Interpreting Nature

Beauty, in the eye of the beholder.

[tgenvs3000w23]

My Role in Interpretation: Nature and the Environment

For me, as a developing nature interpreter and a growing human, there are a lot of values and ideals that are important to stay true to when I’m out there in the world, observing and interpreting. I’ve discussed and reflected throughout this course about who I am as an interpreter, so it’s only fitting to share that as I sign off for my final blog.

I remember mentioning in my first blog post how I felt this field of conservation and interpretation is where I was meant to end up. I wanted to talk more to that and why I chose to pursue this type of work. 

First off, I was an anxious kid when I was younger, not that that changed very much. I remember learning about climate change in science class, and it blew my mind when I found out this isn’t how it’s always been. There was a time when people didn’t worry about their emissions, or fret over a hole in the ozone layer, or talk about tipping points and irreversible damage and the ocean levels swallowing us whole. 

Not every generation was told they were the last hope. 

I had originally wanted to become a vet. I always say I changed majors from Animal Biology to Wildlife Biology and Conservation because I didn’t want to be doing the same spays and neuters for the rest of my life. The truth is, when I first heard about WBC, I was drawn in and it felt like I had this “aha moment” where I realized my purpose and where I would excel. Since then, I’ve learned just how to fulfill this purpose. I’ve heard over and over that it’s hard to make a career out of animal/environmental care and conservation. But that’s not why people rally to make these big movements for conservation, raise awareness, and advocate through their interpretation. So what drives us, what drives me?

I’m not in it for the money. I know I’m selfless and honest and respectful and empathetic. But these aren’t the values I want to describe just me, I want these ideals to be associated and intertwined with my interpretation, to guide and direct it.

Selfless

Selflessness means putting others before yourself. When I say I think it’s important to be selfless as an interpreter, what I mean is that you constantly have to be thinking about the audience you are providing your interpretation to. Interpreters aren’t doing this service just to hear themselves talk or just to cash a cheque. I became an interpreter because I cared about getting important messages out to people that want to listen. You can’t disregard your audience because they are the reason we interpret, and they are how our interpretation will spread.

Honest 

As an interpreter, I never lie to an audience, and I will always stick by this. I won’t make an issue bigger than it is, but I also won’t sugarcoat it to lessen the sting of reality. People are seeking interpretation and its services because they want to learn. I want my interpretation to be meaningful and relevant. We discussed in Unit 6 the importance of integrity, mostly in regard to historical interpretation, but this ideal is applicable to interpretation as a whole. It’s my job to make my message entertaining by itself, not add useless, half-true, or distracting filler for the sake of entertainment. An interpreter’s role is to lay out the facts, and move people to make them care about the message.

Respectful 

I feel this one is pretty self-explanatory, but the idea behind this is that people copy what they see. Of course, we want to practice respect all the time, but sometimes people forget that applies beyond human-human interactions. I think it’s not only important to be respectful of the people I talk with, but also of the animals I may handle to demonstrate messages, or the plants I pass on a nature hike, or just the way I talk about my appreciation for the environment around me. I think it’s especially important to verbalize to an audience the respect I am showing when demonstrating appreciation for something because it encourages mutual respect between them and me, and also them and their environment.

Empathetic

I want to be mindful of other people and how my interpretation may be further perceived based on different privileges. I think this was an important topic we reflected on in the course earlier, and moving forward something I will be (and already have been) conscious of when designing my approaches for interpretation. I think being empathetic can make me a better and more effective interpreter this way since I am constantly thinking about how to be more inclusive by changing my message, delivery, target audience, etc.

I aim to inspire people with my passion and enthusiasm for wildlife and environmental conservation. Sometimes I want to inspire action and change, other times I just want to make someone care. Not all of us interpreters will be reaching the same audience, so it’s important to work together so that we can rally everyone together for a common goal, a positive experience that can one day lead to positive change.

Art, science, technology, and teaching are the approaches I tend to gravitate toward as an interpreter, and I think are best suited to me as an individual. I like to use these four in combination because they can have different effects on how your message is presented and interpreted. Teaching is personable and unique, but so is art. Art doesn’t require much talking sometimes and can lead to deep reflection. Science is cool and fascinating, and also empowering for audiences. Technology is becoming more accessible and can elevate interpretation.

I didn’t leave myself very many words to summarize my post, but I hope some people out there relate to some things I’ve said and have more to add themselves. I definitely could go on, so if we meet on the other side of this screen, let’s chat about nature interpretation! You can tell me what you learned and I will share what I have too. Cheers to a good semester, best of luck.

Teagan :)

[coenvs3000w23]

Hey there Teagan!

I thought your focus on personal ethics in this blog post was inspired. I like how you listed put and explained the things you value in a concise manner, whilst also relating them to the course. I do have to say I share a few of these values with you.

In my blog post, I also mentioned empathy. I think our 3rd blog post really hammered this one down for me. Talking about privilege whilst also recognizing our own invisible backpacks allows us to apply nuance to the ways we interpret. Not everyone has the same background, and it is important to recognize that as it allows us to apply our interpretation on a wider, more inclusive scale.

Your section on selflessness was something I really had not thought of before. Or at least thought about it in that way. I too agree, that keeping the audience in mind is the most important thing. I just really never thought of it as selflessness, but I think that is a great way of characterizing it. I think that was one of the challenges I faced when beginning this class. Finding ways of not only expressing my experiences but also making that applicable to other people reading. I think its in the nature of interpretation to make something appeal to you, but it is important to recognize that at the end of the day, the media is for other people to read through.

"An educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and  relationships  through  the  use  of  original  objects,  by  firsthand  experience,  and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information"

~Freeman Tilden

At the end of the day, these are firsthand experiences so it's easy to forget their purpose is for others. Its when we can recognize this nuance as interpreters to be able to apply our own experiences and apply them to a wide range of readers.

Anyways, enough rambling... great post Teagan!

Cheers,

Colin

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. Sagamore Venture. Tilden, F. Chapter 1. What is Interpretation? (pp. 5). 

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Unit 10: Nature Interpretation's Role in Environmental Sustainability

This week, for our final post, we have been tasked with taking a look inward at ourselves as nature interpreters, and breaking down what our ethics, beliefs, responsibilities and approaches to interacting with the environment. I think this a really good way to finish off a great semester of nature interpretation blogging, as it gives us the opportunity to take another look at ourselves after learning so much.

My ethics and beliefs as a nature interpreter have definitely changed over the course of this semester, as while I always considered the environment as something we need to protect, this semester has instilled a sense of duty in me. Having learned about all the different ways we interpret nature and how it provides us with so many impactful and nostalgic memories, I now understand how valuable these experiences I’ve had outdoors are as well as the importance of securing the opportunity for future generations to have the same. Being a biology major with an anthropology minor, I interact with both conservation and humanitarian issues in the subject matter of my classes on an almost daily basis, which I also feel has shaped my sense of environmental ethics. Ethical issues involving conservation can often be quite tricky, as conflicts between human well-being and environmental well-being often arise. When looking into these issues, I often try to consider both perspectives such that harm to nature is minimized and benefits to humans are maximized. These can be tricky issues to navigate but placing a focus on protecting the environment over the long term should always be a main priority.

In terms of our responsibilities as nature interpreters, I think our main goal should be to project such ethics and beliefs while educating others on the value of the environment. Similar to the way this class helped me realize the worth of the memories I have in nature, acting as an interpreter allows one to start others down the same path. I will touch on methods that can be utilized to do so in the paragraphs to come, but I think that acting as a nature interpreter allows one to advocate for a critical piece of our Earth that otherwise lacks a voice. Anyone can go out into nature and experience its beauty, but it is the responsibility of nature interpreters to encourage others to do so, or to bring some of that beauty to those that can’t.

One of the most important things this course has provided me is exposure to the wide array of nature interpretation methods. Starting off in week one looking at past experiences allowed my interest in these topics to blossom throughout the semester, as our initial blogpost established why nature interpretation is so important for me. Going forward into the weeks that followed, I felt the desire to get others to start interpreting the same way the first blog prompt had pushed me. This first post also introduced me to the concept of one’s sense of place, which helped shape my understanding of why we appreciate specific environments, and it gave my feelings of nostalgia more legitimacy in the scope of the course.

An important method of nature interpretation touched on in the earlier blog posts was photography and art, and I found the various means of bringing the beauty of natural spaces to others quite compelling. Ever since I thought deeper about how pictures can act as a way to interpret nature, I have taken more photos of my natural surroundings and will continue to do so, such that I can save more snapshots of different places and seasons. Furthermore, thinking about these methods allowed me to appreciate art depicting nature more, as I could better understand how various mediums can extend the act of nature interpretation to those unable to reach a given location, and even inspire them to get out and interpret for themselves.

Another important method of nature interpretation that I didn’t realize would be so impactful was the making of my group’s first podcast. I had never considered that a podcast would provide an effective means to inspire others to get outside and interpret nature, but I found myself considering going out and birdwatching after making an episode about said topic. Furthermore, the subject matter of my group’s podcast got me to take a deep dive into birds as a whole, and while this episode was aimed at young children, even I found myself surprised and appreciative of some of the bird calls that I hear so commonly but had never pinned to a specific species. The act of making the podcast itself was quite informative, and I can now see how such a medium would be effective in bringing certain aspects of nature interpretation to others.

The last method of nature interpretation I found extremely interesting was music. While I had always considered human-made music inspired by nature to fall under this category, I had never considered that the sounds of nature themselves would also be considered a form of music. I have always listened to nature sounds while I study and work (I’m even doing so right now), but I had never thought about how these tracks could be considered forms of music produced by the environment. I found this quite compelling, as it allowed me to further conceptualize how auditory information can impact how one interprets a space.

Overall, I think the course’s use of a multitude of nature interpretation methods made me much better at doing so over the course of the semester, and the knowledge I gained both improved my appreciation of the environment around me while pushing me to help others understand the same concepts. Whether direct or indirect, nature interpretation provides us with the toolset to both appreciate the outdoors and gain a sense of environmental ethics, which act as essential lessons for the future that, hopefully, we can teach others as well.

I look forward to reading everyone else’s final posts :)

[coenvs3000w23]

Hey there,

Just wanted to first say I enjoyed your post. I particularly thought about your comment regarding nature not really having a voice. I completely agree. I think it makes it even easier to neglect right. I touch upon this in my post, but this, in conjunction with the fact that it has become easier and easier to neglect nature with technology on the rise; I think it has resulted in people becoming disconnected from nature, if not completely.

There is actually an article that talks about this disconnect, describing this disconnection as the reason individuals become disenchanted with nature (Boeckel, 2014). I think this only becomes a growing problem. The world moves fast, and the lifestyle of the modern world can sometimes be deafening, completely drowning out the blissful beauty nature has to offer. As someone who grew up in the city, this is something I focussed very much on in my post. It is so important for us as interpreters to recognize this. And it is important for us to take on the responsibility of connecting this disenfranchised people of society back with nature.

Anyways, thought this was a great post, and I really related to the focus on growth and appreciation improving over the semester. Hope you finish off the semester with a bang and Goodluck with any other assignments or exams you have to do!

Cheers,

Colin

References

Boeckel, J. V. (2014). At the heart of art and earth: An exploration of practices in arts-based Environmental Education. Environmental Education Research, 21(5), 801–802. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2014.959474 

[coenvs3000w23]

What I have Learned

As the semester comes to a close, it seems almost poetic that I sit here and struggle with how to tackle this final prompt. Of course, this would serve the most difficult to unpack. Wracking my brain and figuring out the best route of attack, I found myself retreating to old blog posts looking for any inspiration to guide me. In this most exciting field trip, I did not find the answers regarding this week's prompt, but rather I found how much I have grown as a nature interpreter, to begin with. What I have come to realize, is that where my development in interpreting nature would come to blossom, it would begin with enrollment in this class. Prior to this semester, having reflected upon it much now, I would say that nature was something I would have otherwise neglected. 

Growing up in Toronto, my experiences with nature were far and between; and this constant on-again-off-again relationship, I found created not only a toxic relationship between me and mother nature, but it left me desiring more. In our first blog post, we discussed who gave us a ‘sense of place’ and that person for me was my dad. Although my relationship with the outdoors was far from perfect, I was still lucky to have someone that would keep the flame from dying out. That being said, I can understand that having someone in my life doing that for me was a privilege and that for some kids, that flame can completely die out. I think this is the harsh reality for many growing up in big cities, and I, unfortunately, think that only becomes more of a reality with the technological era jumpstarting. As nature interpreters, I think we share a responsibility now more than ever to nurture that flame and to create that spark in individuals left behind. Whether they realize it or not. 

With the first day of class, I dreaded reading through the textbook. But to my surprise, I found myself completely indulging in the content of the course. Making textbook notes, I would often find myself adding to the content with my own ideas and my own thoughts. I explained this in my personal reflection, but I feel it important to include it here as I think it significantly aids in answering this prompt. Since the beginning of the course, I have been able to apply my own personal beliefs and experiences and I think that is what interpreting is all about. I think that’s what makes this course special. 

In the first readings, we learn a bit about what exactly interpretation is, I find myself often referencing this quote...

"An educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and  relationships  through  the  use  of  original  objects,  by  firsthand  experience,  and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information"

~Freeman Tilden

We see this quote in just this first chapter. I think it perfectly encapsulates the beauty of interpretation. Every one of us applies unique perspectives and experiences to the craft. 

It is from these experiences that we begin to build unique perspectives. Each and every one of us, differing in experiences, differ in outlook. We may value the same things and share similar ethics, but the importance and focus we place on them come from nuanced experiences and personalities we have built over years of development. The ways we tackle issues, or even those we tackle change from person to person because of this fact. With my past experiences with nature, or rather the lack thereof, I apply a few ethics when interpreting nature. First and foremost, I would like to believe that I incorporate fairness, equality, and empathy in the way I interpret nature. In our 3rd blog post, we dove into this topic a bit more. We talked about unpacking our ‘invisible backpacks’ and using that insight to be better able to communicate natural interpretation. I believe, no matter your experience with nature, you should feel comfortable in the space, and no matter your education level, there should be pieces of interpretation you can indulge in and relate to. I think that everyone not only has a different understanding of nature, but people also vary in experiences and feelings about nature. It is important, that people left behind, are focussed on, and encouraged into the space. That is not to say that people, already elbow deep, should not be further nurtured, but rather I would personally focus on the underprivileged individuals. Inspiring and igniting that flame at the entry-level, not only benefits all proceeding levels but also ensures people get into the space, to begin with.  

With this target audience in mind, 

What kind of approach would I use?

Even as a biology student, the prospect of learning about nature can sometimes be daunting. I think in many cases, this can be very off-putting for newcomers or people with little natural experience. In my experience, I find that approaches that work the best are ones that are more artistic in nature. Ones that simply expose an individual to the wonderful aspects of nature. In an article by Jan Van Boeckel, 2014, we see how a disconnect from nature can lead to disenchantment with nature as a whole. By presenting nature interpretation in digestible ways for newcomers, they are less likely to experience this disenchantment. Media that appeals to the emotional side, the fun side; I think would work best. It is important we aim to simply just expose individuals to the beauty of nature, as I believe that to be half the battle. 

In chapter 5, we learn approaches can be cognitive, affective, or even kinesthetic (Textbook, Ch.5). I believe the latter two are significant when approaching a group of people with little or no experience with nature. With illustrations of interpretation being affective and kinesthetic, the content begins more digestible and suddenly, the ‘dauntingness’ seems less of a threat. In fact, there are studies online that suggest that this is a good remedy for individuals disenchanted with nature. A more open-ended artistic process may allow these individuals to rekindle the connection between themselves and the natural world (Clearing, 2019). 

With the way the world is moving, the reality of children and even adults becoming disconnected from nature only becomes more and more true. The more these individuals are isolated from the beauty of nature, the more likely they are to become disenchanted with it. The way I would approach this issue is with open-minded, affective, and kinesthetic content that is more digestible for people not akin to nature. As sometimes just exposing an individual to nature can be enough to ignite a flame. Sometimes all it takes is a little spark to ignite that passion, and that is the hardest part. Once that passion is fired up, it becomes much easier to connect with the audience as there is a foundation to go off of. 

References 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. Sagamore Venture. Chapter 5. Guiding Principles of Interpretation, 106-107. 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. Sagamore Venture. Tilden, F. Chapter 1. What is Interpretation? (pp. 5). 

Boeckel, J. V. (2014). At the heart of art and earth: An exploration of practices in arts-based Environmental Education. Environmental Education Research, 21(5), 801–802. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2014.959474 

Why environmental educators shouldn't give up hope. Clearing. (2019, July 17).Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300 

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Amazing things in Nature!

Nature continues to amaze us daily, by constantly adapting to the changing world around us. One amazing thing I know about nature is bioluminescence, it’s one of the most eye-catching things I have seen myself. While vacationing, I had the privilege of seeing bioluminescence on the beach while in the Caribbean. The water lights up beautifully as you run your feet through it, and the mechanisms behind how the water lights up is even more interesting. The bioluminescence we see is essentially a chemical reaction produced by living organisms, and involves luciferin (the light), and luciferase (the catalyst) (Bedolfe, 2012). The luciferase combines luciferin with oxygen to oxidise it, which creates oxyluciferin, and photons. The light we see is the result of the chemical reaction usually occurring in the organism, but it does not always occur inside it (Bedolfe, 2012). When I ran my hands through the water and disrupted the waves, the organisms present, called dinoflagellates, produce light as a defense mechanism (Aguilera, 2015). Here is a picture below of bioluminscence in action at night!

Image Credits: Alvaro Bejarano

An interesting fact I learned while diving more into this topic is that it only takes 15 milliseconds for the dinoflagellates to respond to stimuli! (Aguilera, 2015). It is extremely fascinating to think that the pretty glow I observed in the water was actually a warning from the dinoflagellates. It is also known that high levels of algal bloom are actually harmful to humans, and exposure to these phytoplanktons can cause skin irritation, and cause negative effects on ecosystems (Powell, 2022). There are different colours of bioluminescence that we can see, personally, I have seen a mix of green and blue light being produced. Another event caused by bioluminescent organisms are red tides, which are rare but can be seen more often now due to climate change. Red tides are lasting longer due to temperature changes, water pollutants, as well as severe weather events (Powell, 2022). I have never seen a red tide, but this picture below shows how they can appear to us, and it looks a little similar to an oil spill!

Image Credits: M. Godfrey, 2006

Red tides are made of the same bioluminescent algal blooms that are responsible for the pretty green colours we see as well (Powell, 2022). It is important that we understand the importance of acknowledging events such as red tides, as these are natural warning signs from nature. Humans have a tendency to overlook a lot of unusual events in nature, which eventually can lead to disastrous climate change that is non-reversible. I enjoy seeing the beauty in nature, especially bioluminescence, and to conserve these organisms and keep our algae levels at health levels, it's important to take care of our oceans. Can you name other species that also use bioluminescence?

References

Aguilera, M. C. (2015, May 5). Research highlight: The force behind Nature's light. Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Retrieved from https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/research-highlight-force-behind-natures-light#:~:text=Dinoflagellates%20employ%20bioluminescence%20as%20a,as%20a%20type%20of%20alarm

Bedolfe, S. (2012, December 26). Ocean stemulation: How does bioluminescence work? One World One Ocean. Retrieved from https://oneworldoneocean.com/blog/ocean-stemulation-bioluminescence-how-does-it-work/

Powell, J. (2022, February 10). Bioluminescence - beautiful or dangerous? Gair Rhydd. Retrieved from http://cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/gairrhydd/bioluminescence-beautiful-or-dangerous/ 

[coenvs3000w23]

Hey there Simran,

Fascinating topic, bioluminescence. Great choice.

I thought especially the portion relating to the red tides was particularly interesting. Having never even heard of one, it was amazing to learn that even nature can utilize warning signs. Kind of poetic almost that a product of climate change would be red flashing lights. It's almost as if mother nature is putting on a display like “Hey! We got a problem here!”. Like it wasn’t obvious enough. Curious about this topic I did some research of my own. I found a few things:

Not all “Red”-tides are always red. As you mentioned. Sometimes, depending on the pigment they can range from green, orange, brown, and sometimes even purple (FWC, 2023). 

Harmful Algae Blooms (or HABs for short), as you said, are becoming more and more of an issue. Crazily, HABs have been documented in “every U.S coastal state” (NOS, 2013). 

Not only is it a sign of climate change… but these blooms can also make shellfish toxic to eat, as well as kill off fish species (NOS, 2013). 

Although the pictures of these tides are breathtaking, clearly the effects can be detrimental. I think this plays perfectly into your call to action, inspired. 

In terms of bioluminescent species, I don’t know many. The only one I can think of was the one fish from finding nemo… an anglerfish I believe. Although I don’t know many of these species, that is not indicative of the sheer number of bioluminescent species. I remember a while ago I watched a YouTube video, wherein they stated that 75% of deep-sea creatures withhold the ability to utilize bioluminescence (Boissoneault, 2022). And after doing a little bit more research I found that this is presumed to be true. In a study conducted by the MBARI, 2017 they accounted 75% of these animals were able to create their own light (Martini and Haddock, 2017).

Anyways, I digress. Great topic selection Simran. I included the YouTube video I mentioned below:

Cheers,

References

Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission. (2023). Are Red Tides Red? Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/faq/ 

Martini, S. and S.H.D. Haddock (2017). Quantification of bioluminescence from the surface to the deep sea demonstrates its predominance as an ecological trait. Scientific Reports, 7: 45750. doi.org/10.1038/srep45750

NOAA's National Ocean Service. (2013, June 1). What is a red tide? Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/redtide.html 

Boissoneault, L. [Real Science]. (2022, November 26). Why Is (Almost) All Bioluminescence In The Ocean [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJdLiKYKWzY

[coenvs3000w23]

Using The Tools We Have To Get By 

Being from a big city, I was not as fortunate as many people to be able to experience the natural world firsthand. Having grown up during the technological era, most of the knowledge I possess comes from watching an absurd amount of TikTok, YouTube shorts, and Instagram reels… 

During COVID, I had an abundance of spare time on my hands, and I spent more time than I would like to admit on YouTube. Now, most of this time was spent watching brain-rotting twitch drama but I did also spend a good amount of time watching nature documentaries. As I said, more screen time than I would like to admit… Anyways, during this time I found a documentary titled, The Insane Biology of: The Octopus. Apart from some amazing biological feats, what was most fascinating about this piece, is just how intelligent octopuses can be. Although defining intelligence can be difficult (as I have painfully learned in my psychology class :p), the octopus displays various levels of intelligence; in planning, in memory, in playful activity, and in ecological intelligence (Sammann, 2020). 

Most interestingly, octopuses have shown incredible feats of memory, both short-term and long-term; being able to recognize objects, areas, and even in some cases human being friends (). This in conjunction with the fact they are one of the few animals known to utilize composite tool use, they are seen to have superior survivability in the wild (Sammann, 2020). Transporting coconut shells and using them as shelter when they are tired; they display their incredible ability to plan and survive in nature (Sammann, 2020). Being completely separate from primates in the evolutionary tree, it begs the question… How have these wonderful creatures developed such an intense intelligent ability? Their secret?... They’ve had to. Octopuses are expected to be over 330 million years old, and over that time have faced significant challenges in the natural world (SMV, 2022). Originally, the ancestors of these squishy molluscs had shells, but around 160 million years ago they would come to lose their them (St. Fleur, 2017). With predation kicking up, being nimble and witty would serve more favourable in the eye of our mother nature (St. Fleur, 2017). As these conditions would require them to rely more on planning, strategy, and tool use to survive, they would learn to break out of their shell and live free. As to not ramble I’ll leave it here. However, if your curiosity consumes you, check out the end of this post for a link to the video. 

Anyways, as I have experienced firsthand, sometimes it can be difficult to indulge in nature. However, that is no reason to neglect it. There are a ton of resources online and some interesting forms of content that pertain to wildlife, geology, and anything that really pertains to nature. If you are feeling a little lost in nature, I left a list of some good places where I got started that helped me get more into learning about nature. These resources are sure to help fuel and nurture anyone trying to salvage their passion.  

List of Resources

The Insane Biology of: The Octopus 

The Wild Times Podcast

The Wild Times Podcast

The only outdoors, wildlife, and wilderness podcast with a heavy schmackeling of comedy! Featuring Forrest Galante.

Check out platforms like Netflix, Youtube, and National Geographic for more content like this :)

References

Sammann, S. [Real Science]. (2020, November 14). The Insane Biology of: The Octopus [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFP_AjJeP-M&t=776s

Science Museum of Virginia. (2022, April 1). When did the octopus first appear on Earth? Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://smv.org/learn/blog/when-did-octopus-first-appear-earth/. 

St. Fleur, N. (2017, March 6). Figuring Out When and Why Squids lost their shells. The New York Times. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/06/science/squid-fossils-shells.html. 

[cwenvs3000w23]

Music in Nature

Music in particular is an extremely powerful force that can draw people in, and express a powerful feeling in a way that people from all walks of life can enjoy and relate to. Music is a universal language that people from all cultures around the world use to express themselves, and the environment around them. Music can be any form of sound that is manipulated by a change of tone and pitch, and for this reason music is most definitely present in nature. The sounds of the birds calling to each other, the mating calls of various animals, and the sounds that are produced by climate such as the sound of wind echoing, or that of raindrops on the night of a thunderstorm these are all melodies that are produced everyday in nature. Sounds are used by many animals throughout the world's ecosystems to communicate various different messages such as for  mating, pointing out a food source, or warning fellow animals of a predator nearby, in a similar way to how humans use many different mediums to communicate their thoughts and feelings. It is for this reason that music is so present in nature, the sounds of nature tend to serve an important function, such as Ravens who will mimic the calls of other birds to trick them or lure them to a certain location (Bird Avid, 2022). In the same way, music serves an important function for humans in regards to helping us express emotions like beauty or despair in a way that simply speaking can't. 

One of the greatest and most consistent sources of inspiration that many artists draw from is often forces of nature, and you see many songs use references to nature, especially when you look at things such as folk music or cultural music, where references to the natural landscapes of a particular nation serves as a source of national pride. It is for this reason that music can be such a magical force when it comes to making people feel a deeper connection to nature which can further help develop someone's understanding of nature and of it’s beauty and importance (Beck et al., 2018). Nature in music can be seen in its purest form when we look at things such as the drum in indigenous culture which symbolises the heartbeat of mother earth, such connections show how intertwined nature truly is with music (Hampton, 2021).  

One song in particular for me personally that makes me feel a connection to a landscape in nature is the song Subwoofer Lullaby by c418, which is the artist that makes the band for the world famous video game, minecraft. I often had this and the rest of their soundtrack in my ear while working endless hours as a tree planter, the calm piano music made me feel such a strong connection to the earth I was planting, as I also had in mind my fond childhood memories of exploring the endless landscapes in minecraft. Minecraft is a game that had different soundtracks that often pertained to different biomes and landscapes of the map, and it did such a fantastic job of setting the mood of being in a spruce forest, a desert, a mine, or a snow biome. This is a great example of how music can be used to bring people closer to music, as you can also do through other forms of art such as video games, and there are no limits to the natural beauty you can capture in the form of song, and the magical feelings of awe that music can strike into the hearts of many.  

Citations

Why do ravens mimic sounds? explained. Bird Avid. (2022, December 1). Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://birdavid.com/ravens-mimic-sounds/#:~:text=Ravens%20make%20different%20sounds%20to,t%20so%20common%2C%20after%20all. 

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritagefor a Better World (1st ed). Sagamore Venture.Hampton, M. (2021, July 15). Indigenous drumming a sacred art. Merritt Herald. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://www.merrittherald.com/indigenous-drumming-a-sacred-art/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CFor%20First%20Nations%20Peoples%2C%20the,special%20rhythm%20on%20the%20drum.

[coenvs3000w23]

I thought your post brought a unique perspective to this conversation we have all been having as a class. From what I saw I didn't see too many people reference folk music. I'm not the biggest fan of it myself but I give you kudos for including it.

Regarding your song, I couldn't relate more. I grew up playing Minecraft, and even still I play it from time to time for nostalgia. The music is a complete vibe for me. Transports me right back in time. I really liked how you introduced the game itself as an interpretation of nature... and I couldn't agree more. Video games I would say are the art form I indulge most in, in front of music. So Minecraft, like you said, is that perfect mix. I too am reminded of the glorious tundra biome, or the badlands, the dark oak-roofed forest, the desert biomes. To some people, it may seem like an inauthentic view of the natural landscape, but growing up in the city I didn't have much to feed that hunger, so playing Minecraft was a way for me to connect with nature. To this day I value that. Also if you were to ask me the types of trees, I would probably only know the ones from Minecraft... sad but true

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Music, A Gateway to Nature

In a previous post earlier this year, we discussed interpretation through art. Discussing the “gift of beauty”, concluding that art can be a great way of indicting the preservation of nature by exposing audiences to nature around them. Through emotional and personal responses, art can be a great way of bringing passion linked with memory to the surface. In my post, we focussed on the great works of Bob Ross and his influence on me with his beautiful depictions of landscapes. Like paintings, music is another great artform of which can deeply entrench us in memory or space. In almost an instant, a cord, a singing voice, or a melody can streamline us into a memory or even a particular feeling.  Maybe even more so than a painting or other types of art. 

Music is enjoyed by all - an important part of every culture and the weird connection of music is seen not only in our own species but in other animals alike (Gray et al, 2001). Animals from across the world, not only humans, respond to music, evoking strong responses… emotional, cultural, and cognitive (Gray et al, 2001). Animals like elephants and birds actually have been documented making their own music (Abraham, n.d) (Hughes, 2022). Animals like dogs, cats, cows, primates, rabbits, as well as several others have been shown to elicit specific responses to specific musical stimuli (Hughes, 2022). Music has been shown to influence animals across the board. 

After going over this week’s readings, a particular quote from The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music spoke to me… Less a quote, more a question they pose. They ask the reader “Do musical sounds in nature reveal a profound bond between all living things?” (Gray et al, 2001). I believe this critical question to be true. Not only because musical notes can elicit a response in many animals, but because it is so good at bonding people. Whether part of the same culture or completely different ones, music has been proven to bring people together in times of sorrow. Whether it’s a popular song heard from across the world or a national anthem that brings a nation together, music has the ability to heal and bond.

As I sit here, at 12 am, searching my playlist to find music that brings me to a natural landscape… I find myself struggling. I have songs that remind me of people, and experiences, but why not any place? Of course, I remember songs like Mr. Brightside, bringing me right back to my first year on rez. Or 1901 by Phoenix transporting me to late-night drives in the summer. But no natural landscape. Racking my brain, and listening to about 2 hours of my playlist, I find it.

Like I mentioned in my first post, my dad was the person who gave me my “sense of place” in nature. Oftentimes, living in suburban Toronto, experiencing nature came hand in hand with long drives. That’s where I found many songs that brought me directly back to those car rides. Natural landscape wisping by my head. Songs like; When You Were Young by The Killers, Champagne Supernova by Oasis, She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5, Best of You by the Foo Fighters, and 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins… All bring me right back to long car rides filled with beautiful views and warm feelings. Although there isn’t one particular song, I sit here listening to this playlist being almost completely transported. Rain hitting the window, leaning my head on the window sill, I can almost perfectly picture the rough beautiful landscape of Hamilton cliffsides. Or the flat, seemingly endless fields in Essex, Ontario. In what I can only explain as a fever dream, these memories come flooding in.  

A photo from a cottage I visited in Kawartha Lakes, in 2017. Found this super late, but Juicy by Biggie reminds me of boat rides on the lake with my brother. Catching fish and good vibes.

References

Gray, P. Krause, B. Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C. & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science. 291. 52-54.

Abraham, R. (n.d.). Science tells us which Animals Like Music & which don't. Cuteness.com. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://www.cuteness.com/blog/content/science-tells-us-which-animals-like-music-and-which-dont 

Hughes, E. (2022, January 27). Do animals like music? Musical Mum. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://www.musicalmum.com/do-animals-like-music/ 

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Unit 6: Nature Interpretation through History

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

This quote is critical to the concept of history in relation to nature interpretation because it captures both the permanent and temporary qualities of the natural environments we experience in this course. It presents nature as something that changes, just as a railway station may vary in how trafficked it is at any given time, while also being permanent, having experienced so much and continuing to do so in the future. In the grand scheme of things, we experience nature like that train, passing through, but never staying long enough to fully appreciate the enduring nature of these spaces.

In an age of so much man-made infrastructure and technological distraction, we may still be able to interpret the nature that exists today, but without historical context, we would be unable to see how our interactions with the environment have changed over time. Nature is not as abundant as it used to be and understanding how those who came before us respected nature more or less than we do can provide important context to how we interact with what remains today. Nature interpretation is a discipline largely focused on perspective, and through historical means, we can discover a multitude of views on versions of natural spaces we may never be able to experience again. By tracking these perspectives and how different spaces change over time, we can gain a more holistic understanding of nature, dissecting how it once was, how it is today, and how it will continue to exist into the future.

Doubling back to the train analogy, the quote states that we should avoid being “done with the past,” as such would lack a sense of the permanence of the railway station. By looking back at how spaces we inhabit were once far more natural and how we developed them, we can combine such with the value we place in nature and try to avoid bringing similar destruction to the environment we have left. An important aspect of historical nature interpretation is understanding why the railway station was built in the first place but noting that its existence removes the need to build another. Human society in its current state exploits nature in many ways and has destroyed large portions of it, but looking back at this destruction is critical in understanding how to care for the spaces we still value today.

Furthermore, from a less conservation-oriented perspective, it is just really cool to look at how natural spaces change. Looking at how caves or various rock formations came to be, or reading accounts of how different regions used to be forested, entirely covered by water or just different in some distinct way is very compelling. We might just be passing through a railway station on our train, but our ability to take a snapshot as an interpreter, and explain why a space was so meaningful to us in that moment is truly beautiful. No one’s account of a place in nature will ever be entirely the same, as while we have differing perspectives touched on in previous weeks, such is further altered by time itself. Nature would be a lot less interesting if everyone who experienced it saw, felt and heard the exact same things. The wild spontaneity of nature is one of the things that makes it so compelling and the historical perspective nature interpretation provides allows us to appreciate it.

[coenvs3000w23]

I particularly liked the blurb you had about how nature is different from person to person. I think that strongly relates to the topic of nature interpretation. Particularly this reminds me of our first blog post. Reading through everyone's stories and experiences in the outdoors really opened my eyes up to really appreciate nature, but as well as it helped me appreciate my experiences more. We all have a lot to learn, and I think being able to listen to people's stories is particularly important playing into the theme of the historical interpretation of nature. You can look at it on large scale but I thought it was a cool thought to think of it on a more individual basis.

Overall great post, William

Looking forward to posts in the future.

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Appreciating Our Past

In class this week, we got the pleasure of getting to learn about interpretation through a historical lens. Upon reading, I often found myself daydreaming of a younger version of myself. Who I was, and what I have come to be. The changes I have made, the things I have improved on and how I have developed into the person I am today. Like anyone looking back at their past self, I often found myself cringing, and grateful for the place I am today. Not only do I feel I have improved, but often, especially because of reflections like these, I have learned to grow from past experiences. No matter how big or small, I often find it extremely useful to look back on the past and grow from it. Not only that but it's these times I learn the most about myself. Ironically, looking back, I would be lying if I said I was a fan of history. But as I have matured I think being able to reflect on the past has helped me appreciate history as a whole. 

In the textbook, I really enjoyed the section Preserving and Interpreting Memories. Often, I found myself relating to this section of the readings, and I think the following quote outlines my thoughts exactly…

“We need the past for our sense of who we are. We need the past for a sense of our civic responsibility, how all these benefits and freedoms came to us, and what it is our duty to protect.”

~ David McCullough

When I find myself daydreaming about the past, thinking about the people I have met along the way I find myself finding a better sense of self. I would like to say I am very confident in the person I am today, and I think I'm in that position because I have reflected on so much of my past. Looking back, feeling nostalgia, helps me feel like me. I find that I can get a better sense of self, as well as the privileges and freedoms I have been given. This not only allows me to appreciate myself and my experiences, but it allows me to appreciate those around me more. 

The quote we have been given to unpack is as follows. 

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

Although this quote may be a mouthful, I think the end is particularly profound. Much like the railway station, life and experience exists outside of our scope (the train). When you neglect the parts that lead up to and influence our present – reality itself becomes distorted. With knowledge of our histories, we are better able to understand and appreciate our realities. 

Although I agree with the common phrase “don’t dwell on the past”, I believe it still quintessential to reflect on the past. Whether it be in a classroom or in a daydream, maintenance of these truths is essential for our integrity; allowing us to improve as well as move forward. 

The society that loses its grip on the past is in danger, for it produces men who know nothing but the present, and who are not aware that life had been, and could be, different from what it is.

~Aristotle

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

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A Rainy Day...

Before I start, let me paint the picture of what I am doing at this point in time. So here I am, sitting at my desk at the time I have allotted to complete this blog post. I am on my computer staring at a blank word document for what feels like forever. It's raining outside, so I feel comfortable and a bit more reluctant to complete this task. Cars are passing by, but I haven't heard a single soul outside yet, which is strange because it's 1pm. I am reflecting on the fact that throughout the entire day, I always have what feels like 1000 different thoughts in my head at once that don't let me have a moment of silence. But right now. With all the power in the world to talk about anything I wish, my mind is blank and quiet.

It's amusing to me that no boundaries were set for this week, and I have the chance to be creative, but I am at a loss. When I really think about it, I am a bit fearful! Why can't I decide on one thing? Am I too reliant on others or my phone? Can I not think for myself? But then I take a step back and remind myself that we are in a challenging part of the semester. I have assignments like no other, midterms coming up, and my body has been wrapped in stress for far too long. So? It's okay that I couldn't think of something right away. I'm tired, and school has been a lot.

So instead of talking about things that stimulate the brain, let's talk about how powerful weather, seasons and conditions are to us. Because as I look outside on this cold rainy day, all I want to do is stay inside, close my school work and watch a movie. The act of leaving my apartment right now feels like the largest chore. It is so funny because yesterday it was 6 degrees Celsius and sunny, and I was so upbeat and wanted to stay out the whole day.

However, today, my day started completely different because I woke up to the sound of rain. I think that's pretty powerful, don't you think?

I don't know about you, but when the sun started setting at 4:30pm in late November to December, I was struggling. As someone who likes to get things done during the day, trying to get work done when it is dark felt impossible. My roommates and I found each other getting ready for bed at 6pm and would only realize once we checked the time. We felt so tired, and it ultimately affected all of our work patterns and mental states. Seasonal depression is so real. It's hard to stay so upbeat when the day ends so early. Nowadays, the sun is setting at 5:30pm, and things are starting to feel much better. Although I am still anxiously waiting for the warmth of summer and those long summer months when the day doesn't end until 9pm.

I guess I am trying to say is that sometimes you must take a step back to see how often we are affected by nature. It's okay if you wake up feeling down on a cold rainy day with no intention to move. Seasons and weather are so powerful! It subconsciously affects us every day without us even knowing sometimes.

Here is a picture that was taken at 9:07pm in June.

[coenvs3000w23]

Hey there,

I found it funny (or not:/) that you wrote about how you missed the days ending at 9 pm, the summer. I am completely in the same boat. Sitting without a blog prompt, thinking about my relationship with nature. All I could think about is how dreadful the weather has been. Just trying to remember the last time I got out to see the sun. Especially with school kicking up, I find I rarely get to even go outside… let alone appreciate it. Sitting inside, looking out at a grey and grim skyline only reminds me of this truth. I found myself also going back to the summer and appreciating the days outside and the sun on my face. I say it's funny you wrote a similar blog post as me but, in a way, it’s also kind of comforting too. 

Being outside and being in nature has always been my escape. It has always been an outlet for me to take a step back and breathe. It sucks to not have that. To be blunt. It sucks. There will be days I wake up at 11 am, met with only a few hours of sunlight and on top of that, I live in a basement. I rarely see the sun and lately, I fear I am becoming a vampire. 

Anyways, I think it is important now, especially as it warms, that people try and get out more. Experience the outdoors, and whether it’s a city or countryside version of that… It doesn’t matter. Personally, I am going to try and walk my dog more…

[coenvs3000w23]

A Sunday Afternoon

As these deep winter weeks roll on by, with snowfall coming and going, snow melting and falling… I've been reflecting on what I miss most about nature. The weather has been super inconsistent this week in Toronto. The week started with a foot or so of snow; all that is left is mud and slush. At the same time, school has begun to ramp up. I find myself without much free time, with the weather being all over the place… I haven’t gotten to go outside much this winter, let alone go and enjoy it. I miss it.

The whole summer I basically spent outdoors. Spent it outside surrounded by trees and sunlight, lately, I've missed that. Over the summer, and even most of the fall, I spent most days outside working at my summer job; go Karts. Growing up in the city, I have never been the nature kid, but experiences like this were the closest I had to that. Now for all the country folk, it may not seem like a lot. But to me it was everything.

How much nature could you possibly experience while on a racetrack?

Being in the city, the closest a lot of people get to the outdoors is late at night when they go to throw the trash out. The closest to wildlife you get is the scene of a raccoon scrummaging through your trash as a dog barks at a squirrel. Suffice it to say, not really a moment you sit with yourself and appreciate the things around you. Being on that go-kart track meant and to this day means a lot to me. Waking up in the morning, getting outside, and on the less chaotic days; I would often find myself embraced in the sun. The track is in the middle of a big park and next door is a large conservatory. It's not the perfect nature experience, but it was mine to hold. With ponds scattered around, turtles were often available and every morning and dawn I would watch as they scurried out to get the last bit of sunlight they could. Often they would venture too far so I would be assigned the task of animal rescue. Wildlife conservation if you will. Every so often I would get a radio in that some cute little midland turtles were found on the track. Many times, I would find myself tracking and putting turtles back onto the pond beach. As I let them down, I would watch them scuttle through the tall grass back into the pond. It would be the best part of many days.

Jeremiah, a recurring guest at the track :)

The track was filled with wildlife. Robins, the occasional blue jay, snakes, of course, squirrels. As I am writing this, I'm remembering a small family of coyotes who lived at the back of the track near the forest area. I believed it to be a mother and three cubs, who used to live in an old and destroyed storm drain. Just before close, often at dawn the cubs would come out and run all over the field and track. I wish I had more pictures of some of the wildlife but I rarely had my phone on me to snag pics. This year when I go back I will for sure try to capture it in the moment.

Growing up, as I have mentioned in blog posts before this, used to be void of much nature and wildlife. My experience at the track… is my connection with nature. It may not be much, may not be authentic, but it is something I hold close to me. Although I am envious of the people growing up in the countryside or up in the Muskoka’s, whatever it may be… this is the experience I miss. I think I am going to try to go out more. There is a valley near my house maybe I’ll go and walk my dog more. I don’t know, surely, I will find something…

Ignore the transmission towers ;)

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Interpreting Nature Through Art

There are many different ways to interpret nature, but one way is through art.  Using art to interpret nature is a powerful tool to increase engagement and enjoyment for guests (Beck et al. 2019). There are many different ways a nature interpreter can use art to engage their audience, it can be through dance, music, theatre, paintings, and poetry. Using these different forms of art as a nature interpreter is a unique way to connect your audience with nature on a personal level.  

The thing about art is that multiple people can look at the same painting or listen to the same song, but all of them will interpret the meaning in different ways.  This is why for centuries artists have resisted having anyone  “explain the meaning”  of a  painting or sculpture; they insist that each person should have an individual response and interpretation of the significance of the work (Beck et al. 2019). For many artists, art is a way for them to express their emotions when it comes to nature, and can use their artwork to help educate people on certain environmental issues. This can make people experience a lot of different feelings and emotions and this is a good way for artists to use their art to help promote conservation. 

One way that nature can be interpreted through art is by photography, and now that we live in a world where basically everyone has an iPhone or a phone with a camera this is becoming one of the most common ways. Taking pictures of nature is something that I have done my whole life, every time I see a sunset, a unique landscape, or some kind of wildlife I have always felt the need to capture the moment by taking a picture. 

Another way that I have been able to frequently interpret nature through art is by frequently visiting Algonquin Park. As I mentioned in previous blogs, my family's cottage is right at the gate of Algonquin park, so growing up I would always go multiple times a year. One of my favorite things to do at the park is go to the park's art center. The art center has some of the most breathtaking art I have ever seen in my life. However, there was one artist whose art I really enjoy and that is the artwork of Tom Thompson. My favorite painting of his is of Canoe Lake.  Canoe Lake is a lake that I have canoed on for my whole life and whenever I see that painting it makes me feel calm and relaxed.  In fact, this is actually the lake he died on, and one summer my friends and I even canoed to the site of his grave. Although I have spent a lot of time in Algonquin Park the art of Tom Thompson has really helped me connect with nature and help me find my sense of place.

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

1 note

[coenvs3000w23]

Hey there, I completely relate to you in terms of paintings of nature being absolutely breathtaking. Some people may say they can truly appreciate nature through photography, but I feel paintings can bring something to the table that photos just can't. I find that paintings, rather just being a picture of something existing, demonstrates abstract views of nature. A lot of famous paintings, like those of Van Gogh, are illustrations of real places yet they differ ever so slightly. It's almost the picture that Van Gogh sees in his head rather than what's in front of him. Not only does this lead to a beautiful painting but I find oftentimes like you described, these paintings can remind you of places you have been, and feelings you've had. I think that there is nothing like that. Not only that but one painting can mean one thing to one person, and elicit a completely different sensation in someone else. I find oftentimes with art, what makes it so great... that no matter who you are, what you are interested in, and the qualifications you have... the art pertaining to nature, for everyone, can elicit an emotional response in ways you would not otherwise be able to achieve.

Nevertheless, great blog post. I really enjoyed it

Cheers,

Colin

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The "Gift of Beauty"

As we have learned, nature interpretation can be explained as a means of communication between the interpreter and their audience. Methods of communication can vary drastically, and the understanding of the audience (as the interpreter) dictates the methods used. The goal of the interpretation may also vary. Goals be that of conservation, education, in general, the interpreter attempts to elicit a meaningful and profound response in the audience. As we continue to evolve and grow as interpreters, we learn ways to connect with our audiences, whether that be through social media posts, podcasts, essays, programs, conservation efforts; the whole lot… As a general analogy, I like to compare the interpreter to a janitor, equipped with a ring of keys they choose from to unlock a door, or in this case to reach and unlock emotion within an audience. 

Now the purpose of this blog post is to not simply state what we have learned so far, what I have learned… But rather I wanted to use it as a Segway into the topic I will be discussing today. Interpretation of nature through art. You see, many aspects of each are much alike. Each play into the strengths of one other. Much like interpreters, artists attempt to reach a broadened audience with the aim to connect and communicate with the eye beholding the art. It may mean different things and elicit different responses in everyone. Regardless of status, education level, or expertise, everyone may find a way to relate to and appreciate the content. The two are so very similar in this way, and art can be a great vehicle for interpreters to utilize when trying to connect to their audience. Whether it be through music, paintings, or expressions of any kind. Art can be a great way of reaching a broad audience due to its inherent ability to be personalized. 

The textbook describes “the gift of beauty” as a spiritual effect or to indict the preservation of nature through by exposing the audience to the nature around them (Beck et al. 2018). When individuals can truly appreciate the nature around them, they can then recognize the beauty of nature. 

Art can be a great way to elicit this. With the good representation of true nature in art, the eye of the beholder is given a direct line to the true beauty of nature. An artist that immediately comes to mind is Bob Ross. Known far and wide, Bob Ross was one of the first to represent nature and its beauty in his art. His tutorial videos where he paints rolling hills on a cold summer eve, painting purple skies and tree lines filled with friendly and open trees illustrate a near-perfect picture of the beauty of nature. In just a frame, and a couple of hours he can turn a white canvas into a breathtaking image of a forest. I would spend hours watching these videos growing up. 

Bob Ross' "Alaskan Waterfall"

Art forms come in many shapes and sizes. Whether it be a song you are fond of, a painting you stare endlessly into, or a theatre performance you regularly attend; there is something for everyone, a piece of art that anyone can appreciate. This can be directly translated into nature interpretation. Regardless of the art form that speaks most to you, everyone should receive the gift of beauty. Whether a performance, a song, a painting, or even a picture you have taken of an old railroad breaking through thick forest… There are several ways someone can appreciate nature through art. 

A photo I took in the Whistler, BC

References

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

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Recognizing Privilege

Privilege is defined as a unique advantage or power held by a specific individual or group. You may be privileged depending on a variety of factors, including your race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, wealth, and class. It is also evident that privilege is prevalent within nature interpretation. For me personally, I never knew I had the privilege in regards to nature interpretation growing up, but I have realized over the years that I was in fact privileged.

Growing up, I never really enjoyed being outside or in the natural world. I've always loved being home and taking advantage of the comforts of my surroundings. I was never in the mood to be outside, and I would do all in my power to stay inside. However, I am very appreciative to my parents for influencing my perspective and encouraging a connection with nature in me from an early age. My parents have always tried their best to get us out in the nature, like going for really long trips to other cities just for their known parks and trails. Some of these rides would take up to 6 hours, but to my parents it was worth it because it would allow us to the see the beautiful nature that exists within our area. Every evening my mother would takes us for a walk (and still does to this day), to different trails and parks in our neighbourhood to have a glimpse of the nature and relax. My grandparents would also take me and my siblings for walks in our area, and they would show use medicinal herbs along the trails, explaining the benefit of each one. Because I've never really liked nature, as I've already mentioned, I've always found all of this to be uninteresting. When these kinds of events arose, I would always view them as something "to get over with."

It has occurred to me as I've gotten older and more time has passed that having my parents' aid in allowing me to interact with nature is just a blessing. It is a gift to be able to maintain the same nature connections with my parents and grandparents that I did when I was younger. As a young adult, these advantages have been really helpful to me. All of those dreaded lengthy journeys to distant trails, parks, and beaches have significantly altered how I view nature and the natural world. My love of biology, which is obviously related to my love of nature, has led to my current degree. I'm hoping that other individuals are also able to understand or recognize their privileges. It is sometimes difficult for some to understand that they are privileged to some degree for the simplest things, like even going out to the grocery store safely. Understanding every possible event in one's life, trying to comprehend how it might affect them positively or negatively, and determining whether it is a privilege are all essential. Overall, privilege does play into nature interpretation, as explained in this post.

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Hey Fatima, I really enjoyed your post. I think you brought up some great points specifically regarding your focus on grandparents and parents. I wish now I could have included some of that stuff in my blog post as I really thought it is a good way to connect with an audience. A more personalized view.

I talked similarly in my first blog post where I talked about my privilege of having parents (specifically my dad) who exposed me to nature and the subsequent benefits. I really liked the stories you told to demonstrate this relationship you shared with your parents, specifically and much like you I am grateful that I had parents similar to yours.

I find it difficult to recognize and truly appreciate the advantages you are given at a young age as well. You are not really as aware and it is hard to truly appreciate things until you get older. I was in that same boat. I don't know if this reigns true to your experience but for me, when I started seeing and really understanding my privilege it kind of came with a pang of guilt. Like all this time I was so lucky to have these outlets into nature, and growing up I wish that I appreciated that more. I kind of lost my connection with nature during my teen years and looking back I feel like; 1. I wasted the relationship with nature my dad worked so hard to nourish and 2. many kids would have given up a lot to be in the position I was in. I don't know if that makes sense? But I was wondering if you have ever had this same type of guilt in regard to recognizing privilege. Privilege is always a nuanced topic so I apologize if that is an inappropriate question, I was just curious to see if that is a feeling others share.

Again, great blog post.

Colin

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Striving to be Better

Privilege influences several aspects of daily life; whether you recognize it or not, it may give you advantages and immunities to utilize in your professional and working life. Popular women’s studies scholar Peggy McIntosh would outline privilege as an invisible backpack; a weightless, filled bag with tools you can readily pull from to gain an advantage. She would write a paper in the late ’80s titled “White Privilege and Male Privilege: A Personal Account of Coming to See Correspondences Through Work in Women’s Studies,” wherein she would outline specific accounts and examples of the working and evolving privilege (46 of them) of being white, or the white man (New Yorker 2014). Displaying for everyone to see just a fraction of the disadvantages, oppressions, and discriminations many minorities face daily. 

I am middle class, I am white, I am a man, I am straight, I am able-bodied, and I grew up catholic. I have been given advantages and immunities that are not otherwise available to a lot of people. I have had to come to recognize that. Checking my privilege is often something I have had to do, something I continue to do. Although I would like to be perfect, I am not. Over the years I would like to believe I could recognize the advantages I have been given, but there have been several times when I have had to readdress my thought process and evolve my understanding of what it means to be a straight white man. Not only have I seen the racial discrimination certain cultures have dealt with, but I have also come to realize the abhorrent experiences specifically women are somehow expected to “just accept”. Homophobia continues to be an inherent problem, transphobia is a growing and more prevalent issue every day, ageism, and ablism, are all just a few to name. These injustices are many things and seeing them normalized in certain corners of society is extremely unjust and is frankly, appalling.

In my experience, being aware of your privilege is simply not enough. What I have noticed is critical is actively trying to recognize new instances of privilege you may not have thought to be true. As society evolves, individuals are given vehicles to express their truths and experiences; we have quickly come to see just how impactful certain privileges can be on daily life. It is important for people to feel comfortable telling their stories, but most of all, we must listen. 

Privilege plays a prevalent role in everyday life, and there is no exception regarding nature interpretation. It is quintessential that as interpreters we can first recognize them, and secondly, we can incorporate systems that appropriately address these issues. When this understanding is neglected, systemic bias may compromise the internal validity of programmes. Barriers reveal themselves and marginalized groups, unfortunately, tend to be the affected. As interpreters it is essential, we can reach these audiences, and it is truly important we can share our passion with people who have not gotten to experience it before. Incorporating active systems that account for these barriers is critical in achieving this. Whether they are systems that increase the accessibility of programs, systems that encourage open-mindedness and appropriate representation, strategic methods of communication, or appropriate programs to educate individuals; all are essential for reaching marginalized members of society. 

All in all, it is pretty apparent that privilege plays a role in everyday life, and it is critical that as a society we move forward with an open mind, and it is critical we can listen to others' experiences. Privilege can play a prevalent role in nature interpretation. Interpreters being capable of recognizing these privileges in conjunction with placing strategies in place to reduce systematic and internal biases is essential in sharing their passions with marginalized communities.  

References 

Rothman, J. (2014, May 12). The origins of "Privilege". The New Yorker. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-origins-of-privilege 

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Translating the Natural World: Environmental Interpretation

An ideal role of an environmental interpreter would involve educating and engaging the public about the natural world and the importance of conservation. They could lead guided hikes and nature walks, give presentations and talks, and develop educational materials such as brochures and interpretive signs. The role would also involve creating and implementing environmental education programs for schools and other groups of visitors.

The ideal environmental interpreter would be in outdoor settings, such as national parks, nature centres, and other protected areas. These settings would provide opportunities to teach visitors about the unique ecosystems and wildlife found in these areas and the importance of preserving and protecting these resources.

The skills needed for this role would include a deep understanding of the natural world, strong communication and presentation skills, and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. An environmental interpreter must have a broad understanding of ecology, geology, and other natural sciences to convey this information effectively to visitors. Complex scientific concepts must be communicated in a way that can be easily understood by a general audience. Additionally, a strong background in environmental education and experience working with children and adults would be beneficial. They should also be comfortable speaking in front of groups, leading guided hikes and nature walks, and creating educational materials.

The ideal environmental interpreter should also have a passion for conservation and a desire to inspire others to take action to protect the environment. They could work with local organizations to promote conservation efforts and encourage visitors to reduce their environmental impact. In addition, they should be comfortable working independently and as part of a team, able to work in various weather conditions, have a basic understanding of wilderness first aid, and be comfortable working with and around wildlife.

Overall, the ideal role of an environmental interpreter would be dynamic and rewarding, combining a passion for the natural world with the ability to educate and inspire others to take action to protect the environment. It would be an exciting opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful and unique places across the world while sharing that beauty with others and fostering a love and appreciation for nature.

If I could choose, I would be an environmental interpreter in the city. I know it sounds strange, but this is because I believe many individuals who live in urban areas are disconnected from nature and the world around them. While the primary focus of the job may be different than interpreting in more rural or wilderness areas, the core principles of educating and engaging the public about the natural world and the importance of conservation still apply. In an urban setting, I could focus on educating visitors about the unique ecosystems found in urban environments, such as parks and green spaces, and the importance of preserving and protecting these resources.

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Hey Anisa, I really enjoyed your blog post. Your specific commentary on expertise and linking that to inspiring others to conserve and protect. I thought it was really smart. I didn't focus on the expertise aspect in my blog post as the word limit was a little bit restrictive for me, but I really thought you used it appropriately and effectively. Additionally, I really liked your aim of protecting and conserving as I also think it is extremely important at this moment in time that interpreters enforce that. With world growth happening at the rate it is, trying to find new housing, new communities, and building transportation especially affects natural ecosystems and their inhabitants.

I also think that this meshes very well with the ideal job being in the city. Growing up in Toronto it was very hard to build a stable and reliable relationship with nature. Other blog posts as well as mine expressed this from what I saw, I think you are spot on. If it wasn't for my dad who gave me a sense of place, I am unsure if I would have the same relationship with nature I do today. The idea to bring interpreters to big cities has the potential to bring great change as well as kindle a new love for nature, something that may be neglected... I think it is great to bring focus to this. Great job!

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To: Nature's Interpreters

As I described in my previous blog post, I think there is an extreme disconnect between people growing up in big cities and the subsequent nature around them. Being online, and doing other activities were more available and thus it incorporated much of my time. As time passes, that only serves truer, especially with new generations. Neglecting to ignite the youth's passion and love for the natural world now may hinder our ability to nurture that flame as generations come. 

As the technological world grows, kids growing up in these major cities have their phones and other technologies at the tips of their fingers, whereas the beauty of the natural world becomes distant and unavailable. With kids in these places neglecting nature and the evolution of the technological world having no end seemingly in sight, it bears the question:

With the new technological world arising, how do we reignite this love of nature? What methods should we utilize?

It begins with the interpreter. Converting and channelling the skills they have mastered into the people around them; reaching their audience is critical in beginning to interpret the natural world. Skills like; expressing enthusiasm, persuasion, leadership, persistence, passion, and being extremely knowledgeable in these settings they teach in are all straightforward, self-explanatory tangible skills.  A good interpreter will encompass all these attributes. Among these, I will add linguistical skills and listening skills.  Being able to communicate with the audience can be critical in instilling a trustworthy relationship with the learner and in turn creates a stable environment for the evolving relationship between the learner and nature. 

I think these skills alone do not translate into influence, and thus the interpreter must have a platform to appropriately express their skills and in turn teach a lot of people. But what outlets and platforms do we utilize to achieve that? I believe ironically enough; the answer is social media. Nature being not readily available to people (especially in big cities) I think is a huge problem and confounder as to why nature is neglected in these areas. I think more social media influences with nature appreciation at its core being represented serves to more easily allow kids and young adults to access this type of content. I don’t think this is a matter of opinion, although it reigns true for me. I think it has just been proven to work. In several areas like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, and Netflix; content pertaining to nature has shown to be successful and extremely impactful. @thegentlebarn, a TikTok page dedicated to a farm animal sanctuary is a great example of this as they have recently displayed extreme success and popularity. Several twitch users have also begun to utilize this vehicle of social media and as twitch grows, I think this platform (especially for young people) will be a great place to create this type of content. Nature documentaries on Netflix, as well as other streaming services, have also seen great success. If you remember during COVID-19, the Netflix documentary Our Planet, was an extremely popular one, being at the top of their top 10 for months. 

There are countless examples of these social media influences, and their impact can be profound. This type of content has and is seeing extreme success and I think it is critical that as new interpreters come, they focus their energy on these vehicles of delivery. Interpreters on social media can reach a very large audience, as well as intrigue their audience from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, with the shareable nature of this type of content, the ability for this content to grow is insurmountable as it will become so accessible. Not only that, but learners can experience the beauty of nature with their friends and loved ones. 

That being said, I am sharing this all through social media. So maybe I am a tad biased :0