preserving natural sites—it’s about protecting the history that comes with them, and maintaining integrity is a large part of that. To do so effectively, interpreters should consider not only the audiences they share with, but also whose stories they are telling. Privilege impacts whose stories are amplified and whose are silenced, and so interpreters should work to understand nature through a multi-faceted and diverse lens, where many different perspectives are integrated to make a more complete whole!

Thanks for reading!

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Unit 05 Blog Post

With midterm season upon us, it has been a very stressful period of time. As I was getting ready to study I was setting up my regular playlist which happens to be a playlist full of nature sounds. In a world constantly buzzing with noise and activity, we forget that nature offers a simple yet effective remedy for peace and tranquillity: its sounds. The rustling of leaves, chirping of crickets and the sound of a river stream can ground us and keep our mind at ease. My personal favourite sound to listen to when studying is the sound of distant fireworks. It’s a 2 hour podcast where you can hear subtle crickets chirping and fireworks very far in the distance. I normally can’t listen to regular music without it distracting me but the sounds of nature allow me to focus on what’s in front of me. Beyond their calming effect, nature sounds also offer an opportunity to connect more deeply with the natural world, that encourages reflection and appreciation.

My personal favourite nature sound podcast.

It’s not a popular thing to do so instead I want to talk about why nature sounds are so effective at promoting rest. Nature sounds act as a white noise filter that blocks any outside noises allowing our bodies to relax more easily.  Popular sounds such as ocean waves or rain have actually been proven to lower heart rate, reduce anxiety and promote deeper REM sleep. Although I don’t listen to nature sounds every night before bed, I find myself having the best sleep when there is a storm outside or when it rains. 

The Best Nature Sounds for Sleep Playlist - earth.fm

Listen to nature sounds that can help you relax and fall asleep, from ocean and rain sounds to the ambiance of crickets and whirling wind.

Nature sounds playlist to help you sleep.

Different nature sounds can evoke different emotions or serve different purposes. Rain is the number one sound for sleep because it creating a steady rhythmic beat of raindrops hitting the ground that can put anyone to sleep. I find that the sound of rain creates a sense of a cozy indoor setting of warmth which helps calm my mind. Another popular one is the sound of ocean waves. When I used to do yoga they would play natural sounds and sometimes you could hear the ocean crashing against rocks. This sound helped mimic the rhythm of deep breathing, putting everyone in the room in a calm zen state. 

Nature sounds invite us to slow down and take in the smaller, often overlooked details of the natural world. Incorporating nature sounds into a nightly routine is more than just a tool for better sleep; it allows us to engage with nature, even when we’re indoors.

References

https://journals.lww.com/nams/fulltext/2018/07010/effects_of_nature_sounds_on_sleep_quality_among.4.aspx#:~:text=The%20study%20findings%20indicated%20that,better%20than%20the%20control%20group.

[akhenvs3000f24]

This was a really interesting read! As a student I am also one of those people who can't focus with music or people talking in the background. I am always jealous of people who can study in busy cafes or public places, because the atmosphere can be really nice, but I personally just can't do it! I find it interesting though that listening to specific sounds like crickets, rain, or crackling fires isn't distracting for me, and can actually be really calming! When looking into the topic, it seems that calming nature sounds de-activate our flight or fight responses in the brain and nervous system! For something as simple as nature sounds or podcasts, I think it is really cool that nature can calm humans down on a physiological level. This makes me believe even more in the importance of experiencing nature and taking time to be outside for mental health purposes. Your post was a really fascinating aspect of enjoying nature, even while inside studying! Listening to nature sounds seems like the audio version of when people will put a fireplace on their TV -- although we know it's not real, it can still be therapeutic! Thanks for a great post!

References

Song, I., Baek, K., Kim, C., & Song, C. (2023). Effects of nature sounds on the attention and physiological and psychological relaxation. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 86, 127987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.127987

[akhenvs3000f24]

Unit 05 Blog Post

With an open blog prompt this week encouraging us to discuss what we are thinking about, I can't deny that most of my thoughts are about the fall season, thanksgiving, and Halloween! With that in mind, I would like to discuss the intersection of nature and the supernatural, which feels especially relevant as Halloween (one of my favourite holidays!) approaches :)

I'd like to start off by mentioning how darkness changes our perception of nature. A familiar place you've known your whole life -- like your backyard or a forest trail, can feel unknown or mysterious at night. This concept reminds me a lot of playing tag in the dark with my sister and cousins as a little kid, during which the darkness would play tricks on our senses. At night the woods felt more alive, with every rustling leaf and snap of a twig sending chills down our spines. The power of the unknown in nature can make even the most innocent games feel eerie and exhilarating.

Furthermore, the campfire, a quintessential outdoor experience, frequently becomes a gateway to the world of spooky tales. Why is it that humans gravitate towards telling scary stories outside in nature, when accompanied by friends and only the light of a fire? The atmosphere seems to encourage a feeling of spookiness. The flickering firelight casts shadows on trees, creating ghostly figures, while the crackling wood echoes with the sounds of the forest. This atmosphere makes the perfect setting for storytelling, where nature itself seems to participate in the tales, adding to the eerie ambiance. I find that our tendency as humans to lean into the mystery and unfamiliarity we experience by the campfire endearing and is likely a common experience most people can relate to.

On the topic of storytelling, there are many intriguing natural history myths or urban legends that tie in with fall themes, like the legend of Sleepy Hollow’s Headless Horseman or the lore surrounding the Jersey Devil. These stories often have roots in real landscapes and cultural histories, adding layers of meaning to the natural environment. Furthermore, many Indigenous cultures have rich mythologies involving nature spirits or creatures tied to specific natural landmarks (like forests, rivers, or mountains). It is no coincidence that modern horror media takes inspiration from these stories, like Until Dawn using the Wendigo myth.

These stories and adaptations often tie supernatural elements to natural forces. These tales tap into deep fears about nature's untamable power and our smallness or powerlessness in comparison. I believe the human fascination with the supernatural originates from a fear of the unknown in nature—storms, plagues, wild animals, and much more. Early cultures explained these phenomena in myths and legends, which still resonate with us in modern horror because they tap into primal fears about survival and the natural world.

Next, specifically when thinking about Halloween and horror, I find it interesting (but not surprising!) that most horror movies are set in outdoor environments such as woods, fields, or isolated cabins. The game I mentioned above, Until Dawn, is no exception, as it focuses on a group of adults trying to survive on Blackwood Mountain. One of the most classic horror movies, Friday the 13th, takes place at Camp Crystal Lake (or "Camp Blood"). Some other examples of horror films like The Blair Witch Project or The Ritual use the forest as a character itself, full of unknown threats and primal fears. Nature can be beautiful, but when it turns against us or becomes uncontrollable, it becomes terrifying.

I know a lot of people aren't into horror movies, but they're certainly not the only genre of fall media that incorporates nature as a major aspect of the storytelling. If you haven't seen the Cartoon Network mini-series Over the Garden Wall, it is a fall classic that I honestly can't recommend enough. Over the Garden Wall perfectly blends the calm essence of autumn with the spooky, magical, and supernatural elements of Halloween. This show emphasizes fall being a transitional season, where life starts to decay, and the boundaries between reality and the unknown become thinner. The two protagonists, Wirt and Greg, travel through the woods which act as an ever-present character that uses the changing seasons to symbolize the journey between life and death. It is a show that successfully combines the feelings of whimsy and eerie, reflecting the dual nature of fall. I think it is a great example of a show that uses natural elements to enhance storytelling, and the fleshed out natural aspects truly provide a sense of place as you watch Greg and Wirt travel through "The Unknown".

To conclude, I hope my post for this week has provided some insight into the themes of nature, the supernatural, and human storytelling all within the context and atmosphere of fall and Halloween.

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Blog Post #4: Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”?

Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a continuous love for art. Whether I was creating on canvases, bringing colouring book pages to life, or even crafting complex diamond paintings, I always found a sense of peace in completing a work of art. I currently view art as a powerful way to capture the intricate details of the natural world. Through art, we can reflect the beauty and complexity of nature in ways that words alone sometimes can’t. Every hue, every detail, allows us to share the subtle wonders of a landscape, the texture of a leaf, or even the patterns in wildlife that might otherwise go unnoticed. Art helps deepen our connection to nature, offering a way to interpret and communicate its richness with others.

To interpret nature through art is to form a pathway between the natural world and human experience, offering a way to translate the delicate balance of ecosystems, the interactions between species, and the beauty of landscapes into something that resonates deeply with people. As a nature interpreter, I view myself as a storyteller for the environment, utilizing art as my chosen medium to convey the beauty and importance of the natural world. My responsibility lies in conveying not only what I see but how it makes me feel, and in doing do, inviting others to form their own emotion and intellectual connections.

Art, in its many forms, has the ability to inspire feelings of wonder, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility. These emotions are important when it comes to fostering a connection to nature. Whenever I immerse myself in nature, I love to pause for a moment-whether it’s sitting on a weathered bench, the curve of a rock, or simply the ground beneath me-and soak in the beauty all around me. It’s in these quiet moments that I feel most connected to the world I’m exploring, capturing the fleeting details with my camera, allowing me to hold onto these experiences and share the beauty I encounter with others.

These photos capture moments from a few hikes I’ve taken over the past month. Each time I look back at them, I’m reminded of the beauty and wonder nature offers.

“The gift of beauty” is the recognition that nature offers us a sense of awe, serenity, and inspiration. It’s about finding beauty not just in the magnificence of a mountain range or the vibrant hues of a sunset but also in the delicate balance of a forest floor or the detailed design of a bird’s nest. The gift of beauty encourages individuals to slow down, observe with intention, and appreciate the richness of biodiversity and natural processes. In order to interpret, it is important for me to make that beauty accessible to others. Through art, I can interpret the subtle language of nature by highlighting its capacity to surprise us. I would aim to present nature in a way that encourages others to reflect and act in ways that support conservation.

Ultimately, as an interpreter I believe that art brings nature’s stories to life. Each piece of art allows nature to express itself, embodying the phrase “a picture speaks a thousand words”.

[akhenvs3000f24]

Hi there!

Fantastic post, I really enjoyed reading your personal perspective on the use of art for nature interpretation.

I really agree with your point that "Through art, we can reflect the beauty and complexity of nature in ways that words alone sometimes can’t." Visual art, such as paintings or sculptures can truly serve as a universal language to interpret and communicate nuances of nature. Regardless of what language someone might speak, anyone is able to feel a deep connection when looking at a piece of art or a beautiful natural landscape. Because art has the ability to reach into the hearts of just about anyone, it can certainly help connect nature interpretation to a broader audience and enhance environmental awareness and stewardship.

I also really enjoyed your inclusion of some nature photos, and to me it really hones in on the fact that nature is frequently a muse for artists. Throughout history, artists have drawn inspiration from nature for their work, which provides interpretation of the beauty of nature that goes beyond words or scientific fact. Artists that come to mind for me are Monet and Turner, who have created breathtaking illustrations of natural landscapes, that not only capture what something may have looked like, but also the emotion of how it felt being there in that moment. I included two of my favourites from Monet and Turner that capture more than just a landscape, but also a certain emotion and sense of place.

Claude Monet - Waterlilies and Japanese Bridge, 1899

J. M. W. Turner - View in the Avon Gorge, 1791

Overall, your post effectively illustrated the intricacies and connection that art and nature share. Great job!

[akhenvs3000f24]

Unit 04 Blog Post

From our textbook, the interpretive principle associated with The Gift of Beauty is, "Interpretation should instill in people the ability, and the desire, to sense the beauty in their surroundings -- to provide spiritual uplift and to encourage resource preservation."

I believe art, in its many forms, is a tool that interpreters can (and should!) use to do exactly that. Art has a knack for evoking emotion and profound thought. Using it in the context of nature interpretation, I believe it would be effective for instilling in people the ability/desire to sense beauty in their surroundings, for providing spiritual uplift, and for encouraging resource preservation. Art is connected to nature in many ways, and I think it is no coincidence that there are practically endless works of art that aim to capture the beauty of nature.

Various art forms can be used to enrich an experience, and to make nature interpretation more meaningful and memorable. Our textbook discussed interpretive theatre – and this reminded me of a guided tour I've mentioned in my blog before briefly. My family and I did a guided tour of the Tower of London, in which you are escorted around by Yeoman Warders, or more comically known as "Beefeaters." I've included a picture of a Yeoman Warder in their official flamboyant attire.

Image source: https://tv-english.club/articles-en/discover-great-britain-en/the-yeoman-warders-of-the-tower-of-london/

Being guided by someone who is 'dressed the part' and who tells stories in a theatrical, dramatic way made the tour extremely fun and memorable. This to me is the perfect example of how incorporating art to accompany historical facts can make an experience much more immersive. Therefore, I believe art can have the same potency when used to support environmental interpretation.

As discussed in the textbook, "nature guiding should be more inspirational than informational." On top of that, I believe interpretation should strive to be unique from formal education and find ways to make learning meaningful and profound. By combining different disciplines – like art and science – interpretation can reach and connect with a broader audience. Scientific facts can be fantastic for illustrating a point but can be ineffective at emotionally stimulating the recipient. Inspiring someone to really care and connect with the subject matter can be achieved through various art forms. Therefore, if interpreters want visitors to emotionally connect with the science they are communicating, art is a fantastic way of doing so.

What makes art a potent tool for tugging on people’s emotions is that regardless of a person's individual artistic talent, anyone can appreciate art and be moved by it. Art has a way of reaching the masses and connecting us through common themes – you don't have to be a skilled artist to feel stirred, inspired, or influenced by art. Because art can be so subjective, I think that it's important that interpreters are mindful about how they incorporate art into their programs. A lot of times, interpreters are expected to provide answers and give information to visitors. Despite this, when it comes to art, it can be more impactful to let it speak for itself. This quote from the textbook, "interpretation sometimes uses judicious silence. Some scenes need no words; “reporting” the beauty of a scene might reduce the opportunity for inspiration. Often the scene interprets itself, so interpreters need not impose" explains this concept well.

I personally am someone who loves visual arts, and so I love the idea of incorporating artwork into nature interpretation. Nature interpretation has been shown to be extremely important for raising awareness for conservation purposes and connecting people with the environment. It may be easy to convince visitors who are already interested in ecology and the natural world to experience nature interpretation, but what about those who aren’t already interested in the field? Science and art are viewed as such separate things, but I believe that they can be extremely powerful when used in combination. Together, they can communicate important information and facts, while also garnering sympathy and compassion. I believe art is a vessel for conveying a message – and is an important tool for reaching a broader audience than science can on its own. Delivering nature interpretation in an integrated fashion is a promising approach – one that I think will succeed at engaging both the intellect and imagination of a wide audience.

[tsenvs3000f24]

Blog Post 3

Privilege plays a significant role in how individuals experience and interpret nature, influencing who has access to natural spaces and what opportunities they have to connect with the environment. Although nature might seem like something that’s accessible to everyone, this is often a privileged assumption. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have experiences, such as traveling abroad, that allowed me to connect deeply with different natural environments. Being able to explore different countries and witness the world's diverse landscapes firsthand has provided me with a greater appreciation and understanding of nature. However, this is a privilege that not everyone has, as financial resources, time, and opportunities to travel are not equally available to all.

The chapter we read this week provided more insights into how privilege affects nature interpretation. One section discussed how different cultural groups engage with nature and interpretive experiences in varying ways. For example, it highlighted how some groups might be more likely to visit visitor centers, while others might prefer informal interactions with park rangers or outdoor exhibits. This suggests that privilege and cultural background can influence which interpretive experiences are accessible or appealing to different groups. It made me realize that those who have more resources or belong to certain cultural groups might feel more comfortable or see themselves more represented in natural settings, while others might feel excluded or less engaged. This is an important consideration, as it shows that privilege can shape not only who has access to nature but also how they experience and understand it.

Another critical aspect the chapter addressed was the importance of inclusivity for people with disabilities in nature interpretation. It mentioned that many interpreters feel nervous or unsure about how to engage with individuals with physical or mental disabilities, but the advice was to treat them as you would anyone else and ensure that interpretive experiences are welcoming and inclusive. This part of the reading resonated with me because it underscores how privilege affects accessibility. People with disabilities often face significant barriers when it comes to experiencing nature, whether it’s due to physical challenges, a lack of inclusive infrastructure, or the attitudes of others. The chapter’s suggestion to create group challenges that allow everyone to participate and to celebrate non-physical accomplishments reinforces the idea that interpretation should be adaptable and inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy and learn from natural spaces.

Reflecting on this, I realize that privilege not only influences access but also the sense of belonging and representation in nature. As someone who has had the privilege of easily accessing different natural experiences, I can now see the importance of making these experiences more inclusive and equitable for all. By acknowledging the role of privilege in nature interpretation, we can work towards creating a more diverse and welcoming environment that allows everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, to connect with and appreciate the natural world. This chapter has helped me understand that nature interpretation should be an experience that reflects and respects the diversity of all individuals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy, learn from, and feel a connection to our natural heritage.

[akhenvs3000f24]

Hi there! I really appreciated reading your thoughtful discussion about privilege and nature interpretation. You made some really important points and highlighted key aspects of fostering inclusive and accessible interpretation.

You make a really good point about the importance of various groups of people seeing themselves represented in natural settings, to prevent feeling excluded or less engaged. As it was discussed in the textbook, nature interpretation should be representative of the world and people we see around us -- so it should always be a priority to have a staff of interpreters that are diverse and that people can see themselves represented in these spaces. I think the quote from the textbook "role models are important in generating interest in any field" sums this idea up well.

I particularly resonated and agreed with your discussion of designing group activities that are not based on physicality, and are adaptable to anyone's individual capabilities. Disabilities can come in many forms and present their own unique challenges, and so I really agree with your point on ensuring that activities are adaptable to each visitor. Focusing on what an individual can do, rather than what they cannot, is a really important step in creating more inclusive and accessible spaces. For instance, for a visitor with a visual impairment, the interpreter can describe things that would otherwise be visually obvious to other guests in greater detail, and focus on providing a tactile sensory experience. Advancements in technology are also providing new and promising ways of including those with disabilities, such as assistive listening devices. There are accommodations that can and should be made for any type of disability, and this is key to making nature interpretation welcoming to all.

Overall you very eloquently reflected on privilege and how we can work to mitigate barriers and challenges faced by minority groups. Thanks for your contribution to this important discussion!

[akhenvs3000f24]

Unit 03 Blog Post

If I were to define privilege, I would say that privilege is one or many advantages that a particular person or group are afforded that others are not. Privilege can come from a number of things, for example a person's economic class, their race, their gender, etc. There are certain opportunities and advantages that people of privilege will benefit from, sometimes without even knowing it. It is important that we reflect on each of our own "invisible backpacks" and how that impacts our lives and the lives of those around us. Reflecting on the opportunities given or not given to each of us as individuals, as a result of our unique backgrounds (and not because of our own achievements or exploits), is an important part of keeping oneself accountable and aware of societal inequities.

In the context of nature interpretation, people of privilege are more likely to have the opportunity to attend natural sites to learn and experience nature. Privilege plays an important part in how easy or difficult it might be to access environmental interpretation programs or activities. Knowing this, it is important that nature interpreters understand how privilege might impact our conversations, our decisions, and how to accommodate diverse audiences.

Many minority groups are faced with challenges and barriers that make it more difficult to visit natural sites and participate in interpretive programs. These barriers can include physical difficulties, such as a physical disability or limited mobility in elderly people. As nature interpreters, it is important to provide equal access and ease of use to the programs or interpretive activities you are running, regardless of a participant's physical capabilities.

When I personally reflect on the many experiences I've had exploring nature, it is important to remember and appreciate that I am privileged to be a healthy, young individual who has little to no difficulty going on hikes and traversing unstable terrain. Not everyone is able to engage in perilous hikes or difficult terrains, but it is essential that nature interpretation activities remain accessible and that nature interpreters accommodate each and every individual's needs.

There are also social barriers that can make less privileged groups shy away, feel unwelcome, or feel incapable of participating in nature programs. Cultural and communication barriers can make visiting nature sites more difficult for minority groups and non-English speakers. When I think back and recall many nature sites I have visited, all of the signage, brochures, maps, or informative plaques were almost always written in English. It would be extremely difficult and discouraging to attempt to learn about nature in a language I didn't understand. Because of this, it is important that nature interpreters make an effort to invite and include cultural minorities and that national parks or nature sites incorporate various languages and translations, and/or hire bilingual interpreters.

Furthermore, economic barriers, such as the costs of transportation and travel, entrance fees, and lodging associated with attending natural parks to enjoy nature interpretation is a limiting factor for many minority groups. Unfortunately, because of these barriers, nature exploration and interpretive activities can be seen as a luxury activity that is only available to wealthier demographics. Nature interpreters and programmers should combat economic barriers associated with transportation by offering their own shuttles or transports to their facilities. In my own previous blogs, I have mentioned various places I have travelled to experience nature, which is an enormous privilege I am granted from having parents with the time and wealth to invest in such activities. I am well aware that having a cottage and travelling often is not a universal or common experience, and I couldn't be more grateful for how that has enriched my life.

To conclude, having discussed in previous blog posts how important my relationship with nature is to my mental health, I believe that breaking down the various barriers stopping minority and less-privileged groups from accessing nature is extremely important. Every human being deserves to easily access, enjoy, and benefit from nature -- it is not something that should be restricted to certain people of privilege. By creating solutions and tackling barriers, we can hopefully make nature more inclusive, and reduce the impact that privilege has on who can or can't enjoy what the environment has to offer.

[rmenvs3000f24]

Unit 2 Blog

Hello everyone! I am so excited to be joining you all again in our second blog post for ENVS3000. This week I will be discussing my current ideal role as an environmental interpreter. I say current because I am always willing to gain new perspectives and opinions, and I imagine this will occur while reading the posts from my peers this week. So, without further ado, let's dive into my ideal role as an environmental interpreter! 

This past summer I was fortunate enough to experience a position at a provincial park that included nature interpretation, and I learned a lot about myself as an environmental interpreter. With this experience in mind, I would ideally be an environmental interpreter in a provincial or national park setting. I found that there are many ways to connect with visitors whether it be through guided hikes, drop-in programs, children's programs, or amphitheater presentations. You can tailor your programs to the abilities, interests, leaning styles, and availability of the people whom you are looking to connect with and teach. I have also found that you end up learning a lot from visitors and coworkers as well, making it a very rewarding and fulfilling experience.  

[A photograph of me holding a hermit thrush that had hit the window of our gate house, leading me to deliver an impromptu interpretation to visitors about the behaviour the bird was displaying and how we can help birds after they have hit a window.]

This position would entail getting out into the park and interacting with visitors in some of the activities I mentioned above. Each has different strengths and weaknesses in terms of nature interpretation; however, I have found my favorite way to interpret is through guided hikes. During guided hikes you can deliver a multi-sensory experience. This can be through vision by closely inspecting a plant or standing at a lookout area, touch by feeling how soft the moss is or dipping your toes in a flowing river, smell through crushing some wintergreen leaves or rubbing some bog Labrador tea leaves between their fingers, and sense of sound by listening to birds chirping or leaves rustling in the wind. Although there is potential for adding the sense of taste into guided hikes, this typically is not practical in a provincial or national park setting where foraging is prohibited and is not always the safest to carry out. 

The skills needed for an environmental interpreter vary based on which type of programs you are running; however, they can be generalized. A great skill to possess while interpreting is to be aware of the differences in your audience within the same crowd. Be prepared to receive seemingly simple to advanced questions based on the topic you are discussing. Visitors come from various backgrounds, and there is something to be learned from everyone you are interacting with! Another useful thing to keep in mind is to not be afraid to admit when you don’t know the answer to every question. By telling them you don’t know can open a pathway for you to learn and connect with the visitor by finding the answer together. Another important variable in the success of your environmental interpretation experience is to be passionate about what you are teaching, as it is contagious to the people listening to you speak. Thanks for reading this week's blog post! 

[akhenvs3000f24]

Hi Rayah!

I really enjoyed reading your blog post for this week, and I find your personal take on environmental interpretation really insightful! I also really love the detail you included about giving an impromptu lesson about helping birds who have flown into windows, I think it really highlights how unpredictable nature can be, and that nature interpreters often have to adjust to unexpected circumstances! To start, I really like your point about learning from visitors at your nature interpretation job, and I can really relate to that feeling! In many of my past jobs that didn't even necessarily involve teaching or interpreting -- for example when I was a server in a restaurant -- it is certainly true that each stranger who walks through the door can have a unique perspective and knowledge to share. I think it's really honorable of you that even as a trained nature interpreter, you believe there is always more that you can learn from others. Moving on, I really enjoyed the way you described providing a multi-sensory experience while taking people on nature hikes! Your descriptions definitely remind me of some nature tours I have been on before, and I can certainly agree that as a visitor, I have always enjoyed being taken out into nature to learn more than being lectured someplace inside. Although there are probably other people who would disagree with me, so it all depends on the individual! Lastly, it seems abundantly clear that you really understand the key skills for being a successful nature interpreter. It is so true that in a job where you are interacting with various people from different backgrounds, that it's important to be able to accommodate for having a different mix of personalities in your audience each time. Your perspective on nature interpretation was a really great read, fantastic job!