CHM_ENVS3000_W24

Cara's Nature Interpretation Blog

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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.

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Embracing Truth and Respect: The Path of a Nature Interpreter

Hey everyone! Welcome to my last blog post where I will delve into my ethics as a nature interpreter and explore the beliefs, responsibilities, and approaches that shape my journey in this field.

Entering the field of nature interpretation is more than just a job; it's a deep journey entwined with ethical principles, personal opinions, and obligations. My developing personal ethic is influenced by my respect for the natural world, my duty to protect the environment, and my commitment to accuracy in interpretation as I work in this field. These guiding principles direct my interpretation style, impacting how I interact with audiences and carry out my duties as a nature interpreter.

As a nature interpreter, my ethic is based on a strong dedication to honesty. Even though facing the things we learn can be difficult or uncomfortable, I believe that being honest is the most important. Not only is telling the truth essential to morality, but it is also the foundation of ethical interpretation. Rather than defending people against uncomfortable truths or spreading false beliefs, we enable our audience to interact with reality as it is when we provide accurate and transparent information (Beck et al., 2018d).

When it comes to nature interpretation, being truthful is crucial. Drawing from Unit 06's findings regarding the critical role that environmental interpretation plays in promoting sustainability, I am motivated by a profound respect for the interdependence of all living things and ecosystems. This conviction drives me to share not just accurate facts but also awe and admiration for the intricacy and beauty of the natural world. The textbook's Chapter 14 emphasizes the value of providing correct information and emphasizes that interpreters must offer well-documented insights into ecological processes and the delicate balance of ecosystems (Beck et al., 2018c). There are urgent ecological problems facing our planet, such as pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change. It is our duty as interpreters to accurately and truthfully portray the seriousness of these issues. This calls on us to face harsh facts head-on, admitting the gravity of environmental challenges and the pressing need for action. The textbook also emphasizes how crucial strategic framing is for explaining scientific concepts that are difficult to understand, like climate change (Beck et al., 2018a). As interpreters, we have to walk a tightrope to communicate these difficult truths while still encouraging optimism and purposeful participation. By using strategic framing, we may communicate information in a way that appeals to the values and aspirations of our audience, creating deep connections and enabling people to see constructive solutions to environmental problems. Additionally, being truthful strengthens our ability to be believed and trusted in our interpretations. Our audience is more inclined to interact with and act upon the messages we deliver when they regard us as trustworthy information providers. On the other hand, dishonesty can damage credibility and compromise the success of our interpretations, making it more difficult for us to motivate significant change.

Furthermore, I think that nature should be respected and seen as more than merely a resource for human consumption. I know how important it is to respect nature's rights and do no harm in my dealings with it, thanks to the textbook, which addresses the ethical aspects of interpretation. This viewpoint, which emphasizes the necessity of sustainable behaviours and stewardship to safeguard the well-being of current and future generations, is consistent with the ethical precepts of the environment (Beck et al., 2018d). For example, the list of the top ten species that are becoming extinct as a result of human activity serves as a reminder of the terrible effects that we can have on wildlife. These instances highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts and ethical stewardship, from the majestic mountain gorillas battling habitat loss and poaching to the critically endangered vaquitas threatened by illegal fishing (Phillips, 2022). Inspired by the textbook, which highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and all living things, I am motivated by a strong respect for nature and a determination to do as little harm as possible in my contact with it (Beck et al., 2018c).

A mountain gorilla (Phillips, 2022)

I understand the responsibility that comes with my work as a nature interpreter. It is my role to include and inform people about the urgent problems that confront our world, fostering a sense of belonging and accountability for environmental preservation. Drawing from the ideas presented in the course, which emphasize the critical role that environmental interpretation plays in promoting sustainability, my goal is to offer a precise and pertinent interpretation that stimulates advocacy and action (Beck et al., 2018c). Through immersive learning and storytelling, I aim to immerse people in nature and cultivate a stronger connection and appreciation for the environment, enabling others to take the initiative and effect positive change.

In terms of approaches, I discovered that a blend of storytelling and hands-on learning works best for me. My goal is to promote a greater understanding and respect for the environment by bringing people closer to nature through interactive activities and escorted experiences. Furthermore, storytelling enables me to combine my understanding of science with anecdotes from my own life to create relatable and interesting interpretations that appeal to a wide range of listeners. By including a variety of engaging elements, I am catering to an audience with diverse learning styles (Beck et al., 2018b). To protect the diversity and beauty of our planet, I work to encourage others to join me employing action, advocacy, and education.

In conclusion, the truth, respect, and dedication to environmental care form the foundation of my ethics as a nature interpreter. By truthfully presenting facts, my objective is to promote a more profound comprehension and admiration for the complex mechanisms of our ecosystems. Moreover, my interactions with plants, animals, and landscapes are guided by this regard, which ensures that I step softly and have as little of an impact as possible on the nature I explore. By adopting these viewpoints and methods, I hope to encourage others to get closer to the natural world and take an active role in conservation efforts. By working together, we can protect our planet's diversity and beauty for coming generations.

Thank you all for tuning in to my weekly blog posts! It's been a pleasure sharing my thoughts and opinions on nature interpretation with you guys! :)

References: Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018a). Guiding Principles of Interpretation. Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp.81-101). Sagamore Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018b). How people learn. Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp.105-123). Sagamore Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018c). Interpretation and the Written Word. Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp.303-322). Sagamore Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018d). Interpreting History. Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp.325-343). Sagamore Venture Publishing.

Phillips, J. (2022). Top 10 Animals That Are Going Extinct Because of Humans. Sustainable Living. https://www.environmentalconsortium.org/top-10-animals-that-are-going-extinct-because-of-humans/

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Hey! 

I think your discussion on honesty in nature interpretation is a very cool point of view. It is difficult in this world to know when to trust others. With this, if we practice honesty in every aspect of our lives, we will be better for it. Experiencing nature expands into valuable experiences and lessons (Beck et al., 2018). For your audience to learn valuable life lessons and experience nature in an understandable way, you need to be honest and share the truth. It is difficult learning from people who are inconsistent in their teachings, so sticking to a story that is not consistent with history would be very difficult. To learn from our mistakes, we must own them as well. 

As for your approach, I also agree as learning from hands on experience has always been the most beneficial way for me, and many others to learn. Many people can find a “sense of peace” within nature, and it is always best to learn in conditions that do not cause overwhelming amounts of stress, so learning by doing and immersing oneself in nature is always best (Beck et al., 2018).  

Thank you for sharing your perspective on this topic, I resonated with it thoroughly and found it very informative. As a follow up I wondered what you would do with those who are unable to experience nature hands on due to allergies or other restraints. 

Great post! 

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

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Final Post: How My Personal Ethics Will Guide Me Moving Forward

Looking back at my earlier blog posts about my own experiences in nature has really shown me how quickly perspectives can change in a matter of months. I came into this class having just completed my program in Landscape Architecture, which revolved around developing concepts and programs within a landscape that enhance experiences for both humans and nature; designing environments that function with purpose and are consciously connected to the ecological processes of its surrounding community. One thing I struggled with when creating concepts or themes, was estimating how people would interpret what I’ve created; whether they see and use my concept for its intended purpose or walk right past it without a thought. 

As the semester comes to an end and I look back at how my personal ethics have guided my development into becoming a more mindful nature interpreter, I realize where I fell short when developing themes in my program. I was too focused on what the theme might teach people and how they could learn from it, and didn’t put enough thought into how the theme would make the visitors feel at that moment, and why they should even care about it in the first place. Sam Ham, a Professor at University of Idaho made me realize this. Furthermore, (Ham, 2013) reiterates the importance that a theme's sole purpose is to stimulate thinking…a theme is a platform for individual discovery of one's own desires and interests. Meaning a theme should invoke something within a person, to want to engage and learn more; to broaden their horizons (Beck & Cable, 2011). 

I am so fortunate and privileged to be educated, and because of this, I think one of my responsibilities is inspiring people to become more consciously self-aware of the interconnected processes of their environment. To show them that what they think they know, is actually part of a larger network of factors that allows for life to flourish. In this way, I think we can learn to reconnect with nature on a deeper level. David Suzuki is a prominent believer in this approach, as he states, in order for one to reconnect with nature, they must acknowledge the “interconnectedness of everything…to show that whatever we do has consequences” that affect another thing (Suzuki & Louv, 2012). 

This is the approach I feel most responsible to highlight and educate people about. Taking inspiration from Silene, 2021, I believe, when in nature, you must feel before you think. Consciously stop the part of your brain that goes “oh look over there!”, and simply just breathe and take in your surroundings. I practice a lot of breathing exercises to deal with anxiety, which is on the opposite spectrum of emotions that one would think about when being in nature. However, just as breathing can help with anxiety, it can also help ground you in an exact moment in time. One of the main ethics I have developed as a nature interpreter is appreciating the power of feeling your surroundings, then thinking when in nature (Silene, 2021); to create a pause in time where certain factors of your environment start to become more apparent. Being able to create this moment in time for others, to allow them to pause and absorb, or as Freeman Tilden describes as “judicious silence”, is what I think distinguishes a novice environmental educator to a mindful nature interpreter (Tilden, 1957; Beck et al., 2018). 

If I were talking about random things and wasn't paying attention to my surroundings, I would've never heard this lake trout splashes their way to their spawning grounds. A prime example of using "judicious silence in nature:)

I've realized I enjoy educating others, but not in the way of spitting facts in their face about interesting facts. What I strive for is to spark some type of curiosity within a visitor, to allude to certain ecological processes and then have the visitor connect the dots to understand (Beck & Cable, 2011). Seeing that “light bulb” moment when everything finally clicks and they understand how something works, is such a rewarding feeling. If you couple that ambition to my current profession, I think the two tie very well together, and can allow me to explore new ways of educating and interpreting the wonders of nature without explicitly saying what one should be looking for. 

Canadian Yorke Edwards, a pioneer of interpretation, describes the main goal of interpretation as “opening the minds of people so they can receive…the interesting signals that the world is constantly sending out…and when those signals are added up, paint a picture of what the world is all about” (Beck et al., 2018). I really like this definition and think it describes how I want to approach interpreting nature for others. My take on what Edwards is trying to convey is that you won’t fully understand how something works until you understand what its purpose is meant for. Let's say you are unaware that trees and fungi have a symbiotic relationship that transfer nutrients for each to thrive. Just because you are unaware of this process, doesn’t mean this process never existed, it just never existed within your current capacity of consciousness. I think my responsibility as a growing nature interpreter is to invoke and inspire this new consciousness within people, to start seeing the world in a new lens where everything starts to make a little more sense. 

What I love about my profession is that it is multifaceted and can be approached in many different ways. Keeping in theme of my personal ethics and the importance of mindfulness in nature, I really like how Rodenburg (2019) emphasizes the importance of creating nature-rich communities for children, to “experience the joy of discovering the…complexity and diversity of life. Being self-aware means having the ability to make mistakes, and learn from them. I am a huge believer that play and risk are vital components of early childhood development. If kids do not grow up in an environment where they could twist an ankle running, get a splinter climbing a tree, or acquire many, many scars from falling, they will not understand how their body works, what their capabilities are, and how they can push themselves further than they thought. 

This is a really great documentary that shows the importance of risk and play for children!

I always used to say growing up and still to this day, scars are memories, and memories are lessons. At one point in your life, I’m sure someone has asked you “where’d you get that scar”, and what follows is typically a story from childhood (not always of course), of a time you were playing around and got hurt. I’m sure in the moment it wasn’t the best experience, but I am also just as sure afterwards, you made multiple conscious efforts to not repeat that experience and get hurt again. That right there is the essence of learning and developing a deeper awareness of your body to mind connection. Having that inner voice inside of you say “woah hold up, last time we did this we got hurt…what other options are available for me”. Being this self-aware of your thoughts and actions brings you one step closer to being able to cast your ego aside, to forget about what you think you know, and just experience an experience for what it is. 

My personal ethics towards nature revolves around the idea of conscious self awareness of where you are in the present moment, how certain factors make you feel in the moment, and overall simply feeling before thinking. This is how I will approach interpreting nature for others as I grow and learn more about the amazing wonders that life offers us. 

References: 

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

Beck, L., & Cable, T. (2011). The gifts of interpretation: Fifteen guiding principles for in-terpreting nature and culture (3rded.). Urbana, IL: Sagamore.

Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why Environmental Educators Shouldn't Give up Hope. Environmental Literacy. ClearingMagazine.org.

Silene, A. (2021, February 20). Spiritual values of protected areas of Europe: Workshop proceedings. [pages 129-132] https://www.silene.ong/en/documentation-centre/spiritual-values-of-protected-areas-of-europe-workshop-proceedings#Proceedings_Spiritual%20Values_PAs_Europe.pd

Suzuki , D., & Louv, R. (2012, July 20). David Suzuki and Richard Louv @AGO. YouTube. https://youtu.be/F5DI1Ffdl6Y

Tilden, F. (1957). Interpreting our heritage. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Caro-lina Press.

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Super insightful post! 

I think that your discussion on the interconnectedness of everything is very important as a biological science student I have taken a few One Health classes and have learned the importance of connections and respecting that actions have consequences on many aspects of life. Overall, I think that looking at things from a different perspective, seeing the bigger picture and reflecting on your actions is a very important aspect of nature interpretation. If you understand connections and have a passion for nature interpretation, it will inspire many others to look at it from your point of view. Sharing facts and telling history boosts people’s views of the world through sharing passion (Beck et al., 2018). This means understanding what you are passionate about will have positive impacts on many people. 

As a kid, I enjoyed playing outside and tended to get bumps and bruises from it. I agree with your discussion that learning comes from exploring. If you find things out on your own, typically you will be wiser and understand things better for the future. This way you can advise others to avoid your mistakes and grow. 

I think that your nature interpreting point of view stemming from conscious self-awareness of where you are in the present moment is a great idea and anchor. If you are self-aware and enjoy the moment, then you will understand your mistakes and be constantly improving yourself in the future. 

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

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Blog Post 10: Part 2

Here I will be talking about the approaches that suit me best as an interpreter. Each interpreter is responsible for continuing to improve their knowledge and better themselves (Beck et al., 2018). So I will seek further education and feedback on my interpreting style throughout this experience to better myself. It best suits me to interpret through stories and adventure. I think that I have the knowledge and background through my education and upbringing that would allow for my stories to be informative and interesting. As well as my personal experience is something that is unique, so interpreting through story telling and adventures would be a cool way to share. One example is horseback riding, showing my friends my love for nature through trail riding in the woods that backs my house is a creative and informative way to share my experience.

Also, travel is a way to better oneself, so I will be trying to travel as much as possible (Beck et al., 2018). My friends have plans to travel to Thailand and my parents want to visit Peru and the Netherlands. I want to take every opportunity possible to better myself through experience in order to have more to share and reflect on. Understanding my privilege in all of this is an important aspect as it is difficult to afford big trips, though travelling in cost efficient ways is also a good skill to have and to share, as you sometimes have the best experiences in places you least expect (Beck et al., 2018).

Overall, I wish to improve my self, while teaching others and inspiring others to do the same while keeping my privilege in check. I hope to one day reach the success that allows for me to travel often and share my wealth in the shape of stories and experience.

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

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Blog Post 10: Nature Interpretations Role in Environmental Sustainability

For my final set of posts, I will be discussing my personal ethics as I develop as a nature interpreter. My beliefs, responsibilities, and approaches to the natural world are very important with my growth as a nature interpreter. I think my personal focus will be on preservation of biodiversity and leaving things better than they are found. I think it is important to explore, share, use and develop in nature but to do so responsibly we must understand our impacts and decrease the effect we have on the naturally occurring world. Planting a garden of my own, decreasing my waste and emissions, as well as raising awareness of our impacts are things I keep in mind through interpreting nature. These are all important in supporting green living and keeping the environment beautiful.  

I also want to spread my love for nature and allow for others to see how beautiful and special it is. People experience many barriers, such as physical ability, mental ability, time restraints or financial resources (Beck et al., 2018). With this, I think that it is important as an interpreter to shed light on the little things along the way. This is important when showing that no matter your barriers, there is always time for nature and enjoying the natural world. I hope to be inclusive and understanding of other barriers with interpretation and spread love as best I can. It is important to understand your group to be an effective interpreter (Beck et al., 2018). Understanding privilege will be difficult for me, as it is sometimes a thing that I overlook in my day-to-day life. I have access to nature in many ways and understanding that other people are not as lucky as me is something I must consider. For example, I have a beautiful view from my bedroom window every day and access to animals and land, which many people are unable to afford or access.

Some pictures from home!

I think that it is also very special that everyone is so different. My roommates in Guelph are from very different areas, one of them lives near Blue Mountain in Collingwood. She finds the mountain very underwhelming because she sees it every day since she was a kid, whereas I find it to be very cool because I do not ski often. With her stories from her childhood mixed with the beauty of the hill and skiing conditions, it makes it a very special time when I visit her. Also, my farm is very underwhelming and quiet to me. I find it to be very slow compared to my life in Guelph, but my roommate loves the animals, land, quietness, machinery, and all the stories I have about my childhood fun because it is all very new to her and a piece of me. This diversity is why nature interpretation is so special and brings people so much closer.

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

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Unit 09: An Amazing Thing

In my eyes, the most amazing thing about nature is water. I have always been drawn to water for as long as I can remember. My mom always tells this story about the first time they brought me to our family cottage: I was a year old and the first thing I did was beeline for the lake, running with my little legs as fast as they could go to get to the water. I have always been fascinated with water in all forms, from rain to waterfalls to lakes and oceans, I love it all. I grew up in the Caribbean so I am no stranger to the warm, vibrant blue ocean but I am most enamored with Lake Superior. There is something about the clear, frigid water of Lake Superior that feeds my soul. 

Here is a dream afternoon at Lake Superior for me: 

It’s a beautiful August day with clear skies so it's hot and sunny. We just did a 5km hike, not too tiring but just enough to feel the heat and get our blood pumping. You saw some gorgeous views of the lake and the seas of trees from up high, giving you an entirely different point of view than being on the beach or driving on the road alongside the lake. 

Now that you have worked up a sweat, it is time for a dip! I was just complaining about how hot the sun is, but in a few minutes we will be thankful that the sun has heated the surface water of the lake to the warmest it will be all year at about 20°C (68°F).

We just arrived at my favourite cove! We will float on top of the surface water for hours. We keep forgetting that we are in northern Ontario and not a tropical beach for a split second until we dip a bit too low and get a taste of the freezing water below us that isn't heated by the sun as efficiently. 

The photo of the cove above is one of my favourite spots on Lake Superior. I’m almost 1000km away but it still makes me happy thinking about the next time I will take a dip here. On many occasions this winter, I have thought about this spot and how excited I am to go back this summer.

My grandma and her siblings grew up with Lake Superior literally in their backyard. So they know the shore better than anyone, my grandparents and my great-uncle have acted as guides and nature interpreters for me while exploring the lake and I hope to do the same for my children one day. The section of this week’s textbook reading about the next generation of nature interpreters hit very close to home for me because I have had the same experience that the young boy did. I too have proclaimed “I’ll never forget this for the rest of my life!” to my family about Lake Superior… and that is why Lake Superior is my answer for the most amazing thing I know about nature, a breathtaking place that not enough people from Southern Ontario have explored. (Beck et al., 2018)

Reference

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

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Really cool post, 

I feel the same way about water, I think it's super cool! I have personally not experienced lake superior and the beauty that you have described. Although, I have experienced the beauty of water, in less superior ways. Most of my fondest memories from my childhood include water, whether that is fishing in our pond, swimming in quarries, the beach or in the river. My favourite place to swim at home is a set of bridges called Gallop Canal on the St. Lawrence river. It is a swim spot that my dad showed me and many other people in my town frequent. I originally fished with my dad when I was young, but I have come to love the spot and spend most of my summer hanging out and swimming there.

Your description of your favourite place to enjoy the water made me want to visit! I think that passing down our favourite nature spots is important for building connections with loved ones and with nature. My mom loves birds and always mentions what birds are singing when we are out, so I have formed a love for birds because it reminds me of her. Parents and grandparents are typically the ones who spark our love for the outdoors (Beck et al., 2018). Your connection to the textbook section is truly heartwarming and something that a lot of people have experienced with many different places. I think it is cool to share your story and hear about places that are special to others.

Great read!

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

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Blog 9: Sense-making of nature interpretation

This weeks blog will focus on the most amazing part of nature, in my opinion because it is very subjective to you and your interests and likes.

I think that the most amazing part of nature is that no matter who you are, or what you do, you can experience the beauty of nature in some way. It shows you how to appreciate the little things like watching squirrels chase after each other, listening to water crash onto rocks, hiking mountains or national parks, to travelling to tropical areas or walking your dog. There is an opportunity to witness its greatness anywhere.

In my experience I have not travelled much but I have appreciated the beauty of nature from my back yard. Sitting around a bonfire listening to distant coyotes and the chirps of crickets in the field, while staring at the stars - Its the best feeling.

Immersing yourself in nature brings a sense of peace and tranquility that is accessible to almost everyone in some way. No matter who you ask, everyone always has a story about a time and place that they associate with peace and relaxation.

My happy place in nature is when i'm on dog walks in our back field, on a warm winter day after a big snow storm. Everything is quiet from the snow dampening the usual noise, the blue sky melts some of the seasonal depression, and the birds come out to look for food.

What is your happy place in nature?

In my opinion there are so many opportunities for nature to be enjoyed by everyone, that is truly what makes nature so special.

No matter the weather conditions, if it is a perfectly sunny day and you go swim and soak up the sun at your local swim spot, curl up with a book and a tea while listening to a rainstorm outside, to the snowy winter days when everything is so silent you can only hear your thoughts. Nature truly is a magical place.

Although nature is not fully accessible to everyone, I believe that everyone is able to explore its beauty in some way

What are some ways you appreciate the little parts of nature?

Thanks for reading :)

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Blog 7: Music in Nature

Birdsong is one of the most enchanting and ubiquitous forms of music found in nature. Across the globe, birds produce a diverse array of melodies, calls, and chirps, each serving unique purposes in communication, mating rituals, and territorial displays. Here's how bird song fits into the broader context of music in nature.

Birdsong is primarily a form of communication among birds. Different species have distinct songs that they use to attract mates, establish territory boundaries, warn of predators, and coordinate group activities. Through their songs, birds convey information about their species, identity, and intentions to other birds in their vicinity. Birdsong is remarkably complex, often featuring intricate patterns of notes, rhythms, and pitches. Some birds, like the nightingale and mockingbird, are renowned for their ability to mimic the songs of other bird species, as well as environmental sounds such as car alarms or human speech. This complexity has long fascinated musicians and scientists alike, inspiring research into the underlying mechanisms of avian vocalization. Birdsong has deep cultural significance in many human societies. Throughout history, people have incorporated bird motifs and melodies into their music, art, and literature as symbols of freedom, beauty, and the natural world. From ancient myths and folk songs to classical compositions and contemporary music, birdsong continues to inspire human creativity and imagination. Birdsong is an integral part of the natural soundscape, contributing to the rich tapestry of sounds heard in forests, meadows, wetlands, and urban environments. The presence or absence of birdsong can signal changes in habitat quality, ecosystem health, and biodiversity. As such, birdwatchers and ornithologists often use birdsong as an indicator of environmental conditions and species diversity. Soothing melodies of birdsong have been shown to have therapeutic effects on human listeners. Studies have found that listening to birdsong can reduce stress, anxiety, and blood pressure, as well as improve mood and cognitive function. As a result, recordings of birdsong are often used in nature-based relaxation therapies, mindfulness practices, and environmental soundscapes.

In summary, bird song represents a fascinating intersection of biology, communication, culture, and music in nature. Its melodious beauty and ecological significance remind us of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations to enjoy.

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Super cool post!

My mom is a big bird watcher and has an app on her phone that records the birds and identifies what birds are in your vicinity based on the songs (called Merlin Bird app). I think it is super cool that they each have different ones that make them identifiable by their species and also to communicate danger or mating calls. I always find that in the spring time, when the birds come back out after the cold winters, that I feel soothed by the bird noises and my seasonal depression is whisked away. Some of my favourite songs also include bird noises in the background to add a soothing effect such as Cherry Wine by Hozier or Summertime Blues By Zach Bryan. It adds a happiness and calming effect that is felt in the transition from winter to summer and in early mornings which I find to be very soothing.

I liked your bit about how everything is interconnected in ways that we sometimes don't even realize and the fact that we hear birds as white noise while they're communicating, shows how we can sometimes create a disconnect to the natural world and that it is good to slow down and appreciate small things.

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Blog 7: Follow up post

Some songs that are nostalgic to me when considering natural landscapes are mostly country songs. I live on a little farm and we have a good chunk of land to the point where we can go for horseback rides in the bush, have backyard bonfires, take nature walks or four wheel so most of the time I spend connecting with nature I am also listening to country music. Zach Bryan has many songs that I connect with nature. My favourites being Washington Lilacs or Sun to Me, which remind me of being at a bonfire staring at the stars and hanging out with my friends. These songs bring me back to warm weather in the summer, hearing the crickets chirping in the field and the wind rustling through the trees. Meanwhile listening to songs about how the beauty of the girls he meets reminds him of the sunflowers, sun, lilacs, etc. I think that his description of how a girls beauty is comparable to the most beautiful things in nature is so heartwarming and relatable. Also, Zach Bryan songs, such as Summertime Blues and Smaller acts, feature animal noises like birds chirping and frogs croaking. His imagery of the natural world mixed with catchy tunes and his amazing voice creates great vibes.

The more times I listen to these songs while exploring nature, the more connections I build with nature and music. Every time I hear the song Summertime Blues I picture walking my dog in the bush at sunset and seeing the birds fly around eating bugs because of his description and the fact that that is the music I choose to listen to during slow and peaceful summer moments.

I think that creating music with nature interpretation adds imagery and passion that is felt in the music. Allowing others to feel emotions through the music and make their own connections is a beautiful thing which we may take for granted if we don't take the time to appreciate it.

Here are more pictures of Lucy which show what I think of when listening to these songs because I will use any excuse to talk about her and show her off <3

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Blog 7: Interpreting through music

Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music? These are very cool questions to unpack as this connection is such a strong one.

Music in nature is everywhere, the ebbs and flows of a river creating beats, birds singing songs, the whistling of the breeze through the trees, crunching of leaves or snow under your feet, and even the soothing sound of rain. These are all things that we base music on, the rhythms and beats of the natural world is a large inspiration in todays music. Not only the actual sounds but the description of the emotions felt while experiencing these natural elements. Feeling loved watching sunsets, the heartwarming feeling of warm weather, the sad dreary feeling of rain on a tin roof, all of the feeling of being immersed within nature. Music is all around and in abundance as its the most popular way to describe and connect to others and to express feelings of experiencing nature.

Nature is in music through the description of experiences from sunsets, to campfires, animals, hiking and dancing in the rain. Natural sounds being recorded and shared with the world as art such as birds chirping or wind rustling. Nature is also in music through the connection of people and nature through describing experience and interpretation of natural places. Cowboys living on ranches singing about being "rich but broke" because they are living off the land, connecting with nature in many ways which makes them rich from experience but broke because they have no money. People use music to get them through tough times such as mill workers, ranchers, coal miners and railroad workers (Beck et al., 2018). This would be beneficial as it changes the emotions of the workers, they go from angry, tired, ready to give up, to motivated, with a sense of community and an increased work ethic (Beck et al., 2018).

Not only is nature integrated into music and shared as an art form, but music is just as present in nature if you listen close enough.

Have you ever been in a situation where you listen to music to change your mindset in order to get through a difficult time? What songs were you listening to?

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. https://www.sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-better-world

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Interpretation through History

In this weeks blog we will be taking a look at a quote by Edward Hyams, and deconstructing it to see how it can teach us about nature interpretation through history. 

“There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.” 

-Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation

This quote is very powerful, in that it speaks about the importance of memory and knowledge of the past and states that the value in history is in it’s ability to stay with us. Hyams is stating in this quote that the value of ancient things does not lie in the object or site itself but rather in the knowledge, understanding, and integration of lessons that can be learned from the past. He emphasizes integrity in recognizing the ties between events that may be separated by time and how they influence and interact with eachother. This is core to interpretation of history, as it is important to remember the past, both the good and the bad, to learn from what has happened (Beck, 2018). Just as it is good to learn about the bad that has happened to not repeat it, it is also beneficial to learn about the good, so that it can be replicated. Not all stories are black and white however, and even in tragic times we can find inspiration in the stories of survivors and those who became agents for change (Beck, 2018). It is the job of interpreters to choose stories and perspectives that will be valuable for their audiences and help them see how history can correspond to their own lives. To achieve this it is important that programs are both accurate and authentic and portray a truthful interpretation of the past.

From Hyams’ quote, knowing that the train station still exists is equivalent to remembering past events and knowing that they have occurred. Just because these events are not currently happening does not mean that they never did or that they will never happen again. Just like how leaving the train station does not mean it no longer exists or that you will not pass through another. It is easy to recognize when events in the past were wrong and to judge the people of the time, but it is much harder to recognize when wrongful practices are developing or when current events are unjust. By understanding the interconnectedness of past and present events, this knowledge can be applied to modern life to prevent repitition of tragedies and improve the situation for others.

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

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Hey,

Great post, I liked your interpretation of the quote from Edward Hyams as I had a similar point of view on the matter. I think that it is very important to understand the background and history of things we are interpreting in nature and that although things are not currently happening, the events that have occurred in the past are permanent and important to remember. To avoid detrimental events such as global warming, pollution health risks and extinction of species we must understand how they have occured in the past to break the patterns and better the world. As well as understanding good events such as memories and monumental experiences to grow relationships and spread knowledge.

Overall, I liked the statement "not all stories are black and white," meaning that there are many layers to each component of nature which needs to be explored and appreciated. by cutting out the rich history, there would not be as much passion, connection, or opportunity to relate to others in nature interpreting.

One question for you is do you think that our disregarding history in nature interpretation adds to the political issues surrounding global warming and climate change?

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Blog 6: Interpretation through history

There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.

(Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)

This quote beautifully sheds light on the fact that knowing the history of things allows for a greater appreciation. History forms values to guide living in the present, meaning that without the knowledge and understanding of the background of thins, we will not reach the full ability to appreciate things in the present and future (Beck et al., 2018). History allows for us to take responsibility and to avoid repeating negative events. Understanding what events or conditions that cause extinction or risk to species is an important part of history, as well as recognizing the importance of natural components that are used to heal.

Interpretation is just connecting with others through the beauty and history of nature, without the history we are just observing and creating new memories. By embracing the history of nature we can dissect relationships, share stories, appreciate those who have come before us and create stronger relationships in the future.

With this, I feel as though it would be ignorant to not appreciate history within nature interpretation. I think that the quote shown above discusses in the simplest form how disregarding nature simply does not make sense and that it is something that will never make sense to do.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. https://www.sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-better-world

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Blog 05: Sustainability in Guelph

For this week's blog, I wanted to give credit where credit is due and discuss my experience with sustainability, science education, and environmental education since attending school here in Guelph.

I may have had a different experience than others at university since I am a transfer student. I completed my first year of undergrad in my home city, Carleton University. Unfortunately, my experience there was not what I expected, and I decided to change schools. I am not trying to talk badly about another institution; on the contrary, I will discuss the differences I have noticed at the University of Guelph. In the article by Wals et al., 2014, "The relationship between [science education] and [environmental education] has been characterized as "distant, competitive, predatorprey and host-parasite"' (Wals et al., 2014). This statement is false because I see science and the environment intertwined daily into my student life at UofG.

Since moving here in my second year, I noticed a dramatic positive difference in sustainability regarding student involvement, campus greenery, and the city itself. I came to Guelph unaware of the students, residents, and organizations' efforts toward sustainable living and have since been pleasantly surprised. There are many different student-run events like Drop and Cop, UofG Free Store, and UofG Food Market, to name a few, which incorporate sustainable practices and educate others simultaneously. These clubs and organizations actively use sustainable methods to invite students to shop for clothing, supplies, and local produce in an environmentally friendly way. There are so many more organizations and events led by students at the university that are typically posted on the sustainableuofg instagram account. I recommend going to check it out if you haven't already. The university has additionally been awarded a gold rating for sustainability, according to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (UofG News, 2022). That's something to be incredibly proud of. 

The amount of greenery on campus stood out to me when I first got here. We have beautiful mature trees in front of Johnston Greene, vines crawling on the UC and Hutt building, multiple greenhouses, a blooming garden in front of the conservatory, and a gigantic arboretum right down the street. This is not all, but some of my favourites. It is clear that the university has made an effort to incorporate nature in all its forms onto campus. The comparison between the two campuses I have been to is incredible. I also wanted to mention the variety of classes offered here at Guelph that focus on climate and environmental sustainability while incorporating actual science. Take it from me, someone who has seen the courses at another university; they don't do it like UofG. I have taken classes focusing on climate change, conservation, geology, and environmental science, and I am just a Biological Science major. The courses offered here teach students about real-world issues and implement real science to back them up. I took ENVS 3010 Climate Change Biology last semester, which truly opened my eyes. Seeing that climate change is not just a conversation to have, but an actual, scientifically backed up issue that needs urgent change. The incorporation of science and environment is inspirational here at UofG.

The city has actively engaged the community in sustainability efforts. I've spent my Saturday mornings at the farmers' markets in downtown Guelph, which feature many local farmers and entrepreneurs to support the local economy. Additionally, Guelph has many thrift stores, some vintage and some contemporary, all promoting sustainability in fashion. There has been an increasing trend in thrifting, which is an amazing trend to have on the rise. I admit I love to shop, so having a variety of thrift stores available to me allows me to shop in an affordable and sustainable way. I was also impressed to see electric buses driving around Guelph—a sight rarely seen in Ottawa. Since many students don't have cars, taking the bus is an everyday occurrence, and introducing electric buses is a significant step towards a cleaner environment.

Anyway, I just wanted to acknowledge the efforts and give credit where it is due—well done, UofG and the city of Guelph.

References:

UofG News. (2022). U of G Earns Gold Rating for Sustainability. Accessed February 8th, 2024. https://news.uoguelph.ca/2020/11/u-of-g-earns-gold-rating-for-sustainability/ 

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

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Hey,

Im sorry to hear about your experience at Carleton, but I understand as I am also from the Ottawa area. When I toured the University of Guelph before applying to schools, I felt very at home and happy. The greenery, sustainability initiatives and the access to natural spaces creates a space that is very good for my mental health. I think that along with the sustainability and the benefits to the environment, Guelph allows for many environmental studies to be done on campus and there is many opportunities that are not available in other schools. We are very lucky to have the Arboretum and Johnston Green at our fingertips to allow for more nature interpretation chances.

The City of Guelph is also very impressive for its initiatives towards a more sustainable and green practices. The new electric busses being one way that they are trying to decrease emissions as well as the amount of parks and trails they offer.

Overall, I think that Guelph is taking the correct steps towards a more environmentally friendly way of life. What is one way you think the city or the university should change in order to continue down the right path?

Anyway, sometimes things don't work out for the better, had you stayed in Ottawa, you might have missed out on how great Guelph is!

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Blog 5: Free Prompt

This weeks prompt allowed us to write about anything that we want, so I chose to explore the topic of science in nature as that is what the unit content is on.

I live on a small hobby farm where we grow things to save money and be a little more self sufficient. We have hay crop to feed our animals which we grow, harvest and store ourselves, which takes a lot of time and effort and understanding of the natural world and the science behind it. To be able to grow crops efficiently you must give it the proper nutrition, so we fertilize with our manure and on occasions we will spray our fields to produce the best possible crops. We also have vegetable gardens where we grow treats for our horses, such as carrots and pumpkins, and food for ourselves. We add fertilizer and certain supplements into our soil to produce crops to a quality that is similar to what you would find in the store.

The ability to understand the science behind growing foods is something that is necessary for successful maintenance of a farm and it allows for greater ability for food security. Food scarcity is an issue that is very prevalent in todays world, you may not notice if your fridge is fully stocked or all of your favourite treats are available in the grocery store, but there are some people who do not have the same access to food (Wals et al., 2014). Growing food is a skill that I have been lucky enough to understand from a young age thanks to my parents. I feel as though this skill is very important in environmental education and connecting with the natural world as you must learn what is needed to keep plants alive and growing.

Overall I think that it is important to grow plants and learn how to care for them regardless of the scale. Whether it is one small succulent in a pot or a full garden bed with vegetables. I think that it is rewarding and increases your understanding of nature.

Wals A. E. J., Brody, M., Dillon, J., Stevenson R. B. (2014). Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education. Science. 344,583-584. DOI: 10.1126/science.1250515

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04: Art and Nature, The Perfect Storm

“Art elicits sympathy, conjures empathy, and these emotions are requisites for a kind, kinned sense of society.” – Jay Griffiths

Art is everchanging; it has adapted yet challenged the world in which it was created. Artists provide a glimpse into their innermost thoughts, passions, and perspectives; often to convey a message. Art is a catalyst for a heightened sense of awareness and feeling that individuals are encouraged to reach on their own (Beck et al., 2018). It is the power of self-realization and emotion that enables art of all forms to leave a lasting impression. 

The representation of our natural world through artistic representation is not a new phenomenon. Art is capable of resonating with everyone, regardless of ethnicity, health, and intelligence (Beck et al., 2018). The art form in which a nature interpreter selects to present their information is dependent upon the theme and the intended audience (Beck et al., 2018). As someone with an artistic background, I have been an advocate for education in art. Throughout my childhood, I was exposed to several different workshops and camps that instilled the value of using our natural world to create. Children are untouched by biases and often do not yet hold strong enough opinions to reject information. As a nature interpreter, I would use my knowledge and passion for art to educate the younger population. 

I intend to use visual art and photography to interpret the natural world for the younger generation. Between the ages of six and twelve, children experience an accelerated development of their frontal lobe. They begin to understand themselves and their position within the world but are largely untouched by the responsibilities of adulthood. Art is about the feeling and the process; the intellectual component comes with maturity (Hooykaas, 2024). I would want to focus my attention when developing my interpretation of nature on the emotional vulnerability of these children and allow their wonder and imagination to blossom. 

I live just outside of the Muskoka area; a region full of natural beauty and opportunity to explore. I live close to the water and have walked many trails near my home. I have a passion for photography and painting with acrylics. My interpretation of nature would involve a combination of the two. The camps in my childhood would have us walk through the small forest nearby and collect specimens that were lying on the ground. We would bring our collection back and were asked to recreate the forest through our unique lenses using paint, glue, and any additional art supplies we required. As I reflect on this exercise, I recognize this was nature interpretation in its purest form. Through experiencing the forest, collecting the natural remains, and reconstructing it into something beautiful, this was a demonstration of the process of beauty and regeneration. I would facilitate something like this for my artistic interpretation of nature.

I interpret the “gift of beauty” in combination with the “gift of passion”. The interpretation of nature that I would provide for the younger generation would encourage the children to appreciate the small things. The beauty of our surroundings is often overlooked. It can also become overwhelmed by the larger picture. Breaking the natural space down to each component teaches us that not everything needs to be overcomplicated. Routinely appreciating the small things will instill a passion to seek out more which is the emotional response all nature interpreters hope to see in their pupil. 

I strongly believe that art slows our pace and encourages us to feel. To feel, we simply cannot be passive rather, art requires action, not simply acting on autopilot (van Boeckel, 2015). 

References

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

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 4: Nature interpretation through art and planning for “All” scenarios. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640018/View

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

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Hello,

I love how you discussed nature interpretation and art within education, I feel as though implementing artistic exercises with children's education to show how nature resonates with them, is a great idea. Kids always have a special connection with the world that they tend to loose touch with as time goes on. By giving them the task to go out and collect media in natural spaces to transform into art, allows for them to give a story to objects that may be overlooked. Seeing the importance of these workshops is very important and I think there should be more available for young adults to keep in touch with their inner child and view of nature.

I was wondering if you considered the fact that teaching these workshops will allow for you to keep in touch with your passion of nature as well as share your stories and memories with others.

One question I have for you is: Do you think your fondest memories with nature within camp came from your goal to create art or did you form deeper connections in other ways? Thanks for sharing! : )

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Blog 4, post 2:

Here are some examples of the gift of beauty in nature featuring my dog, Lucy! She is my inspiration for getting out and enjoying nature even when I don't want to.

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Unit 4: Interpretation through art

As a student who appreciates nature and uses art as a hobby, I have found many ways to interpret nature through art. From photographs, drawing and painting, to stacking stones and creating intricate shapes with natural media. Art within nature is found everywhere, but whether you manipulate it to express more of your own interpretation and feelings is how you connect with nature and others. As well as the story and meaning you place on the interactions within your art. Nature is neither an ordinary type of guide, nor teacher; rather, nature guiding should be more inspirational than informational (Beck et al., 2018). I think this is a good way to view how nature interpretation and art are both things that have technique and discipline but are nothing without creativity and passion.

Personally, I like to take photos of nature. My favourite form of interpreting the gift of beauty that is nature, is through walks with my dog, taking photos of her with a beautiful background of sunsets, birds, and other things that catch my eye. It tells the story of her adventures and the beauty of my parents’ home. The gift of beauty shows that people can sense beauty in their surroundings and can spiritually uplift and preserve this privilege (Beck et al., 2018). It shows that with passion and love for nature, we will be able to share how special these areas are for reasons more than the sum of its parts, rather that it has stories, memories, feelings and allows for many more new opportunities.

My favourite nature interpretation art has always been Bob Ross. He is someone that not only makes you feel like you are in his paintings, but he gives a story to all the aspects of his paintings. He talks about trees as if they have feelings and bring light to his artwork and he tells a story of nature in a way that resonates with me deeply. I hope to, one day, inspire someone in the way that Bob Ross has inspired me to appreciate nature. I have seen countless scenes and thought, wow, I would love to paint this and have it forever, thanks to him.

Overall, with my love for nature and art, I hope to inspire others to connect with nature and share their feelings through many different artforms and tell their stories in ways that speaks from their heart. I’m probably not the most qualified to interpret nature through art, or to tell others to, but I am passionate about it and I feel like I have stories I want to tell, so in my books, that qualifies me enough.

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