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My Personal Ethics and Nature Interpretation

I think this week’s prompt is one that I have sort of been mentally working through all semester. I’ve taken quite a large variety of courses over the past four years and have thought about the ethics of the different fields, whether that be anthropology, writing or biology. I think it is very important to consider the impacts that we have on the world around us and the people and animals on it. The ethics that I bring into my role as a nature interpreter are shaped by both my own personal morals, and what I have learned since being here at school.

My own moral foundation tells me to be respectful of everything around me and the other people, plants and animals that I share the world with. They tell me to make every effort to understand where other people come from and their perspectives on a situation or life in general. When it comes to nature interpretation, my existing morals make sure that I consider how both the people that I am interacting with and teaching could feel and how my actions affect nature itself. I want to make sure that everything I do as a nature interpreter is accessible to as many people as possible, since not everyone has the same learning style, mobility levels, and ages. I want to make sure that no one feels left out when I interact with them since everyone deserves to have equal access to nature and to learning about nature. My existing morals also dictate how I interact with nature itself. I want to be respectful of any plants and animals that I might come across while out in nature and make sure that I leave no trace of my trip into nature. For the sake of both the environment and future people, I don’t want my presence to harm nature. This also goes back to making sure everyone can access nature. If I, or anyone who goes into nature, damages it, that could jeopardize future interpreter’s opportunities with nature. Ultimately, though, I think the most important part is making sure that nature itself is unharmed. The balance that is struck in nature can be so delicate and I know I would feel horrible if I did anything to risk disrupting it.

On top of the morals that I grew up with, over my time in this course and university as a whole I have learned multiple things that have impacted my ethics. What I learned in my anthropology courses and ecology courses have taught me more about people and the world around me that has only strengthened my morals. The more I know about the world the more strongly I believe that it deserves nothing but our respect and protection. Especially with the state of climate change at the moment and the ways that my courses have focussed on it. This focus has made the importance of being educated about nature and the world around us incredibly apparent to me. This course has also taught me more about all the different ways that one can be a nature interpreter. This has added to my personal ethics by expanding on my empathy to the other ways that people learn and teach.

Out of all the ways that one can be a nature interpreter I think the one that now speaks to me the most is a role where I get to interact with the public and with animals. Following my ethics, this role would prioritize making nature accessible to everyone while also protecting it as much as possible from people. To me this means keeping my nature interpretation to areas that are relatively resilient and where my presence won’t cause any negative effects. To try and make my interpretations as accessible as possible I would turn to the internet where I can help connect people that don’t have easy access to nature, with nature. I think that is one way that the internet can be incredibly positive.

The responsibilities I have as a nature interpreter include my responsibilities to nature, to the people I am teaching, and to myself. My responsibilities to nature are to make sure that I am not harming it and even further than that, that I am helping nature by educating people. My responsibilities to the people I teach are to make sure that the information I am teaching them is accurate, that they are not in danger, and that nature is accessible to as many people as possible. It’s all well and good for me to teach people more about the environment but if no one can reasonably access what I am teaching, I might as well not even do it. Finally, I do have a responsibility to myself and that is one responsibility that often goes overlooked in my experience. For the sake of myself and my work, I have to make sure that I am not getting burned out or over committing myself. I want nothing more than to be able to do everything all the time for other people and the world around me, but that can sometimes come at the expense of my own mental and physical health. So I have to make sure that I prioritize my own health sometimes. With nature interpretation that might just look like taking time just to myself to go for a walk with my dog and relaxing in nature, instead of trying to constantly be in interpretation mode.

It’s impossible to do anything in life without your personal ethics playing a role and these are a culmination of all your experiences, things you have learned and people that you surround yourself with. This course has opened my eyes to the field of nature interpretation, and it, like everything else, has impacted my personal ethics.

arenvs3000w24

Hi Maddy!

I enjoyed reading your final post for ENVS3000! I agree that we've been developing and working through the idea of what ethics and responsibilities we have as a nature interpreter throughout this class. For me, this idea has definitely evolved and changed after every week. I connected with your ideas of valuing and respecting our environment. Something as simple as being conscious of your impact on the nature around us and respecting the natural ecosystems is very important. I also believe in the importance of understanding our audience and engaging ways for more people to connect to nature. This is something I learned greatly from this course, how we can adapt and view things from others perspectives to execute interpretation more effectively. Broadening your perspectives and approaches also allows us to connect more people of different diversities, accessibility levels and ages, like you mentioned.

It was very interesting to see how your other courses at Guelph have impacted your views and strengthened your morals. This is an idea I hadn't considered but reviewing my classes I can see some personal connections as well. I take a lot of psychology and neuroscience courses which discuss how and why we do things or think things. These approaches have allowed me to see generally what engages people more and allows them to learn and retain memories of the experience better. This includes talking to audiences that connect with your morals or from your community. As well, I've gained a deeper understanding of the importance of including learning styles which are often based on psychology research.

Have a great week!

zdenvs3000w24

From my Old Point Loma Lighthouse to Yours: The Closing Act

As I sit down to write this final blog post, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here. It seems like it was only yesterday that I wrote my first post, recounting my humble beginnings amidst the urban sprawl of Toronto and my gradual embrace of nature. The initial post marked the beginning of a transformative adventure, one that saw me evolve from a city dweller yearning for greenery to a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and interpretation. Just as the Old Point Loma Lighthouse stood as a beacon of guidance in my earlier post, so too have I come to understand my role as an interpreter: to illuminate the wonders of the natural world and inspire others to forge their own connections with it.

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse (Tisdale, 2017).

As I delve into the exploration of my personal ethics as a nature interpreter, I find myself drawn back to the foundations laid within the course. The beliefs I hold dear, the responsibilities I shoulder, and the approaches I embrace all stem from the seed planted in those early days of discovery. So join me once more as we seek to understand what it truly means to interpret nature with authenticity and respect.

Delving into the depths of my personal ethics as a future nature interpreter, I am reminded of the foundational principles instilled in me through my studies as an environmental science major. The recognition of the intrinsic value of the natural world is the cornerstone of my belief system. Reflecting on this, I often ponder: What does it mean for something to have intrinsic value, and how does this concept influence our interactions with nature? The concept of intrinsic value prompts us to consider the worth of nature beyond what it provides us, such as shelter, food, and other necessities (Beck et al., 2018). As interpreters, engaging with the concept of intrinsic value challenges us to convey this perspective to our audience. This leads me to question: How does one effectively communicate the intrinsic worth of nature in a society dominated by utilitarian thinking? How can we inspire others to recognize and cherish the inherent value of ecosystems beyond their immediate utility? Nature should be regarded as a living breathing entity in its own right, one that, despite its generous provisions, requires preservation for its own well-being. I firmly believe that as interpreters, we have a responsibility to target and influence beliefs that shape attitudes, norms, and perceptions (Beck et al., 2018). By doing so, one can effectively guide the audience towards behaviors that are aligned with the preservation and appreciation of nature. It is through changing these beliefs that we can inspire meaningful actions and foster a deeper connection between individuals and nature.

As Tilden defines, nature interpretation is an educational activity aimed at revealing meanings and relationships using an array of strategies (Beck et al., 2018). As a nature interpreter who still has a long way to go, I recognize that my responsibilities extend beyond communicating complex dry facts. It encompasses the dual objectives of effectively informing and inspiring (Beck et al., 2018). Therefore, I would need to go beyond simply conveying information and instead strive to provoke my audience with personal meaning and connections with nature, encouraging a sense of place (Beck et al., 2018). Most importantly, I have the responsibility to understand and engage diverse audiences to transcend physical, social, and psychological barriers, some concerning the invisible knapsacks, and foster inclusivity (Beck et al., 2018; Gallavan, 2005). By tailoring my interpretive approaches to align with audience values and interests, building trust, and transitioning from expert to facilitator, I can create a welcoming space where everyone feels valued (Beck et al., 2018). Embracing diversity and inclusivity will enrich the interpretive experience but also foster greater participation and stewardship.

While fostering a positive and engaging environment for my audience is essential, as an environmental science major, I’m acutely aware of my responsibility to address the pressing environmental challenges. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and overexploitation of natural resources amongst others, are critical issues that demand attention. Therefore, conservation is not a choice anymore but an obligation if our future generations ever want to have a chance at survival. However, I recognize the importance of communicating these challenges without restoring to fear-mongering. Instead, I strive to frame these issues within the context of hope, empowerment, and collective responsibility, inspiring my audience to become agents of positive change.

(McGregor, 2021).

Upon reflection and considering the broader perspective, I realized that there is no better means to fully embrace nature than by immersing oneself in it; a sentiment possibly influenced by my upbringing in the city and the immediate realization of its stark disparity. Consequently, through merging my beliefs and responsibilities, I have roughly developed a personalized interpretative approach that resonates with me. In the realm of interpretive theater within nature, I perceive myself not as the central performer, but rather as the silent conductor orchestrating the symphony of the natural world. Here, nature itself assumes the spotlight, captivating the audience with its endless beauty and intricate complexity. Just as Lee Stetson observed, amidst the chaos of urban life, people yearn for the tranquility and authenticity of nature’s stage (Beck et al., 2018). Every rustle of leaves, every bird’s song, and every trickle of water becomes a part of this captivating performance, fostering that visceral connection between the live performer (nature) and the audience as Stetson describes (Beck et al., 2018). My role as the stage orchestrator is to seamlessly guide the audience’s attention, drawing their focus to the delicate interplay of ecosystems and the profound intrinsic value of every living being.

Through immersive experiences like guided nature walks and interactive presentations and activities, I endeavor to foster a deep sense of connection and stewardship among my audience of all ages, backgrounds, places, and more. Moreover, I recognize the vital role that children play in this narrative. Not only do they possess an innate curiosity and readiness to love the natural world, but they’re the future generation that needs to bear the brunt of the results of our decisions. By nurturing their relationship with nature through stories, personal experiences, and hands-on discovery, I aim to empower them to become stewards of the environment and inspire those around them to join the effort (Beck et al., 2018). Thus, in this theatre of nature, the spotlight does not shine on the interpreter; instead, it echoes the guiding glow of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, illuminating the magnificent spectacle of the natural world, ready to captivate all those who are willing to watch, listen, and feel its profound beauty and significance.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

Gallavan, N. P. (2005). Helping teachers unpack their "invisible knapsacks". Multicultural Education, 13(1), 36. https://link-gale-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A137921591/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=9fe2f151

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

Picture Credits:

Tisdale, M.E. (2017). Old Point Loma Lighthouse Art. Mark on Art. https://markonart.com/old-point-loma-lighthouse-art/

McGregor, S. (2021). IPCC report: A grim scientific assessment of how and why the planet is warming.Monash University.https://lens.monash.edu/@environment/2021/08/09/1383594/a-sweeping-scientific-assessment-of-how-and-why-the-planet-is-warming

arenvs3000w24

Hi Zaynab!

I enjoyed reading your insightful final post for this course! I have to agree that it feels like just yesterday that we were writing about our first thoughts of nature interpretation and now we have all come so far. I'm glad to read that over the course of this semester it has brought you to connect closer with your green side and evolve out of being strictly a city person. I have to agree with your role as an interpreter in that you wish to help guide people to create and inspire their own connections with nature. Finding personal relationships with the environment is an essential way for us to evolve as people physically, mentally and spiritually. I found it interesting you discussed what it means to have intrinsic value and our influence it can have when we interact with nature. This brought me back to Unit 06 when we evaluated how something can hold meaning but be essentially worthless without its significant history. I believe what you brought up about how the obvious aspects of nature such as food, water, shelter and life are not what it means to connect and find natural significance. A nature interpreter has to take into account more than the physical aspects of nature and really push the boundaries of the whys. Why are we doing this! Why do we care! Why is it important or evoking meaning or emotions? Through these questions we can get to the deeper meanings of nature and how we can use these to grow as people and as a sustainable planet.

Have a great week!

The final post

Welcome to the final post of mine for this journey through nature interpretation and all the many things the natural world has to offer us. While this semester seemed to blow right by, I feel as though I have picked up a lot of messages and perspectives that I did not have before. During the first week of this course, we explored what connects us to nature and what we believe is our role in interpreting the environment. It has been interesting to think back and reevaluate my first connections with the outdoors. My first experiences I can remember include camping with my family, playing in the woods near my house or swimming and boating in the lake. These experiences can often bring me back to those moments and happy memories. They help fuel my current passion and love for the outdoors.

My ethics as a nature interpreter have remained similar to the start but have definitely evolved and expanded as my view has throughout this course. When the semester first started the most ethics I could come up with included principles of environmental conservation and enabling others to find connections to instill a drive for sustainability. These are crucial and are commonly the source of a lot of people's passion for the environment because no one wants the beautiful world we live in to change. However, after expanding on all the topics throughout this course I would have to say my ethics have changed slightly. I can also see the other essential ethical aspects now such as understanding your audience to implement inclusion in your interpretations. Whether this is through accessibility or cultural inclusion, they all enable people to find deeper relationships with nature. Another aspect is the importance of creating accurate and integrable interpretations based on history or science. By utilizing these ethical tools it can allow you to create stronger, more meaningful connections to who you're presenting to.

Personally, I hope to become a nature interpreter in the way I act daily and connect to my environment. I am motivated to experience nature and the environment as much as I can. Like I said in my first post of the semester, I still don't see myself necessarily having a career outside directly in nature. However, that does not mean I won't find ways to interpret nature at my job or just in my life. To feel connection and community in the places I go outdoors and the people I am with is important to me. Motivation to seek environmental interpretation is essential to create focus on our responsibility to future generations. The responsibility to increase connection and opportunities in nature. To allow the younger generations to have the privilege to go into natural spaces and learn what they can from them. It is our responsibility to instill the meaning and significance of our environment. Even f they don't understand it now, at some point in their lives they'll feel thankful for the connections they have been able to build.

Thank you for reading my blog! Goodbye everyone thanks for the great semester!

Unit 10: Nature Interpretation's Role in Environmental Sustainability

For the first final blog post of this week I would like to dip into Unit 10 about environmental sustainability and our roles as interpreters. Nature sustainability is a large topic that we often circle back around to in environmental, and science courses. Maintaining our natural world is essential for physical health like from food, to mental health like for clarity. Yet the environment is something people continually neglect to consider when making valuable choices such as urban designing, or manufacturing products.

The video in this weeks content was of a conference hosted by David Suzuki and Richard Louve at the Art Gallery of Ontario (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012). Richard Louve goes on to explain how he met a group of neuroscientists studying how to improve mental health based on implementing tools, and he asked if they had tried using nature (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012). The neuroscientists then asked, well what is defined as nature (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012)? I found this very interesting because as simple as the question is, it can be hard to really define what is nature. Richard Louve's definition explains nature can be thought of as sharing and experiencing or gaining meaning from being with or around a species other than your own (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012). I can agree with this definition as it helps break the idea that to be connected to nature you need to be constantly immersed outside. Not everyone has the ability or privilege to have endless access to nature experiences, so being able to immerse or connect yourself to nature in other ways is important. David Suzuki also goes on to say how there has been a lack of inclusion of natural spaces in urban settings and communities (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012). These spaces allow everyone to have more opportunities to connect and embrace nature around them, which are more important than people realize.

The quote mentioned in Unit 10, “Now, my tree-climbing days long behind me, I often think about the lasting value of those early, deliciously idle days. I have come to appreciate the long view afforded by those treetops. The woods were my Ritalin. Nature calmed me, focused me, and yet excited my senses.” (Last Child in the Woods), connected with me because it made me realize how privileged I have been to have access to nature experiences throughout my life. These experiences, running through the woods, climbing trees, building forts, swimming in lakes, or skating on ponds have allowed me to see my environment for more than just my surroundings. It can give you peace and presence in that moment to take in the true beauty around you and can create incentives in people to prioritize environmental sustainability in their lives.

References:

DavidSuzukiFDN. (2012, July 20). David Suzuki and Richard Louv @AGO. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5DI1Ffdl6Y&t=150s

apenvs3000w24

Unit 09: Sense-Making of Nature Interpretation

Q: Interpret the most amazing thing you know about nature – get us excited. This is your blog – your audience isn’t out in the field with you so bring the field to your armchair reader.

Nature is so amazing for so many reasons. Throughout my undergrad, I’ve adopted a special interest in evolution — particularly in how species are rapidly evolving amid the climate crisis. I think evolution is THE MOST fascinating aspect of nature. It explains how it came to be, so how can we talk about “nature” without talking about evolution?

Species have been adapting and changing to environmental conditions since the first earthly lifeforms came to be (which was a simple prokaryotic species dating back to 3.5 billion years ago; scientists refer to this organism as LUCA, or the Last Universal Common Ancestor)! I find it so interesting how we know about organisms from millions to billions of years ago due to the fossil record. The fossil record is proof that species have changed over time. I also think it is so interesting that there is proof in the fossil record that species rapidly evolved during periods of intense warming or cooling (climate change). Lately, I have been thinking about what species might survive this climate crisis and why … if I had to put money on any species, I don’t foresee Canadian squirrels going extinct anytime soon — they seem to be all over!

I think it is also important to note that most species have had hundreds to millions of years to evolve into what they are today. In the era of the climate crisis and worsening land destruction/exploitation, species are facing novel challenges due to rapidly changing ecosystems. In my BIOL*3130 class, I learned that some species have been adapting by shifting their ranges to higher altitudes or latitudes where conditions are more suitable. Other species have evolved new traits to cope with changing weather systems, such as Soay Sheep who have been evolving smaller body sizes to cope with warmer temperatures.

This process of rapid adaption and evolution highlights the incredible resilience of life on Earth! It gives me hope that many species will persist despite a rapidly changing climate. However, there MUST be more effort by humans to facilitate the various processes required for evolution. In BIOL*3130, I also learned that the United States and Canada have attempted to create “nature corridors” to help species migrate northward. If more conservation efforts like this could be made, humans could help as many species survive as possible.

My apologies if this post ended up “doom and gloom” … this was not my intention. However, I’m finding it more and more difficult to talk about nature without discussing it’s future on earth. The species on this planet will evolve or go extinct. It’s sad to say aloud, but it is true — unless we take radical action NOW. But until that happens, I think it’s important to come to terms with reality and I don’t think we should ever avoid talking about the climate crisis when we talk about nature and evolution.

arenvs3000w24

Hi Alayna!

I liked how you talked about evolution for this week's topic. I have to agree that evolution is one of the most interesting parts of nature. The way species can adapt and change over lifespans to increase the survival and fitness of their population is incredible, especially from pressure like climate change. I can definitely see why you think it is the most interesting aspect of nature considering it explains so much about the natural world. It is crazy to think that 3.5 billion years ago, when our planet looked completely different, that life was starting to sprout. I agree that it's fascinating how scientists have been able to find evidence and estimate how far back these lineages go. It is almost unreal to think about how long ago that was and how far all the organisms have evolved since. I remember hearing somewhere that the majority of the species to have lived on our planet are now extinct. This helps put into perspective the timeline of life and evolution. While our planet has been through many stages both hot and cold. Today with the rapid climate changes, animals are facing an environmental crisis that they haven't experienced in a long time. The moving north of species and habitats, the increasing weather conditions and diseases, and the agricultural effect on food supply will soon impact the northern species and on from there. Discussing climate change can definitely be “gloomy” but I think it also helps highlight the importance and urgency about being environmentally cautious in your daily life. After all, if we all thought the same and tried a little bit everyday, a small difference can snowball into something larger.

Have a great week!

Unit 09: Sense-Making of Nature Interpretation

This week in Unit 09 we are prompted to discuss the most amazing thing we know about nature! When I think about all the amazing things that I know about nature, what fascinates me the most is the unique animals we have on earth. As I've discussed before, growing up I always had an interest in marine biology and aquatic environments. The oceans are where life began and are also one of the most interesting ecosystems on the planet. There are so many bizarre and unique animals that don't look like anything you could imagine, especially in the oceans. However, today I'm going to talk about a very popular unique animal, which is the jellyfish. Most people are unaware of how fascinating and unique jellyfish really are. We all know jellys are strange for lacking many organs including a brain. This is because they are made up of basic layers of cells, and are able to pass nutrients and oxygen through their cell walls easily (Collins, 2023). Their “brain” is the simplest known nervous system in any multicellular animal (Collins, 2023). It consists of a loose nerve network known as the “nerve net” (Collins, 2023).

While I find these incredibly interesting, one of the most fascinating parts of the jellyfish, is definitely how they reproduce both sexually and asexually in different body forms, during their life (Collins, 2023). The classic jellyfish we can think of is in the medusa stage, but before then the jellyfish must be in its polyp form (Collins, 2023). As adults in the medusa stage, they release sperm to fertilize or eggs to be fertilized into the open ocean (Collins, 2023). When fertilized the eggs develop into planulae, which are like larvae that find a surface to grab onto and grow (Collins, 2023). Once attached to the sea floor the jelly is now a polyp, stuck on one side and extending flower-like on the other (Collins, 2023). This is where jellyfish can reproduce asexually, budding off an identical polyp copy (Collins, 2023).

Now another very interesting jellyfish fact that you may already know about is the “immortal jellyfish”. But how does this jellyfish really stay immortal? The immortal jellyfish or the Turritopsis nutricula, has the ability to revert back to its polyp stage after reaching adulthood which is known as transdifferentiation (Collins, 2023). This unique ability allows the jellyfish to go back to its infancy and reproduce asexually to continue its exact DNA forever. It is incredible to think about how jellyfish have been around for millions of years and how they have evolved. The fact that jellyfish are so simple yet so complex is such an amazing part of nature.

References:

The Ocean Portal Team. (2018, April). Jellyfish and Comb jellies. Smithsonian Ocean. https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/invertebrates/jellyfish-and-comb-jellies#section_16508

aaenvs3000w24

Unit 6

Today I will be analyzing the quote;

"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." (Hyams, 2018).

This quote brings light to the importance of history in our every day life, reminding me of every historical sight I have come across through my travels. Learning about past mistakes and triumphs of humans is what propels evolution forward, and it is one of the most important aspects of visiting historical monuments.

Another lens I can read this quote through is that of nature, specifically animals like horseshoe crabs and reptiles. These animals that have existed for centuries give us a view into history and the environments that they had to overcome. Horseshoe crabs specifically make me think of the area of the quote that states "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.". Horseshoe crabs have been around for over 400 million years, yet still serve of great importance to humans due to the medical applications using their blood. These crabs have existed long before humans, yet provide us with so much. This natural bridge of the past to the present reminds me of how connected life is, and how long various 'train stations' have existed before humans even came about.

Although this interpretation may be more of an abstract one, I enjoy applying nature to this quote analyses. I am reminded of the various medicinal plants that have been around for millennia, curing human ailments before the creation of modern medicine. It honestly makes me a bit angry to think about how many natural cures we were granted, and how far the pharmaceutical industries have strayed from them. Not that I disagree with modern medicine, but I believe many human health problems such as high/low blood pressure, fatigue, and chronic inflammation can be greatly aided by the use of natural medicine. Utilizing the herbal teachings of our ancestors throughout history is an area of connection I wish we as a community would take part of more.

Thanks for reading,

Alleeya

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

arenvs3000w24

Hi Alleeya!

I very much enjoyed reading your post on nature and history this week. It is easy to forget our history and the past that has brought us to where we are today. I liked how you highlighted how we often take our own history for granted, not appreciating enough what it has taken to get to where we are. There is so much importance in the history of ancient places or artifacts including years of experience, culture, and even disastrous historical events too. These events, positive or negative, definitely help aid us in moving forward and evolving as humans. I found it very interesting how you related the animals and plants we have used for centuries for medicinal purposes but are often forgotten, to the quote by Edward Hyams. I had no idea that Horseshoe crabs have been around for 400 million years and are still used in medicinal settings. This also reminds me of the many herbal medicines from our history that have aided thousands of people. Ingredients like cica from the centella asiatica plant or tea tree which were both widely used for hundreds of years to treat and prevent ailments. However, I can also agree that many herbal medicines are looked down on today compared to traditional medicine, leaving these important plants and species less appreciated. It is easy to think "the past is in the past" and that the railway only exists with the train in it. But the realization that our past holds significance and is shaping who we are is essential in allowing us to move foward and evolve!

Have a great day! - Alysia

Unit 06: Nature Interpretation through History

This week touched on interpreting nature through history. I found this week's prompt of unpacking Edward Hyams quote to be very interesting and a bit challenging. The quote touches on an important aspect of history often forgotten, which is the meaning and integrity behind history or historical items. He starts off by stating there is no peculiar merit in historical or ancient things (Beck et al, 2015). Often we view historical items as incredibly worthy and high quality. While this isn't necessarily wrong, this integrity is not held within the objects themselves but within the history the object holds. Integrity keeps all parts of a whole together, piecing the knowledge or memories of them even throughout time (Beck et al, 2015). Hyams states this to create an open mind of the impacts, and values history holds even if not initially obvious. Whether it's a story or memory pieced through time or related to a historical artifact, all history has played a role in shaping the lives we live today.

The next part of the quote uses a metaphor stating, “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.” (Beck et al, 2015). I found this to be very insightful and it made me reflect on all the aspects of history we take for granted. What Hyams is referring to is the recognition that just because we don't see the effects or connection to history doesn't mean it hasn't molded who we are today. If we were to believe that the railway station only exists when a train is there, we would close our minds to the meanings and influence of our past (Beck et al, 2015). What has happened before us in history has created what guides our lives today, from the world we live in, to how we act to who we are as people. Similar to how our interpretations of nature can guide and shape us, so has our past.

So much of history has created our current society and existence. Natural history refers to the practice of creating an honest and accurate story based on past evidence (Hooykaas, 2024). This is essential for creating authentic representations of the past (Hooykaas, 2024). Ones that we can use to identify our current significance, our privilege and our story. All of which are important for what makes us who we are. Not only have we evolved biologically into humans as a result of the natural world. But we have also used nature to shape our cultures, our experiences and our lives. Historically nature is the root of our existence and our environment can be used to influence us into better and happier people. This is why it's important to reflect on our past and use it to help guide us. Sharing the authentic voices of the past is a way to see other perspectives and experiences of nature. Looking into the past can often help us look forward to our surroundings and natural world to see how and why we can appreciate what's around us.

Thanks for reading, have a great week!

References:

Beck, Larry, & Cable, T. T. (2015). Chapter 7. The gifts of interpretation: Fifteen guiding principles for interpreting nature and culture. Sagamore Publishing.

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Nature Interpretation through History [Lecture Notes]. Courselink. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640020/View

oglenvs3000w24

Unit 7: Music in nature, Nature in music

Music surrounds us, it's everywhere. We listen to music when we drive, go for walks, study or cook. There are many types of music, like classical or pop, but some are less common or thought of, such as birds or whales singing. Before this unit, I hadn't put much thought into how there is music in nature.

What even is music? When I think of music, I think of an arrangement of sounds used as a form of self-expression. In this unit, we defined music as sound patterns varying in pitch and time produced for emotional, social, cultural and cognitive purposes (Gray et al., 2001). This definition proves how versatile music is and how many uses it can have.

I want to dive deeper into how music and nature are interconnected. I want to discuss where music is in nature and where nature is in music.

Music is everywhere in nature, from animals singing and communicating to the sound of wind through windchimes. It is simple for me to hear music in nature in the form of birds. I have studied bird calls and songs in some courses throughout my undergrad and analyzed their differences to help ID different species. However, I know how easy it is to tune out these sounds in our busy world, with the sounds of cars driving by honking the horn and trucks reversing. If you have ever gone to a remote location and sat and listened, you would agree it is impossible to ignore and drown out the natural music that fills your ears—the changing songs from season to season and from hour to hour. As I write this, I think about the hot summer with cicadas humming their tune. I remember the sounds of birds singing at 5 am while spring peepers and crickets fill the night with their tune. All together, creating a symphony of sounds. Each piece of nature creates its tune and rhythm just as an orchestra or band would with a guitarist and drummer. All are capable of making their own distinct music. When played in harmony, it creates its song and its music. The music that fills your ears when you sit in that remote spot just listening. It is said that those who live amongst nature have a more comprehensive range of sounds than those who live in industrialized societies (Gray et al., 2001). The distinction between these two examples demonstrates this effectively.

It is clear that music is everywhere in nature, but where is nature in music? My interpretation of this is varied. Nature is in music through song and lyrics. I have discussed this in a past post where The Tragically Hip often writes about Canada's landscape and paints a picture of the beauty and nature. There is also the example of Yoiks, an oral tradition of the Sami where they repeat nonsense syllables about an aspect of nature. This places nature into music; however, I think this can have more meaning. My other interpretation is that nature is what creates the music. Without nature, music would not exist. The animals with specialized structures to make sounds, repeated rhymes, and sound patterns wouldn't exist. Nature is vital in music.

As a follow-up, I wanted to talk about my experience with music and nature. The song Bobcagon by The Tragically Hip immediately takes me back to the cottage. I imagine a dock on the water surrounded by trees. This association is from hearing it played at cottages while growing up! It's a beautiful song if you haven't heard it before!

This Picture was taken in Algonquin and shows what I imagine when hearing this song.

References:

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.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8

arenvs3000w24

Hi Olivia!

I enjoyed reading your post about nature in music, and music in nature. It is very true how music is everywhere around us and enjoyed by pretty much everyone. Whether it's a song from your headphones, or natural sounds like birds singing and crickets chirping outside. We all listen to and enjoy these sounds everyday. I found it interesting you pointed out how versatile music is. Music not only comes from many sources but it is also used in many ways and creates many impacts. This is seen through all the effects music or sounds have on its audience from evoking emotions to connecting people and cultures. When thinking about where music is found in nature you can imagine the birds singing, insects chirping, wind blowing or water flowing that create these beautiful melodies. However, looking at where nature is in music can be more challenging. I enjoyed how you connected the lyrics of songs to nature, and I had no idea that the Tragically Hip often wrote about Canada's landscape in their music. This is very interesting and I will definitely explore more of their songs because of this. Many artists refer to nature or use elements of nature to create or inspire their music. Nature has had such a powerful influence and has led to the production of many art forms including music. Therefore I can agree with you that without nature we would not have music, and probably many other kinds of art too.

kcenvs3000w24

Blog 05: Nature & Mental Health

Hi everyone! Welcome back for another weekly blog entry. This blog is a bit different because we are not focusing on a specific prompt. I find this exciting because we are all able to share whatever is on our mind for this week. In today’s post, I would like to share some insight on the relationship between mental health and nature interpretation.

As university students who are often busy or anxious, I’m sure we have all had our fair share of challenges regarding mental health. In the article “Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education” we looked at this week, topics such as climate change, malnutrition, and food scarcity were mentioned (Wals et al., 2014). Relating back to the idea of privilege we discussed previously, I find that many of us in Canada are privileged to not be as heavily affected by global issues such as malnutrition and food scarcity. Those who face these issues along with economic instability are significantly more likely to face chronic stress and depression. However, many people who struggle with mental health can testify that they have been able to find peace, or “a sense of place” within nature (Beck et al., 2018). Of course this doesn’t necessarily mean that spending time in nature will change your journey with mental health overnight, but it can certainly make a difference.

During the COVID lockdown in 2020, nothing seemed to be going right. Trapped in my house for weeks on end, I desperately started to long for what my life was like before quarantine. I had missed out on prom and graduation. I didn’t have hope for my first year of university either, considering it was going to be completely online. At the time, it didn't seem like much, but taking a moment out of my day to either walk around the neighbourhood or going on a hike with my family transformed my daily outlook. Reminding myself of the beauty nature had to offer brought me back to reality. Immersing myself in natural surroundings allowed me to be mindful and present.

I then started to become more appreciative of my situation, and took the opportunity to look at things on the bright side. The time I spent in quarantine allowed me to reflect on who I was as a person and what kind of goals I would like to set for myself in the future. My growing connection with nature expanded into valuable experiences. As with many nature interpreters, I was able to receive satisfaction from my outings in nature (Beck et al., 2018).

Thanks for reading!

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing.

Wals, A. E. J., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education. Science, 344(6184), 583–584. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1250515

arenvs3000w24

Hi Karen!

This was a great post and touched on a very important topic of mental health! I can agree that we are privileged to live in a country where problems like food scarcity are less common. Poverty and food scarcity issues are definitely a contributing factor for many people's mental health. Global issues such as climate change, or even just watching world news can often inflict a lot of stress and anxiety in people. While staying connected to world dilemmas is important, it is also important to prioritize your mental health and stay grounded. Grounding yourself is your ability to stay present in your current space and recognise your privileges and positives in your life. By doing this it can allow you to focus on what is going on in your present moment to take a step back from the worries you can't control. Being outdoors is a great way to stay present and ground yourself to appreciate what's around you. Hearing you discuss your struggles with mental health during Covid-19 and having to miss out on graduation and prom really resonated with me. We were probably in the same year that graduated in 2020, as I also had to miss out on those experiences because of Covid-19 and spend my first year of university online. This affected my mental health for a while and it was difficult to feel like I missed out on multiple important life events. Being able to ground myself and take time to go into nature and just enjoy the surroundings has really helped me. Sometimes our internal thoughts can be overwhelming but using nature to feel present can really change your perspective on things.

Unit 07: Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music?

This week we looked at how nature can be interpreted through music. I found this week's content to be very interesting because music is something anyone can connect to and enjoy. No matter who you are, whether you're a musical person or not, everyone enjoys music. This made me really think about the many amazing ways nature is linked to music, and how music can be used as a tool to interpret and explore nature further. When we think about music and nature at first, they can seem difficult to relate. But so much of music has been inspired by sounds found in nature. For example, it can come from the elements like wind and water or fire, and also from animals like bird songs. Music has been used as a tool for people to express themselves and create a story. In nature we often find it to be peaceful and evoke emotional responses similar to the way we feel when listening to music. In nature, we also often hear patterns and see consistent rhythms from water flowing to trees blowing in the wind, just like we do in music. We can use these tools to connect our music to the environment to help us see its beauty and importance.

Nature is also found within the way music and musical instruments have been created. Nature has not just inspired the sounds we create but also used as tools to form the instruments we hear today. Pieces such as the wood that makes up a guitar or a reed for a woodwind instrument, are all things people have found in nature and created into art. Without nature, art, music and subsequently culture would not be what they are today. This is why it is so important to create art and ways people can personally relate to, to then relate to nature.

Using music as a tool to connect people to nature and interpret their environment is essential. Songs can highlight the importance of the beauty in nature and our planet in their lyrics. As well, songs have the opportunity to reflect natural sounds in the environment or from animals. To me, and also a lot of other people, simple sounds of nature outside of music are also enjoyable and peaceful. Listening to the rain fall on your window or the birds singing in the mornings is an amazing experience and allows you to connect to your environment in that moment. What are sounds of nature that you enjoy or find peaceful, are there any that are surprising?

I also enjoyed reading about Indigenous people and their interconnection with nature and culture. Here in Guelph the land traditionally belonged to the Attiwonderonk and the Haudenosaunee. The Indigenous cultures have always valued the environment and have shown that through their culture, practices and music. Their ability to encompass nature in their music and express their environment is unparalleled. I believe we can learn a lot from Indigenous music and practices about their messages of the importance of our planet.

Thanks for reading, have a good week!

Alysia

Unit 05: Interpreting nature through science

Unfortunately, I have had to upload a late post for unit 05 as I have been struggling with the flu and am only now feeling better. With that being said, this week's blog post without a prompt got me thinking about our recent course content. Unit 05 touched on how nature can be interpreted through science, which is a form of nature interpretation we probably all thought about when going into this course. For me, science has always been a strong interest of mine and the field of study I knew I would go into when I grew up. When approaching this course, I anticipated it to be more focused on scientific aspects of nature interpretation rather than a broad spectrum. As a result, this course has taken me by surprise and has expanded my understanding of how nature can be perceived and experienced.

This week's reserved content by Wals et al. (2014) discusses the relationship between science education and environmental education (Wals et al., 2014). The paper mentioned how science education emphasizes teaching knowledge and skills, while environmental education focuses on values and altering behaviours (Wals et al., 2014). I found it very interesting how the convergence of scientific and environmental education is identified as distant (Wals et al., 2014). Initially, I would have assumed the two already converge, however upon deeper thought it is clear how the two could further align to help instill environmental preservation through skills and education (Wals et al., 2014). This paper also goes on to discuss citizen science, which is community collaboration to collect data on local environmental changes, and how it can connect to science and environment education (Wals et al., 2014). Providing engagement opportunities such as “edible gardens” allows the community to acquire hands-on scientific knowledge and associate values with nature (Wals et al., 2014). These methods of “blending learning” influence communities to prioritize local environmental spaces and subsequently conservation (Wals et al., 2014). The idea of creating behavioural change in people must come from linking communities, science and environment education, so people can create personal meanings and values associated with their environment.

With a strong passion for science, I tend to perceive my world through a heavily scientific lens, constantly trying to explain the whys and hows of things through my knowledge. With this sometimes it is hard to see critical issues as more than a scientific problem, and that we often also need social intervention to resolve matters. I have realized how we can use interpretation of nature through different means, that aren't strictly scientific, as a way to determine our environmental values. Being able to approach and perceive the world around us in ways that relate and connect to you on a personal level, allows you to see the values in nature and the importance of conservation.

Thanks for reading my post, have a great day!

References:

Wals, A. E., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence between science and environmental education. Science, 344(6184), 583–584. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1250515

efenvs3000w24

The Beauty of Art in Nature

I am not an artist; I have no particular artistic ability other than that of appreciating the artistic talents of others. Because of this, I initially didn’t think that I would have much of a leg to stand on when it came to contributing anything of artistic significance in regards to nature interpretation. However, I realized that the appreciation of art is not confined to the realm of artistic creation, and that my contributions can lie in understanding, admiring and deriving meaning from the artistic expressions of others, as a vessel between an artist’s vision and the audience’s perception.

As I reflect on the trajectory of my personal relationship with art and creative activities, I remember how much I used to love all types of creative self-expression when I was younger, and had plenty of confidence in my abilities. The only reasonable association for this noticeable change is an apparent decline in art-related activities in school as one progresses through the years. Art and learning go entirely hand in hand with younger children in school. In Kindergarten for example, self-expression through crafting is encouraged as the main task for the better part of the school day. As students get older, art slowly dies out of the mainstream curriculum, unless one opts to take classes specifically designated towards it, or if one attends an arts-focused school. For this reason, speaking from personal experience, I believe that people often lose touch with some of their creative instincts and their connection to art.

A valuable tool in reigniting this connection can be found in in the realm of theater, music, and storytelling, especially when addressing complex topics in history and science. Theater serves as a powerful medium for delving into difficult subjects, offering a platform for nuanced exploration. Through cautionary tales and emotionally resonant performances, these art forms provide a means for audiences of all ages to derive meaningful takeaways. Barry Edelstein (2015) associates’ beauty with theater “Alive and in front of us, happening in the here and now, beauty on stage has a visceral strength, a physical manifestation. It impacts us with an unusual force that stays with us… a beauty that transports us, moves us, and delights us” (Beck et al., 2018). I personally feel this way about live music as well; it makes life worth living. To me, this is the ‘gift of beauty’. It’s a concept that encompasses the profound experience that comes from encountering aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant elements in the world. Although, I can’t produce art to make people feel this way, hopefully I can be a conduit to help people experience these things through nature interpretation!

Below is (not the best) picture of a yellow and black bird that I saw perched on a sunflower during my walk one day. This to me was a moment where I experienced the gift of beauty, because I found it so special to see the bird and the flower being the same colour, but I also had an emotional reaction because it reminded me so much of my grandmother. I knew this was something she would have loved to see.

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

arenvs3000w24

This was an excellent post on the beauty of interpreting nature through art! I enjoyed reading your perspective as someone who is not an "artsy" person and your realization that artistic appreciation is not confined to creation. I also agree that art is instilled in school at a young age and then declines in the curriculum as you progress. Art is so important to learn in early childhood development, not just for motor skills and coordination but for learning how to be creative and interpret things. However, when we advance in education less art is being taught. I took art as an elective throughout all of high school because It was the class that allowed me to be present and express myself. Though, for some people creating art doesn't reflect the same things, and that's where being able to perceive and experience other people's art is so important to help strengthen artistic connections.

I also enjoyed how you mentioned other art forms that are sometimes forgotten such as theatre, music and stories. These are great art mediums that most people already experience and interpret nature from in their daily lives. I found a very similar "gift of beauty" to yours, in that it comes from the unique emotions and "beauties" perceived from the interpretation of nature and art. Your example and image of a yellow and black bird on a sunflower encompasses your emotions and abilities to perceive the beauty in environmental art.

Really cool photo by the way, have a great week!

-Alysia

cfenvs3000w24

Nature Interpretation through Art and “The Gift of Beauty”

Hello!

Today I will be discussing my qualifications for interpreting nature through art, and how you can interpret nature through art as well! We will also discuss the idea of “The Gift of Beauty”, a principle set forth by Beck & Cable in 2011, which was based on Mills and Tilden’s previous works on the principles of interpretation (Beck, L., et al, 2018).

The phrase “interpret nature through art” seems daunting at first, because, for myself and possibly others, I do not know much about art! But, you do not need to have a formal education in art to understand its importance in the nature interpretation field. Interpreting nature in art should be done through an emotional and intellectual perspective, meaning you can describe how it makes you feel, but then also communicate what the image depicts and its importance. For example, if you were to take a photograph of a meadow, and say “This meadow brings me a feeling of comfort because it seems so tranquil, and I think that it can represent what we are striving to protect from climate change”, you have interpreted art! It is not necessarily about the specific qualifications you hold when interpreting nature in art, but more so a deeper understanding of the message and experience you are trying to convey to the audience you have. In Jan van Boeckel’s 2015 study, they found that an interpreter's specific process or skill set in arts-based environmental education did not change participants' ability to experience the natural world in new ways, proving that you do not necessarily have to fit a certain mould to interpret nature through art effectively.

The definition of “The Gift of Beauty” is based on the idea that interpretation should allow an individual to have the desire and initiative to find beauty in their surroundings, in turn, this experience will then uplift their spirits and encourage conservation (Beck, L., et al, 2018). When I hear “The Gift of Beauty”, I immediately think of how beauty is held in the eye of the beholder. I think that this idea came to my mind initially because everyone has the freedom to experience beauty how they choose, which is a beautiful thing! As well, different people may find different things beautiful, and this is all dependent on the unique experiences they hold. The process of receiving “The Gift of Beauty” can affect many people differently, for example, a beautiful forest when interpreted may instill feelings of homesickness, calmness or wonder!

My question to you is; “Have you ever had an experience where you found a setting particularly beautiful, and a peer did not? If so, what were the differences in your emotional connection to that setting?”

Thanks for reading!

Sandra :)

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). In Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For A Better World (pp. 84–85). essay, Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC.

van Boeckel, J. (2015). At the heart of art and earth: An exploration of practices in arts-based Environmental Education. Environmental Education Research, 21(5), 801–802. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2014.959474

arenvs3000w24

Hi Sandra,

I enjoyed reading your post this week on nature interpretation through art! I liked how you mentioned how art can represent and evoke emotions and intellectual perspectives. Through these powerful feelings, we can deepen our understanding of the message and experiences art brings to its audience. You mentioned a study by Jan van Boeckel which displayed how prior education or knowledge doesn't affect one's ability to experience the beauty in environmental art. I found this very interesting, and I believe art is a special way to express nature that all people can enjoy. With so many different forms of art like visual paintings, music, or physical art, for example, art is easily enjoyed and appreciated by everyone and every culture.

In reference to your question of whether we have had an experience finding a setting particularly beautiful when a peer did not. For me, growing up I spent many summers camping and outdoors enjoying nature. These are strong memories for me that bring back a time of peace and happiness. I have asked some of my more "less outdoorsy" friends whether camping would be something they would want to experience. Even though, when I look at the images of camping by Lake Erie, where we used to swim, the sandy campsites we relaxed and the trails we explored, I feel happiness and excitement. Showing my friends these images, while they still found the environment beautiful, I could tell it didn't evoke similar emotions and that camping was still probably not for them. Even if my friends don't want to participate in the same outdoor activities as me to enjoy nature, they still perceive and enjoy nature through a more comfortable art form like photography.

Have a great week!

-Alysia

Unit 04: Interpreting nature through art and What the "Gift of Beauty" means

This week's unit dives into how we can interpret nature through art. Art is an amazing medium in which we can capture our interpretations of the environment and translate them in a way others can enjoy. As discussed in unit 04, when appreciating a piece of environmental art you're actually looking into a moment in time and the perspective of the artist's world. Being able to share art in all forms allows the viewers to also be present in that moment and experience its beauty. In my opinion, art is greatly about interpretation and it is also found throughout nature within all the amazing things biology has created. With that being said, I believe art and nature are extremely interconnected, as nature is the root of many art forms. The environment does not just exist within art mediums such as carving stones and wood, glass art or ice sculptures, but it is also one of the largest sources of art inspiration. For me, art has always been one of my primary means of interpreting nature. Since I was young, I have felt a strong connection with art whether it was with crafts, drawing, painting or digital art, I enjoyed it all. While making art I often received my creativity from the environment and my favourite types of art are by far landscape or nature paintings. Often, instead of referencing specific locations I enjoy painting my own environments, building a unique natural world for others to interpret and enjoy.

When exploring the textbook readings for this week, we read about the expanded set of 15 principles and associated gifts to help guide interpreters (Beck et al., 2018). Regarding the “gift of beauty”, the text mentions that interpreters can display this by instilling the ability and desire in their audience to see the beauty in their surroundings (Beck et al., 2018). I found this very interesting specifically when looking at Tilden's idea that a love of what you are interpreting and a love for your audience is the overriding principle of interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). When interpreting nature, I find it easy to do this through art because of my prior love for the subject of interpretation. This can allow me to be a stronger interpreter of nature and further connect with my audience through personal forms of expression. I think it is important to reflect on what forms of interpreting nature align with what you love most. With this, we can provide more meaningful and insightful experiences for your audiences. what aligns with you most when interpreting nature?

The gift of beauty to me is how we can share nature through art in a way where others can perceive their own ideas of “beauty”. Allowing for uninterrupted and unique interpretations of nature through art is the true gift of beauty, as it provides diverse views and perspectives. When creating art it allows us to have a special ability to capture and provide an experience of nature to others where they can immerse themselves into the art and create personal interpretations.

References:

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

epenvs3000w24

Unit 3: Privilege

The working definition of privilege, I understand, is “an advantage in life that goes unrecognized or is underappreciated, which sets you apart from those who face barriers by not being able to obtain the same resources.”

The narrative of my father’s journey to Canada highlights the privilege I have experienced in my own life. My grandfather’s success in heading cocoa and coffee production in Ivory Coast during the late 1980s allowed my father to start a new life in Canada. Despite facing challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences, my father worked tirelessly to create a lifestyle for my brother and I, unmatched by what he grew up with in rural Africa in his youth. In this regard, my father has not let a day go by without reminding my brother and I, “Remember where you come from!” and express our gratitude. Visiting the rural areas where my father grew up puts in perspective how privileged I am.

Although my family and I are accustomed to a fortunate lifestyle, one thing that sets my father, brother, and myself apart is the colour of our skin. This facet adds a layer to the complexity of privilege. Despite any material advantages or success my father has worked to provide for my family, being regarded as a minority in the general population creates barriers (Beck et al., 2018).

Nature interpretation is not exempt from these dynamics. Barriers, whether cultural, economic, or linguistic, can prevent individuals from accessing nature to the same extent as the general population. For minorities, nature interpretation becomes challenging because simply possessing privilege, generates assumptions, and as an interpreter can lead to generalizing an audience. In this regard, an interpreter’s lack of ability to connect with their audience due to these barriers limits participation among an already underserved audience (Beck et al., 2018).

Reducing these barriers is key to creating an inclusive community. This method requires interpreters to KNOW their audience and adapt their approach accordingly. This inclusivity involves removing assumptions about how interpretations will resonate with different economic, cultural or linguistic statuses. Providing content in multiple languages and celebrating cultural differences are vital to creating a more inclusive space. Hiring minority interpreters further contributes to breaking down barriers, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the interpretation community.

Acknowledging and respecting diverse perspectives enriches the delivery of interpretation, making it more accessible to a broad audience. At the end of the day, it is important to recognize that despite where people come from, we are all the same: made with hearts, lungs and bones. Experiencing nature interpretation, in whatever facet that might be, is, in itself, a privilege that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in. Inclusivity, therefore, becomes an essential aspect of interpretation, striving to eliminate barriers and promote participation from previously underserved audiences.

Reference:

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

arenvs3000w24

Hi Emily!

Your post on privilege in nature interpretation was very interesting and pleasant to read! I agree with your working definition of privilege and that it is an “underappreciated or unrecognized advantage”. The story of your family was touching as well and I enjoyed when you highlighted how we often overlook many privileges as simple “necessities”, such as wifi.

When I was reflecting on privilege in nature interpretation I focused on the access people may have to nature opportunities. I missed an essential point that you brought up about how we need to understand and connect with our audience when being a natural interpreter. Possessing privilege can definitely create assumptions and push minority groups away from nature interpreting opportunities. Being able to adapt to an audience or know your group can be the key to an equitable nature interpretation. I agree that creating more opportunities with different cultures, languages and traditions can create a more inclusive environment for interpreting the outdoors. This can be done by including education for the current interpreter and also ensuring more space for minorities in nature interpretation situations.

Have a great week!

Unit 03: Role of privilege in nature interpretation

This week's blog post explores some heavy topics about understanding the importance of managing risks, recognizing our privilege and unpacking our invisible backpacks. As nature interpreters, we must acknowledge how privilege can impact one's ability to interpret our environment. Reflecting on our privileges will allow us to recognize these advantages to help build equality in access to nature interpretation.

Peggy McIntosh discusses how privilege is defined as a construct of beliefs and practices that are taken for granted by people throughout society and in education (Gallavan, 2005). Further, privilege, power and dominance are not earned but simply exist and come from being white, male, heterosexual and middle-class (Gallavan, 2005). However, privilege is much deeper than just these characteristics, and applies to an abundance of attributes including, culture, language, religion, disability, age and much more (Gallavan, 2005). While privilege is so prevalent and can be applied to many aspects of our lives it is also often left unacknowledged (Gallavan, 2005).

My working definition of privilege is similar in that privilege isn't earned but something you inherently have that influences your opportunities and achievements. The invisible backpack of unearned aspects as Mclntosh describes, helps us recognize our own maps, tools, provisions and more that come from the privileges we have (Gallavan, 2005). To reflect on my own invisible backpack I am white, speak English, and am a Canadian middle-class student, receiving a University education. I've had the privilege of receiving a good education in Canada, in both English and French, not because I had to learn another language but just because I could. I've also had the privilege of being a competitive swimmer from a young age and attend outdoor summer camps. Both of which have given me many life tools and advantages, such as being a lifeguard and camp counsellor.

Privilege plays a role in nature interpretation by impacting access to opportunities in nature due to accessibility, geographical location, education, economic/financial status, cultural identity, or time restrictions. Let's break these down. Not all outdoor activities are inclusive to people with disabilities especially if establishments such as ski resorts, boat rentals, water sports, outdoor education programs or more, don't provide accessible options. This discourages people with disabilities from pursuing opportunities to interpret nature since they have limited options to begin with. Secondly, a geographical restriction can impact one's access to nature like living in dense urban areas with little green spaces. As well as being able to access nature interpretation opportunities by having your own personal outdoor space such as a backyard is a privilege. Having an educational or financial advantage also influences people's wants when accessing nature, this could be because of an interest in nature from past knowledge or by having the finances to go somewhere nice. Furthermore, cultural identity also impacts our interpretation of nature by shaping how we appreciate and value the environment. Viewing nature through different cultural lenses changes drastically how one understands, treats and observes the environment and approaches nature opportunities. Lastly, being able to spend time in nature and pursue opportunities to interpret and explore the environment is a large privilege. Many people have to work and can't often set aside time to get outside to really be able to experience and perceive what's around them.

I hope my post this week gives some insight into the role of privilege in nature interpretation!

References:

Gallavan, Nancy P. "Helping teachers unpack their 'invisible knapsacks'." Multicultural Education, vol. 13, no. 1, fall 2005, p. 36. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A137921591/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=9fe2f151. Accessed 24 Jan. 2024.

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