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Disclaimer
This blog was created for ENVS*3000 W24, University of Guelph.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph.
The University of Guelph is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by this blog.
My Journey as a Nature Interpreter
As a nature interpreter, the overall journey isn’t just about passing on knowledge, but also about creating a strong connection between individuals in our community and the natural world around us. This role brings forth a deep sense of responsibility, both towards the environment as well as the people around us that we engage with. Being a nature interpreter is a journey that requires a solid foundation of personal ethics, beliefs, and approaches to ensure that every interaction that we have will serve the greater good of both humanity and the planet.
At the core of my personal ethics as a nature interpreter are several different foundational beliefs that aid in my journey. Interconnectedness, stewardship, empathy, and continual learning are the keys to becoming a well developed nature interpreter. Interconnectedness is important as I believe that all living beings and ecosystems are all connected as one. Every action, big or small, all have reactions and consequences that create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate lives and surroundings. Recognizing this interconnectedness allows for me as a nature interpreter, to approach my work with a sense of humility and respect for the intricacy of life around me.
Stewardship is another key belief to becoming a nature interpreter that I believe I bring with me on my journey. I believe that we should all behave as stewards of the natural world, and that we have been entrusted with the task and responsibility to preserve and protect the Earth for future generations. This belief instills a sense of duty to advocate for more sustainable practices to be put in place, as well as more conservation efforts in order to protect our future. Understanding and empathizing with many diverse perspectives is crucial to creating meaningful connections with nature. I believe that by interacting with people no matter where they are in their journey of life and nature. They may be experienced with nature enthusiasts, or a newcomer and just trying to figure things out for the first time. Empathy and understanding are the key to any good nature interpreter. Continual learning is the final belief that I bring to being a nature interpreter, and it is the understanding that the natural world is a very vast and dynamic entity, and it is important to continue lifelong learning inorder to fully understand it. I approach my role as a nature interpreter with curiosity and a commitment to continue to expand my knowledge and understanding of all the ecosystems and environments that I encounter.
As a nature interpreter, there are certain responsibilities that I hold that shape how I interact with both the environment and with other citizens I encounter. The first responsibility is education; one of the primary responsibilities is to educate and inspire others about the vast wonders of the natural world. Education comes in various forms such as delivering presentations, leading guided hikes, or conducting various workshops that aid in exposing participants in the natural world. The goal is to impart knowledge in a special way that inspires curiosity and appreciation for the environment. Another responsibility that I hold as a nature interpreter is the responsibility to advocate. I believe it is important to use my platform, such as this blog, to advocate for environmental conservation and the integration of more sustainable practices worldwide. This too comes in many different forms, such as raising awareness about urgent environmental issues, supporting local conservation initiatives, or encouraging more environmentally friendly behaviours within the community I live in. Ethical conduct is also an important responsibility and plays a large part in my role as a nature interpreter. This of course includes respecting the rights of indigenous people, their lands, and local communities, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and ensuring the well-being and proper treatment of all the ecosystems I come across in my journeys. Lastly, inclusivity is likely one of the most important responsibilities that I, and other nature interpreters have. It is crucial to create inclusive and welcoming spaces within the realm of nature interpretation. We need to embrace diversity and inclusivity, and aim to make the natural world accessible to people of all walks of life, all backgrounds and abilities, and create a true sense of belonging and empowerment among all those who seek a connection with nature.
In my journey of navigating my role as an aspiring nature interpreter, I’ve found that certain approaches resonate deeply with my personal ethics and style. For example, storytelling is a great means of connecting people with nature on a deeper level. By weaving narratives that highlight the beauty, complexity, and the importance of the natural world, you can captivate audiences and instill a sense of wonder and respect for the environment. Immersive hands-on experiences have the potential to leave a lasting and memorable impact on individuals and their relationships with nature. Whether it is through wilderness workshops, citizen science projects, or habitat restoration efforts, I believe that it is an approach that provides the opportunities for meaningful engagement and discovery for the public. Empowerment is another approach that is important to the success of a nature interpreter. I believe that my role as a nature interpreter is not only a source of knowledge but also acts as a spark for empowerment. By empowering more individuals to explore, connect with, and advocate for the natural world, we can aim to form a sense of agency and stewardship that extends beyond our typical interactions. Lastly, collaboration is the most beneficial approach to effective nature interpretation. Whether it is partnering with local organizations, community leaders, or with fellow interpreters, I believe that the value of the collective effort is crucial to advancing our shared goals of conservation, education, and advocacy.
As I continue to develop as a nature interpreter, my personal ethic will continue to evolve and be further shaped by new experiences, personal reflection, and ongoing learning. I aim to keep grounded with the beliefs of interconnectedness, stewardship, empathy, and continual learning, and my approach to interpretation being guided by the sense of responsibility to both the environment and the communities I serve. By upholding ethical standards, embracing inclusive practices, and employing storytelling, hand-on experiences, empowerment, and collaboration, I will strive to fulfill my responsibilities as a nature interpreter and inspire others to join me in forming a deeper connection with the natural world. In doing so, I hope to contribute a much more sustainable, harmonious relationship between humanity, and the Earth we call our home.
Hello!
Overall, I benefitted from reading your post, and I like that you took the time to go into depth about each aspect of your ethics and why they are important to you as a natural interpreter. Something that I enjoyed from your second paragraph was how you mentioned the interconnected intricacies of ecosystems in nature, and that all living beings are connected. You added that all actions can affect these ecosystems, essentially creating a “ripple effect”. I like to think about ecosystems living in a continuous loop, one that is never-ending (I acknowledge that this isn’t necessarily scientific because ecosystems work in food webs). One small action can impede the process of this loop, and can essentially cut off or harm the other individuals in this “loop” or ecosystem. The way you explained this allowed me to share in your ethics, I think that shows that something we may view as insignificant, like turning over a log or removing vegetation, can do more harm than we thought. As you mentioned, this plays into the role of humility and respect towards nature, something that many seem to lack sometimes. I think that through your explanation, I can begin to have a deeper understanding of how my actions may affect ecosystems as a whole.
Thank you so much!
Sandra
Discovering the Heartbeat of Nature: Unveiling My Personal Ethic as I Develop as a Nature Interpreter 🍀
As I embark on the journey of becoming a nature interpreter, I find myself constantly drawn to the intricate dance of life that unfolds in the natural world. This calling isn't just a profession for me; it's a way of life, a passion, and a deep-seated belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. In this blog post, I delve into my personal ethic as a nature interpreter, exploring the beliefs, responsibilities, and approaches that guide me on this enriching path.
Beliefs that Shape My Ethical Foundation
At the core of my ethical framework as a nature interpreter lies a profound reverence for nature. I believe that every element of the natural world, from the tiniest microorganism to the grandeur of mountains, holds intrinsic value and deserves respect. This belief is rooted in the understanding that nature is not separate from us but rather an integral part of our existence, providing us with essential services, inspiration, and a sense of belonging (Beck et al., 2018). By fostering a sense of kinship with all living beings, I strive to promote empathy, compassion, and stewardship towards the environment.
Direct photograph link: https://www.nathab.com/blog/ :)
Furthermore, I believe in the power of education and storytelling as transformative tools. Nature interpretation is not just about imparting information; it's about weaving narratives that inspire wonder, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility (Beck et al., 2018). Through engaging and immersive experiences, I aim to cultivate a deeper connection between people and the natural world, fostering a collective commitment to conservation and sustainability.
Responsibilities of a Nature Interpreter
With this belief system as my compass, I acknowledge the weighty responsibilities that come with being a nature interpreter. Foremost among these responsibilities is the duty to communicate truthfully and authentically (Beck et al., 2018). I will strive to present accurate information grounded in both historical and scientific understanding, while also acknowledging Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
Additionally, one of my primary responsibilities is to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding (Beck et al., 2018). I will strive to communicate complex ecological concepts in accessible ways, fostering awareness and appreciation for the intricacies of ecosystems. This involves staying updated with scientific advancements while also honing my skills in effective communication and storytelling (Beck et al., 2018).
Moreover, I recognize the importance of promoting ethical behaviour towards nature. This includes advocating for sustainable practices, respecting wildlife and habitats, and fostering a mindset of mindful consumption. I see myself as a guardian of knowledge, entrusted with the task of fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and nurturing a sense of environmental stewardship in others.
Direct photograph link: https://techwireasia.com/09/2021/advocating-a-sustainable-environment-with-modern-technologies/ :)
Lastly, I believe in fostering inclusivity and diversity within the realm of nature interpretation. Nature belongs to everyone, regardless of background or identity (Beck et al., 2018). Therefore, I have a responsibility to create inclusive spaces where people from all walks of life feel welcome, valued, and empowered to engage with nature on their own terms.
Approaches Aligned with My Ethical Values
In my journey as a nature interpreter, I embrace several approaches that align with my ethical values and beliefs. One of these approaches is experiential learning. I believe that hands-on experiences in nature have a profound impact on individuals, fostering a deeper connection and understanding. Whether it's organizing field trips, nature camps, or sensory explorations, I will prioritize immersive experiences that awaken the senses and ignite curiosity.
I also emphasize the importance of mindfulness and contemplation in nature interpretation. Slowing down, observing keenly, and attuning ourselves to the rhythms of nature can lead to profound insights and moments of awe (Beck et al., 2018). By encouraging mindful practices such as nature meditation, journaling, and deep listening, I will help participants cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world and their inner selves.
Furthermore, I embrace a collaborative and community-centered approach, as I believe that collective action is crucial for addressing environmental challenges. Therefore, I will collaborate with local communities, organizations, and experts to create meaningful initiatives that promote conservation, environmental justice, and sustainable living. By fostering a sense of shared ownership and responsibility, we can amplify our impact and create positive change on a larger scale (Beck et al., 2018).
Challenges and Reflections Along the Way
While pursuing my personal ethic as a nature interpreter, I encounter various challenges and moments of reflection. One recurring challenge is navigating the delicate balance between optimism and realism. While I am deeply passionate about the potential for positive change, I also confront the harsh realities of environmental loss and degradation (Rodenburg, 2019).
Check out this video discussing the UN's recent release of a dire climate report, highlighting the alarming rate of environmental degradation in our world today.
Moreover, I am acutely aware of the challenges posed by the disconnect between children and nature (Rodenburg, 2019). This disconnect often manifests in the form of limited outdoor experiences and diminished understanding of environmental issues among younger generations (Rodenburg, 2019). Finding resilience in the face of these challenges is therefore essential, as it allows me to remain steadfast in my commitment to inspiring environmental stewardship and nurturing a deep connection with nature among individuals of all ages.
Additionally, I constantly reflect on my role as a communicator and storyteller. I strive to strike a balance between awe-inspiring narratives that capture the imagination and grounded messages that convey the urgency of conservation. It's a nuanced dance of inspiration and pragmatism, requiring sensitivity to the audience's emotions and aspirations (Beck et al., 2018).
Looking Ahead: Aspirations and Growth
As I continue to develop as a nature interpreter, my aspirations are fueled by a sense of purpose and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. I aspire to deepen my understanding of ecology, Indigenous knowledge systems, and environmental justice, integrating diverse perspectives into my practice.
I also aim to keep leveraging technology and digital platforms to reach a wider audience and create immersive virtual experiences that transcend geographical boundaries. By harnessing the power of storytelling, multimedia, and interactive tools, I seek to foster a global community of nature enthusiasts and conservation advocates.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
As I reflect on my personal ethic as a nature interpreter, I am reminded of the endless wonders and lessons that the natural world has to offer. Each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire others on this shared journey of exploration and stewardship. By staying true to my beliefs, upholding my responsibilities, and embracing suitable approaches, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue between humanity and the heartbeat of nature. Together, let us continue to nurture a deep and enduring connection with the world that sustains us all.
As we bid farewell to this semester, I look forward to carrying forward the bonds we've forged and the knowledge we've gained, knowing that our collective efforts can lead to a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come. Until next time y'all,
Madison B.
References:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope. Clearing Magazine. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300
Hello!
I enjoyed reading your post, and I can connect to many of the ways you have developed as a nature interpreter, especially in how you speak about your reverence for protecting nature. Another thing I very much enjoyed was the way you carried this throughout your entire post and structured much of what you were saying around your ethics. I also really appreciate the visuals you used throughout your post, I think that by doing so, you made it easier for me to connect with your challenges and responsibilities as a nature interpreter.
The main cornerstone of my ethics in nature interpretation is fostering inclusivity and diversity in the programs I design, something that I think that both you and I (and many others) connect on. The way that I spoke about it was more about removing barriers in nature interpretation programs, such as economic barriers, cultural batteries, and communication barriers (Beck et al., 2018). I like the approach that you took towards this topic, in that nature belongs to everyone, and it doesn’t matter who you are or your background. You are not limiting inclusion to just nature interpretation programs, but you are advocating for inclusivity in nature as a whole, which I think is very powerful!
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 7: Serving Diverse Audiences. In Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For a Better World (pp. 132–135). Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC.
My Development as a Nature Interpreter
Hello Everyone!
This will be my final blog post unfortunately, but, it will be exciting! This blog will touch on everything we have learned through our course ENVS*3000 this semester, including my ethics, beliefs, responsibilities, and approaches as a nature interpreter. Thank you everyone for coming along on this journey of nature interpretation, and I have appreciated everyone's insightful posts and responses.
The cornerstone of my ethic as I have developed as a nature interpreter has been inclusivity. By this, I mean ensuring that all potential audiences I may have, have equal opportunity to participate in my program. Nature interpretation is a beautiful art form, and more than just one group of people deserves to be able to partake. Many underserved communities and minorities face several barriers when attempting to participate in nature interpretation programs, including; economic barriers, cultural barriers, communication barriers, lack of knowledge, and fear. As nature interpreters, we can reduce the economic barriers by providing transportation or scheduling programs in urban areas where public transportation is available, to reduce monetary pressure. We can reduce the fear of future audiences as well by increasing staff diversity, this can help with easing minority groups into the program, as well as making the space feel more welcoming (Beck et al., 2018b). The first big step in alleviating these barriers and encouraging inclusivity is by recognizing my privilege, or my “invisible knapsack”, and how this may affect my future audiences. What I mean by “invisible knapsack”, is the privileges that I carry around that I did not earn, but were instead given to me just by being born. Some examples of this are my being white, from a middle-class family, my ability to pursue university, and to speak English. It is important to recognize my privileges because they allow me to view the world differently. I won’t fully understand others if I don’t truly understand how other people may struggle because they weren’t born with these same privileges. I believe that nature interpretation is at its best when there is a more diverse audience to connect with the program, because many different connections are being made, all with people who may have very different backgrounds (McIntosh, P., 1989).
It is not only my responsibility and belief that inclusivity should always be ensured in nature interpretation, but it is also important that I understand who my audience is, and how they best learn. This is a particularly important responsibility because it allows audiences to build stronger connections to the material if it is presented in ways they understand best. An example of how this practice may be used is through an adult audience versus a youth audience. An adult audience may not connect as meaningfully to a program that involves sensory and motor activities, but children aged zero to two will. The same goes for a youthful audience may not connect as well with a program centred around solving problems systematically and creating hypotheses, but an adult audience will (Beck et al., 2018a). Another key responsibility of a nature interpreter is weighing the risks and rewards of your program to your audience. Not every risk exposed to an audience will prove trouble, but it is important to make this assumption based on the capabilities of your audience. For example, if your program were to be centred around climbing a steep hill or mountain, the risk of this may pose stronger to some than others. As a nature interpreter, it is important to collect all relevant data on your audience, and the risk itself to eliminate potential dangerous situations. If there is still a risk being posed, precautionary principles may aid in further eliminating the magnitude of this risk (Hooykaas, 2024a).
I think the best approach for me as a nature interpreter would involve interpretation through science and history. The reason for this is that they are two areas that I am passionate about, and I think that when I feel more connected to a topic, I can better explain things. An example of how I might use these approaches is by creating a guided tour about rehabilitating areas into terrestrial ecosystems that were previously used as pasture or agricultural land. The driving question around this guided program is how although agriculture is important, facilitating natural ecosystems to prosper is important for both ecosystem services and biodiversity (Hooykaas, 2024b). The historical aspect of this tour may look like explaining in detail how the land was previously used in agriculture, how it affected the people who owned this land, and how its previous use affects the future ecosystem wishing to be established. I have added a photo below of a picture I took at a protected area close to my home town, which happens to be right next to many acres of agricultural land. I think it would be interesting to show others how this land was developed from agricultural land, into now a protected area, and the processes that had to take place for this to happen!
Thank you everyone for participating in these blog posts throughout the semester, and I hope this gave a clear vision as to what being a nature interpreter means to me!
Sandra :)
References
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018a). Chapter 6: How People Learn. In Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For a Better World (pp. 107–08). Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018b). Chapter 7: Serving Diverse Audiences. In Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For a Better World (pp. 132–135). Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC.
Hooykaas, A. (2024a). Unit 3: Risk versus Reward in Interpretation. University of Guelph.
Hooykaas, A. (2024b). Unit 5: Nature Interpretation through Science. University of Guelph.
McIntosh, P. (1989). "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" first appeared in Peace and Freedom Magazine, July/August, pp. 10-12, a publication of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Philadelphia, PA. https://nationalseedproject.org/key-seed-texts/white-privilege-unpacking-the-invisible-knapsack
Mindless Intelligence - Week 9
Hey everyone, welcome to another week of nature interpretation! Today I’d like to share the story of an amazing creature out in nature that you may have never even heard of - Slime Molds.
Slime molds look very similar to, and are decomposers, like fungus. But they aren't actually fungus. Or plants. Or animals. They are actually single celled (sometimes) Eukaryotes. Eukaryotes is the ‘complex cell’ group, including all animals, plants, protists, and fungus (Howard, 2020). So, basically slime molds are in that group, but don’t really belong to any of the subgroups. They’re just kind of ‘miscellaneous’.
Oh yeah, and the reason I say they are single celled sometimes, is because slime molds will often congregate together and share their cellular contents, forming a giant collective cell thing, which is really cool and weird (Howard, 2020). Slime molds live out most of their lives as single-celled microorganisms, but when they’re ready to reproduce, they can scale up in size to form structures that look like fungus.
The fungus-like fruiting body of a species of slime mold. © Andy Sands/NPL https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/vive-le-blob-the-amazing-abilities-of-slime-moulds
I first learned about these creatures in a youtube video from an absolutely excellent nature communicator, Ze Frank on Youtube True Facts: The Smartest Slime. I would really recommend checking out his videos and channel. He’s such a compelling interpreter because he tells a story by naming the animals in his clips funny names and narrates it, and he uses wit and humor to keep the audience engaged (Beck et al, Chapter 10, Arts in Interpretation).
Now, let me get into more interesting and amazing bits. So, slime molds have no brains, no eyes, so ears, and are essentially a big blob of cells. You would think that this would - no offense - make them very stupid. But, researchers have found that they can solve mazes (Howard, 2020). As the slime mold moves through the maze on the lookout for food, it is able to sense the trail of slime that it’s left behind, allowing it to avoid areas it's already been.
This is a picture of the species used to solve mazes. © Andy Sands/NPL https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/vive-le-blob-the-amazing-abilities-of-slime-moulds
Some species are also capable of a primitive style of learning. Normally, when one of the slime mold’s tendrils touches a negative stimulus like salt or caffeine, it slows down and moves elsewhere. But if it discovers that it can reach food by traveling through the hazard, it learns, over time, to keep going to get the food! One of the interesting things about this behavior is that it can be ‘taught’ to other slime molds by fusing with other ones that have never encountered the risk. Even more interesting is that this behavior stays in the slime mold for many weeks, even if the blob goes into a dried-up, hibernation-like state (Howard, 2020). How crazy is that?
While doing this research I also found some wild information about their reproduction. Slime molds have a swirling mass of additional types of sex cell – giving them around 720 sexes in total (Howard, 2020).
Anyway, I hope you found this topic interesting, and I encourage you to look for some videos on the topic as it can be quite cool to see these molds solve mazes and such. That’s all for this week, keep on exploring!
References:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing.
Frank, Z. (2023, January 31). True facts: The smartest slime. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_GTIL7AECQ Howard, J. (2020). Vive Le Blob: The amazing abilities of slime moulds. BBC Science Focus Magazine. https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/vive-le-blob-the-amazing-abilities-of-slime-moulds
Hello!
I really enjoyed reading your post, and I now almost wish that I picked slime molds as my topic! The first thing I noticed about the second slime mold you described is that it eerily reminds me of the fungus from the show "The Last of Us". If you haven't seen it, it is a show about fungus infiltrating humans and creating an apocalypse. I don't know how much this show is rooted in fact (it is a show after all), but essentially the fungus was able to communicate through large areas if had multiple fungi that were connected. I know this may be a stretch - but do you think any of this could be based on how slime molds can fuse with one another?
The other thing I was interested in is whether slime mold could be related to lichen (the topic of my group podcast) because lichen uses fungi in symbiosis. Unfortunately, I could not find any details on this, but, I did find a very beautiful photo of slime mold I would like to share!
Hartnup, R. (2018, July 9). Slime mold in the forest. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/ruthanddave/42404181915. Used under CC BY 2.0 DEED.
Nature as Living History
Hello Everyone!
Today I will be sharing the most amazing thing I know about nature, which is that it can be a vault of history. The reason this is the most amazing thing I know, is because it gives power to the mundane, and it can give any natural landscape or organism the power to be exciting.
Before we dive into examples of these “vaults” in nature, I want to communicate what this idea really means to me. Nature can hold onto conditions it has experienced through time, and through close inspection, we can relay nature's story. One example of this occurrence is fossils, organisms that are held within the rock, and we can track their origin thanks to nature preserving this artifact. It can hold onto conditions and preserve artifacts and other items that were once used in that area by humans or other organisms. An example of this could be a seemingly ordinary pile of rocks, but were these once used for a purpose by early settlers or others?
Now, I want to give you some exciting and maybe even gruesome examples of real-life “vaults” in nature. The first example that comes to mind is preserved cadavers called “Bog Bodies”. These cadavers are bodies that were laid to rest centuries ago in Northern European peat bogs, which just so happened to preserve these bodies up until the present day. Nature could hold onto the bodies because of the poor drainage in these bogs, which slowed their decay. Not only this, but they are acidic with cool temperatures, which seem to be the perfect conditions for body preservation. I urge you to google “Bog Bodies”, and look at the images (maybe don’t if you don’t like mummies) and you may truly marvel at nature's ability to contain the human lifeform after so many years (Dell’Amore, 2014).
The next example I want to discuss is less gruesome in detail but is also very important to remember. During the First World War, landscapes across Europe were in pieces, with pilots flying overhead comparing it to a “moonscape” (Kornei, 2019). In the past 100 years, the landscape has gained stability and slowly rebuilt itself. Despite this, nature still has a way of communicating what has occurred here, this is seen through the small dips and hills created from past explosions and shelters (Kornei, 2019).
Think about your environmental surroundings, or even your everday communte, do you see anything that catches your eye? I encourage you to not only seek these areas out, but try to determine if they are holding a deeper meaning that may not come to mind at first glance.
Dell’Amore, C. (2014, July 18). Who were the ancient bog mummies? surprising new clues. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/140718-bog-bodies-denmark-archaeology-science-iron-age
Kornei, K. (2019, November 15). 100 years after WWI, nature is finally reclaiming a historic battlefield. Discover Magazine. https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/life-after-war
Nature Interpretation through Music
The boundary between music and the natural world blurs, revealing a symphony of nature that uncovers an innate harmony linking Earth's rhythms with our musical compositions. My recent exploration into how music interprets nature has uncovered the deep interconnection between these two realms, each reflecting the essence of the other.
Nature's orchestra, from the whispering winds in the trees to the rhythmic waves against the shore, inspires countless artworks. These sounds forge our connection with Earth, evoking emotions and memories that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. Similarly, music, with its capacity to convey complex emotions and stories, offers a unique way to interpret and connect with nature. Music serves as a universal language, reflecting the diversity and complexity of life and our shared experiences.
Music is found in nature, and nature is often mirrored in music. The two need one another. The sad cry of a dusk loon, the raw orchestra of a rainforest, and the quiet hush of falling snow, all nature's works have sparked the imaginations of countless artists. Music often tries to echo these natural noises. It creates tunes that take its listeners right into the wild. It helps to boost our bond with nature.
"Country Roads" by John Denver is an instant ticket to the outdoors for me. Its tune stirs up a longing for home. The song connects me deeply to a unique place. It brings to mind gentle hills, curving roads, and the calm beauty of rural areas. The song, rooted in a profound respect for nature, exemplifies how music can bridge our environmental consciousness, urging reflection on our planetary relationship and the importance of preserving its beauty for future generations.
This exploration reveals the reciprocal presence of music in nature and nature in music, emphasizing the significant impact of this relationship on our appreciation and admiration for the surrounding world. By integrating music into our engagement with nature, we deepen our appreciation for the land's beauty and complexity.
Drawing on insights from recent research, it's evident that music and nature's interconnectedness spans across species and cultures. The songs of humpback whales, structurally similar to human and bird songs, showcase nature's innate musicality (Gray et al., 2001). These marine mammals compose using rhythms and themes that mirror human music, demonstrating a universal capacity for musical expression that transcends species. Additionally, birds' songs exhibit rhythmic effects and melodic patterns found in human music, suggesting a shared evolutionary heritage of musical tradition (Gray et al., 2001).
This inquiry into nature's musicality not only broadens our comprehension of the universe, but also sheds light on the universal language of music. As we explore deeper into nature's symphony, we discover the profound links that bind us together, reminding us of our joint obligation to respect and safeguard this planet for future generations.
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
Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 7: Nature interpretation through music. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640021/View
Hello!
I really enjoyed reading your post! I also really like that you chose a John Denver song because apparently which of his songs was the best was a big discussion among previous ENVS*3000 students!
Like that discussion, I would like to mention my favourite John Denver song, which is "Annie's Song". In this song, Denver uses many similes addressing how his love is similar to that of many occurrences in nature. Maybe John Denver is a secret nature interpreter!
I really enjoyed how you spoke about how music and the natural world is an intertwined being. Before reading and writing these posts, I would have never come to this conclusion on my own. In truth, I’m not sure why that is because it truly is very simple, we hear music constantly in nature, as you mentioned; the winds in the trees, the waves against the shores. And then humans creating music is really just an attempt to mirror these natural occurrences. I think the metaphor of the “mirror” that you used perfectly sums up this relationship. A personal conclusion I would like to draw is that the reason humans try to emulate music in nature is because nature brings a truly unique comfort. For example, many people enjoy listening to rain sounds, waterfalls, and whale calls as they go to bed.
Thank you!
Sandra :)
Nature Interpretation and Music
Hello Everyone!
Today we will be discussing where music is in nature, where nature is in music, and how you can use music as an interpreter to deliver information and evoke an emotional response!
The first part of the blog prompt we will be addressing is “Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music?” (Hookyaas, A., 2024). I really enjoy the way that this question was posed, because it's alluding to the fact that both are intertwined, which they are! A perfect example of this intertwined relationship is Ben Miriam's use of birdsongs in his beatboxing performances (GrrlScientist., 2016). Ben Miriam is an avid birder, and when he moved to New York, he began to feel cut off from his former life in the natural world. The birdsongs Miriam uses is an example of music occurring in nature, and then integrating it into beatboxing is an example of how nature can take place in music! Miriam also uses samples from lemurs in his beatboxing, specifically endangered lemurs. By doing so he is not only creating beautiful music, but bringing awareness to an endangered group. What Miriam has done is an example that we as interpreters can follow; artfully incorporating entertainment into nature interpretation but with a strong message that is meant to evoke action among listeners (Hookyaas, A., 2024)!
Now I would like to share something that is a bit more personal on the subject of nature and music! I have an important relationship with music, and I like to think of it as a part of who I am. I have played classical piano for more than half my life, and when I play a piano piece, I don’t feel like I play my best unless I have a connection or a meaning behind the music I am playing. I think that this can also be said for how music should be used in nature interpretation. Yes, music is a beautiful and powerful thing, but when incorporating music into a nature interpretation presentation, it is important to understand what response you are trying to summon in your audience. Are you trying to inspire people to action? Are you trying to tell a story? As we have learned through this course, all of these questions are dependent on the unique audience you have (Hookyaas, A., 2024).
A song that I played for an important recital was “Colours of the Wind” from the Disney movie Pocahontas. I would first like to address that I don’t agree with the themes of this movie or the score, because they are outdated and littered with racial prejudices. Despite this, the song “Colours of the Wind”, still carries a message regarding the problem with how most people view nature. This is seen in the verse “You think you own whatever land you land on, The Earth is just a dead thing you can claim”. This song may not necessarily link me directly back to a physical natural landscape, but on an emotional level, it makes me fiercely want to fight back against people who feel that they can “claim” nature.
Thank you for reading!
Sandra :)
GrrlScientist. (2016, September 22). Music as a gateway to nature. Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2016/09/21/music-as-a-gateway-to-nature/
Hookyaas, A. (2024) Nature Interpretation through Music. University of Guelph.
Colours of the Wind [From Pocahontas] Lyrics. (n.d.). Lyrics.com. Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1389013/Judy+Kuhn/Colors+of+the+Wind+%5BFrom+Pocahontas%5D.
Blog 6: Unpacking Edward Hyams Quote
With the following thought-provoking quote from the book "The Gifts of Interpretation", Edward Hyams makes a strong case for the importance of history and the necessity of integrity. "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." To fully grasp the significance of this verse, which is full of implications and meaning, it is worth delving further.
Hyams begins by refuting the idea that objects that are ancient are valuable just because of their age. Rather, he turns the emphasis to integrity, characterizing it as a structural need that sustains the many constituents of any organism across time, as well as a moral virtue. In this sense, integrity encompasses not just personal qualities but also the collective consciousness and knowledge of the community as a whole. It follows that society's integrity is maintained by ongoing, shared remembrance and comprehension of its history.
The comparison of a train station perfectly captures the spirit of Hyams' argument. The past does not become irrelevant as time goes on, just as a train station does not vanish the instant a train leaves. It is a misperception of time and existence to think that history is meaningless once it has been lived. History is a continuum that both shapes and is shaped by the present, not a collection of discrete occurrences. Our comprehension of the present is shaped by the past, which also directs our future course of action. This perspective challenges us to reevaluate how we relate to the past. It implies that a society's integrity is preserved by its capacity to recall, comprehend, and incorporate its past into its current identity in addition to its outward accomplishments and inventions. In order to achieve this integration, the past must be actively engaged with and acknowledged for its effect on the present and future.
The quotation from Hyams is an appeal for a more in-depth study of history as a vital component of leading an honorable life rather than just as an academic exercise. It inspires us to view history as an essential component of our shared identity rather than as a burden or an outmoded relic. We may safeguard the integrity of society and become better equipped to handle the problems of the present and the future by accepting our historical consciousness.
By dissecting Hyams' quotation, we are reminded of how important history is to maintaining social order. It pushes us to see history as a dynamic, breathing aspect of our shared identity that influences both the present and the future, rather than merely a chronicle of past occurrences. Recognising the ongoing significance of the past is crucial to preserving our society's integrity and making sure we proceed with discernment and wisdom.
References:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.
Hi Samantha!
I really enjoyed your analysis of Hyman's quote, and it really helped me understand what he was trying to say when he was discussing the maintenance of integrity. I had a hard time understanding this portion at first because I didn't really know how and why maintenance would need to occur for integrity (or what integrity meant in this context).
By reading your post it's more clear now that by this he meant that maintenance isn't really the upkeep or "fixing" of integrity - but more so the preservation of integrity through society. I think that with quotes like this, it can be difficult to fully understand the true meanings behind the words being used. This is seen where integrity is being discussed in terms of "whole" and maintenance really represents the preservation of history through society's integrity in knowledge.
In terms of Hyman's train metaphor, I had a similar interpretation! I think it shows that if we forget the past and act as if it is meaningless, we will slowly start to lose a sense of who we are as individuals and societies because we forget where we came from. I also think it can show the importance of honouring history, because we would not exist without it, similar to how the train would not exist without the train station.
Thanks!
Sandra
Nature Interpretation and History
Hello Everyone!
Today we will be discussing nature interpretation through the lens of history, how we can use this perspective to its full potential and what Edward Hyman's quote from Chapter 7 of “The Gift of Interpretation” truly means.
When people think of history, various images, stories, and events run through their minds. This can range from ancient Egypt and the pyramids, a story their grandmother told them, world wars, and much more. But when we talk about this concerning nature interpretation, this isn’t really what we mean. When we talk about history with nature interpretation, what we are trying to do is facilitate connections between lived experiences and historical experiences (Hookyaas, A., 2024). This is valuable in interpretation because it allows people to not only remember historical events but reminds us that our current surroundings will not always stay the same. When we begin to use history in nature interpretation it is important to understand all aspects of the landscape and its inhabitants, this can look like asking what is included or ignored, what is implied and specified, and what story is being shared. It's also important to understand who benefits from the perspective of this story, and how may this affect them or others (Hookyaas, A., 2024). So, as you move forward in your nature interpretation journey, remember these questions, and also the importance of the landscape or event you interpret.
Now it is time to unpack Edward Hyman’s quote from “The Gift of Interpretation”. Hyman first opens by saying that there is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity. From this portion, I think Hyman is saying that the actual ancient object itself isn’t worth it without keeping its history and meaning whole. Otherwise, that “ancient object” could just be a pile of junk without the people who retell its story. The next portion of Hyman’s quote is a little more difficult to understand, he mentions that if these parts of integrity (a whole), are scattered through time, then the maintenance of integrity requires the knowledge of ancient things. Unfortunately, I am not sure I fully understand this portion, I think that it may mean that when integrity is divided, it must be fixed with knowledge. I would love to hear my peer's thoughts on how they interpret this! Hyman ends the quote by comparing how if we feel that the past is done, it is like as if our train had passed through a train station, and the train station only existed for when our train passed through. I think by ending on this, Hyman is showing that by not acknowledging the past we are not acknowledging how we came to be, and where we are currently. To use the train example; if there was no train station, how would our train exist and know where to go?
Thank you!
Sandra
References Hookyaas, A. (2024) Nature Interpretation through History. University of Guelph.
05: The ways nature has impacted me? (free prompt)
I believe that spending time in nature offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. During the summer, I have complete access to nature trails and may spend countless hours outdoors. There may be obstacles such as weather and restricted access to these areas in the winter for our own safety. During the academic year, I attributed my lack of drive to a lack of time spent outside. I find that when I lose motivation, my other positive behaviours fall out of sync. I spend less time exercising, my dietary intake becomes more unhealthy, my sleep schedule becomes disorganized, and I feel inconsistent.
This year, I decided to take control of my winter, knowing that these changes usually occur during this time of year. I wanted to find strategies to maintain a balanced diet, get enough and high-quality sleep, and have a regular gym regimen while also attending school and maintaining good grades. So I'd like to share some changes I made to my routine to ensure improved habits.
My first major shift was to devote 30-60 minutes every day to outside activities. Now, I cannot say that I do this every day without fail, but I have been able to do so at least 5 days per week. It helps me to organize my thoughts without having to focus on schoolwork. During this period, I would either softly jog to get some physical activity in or take a walk along the trails in my neighbourhood. I would listen to a podcast, whether it was about amusement, learning, motivation, or self-discipline, to help pass the time. I believe this helped me relieve some of my tension and allowed me to unplug from school.
As we discussed several times throughout the course, the nature trails within the Aboretum made incorporating this practice into my day a breeze. After class, before leaving for home, I take a little walk through the Aboretum to reorganize after a few hours of classes. I sometimes have friends join me, which makes it much more pleasurable because we spend the most of our time on campus together studying. If you don't already, I recommend using the Arboretum to break up your day and get your mind off of school.
I also told myself this year that I would keep a consistent sleep routine. To ensure that I am properly refreshed, I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Again, are there times when I don't get a complete 8 hours? Of course. However, for the most part, I have been able to prioritize my personal health over academics, and I no longer have to pull all-nighters to complete projects. This has not only allowed me to be properly rested, but it has also taught me how to better manage my time during the day, decrease screen time, and focus on the tasks at hand.
As a fellow student, I understand how tough it is to maintain healthy habits when there are so many assignments due each week, but it is critical that we remember to take care of ourselves. You may even discover that prioritizing your personal health during the school year has an impact on your academic performance. Can any of you think of a moment when you implemented new habits and saw improvements in your daily life?
Hello!
I feel like the connection between the winter season, lack of time outdoors and unhealthy habits is a very real one for many students. I actually really appreciate you mentioning this because I feel like when people do discuss the unhealthy habits that occur this time of year, the lack of time outside is rarely mentioned. I also really appreciate that you mentioned that the goals you set are not always met, because I feel like for many people it is the "all or nothing" mentality. I think that your experience shows that overall consistency is important, but that meeting these goals is not always feasible, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
I also found a study to support the experiences you mentioned! The study found that there was evidence for associations between being in nature and improved mental health, physical activity, and sleep (Jimenez, M. P., et al., 2021). I feel like this rings true for me as well, when I feel overwhelmed, upset, or angry, being outside with "natural sounds" and breathing in fresh air gives me the perspective I need on current situations in my life. And to answer your question, when I implemented healthy sleep habits in my life, a lot of things changed for me. Of course, this may be a cumulative of other things, but when I really focused on getting enough sleep, I began to better organize my day and I felt like I completed my assignments before the last minute!
Thank you!
Sandra
Jimenez, M. P., DeVille, N. V., Elliott, E. G., Schiff, J. E., Wilt, G. E., Hart, J. E., & James, P. (2021). Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A review of the evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9), 4790. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094790
Nature Interpretation and Science
Hello Everyone!
Today we will be discussing the role that science plays in nature interpretation, and how to tailor its use to your unique audience!
As an Ecology Major, the subject of science and nature is a comfortable one. Despite this, it can be more difficult to have this background if we use this in terms of interpretation. I think that this may be because, in our classes, we almost always look at nature, ecosystems, and landscapes from solely a biological view. The cultural and social aspects of these areas are not always discussed, so when we think of using science in interpretation, we need to be prepared to view science from more than just a biological aspect. Not only this, I think it is important for us as interpreters to be able to transform our "science jargon" into simpler terms so a wider variety of audiences can understand.
When looking at the video "Animal Signs at The Arboretum" (Guelph Arboretum, 2020), we see that both interpreters use a science background to explain animal signs seen in the Victoria Woods, but, they explain so that others who may not have the same science background can understand. They also show that interpreting nature does not always mean it is from a human connection perspective, we can interpret signs from the forest to understand what the bigger picture of this forest habitat may look like. When the interpreters do discuss how these animal signs relate to human connection, I think it is important to note that it is not necessarily about how humans feel about the trees shown, but more about how our actions can connect to their livelihood.
I think that coming into this week's topic, I felt conflicted about how science was going to connect to interpretation, and the difficulties connected to this. Watching the video above, I think it shows that when interpreting nature through science, it can be from more than just a human connection viewpoint.
Another topic that is important to discuss is the specific audience you are addressing when using science. This is important because if you start to use Latin names for species with a 12 and under audience, much of what you say may be lost. The inverse of this would be to only use common names for species when you are speaking to an audience of ecology professors. Understanding the audience you have should allow you to tailor the specific language and topics you dive into. Topics such as trophic-level interactions, alpha, beta, and gamma diversity would not be appropriate for an audience of children, but they can be for others who hold more expertise in this area. Overall, it is important to understand who you are speaking to so that you can deliver the desired message more effectively.
Thank you!
Sandra
Guelph Arboretum. (2020, March 25). Animal Signs at The Arboretum [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2CkZ8M4GCc&list=PLbeFN-axeNLRPCFK-EPdf5azw7bjDxpYj&t=7s
Painting nature
As a learning environmental interpreter, I feel that I have the ability to interpret through art as much as any other person may use art for expression. As we are all taking nature interpretation to develop our skills, we are in the prime environment to take in more information as a natural learning experience. We are not on a set path so to speak with as much of a history or experience as a professional interpreter may be, in the sense that it is easier to learn more when we are still in the early stages of our environmental interpreter careers.
In terms of artistic ability, I would say that I am not that great of an artist personally. But that is not to say it is impossible to draw. With the mindset from my friend that “anyone who draws is an artist”, then I don’t think it would be impossible for me to use art as a form of expressions for interpreting the environment. Even in the scenario that I was leading other people in a nature activity to draw something in the environment that they see. As long as you take your time and try your best to convey and translate what it is that you are trying to interpret, then I think it would be a successful and eye-opening experience.
Regarding my personal interpretation on the gift of beauty. I try to appreciate nature for what it is in its natural state, without any judgements. Unlike with people and many other things, I find that it is easier to simply look at nature and appreciate it for what it is without any criticisms towards the way it should be or look. Of course, there is the case of garden shows and various competitions for shrubs and the like. But in general, when referring to the “wild” nature outdoors, it is more commonly taken as a beauty that simply is nice to look at, nice to enjoy and nice to experience.
Using Tilden’s principles of interpretation, there are a set of rules and guidelines to go about being an environmental interpreter. This is not to say that his views are wrong, but to me I feel like that in a sense is too restricting. Yes, there does have to be structure for interpretation to get your message across to an audience. And yes, there are certainly things that you probably shouldn’t so and avoid as an interpreter. However, personally I feel like often times, when I go to nature to enjoy it for myself and with friends and family. It serves as a recharge to get away from problems and at time the structure of society, work and the things around me. I feel that the gifts associated with the Tilden’s Principles of Interpretation a line more with me personally. Treating nature and the sharing of knowledge and heritage as a gift. To me it provides a structure for interpretation but doesn’t seem too overbearing while also allowing freedom. 84
Hello!
I just wanted to start off by saying that I too am not an artist! I feel that because of this, when I first saw the topic for this week I was a little scared. More than that, I don't know a lot about art itself or its history, so I was worried about when we were going to be "interpreting nature through art". I feel like your positive attitude towards taking it slow when using art in nature interpretation made me feel a bit more positive about the matter!
Reading your post gave me a bit of a revelation as well, and that is that nature and art are "one in the same" in terms of interpretation. Many people can look at an art piece and "not get it", while others can absolutely love it - because of how it makes them feel and how they interpret it. A lot can be said for how individuals interpret nature as well, some people may see an old log on the forest floor and think nothing of it, while others can marvel at all the intricate ecosystems inside! Overall these experiences can really come down to who is interpreting it!
Thank you!
Sandra
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
Unit 03 Post
The prompt this week asks us to reflect on how "privilege" plays a role in nature interpretation and what our definition of privilege is; to begin, I would define privilege as being any quality about a person which gives them an advantage in life, whether it be race, class, family connections etc. as all of these things greatly influence how a person is perceived, and how they interact with the world.
The question of how privilege can effect nature interpretation is a complex one, though chapter 7 of the text describes several ways in which people may face barriers in the context of nature interpretation such as language barriers, economic limitations or lack of knowledge (Beck et al., 2018). Forms of privilege which could interact with nature interpretation could therefore be the opposite, speaking English in a primarily English-speaking country, being wealthy, and having knowledge about opportunities to connect with nature.
Furthermore, things like race and culture may also greatly impact how comfortable certain ethnic groups feel getting involved in nature interpretation activities. For example, the text states that "many urban minorities see camping as something only rich white people do for fun. For them, sleeping in a tent is associated with being homeless" (p. 133). In addition to this, as another example, if all the guides at a national park were wealthy white people, many minority groups could feel that they are unable to connect with or relate to the ways in which the guides interpret things, or may feel generally unwelcome.
I believe that when you have it, it is quite easy to forget about how big of an effect privilege can have in making every part of your life easier, how comfortable you are in certain situations, or the opportunities you have. I believe that it is an important goal to attempt to reduce barriers for minority groups wherever possible, and this also applies to nature interpretation. Everyone deserves to have an equal opportunity to connect to the great outdoors, and I hope we can make it more and more accessible in the future.
Reference
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.
Hello!
I greatly enjoyed how you acknowledged the privilege of speaking English. I did not touch on this subject myself, and I feel like we as English-speaking individuals forget the privilege of this. I think that in the future nature interpretation as a practice could benefit by offering different events in different languages to promote multi-cultural education and inclusion!
I appreciate the point you made about the difference in how white people and minorities view camping. This kind of reminds me of how in the first week of our class, we googled "nature interpretation" and saw that it was predominantly white individuals who were happy and outdoors. These images further push away minorities, similar to what you mentioned about all-white employees at a national park.
I really enjoyed reading your post! :) Thank you!
Sandra
The Role of Privilege in Nature Interpretation
Hello!
Today we will be touching on a critical topic in nature interpretation. We will recognize what role privilege plays in nature interpretation, and what this means for us as nature interpreters.
My definition of privilege is similar to that of Peggy McIntosh, where you have a list of assets you can count on in your invisible knapsack. The invisible knapsack is described as a weightless invisible bag that carries the assets garnered from your privilege. These assets are unearned and are born with, and for me, these are being a white, straight, middle-class individual (McIntosh, P.,1989). Day-to-day people with these assets, including myself, unknowingly rely on them to achieve everyday tasks. An example of this could be how I know that I will not be judged, harassed or discriminated against because of my skin colour, because I am white.
In nature interpretation, it is important to recognize privilege, because it is prevalent in all areas of society, and these weightless assets make privileged individuals view the world in a different light. Furthermore, these privileged views limit the possibilities of nature interpretation. For example, a nature interpreter without a physical disability may see a hike as a good educational setting. But when using Nancy P. Gallavan's exercise of "Identifying Perceived Privileges" and viewing this through the lens of an individual with physical disabilities, we begin to understand that this setting may not promote multicultural education (Gallavan, N. P., 2005). Unfortunately, I think that this is a common occurrence in nature interpretation, assuming that all participants have the same physical abilities. This identifiable privilege limits a nature interpreter's scope, and by allowing for more inclusion, nature interpretation can become a safer space for individuals to learn. And though hiking may be an acceptable setting in some scenarios, as nature interpreters, we must view the events we plan through the lens of our potential participants.
Another example of privilege's role in nature's interpretation is wealth and resources. In nature interpretation, being in a natural setting can be involved. Though this may not always mean hiking (as discussed earlier) it can involve the need for proper equipment, transportation, and other resources. It is important to acknowledge that this gear can be expensive, and can limit the amount of individuals able to participate in nature interpretation. It is important to understand as a nature interpreter who your audience is, and how you can make your event as accessible as possible.
I ask you as readers to recognize the privilege that you may hold, and how this may affect your role in nature interpretation!
Thank you for reading! :)
Sandra
McIntosh, P. (1989). "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" first appeared in Peace and Freedom Magazine, July/August, pp. 10-12, a publication of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Philadelphia, PA. https://nationalseedproject.org/key-seed-texts/white-privilege-unpacking-the-invisible-knapsack
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
I bet you're wondering why I added a photo of a tiger (the photo is my own, please no copyright stuff!)... I figured it was the best way to explain how I feel about what I feel is the ideal role of an environmental interpreter. I feel like these roles are best played out by conservationists as they understand best what does and does not fit in an environment. For example, what invasive species (plants, insects, animals) are affecting the area around us? Are there endangered species? Perhaps an overpopulation of something? I feel conservationists can identify these things through a scan of a set area and work with this to educate the public on matters. From there, the public can learn and replicate information learned and continue their own nature interpretation. I fondly remember camping as a child and attending 'Nature Centre's' that would often have talks/events about plants and animals within the area. I feel like this encompasses how I interpret an 'environmental interpreter'. With this, I also feel zookeepers and those working hard to reverse the effects of endangerment and so on also represent environmental interpreters. These individuals and groups take their observations and reflect it into a learning opportunity to move forward in conservation efforts.
Hello!
I would first like to ask how you got the beautiful photo of the tiger! It is amazing :)
I feel like the ideal job you described is a very important one, especially today when invasive species are overtaking native ecosystems, and how an area may have a prevalence of endangered species! From my perspective, I know that these occurrences are happening and true, but it is difficult to identify these if you do not know where to look - and as you mentioned, this is where an environmental interpreter comes in! I also feel like many people (including myself), do not always understand these ideas and concepts when reviewing it online, and I feel like a nature interpreter can bridge this gap very efficiently. Recently I did an invasive species pull (Common Buckthorn) with the Biodiversity Club at the University of Guelph, and I think that a nature interpreter would have greatly aided in this event. This role could have aided us volunteers in understanding why the Common Buckthorn ended up here, the best practices for ensuring the removal of this species, and how to stop the spread in the future. I really appreciate you highlighting this role, because I feel like I did not realize its importance until you wrote about it!
Thank you!
