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Unit 10 Blog Post: Me as an Interpreter

Throughout this course, I have had the privilege to develop significantly in regard to what my role can be as a nature interpreter. In terms of my personal ethics, I have developed the belief that in order to find true meaning in life, one needs to have a connection with the natural world. This could be really anything- camping trips, a walk in a park, or even just feeling the breeze when you let your dog outside. Finding small but meaningful ways in which to connect with nature is grounding. When life is chaotic and your list of responsibilities feels endless, there is a sense of peace that can be found when, even just for a brief moment, you can take in and appreciate the nature surrounding you. I draw this belief back to childhood. As young kids, we would tire ourselves out riding bikes, drawing with chalk on the road, begging our parents to take us to our friend's house for a swim, and really just running around. These activities are important to the development of a healthy and well-balanced outlook on life as they force a separation between self and world. As we grow up, however, we lose the same joy we once found outside and instead turn to other things to fill our time. While I am not saying you need to get out and roll in the grass after your 9-5 (which honestly doesn’t sound like a bad idea), finding some way to connect with nature in our adult lives becomes something that many of us have to actively pursue. I believe that for someone to live a balanced life, being consciously aware of finding moments to enjoy nature is more than necessary. Reflecting on this course and the many ways interpreters can share the gift of nature, I realized that these personal views have dramatically changed. For many years, the advice “go outside” caused me to roll my eyes. I would think to myself, “Yeah, if only that could solve all of my problems”. But, thanks to the content of the course and the blogs of my peers, I have a very different interpretation of this once annoying sentiment. When someone says something along the lines of “go outside”, often the meaning is much deeper. I now interpret these words as “find some meaning”. 

Going outside and hearing the birds chirping and wondering what they are saying. 

Making note of what colours an artist chose to paint the leaves to decipher what time of year is being depicted.

 Watching “Saving Private Ryan” and now associating France with its rich history rather than just the structure of the Eiffel Tower. 

All of these things encourage you to find a little meaning. This forces you to step outside of yourself, even just for a moment, and connect with the natural world. My father used to tell me that if you are constantly looking down on your own problems, you can’t see the helping hands being offered right in front of you. This, of course, is a nuanced conversation and in no way am I suggesting nature as a cure for negative mental health, but learning to find meaning in a world so much bigger than you can help shift perspective. If not that, it simply provides a momentary escape from whatever troubles you may be facing. 

I as an interpreter of nature have the responsibility to teach others how to find these small but impactful connections with nature. Regardless of how impactful I have found this myself, the work of the interpreter is to share the passion for and knowledge of the natural world with as many people who are willing. In order to do this effectively, I have to take privilege and risk into account. When interpreting nature I have a responsibility to be aware of different living situations, cultural backgrounds, economic standing, etc., to prevent members of my audience from feeling alienated and therefore disengaging. For example, encouraging someone to go for a hike with a friend doesn’t consider the fact that they may not live near a natural space to do this, or do not have the resources to travel to such a place. When I as the interpreter am aware of specific circumstances, this could be a great suggestion. However, making this a point to an audience member without these privileges may make them feel like this just isn’t something they can do. Furthermore, encouraging someone to go on a hike could lead to dangerous situations if a child, for example, decides to go for a walk alone. The concern for risk is part of the reason children spend less and less time outdoors in school systems, as the concern becomes about insurance and liability (Rodenburg, 2019). This poses a challenge for interpreters to get creative in the ways that children are encouraged to pay attention to the natural world. Therefore, I would tailor my role as interpreter to my audience in many ways, with specific attention to the privilege and risk that would stand as a barrier to the goal. 

Appreciating the beauty of the natural world, like the clouds, is a way to start building your relationship with nature.

For me as an individual, I find that I am most encouraged by things that seem manageable. Not wanting to go for a run or wake up to see the sunrise has in the past made me feel as though this connection with nature was unattainable. I am much more responsive to the idea of building my relationship with nature through small steps such as taking a picture of the sky when I notice the clouds, or keeping an eye out for a bird species I think is pretty. By not ‘biting off more than I can chew’, the journey to a meaningful relationship with nature is something I build on over time and can truly sustain. I can bring this personal approach to interpretation to my audiences with a particular focus on teens and young adults because I empathize with feeling overwhelmed and needing the steps broken down into something manageable. Another interesting factor to consider is a decreasing attention span parallel to the increase in technology use, so encouraging small and often fast ways to begin to notice the beauty of nature can serve as a more effective method to ignite the spark for connections with the earth. 

Reference: 

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

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Hi Eaden, this is a great post. I really resonate with a lot of the points you mention, and especially how we can find meaning and purpose through nature. In my main post, I described how nature can teach us a lot about ourselves. As the world becomes increasingly online, we are more often subjected to negativity; that is, things like news stories or negative comments on social media can impact our mental health. For those who feel like they are absorbed in their routine and responsibilities, as you mentioned, spending time outside can change their outlook on life and promote a happier and healthier lifestyle. Since we have already developed our own connections with nature (hence why we are in this course!), I think we can all relate to this. During the pandemic, we were locked inside for quite a while with limited access to nature. With the time I used to spend hiking or biking or looking for cool bugs, I took to the internet, and watching shows or the news became the regular. After lockdown restrictions were lifted, I had every opportunity to stop what I was doing and go back to spending time outside. However, I did not take this opportunity at first, simply because I had yet to rekindle my connection with nature and would instead prioritize other things. It was clear that during my time away from the outdoors, I had neglected both my mental and physical health. If I had been told to “go outside” at the time, I probably would have rolled my eyes as well! When I finally did go outside, my life changed again for the better, and I developed a new appreciation for nature that my younger self had taken for granted. Today, I spend much of my free time outside walking, hiking or gardening, and I’ve never felt happier. I’m sure a lot of us have stories like this, and we can use our experiences to inspire others through nature interpretation. As an interpreter, I know firsthand that helping someone develop or rekindle a meaningful connection with nature can change their life, and this is what has inspired me to pursue this field!

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Unit Ten Blog

As a nature interpreter, it is my job to bring knowledge about the environment to anyone willing to listen and to guide others in establishing or reinvigorating their own relationship with the environment. This role puts me in a position to inform, but it also puts me in a position to cause potential damage to the environment and people’s understanding of it should I not do my job well. Therefore, it is incredibly important that I am careful in what I say and how I attempt to share my interpretations with others, taking into account not only my own ethics, but those of the people around me, while also trying to avoid letting my own biases seep into what I’m saying. While I am able to bring my passion for the environment to others, I shouldn’t necessarily be trying to sway their opinions in one way or another, but instead I should simply guide them towards forming their own opinions once they have all the information they need.

In terms of examining my personal ethics as a nature interpreter, I have been reflecting on the educational journey I have experienced this semester. Over the course of my life, I have taught and been taught many things, but rarely did I consider how my interpretation of these topics was swayed by other people nor how I impacted other people’s interpretations. Reading over my blogs from the past nine weeks, I can witness my own journey into gaining an understanding and appreciation of how interpretation can impact teaching. In my blog post from Unit One, I detailed how my relationship with nature began as one of peaceful appreciation and evolved into a desire to protect and conserve the environment I love so much. This has not changed, and I think my ethics as an interpreter are based in these values. As an interpreter, my moral intention is still the conservation of natural landscapes, and in giving other people the knowledge and opportunity to appreciate the environment in their own way. Not necessarily in the same way I do but along the teachings of the “gift of beauty” and the other associated gifts that were listed in Chapter 5 of our course textbook. My ethics do not lie in convincing or changing peoples’ minds necessarily, but in broadening the scope of their views and guiding them towards making informed opinions inspired by their own ethics and values.

One belief I hold about education and interpretation is that you are never done learning. I think it is important for all of us, no matter how substantial our education, to approach different topics with an open mind and to not feel closed off by our own previous knowledge. By understanding that there is always more that we don’t know, we can allow ourselves to be better learners, and I think also better interpreters. No interpreter or interpretation is infallible, and it is important for us as interpreters to be able to grow and adapt and be willing to change our interpretations based on new information or audience responses. Just because you know something to be one way doesn’t mean that your audience can’t teach you new things, be it about the topic at hand or more broad things like delivery methods or emotional responses to the material. This course has especially been an eye-opener to me about how little I knew regarding environmental interpretation and teachings. I was especially intrigued when reading about artistic approaches to environmental education in Jan van Boeckel’s article “At the heart of art and earth: An exploration of practices in arts-based environmental education.” I hadn’t thought much about the many different methods of teaching environmental topics, and I especially think that I would have benefited from some more artistic approaches over the many years of my schooling. Readings like this are prime examples of how there is always more to learn and different ways to interpret something. It is so important for us as interpreters not to sequester ourselves into a narrow-minded way of thinking and teaching and learning, but to always be open to new ideas and opportunities.

As a nature interpreter, I believe I have a responsibility to provide a voice for the environment. What I mean by this is that the environment and the natural landscapes around us cannot speak for themselves. And while there is so much research happening all the time about the environment and the global climate, this research can be hard for people not involved in science to understand. This is where I come in, so that I can attempt to inform people without letting them get caught up in technical aspects and complicated jargon. In addition to informing people about the scientific side of things, the role of an interpreter goes much further. It is my job to also take into account history, cultural norms and values, and mine and my audiences’ values when acting as an interpreter. By doing this, I can provide an informative and thought-provoking interpretation of the environment to my audience that allows them to gain new knowledge about it and formulate their own opinions and ideas.

Now, the question is what is the best way for me as a nature interpreter to accomplish everything I have just laid out for you? The answer to this—like everything I have discussed above—is one that is individual for every interpreter, and I think also every situation. For me, personally, I really like an artistic approach to nature interpretation. An example of this is in the group assignment we have all been working on, my group chose to formulate our lesson as a story for audiences to listen to. Our story was a narrative complete with dynamic characters and exciting events, but also provided different viewpoints surrounding its topic and taught some valuable lessons about history and environmental conservation, and even a few moral lessons about bravery and stewardship. I really enjoyed this approach to interpretation and hope to continue using artistic methods throughout my career as an interpreter.

On a final note of reflection, I think this course has been a valuable learning experience for me as both student and teacher. I didn’t quite understand the significance of interpretation at the beginning of the semester but now view it as a very important aspect of education. I hope to take these lessons I have learned and to apply them in different areas of my life for many years to come. Thanks for reading.

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., and Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

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. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2014.959474

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Hi Alex, this post is very well written and it’s clear that you’ve gotten a lot out of this course. I really appreciate the moral considerations outlined at the beginning of your post. As interpreters, we will be communicating with a wide variety of audiences, and respecting the beliefs and opinions of others in the way we present information is vital. Boundaries are an important consideration as well – you may find that some visitors are not comfortable with certain subject matter or areas of interpretive sites. Discussing these boundaries early can help you plan the experience to be respectful of them.

It's great to see you reflect on how your experience with this course has affected your main ‘goal’ of nature interpretation. The course content has helped us solidify our unique relationships with nature and apply it to the field of interpretation. In addition, learning from the blog posts of peers who approach the same field with different perspectives has allowed us to broaden the scope of our views – this connects to the ethical consideration you mentioned.

It's important that we consider the scope of the field as well. The teachings from this course will only get us so far, as will learning from our peers. As you mentioned, we will also learn a lot from the audiences we interpret to, and this can only come from experience. I’m excited to know that we can all take what we’ve learned in this course and apply it in the field, and in the process, inspire change, hope, and a sustainable future for people and the environment.

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Unit 10 Blog

First of all, I want to extend gratitude towards all of the aspiring nature interpreters who have contributed their thoughts and perspectives here to educate and inspire each other, while responding to their peers with kindness and respect. I’m glad to take this time to reflect on some of the things I’ve learned from this course and the ethics and beliefs I will hold myself to going forward.

As interpreters, it is important that we understand why we’re here. In a world that is rapidly becoming more online, and with younger generations growing up without the same level of access to nature, interpretation has become increasingly important for developing connections between people and their environment. Ultimately, this is in an effort to promote sustainability for the natural world and our future generations. Regardless of where interpretation takes place, be it through a screen, on a page, or in the field, establishing a fond relationship between people in the environment is a catalyst for meaningful change. This is well understood among interpreters, and the reason why many of us are here today. I think that the reading from this unit, “Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope” by Rodenburg (2019), explains this perspective well, reminding us that the benefits of effective nature interpretation extend further than the information and awareness provided about worrying topics such as climate change. By inspiring hope in visitors, we can empower them to take action.

Raising awareness about important topics and inspiring change is one of the main goals of nature interpretation. However, Rodenburg (2019) states that environmental educators should not rush to teach children about looming issues such as climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline, given that most young children are not ready to handle this burden of knowledge yet. I completely agree with this belief. In order to form a meaningful connection with nature that may lead to preservative action down the line, this connection should not be overshadowed by sadness or worry, but focus solely on the joy of play and discovery. Negativity can be difficult to avoid nowadays, especially in an online space, and these fond memories will stick closest to them throughout life and provide a beacon of hope. I say this from personal experience - I grew up very rurally, surrounded by forest and wetland to explore. I spent every ounce of my free time outside, and developed a lifelong love of nature and the environment as a result. While I was acutely aware of the importance of preserving the natural world and some of the threats that impact it, I was never overwhelmed with pessimistic views to the point where the enjoyment I found in spending time outside was compromised. Now that I understand the magnitude of irreversible damage to the environment caused during the Anthropocene, I can only be thankful that I was able to connect with nature from such an early age. By sharing experiences of joy and discovery with younger visitors, we are inspiring the next generation of nature interpreters; after all, these same experiences are what inspired us! When interpreting nature to older visitors who have a better understanding of environmental issues, I hope to frame the experience in an optimistic light. Interpreters serve as role models for those around them, and while it is our responsibility to raise awareness about some very depressing but important topics, it is also our responsibility to establish hope. The conversation should not end with a discouraging tone; instead, visitors should leave the experience with the understanding of why it was beneficial that they attend in the first place.

Something we often overlook is that by discovering and connecting with nature, we can also learn more about ourselves. Effective nature interpretation doesn’t just benefit nature, but it can also provide important emotional benefits for people. On the same topic of negativity in an online space, a connecting with nature regularly (Vitamin N) is more important than ever for both our physical and mental health. Rodenburg (2019) explains that there are a wide variety of benefits associated with spending time outside that are important for early development. By extension, spending time in nature can benefit all of us in different ways. As an interpreter, ask yourself – why do you go outside? Are you looking for something new or something familiar? What kind of experience do you hope to take away from spending time in nature? I believe that every visitor will get something different out of the same interpretive experience, and it is important that we adjust the experience to account for this. As discussed in our readings, we have all been visitors at some point, and the best way to reach them is to put yourself in their shoes.

A personal ethic that I have always connected with is the importance of learning from others and how we interpret nature in different ways. I mentioned above how every visitor will get something different out of an interpretive experience, and this means that there is no ‘formula’ for effective interpretation. Throughout this course, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about all of the incredible knowledge, beliefs and experiences of other developing nature interpreters. This specific blog prompt will likely have a wide range of responses attached to it, depending on our different personal goals, interests and relationships with nature and people. We can all learn a lot from each other, inspire each other, and use these collaborative experiences to become better versions of ourselves – from which visitors can source informative, fun and meaningful experiences from.

I would like to close by stressing the importance of a universally shared ethic. Respect shapes the connection between people and their environment. In nature interpretation, both the interpreter and the visitor play important roles in respecting both the natural site and the people they share the experience with. As an interpreter, I will always respect the boundaries and opinions of others. When interacting with the environment, I have always held the belief of the observer; that is, I am extremely mindful of not disturbing wild ecosystems and the biotic and abiotic factors within them. Ontario is fortunate to be home to a large diversity of species, many of which are at risk or endangered. Teaching visitors about the vital importance of respecting their surroundings is something that I will hold to a high standard. Nature is a delicate environment that is not defined by the sum of its parts, but by what, and who, we share it with.

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

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Unit 09 Blog Post

Throughout my life, I have been fascinated by evolution. It’s one of the many things in nature that never cease to amaze me.

It's crazy to think of the number of species we’ve uncovered in our fossil record (hint: it’s nearly 250,000). It’s even more mind-boggling once you realize our fossil record is nowhere near complete. It never will be! Species preserved in our fossil record comprise only a tiny fraction of the ancient organisms that once roamed Earth.

In a way, we can interpret fossils as tangible connections to life, landscapes, and climate of the past (U.S. Department of the Interior, 2024). Fossils help illustrate how significantly our world has changed over time and the fantastic ways in which organisms have responded to these changing environmental conditions (U.S. Department of the Interior, 2024).

A peculiar example of evolution that has always piqued my interest is the evolution of whales from sea to land…to sea, again!

The common ancestor of all four-limbed creatures transitioned to life on land around 400 million years ago, but our earliest cetaceans weren’t too keen on remaining there (Dance, 2022).

One of the main indicators of the terrestrial heritage of modern cetaceans is actually the presence of vestigial hindlimbs. Although it may not be immediately apparent, all modern whales have tiny pelvis and femur bones left over from their ancestors who required these structures to walk on land.

Here’s an image showcasing those vestigial hindlimb structures. Notice how the pelvis is not actually fused to the vertebral column. Pretty bizarre, right?

Image retrieved from: https://dragonflyissuesinevolution13.fandom.com/wiki/Issues_in_Evolution_Vestigial_Organs

Better yet, let's look at some of the first known ancestors of our modern cetaceans. You may notice that the earliest cetacean ancestor, Pakicetus, looks nothing like a modern whale and everything like a typical land mammal!

Here are some illustrations of whale ancestors that walked on land, with Pakicetus pictured near the bottom right corner (notice their characteristic sharp teeth and elongated skull).

Image retrieved from: https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/living-world/2022/evolution-whales-land-to-sea

Over time, cetacean ancestors evolved increasingly aquatic lifestyles, adopting many of the adaptations that we see today in modern whales (i.e., complete loss of hind limbs, nostrils located further and further back on their skulls, etc.) (UC Museum of Paleontology, 2024).

Even though this specific evolutionary process took place over millions of years, there have been remarkable cases of evolution occurring in a single human lifetime (Darwin's finches being the most well-known example).

Here’s an illustration showcasing an example of adaptive radiation in Darwin’s finches. These birds are the same species, yet notice how beak shapes evolve differently depending on what is more advantageous for a particular food source (i.e., blunt beaks for cracking seeds and long, pointed beaks for catching insects) (Burrows, 2021).

Image retrieved from: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35114681

So, how can we use these amazing stories of evolutionary pasts to inspire our future?

Ultimately, as we enter our sixth mass extinction event with climate change looming as a threat to the existence of countless taxa, now more than ever, let evolutionary histories serve as a testament to the resilience of nature (Beck et al., 2018). In this sense, as we navigate our rapidly changing world, the natural world can serve as a powerful source of inspiration and guidance (Asher, 2024). So, let us evolve our way of thinking, break cycles of unsustainability, and change our patterns of destruction to recover from the adversities we created (Asher, 2024).

References

Asher, H. (2024). Nature’s Lessons: How Observing the Natural World Can Teach Us About Resilience and Adaptation. An Darach Forest Therapy. https://silvotherapy.co.uk/articles/the-natural-world-resilience-and-adaptation#:~:text=Organisms%20constantly%20adjust%20to%20changes,blend%20seamlessly%20into%20their%20surroundings.

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

Burrows, L. (2021). For Darwin’s finches, beak shape goes beyond evolution. Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. https://seas.harvard.edu/news/2021/11/darwins-finches-beak-shape-goes-beyond-evolution

Dance, A. (2022). The evolution of whales from land to sea. Knowable Magazine. https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/living-world/2022/evolution-whales-land-to-sea

UC Museum of Paleontology. (2024). The evolution of whales. University of California Berkeley. https://evolution.berkeley.edu/what-are-evograms/the-evolution-of-whales/

U.S. Department of the Interior. (2024). Fossils and Paleontology. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/significance.htm

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Hi Emily, I really resonate with this post because I am also fascinated by macroevolution and the rich history of species on Earth. It’s incredible how little we know about life on our planet, and our database of scientific knowledge will only continue to grow. I grew up loving dinosaurs, as many kids did, but I developed a new passion and appreciation for prehistoric life when I was introduced to the field of evolutionary biology. Although the information you’ve shared here comes from the past, it has also been extremely important for our studies of the present as we face severe global threats such as climate change. As you mentioned, the fossil record can serve as a climate proxy to help us establish an understanding of how climate has shifted in the past. It is because of our understanding of natural history that we know for certain that climate change in the Anthropocene is accelerating at its current rate due to human impact on the environment. Your mention of how nature’s resilience can guide and inspire our own was a particularly powerful way to close this post. As outlined in our readings, nature interpretation can take on a very negative tone when covering worrying topics such as extinction, human impact and global warming. It is important to end every interpretive experience on a high note (the “so what?” factor) to inspire hope in the readers who need it.

I really enjoyed the way you presented this information. Given how difficult it is to account for a variety of learning styles in a simple blog post, your use of pictures was important to enhance the reader’s understanding of these concepts in a visually appealing way. The visual showcasing Pakicetus, the earliest terrestrial ancestor of whales, was especially necessary to include since a comparison would be hard to explain using words alone. Well done!

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Unit 9 Blog

Can you imagine what walking through a forest would be like if you were the size of an insect? This is exactly how small I felt while walking through Muir Woods just outside of Sausalito, San Francisco this summer. This protected old growth forest is best characterized by its towering redwood trees, which can reach heights nearly matching that of a 25-story building (MWST, 2024). The moss-covered forest is dense with shrubbery and rich with unique wildlife that thrives in the damp environment. I felt like I was on a completely different planet compared to the beaches and city landscapes San Francisco is typically known for. So, why don’t these trees grow everywhere else in California?

The western coast of San Francisco used to be covered in redwood forests before human impact made its mark. The trees can only occupy a range where they have reliable access to fog, which makes up 40% of the water they consume (U.S. National Park Service, 2024b). When the Coast Miwok, an early Indigenous tribe, occupied the land before settlers arrived, they served as important stewards for this ecosystem. It is thought that redwood trees covered nearly 2 million acres of land before they were cut down for lumber (Save The Redwoods, 2024). This lumber is still present in some of the older suburban architecture just outside of the city. Muir Woods has been a protected National Monument since 1908 (U.S. National Park Service, 2024c). Today, redwoods occupy only 5% of the range they used to cover (U.S. National Park Service, 2024c; Save The Redwoods, 2024). Visiting the forest and discovering its history can help us reflect on the mistakes of our past in order to shape the decisions of our future.

Redwoods are truly magnificent trees, not just because they are the tallest in the world, but because of how resilient they are. Redwood bark has a high tannin content, which makes the tree resistant to insects, diseases and even fire (MWST, 2024; U.S. National Park Service, 2024a)! This quality was very appealing to the logging industry as they believed they could build houses with lumber that couldn’t burn (they were wrong; it certainly can burn!). In place of logged redwoods they planted eucalyptus trees, an invasive species that is highly susceptible to catching fire (Claremont Canyon Conservancy, 2005). In the dry climate of California, this was not a good decision. Today, action is being taken to restore populations of redwoods in the state. These trees are important in the fight against climate change, as they are able to sequester more carbon from the atmosphere than any other type of tree on Earth (Sempervirens Fund, 2024).

Claremont Canyon Conservancy. (2005). Redwoods replace eucalyptus in Claremont Canyon, by Joe Engbeck. Retrieved from https://www.claremontcanyon.org/new-blog/2005/3/15/redwoods-replace-eucalyptus-in-claremont-canyon-by-joe-engbeck3

Muir Woods Shuttles & Tours (MWST). (2024). The magic of Muir Woods: why the coastal redwoods are a must-see. Retrieved from https://www.muirwoodsshuttlesandtours.com/the-magic-of-muir-woods-why-the-coastal-redwoods-are-a-must-see/

Save The Redwoods. (2024). Coast redwoods. Retrieved from https://www.savetheredwoods.org/redwoods/coast-redwoods/

U.S. National Park Service. (2024a). Fire & redwoods- what does the future hold for this ancient species? Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/fire-redwoods-what-does-the-future-hold-for-this-ancient-species.htm

U.S. National Park Service. (2024b). How will climate change impact Muir Woods? Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/how-will-climate-change-impact-muir-woods.htm

U.S. National Park Service. (2024c). Muir woods. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm

Sempervirens Fund. (2024). Redwoods and climate. Retrieved from https://sempervirens.org/learn/climate-action-plan/

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Unit 7 Blog Post :)

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

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

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

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

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

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Hi Alyssia, great post! I really like the direct references to our unit readings to support your points about music in nature. I learned a lot from the article by Gray et al. (2001) and it’s interesting to think about how the music of animals may have inspired the music of human culture. Like people, animals such as birds and whales have the ability to memorize and recognize musical patterns and have passed this down for generations through vertical (parent to offspring), oblique (adult to young) and horizontal (peer to peer) tradition (Gray et al., 2001). The parallels to how we view music are astounding, as we also treat music in a similar way to stories that can be passed down to future generations. Since our shared connection to music can unify us (such as bringing people together at concerts, like you mentioned), it is no wonder why music is so ingrained in human culture. Music isn’t just a form of communication; it’s part of our identity! Gray et al. (2001) terms music as a “natural conduit” between other members of the same species, as it can be a form of non-verbal communication - a language that doesn’t need to be interpreted to be shared between people from different backgrounds.

As for a song that reminds me of nature, I mentioned Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles in my main post for the use of metaphors in its lyrics (using weather to describe emotion). However, following the theme of unwritten communication that we can find in music, I believe there are also plenty of songs without lyrics that can remind us of nature. For example, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 was apparently heavily inspired by his connection with nature, and you can really hear it in the way the composition flows. It reminds me of the excitement of playing in the forest and finding cool things in nature as a young kid. It has also been used in numerous forms of media, like films, to represent 'fantasy' and having fun outside. Music like this is very unique in that it can make us feel connected to nature based on our own perception of it, without making any direct reference to nature at all!

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Unit 7 Blog

As complex as human beings are, we are not the only animals capable of producing music. Many animals, like modern birds, insects, and frogs, have evolved to produce specific patterns of sound varying in tone in order to communicate. We can hear this anytime we go outside and listen to the sounds of nature. To take it a step further, every sound we can hear, from the rustling of leaves to the cracking of twigs under our feet, can work together to produce a harmony that influences our thoughts and emotions, despite not being recognized as traditional music. Given how connected we are to music and the emotional, cultural and social benefits it provides, hearing the peaceful sounds produced by nature can invoke a sense of belonging. I know it certainly has for me! It’s no wonder why we have incorporated the sounds of nature into our own music. Early musical instruments were crafted using materials found in nature and used to produce similar patterns of sound. It is thought that early forms of flutes were developed to mimic the calls of birds (Davin et al., 2023). In modern music, we see nature everywhere - especially in lyrics. Natural imagery is often described in lyrics to represent emotions. For example, weather is commonly used to describe happiness (sunny/clear skies), sadness (cloudy/rainy skies), or conflict, confusion and anger (dark and stormy skies). While this is seen in many forms of media, it is more often seen in artistic works like music. An example of a song that reminds me of nature is Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles. This feel-good song references winter as cold and “lonely”, and uses the sun to signal a new day as a fresh start or “light at the end of the tunnel”. This is a song we can all relate to in some capacity, and natural imagery is used to enhance this connection. Oftentimes, nature in music is represented through the artist’s own connection with it. This is seen in the music of many Indigenous peoples whose cultural views are deeply connected to the land and environment.

How can this connect to nature interpretation? First of all, given the wide variety of forms and styles of music, it is a great way to represent culture and certain time periods in history. Music can be a powerful tool in nature interpretation because it is often much more easily remembered than regular information presented by an interpreter. As we have learned in this course, interpreters should want their visitors to take away a memorable experience rather than expect them to take away a ton of information. Effective interpretation Is able to find a perfect balance of information and entertainment, and music can help us achieve this. While I am a musician, I could never see myself using instruments or singing to teach or entertain as an interpreter. Instead, an approach that I feel could be effective is taking visitors into a forest or other natural site and having everyone close their eyes and listen to what they hear. How many sounds can they identify? Do they hear music in nature? How does this make them feel? Not only does this provide a more hands-on learning experience, but it will also encourage the “what’s next?” after the program is done by allowing visitors to continue trying this exercise wherever they are.

Davin, L., Tejero, J., Simmons, T., et al. (2023). Bone aerophones from Eynan-Mallaha (Israel) indicate imitation of raptor calls by the last hunter-gatherers in the Levant. Sci. Rep. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-35700-9

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Blog Post #6

Nature being a place and phenomenon that includes the collectiveness of natural processes, ecosystems, and a variety of relationships, its continuity of integrity can be highlighted by connecting the present features of nature to its deep past. With all the aspects of nature coming together, we know that centuries of processes and changes have made it possible to experience the things we see out in nature, such as the formation of mountains, the growth of trees, and the evolution of different species. With that being said about nature, I believe the quote by Edward Hyams deeply emphasizes the importance of integrity seen in nature as it suggests that natural ecosystems don’t exist in isolation from their historical roots, meaning that what we see from nature in the present does not cease to exist at any time in the future.

This idea of integrity and keeping together parts of any whole scattered throughout time is important for nature interpretation as it conveys a deeper meaning and history behind what is currently visible in nature. Instead of seeing an ecosystem or natural landscape for what it is, interpreters can try finding out how these places of nature came to be in the past. For example, tourists visiting the Grand Canyon may come to find out that the natural landscape is what it is now because of two plates of Earth’s crust colliding nearly two billion years ago, eventually breaking into more layers and chunks that tilted at an angle. They may also find out that giant sloths also roamed these parts of the Grand Canyon 10,000 years ago, which have now gone extinct. Being aware of the history behind these attractions and ecosystems allows observers to have a deeper understanding of the places they are visiting and interpret what they are seeing in new ways.

The integrity of nature as a whole not only entails keeping parts of any whole together from the past, but it also means maintaining this integrity for the future so that those after us can experience what nature has to offer. With today’s broad issues facing natural ecosystems such as urbanization, deforestation, and pollution, there is no doubt that the integrity of these natural landscapes is being jeopardized. With the help of conservation efforts, long-term sustainability, and educating people on what they can do to help, we can ensure nature can continue being a place for living and non-living things to interact. For example, to protect the Grand Canyon, much is being done to stop unsafe uranium mining in nearby areas which is a big contributor to pollution. By making interpreters realize that the natural world extends far beyond the present moment, much like how Edward compared it to a railway station, more can be done to maintain the integrity of nature.

In conclusion, the integrity and continuity of nature have spanned this planet for centuries and have provided a lot for all living things, whether that be from ecosystems or humans’ new ways of interpreting their surroundings. Because of how far the natural world has come, it is important for us as humans to do our part to make sure those in the future are able to experience nature the same way we have and make a positive impact on the environment and the lives of others.

[bhenvs3000f24]

You make some great points here about integrity in nature, and I love the focus on natural history. As you mentioned, understanding how nature has changed over time can tell us a lot about the present and help us plan for the future. In all areas of nature interpretation, having a good understanding of “what came before” can help enhance the experience for visitors and make them feel more connected to their surroundings. For example, a lot of visitors would have no idea that Ontario used to be completely underwater. I still vividly remember having my mind blown when I first learned this as a kid because I had found a fossilized crinoid stem in my backyard and was wondering how it got there.

I’m glad you mentioned how our knowledge of the past can help guide our conservation efforts in the present and future. This is especially important in nature interpretation. Another example of this is how we can look at climate proxies and fossil evidence to compare instances of climate change and gain a broader understanding of Earth’s six major extinction events. One of those extinction events is happening right now, in the Anthropocene. We have been able to connect both the Anthropocene extinction and global climate change to human impact on the environment by comparing patterns in the present with those in the past. The quote by Edward Hyams reminded me of this example because without the inherent meaning we associate with ancient artifacts like fossils, they would just be rocks! That’s where the role of the interpreter comes in. Interpreters communicate a "so what" factor to show the audience why it's important to learn about what came before us to understand our role in what comes next!

I really enjoyed reading your post!

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Unit 6 Blog

“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).

After learning about historical interpretation in this unit, I have gained a much stronger understanding of the meaning behind this quote by Edward Hyams. This quote acknowledges the importance of honouring our past and using it to guide the present and future. While ancient artifacts, locations and buildings still remain, their age isn’t the reason why we collect, preserve and place value in them. In other words, they hold no “merit” unless we give them an educational meaning. It is the job of the interpreter to connect visitors with the memories and experiences associated with these remnants, while presenting a ‘so what?’ factor that connects the past with the present. In this case, “merit in integrity” relates to our ability, as both historians and interpreters, to show respect for what came before us by constructing a morally accurate and authentic interpretation of past events.

The quote also mentions how "integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole". Reconstructing pieces from the past to broaden our historical knowledge can help give meaning to why we’re here today. To visualize this, think of a jigsaw puzzle. It’s impossible to assign meaning to each individual piece until you can bring them all together to form a full image. Integrity involves the understanding that each piece of that puzzle is important; otherwise, the image wouldn’t exist in its true form. Interpreters need to account for the moral takeaway of an interpretive experience. Why are things so different today? What has the past taught us about right and wrong? According to our readings, a popular way to guide visitors through the experiences of historical figures is through first-person or third-person living history.

As the quote implies, what’s in the past isn’t just in the past – it also shapes the morals, privileges, and actions of the present and future. The quote uses the metaphor of a railway station to explain this. We can’t forget that the station ever existed as soon as we pass through it, because if it wasn’t there at all, our train wouldn’t be in the same place it is now. We needed the railway station, an artifact of the past, to guide our train on its track.

When we think of historical interpretation, we need to be mindful of where we are today, and the deep connection we have with our past. Interpreters can help visitors explore that connection, which will help them navigate through present challenges and contribute to a healthier and more responsible modern society.

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Unit 5 Blog Post

This week we have no prompt for our blog post so I wanted to write about the things that make me feel most connected to nature. They are all very random and specific so bear with me. I am not sure why the things that make me feel most connected to nature do so, it is just a feeling I get that I am trying to describe. 

The first of these things would be the ocean. This summer I was lucky enough to visit both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and it was very special for me. I am not around any oceans that often so I had somewhat forgotten the beauty of them but as soon as I saw/smelled the ocean in the distance I remembered what I was missing. I try to describe why they make me feel the way they do and I think it may just come down to the vastness of it all. Staring out at the seemingly endless ocean puts things into perspective for me as I think about the amount of life within it. I got to see some of their inhabitants like seals, otters, whales, and a whole bunch of invertebrates (my favourites). It was very special to get to be in and near the oceans this summer and I loved getting to put my knowledge to the test as a marine and freshwater biology student. Since coming back to Guelph it seems to be the only thing I think about most of the time and I really hope I can live near an ocean in the future. 

Some friends I met in the Pacific (top row), and Atlantic (bottom row) oceans this summer!

The next part of nature that I feel especially connected to are rabbits. This feels a little silly to be writing about but I am following our no prompt theme of what we are thinking about. I do however know why I feel especially connected to rabbits and that is because I had a pet bunny for eight years when I was younger. He was always around during my formative years and obviously left a huge mark on me which I did not realize until I was older. Now whenever I see a rabbit on someone's lawn or running in the woods it pulls on my heartstrings and I have to stop and be near them for a bit. I just think they are very peaceful and gentle creatures that actually have a lot of personality. I love watching them interact with their environments by munching on grass or just laying around. I see the beauty of nature through rabbits, so much so that I have a tattoo of one!

Rabbit on my lawn recently (left), my rabbit (right)

My list of specific nature-related favourite things goes on forever but if I had to narrow it down to two it would be those. I am still searching for a way to describe why I feel the way I do and what exactly that feeling is so maybe someone here has some insights on it? Also, I would love to hear what specific things make everyone else feel extra connected to nature! 

Thanks for reading my ramblings. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

-Francesca :)

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Hi Francesca, your mention of how certain things can connect us to nature in a way that is difficult to explain with words resonates with me completely. I find that it often has to do with fond memories from our past that can remain with us for life, two examples of which you have described here. But sometimes you just can’t explain it, and that can often make your connection feel even stronger. I am fortunate to have visited the ocean a few times before, and the environment feels completely different from what we are used to here in Guelph. There are certain places I’ve been to that have completely changed the way I view nature and deepened my appreciation for what it has to offer. For example, I visited Iceland in 2018 with my family, and it was like visiting an alien planet. The landscapes of exposed volcanic rock and towering waterfalls was like nothing I had ever seen before. I hope I can return one day to re-immerse myself in the unique culture and nature Iceland has to offer.

A photo taken on my trip to Iceland in 2018.

Another oddly specific thing that connects me to nature is moss. Yes, the ground cover that grows on rocks and logs. I can’t recall any specific memory or experience that would explain it, other than finding moss in various parks and forests I've visited over the years. Moss can represent a visual connection between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem, showing the harmony and interconnectedness of natural elements. To me, it makes the natural world feel historic and timeless. When I’m out for a walk in the woods, moss reminds me of how nature will outlive all of us and that I am fortunate enough to experience it for a very short time in its existence. It’s an odd feeling, but one that has made me appreciate my surroundings even more. I enjoyed reading your post and wish you a great Thanksgiving!

I took this photo of the old growth forest in British Columbia in 2016. The entire forest was covered in moss!

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Unit 5 Blog

Hey everyone! Since there is no blog prompt for this week, I thought it would be fun to begin a discussion about our experiences with nature in a local setting. How do you prefer to spend time in nature? Do you walk? Hike? Go camping? Are there any specific plants or animals that you come across often?

My family and I released these monarch butterflies in September 2012.

I grew up in a very rural area, with my house backing onto the woods. This completely shaped how I would interact with nature, and I don’t believe I would have the same passions and interests that I do today if I hadn’t spent nearly all of my free time outside in nature. Above all, the one thing I enjoyed doing the most as a young kid was looking for cool bugs. I must have had at least 30 bug cages stacked up in my garage, ready to help me catch and examine any insects I came across. Sounds pretty normal for a young age, right? I’m in my 20s now and I still love looking for cool bugs. My adventures in nature are a lot tamer than they used to be – instead of crashing through underbrush or wading in creeks and looking under rocks, I enjoy a simple hike or walk to get away from the everyday routine. In this time, I’ll sometimes have my phone out, but not for the reason you’d think! I have a species identification app open (I’ve found the most success with Seek by iNaturalist), and any time I come across something I don’t recognize, I will snap photos and try to identify it. You would be right to assume that at this point, I should have an extensive knowledge about local species of insects. However, I still often manage to find things I’ve never identified before on my walks or hikes. This is by far one of my favourite things to do, and every time I step outside to reconnect with nature, I feel like that kid again.

A picture of 6-year-old me while releasing migratory monarch butterflies in September 2010.

A particular species I have taken an interest in is the migratory Monarch Butterfly. Through a program run by the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, I used to care for caterpillars each summer and release them in the fall as butterflies. From there, they have a much better chance at completing their journey down south to mate and spend the winter. As well-known as this species is, there is little conservation action taken in our local community to help this endangered species. The common milkweed, its host plant, is often pulled or mowed when it appears in backyards and gardens. While checking local patches of milkweed, I used to come across caterpillars quite often; however, with each passing year, I have found both fewer plants and fewer caterpillars (this year, I surveyed hundreds of milkweed plants throughout August and September and only found 2 caterpillars). We have the opportunity to help save an important pollinator and benefit our local ecosystems, but this opportunity could be gone within the next decade. We can all play an important role by simply planting milkweed in our local areas. I know that for me, it’s the least I can do to give back to the natural world that has given so much to me over the years.

A picture of the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), which can be found across Ontario. (Photo credit: https://www.naturewatch.ca/milkweedwatch/identifying-milkweed/)

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Unit 04 blog post

Hey everyone!

As was mentioned in unit 04, art is not only paintings and drawings, but also pictures, sculptures, songs, dance, and much more! It is important to emphasize this as many art forms frequently get overlooked. Humans have long been creators of art, dating back to thousands of years ago when cavemen would sketch their surroundings, documenting animals, landscapes, and celestial bodies that they could see. Their interpretation of nature was more or less an observation of the world they knew so little about. This drive still exists within us, but we are no longer just recorders of our environment, we interpret it through layers of culture, emotion, and perspective. Dr. Kurt Hahn made some really insightful opinions about how young people today are losing their physical and mental vibrancy. He pointed out six "social diseases" that include a decline in fitness, imagination, self-discipline, and compassion. These signs of modern living, which stem from a disconnect from the natural world and an over-dependence on technology, pose a problem for society. The inability to value and interact with nature is at the core of this detachment.

One method of reducing the consequences of these social problems and re-establishing a connection between people and the environment is through artistic interpretation of nature. Art facilitates communication between people and the natural world in many ways, enabling us to analyze and consider the environment we live in. Not only does art depict the aesthetic beauty of nature, but it also stimulates intellectual and emotional reactions, developing compassion and imagination that Hahn believed were diminishing. Through artistic interpretation of nature, we can counteract these declines by promoting participation and curiosity.

When it comes to interpreting the gift of beauty, there is much more to it than surface-level aesthetics. Beauty in nature is about realizing the intricate connections between all living things and the environmental systems that sustain us, not just about what is aesthetically beautiful. The intricate patterns of a leaf, the complexity of an animal's behaviour, or the patience needed to study a forest ecosystem can all be considered beautiful. Not only are they translating what they see when artists interpret nature, but they are also communicating the sense of amazement and dependency that characterizes the world. Not all forms of beauty follow strict criteria or meet preconceived notions of "perfection." A landscape's colour can make it attractive, but there are other kinds of beauty that can be found in a single, “imperfect” flower or a sunset.

Because it affects us, whether it be through joy, calm, or even sadness, beauty is unique. It causes us to stop and enjoy the present. Creating art becomes a way of expressing our feelings when we see beauty in the natural world. A poem can convey the calmness of a peaceful river, while a painting can convey the bright, alive feeling of a forest. Although they are both representations of the same world, each one displays a different perspective because they are created by different artists. By expressing nature in different ways, artists help others see and feel what they experienced, making the gift of beauty something that can be shared. 

Thanks for reading!

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Hi Chloe, I think you started your post off perfectly by emphasizing how the wide variety of art forms developed throughout human history can be used to interpret nature in unique and meaningful ways. You seem to have a deep understanding of how different artists use variation in form and style to establish an emotional connection between nature and people. I really appreciate your mention of how “social diseases” reflect an increasing level of disconnect from nature, and how this has limited our capacity to value it. Art allows us to share our interpretation of the beauty found in nature with others, in the hopes of delivering a powerful message and promoting spiritual uplift and hope. Since “the gift of hope” is only mentioned briefly in the textbook, I feel it is very important to discuss its connection to art and the gift of beauty. Hope relates directly to the value we place in nature. As noted by Beck and Cable (2011), “…the beauty of the intricacies of nature give rise to hope, and these are the tools of the interpreter”. Interpreters can use their intellectual authority to raise awareness about growing issues affecting natural environments, such as human impact and climate change. Combined with effective interpretation, emotional and intellectual connections formed through art can inspire hope by allowing us to recognize what we need to preserve and why. Your mention of how the 'beauty' we associate with nature can relate to the environmental systems that sustain us is a particularly powerful example of this. This is a very well written post!

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Unit 4 Blog

Who am I to interpret nature through art? It is well understood that art can be a powerful tool for interpretation; however, in my experience as an interpreter, this is not a topic I have ever explored in depth. The course readings from this week made a strong point about how people perceive natural, historical and artistic values both intellectually and emotionally. I think this is extremely important to discuss here, since effective interpretation depends on the interpreter’s ability to build meaningful connections between the ‘main message’ and a large number of visitors with different backgrounds, interests and learning styles. Art can build emotional connections between people and nature, enhancing their ability to absorb information and inspiring them to want to preserve natural sites and resources. The course readings also described the role of art in relating relevant topics to the “unconverted”; that is, visitors who enter an interpretive program without an existing passion, connection or deep appreciation for the natural or historical setting. While it is up to the visitor to discover this, it is in the best interest of the interpreter to provide the tools necessary to help them.

As an interpreter, my strengths have always involved words, and I have typically found good success with using writing and speaking to get the message across. This week, I realized that my use of words in storytelling can actually be considered a form of performing arts. Through expressive storytelling, I can take a moral or message that is meaningful to me and encourage visitors to perceive it emotionally as well as intellectually. That being said, I have hardly ever used other forms of visual or performing arts in nature interpretation, despite considering myself to be an artistic person. I have a deep appreciation for many forms of art, but I find it easiest to connect to people and places through playing, composing and listening to music. Going forward, I would be interested in blending my passion for music with my experience as a nature interpreter and using this form of art to connect audiences to nature.

I took this photo in 2016 while visiting the old growth forests in British Columbia. How would you interpret this photo? Where does the winding boardwalk lead to?

How do you define ‘beauty’ in nature? “The gift of beauty” explains how effective interpretation can allow different people to associate the beauty they find in nature with positive emotion and spiritual uplift. Some visitors may enjoy the peaceful qualities of spending time in nature, while some may be looking for more of an adventure to escape the everyday routine. Art can act as a catalyst to allow visitors to develop their own unique appreciation for nature and the environment. Visitors who feel both emotionally and intellectually connected to nature may feel a greater sense of responsibility towards preserving its beauty, a mindset that is growing in importance as we continue to face consequences of climate change and human impact on the environment.

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Blog Post 3

To me, privilege refers to an advantage that certain groups of individuals receive. Typically, it leads to inequality, as privileged people experience benefits that others do not. Regarding nature interpretation, privilege can refer to various aspects, including an individual’s access to nature and the amount of information provided in specific environments such as conservation areas. As someone who grew up in Toronto, I was not as privileged to experience a lot of nature at a young age due to being in a highly urbanized area with small amounts of forestry. The great thing about university was meeting so many people from different places in Ontario. It was a gateway for me to visit their hometowns and see the difference in our environments and how different our access to nature was. 

Access to nature can limit how people appreciate it. Those with regular access to nature appreciate it much more, as it breeds a sense of familiarity. People who live in areas with more nature spend more time in it, creating more memories and building a more profound connection than those without access, as they are more likely to have less appreciation. This ties in with the privileged information certain people receive about the environment, as some people simply may not know enough about nature to have a better connection with it. 

Another way privilege ties into nature interpretation is through travelling. Those privileged with the ability to travel can visit many more areas with protected natural spaces and tourist attraction points, giving them access to many locations that some people cannot afford. Travelling allows you to visit different regions of the world and see various wildlife that you usually wouldn't see at home. Experiencing different types of environments can be incredibly eye-opening, allowing those who experience them to have a greater appreciation of their surrounding environment. 

I find that I didn't appreciate nature as much as a child until I was exposed to new environments. Whenever we had field trips to visit different parks and learn about their respective ecosystems, I became more interested in and appreciative of my surroundings. This also led me to want to explore more beyond Toronto, going to various protected natural parks and seeing the different species of plants and animals. I’d say one place I hold very dear to my heart is Evergreen Brickworks, an environmental center that used to be a brick factory. It’s next to the Don Valley River, where we would go on field trips during elementary school to learn about conserving biodiversity. It’s close to where I live, and I’m incredibly privileged to have been here, as it sparked my more profound appreciation for nature. My friends and I often visit it as it has a great biking path and is definitely a gem in the city.

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Hi Krishna, I want to start off by saying how much I love your profile picture of the snail. That made my day. On to your post!

I think you did a fantastic job here at explaining your perspective using a personal example. I am someone who is on the complete opposite side; I have lived rurally and had access to nature for almost my whole life, for which I am grateful. Having this privilege really shaped the way I interact with nature and without it, I would definitely not be exploring nature interpretation on the same path that I am today. I completely agree with your point about familiarity, as I have also experienced firsthand how growing used to a particular environment can limit your appreciation for unfamiliar settings. Growing up in a very small town, I rarely ever visited cities like Toronto, nor did I ever want to. I found cities to be too busy and overwhelming, a sharp contrast to the open, quiet, familiar environment I knew. Not having the privilege of regular access to these areas has affected my capacity to appreciate them. I think it’s fantastic that you’ve chosen to embrace new environments and develop a better sense of knowledge and appreciation for them. As interpreters, we have to be mindful of unfamiliarity. Visitors may find difficulty developing an appreciation for foreign environments, but an experienced interpreter can act as a vessel for visitors to connect positive new experiences with their own stories, perspectives and familiarities. This was a very insightful post, great job!

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Unit 3 Blog

I would define ‘privilege’ as a term synonymous with ‘opportunity’. When it comes to nature interpretation, privilege is an important consideration for both interpreters and visitors. There are numerous factors that influence visitor privilege, which in this case is the opportunity to attend interpretive programs or experience the beauty and history of a natural site. Privilege can relate to geographical location; that is, people who live closer to a site have a better opportunity to experience it. Privilege can be affected by physical movement (e.g., unable to walk) or comprehensive ability (impaired senses, mental illness, and age/maturity). It can also relate to economic factors, as many are unable to afford proper transportation, admission fees or internet access to discover and attend interpretive programs. Cultural barriers, timing barriers, and barriers related to comfort are also major considerations that affect opportunity and privilege for visitors. It's very important that interpreters treat all visitors with the same amount of kindness and patience, and tailor experiences to commonalities and shared interests between people rather than differences between them. Privilege is often out of our control, and as interpreters the best thing we can do is ensure that programs and sites are as accessible as possible for visitors. For example, online interpretive programs (such as information sessions via Zoom or recorded sessions via YouTube) have been extremely helpful ways to cross the geographical barrier and allow a larger demographic of visitors the privilege of attending an interpretive workshop or program. This was especially important during lockdown procedures at the beginning of the pandemic, when we were unable to gather for in-person walks or tours.

I think the concept of privilege should also be acknowledged and accepted by the visitors as much as the interpreter. We often take experiences like these for granted, forgetting that they are unique opportunities to form meaningful connections with people and nature. As visitors, there are ways we can forward our appreciation for the privilege we have by sharing our experiences with others who can’t share them with us. Interpretive experiences that allow photography or videography allow visitors to capture memorable moments and share positive experiences online, which may inspire others to attend. Over the last few years, I have attended many online workshops that I would never have known about if not for recommendations or word spread from others.

As aspiring nature interpreters, I think it’s extremely important that we take opportunity and privilege into account when building connections with our audience and guiding them through an interpretive experience. Without the privilege of experiencing nature in the way I did throughout my upbringing, I may never have explored this path or even taken this course! Looking forward into the future, it is clear that barriers to privilege will continue to grow as the natural world is threatened by human impact and the rise of global climate change. We need to do all we can to ensure that future generations of interpreters and visitors are able to develop the same connections and appreciate the same experiences as us.

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Blog post 02

When it comes to my ideal role as an environmental interpreter, my first thought is an "educator." This is a broad term and could really fall into any role of an interpreter, but being in the field of education has always, and remains till this day to be my dream career. Learning about nature interpretations and the roles that fit into this category has opened up my eyes to the many possibilities of being an educator and helping people get excited about what they are learning about that go beyond a standard school teacher. I think my ideal role as an environmental interpreter would be to run tours based on a specific environmental location that holds historical or meaningful significance. I would love to be in a position to teach the people who come me as an interpreter by giving them a mix of an audible, visual, and tactile, hands on learning experience. I would lead a walking tour around the site I am interpreting while talking through the details of what the guests are looking at and sharing interesting fun facts. I would make conceptual connections to recent events that relate to the historical events we are discussing and I would tell stories to evoke emotion from the audience and keep them invested in the meaning of the environment they are experiencing. In my ideal role as an environmental interpreter I would be able to run a interactive activity within a tour of the environmental location that would relate to what the audience is learning about, for example if the people who lived in the historical location I was interpreting were known for making something specific by hand during the time that we are discussing, I would have the group try their hand at making the same thing in the same way to build a connection between the audience and what they are learning about. This would make the experience more memorable, because even if people walk away and forget the facts they learned down the line, they will have the memory of their participation in an activity that connects to what they experienced and learned. I would definitely need great public speaking skills to succeed in this role to address a crowd of all different people, and the ability to keep everyone engaged and entertained while making sure they are grasping the information I am telling them. This goes along with excellent people/social skills, as building a short term positive relationship with my audience would be my goal. A personable interpreter can be what sets the experience someone has apart from good to amazing, and something they will tell their friends and family about. I would need to balance out my educational approach, mixing together visual, audible, and tactile aspects in order to assure any person with any type of learning preference can have a positive experience and learn just as much and as easily as anyone else.

[bhenvs3000f24]

Hi Anna, you’ve brought up some really important points here that show you have a great understanding of the skills involved in being an effective interpreter. If you’re looking to build your skills and experience towards a career in education, your knowledge from this course will certainly help you get there! I love your idea of using hands-on interactive learning to connect visitors to the history of a site and giving them that ‘sense of place’. The specific example you used about recreating artifacts of the past is a very powerful way to connect fictional imagination to reality and put your audience in the shoes of those who stood in the same place before them. I also agree that good speaking skills and positive relationships with your audience are very important to have in this field. It’s important to remember that there will always be cases where your audience won't participate in the way you want them to. Some visitors may refuse a hands-on activity, others may wander away or ask off-topic questions, and some may even challenge factual information with preconceived notions. Being able to adapt to different situations, deal with conflict and keep things on track with the main message or goal are important skills that come from experience. There may be times as educators where we aren’t satisfied with our performance, but learning from these experiences will allow us to improve. It sounds like you’re really passionate about this field and want to make a positive impact. Great post!

[bhenvs3000f24]

Unit 2 Blog

I believe that my role as an environmental interpreter should tailor to both my strengths gained from experience and my interests as a learner. Based on these criteria, I am certain that I would enjoy a position as an interpretive nature guide in protected conservation areas or woodlots similar to the Arboretum at the University of Guelph. That is, I would take visitors on tours through sites, run workshops, oversee research initiatives and plan/host events. I also believe that I would excel in creating written educational materials for different audiences, such as field guides, books or posters.

As an interpreter, I have worked to polish my strengths and address my weaknesses through experience in communicating with the public. Developing skills for interacting with an audience can range from something as simple as being able to project my voice to something more complex such as being able to deal with conflict among visitors. In my time as a volunteer at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Riverwood Conservancy, and Willow Park Ecology Centre, I have interacted with a range of different audiences and learned to adapt to visitors’ different learning styles. For example, some visitors would ask a lot of questions, while others would challenge information with misguided notions. Children would often lose interest quickly unless presented with a more interactive and hands-on style of teaching. It was up to me to find and test different methods of presenting the main topic or message in a universally fun, relatable and engaging way. One of the biggest learning curves for me was trying to maintain a balance of visual and auditory interpretation. I would tend to go off-topic and talk for longer than I should instead of using more time to interpret the surrounding environment.

As a learner, I have taken great inspiration from positive experiences with nature interpretation. Having been through school, extracurriculars, summer camps, and other teaching environments, I have seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. I have also attended workshops, events and walks hosted by professional interpreters, which have varied in levels of engagement. One specific experience was during orientation week in my first year as a student at the University of Guelph. Chris Earley, an interpretive biologist and education co-ordinator at the Arboretum, toured new students through the woodlot and recounted his history as an environmental interpreter. The role that he described felt like it was made for me, and I realized after this walk that nature interpretation was a path I wanted to explore further. In addition to face-to-face walks and workshops, Earley has also written books and field guides designed to communicate information to different audiences. Creating educational materials is another form of interpretation that I had not considered before, and I believe that I could also excel in this since I enjoy writing as much as I do speaking!