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[clenvs3000w25]

Disclaimer

This blog was created for Carly Logan (ENVS*3000), University of Guelph.

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph.

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

[wildlifechayse]

Unit 10- The final blog!

When I think of my personal development as a nature interpreter, I am brought back to the first blog post that I wrote in January, where I discussed how my relationship with nature has changed over my lifetime. As I develop as a nature interpreter, it is important to me to give those that I interpret to the opportunity to develop their relationship with nature in the same way. As a recap for those who haven’t been taking notes on my blog posts this semester, I have spent lots of time in nature throughout my life and in this time, I have noticed my relationship with nature changing. As a child, most of my time in nature was focused around playing and learning but as I got older I was able to start appreciating more of the artistic and therapeutic aspects of nature. I think that one’s relationship with nature is comparable to any relationship that they have with a person; when you watch the relationship grow and change over a long period of time, it allows you to appreciate it in a deeper way. I want to be able to give this experience to every person I interpret to, and I the interpretive methods that I have learned over the past few months will be the key to accomplishing this goal.

The approach to interpretation that I think will work best for me and my goals is to be highly immersive. I think to develop a close relationship with nature, it is important to really get into nature. This might seem easier said than done, as there are many people that aren’t privileged to have immediate access to nature, however, the David Suzuki video from this week made a good counterpoint to this idea. In the video, Richard Louv answers the question “what is nature?” by outlining how different every person’s concept of nature is. If I were to be asked this question, my mind would immediately go to a forest or a lake because this is where most of my experiences in nature have been (David Suzuki Foundation, 2012). Many people, especially those who live in urban areas don’t have access to this, therefore they would have a much different definition of nature (David Suzuki Foundation, 2012). Whether you consider a forest to be nature or a garden to be nature, the bottom line is that everyone can access it if they want to. My goal as an interpreter is to provide a meaningful experience that empowers others to develop a sense of place in nature- whatever that may be to them.

One of the main focuses of the content in this unit was the importance of reintroducing kids to nature. Throughout the David Suzuki video, the harm of disconnection from nature is mentioned. I think this is why I am so passionate about helping others find a sense of place in nature through my interpretation - for me, time in nature is medicinal in a way. On a bad day, some time outside can turn everything around and on a good day, make everything even better. As an interpreter, I want to share this experience with others so that they can reap the same benefits that I do when I spend time in nature. In addition to this, I think sharing meaningful environmental experiences with others increases the amount of people that advocate for important environmental issues. If someone is disconnected from nature, they likely do not have the same passion to advocate for environmental issues as a person that has a sense of place in nature.

Although discussing environmental issues is an important way to get people to care, it can sometimes be an overwhelming topic, especially for a younger audience. The opening paragraph of Jacob Rodenburg’s article that was assigned this week mentions this in a way that really resonated with me. There are so many issues to be worried about that it can begin to feel very overwhelming- I want to do something to help every little problem but obviously that is just not feasible. This is something that I have dealt with for a very long time; I remember one time when I was probably about 5 or 6, I saw a diorama at the Toronto zoo that depicted the deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest. Ever since seeing that diorama, I had incredible anxiety about the environment and constantly wondered if there was anything that I could do to help. This one experience I had as a child stuck with me, and I still believe that this is one of the main reasons I am so passionate about conservation. Although that experience was a net positive because it encouraged me to get involved in conservation, it was still incredibly distressing to have so much climate anxiety at such a young age. As an interpreter, it is important that I can inform others about important issues to empower people to get involved, however I don’t want to cause distress for others. I think that the best approach for this is to provide information about conservation while teaching about environmental issues. For example, rather than just telling people that there is deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest, I can also tell people about restoration projects and initiatives that could allow them to personally get involved.

I believe that everyone’s sense of place in nature changes to some extent throughout their life, I think that this is natural as people grow and change constantly throughout their life. Rodenburg explains this well when he tells the story of an interpreter asking kids if they think a view is beautiful while they focus in on an anthill instead. As a child, nature is all about play and learning- the appreciation for natures beauty tends to come with age. Just because children experience nature in a different way doesn’t mean that they aren’t having meaningful experiences! Through tailoring each interpretive experience to the I am interpreting to I will be able to increase the number of people that have a meaningful experience with me. This is the ultimate goal; at the end of the day I want as many people as possible to feel empowered by their experiences in nature and to continue developing their own personal relationship with nature.

It has been a pleasure blogging for you all throughout this semester! I have loved reading everyone else’s posts and having discussions with you through responses. I have also loved the chance to express myself here and get to read all your responses, I wish I could show you all how excited I get when I get a notification for a blog response that I get to read! Good luck to you all with any of your future academic and interpretive endeavors!

David Suzuki Foundation (Producer). (2012). David Suzuki and Richard Louv @AGO [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5DI1Ffdl6Y&t=46s

Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope. Clearing Magazine. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

[clenvs3000w25]

Hi Chayse,

Great post! You really reflected on your personal growth as a nature interpreter. I can relate to your thoughts about how our relationships with nature change and develop over time. I also spent a lot of time outside as a child and it is interesting how as we grow older, we experience nature in a different way and begin to appreciate things like beauty, peacefulness, and the healing qualities it provides. I really liked your point about how our relationships with nature evolve over time. This aligns with the idea that the relationship that individuals develop with nature can be compared to the relationships individuals have with people; you can appreciate a relationship in a deeper way when you see it grow and change over time (Knudson et al., 2018). I think making this observation and being able to reflect on how it’s changed will help guide future work you do as a nature interpreter. As an interpreter, creating immersive experiences allows for individuals to develop their own, evolving relationships with nature.

Your idea to provide immersive experiences to all individuals, regardless of their immediate access to nature, aligns with Tilden’s principles of interpretation (from the textbook). His principles emphasize the importance of engaging audiences through personal and emotional connections to nature. Tilden explained that rather than just providing information, interpretation should invite a personal response (Knudson et al., 2018). Your intention to empower others to find their connection to nature speaks to the importance of respecting diverse experiences and defining nature in ways that are relevant to each individual (David Suzuki Foundation, 2012).

An insightful point is raised in the discussion of reconnecting children with nature. I completely agree with your perspective on the fact that people are less likely to advocate for environmental issues if they are disconnected from nature. This aligns with the notion that for children to be compassionate and act as environmental stewards, they need to be able to access nature (Rodenburg, 2019). Rodenburg further emphasizes the importance of providing space for children to engage with nature in a way that is not overwhelming but instead filled with opportunities for wonder and discovery. Interpreters should encourage optimism and action instead of making audiences feel powerless, by avoiding environmental anxiety (Rodenburg, 2019).

You also addressed the challenge of balancing the communication of environmental issues with the potential for overwhelming audiences, particularly younger ones. This concern ties in with the importance of providing solutions and encouraging agency in the face of environmental challenges. Our audiences need to learn how to care and how to act, not that they should just care (Rodenburg, 2019). Your suggestion to combine information about environmental issues with stories of restoration efforts aligns well with this approach. It empowers individuals to act rather than simply feeling discouraged.

You offered thoughts on how interpretive experiences should be modified to accommodate the various demands of the audience. By acknowledging that “nature is all about play and learning” for children and that their experiences are equally meaningful (Knudson et al., 2018), you really demonstrated a crucial understanding of the need for inclusivity in interpretation. This approach encourages diverse perspectives and experiences, making nature accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or background. How do you think nature interpreters can creatively engage both children and adults in ways that encourage them to become passionate environmental stewards, while avoiding overwhelming them with the magnitude of environmental challenges?

References

David Suzuki Foundation (Producer). (2012). David Suzuki and Richard Louv @AGO [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5DI1Ffdl6Y&t=46s

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC.https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. CLEARING: PNW Journal of Environmental Education in the Pacific Northwest. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

[agregoenv3000w25]

A Passion for Nature (ft. Buckeyes, Birds, and Blame)

For my final required blog post, I wanted to kick things off by revisiting one of our first topics: my relationship to nature. I look back fondly on my childhood trips to our local park, where little hands would scavenge for buckeyes, stuffing them into pockets until they were full to bursting. This was done so my two brothers and I could have copious ammunition to throw at one another during our trail hikes (in case you weren’t aware, buckeyes are pretty much the perfect projectiles for rowdy children as these nuts are both small enough to not really hurt and heavy enough to allow for a bit of speed when given a proper 'thwiiip!'. Not that I’m condoning that of course, but you know... kids will be kids). I spent much of my childhood walking the creek behind my house and looking for tadpoles and climbing trees. 

I was given copious opportunities to connect with nature; from bike rides through our neighborhood to apple picking, soccer tournaments and camping trips and forts in the woods. In the video presented to us this week, Dr. Suzuki describes how children often aren’t given the chance to contemplate and absorb experiences today. We try to break down our lives into small chunks and cram as much into those chunks as we can (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012). I’m lucky because I was given that space to just be, to think, to absorb, to come to my own conclusions and make my own discoveries. 

Moving forward as I grow into who I want to be as a nature interpreter, I’d like to think that my beliefs and my responsibilities will be geared towards helping children and other adults feel that same sense of discovery and joy and awe that I often felt as a kid. In the article “Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope” it is said that children love the art of discovering things (Clearing Magazine, 2019). I believe that allowing kids the opportunity to find things, to hunt for their own buckeyes, to search for their own tadpoles and to dig their hands in the dirt is imperative to building a strong relationship with nature. 

My belief is that everyone can find something they love about nature. Whether it’s your garden, as was the case for Richard Louv, or the mountain woods as it was for David Suzuki, there’s something for everyone (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012). I see my responsibility, therefore, as helping people find the thing they love about nature. My responsibility is to spark the joy and the creativity that I feel being in nature, so others can enjoy it as well.  

According to Tilden’s Principles of Interpretation, the point of great interpretation is not just to deliver information to people, but to provide that information in a way that is engaging and uplifting and entertaining (Beck et al., 2018). We want to educate people, but we also want to inspire people! I’ve recently come to know Chris Earley, an interpreter who works at the Arboretum here on campus, and if you have the chance to get to know Chris or hear him speak, and I simply cannot stress this enough, take that opportunity!  

Chris is such a great naturalist, mostly because he loves what he does. His joy for nature is contagious. During my master's program, we all had to attend three workshops led by him. Each one was about seven hours long with an hour lunch break in the middle (a full day, to be sure). The workshops were designed to help us build our ID skills when it came to different kinds of birds (one workshop was aimed at hawks, one at ducks, and one at warblers). Chris wasted absolutely zero time in these workshops, teaching us as many as 35 different bird species in the span of just one workshop. It was A LOT of information, and most of us left exhausted from the bombardment of technical information being thrown at us. And despite these being some of the longest days we had, most of the students in my cohort agree: those workshops were our favorite. Why? Because of Chris.  

Chris’ knowledge is extensive, no one can argue that fact, but the way he teaches and engages people.... it’s another thing entirely. He kept our rapt attention for a total of twenty-one. hours. Talking JUST about birds! Before talking with Chris, I didn’t really have a huge interest in birds. I didn’t dislike them by any means, but I didn’t have any strong love for them. Now I look for them everywhere, I have a bird feeder at my window, I keep a birding log. I find it truly remarkable how one person’s joy can infect others, spreading the disease of ‘caring’ just as easily as influenza might travel through a crowded room. 

My approach to interpreting in the future is to simply let my affection and excitement about nature speak for itself. I love trees, I love birds, I love flowers and squirrels and bears, I love rivers, mountains, sunsets, and gardening! Nature is all around us, but I think sometimes, some people forget that. We like to place the blame for this problem on technology: many of us get so sucked into our screens, scrolling through social media or trapped behind a laptop doing school or work that we stop paying attention to Mother Nature. 

Now, I don't want you to get the wrong idea here, reader. I’m in my 20’s too, so I love video games and TV and TikTok as much as the next person our age. My plans for tonight in fact? Playing some Stardew Valley with my mom before watching the newest episode of Daredevil. Technology is great, and I don’t know that it’s 100% evil or deserves to take on the entire blame for the growing epidemic of environmental apathy. But I think there’s some work that needs to be done to break through that glass wall we hold in our hands. Work that we, as nature interpreters, are taking upon ourselves. It’s our job to be more engaging, interesting, and thought provoking than a magic doohickey that can tell you pretty much anything you want to know. 

So how can we do that? How will I do that? Like I said earlier, I think the answer lies in genuine enthusiasm and passion. I think it’s relatively safe to say that we all took this class because we love nature. Showing that love and allowing others to discover their own love for nature in their own way, in their own time, is how I believe we build deeper connections to the natural world. 

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REFERENCES

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

Clearing Magazine. (2019, June 17). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. CLEARING. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300 

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

[clenvs3000w25]

Great post! In reflecting on your journey as a future nature interpreter, you’ve provided an excellent perspective on the importance of building and encouraging connections between the environment and individuals. A fundamental belief in the power of discovery and the enjoyment that can accompany it, is highlighted by your experiences, ranging from childhood memories to your insights about the difficulties children are facing today. As a future interpreter, your goal to spark joy and excitement for nature aligns with the guiding principles of interpretation. Our textbook emphasized that interpretation is about creating experiences that will increase engagement in individuals, creating curiosity and reflection, and is not just simply about delivering information. Interpretation is an art form that facilitates understanding, empathy, and connection-making (Knudson et al., 2018). This aligns with your belief that nature interpretation should help individuals discover their own connection to nature, rather than simply being told facts.

Your example of the workshops with Chris Earley demonstrates how a passionate, engaging educator can transform ordinary subjects such as birdwatching, into an experience that creates deep intellectual and emotional connections. Tilden’s principles (from the textbook), specifically the idea that an interpreter should be an enthusiastic guide, helping visitors not only learn but also feel an emotional attachment (Knudson et al., 2018), aligns with Chris’s approach and ability to create enthusiasm within his audience. “The best interpreters understand that their job is not to ‘impart information,’ but to ‘cause visitors to make a connection’” (Knudson et al., 2018).

You mentioned the challenges people, especially children, are facing today with the use of modern technology and how this is leading to people becoming disconnected from nature. Contemporary environmental educators must contend with the overwhelming influence of digital distractions on the lives of youth (Rodenburg, 2019). However, Rodenburg urges instructors to hold onto optimism and reminds them that everyone has an intrinsic need to connect with nature. He states, “despite the challenges, we can still engage children with nature … we need to give them time to discover for themselves” (Rodenburg, 2019). Your ideas about the importance of allowing children to engage in hands-on activities to form their own discoveries and relationships with nature is also emphasized by Rodenburg. To create long-term relationships and promote environmental stewardship, this type of experiential learning is essential.

Your emphasis on the joy of discovery and the role of storytelling is also very important. Integrating facts into captivating stories is essential to effectively interpreting abstract ideas. The most insightful interpretations are the ones that convey meaning, focusing on the importance of an object or location, rather than merely describing its physical characteristics (Knudson et al., 2018). Stories help with understanding and as you pointed out, this approach helps engage the audience emotionally with the subject. Your experience with Chris Earley emphasizes how storytelling and enthusiasm can lead to deeper understanding, as you explained how you developed a newfound love for birdwatching through his approach. Successful interpretation goes beyond simply delivering facts; it involves crafting a story that resonates with people (Knudson et al., 2018). As you develop your interpretive approach, incorporating storytelling and genuine passion will be essential in enabling your audience to form both emotional and intellectual connections with the natural world.

Additionally, you discussed your desire to encourage others to find something in nature that resonates with them. This emphasizes the idea of diversity and inclusivity in interpretation. It’s important to consider multiple perspectives when presenting interpretive content, including scientific, personal, and cultural perspectives (Knudson et al., 2018). By acknowledging diverse relationships individuals have with nature, your interpretive efforts can remain inclusive and fulfilling, creating opportunities for various people to connect with the environment in personally significant ways. A question to think about as you grow in your role as a nature interpreter is: how can we find a balance between providing meaningful environmental education and the task of making it enjoyable and interesting? Particularly for children who are more distracted than ever by technology?

References:

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC.https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. CLEARING: PNW Journal of Environmental Education in the Pacific Northwest. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

[clenvs3000w25]

Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?

As a nature interpreter, I am continuing to develop my skills and understanding of the field and all that it involves. My personal ethic is shaped and influenced by a combination of commitment to education, deep respect of nature, and a belief in creating deep and meaningful connections between people and the environment. Drawing from the textbook, I have come to learn and realize that interpretation is not just about sharing knowledge, it’s about nurturing curiosity, inspiring action, and promoting environmental stewardship. Last semester, I took a course called Introduction to Environmental Stewardship, and now combining what I learned in that course with the things I have learned in this course, I feel more capable of fulfilling my role as a nature interpreter.

I believe that all life is interconnected, and this is one of the beliefs that I bring to nature interpretation. The textbook reinforces this idea by emphasizing that interpretation is an art form that incorporates several forms of art – any kind of art that aids in revealing relationships and meanings (Knudson et al., 2018). To instill a sense of responsibility in individuals for the environment and natural world, I believe that interpretation needs to be effective and for that to happen it needs to go beyond surface-level knowledge and information to be able to create transformative experiences.

Additionally, I believe that interpretation needs to be inclusive and accessible for everyone. As an interpreter, I must work to make experiences and knowledge available to individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and cultural perspectives. This is something that resonates deeply with me as I have a wheelchair bound brother and it can be extremely frustrating when my family is unable to do something because accessibility is not provided for individuals like my brother. I would never want anyone else to feel this way or miss out on something that interests them because of this. When interpretation is effective, everyone’s rights and dignity are respected (Knudson et al., 2018). Additionally, I will be able to create a richer and more comprehensive interpretive experience if I integrate multiple perspectives which could include, scientific research, personal narratives, as well as indigenous knowledge. A key component of making interpretation inclusive is having the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of diverse audiences (Canada, 2025).

Furthermore, I believe in the power of storytelling. Statistics and facts are informative, but stories are engaging. This is something I really experienced and learned in our podcast for children. By using storytelling, I believe my group was able to create an engaging podcast for the appropriate age group and create a really great product. Abstract concepts are made relevant and tangible when storytelling is used. Rather than just imparting knowledge, interpretation should seek to catch the audience’s interest and spark their creativity (Knudson et al., 2018). As I develop as an interpreter, I would like to incorporate narratives and storytelling into my interpretation using personal experiences and historical knowledge and information.

Using these beliefs as my foundation for being an interpreter, I recognize that I will carry more responsibility than just simply conveying information. I understand that ethics plays a large role in nature interpretation and requires a commitment to stewardship, truth, and respect. As such, one of my responsibilities would be to inspire my audience to take part in and become environmental stewards. A call to action should be included in interpretation, urging audiences to practice conservation and other environmental conscious practices (Knudson et al., 2018). Therefore, my goal is to create experiences that remove a disconnect between people and the environment and instead encourage people to make a connection between them and the environment. My hope is to instill this sense of responsibility for protecting the natural world in my audiences with interactive learning, engaging narratives, and hands-on experiences. Fostering environmental stewardship via good communication and involvement is one aspect of the interpreter’s job (Canada, 2025).

As I mentioned above, interpretation involves ethical practices including a commitment to the truth. Therefore, it is my responsibility to ensure that I only convey information that is well-researched and supported by credible sources. Conservation efforts can be harmed by misconceptions that are created by misinterpretation and oversimplification. As such, maintaining credibility requires interpreters to make sure their presentations are factually correct and supported by credible sources (Knudson et al., 2018). Additionally, I mentioned the importance of respect in interpretation and so I believe it is important to incorporate traditional knowledge and cultural perspectives. We have learned that local cultures and indigenous communities often have a deep level of knowledge about their environment that has been accumulated over many generations. And this is supported by the textbook by stating that traditional knowledge should be included by interpreters in a way that honours its sources and acknowledges its importance in addition to scientific viewpoints (Knudson et al., 2018). This further emphasizes the importance of honouring the sources which can be done by collaborating with and learning from these sources, giving them credit and ensuring their voices are heard.

The best interpretations encourage the audience to reflect, consider, and investigate their own values (Knudson et al., 2018). Due to this, I view my role more as a facilitator trying to inspire inquiry, rather than just a transmitter of knowledge. Audiences will better be able to develop their own connection with nature when I encourage curiosity and critical thinking, and this in turn will make the learning experience more personal and impactful.

In my development as an interpreter, I realize that interpretation requires more than a belief system and an ethical foundation. It also requires effective strategies that will create higher engagement in audiences. These approaches align with my personal strengths and values. To begin, I believe by creating direct experience, appreciation for nature can be effectively achieved. Through active engagement and practical experiences, visitors are better able to internalize ideas and form closer connections with the content being presented (Knudson et al., 2018). People more easily form personal connection with nature when they experience nature through interactive activities. My podcast group used this approach to inspire children about our topic. We incorporated storytelling, games, and at home crafts that could encourage them to form a better connection with nature. This approach aligns with my belief that people are more likely to protect what they have experienced and what they understand.

As I mentioned earlier, storytelling in interpretation can be effective and as such, I will try to use these narratives to bring life to nature for my audiences. Therefore, I will strive to not just simply state facts but provide a background story to create meaning. By providing context, stories help facts become more meaningful and memorable (Knudson et al., 2018). Additionally, nature and culture are complex and cannot be captured in just one viewpoint. This demonstrates the importance of incorporating multiple perspectives such as, scientific, indigenous, person, and historical, as I mentioned earlier on. This provides a more holistic understanding of nature in addition to enriching the experience. The textbook encourages interpreters to present a narrative that is inclusive and well-rounded by incorporating a variety of voices (Knudson et al., 2018). I also believe that emotion plays an important role in interpretation being effective. I believe that feelings are more likely to inspire action than simply facts alone. The goal of connecting with nature is to develop intimacy and a relationship (Rodenburg, 2019). I would like to inspire “moments of awe” in my interpretations, this could be through breathtaking views or a moving story, and this would encourage deeper emotional connections that would last beyond the experience. Meaningful conservation initiatives can begin with awe and motivation (Knudson et al., 2018).

Continuing my development as a nature interpreter, I will try to serve as a guiding compass, ensuring that I remain respectful, I am taking responsibility, an encourage a passion for connecting people with nature. My goal is to motivate others to take care of and preserve the natural world by promoting stewardship, emphasizing ethical communication, honouring cultural viewpoints, and stimulating curiosity. The ultimate objective of interpretation is to improve the world by comprehension and admiration (Knudson et al., 2018). I’ll end by posing a couple questions: how do you think nature interpreters can effectively balance scientific accuracy with storytelling to create engaging and meaningful experiences? In what ways do you think interpretation can be adapted to better reflect and respect diverse cultural perspectives and traditional knowledge?

References:

Canada, E. a. S. D. (2025, January 28). Nature Interpreter in Canada | Job description – JobBank.https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/24570/ca;jsessionid=E1A542629E28D1CDBE1A4DE957129CD.jobsearch77

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC.https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. CLEARING: PNW Journal of Environmental Education in the Pacific Northwest. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

[agregoenv3000w25]

Can Trees Talk?!?

One of the most amazing things about nature, to me, is something that almost seems straight out of a sci-fi movie. Look no further than James Cameron’s Avatar for proof that this concept has inspired movie makers and story tellers. In the movie, the Na’vi people tell the human protagonist that the trees on this fictional planet of Pandora are all connected: one living being instead of multiple disconnected individuals. We see many examples of this throughout the movie, with the viewer even being offered scenes containing glowing tree roots underground connecting other trees to the main Tree of Life, like in the photo below (Fandom, n.d.). 

Caption: A scene from James Cameron’s Avatar showing glowing tree roots underground connecting other trees to the main Tree of Life. 

One of the main scientists in the movie, Dr. Grace Augustine, says, “What we think we know - is that there's some kind of electrochemical communication between the roots of the trees. Like the synapses between neurons. Each tree has ten to the fourth connections to the trees around it...” (IMDb, n.d.).  

But what if I told you Dr. Augustine was on to something... The link we understand about trees today isn’t 100% electric in nature, as Dr. Augustine suggested, but more fungal. Known as the mycorrhizal (pronounced like MY-koe-RYE-zull) network, tree roots (and indeed, almost all plant roots living in the Earth’s soil) are connected to each other through fungal mycelia.

“What are fungal mycelia?” you might be asking at this point. Which is a great question since even I, as someone who is talking to you about this, had to Google it to remind myself of the definition. 

Fungal mycelia are defined as “the mass of branched, tubular hyphae of fungi” (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2025). Which.... I have to just say thank you SO MUCH, Britannica, for that definition, that’s not confusing at all.  

So, without all the fancy scientist words, what does this mean? Essentially, mushrooms and fungi have networks of very thin, tube-like filaments that run throughout the fruiting body (or the part of the mushroom you see) and then into the ground around the network. In this way, Dr. Augustine had it right, because mycelia are very similar to our own neural networks.  

Tree roots and fungi have a symbiotic relationship in which the fungi will attach to the tree roots to gain food made by the tree, and then the tree roots get both the fungally-foraged nutrients from the soil and a network that connects their roots to other tree roots around them (Gorzelak et al., 2015). Through these networks, trees can really talk to one another. They can warn each other about certain stressors like insect attacks or droughts or fires (Grant, 2018).  

It’s even been speculated whether these fungal networks contribute to tree masting, a phenomenon that is not yet completely understood by scientists. Masting is when trees produce an abundance of seeds (or nuts, if you prefer). But it’s not just that one tree produces more, it’s every tree in every forest in an area (Shechet, 2023). How do oak trees in one area communicate to trees in another area to throw their all into acorn production that year? It’s still a bit of a mystery but I believe it’s because they talk to each other. 

Another reason I like this topic of mycorrhizal networks and trees talking is because it’s symbolic, to me. Like our textbook says:

“People who understand the interconnectedness of things can foresee consequences and long-term impacts of their actions on this and future generations” (Beck et al., 2018).

Trees understand the big picture and can foresee long-term impacts to their actions. Masting years often come when small mammal populations are down. The abundance of food leads to a boom in squirrel, chipmunk, mice, raccoon and many other nut-eating animal populations. This, in turn, feeds predators like foxes, raptors, weasels, coyotes, etc.  

Our textbook stresses that making connections is crucial to good interpreting. Trees make connections to other trees around them, other plants, the fungus itself, and the nutrients in the ground. If we turn that concept into an analogy for humans, I think it would mean that we need to be more connected to other animal species, other plants, each other (especially), and even the basic building blocks of our lives like the food we eat, the water we drink, and the soil that sustain us as well as the trees. Try to think about this connectedness the next time you step over a tree root on your nature walk or dig up a weed in your garden. How are you connected to other living and non-living things around you, like the mycorrhizal network of roots? 

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REFERENCES: 

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

Discuss everything about avatar wiki. Fandom. (n.d.). https://james-camerons-avatar.fandom.com/f 

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2025, February 17). Mycelium. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/mycelium 

Gorzelak, M. A., Asay, A. K., Pickles, B. J., & Simard, S. W. (2015). Inter-plant communication through mycorrhizal networks mediates complex adaptive behaviour in plant communities. AoB Plants, 7. https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plv050 

Grant, R. (2018, March). Do trees talk to each other? | Smithsonian. Ask Smithsonian. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-whispering-trees-180968084/ 

IMDb.com. (n.d.). Avatar. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499549/quotes/ 

Shechet, E. (2023, November 27). The lingering mysteries of the Mast Year. Brooklyn Botanic Garden. https://www.bbg.org/article/the_mysteries_of_masting_in_trees#:~:text=Masting%20is%2C%20in%20short%2C%20the,roughly%20every%202%E2%80%935%20years. 

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Great post! It’s amazing to think about how science is catching up to the ideas that storytellers like James Cameron have shared for years. Similarly, my post was about the “immortal jellyfish” which can relate in the way that movies and tv shows have been storytelling about immortality for so long and there is a creature that is able to potentially live indefinitely. The mycorrhizal network is a powerful example of how trees (and other plants) aren’t solitary beings but part of a much larger, interconnected system. The idea that trees can communicate through these fungal networks is both amazing and mind-blowing, especially considering how they can warn each other of threats like insect attacks or droughts.

I love how you tied this back to human interconnectedness. Trees may be “talking” in their own way, but it’s a great reminder for us to consider our relationships with the natural world and each other. We are all part of that web, even if we don’t always realize it. The concept of masting, where the trees synchronize their acorn production, is another example of how life knows when to work together to maintain balance in the ecosystem. Our textbook emphasizes the importance of making connections in nature interpretation, which mirrors how trees and fungi form intricate, symbiotic relationships to create thriving ecosystems. By making these connections, both within the natural world and in human society, we can better understand the consequences of our actions and build a more sustainable future.

Your post has made me wonder, how understanding mycorrhizal networks could influence how we approach conservation? With this knowledge, would we be able to create more resilient ecosystems – for example, ecosystems that are more resilient to climate change? Finally, building on interconnectedness – could applying these concepts create a better relationship between the environment and humans?

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Nature's Mysteries - Jellyfish Can Be Immortal?

Have you ever considered the idea of cheating death? Most humans are fascinated with this concept but believe it to be something of the movies. Thinking about life on Earth, we assume that the rules of birth, growing, aging, and death are universal and something we all experience at some point. Wouldn’t it be neat if nature had a creature that could defy these rules? Well, turns out it does! This creature is the Turritopsis dohrnii, also called the “immortal jellyfish.” This is a small marine animal capable to essentially reversing its aging process and starting a new life, making it biologically “immortal.”

Figure 1: Turritopsis dohrnii – Immortal Jellyfish

I had never even heard of this creature until I watched a couple episodes of a show a few years ago called, “How Do Animals Do That?” After watching the show, I couldn’t believe that was possible and spent some time looking more into it. I was able to learn that these jellyfish can revert to an earlier life stage when faced with stress, old age or injury. It seemed like an impossible idea at the time, but you always hear the saying, “nature works in mysterious ways.” It truly is unbelievable what goes on in nature and what nature can do.

Fun Fact: They are about the size of your pinky nail!

Figure 2: The size of the Immortal Jellyfish – about 4.5 mm

Now to the important part … more information on this crazy jellyfish! This jellyfish can transform its adult cells back into a juvenile state, essentially starting its life cycle over again, and it can do this when it is faced with environmental stress or physical damage/injury (Tseng, 2025). This process is called transdifferentiation and allows the jellyfish to escape the normal cycle of aging, potentially granting it the ability to live indefinitely if it avoids external dangers like disease or predators (Tseng, 2025). When faced with stress, the jellyfish reverts to its juvenile polyp form, and then it can begin the cycle of growth again (Tseng, 2025). As I’m sure many of us know, in the animal kingdom, a regenerative ability like this would be extremely rare and unusual and this has made these jellyfish a big interest for scientists (Tseng, 2025). With its ability to reset its “biological clock,” this offers insight into the ability of nature to adapt and survive in a multitude of conditions. This jellyfish is a unique example of resilience in nature.

Figure 3: The life cycle of the Immortal Jellyfish

Now relating this back to this week’s chapter (Chapter 21: The Bright Future of Interpretation), the textbook states, “in the preface we proved that interpretation is worth a million dollars, and actually a whole lot more – it is priceless” (Knudson et al., 2023). This becomes increasingly true and understood when we take a creature like the “immortal jellyfish” as this could open a world of research into aging, disease and death that could lead to “priceless” discoveries that could save lives. Additionally, the finding of this jellyfish connects to the idea presented in the textbook that nature study is not just about memorizing facts about the natural world but instead going beyond, whereby it states, “it’s not just our ability to name plants and birds, to ‘know our neighbors,’ as significant as that might be, but the opportunity to question and grow, to be moved, to be momentarily stunned – or flummoxed – by something you couldn’t have anticipated” (Knudson et al., 2018). I think we could all agree that the finding of this jellyfish was not something that we could have anticipated, and I know it sure stunned me when I discovered what it could do, and it provides us an opportunity to question how it does this and what we can learn from it.

The life of these jellyfish allows us to consider the way we view life, aging, and our relationship with time. It makes me wonder, what can we learn from a creature that exists outside the traditional rules of life and death? Could understanding its regenerative abilities help us confront some of humanity’s challenges such as aging and death?

The reason I picked this interesting creature for a blog about nature interpretation is because whether it is through the lens of a tiny jellyfish or the vast ecosystem it inhabits or any other thing in nature, interpreting nature encourages us to look deeper. This jellyfish embodies the mystery and wonder of nature. This jellyfish could captivate audiences, encouraging curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the unknown aspects of the nature world – something that I think ties deeply into nature interpretation.

References:

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

Tseng, A. (2025, January 3). Does the immortal jellyfish actually live forever? HowStuffWorks. https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/immortal-jellyfish.htm

Photos From:

Berwald, J. (2023, June 30). The immortal jellyfish. Discover Magazine. https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-immortal-jellyfish

Everlasting life: The “immortal” jellyfish. RSB. (n.d.). https://thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/everlasting-life-the-immortal-jellyfish

The “immortal” jellyfish that resets when damaged. (n.d.-b). https://www.amnh.org/explore/news-blogs/immortal-jellyfish

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Blog 7: Music and Nature

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve watched technology advance through social media, photography, and videography, become more accessible and sophisticated each year. But music has been around for decades. Our ancestors told stories through song and dance, and music has continued to evolve so that today, we can play songs with just a tap of our fingers on a phone.  Yet music is still very much a way of telling stories, whether through love songs or even diss tracks.

In nature, there is a natural music that has always been present, and I’ve noticed this since I was a kid. From birds chirping to trees howling in the wind, there’s a calming rhythm that comes from being outside in the natural world. That’s how I see music in nature. Here in Ontario, we have many animals that “sing,” like the chirp of a robin or the howls of coyotes. That’s why whenever I walk or hike outside, I prefer to listen to these sounds instead of plugging in and playing music on my phone. There’s something so calming about the sound of water running in a stream or my feet crunching over fresh snowfall. It’s a grounding and peaceful experience that helps me disconnect from the online world and reconnect with the earth. These sounds, much like modern-day music, tell a story. When I think about the hikes or adventures I’ve taken in nature, I often remember certain sounds, like birds chirping or the wind in the trees. Like when I hear birds chirping, it takes me back to spring mornings waking up for elementary school and hearing them in my backyard. This connection is like the way a catchy song can get stuck in your head or how hearing an old song can bring back memories from years ago.

I am interested to hear if other people also remember sounds in nature from their childhood?

When I think about nature in music, I consider how certain songs or genres make me feel, much like the emotions I experience in nature. As I mentioned earlier, being in nature makes me feel peaceful, grounded, and relaxed. Living in Ontario, it can be difficult to find the same outdoor spaced that I enjoyed in Banff. There aren’t as many hikes and waterfalls nearby, and certainly no mountains in Guelph. So, I’ve found a way to replicate the feelings that nature brings me through music. An artist who comes to mind is Noah Kahan, who often sings about nature and adventure. His lyrics resonate with me, and his music gives me the same sense of peace and freedom I felt when I was on top of a mountain, so relaxed and at peace, but at the same time so powerful and free. His songs evoke powerful emotions that, at one point, I thought could only be found in nature. That’s how I see nature in music; as a reflection of the feelings, emotions, and memories that both nature and music can bring to life.

One song that stands out to me is “Paul Revere” by Noah Kahan. It was released while I was living in Banff, and it speaks about moving away from home and adjusting to life in a new place, while also acknowledging that its ok to look back and long for home. I remember listening to this song and right away connecting to the sounds of the music, then once I got to know the lyrics I connected with it even more.

It reminds me of my time in Banff and how I often felt homesick and missed my family. During those moments of feeling out of place, it was nature and music that helped me through. Hiking and music were two constants that grounded me and made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be. The calming sounds of nature always kept me grounded, and this song was the first time I truly felt those same emotions while doing something other than hiking. When I listen to “Paul Revere,” I can picture the mountains, trees, and animals of Banff, and it takes me right back to those feelings of when I lived there, surrounded by nature constantly.

I'm curious if anyone else has a similar connection to a song like this?

Here is a link to the song. I hope you can listen and find your own way to connect!

Hope you enjoy, Cayla

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Hi Cayla,

Great post! I really liked your reflection on the connection between music, nature, and memory. Your experience of feeling grounded and at peace in nature and then finding that same sense of comfort through music, resonates deeply with the ideas presented in this unit. The textbook describes how nature is not only a universal experience by is also deeply tied to cultural identity and the way people engage with the natural world (Knudson et al., 2018).

Just like you described hearing birds chirp and how that transports you back to your childhood mornings, the textbook emphasizes that natural sounds like birdsong, the wind, or flowing of water are forms of “natural music” that help anchor our memories and emotions (Knudson et al., 2018). The sounds of nature, much like songs, carry deep meaning sand tell a story about where we come from, our experiences, and our relationships with the environment. These natural soundscapes are integral to our sense of place and often evoke strong emotions and memories (Knudson et al., 2018).

I love your choice of Noah Kaha’s song. I absolutely love that song! The way that his song mirrors your experiences in Banff, combining nature and music to evoke feelings of peace, freedom, and homesickness, reflects a key point about how human-created music often taps into emotions like those experienced in nature. Music, whether natural or human-made, has the power to convey the same emotional depth that we feel when we are immersed in the natural world. Your experience of using music to reconnect with the feelings of nature is a perfect example of how modern technology can both mediate and enhance our connection to the natural world.

Really great post!

References:

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

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Where is Music in Nature?

The connection between music and nature is explored through the idea that natural sounds are not just background noise but integral components of cultural and environmental heritage. The textbook argues that “music” in nature exists all around us – from the songs of birds, the rustling of leaves, to the sound of wind through trees or waves crashing on a shore. These sounds are not only part of the physical environment but are also shaped by cultural perceptions and interpretations.

The textbook suggests that many cultures view these natural sounds as a form of “natural music,” with deep spiritual, emotional, and cultural significance. For example, in some indigenous communities, the sounds of nature are intertwined with spiritual practices and are considered essential to the expression of their cultural identity. As the chapter highlights, “natural soundscapes are as much a part of cultural heritage as visual or tangible elements of the landscape” (Knudson et al., 2018). These sounds often carry meaning that goes beyond mere enjoyment; they may represent a connection to ancestors, the environment, or the cycles of nature.

However, the preservation of these natural sounds faces challenges in the modern world. Urbanization, industrialization, and increasing noise pollution are gradually eroding the natural soundscapes that once played such an important role in cultural practices. The chapter warns that the loss of these sounds not only impacts biodiversity but also weakens our sense of connection to the environment. As stated in the text, “the sounds of nature are integral to the understanding of place and identity” (Knudson et al., 2018).

How might the loss of these natural soundscapes affect our connection to the environment and our sense of belonging? The erosion of natural soundscapes could lead to a diminished experience of the world around us, one where the sounds of nature are replaced by artificial sounds. This may impact our cultural practices, our mental and emotional well-being, and our ability to relate to the natural world in a meaningful way.

The textbook calls for a broader understanding of heritage management that includes not only the preservation of the visual and physical aspects of nature but also the sounds that form and essential part of cultural and natural heritage. How can we better integrate the protection of sound into environmental and cultural preservation efforts? Perhaps through a deeper recognition of the value of natural soundscapes, we can advocate for policies that mitigate noise pollution and promote the conservation of natural environments that continue to house these “musical” elements of the world.

Ultimately, the music in nature is not just a passive idea, but an active part of how we understand and engage in the world. By preserving the sounds of nature, we protect a fundamental piece of both our cultural identity and the natural environment.

Reflecting on the connection between music and nature, a song that immediately takes me back to a natural landscape is “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. It’s a song that evokes strong imagery of open fields, winding mountain roads, and the peaceful isolation of nature. The context behind this association for me, is that every summer I go camping with my friend group to Algonquin, we play this song on the way up. It gets everyone excited for the trip and spending time outdoors.

John Denver: Take Me Home, Country Roads

References:

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

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Unit 6 Blog Post: Unpacking Edward Hyams Quote

Hey everyone! This week we had the task to unpack the following quote by Edward Hyams:

"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 by Edward Hyams challenges us to rethink how we perceive history’s role in shaping our present and future. It reminds us that the past is never truly behind us. My mom always says we need to understand what happened in our past to move on in the future. This relates to “the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things.” Just as understanding the past helps us move forward, maintaining historical integrity requires remembering and connecting past events to shape a coherent future. In interpreting cultural and natural heritage, we encounter the challenge of maintaining integrity in understanding history.

Why Does the Past Matter?

Integrity in historical interpretation is fundamentally about understanding how the past, present, and future are intertwined. The need for interpretation in bridging these time gaps is emphasized in the textbook, especially in Chapters 14 and 15. Interpretation is the process of creating stories that preserve historical context and reality, not only presenting facts. This relates to the part,  “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.” For example, in many Canadian Indigenous cultures, there are oral traditions, and stories passed down through generations to preserve cultural identity and historical integrity, ensuring that knowledge of the past continues to inform the present and future. As a Canadian on Indigenous lands, I think it is so important to hear and listen to these Indigenous stories. We run the danger of splintering the narrative if we are unaware of the traditions from the past that we are living on. We preserve this purity via historical interpretation, whether it is through written documents or oral history. This supports the notion that a thorough comprehension of the present requires recollection of the past. 

It is a dangerous misconception to believe that history loses its significance once it has passed. In today’s fast-paced society, we are often so focused on the present that we neglect the lessons of the past. With our constant attachment to technology and the rapid cycle of trends, it becomes all too easy to overlook history and move forward without reflection. This relates to the quote’s statement: “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.” Our lecture this week emphasizes how history shapes identity and communal cohesiveness while also  inspiring people. This idea is especially pertinent to environmental interpretation, as judgments are made based on knowledge of past ecosystems, landscapes, and conservation initiatives. 

The textbook's Chapter 14 highlights the importance of written interpretation as a means of preserving and communicating history, whether it be through books, blogs, signage, or brochures. Writing makes historical narratives more accessible to a wider range of readers. Written reports are used in environmental interpretation to record shifting landscapes and set the scene for conservation initiatives. Furthermore, writing itself may be a means of maintaining historical accuracy. Interpreters help create a more accurate and comprehensive portrayal of the past when they carefully select their words, taking into account which viewpoints to include and how to interact with their audience. This illustrates the quote's larger point, which is that to preserve the integrity of the human experience, the past must be remembered. For example, I have found many historical landmarks now use digital storytelling and QR codes on plaques to share detailed histories with visitors, ensuring that stories of the past remain accessible in an age of rapid technological change. This relates to the quote’s statement: “If these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things.” By preserving history through written and digital interpretation, we ensure that even in a fast-moving world, the past is not forgotten but remains an integral part of our collective understanding. 

Overall, I believe this quote is an important one when unpacked, as ignoring the pillars on which our present and future are based would be to see history as a passing moment rather than an ongoing thread. Maintaining the fragments of history together while recognizing their importance over time is a requirement of integrity and can help us discover things about nature and relationships!

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture. Edwards, Y. (1979). The land speaks. Toronto, ON: The National and Provincial Parks Association of Canada.

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Hi Sophie,

That was a great post! I thought you provided a thoughtful reflection on the quote we were unpacking this week and the importance it signifies of preserving historical and cultural integrity. I really like that you added something your mom has told you and shared its relevance to the quote, and I completely agree with your mom’s idea that understanding the past is necessary for moving forward. By participating in historical integrity, we remember and connect past events so that we can shape a future that acknowledges where we came from and builds on this knowledge.

In the chapters we read this week, we learned that historical interpretation is not just about recounting facts but more about creating meaningful stories that preserve the integrity of the past. As stated in the text, interpretation encompasses not only the facts but also the connections among individuals, locations, and occurrences that influence our current perception of the world (Knudson et al., 2018). This resonates with the idea presented in the textbook about how interpretations must present history as an evolving story, whereby it stated, maintaining the depth and applicability of the past by consistently incorporating fresh data and viewpoints (Knudson et al., 2018). These ideas presented in the textbook align with your discussion on Indigenous traditions. Oral histories, as you mentioned, preserve the memory of past events while fostering ongoing discussion about identity, culture and community. Listening to these stories becomes essential for understanding the land and its history, especially, as you said, as someone living on Indigenous lands. The textbook even states, “oral traditions serve as dynamic sources of cultural memory that help communities maintain their integrity over time” (Knudson et al., 2018).

You mentioned society’s focus on the present, sometimes at the expense of the past, and I agree that this is an important consideration. You said interpreting the past through written or digital means helps preserve its integrity, even in a world of rapid change, and this relates to the main ideas presented in the textbook. One idea from the textbook that resonates with your idea is, despite technological improvements, written and digital interpretations serve as crucial tools for preserving the past and enabling stories to be recounted (Knudson et al., 2018). A perfect example of this is the use of digital storytelling in historical landmarks, whereby you can listen to the history as you’re viewing something by pressing a button or scanning a QR code. You also mentioned the role of written interpretation and I agree that it can also play a crucial role in preserving history.

Overall, I think you did an awesome job unpacking Hyam’s quote. The past is never truly done with. We can always find its relevance in today’s world. As the textbook concludes, we maintain the relevance of the past for future generations by bridging it with the present through interpretation (Knudson et al., 2018). I do have one question for you though, how do you think modern technology can be used even more effectively to preserve cultural and natural heritage while respecting the integrity of those traditions?

Reference

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

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“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.”

This quote dives into the deep value of maintaining integrity in cultural and natural heritage. I think it speaks on the importance of acknowledging and remembering the past to preserve the whole, meaning the future. The beginning statement, “There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity” implies that simply because something is old does not necessarily make it valuable but what does matter is the “integrity” of the whole, meaning the preservation of cultural and natural heritage in its entirety. This aligns with the understanding that heritage's significance lies in its capacity to communicate a common cultural and natural meaning rather than in its antiquity (Knudson et al., 2018). It suggests that the key to maintaining the value and meaning of heritage is through integrity, as maintaining the connection between individuals and the locations, customs, and practices that hold significance for them is what heritage is all about, not just preserving artifacts (Knudson et al., 2018).

Heritage is not just a static, physical thing but rather is a living part of our collective memory; this is indicated by the line in the quote, “the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things.” I think that this idea of memory is essential to understanding and interpreting heritage. The past, present, and future are all connected by heritage (Knudson et al., 2018). We can only appreciate and comprehend the present and look forward to the future by remembering and sharing what we have learned about the past (Knudson et al., 2018). This is closely related to the idea that active participation in preserving historical memory is necessary to preserve the integrity of heritage. Heritage is anything that exists in the now and influences the future rather than being merely a static remnant of the past (Knudson et al., 2018). It is an ongoing relationship and process that changes as new generations engage with and understand it (Knudson et al., 2018).

The end of the quote, “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”, dives into the ideas that heritage and history are ongoing and interconnected. I think the metaphor about the train demonstrates that a railway station is significant before, during, and after the train passes, it is not just important during one time. This demonstrates that the past continues to shape the present and the future. In society, heritage is a dynamic force (Knudson et al., 2018). It is a conversation between the past and present, the individual and the group, the item and the meaning (Knudson et al., 2018).

Overall, I believe the quote reflects the necessity of preserving connections and memories that give objects and sites meaning, and not just the sites and objects themselves. In this way, heritage is about understanding the role of the past in shaping a better future, rather than just a way to keep the past “alive.”

Reference

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

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Prompt 5: No prompt this week – free write on what you are thinking about!

With midterms in full swing, I’m sure everyone is feeling the weight of stress, so I decided to write about how nature can help us find relief. Back in our first blog post, I mentioned that I enjoy outdoor meditation, and that continues to be true. One of my favourite ways to destress is to walk to the Arboretum, sit on the grass, and simply observe the ecosystem thriving around me. It’s a wonderful way to recharge without staring at a phone or sitting behind a laptop. Now that it’s winter, I don’t visit as often, but on occasion, I still venture outside into the snowy scene. I love watching the snow fall, and even though I rarely see animals, it still feels like life is gently seeping through beneath the blanket of snow.

Another great way to destress using nature is by taking a hike. This is more active than meditating, but exercise is also an excellent way to reduce stress. During these hikes, you can add an extra layer of engagement by identifying the animals and plants you encounter. Two apps I highly recommend are the Merlin Bird ID app for identifying birds and the Seek by iNaturalist app for other animals and plants. I’ve linked them below! Although winter may not bring as much wildlife as summer or spring, there’s still plenty to discover if you keep your eyes open.

Merlin Bird ID - Home

Bird ID Wizard—Step-by-step Answer three simple questions about a bird you are trying to identify and Merlin will give you a list of poss

Seek by iNaturalist · iNaturalist

It’s important to stay safe while hiking, though. Be sure to wear appropriate gear—snow boots are a must in weather like this!—stay on designated paths, avoid interacting with wild animals, and consider inviting friends to join you. Exploring nature is always more fun and safer with company.

If venturing outdoors in winter isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to connect with nature. For example, you can watch nature videos or look at photos of natural landscapes. You can also read blogs about nature interpretation—like this one! When I’m unable to access a natural space, I love playing nature sounds. There are countless YouTube videos and Spotify playlists featuring natural soundscapes, some even mixed with calming music. I’ve linked one of my favourite playlists below! These can be especially helpful when studying or trying to focus. I also use them at night to help me sleep!

In conclusion, if you’re feeling stressed, consider tapping into the calming power of nature—whether outdoors or virtually. Good luck on your midterms, everyone!

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Hi Michelle,

This was a great post! I loved that you decided to post about the stress that many of us are dealing with right now with midterms happening, that was a really good idea. Additionally, I really liked how your post went into the ways in which nature can help us overcome this stress. Your incorporation of apps that you use in nature was a very good addition to your post, as was the Spotify playlist you added. I also find nature to be a great tool for relaxation, especially during a time like this. I believe that engaging with nature, through activities like you mentioned including hiking, can allow us to disconnect with the pressures we face daily and take a moment to breathe and experience the peacefulness that nature can offer.

Your incorporation of birdwatching and plant identification adds encourages more active engagement from visitors of nature. As our textbook states, engaging in active nature interpretation strengthens our emotional connection to the landscape (Knudson, 2018). I think that by identifying animals and plants during your hikes, you are taking on a more active role and deepening you connection with nature. I also believe that by finding a deeper connection to nature, we are more likely to become better environmental stewards. As humans, I think for us to want to protect and preserve something, such as nature, we need to find a way to make us care about it first – I think this is a great way to do so! My inspiration for finding a deeper connection to the environment was through horseback riding. I used something I was already passionate about to aid in finding my connection to nature.

Is there a specific outdoor activity that you are passionate about that helped you become more connected with nature?

 Good luck with midterms! Hopefully you can find time to get outside and enjoy nature.

References

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

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Horseback Riding and Nature Interpretation

For this week’s post, I decided to talk about one of my favourite things to do in nature and how it connects to the themes of nature interpretation as discussed in our textbook, “Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World.” The topic I’ve chosen to discuss is horseback riding.

The textbook encourages nature interpretation to be meaningful and inviting, allowing visitors to connect with nature and culture on emotional and intellectual levels. Horseback riding is an incredible way to engage with nature and it provides individuals with an opportunity to engage in a way that is unique and stimulating. This can allow individuals to form deeper connections with nature. I believe that forming a deeper connection to nature is essential for creating the desire for people to want to protect and preserve it, and overall encouraging environmental stewardship.

The textbook discusses that stimulating the senses is a key to effective interpretation and can help people to form lasting and memorable connections to nature. Horseback riding requires the use of multiple senses including sight, touch, and sound. When horseback riding, you can see and observe the nature all around you, feel all the horse’s movements beneath you, and hear nature around you. The textbook states, creating experiences that enable visitors to have a deeper comprehension and bond with the subject matter is the goal of interpretation (Knudson, 2018) and I think by being able to experience all these senses and nature in such a peaceful form, allows the rider to do just that, making it an excellent activity for nature interpretation. The textbook also emphasizes that effective interpretation leaves a lasting emotional impact (Knudson, 2018). I believe horseback riding would achieve this; you get to experience nature in a way that promotes a personal connection to the land and horseback riding in general, touches on our emotions. Horseback riding involves trust in the horse and the horse being able to trust you, and you form a connection with the horse in cases where it is one you see or ride often.

Additionally, visitors are drawn into the experience via effective interpretation, which encourages them to connect and interact with the topic (Knudson, 2018). Horseback riding requires the rider’s attention and involvement to guide the horse, maintain the rider’s balance and to travel through various environments. This in turn, would heighten the rider’s sense of awareness towards the environment and become more attuned to their surroundings. This would allow for a more meaningful experience as the rider is actively involved in the process, as deeper learning occurs when visitors actively participate in interpretation (Knudson, 2018).

Horseback riding is an enriching experience and a great way to engage with nature. I personally have gained so much more appreciation for nature while horseback riding. I think it is important to find a connection to nature so that we care to do more for the environment. I found I was able to develop my connection much easier when horseback riding, as that was something I cared deeply about. To ensure the preservation and sustainability of natural and cultural resources for future generations, interpretation should enable visitors to take on the role of stewards (Knudson, 2018). And so, I encourage everyone to find an activity they love that can help them find a connection to nature to allow all of us to be better stewards in the natural world.

Are there any outdoor activities that have inspired your connection to nature?

Here’s a photo to lighten your day!

References

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

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Blog 4 Post: Interpretation through Art

As someone who is studying landscape architecture, I see nature as both a scientific and artistic opportunities, designed to heal, inspire, and connect people to their surroundings.

My knowledge in landscape architecture, environmental sustainability, and urban design allows me to interpret nature through a specific unique lens. I am not simply just an observer, I am a designer of spaces that evoke emotion, promote well-being, and tell stories through natural elements.

Interpreting nature through art doesn’t necessarily require one to be a painter or a sculptor. Instead, it’s about recognizing the way art, whether visual, experiential, or spatial, helps shape our understanding and relationship with the natural world. In my current capstone I'm designing a therapeutic landscape garden, in that, I incorporate principles of colour psychology, spatial arrangement, and sensory engagement to create environments that reduce stress and promote healing. These spaces, much like paintings or sculptures, are artistic expressions of nature, designed with both aesthetics and purpose in mind.

Beauty in nature is more than what we see, it is what we feel, experience, and internalize. Chapter 5 of Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World discusses how beauty is a gift that goes beyond the superficial; it is a gateway to deeper appreciation and connection. When we frame nature as a work of art, we allow people to engage with it emotionally, making interpretation more meaningful.

In my work, I see the gift of beauty in how landscapes influence human health. A well-designed healing garden, for instance, is not just a collection of plants but a carefully curated immersive experience, one that calms anxiety, restores mental clarity, and reconnects individuals with nature. This aligns with Freeman Tilden’s idea that interpretation should present a “whole,” rather than just isolated facts. Beauty in nature isn’t just about a single element, it’s about how everything comes together to create a profound experience.

As I continue my journey in landscape architecture , I strive to interpret the gift of beauty by shaping environments that don’t just exist but speak, spaces that tell stories, evoke emotions, and remind people of the profound connection between humans and nature. Nature is the art; we are the interpreters.

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Hi Zayyan,

I really enjoyed reading your post, it was very insightful. I like that you incorporated how this topic relates to your studies and how it allowed us to see your perspective. I think interpreting nature is like you said, creating spaces that evoke emotions, but more than that, I think it’s about creating experiences that allow people to find their connection with the environment and nature. In this newfound connection with the environment and nature, people can begin to foster the idea of their role in protecting and preserving the environment.

You are completely right that art doesn’t have to be only in the forms of painting or sculpture. We discovered a variety of different ways in which art can be displayed to interpret nature including theater and music. I like that you mentioned your current project on therapeutic landscaping, I can see that it is a very good practical application of art in the natural world. It is very thoughtful and encouraging that you incorporate various forms of art such as colour psychology into your work to produce environments with the goal of reducing stress and encouraging healing. This kind of environment could encourage a lot of individuals to visit a place like this and may help to eliminate some of the barriers people face coming to nature interpretation locations, as we learned in previous chapters in the textbook.

I completely agree that beauty in nature is not just about a single element but about the interconnectedness of it. I think the “gift of beauty” refers to the beauty of nature being a gift to us and as such we must be appreciative and grateful for it, and work to do our part in raising or spreading environmental awareness.

Great post!

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Interpreting Nature Through Art

When we interpret nature through art, we are not only an educator for others but also an observer ourselves. The goal of interpreting nature is to offer a perspective that can resonate with others. Interpreters offer opinions on nature because they feel a deep connection to it. Interpretation through art allows us to see not only the visual beauty being presented but the historical, spiritual and emotional meanings conveyed in these art forms. The role of an interpreter that is using art to interpret is to connect the two worlds of human perception and the physical environment. As stated in the text, vibrant visuals that celebrate the world are created by arranging colours and forms in a way that remains in the mind of the viewer (Knudson, 2018).

The “gift of beauty” reminds us that while we all love to consume and admire what is offered by nature’s beauty for personal reasons, it carries more significance than that and therefore is a gift for us to be able enjoy. Interpreting through art demonstrates a responsibility that we have as consumers of nature, and that is to respect it, learn about and understand it and act kindly towards it. It reminds us of our duty to protect and preserve nature and the environment to ensure the success of future generations. We learned in Chapter 10 how interpretation through art can allow us to spread awareness of environmental issues. For example, the issue of climate change has been creatively expressed through work by artists and scientists (Knudson, 2018). The beauty of nature is a gift to us and is influenced by human interactions with the environment. When it is protected and preserved, its beauty can be maintained.

We all interpret nature differently and as we learned in Chapter 5, this can be influenced by our culture and history. As such, it would make sense that an artist’s perceptions can also be influenced by those factors. Helping people see the world more clearly, the cultures that came before and coexisted with their own, and how they might influence how people will live in harmony in the future is the main responsibility of the interpreter (Knudson, 2018). This can become easier when interpreting through art as, the arts and how our culture and landscape are interpreted are inherently linked (Knudson, 2018). In fact, a lot of people have realized that this kind of programming really appeals to those who aren't really interested in history or the environment (Knudson, 2018). By increasing the number of people who attend interpretative programs, this could perhaps lead to a greater awareness of cultural and environmental issues (Knudson, 2018) and art seems to be able to draw more people into nature interpretation because it drawls people in by their perceptions of the beauty of nature presented in the various forms of art.

References

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

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Prompt #3: Role of privilege in Nature Interpretation

Privilege plays a huge role in nature interpretation. It shapes access, opportunities, and the experiences of both interpreters and the people they’re trying to connect with. Privilege means unearned advantages, resources, and opportunities that people have simply because of factors like race, socioeconomic status, language, or cultural background. These advantages often go unnoticed by the people who have them, but they have a massive impact on how we engage with natural spaces and interpretive programs.

In this unit, we explored Peggy McIntosh’s metaphor of the “invisible backpack," privilege is descibed as this unseen collection of resources that people carry around without realizing it. For example, interpreters who speak the dominant language of their audience or share a similar cultural background might find it way easier to connect with people and communicate the importance of nature experiences. On the other hand, those who don’t have these privileges often face barriers like language differences, cultural misunderstandings, or even just the fact that they might not feel included or welcomed.

Through the textbook we learn that one of the biggest barriers is economic privilege. Transportation, entrance fees, or even owning the right gear can make or break someone’s ability to visit interpretive sites. A lot of these places assume visitors will just drive there, but not everyone has access to a car or the money for gas or parking fees. Programs like Transit to Trails are doing amazing work to bridge this gap by offering transportation for underserved communities.

Cultural privilege is another large factor that goes unnoticed. Sometimes interpreters unknowingly cater to dominant cultural norms, which can leave people with different values or traditions feeling excluded. The text really drives home how important it is to build trust with minority groups, and that starts by including them in the planning process. Things like sending personal invitations, partnering with community groups, and hiring minority interpreters can go a long way in breaking down cultural barriers and making these spaces more welcoming.

Privilege also affects how risks and rewards are perceived by both interpreters and their audiences. For some people, even just stepping into a natural space can feel like a huge challenge. Interpreters need to consider this and meet their audience where they’re at instead of expecting everyone to be on the same page.

As interpreters, we need to take a hard look at our own privilege. It’s not about feeling guilty or diminishing what we’ve achieved, it’s about acknowledging that the playing field isn’t level and working to change that. When we unpack our invisible backpacks, we can start to see how our own experiences and biases shape the way we interact with others. That self-awareness is so important for creating meaningful, inclusive experiences.

By breaking down barriers and embracing diverse perspectives, we can make sure the transformative power of nature is something everyone gets to experience, no matter who they are or where they come from! What are some other factors you think contribute to privilege in nature interpretation or access to natural spaces?

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Hi Maina,

You made a great post! Your post was very knowledgeable and really provided a good understanding of how privilege or lack thereof is affecting nature interpretation. I really like that you touched on a variety of forms of privilege including economic, cultural and language and how some people are unable to fully experience natural spaces because of the barriers these forms can create. You mentioned the metaphor by Peggy McIntosh, and this is such a powerful statement demonstrating how the people benefiting from certain advantages typically don’t even notice or acknowledge that they are benefiting from them. People often just think that it’s the norm or that everyone has the same advantages, but we know this is not the case. I think it is important for interpreters to acknowledge these advantages and disadvantages and self-reflect on how to improve their approach to make it inclusive and welcoming to everyone, especially the underserved minority groups. I really liked your insight on interpreters needing to look at our own privileges, stating “it’s about acknowledging that the playing field isn’t level and working to change that,” it really described the situation perfectly.

As for your question, I think physical ability and mental health are other factors that can contribute to privilege in nature interpretation. In terms of physical ability, I think often nature interpretations assume certain levels of fitness and mobility with typical activities including hikes, walks, and trails and they assume everyone can easily access and use these activities, but this is not the case. Individuals with disabilities can have very difficult times accessing spaces like this. Therefore, it is important to design an interpretation where nature is accessible regardless of everyone’s ability. On the other hand, mental health can cause individuals to feel overwhelmed or anxious in these spaces, whereas for many people it is viewed as therapeutic. If interpreters become more mindful of mental health, they may be able to create a more supportive and welcoming environment for these individuals so that it doesn’t seem as intimidating or so they don’t feel as though they can’t enjoy interpretations.

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The Role of Privilege in Nature Interpretation

As we learned in this unit, privilege plays a significant role in nature interpretation, influencing individuals understanding of nature as well as how they can interact with it. The undeserved advantages or benefits that some people or groups enjoy in society because of their social, economic, or cultural standing are referred to as privilege. Furthermore, different experiences and perceptions of natural and cultural landscapes can result from these advantages that people are granted based on factors like race, class, gender, ability, and education.

In nature interpretation, there is often large groups of people that are considered underserved audiences. The underserved audiences could be considered unprivileged in this case. These groups are often minorities that don’t come to interpretations for a variety of reasons including, economic barriers, cultural barriers, communication barriers, due to a lack of knowledge or fear (Knudson, 2018). This represents a large issue in nature interpretation because it is a very individualized service, and it entails assisting people in discovering their own interpretations and connections to the resources under interpretation (Knudson, 2018), and as such interpreters are losing these audiences due to the previously mentioned barriers. People with disabilities, children, teens, older folks, and members of ethnic minorities are more likely to engage when interpreters go out of their way to welcome and assist them (Knudson, 2018).

This is something I have personally experienced when out with my family members. My youngest brother has a severe disability and is wheelchair bound and as such it can be very difficult to take him places that are not well adapted for people with disabilities. It can be very upsetting when we are interested in going somewhere as a family and are unable to because of the barriers we will encounter due to a lack of accessibility. On the other hand, when places have thought of everything, and they can make a place accessible and enjoyable for people with disabilities, we are very appreciative and much more likely to go back there again.

So, what can interpreters due to make these events more inclusive? As we learned, they can work to reduce the previously mentioned barriers. This could include providing or aligning with transportation schedules, making sure minority groups feel included and invited, use varied media and multiple languages for strategic communication, and hire more minorities to increase staff diversity (Knudson, 2018). All these steps can make nature interpretation less intimidating to these underserved audiences and make them feel welcome. This benefits not only these individuals but also the interpreter as they are then reaching a larger audience. Additionally, the interpreter is expanding knowledge to a diverse group of individuals who have all had different experiences and obtain different perspectives and meanings from the interpretation.

A more inclusive and equitable approach is required when acknowledging the role of privilege in nature interpretation. Nature interpreters need to be conscious of the many audiences they cater to as well as how privilege affects how people can access and understand natural areas. This involves incorporating various diverse perspectives and making sure the underserved groups feel heard and seen. Additionally, the interpretations need to be more inclusive by including accessibility features for older participants, people with disabilities, people with language barriers, and so on. By doing so, nature interpretation can progress toward a more inclusive approach that develops more understanding and respect for the different ways individuals interact with and value nature.

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

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Unit 02: Teaching Learners

When I first read the blog post question, I was not too sure exactly what was meant by an environment interpreter. The purpose of an environmental interpreter is to create critical interpretations of reality that are observed in natural and social areas. Interpreters must cater to each and every learner, and be able to quickly adapt to the audiences needs. Passion and drive is what makes an excellent interpreter, as well as their ability to make the audience care. 

As an environmental interpreter, my ideal role would be to promote the education behind global warming. Through my years of school, there have been very few teachers that have touched on these subjects, unless it was those who were passionate about this subject. Additionally, there has been a small number of guest speakers and presentations that have touched on this important topic. Stating that, as an environmental interpreter, it would be a dream to go and educate young learners about global warming, and what we can do as people to help save what we have left of nature. This will allow people to understand what is truly going on in our world. 

Educational speaking would entail a group of individuals, including myself, who are passionate about saving the world and want to pass their passion onto their audience. This professional speaking would start out in schools, educating the young, eventually making way to adult presentations held within the community. It could be interactive presentations, such as games, or it could be informational sessions with pamphlets to hand out. That being said, this begins to become a problem due to the fact that many do not believe in global warming. So this now becomes a very opinionated topic, and a topic parents may not want their children to hear about. Stating that, this might entail consent forms for parents to sign that will state if they wish for their child to take part in this presentation. Additionally, presenters must be understanding if people do not wish to attend. Overall, to be a speaker presenting such a topic, you must have passion and hope that we can fix the issues we as people have created. Moreover, you must be confident and proud about what you are doing, and how it can save the world and the human generations to come. 

As a passionate person who wants to see nature thrive, I believe that education is the first step to protecting the environment. Far too many people do not know enough about this topic, or do not know anything at all. Although this is such a difficult and opinionated topic to present, I believe with the right group of people, this can happen. Lastly, I do believe that informational speaking allows people to better understand what is happening in our world.  

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Hi Calli,

I really enjoyed reading through your post and I think you made a thoughtful reflection on your ideal role as an interpreter especially regarding promoting awareness for global warming. I completely agree with your view on the importance of passion and adaptability required for an interpreter which you clearly highlighted in your post. Providing successful environmental interpretations requires not only knowledge but also an ability to engage and inspire people, especially on difficult and sometimes controversial topics like climate change and global warming. You provided an excellent idea of educating young learners and children on global warming, this could lead to promote long-term environmental awareness in these children as they age. Additionally, your idea of interactive presentations, such as games and hands-on activities, would make the subject more accessible and engaging for children. It’s essential to make these topics understandable, as well as emotionally impactful, to inspire action. The challenge you bring up about the controversy surrounding global warming and the potential resistance from parents or communities could provide a real issue as you mentioned. I think you came up with a great solution for this with providing consent forms for parents. Your role as an environmental interpreter, with a focus on educating people about the urgency of climate change, would be extremely valuable. With passion, knowledge, and empathy, I believe you could inspire people to take the necessary steps toward protecting the environment for future generations. Great post!