An Interpretative Nature Blog

CT's Thoughts on Nature Interpretation Profile Image: Patrice Bouchard | Banner Image: Andrik Langfield

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Disclaimer

This blog was created for 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.

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Blog 10

Welcome back to my final blog post!

As I journey through the world of nature interpretation, my personal ethic has become a compass guiding my interactions with the natural world and those who seek to connect with it. Over this semester I have found myself reflecting more on my connection with nature throughout my adventures. For me, nature interpretation is not just about sharing facts and stories, it's about creating meaningful connections and reigniting my interest in a deeper appreciation and stewardship of our environment. In this reflection, I’d like to share my beliefs, responsibilities, and approaches as well as some personal experiences that have helped shape my path.

I would like to begin by sharing some of my core beliefs that have developed over time. My approach to nature interpretation is rooted in my interest in wildlife from a young age which developed into my fascination with the web of life. I firmly believe that every living being, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and diversity of our ecosystems. This belief surrounded me on every outdoor adventure, I specifically remember admiring the web of life on a camping trip this past summer where I witnessed the connection of plants, animals, and humans in a remote wilderness setting, reminding me of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve our natural world.

I am passionate about making nature interpretation inclusive and accessible to all. I've seen firsthand the transformative power of connecting diverse audiences with nature, breaking down barriers, and fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for our planet's well-being. I have enjoyed sharing my passion with friends and family and getting to watch them create their connections with nature. Watching them interpret nature in their own way has given me a different perception.

In my role as a nature interpreter, I hold myself accountable to several key responsibilities:

1. Accuracy: I strive to ensure that the information I share is accurate, up-to-date, and presented transparently. I believe that honesty and integrity are essential for building trust and credibility with my audience. During a nature hike, I came across some plants that I assumed were a type of moss which I misidentified when I checked online. Rather than glossing over my mistake, I used it as a learning opportunity, acknowledging the error and emphasizing the importance of learning in nature interpretation.

2. Cultural Sensitivity: I recognize the importance of incorporating diverse cultural perspectives and indigenous knowledge into my interpretations. This enriches the storytelling and fosters a deeper understanding and respect for the interconnectedness of human-nature relationships. I have recently read the novel “Unsettling Canada” by Arthur Manuel, Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson. This novel opened my eyes to the importance of recognizing the history of the land that I had been exploring. I gained invaluable insights into their deep spiritual connection to the land and sustainable practices.

3. Environmental Advocacy: Beyond educating and inspiring individuals, I see myself as an advocate for environmental conservation. I aim to empower others to take meaningful action and make sustainable choices in their daily lives. I have signed up for some tree-planting initiatives this summer and like to think of this as one of many ways for me to translate advocacy into action.

4. Education: The field of environmental science and nature interpretation connected. I am committed to continuing to learn through hands-on experiences as well as extra schooling.

Throughout my journey as a nature interpreter, my approach has shifted from just being immersed in nature to expanding my learning and collaborating with other nature enthusiasts. I plan to build on my connection by gaining some hands-on experience so I can continue learning.

I am also reaching out to more environmental organizations to learn while making an active effort in environmental conservation. By working together with larger initiatives we may amplify the impact of nature interpretation initiatives and foster a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability in our communities. 

In conclusion, my personal ethic as a nature interpreter is found in respect, inclusivity, integrity, advocacy, and collaboration. By upholding these principles I am committed to environmental education and interpretation, I aspire to foster a deeper appreciation, connection, and stewardship. As I continue to grow, learn, and evolve in environmental stewardship, I am excited to connect with like-minded individuals, share my experiences, learn from others, and collaborate on creating a more sustainable relationship between humanity and nature.

As part of my commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative community of nature interpreters and environmental educators I look forward to reading and relating to my peers and opening a conversation on how we can better support the planet and each other.

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Hello Analisa! I really appreciated how you listed the areas you would hold yourself accountable in. That is such a neat and clean way to chart out your beliefs and ambitions! I found I also was reflecting over the last few months during this course. Like, you, I have learned it is more than the retelling of stories (not that that isn't a part of it or important!) but that nature interpretation includes facts, stories, visuals, music, history, and everything in between to create something meaningful and inspiring.

All your key responsibilities were also elements I considered vital and important as well to being a strong nature interpreter! It is hard for me to say between the four you listed, accuracy, cultural sensitivity (especially myself as a person of colour), environmental advocacy and education (why I am here!), that I find the most important as they are all the fundamental pillars of nature interpretation.

Lastly, it was great reading that you plan on taking action with your environmental conservation efforts! Like you noted, you are turning your advocacy into action which is so inspiring! I am looking forward to participating in tree-planting events in the future as well!

I am so glad you are able to share your passion for nature and environmental science with your friends and family and may you be able to share it with an even wider audience, here and beyond! You are right, the role of a nature interpreter is transformative to those around you! Best of luck in the future!

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My Personal Ethics as a Nature Interpreter

As we come to the end of the course I begin to reflect on my nature interpretation journey. I've come to recognize the importance of developing a personal ethic as a nature interpreter and incorporating it into our work. This journey is not merely about conveying information or guiding individuals through natural landscapes; it's a profound commitment to understanding, respecting, and advocating for the intricate web of life that surrounds us (Beck et al., 2018). This final blog post serves as an opportunity for me to share more about myself, articulate my beliefs, responsibilities, and preferred approaches as I continue to grow in this role.

What beliefs do you bring? 

At the core of my personal ethics lies a profound reverence for nature. I firmly believe that every organism, from the tiniest microbe to the tallest tree, has inherent value and deserves our utmost respect. I also feel this way with humans, every individual, regardless of their cultural, ethnic, or socioeconomic background, brings unique perspectives and contributions to the tapestry of humanity. This belief extends beyond anthropocentric; it acknowledges the connections of all living beings and underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity for the well-being of the planet and future generations.

I firmly believe that our background has a profound influence on our beliefs, ethics, and possibly connection to nature. Our upbringing shapes our perspectives, values, and cultural practices, which in turn influence how we interact with the world around us (Williams, 2021).

I mentioned earlier in my blog posts that my family is Hispanic, specifically from Mexico. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I was immersed in rich cultural traditions and values that emphasized the importance of family, community, and respect for the natural world. My parents and grandparents passed down stories, and teachings that instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and the connection of all living beings. Even if I wasn’t exposed to nature in the same ways as others, like going on hikes or outdoor adventures, I still had a connection with nature just distinct. 

In the Mexican culture, there is often a strong emphasis on kinship with the land, stemming from indigenous traditions and spiritual beliefs. This reverence for nature is reflected in practices such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), where families honor their ancestors and celebrate the cycle of life and death in harmony with nature (History, 2023). In our culture, there is often a unique relationship with death itself (History, 2023). Rather than fearing or avoiding the topic, death is embraced as an essential part of life's journey. This perspective fosters a greater appreciation for the impermanence of existence and reinforces the idea of living in harmony with nature's cycles. This is just one example of how your background can influence your beliefs as for many this relationship with death is different. 

Furthermore, our cultural background shapes our relationship with food, agriculture, and the environment. Traditional dishes, cultural practices, and maybe herbal remedies are passed down from generation to generation, connecting us to the land and preserving cultural heritage. However, it's important to recognize that our cultural background is just one aspect of our identity and doesn't necessarily define our beliefs or ethics in isolation. Our experiences, education, and individual values also play significant roles in shaping who we are and how we perceive the world. Which is important to keep in mind as a nature interpreter. 

All this to say that I do think my background, culture, and lived experiences has influenced my personal beliefs of inclusivity, equality, cultivating connection and empathy. Which are all things I wish to incorporate into my role in nature interpretation and feel I have throughout the course. 

What responsibilities do you have? 

My responsibilities as a fellow Latina are deeply rooted in recognizing and addressing systemic inequalities within the environmental and science community. Growing up and seeing the world through my unique perspective has highlighted the importance of representation, especially for marginalized voices like those of the Latinx community. Latinx representation in high education fields remains disproportionately low compared to other communities due to disparities in educational opportunities, limited exposure, and privilege (Ortega et al., 2023). Which are all things we have talked about this semester, it’s almost as if it’s all coming together!

Therefore, I consider it my duty to amplify Latinx perspectives, elevate diverse voices, and create inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. As I navigate my role, I remain mindful of the intersecting systems of privilege and oppression that shape people's relationship with the environment (Rosenkrantz, 2022). While acknowledging my own privileges, including access to education and outdoor opportunities, I am also responsible for recognizing the barriers faced by marginalized communities in accessing green spaces and participating in environmental advocacy (Rosenkrantz, 2022). So, I think a big responsibility of mine is to try to make nature interpretation accessible for all individuals and help disseminate this information to diverse audiences by being mindful of where and how I share my knowledge.

Another primary responsibility is to use my education and platform(like this blog) to advocate for environmental justice and equity. This entails advocating for the protection of culturally significant landscapes, promoting green spaces in underserved communities as often they don't have access to them, and supporting environmental organizations led by people of color (Vabi, 2022). By addressing systemic inequalities head-on, I strive to increase nature interpretation within marginalized communities and overall environmental/science education.

What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?

In my work as a nature interpreter, I am committed to centering the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities not just Latinx individuals. By incorporating diverse narratives, traditions, and knowledge systems into my interpretation, I aim to create a more inclusive and equitable representation of the natural world. It is clear that my personal value in nature interpretation takes on the role of altruistic values, as I wish to benefit others not myself (SMU, 2023).  According to Professor Leung at the Singapore Management University, there are four types of values associated with individuals and the environment (SMU, 2023). These are egoistic, hedonic, biospheric, and altruistic values (SMU, 2023). All of these values motivate individuals in a distinct way and I wish to incorporate my specific value and others into my nature interpretation role. 

Furthermore, I recognize the importance of providing opportunities for underrepresented communities to engage with nature and pursue careers in environmental fields. Hopefully, one day I can have the capacity to provide mentorship programs, and community partnerships, to empower young people from marginalized backgrounds to explore their passions, develop leadership skills, and pursue careers in conservation and environmental advocacy.

Additionally, I acknowledge the importance of catering to diverse learning styles and overcoming barriers to engagement. Drawing from course notes, I understand that individuals have varying learning preferences, including visual and tactile styles (Hooykaas, 2024). I myself need to adapt my learning style for each course. Sometimes I need a video tutorial, someone to explain to me, or even me teaching myself by actually doing it. Therefore, I strive to incorporate a diverse set of learning styles into my interpretation, utilizing visual aids such as diagrams and graphs while also emphasizing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Additionally, in order for me to be the best nature interpreter I must also take into consideration my own learning styles and what excites me. 

Furthermore, as highlighted in the textbook, it is crucial to address barriers related to time constraints, physical or mental concerns, and financial situations that may prevent individuals from fully engaging with nature interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). By offering accessible programming, accommodating diverse needs, and fostering a welcoming environment, I aim to break down these barriers and make nature interpretation more inclusive and equitable for all.

As I reflect, through this blog post and the course as a whole, I've come to realize the profound significance of nature interpretation and the diverse perspectives it encompasses. Throughout my writing, I've emphasized the importance of making nature accessible to all individuals, regardless of their surroundings or circumstances. I firmly believe that there is something invaluable to be gained from spending time in nature, whether it's for mental clarity, physical well-being, or simply enjoying the warmth of the sun on a gloomy day. By incorporating my personal background into each blog post, whether through shared music, nature practices, or personal experiences, I've strived to offer a unique perspective on nature interpretation. I've learned that diversity in interpretation is essential; we can all learn from each other's experiences and perspectives. Overall, this course has been an eye-opening journey, not only deepening my understanding of nature but also broadening my appreciation for the myriad ways it can be interpreted and enjoyed by all.

Thank you!!

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

History. (2023, April 24). Day of the dead (día de los muertos) - origins, celebrations, parade. https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Hooykaas, A. (2024). ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation course notes. Retrieved March, 21 2024, from https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/Home

Ortega, G., Aguilar-Smith, S., Lizalde, G., & Porras, C. (2023). Barriers to Power: Exploring the Troubled Trajectories of Latinx Executive Leaders at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Innovative Higher Education, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-023-09649-6

Rosenkrantz, L. (2022, December 13). A renewed attention on environmental equity and Justice. NCCEH. https://ncceh.ca/resources/blog/renewed-attention-environmental-equity-and-justice

SMU. (2023, February 1). How does culture impact environmental behaviour? the role of human psychology in combatting climate change: City perspectives. Singapore Management University. https://cityperspectives.smu.edu.sg/article/how-does-culture-impact-environmental-behaviour-role-human-psychology-combatting-climate

Vabi, V. (2022, March 18). Urban Parks and Forests are missing in marginalized neighbourhoods. Nature Canada. https://naturecanada.ca/news/blog/parks-and-forests-are-missing-in-marginalized-neighbourhoods/Williams, C. (2021, August 19). Does culture shape our environmental attitudes?. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/non-weird-science/202108/does-culture-shape-our-environmental-attitudes

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Hello Lainey!

I enjoyed how you laid out your final post and delineated each section. It was a lovely read and it was nice to learn about how your family and your Mexican heritage has clearly shaped your views on nature and your strong respect it!

It was inspiring to know that this course has made you reflect on your role in nature interpretation. I like that you want to go beyond your serving own community but to also serve as a nature interpreter for marginalized communities as well. I found Chapter 7 of the textbook, Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (2018) helped me understand the range people that nature interpreters will share a space and interact with. Each group was carefully considered from youth, senior, disabled, and minorities and the authors gave a deep-dive into the individual needs of each group and how approach them. 

This course has also been an eye opener for me as well. The textbook and lectures regarding learning styles and diverse audiences have made me re-consider how to be a better nature interpreter in the future. I found the quiz we did in the course helped me understand how skewed my own learning style is toward visual (I got 45%) and that when I am an interpreter, I ended up being more visual focused as well.

Lastly, accessibility and accommodating different needs are something I also strive toward as well. I value your considerations for preserving culturally significant landscapes, creating green spaces in underserved communities, and various barriers such as time constraints and financial situations that can deter or even stop people from being able to engage with the work we want to do. I hope we are both able to serve these unique communities fully in the future.  I wish you the best of luck in your journey as nature interpreter!

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Week 10: My Journey with Nature Interpretation 

As I stated in my initial post back in January (oh, how time as flies!), I’m currently on a journey to learn more about environmental conservation, protection, and preservation! This course, ENVS*3000 - Nature Interpretation, comes at the heel of me completing an ecology and an environmental stewardship course. Both courses provided me with a whole host of new concepts, ideas, and information. However, I’ve have not able to utilize the information beyond sharing snippets of information to friends and family. 

What drew me to this course was the fact that I realized without others communicating, creating environmental-focused content and nature conservation programs, and dare I say, interpreting, I would not be where I am today. These people, be they teachers, friends, and colleagues alike, all gave me a sense of awe (Beck et al., 2018), enthusiasm (van Boeckel, 2015), and ignited a passion in me for nature.

As someone who is new to this field, I’ve watched the news, read articles, and listened to the radio both as a person who did not know about the environmental topics to someone who has slowly developed a deeper understanding. I’ve listened to how experts are brought on to various forms of mediums to explain complicated environmental concepts. However, I can now tell after taking this course, that they are not always fully considering who they are engage with or reach.

When some experts speak, they talk as if it is to a room full of fellow believers and their words quickly lost on the general public. In the experts’ defense, they may be restricted when it comes accommodating different learning styles, such as auditory (learning through listening), visual (having a preference for seeing), or tactile/kinesthetic (prefer to learn via experience) (Hooykaas, 2024), since they are constrained to the medium they are on. However, realizing the breath of learning styles has made me re-consider how to be a nature interpreter. 

As part of the course, I took a quick to determine my learning style and my preferred learning style was visual (45%), auditory (35%), then tactile (20%) (Education Planner). As a visual learner myself, I tend to lean that way when I'm an interpreter however, to be a good interpreter, I need to be more considerate of all styles. 

What I also found helpful was learning how to communicate with the diverse people nature interpreter interact/will interact with. This is exemplified in the course book Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (2018), as the authors’ use 30 pages to carefully explore the diverse range of audiences that nature interpreter serve, from youth, senior, disabled, and minorities, and how these various groups have unique needs and ways approach them. 

While I believe that the experts I spoke about are trying their best, they sometimes end up reciting facts and not actually interpreting the concepts and ideas in a meaningful manner. Therefore, the causes they are trying so hard to champion and bring attention to are minimized, misunderstood, or at worst, ignored. 

However, to be abundantly clear: nature interpretation is deeply rooted in science and truth. It does not mean stripping down concepts or twisting them till they no longer resemble the truth. Rather, it is communicating the information in meaningful, relatable, and understandable fashion. The goal is to distill information in an inspiring, insightful, and educational way compared to fear mongering the public. 

Since my goal is to conserve, protect, and preserve nature, this is not a task I can do alone. I do not believe instilling fear into the general public is the best path forward or the way to bring change in any sustainable fashion. People must want to make the changes or actions themselves. If the individual does not want change or does not genuinely care, then that it is not change, that is coercion. Therefore, I want to do what others have done for me and before me, which inspire and create a sense of awe when it comes to nature. 

However, as a nature interpreter who has who lived most of my life in an urban setting, I battle myself to accept that “nature” does not have to mean hiking on a tall foggy mountain, a dark forest with insects buzzing around my ears, the serene quietness of a lake on an early morning, or a hearing the rumbling of waterfall and splashing droplets. Nature can also mean my cozy childhood’s home backyard with the garden bursting with vegetables or the local park next to a woodlot and children running around in the nearby field. 

As Richard Louv put it simply, regardless of how we individually perceive nature, “weather you come from an urban neighbourhood or a farm […] we all come to this thing we call nature from a different place but […] we know it when we see it (Youtube, 2012).” As more and more people live in urban settings, this is becoming the reality of “nature” to many of us. However, these places all still have nature -they have plants, insects, water, trees, grass, and so forth, just like those far away mountains, forests, and lakes.   

I feel that this is an element of nature Interpretation that we should examine more. We should meet people where they are in the journey and relationship with nature. More people live in urban settings than in rural ones (United Nations, 2018). Even in these urban settings, there is nature to be saved and a place I’d like to focus my attention in the future. 

To ethically be a nature interpreter, I must ensure that the information I am learning is correct. That I myself am not falling for mistruths or becoming fearful of the future and being fear mongered. My responsibility is representing the facts and reality as truthful as I can and inspire others. I hope I can be mindful of the people we are trying to reach and their diverse backgrounds and approach them in a worthwhile manner. 

I thought a lot about how I wanted to end this last post. However, it seemed most fitting to end it how I started. In my first post, I reflected on how the text book used a painting of Old Point Loma Lighthouse by Tina Christiansen. Tina observed the various “moods” of the lighthouse and how it was often covered by fog. However, lighthouses are also often seen beacons of guidance and hope (Beck et al., 2018). Therefore, I am repeating the last line of my first post (with a tweak): So, if a lighthouse can be covered by fog at times and still be useful, maybe I can be too.

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Sources: 

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

Education Planner. (n.d.). What’s Your learning style? 20 questions. http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml

Hooykaas, A (2024). Unit 02: Teaching Learners. In ENVS*3000: Nature Interpretation. Guelph University. 

United Nations. (2018, May 16). 68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, says un | UN Desa Department of Economic and Social Affairs. United Nations. https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html

van Boeckel, J. (2015). At the heart of art and earth: an exploration of practices in arts- based environmental education. Environmental Education Research, 21(5), 801–802. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2014.959474

YouTube. (2012, June 20). David Suzuki and Richard Louv @AGO https://www.youtube.com

Image: Manuel Weber

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Turtles of Ontario

Beneath the calm surface of Ontario’s lakes and rivers lives an animal that has occupied the area for longer than any human civilization. But with the changes of the modern world, the ancient turtles of Ontario that once represented protection and longevity are quickly fading from existence. In today’s blog post, I will be exploring my favourite animal, the turtle, and share with you the unfortunate story of how this elder of the animal world has become rare in their native habitats, and how if action is not taken, we may never be able to see them again. 

There are eight species of turtle that can call Ontario their home, the most of any Canadian province, each with unique characteristics that set them apart from the others. Turtles are reptiles that belong to the order Testudines, they have hard shells that have developed from their ribs and can hide their heads and limbs within the shell when threatened. Most turtles can be identified based solely on the patterns, size, and shape of their shells. One of the most commonly seen turtles in Ontario is the painted turtle. If you see a bunch of turtles lying on a log or rock, you’ve likely seen a painted turtle! These turtles love basking in the sun near the lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands that they live in. They are aquatic, spending most of their time in the water but will travel onto land to migrate, nest, and bask. They have a unique pattern of red stripes on their shells and limbs which can be seen in the picture below (COSEQIC, 2018). 

The largest turtle in Ontario is the Snapping turtle, which can grow to 40cm in length! They are known not only for their size but also for their powerful bite, which they get their name from. Although their shells are large, their underside is not well protected, and they cannot fully retract their head and limbs (OTCC, 2023).

Another fascinating species is the Northern Map turtle, which lives in bodies of water in and around the Great Lakes. They get their names from the unique pattern on their shells of intricate lines that resemble that of a topographical map. They also like to bask on logs and other surfaces near the water but are quick to startle and will dive into the water at the slightest movement (OTCC, 2023).

Unfortunately, seven of the eight Ontario species are considered at risk of extinction if steps are not taken to conserve their populations. They all face similar threats from human activities and suffer the most from roadway accidents, loss of habitat, and invasive species (OTCC, 2023). Turtles have long lives but take many years to reach sexual maturity, resulting in low rates of population growth. This combined with increased adult mortality has made population recovery a slow and difficult process. Being able to identify the different species of turtles in Ontario is crucial for reporting and monitoring their populations. There are many citizen science initiatives and reporting turtle sightings is an important step in their conservation. This can be done at the following website, but many others can be found with a quick search:  https://www.ontario.ca/page/report-rare-species-animals-and-plants 

COSEWIC. (2018). COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Midland Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta marginata and the Eastern Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta picta in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa.

OTCC. (2023). Our 8 Native Species Need Our Help! Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, retrieved from: https://ontarioturtle.ca/turtles/

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*Trigger warning: Death* Thanks for the introduction to the turtles in Ontario! I feel like I have seen Painted Turtles before, but not some of the other ones. I appreciated the addition of the images for each turtle and some facts about them. I did not realize how many turtles were native to Ontario and also how many of them are at risk of extinction.

However, seeing the image of the Snapping Turtle reminded me of the story from last year. Sadly, one of the oldest snapping turtles in Ontario was found dead. Grace was 125 years old and it was believed she was moved by someone to an area unfamiliar to her. As Turtle Guardians' founder and CEO, Leora Berman notes, where Grace was found was not an ideal location for her hibernate as it was near by a dam which would mean fluctuating water levels. 

One bit of information I found troubling was the fact that Grace’s original habitat was filled in prior. Despite it not being enough of a deterrent for her to relocate, it seems counterproductive to environmental conservation efforts. I have not looked into it myself but Berman noted that the area was partially zoned as Environmental protection. However, there is positive news, while the zoning bylaw currently does not protect against site preparations and alterations, the municipality of Dysart, where Graces lived, is working on a site alteration bylaw which will prohibit the filling of wetlands and hopefully from happening again in the future. 

You can find out more from this CBC article from last year.

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Week 9: Fish in Nature

Prior to my current role, I was not aware of Redside Dace or their ecological importance. The first time I heard about these fishes was when I started my new job during a meeting. I heard mention from staff that there might be Redside Dace in the river. Then concerns were brought up about how this would require additional work and may delay or stop the project. It confused me, what was a Redside Dace and why would it have such a large impact?!

Well, it is because Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus) is endangered. It is small black, red, and yellow striped minnow found in small streams and headwaters in Canada and the United States of America (Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 2017). In Canada, they are found primarily in southern Ontario streams that flow into western Lake Ontario (Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 2017). 

These brightly coloured fish are a member of the minnow family and can reach up to 12 cm long (Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 2014). They are commonly found in pools and slow-moving areas of small streams and headwaters made of gravel (Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 2014). Redside Dace in Ontario have a life expectancy of three years (Government of Canada, 2018). The population sizes are unknown for most catchments; however, surveys have suggested a declining population (Government of Canada, 2018). Invasive species a such as predatory fish also threaten the Redside Dace population (Government of Canada, 2018).

The Redside Dace are also engendered due to patchy distribution in Canada and the United States (Government of Canada, 2018). This is caused by habitat fragmentation due to urbanization and development pressures which lead to the alteration the stream flow and shape or the removal of riparian vegetation (Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 2014). 

As the Redside Dace is an insectivorous fish, it will leap out of the water to catch insects (Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 2014). You can see this in the photo! Redside Dace are found predominantly in areas with riparian vegetation with overhanging grasses and shrubs as these are important for the production of terrestrial insects (Government of Canada, 2018). The gut content of Redside Dace has shown a large portion of the minnow’s diet is terrestrial insects (Government of Canada, 2018). 

As humans, we heavily rely on ecosystem functions, including aquatic/marine environments. Despite its size, Redside Dace play an important ecological role in small urban streams. The colourful minnow prefers cool and clear waters, so it is a strong candidate as a bioindicator (Sacheli, 2019) of eco-system health and good habitat quality (Government of Canada, 2018). As Redside Dace are sensitive to turbidity or the clarity of the water (Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 2014), it therefore, will not be present in streams that are too polluted or warm. This is vital, as it can help ecologists have a sense of the health and cleanliness of the water based on the abundance of the Redside Dace. 

The Redside Dace also is a conduit of transfer for energy cycling from terrestrial to aquatic habitats. The small minnow may become pray for other fishes and fish-eating birds. As an insectivore, the Redside Dace prays on terrestrial insects, such as flies (Government of Canada, 2018) and mosquitos. Therefore, Redside Dace can aid with managing insect population (Ontario Streams, n.d.). This is beneficial as flies and misquotes are known to carry diseases which can be passed to humans (World Health Organization, 2020).

Learning about Dace gave me a sense of awe (Beck et al., 2018) as I dove into how a small brightly coloured small fish could have such a large impact and how we are actively causing it harm. Hopefully, with additional attention on them and conservation efforts, we will be able to save them. 

Sources:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: 

For A Better World. Sagamore Venture. 

Government of Canada. (2018, October 16). Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus): COSEWIC assessment and status reports 2017. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry/cosewic-assessments-status-reports/redside-dace-2017.html

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. (2014, July 18). Redside dace. ontario.ca. https://www.ontario.ca/page/redside-dace 

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. (2017, August 15). Redside Dace Recovery Strategy. ontario.ca. https://www.ontario.ca/page/redside-dace-recovery-strategy 

Redside Dace Habitate Rehabilitation. Ontario Streams. (n.d.). https://www.ontariostreams.on.ca/redside-dace 

Sacheli, S. (2019, January 3). Researchers racing against the clock to restore endangered fish species. University of Windsor. https://www.uwindsor.ca/dailynews/2018-12-21/researchers-racing-against-clock-restore-endangered-fish-species

World Health Organization. (2020, March 2). Vector-borne diseases. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases 

Image: Jon Clayton

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Blog 7: Music in Nature

Hi everyone, welcome back to my blog post this week! Today we will be discussing the music that is present in nature and vice versa, the nature that is present in music.

When reading the course's content this week, I really enjoyed the section on Ben Mirin and his recordings of nature in birdsong, or of the rainforest in the clip provided online, he made into short beatboxing performances. I thought that this example really portrayed what it meant to be a nature interpreter where you are using something that is meaningful to you and, by expressing it in your own unique way, sharing your experience with others. From this, many people will get to experience nature in some way through a guided lens which will hopefully encourage them to continue their interest moving forwards. I like to view nature interpretation as a flowing cycle because of this where you are passionate about something and just want to share that passion with others, and maybe some of those people will be motivated to become their own nature interpreters.

Looking back at Ben's music, this is such a unique way to connect others with nature, and that is why I think that it was included in this weeks content: to show that nature interpretation can come in many unique forms, and there is no one correct way to do it. Ben utilized his own passion for birding to create something new that he could share with others, and I loved the outcome and the glowing feedback he received in response.

From this, where do I find music in nature? The main thing that I thought of when reading that blog prompt was in bird song. This morning I woke up to the sound of birds singing, which was so refreshing to hear after the long winter of waking up to only traffic. I have always deeply enjoyed birdwatching, and the spring is always my favourite season because of the birds' return. I love going on short walks around my neighbourhood's trails because I am always accompanied by the joyous birdsong along the way. There is just something so relaxing in listening to the birds singing in the trees, and I love taking a moment to be present and just listening to them.

My favourite experience has been my early morning kayak rides with my mum while camping up in Algonquin. During these times we often hear a loon crooning off in the distance. It is such a hauntingly beautiful sound, and it is one of my favourite parts of camping in Northern Ontario.

Nature in music I feel is a bit trickier to find, and in my opinion, you have to be looking for it to find it. Not many songs use nature sounds in music, or at least not many of the popular ones on the radio. Many are electronic sounds and such, but some artists have a talent for incorporating them into their music. In particular, one of my favourite artists is Of Monsters and Men, whose famous song a couple years back was Little Talks, if you are unfamiliar with them. Their music is one of the ways I feel taken back into nature. My favourite song in particular is Slow and Steady, which opens up with some distant bird calls in the background. I love listening to this song on my record play on the vinyl I own of it as I feel it "hits harder" in that way. It's just such a relaxing song feels similar to how bird song affects me.

Overall, I love the idea of using music as a medium for nature interpretation, and I loved looking into how I find nature in music and vice versa. Let me know what some go your favourite songs are that you feel takes you back to nature?

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Hello there! Your post caught my eye because I was drawn to Ben Mirin work as well! I was quite inspired by his music and connected to it. I like that he uses beatboxing and recording of actual sounds of animals as a means to promote conservation. I also found out that he collaborated with Cornell Lab of Ornithology and created online game, BeastBox! As the player, you match the animals together from the same ecosystem and listen to it with a beatbox beat. The ecosystems where the animals can come from range from the Great Barrier Reef, Sonoran Desert to Madagascar Rainforest! I even found out about new animals and I didn’t know about and it was fun and educational to hear the field recordings.  

When it comes to nature in music, I also found it tricky. I was not familiar with the band Of Monsters and Men, but Little Talks did sound distantly familiar. I listened to Slow And Steady and like you said, the start of the song with the bird was relaxing and serene. I also enjoyed the concept of lyric music video with the crane flying in the clouds in the sky looking down.

I am still exploring nature, so no favourite memory comes to mind for me (while yours with your mum is lovely)! However, I feel like this week’s blog prompt will make me listen more closely in nature AND music for animal sounds and nature in the future.

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Week 7: Music in Nature

Something I’ve been pondering about is music in nature. As someone who is not musically inclined, the sounds and melodies that nature makes are inspiring. It is a comfort to know that with a bit of effort, I too can express myself with sound.

Whenever I think about it, my mind goes to the symphony of birds chirping, singing, and whistling to one another. These avian creatures can communicate in a language that undecipherable to me and outside of my grasp. It somehow makes hearing them more magical and mysterious. While we may have some ideas or assumptions, such as the birds using song to defend territory or attract a mate (Mosco, 2023), there is still some unknowns.  

Then on the opposite side of the size spectrum, I think of the majestic giants of the sea, whales. These are some of the largest mammals to ever exist, with Blue Whales being the largest animal to ever have lived, even surpassing dinosaurs (Shaw, 2017)! Their sounds were most likely known to sailors of the past, however, they most likely would not have known what they were and assumed they were mermaids. An interesting fact is that we only discovered whale song in the 1905s because American scientists were listening for Russian submarines when stationed in Bermuda and heard whale calls (Cormier, 2018)!

In this week’s lecture, Professor Hooykaas introduced us to Ben Mirin who uses who is a wildlife DJ and a beatboxer. As stated on Mirin’s website, he travels around the world and samples animal sounds. He then “[layer[s] his own beatbox loops with his favorite animal voices [and] he makes music inspired by the ecosystems he visits (Mirin)". What at neat way to merge conservation and music together. One of the animals he has captured audio of the Blue Whale! They are so melodic! 

In collaboration with Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Mirin, an online game, BeastBox was created. The objective is to mix animal sounds together with beatbox loops and add 5 animals from the same ecosystem (Cornell Lab Bird Academy). This is such a lovely way for anyone to learn about which animals belong together in an ecosystem and become immersed in a faraway land in a creative and unique manner. The ecosystems featured in the game were the Great Barrier Reef; Sonoran Desert; Chesapeake Bay; Borneo Rainforest; Okavango River Delta; Madagascar Rainforest. 

While there were some animals and birds I had heard before, some were new to me. It was fun to click and listen to all the field recordings. For example, I never thought about the noises that a Bullethead Parrotfish would make as it grinds algae and polyps from the surface of coral using it beaklike teeth or how rhymical Tropical Boubou are as they signal information to their mates and neighbours (Cornell Lab Bird Academy)!  

Listening to all the sounds really made me realize how rich of musical a world we live in. While I still don’t feel a musically inclined, the game let me be a “beatboxer” and Wildlife DJ” just for a moment and that is enough for me! For anyone who wants to become one too, I highly recommend BeastBox. There is also a new show called Secret World of Sound with David Attenborough which also covers this topic!

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Source:

Beastbox-DJ with animal sounds. Cornell Lab Bird Academy. (n.d.). https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/features/beastbox/

Bio. Ben Mirin. (n.d.). https://benmirin.com/bio 

Cormier, Z. (2018, November 5). The Loudest Voice in the animal kingdom. BBC Earth. https://www.bbcearth.com/news/the-loudest-voice-in-the-animal-kingdom 

Hooykaas, A (2024). Unit 05: Nature Interpretation through Science. In ENVS*3000: Nature Interpretation. Guelph University. 

Mosco, R. (2023, February 23). A beginner’s guide to common bird sounds and what they mean. Audubon. https://www.audubon.org/news/a-beginners-guide-common-bird-sounds-and-what-they-mean

Shaw, A. (2017, April 12). How Earth’s biggest animal started small. BBC Earth. https://www.bbcearth.com/news/how-earths-biggest-animal-started-small 

Image: Gabriel Dizzi

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Blog 6: A Journey Through History

As I wandered through the ancient streets of Rome, Italy, I was struck by the palpable sense of history that enveloped me. Each cobblestone pathway seemed to whisper tales of past eras, inviting me to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of human experience. In Edward Hyams' profound reflection, "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things," he prompts us to reconsider the value we attribute to the relics of the past (Hyams). Drawing from my immersive experience in Rome and insights from scholarly sources, this blog post seeks to unpack Hyams' quote and explore the enduring significance of history, using my journey through Rome as a lens.

Hyams contends that integrity, not age, is what truly matters, challenging the idea that merit can only be attained by antiquity. This struck a deep chord with my memories of my time spent in Rome, where the enduring buildings and relics served as witnesses to centuries of human history. A framework for comprehending the interdependence of the past and present was offered by Beck, Cable, and Knudson's debate on the function of interpretation in fostering personal identities through historical narratives (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018). As I marvelled at the Colosseum's magnificence, I understood that its significance came from the stories it told and the cultural identity it represented, not only from its antiquity.

Coherence and unity in historical interpretation are crucial, as Hyams emphasizes honesty as the foundation of merit. This idea is supported by Fleischner's definition of natural history, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of environmental narratives by deliberate attention to the world outside humans (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018; Fleischner, 2002). As I thought back on my interactions with local naturalists and citizen scientists in Rome's parks, I realized how important their work is in preserving the integrity of natural ecosystems and encouraging a closer relationship with the natural world.

Hyams emphasizes the need to comprehend and conserve historical narratives when he states that integrity requires knowledge of and remembrance of the past. Upon visiting Rome's museums and archaeological sites, I was astounded by the care with which ancient items and the stories they told had been preserved. This concept was echoed by Miller-Rushing et al.'s consideration of citizen scientists' contributions to natural history documentation, emphasizing the value of collective memory in historical interpretation (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018; Miller-Rushing et al., 2012).

Hyams's moving illustration of a train station serves as a timely reminder of the mistake of ignoring the past. History transcends time to influence our present and future, just like a train station survives after it passes by. This comparison struck a chord with my travels to Rome, where the streets were alive with the echoes of long-gone civilizations, serving as a constant reminder of the influence of the past on modern culture.

Edward Hyams' quote challenges us to reevaluate our perception of history and its significance. Through my journey in Rome and insights from scholarly sources, I have come to appreciate the timeless wisdom embedded in historical narratives. True merit lies not in antiquity alone but in the integrity, coherence, and enduring impact of historical interpretation. As interpreters of history and environmental narratives, we bear the responsibility of preserving and sharing these stories, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to resonate with future generations.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. Fleischner, T. L. (2002). Quoted in Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. Hyams, E. (n.d.). "The Gifts of Interpretation." Retrieved from [insert link here]. Miller-Rushing, A. J., Primack, R., & Bonney, R. (2012). Quoted in Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing.

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When you write about your time in Rome, it also reminded me of my time there! Thinking back, it really does feel like every brick, statue, and corner is filled with history and untold stories. I enjoyed your description of Rome as it made me feel like I was there again! I also liked your interpretation Hyams' quote when it comes to what he was alluding to in relation to merit. When you explain it, I can see how history is important, not because of age/antiquity, but cultural identity. As you noted, the idea of a cohesive and historical interpretation is key to what provides "merit" and credibility.

I also arrived to the same understanding when it comes to Hyams' line about the train station and that we must also consider the past as it does transcend time.

One quote I thought highlighted the point well is at the end of Chapter 15 of the course book (Beck et al. 2018) from David Uzzell:

“We are deceiving ourselves if we think when we stand in front of a case of medals, or guns, or photographs of mutilated bodies, we are looking at the past. We are looking also at the present and the future. If interpretation is to be a source of social good, then it must recognize the continuity of history and alert us it the future through the past.”

Between Hyams' and Uzzell, they have made me reconsider history and how we give importance, significant, integrity. But, also what stories we have missed and how we can ensure, to the best of our abilities, we do not repeat our past errors.

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Week 6: Interpretation and History

Over the last 5 weeks, the students of ENVS*3000 were tasked with respond to blog prompts in a form of questions. The questions would provide a jumping point to consider the topic of the week in relation to nature interpretation. However, this week, we were given a quote to unpack and it stumped me. The quote is from the book “The Gifts of Interpretation” 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.”

So, I thought the most appropriate way to go about this post is to ‘unpack’ the quote sentence by sentence and see where I land!

“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”

When I read the first sentence, Hyams is highlighting that many of the items we hold dear in our museum and science centers such as pots, clothing, or paintings, would have no ‘merit’ if not tied to humans history, even if tangentially in some collective manner. As these “ancient things” show us where we, humans, have come from and where we have been. Even fossils of ancient beasts plays a part in our history, even if it occurred before us and shape us. These items have meaning because of the history we have uncovered over time. We are preserving these stories and knowledge of those items and, therefore it has merit.

We visit places like museums because they house our collective human history and weave a story together a cohesive manner for us. This is essence of interpretation. As noted in the course textbook, Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (2018), “[i]nterpretation breaths life and meaning into past events, architecture, and artifacts.” 

“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.” 

The second sentence alludes how history still plays a part, even in our present and our future. Time, at least as we understand it currently, is linear, like a railway track. As we move forward, time is moving past us and events happen, signified by the railway stations. 

Like Hyams points out, we cannot think as the “railway stations” as no longer existing because we have passed by. Especially since at one point, the station we “passed” were our future and now it is behind us and is still exists. It will still impact us tomorrow.  We have to be mindful that when we interpret the past, both for ourselves and others, we are considering the whole picture. Through history we can acknowledge how far we have come but we also need be critical of history when it comes to cultural and social matters and ensure that in our messaging reflects that. If not, we will only repeat the mistakes of our past. 

The quote from David Uzzell in the textbook (Beck et al. 2018) highlights this concern best: 

“We are deceiving ourselves if we think when we stand in front of a case of medals, or guns, or photographs of mutilated bodies, we are looking at the past. We are looking also at the present and the future. If interpretation is to be a source of social good, then it must recognize the continuity of history and alert us it the future through the past.” - - -

Source:

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

Image: Adrien Delforge

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signs in nature🌲🐾

Welcome to this week’s post! For the “free spot” theme of this week, I thought I’d talk a bit about some of the subtle aspects of nature - the hints and clues she gives us about her story as a whole, all while maintaining her exciting traits of mystery and wonder.

I was prompted to choose this topic because of some of the things we’ve been talking about in ZOO 4950 (Lab Studies in Mammalogy). Last week, we bundled up and went out into the Arboretum to talk about tracking. We spotted lots of squirrel tracks, as well as those of a cottontail, a deer, an opossum, and potentially those of a coyote.

left - deer tracks, and a human 👍 ; right - whose little hand do you think this is???

As a little bonus, just to really top it off, we paid a friendly surprise visit to a tree-dwelling porcupine.

photo I took of our porcupine friend in the Arboretum in Guelph

This sparked another sign-oriented conversation, though. We were told about how a porcupine dwelling is simple to spot, essentially because of how nasty these lumbering critters are. Basically, they don’t have a knack for tidying up - they decide on their homestead, which they stay at until it is so overrun with scat that they are forced to relocate. Gross, but also kinda charming, no?

Later in the week, during a little decompressing nature walk by speed river, after a second glance at a tree trunk, I realized I was in beaver territory. there were probably about 3 trees in a 5m radius marked with the teeth etchings of nature’s carpenter.

image sourced from: https://nhgardensolutions.wordpress.com/tag/beaver-damage/

(↑↑↑ real photo credit should go to the artist...a beaver made that!)

These signs may seem like nothing special to someone just passing by. I think it’s fair to say that most people would find it a more special occasion to actually spot one of these critters at work, these these marks and signs. I don’t think I have to do much to convince you all, though, that with a little bit of background information, there’s an entire story to be unraveled.

It can be hard to feel connected to nature in our semi-urban lives, where it seems that most of the things around us - buildings, streets, or (Mother Nature forbid) litter - are exclusively signs of human life.

One tangential point here that I think is really interesting is that nature’s signs are how human beings (and arguably, life across the board) were able to survive in more “rugged” (aka, natural) territories for so long. One of my latest Netflix fixations was a show called Alone, where contestants compete for a cash prize by trying to last the longest alone, in the wild, with only a handful of starting materials. The season I watched took place near Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories. The contestants used tracks, scat, even hours of sunlight, to help them find their next meal.

So, if the elusiveness of the animals is getting you down - during your own travels or during a guided walk, for example - you might not actually have to look much further to extract an engaging narrative from your surroundings, or to catch a glimpse into the unravelling nature tale around you.

Thanks for checking in!! 💚💛

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Thanks for giving a mini course on tracking and looking out for animal signs! I found the paw pictures especially helpful. (Is the right an image of a cottontail rabbit paw print in the snow?). It was nice that you were able to tie this course to another one you are currently taking. 

That being said, I was not aware of the fact that porcupines were not the type to tidy up after themselves, so they are force to relocated once their homes become filled with scat. Do not think I would want them as a house guest! I didn’t know much about porcupines aside from them being prickly so, this is a new fact I can add to the list. Additionally, I have seen beaver etchings and it is very impressive that they can cut down a tree with just their teeth. They are indeed nature’s carpenters! 

Like you noted, as someone who lives in the suburbs, it does not feel like I am connected to nature most of the time. However, the tracks of birds and mammals (big or small), and signs of them (burrow, nests, scat, etc.) do exist, as long take we second look or take a bit harder look around us. This will be something I have to look out more for on my next walk outside! 

Lastly, I admit, the Netflix show, Alone, sounds like a worst-case scenario to me, because I would not want to be alone out in nature and isolated. However, the other elements you mentioned about how the survivalists have to learn to adapt to find a next meal does sound a bit intriguing! 

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Week 5: Nature and Science 

This week, the course lecture focused on nature interpretation and science. In the start of the lecture, Professor Hooykaas, notes how prior to taking the course, students most likely would have assumed that whole course was science focused (Hooykaas, 2024). I confess that that was what I had expectation, especially since the prerequisite for this course was an ecology course in the biology stream. 

As someone who does not have a science background, I was worried - the ecology prerequisite course was my first science course! However, I took the plunge since I liked the idea of taking a course that focused on communication and engagement with the public, as I believe those are two important things when it comes to environmental conservation and protection. Nature, environment, and sciences as a whole, can come off very complicated, technical, and full of terms and jargon to people who are not in the field. This can be off-putting or create unintentional barriers for the very people we are trying to engage and communicate with. So, I wanted to explore how to do it more effectively. 

The topic of communicating effectively makes me reflect on Chapter 7: Serving Diverse Audiences of the course textbook, Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (2018). The book notes that only a small percentage of visitors will attend interpretive program at most places. One reason is people “want to participate, but encounter real or perceived barriers. Such barriers may include physical impediments that limit access by the elderly and those with physical disabilities. Or, social or psychological barriers may exist from feeling unwelcome or irrelevant (Beck et al. 2018).” To me, that is more heartbreaking than people not being aware that the programing existing at all because it feels like we (as a whole) did something/or didn’t that could have prevented that. 

The book then further details how many minorities that do not attend these interpretative programing and among the reasons include cultural and communication barriers, as well as fear. The book thankfully did include some recommendations. For cultural barriers, it suggested personally “inviting, including [and] involving minority populations” by building trust and credibility and having communications in multiple languages and varied media to further reduce barries (Beck et al. 2018). Since this book is 6 years old, it makes me wonder how much the landscape has changed since then and what the reasonings people may have today.

As an example of the intersection of nature interpretation and science, Professor Hooykaas shared a TED talk from Washington Wachira who is a birder and ecologist. The TED talk focused on birds around the world and the relationship birds with ecosystem and humans. What I found fun about the talk is that Washington did not get bogged down by the scientific names but instead used the common names. People may be already familiar with some of the birds and therefore making the talk much more accessible. I liked the approach, both as the interpreter and a guest, since I find the scientific names to intimidating and am not the best at pronouncing it!

Overall, I am glad that the course explores nature interpretation through multiple lenses from art to science! People come to nature from different frames of references and I feel that this course understands, respects, reflects, and accommodates that. 

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Source:

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

Hooykaas, A (2024). Unit 05: Nature Interpretation through Science. In ENVS*3000: Nature Interpretation. Guelph University. 

TED. (2017, August). For the love of birds. https://www.ted.com/talks/washington_wachira_for_the_love_of_birds

Image: Philip Brown

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Blog 04: Nature Interpretation Through Art

Hey everyone, and welcome back for another blog post. This week we are focusing on the topic of nature interpretation through art. Personally, I have always been interested in both art and nature but never took the time to deeply analyze the connection they share. Both art and nature provide a medium where an interpreter can share their inner thoughts and feelings, and I believe this demonstrates the “gift of beauty”.  Seeking the wonders of the natural world gives us the opportunity to reconnect, and develop an open artistic mindset (Boeckel, 2015). The alluring quality of art is that it is timeless. Paintings designed by the Group of Seven in Canada were painted in the years 1920-1933. However, when looking at the paintings, it is difficult to tell that they were created almost 100 years ago!

Artists can become heavily influenced by nature, and some may even use it as their canvas. An artist that I have always admired is Claude Monet. Many of his paintings depict natural scenes. My favourite paintings of his would be those of water lilies. Water lilies are known to symbolize purity and innocence, and I applaud the way he is able to exude this imagery in his work. 

Monet's Water Lilies

This week, we are also examining who we are to interpret nature through art. In my opinion, everyone has the ability to tell a story through their artwork. Art can be unique to each and every person, and does not have to follow a specific pattern. It can be straightforward, or it can be complex, depending on whoever decides to interpret it. It may also just simply be a moment captured in time. That is the beauty of art. As described in the textbook Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World, artists can use tangible objects in their work to convey an intangible message (Beck et al., 2018). This motivates me to spend more time portraying the natural world through realistic paintings, drawings, or sculptures. In order to create powerful artwork, it is important to find your own “flow”. As mentioned by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his 2004 TED Talk: Flow, the Secret to Happiness, art is mentioned as a state of flow. Flow can be described as a state of heightened immersion and focus. Moments of flow help to contribute to our overall well being and happiness. As a growing interpreter, by immersing myself in a state of flow, I can easily develop ideas and inspiration to use in my artwork. 

Thanks for reading!

References 

At the Heart of Art and Earth: An Exploration of Practices in Arts-based Environmental Education. (2015). Environmental Education Research, 21(5), 801–802. http://resolver.scholarsportal.info/resolve/13504622/v21i0005/801_athoaaopiaee.xmlBeck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing.

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Your blog post caught my eye because I saw Monet's Water Lilies peaking through before the cut! Group of Seven, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh are great examples of using visual arts to interpret nature, or showcasing the "gift of beauty."

Since you mentioned the Group of Seven, you can actually visit Fred Varley house. Varley is one of Group of Seven artist and you can see outside his window and imagine the nature and world he saw when he painted some of his art pieces! When it comes to Monet's Water Lilies, you can view it "virtually" via Musée de l'Orangerie website, which I think is great from an accessibility standpoint!

Looking back, I realize many of my favourite artists or art pieces have a strong emphasize on nature, the environment, or the landscape around us. The one thing I enjoy about art, like you mentioned, is that it is a moment captured in time. They are a peak into the mindset of people in the past, and their interpretation of things around them! That being said, I struggled with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's concept of flow because I do not feel art or nature is something that requires "heightened immersion and focus." It can be something more gradual, quiet contemplation and thought, or something that creeps into the conscious.

I hope you are able to explore art and nature more in the future. I'm sure it will be a beautiful journey!

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Week 4: Nature through Art

I genuinely believe that everyone can be an artist, and therefore anyone can use art as a means to interpret nature for themselves or to others. One does not even have to view themselves as an ‘artist’ to be able to enjoy, admire, reflect, and even, dare I say, "interpret” art. 

While artists centuries past may have been “testy” when someone wanted to understand why they created a work, and art was seen for the “elite (Beck et al. 2018, p. 85),” I wholeheartedly disagree that this is the case today. Many museums now have historical and cultural context and themed exhibits, with many means for the guests to dive into the art being displayed. I recently visited multiple museums on a Montreal trip, and was able to explore various areas of art from modern art, contemporary art, environmental, and sometime a mix of more than one!

While someone’s viewpoint, thoughts, or feelings may not always be what the artist(s) originally envisioned, feelings, or was intending to depict, as long as it causes no harm and people are moved, how is that a bad thing? 

That being said, I feel this week’s textbook reading, Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World, was rather dismissive to the artist intent regarding labels normally put next to art pieces (Beck et al. 2018). While anyone can interpretation art in any manner, when an artist creates something, what medium, and even the title is the artist’s expression and interpretation, and is that worth putting up on a label? By saying that the visitor should glean all the information from studying the art itself, is unfair to both the visitor and removes any voice from the artist. If anything, makes it less accessible to the visitor as they have no 'crumb' to start with to start exploring the art.

I was fortunate that at a young age that I was exposed to visual arts, so it is something I am comfortable with, and a lens I see the world through. Arts as whole, like with interpretation, is a dedication. As expressed in the textbook reading, Values to Individuals and Society, interpreters have “[…] a passion for the craft [,] find fascination in culture and natural history [,] delight in continuing their quest for knowledge [and,] most enjoy interacting with people and sharing their knowledge (Beck et al. 2018).” All of these are traits also shared with people in or associated with arts. 

When I think of creatives in my life, they also see art as more than a job or an occupation. As the textbook states so eloquently about interpretation, “[…] it becomes a way of life marked by a long-term mission, depth of knowledge, a sense of wonder, and humility, serenity, and fulfillment (Beck et al. 2018).” If interpreters and artists share so many traits, then why does there need to be a distinction? Are interpreters not another type of artists? 

What I enjoy about the arts is it encompasses so many forms, from dance, music, visual to poetry and storytelling. Art can even be someone passion for something like baking a cake or creating a website that is accessible to all users. 

So, to respond to the blog prompt of the week, I am person who enjoys art and nature and wants to share that passion with others. Art is a 'gift', nature is a 'gift,' and both are something that anyone can enjoy, explore, interpret as comes in unlimited forms.

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Source:

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

Image: Praewthida K

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Unpacking: Privilege

As I gazed upwards from the depths of the crevice, I finally saw in all its beauty what I had been dreaming to see; Lower Antelope Canyon, located in Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park near the Arizona-Utah border.

I reflected on the journey I undertook to witness this view firsthand; from navigating connecting flights and arranging reliable transportation to physically maneuvering through challenging and unforgiving terrain, ultimately descending a steep and seemingly endless set of stairs. Reflecting on the entire experience, I acknowledged that not everyone had the ability or resources to undertake such a venture. I realized that privilege was the sole factor that led me to experience and savor that moment, something I was fortunate and lucky enough to have been born with.

I define privilege as the unearned advantages associated with social identities such as gender, race, or socioeconomic status, to name a few. It isn’t dependent on one's efforts but rather determined by factors beyond their control. Peggy McIntosh described it best as an invisible package of unearned assets (Hooykaas, 2024). As I unpack my invisible backpack, I reflect on the fact that I am middle-class, educated, and English-speaking with a Canadian passport. These unearned characteristics facilitated me have access to opportunities that aren’t available to everyone. By being aware of our privileges, we can better recognize the disparities and inequalities in society. This awareness can foster a sense of responsibility, motivating us to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and just environment by addressing barriers. Recognizing the presence and influence of privilege is equally important in the context of nature interpretation.

Privilege significantly influences our access and relationship with the natural world. Chapter seven of the textbook specifically outlines a wide array of cultural, communication and economic barriers that discouraged participation in interpretative programs by minority populations. Marginality theory suggests that differences in participation are linked to lower socioeconomic positions in society; lack of reliable transportation, entrance fees and suitable lodging are all examples which can deter individuals from participating in interpretive programs (Beck et al., 2019). Communication can be another barrier; materials and programs that are primarily available in English can dissuade minorities with limited language proficiency, creating a less inclusive and diverse audience, contributing to a decline in underrepresented groups (Beck et al., 2019). A lack of information sources in other languages can also foster general safety concerns and fears regarding getting lost in minorities (Beck et al., 2019). A lack of awareness about where to go, and how to prepare for a visit is another barrier to minority visitation (Beck et al., 2019). Being able-bodied is another privilege we normally take for granted when navigating trails and parks.

To cultivate an inclusive community within nature interpretation, interpreters must actively work towards dismantling barriers and establishing an environment that welcomes underrepresented communities. Access to the natural world is a fundamental privilege that should be accessible to everyone.

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.

Hooykaas, A. (2024) Unit 3: Risk versus Reward in Interpretation ENVS*3000. University of Guelph.

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Firstly, it seemed like it was an amazing trip! It sounds like it was a rewarding and enriching experience. 

That being said, I liked the angle you took when it comes to nature interpretation and the intersection between traveling and nature. Your definition of privilege when it comes to nature interpretation is well defined and clear!

Like you mentioned, the terrain at Lower Antelope Canyon in Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park does not seem like it would be accessible to everyone. Depending on someone's physical or even mental abilities, it would be a challenging task.

This makes me think back to one part of the reading that stuck out to me, which is how by the year 2033, people ages 65 and older will outnumber people younger than 18. That is a staggering number!

As we all become older and the number of seniors continue to increase, many of those issues outlined in the book will need to be considered. This includes accessibility (is it too steep, is there wheelchair ramps?), timing (when events should be scheduled?), eye sight (having enough lighting), hearing (having closed captions), and other physical abilities will be impacted. It makes me want to put further thought into how to program events for seniors or people with mobility issues.  It also makes me think about who will be leading all these nature interpretation events as I know the role is sometimes a part-time or summer role that students will take on. If the population is skewing more senior, who will undertake this role in the future?

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Week 3: Privilege in Nature Interpretation

I believe the best way for me to address my privilege in regard to nature interpretation is to first outline the steps that allowed me to be in the position to write this very blog post: 

I live in a country where I was able to go to school (I am a woman); 

In school, I learned to read and write; 

I have stable electricity and access to the internet; 

I had access to a computer and internet since I was a child; 

My parents encouraged me to go to university as one of them had attended; 

My parents were able to provide for me, so I did not need to worry about my next meal or having a roof over my head; 

That allowed me time to study and get the grades needed to be accepted into a university; 

I was allowed to develop several interests, including environmental protection and conservation; 

I had the time and means to take several university courses, including the pre-request for this course; and finally, 

I was familiar enough with the internet that I was able to create and post on Tumblr.

There are many steps along this journey that I glossed over, but the 10 items I listed alone could be a monumental challenge for someone, due to age, ability, geography, culture, or historical reasons. 

The mere fact that I have the time and resources to take this course that dedicates a week to note the privilege we have. I then, in turn, reflect on my privilege in itself is a privilege. 

While I have always been aware of and thankful for the opportunities that I have had, it was really the introduction to Peggy McIntosh and the idea each of us has an invisible backpack in the course material that highlighted and put a huge spotlight on them for me. 

The idea of an invisible backpack is, things like privilege “is as an invisible package of unearned assets which one can count on cashing in each day, but about which was “meant” to remain oblivious. … [It] is like an invisible weightless backpack of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools, and blank cheques (Hooykaas, 2024).”

I was always keenly aware of how lucky I am as a woman to be able to go to school and learn. But then as I kept thinking about everything else, it all started to quickly stack up. They do not take away from what I have earned, but they provide me opportunities that others may not have had. For example, having the means to learn about nature, become educated, and take this course.

Therefore, my working definition of privilege about nature interpretation is any advantage that was granted to me that allowed me to be in the place I am now that directly or indirectly aided with my interest and knowledge in environmental conservation and protection, including nature interpretation.

Since I have been fortunate, it would be my pleasure to be able to aid others in their nature journey and meet them wherever they are on it.  

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Sources:

Hooykaas, A (2024). Unit 03: Risk versus Reward in Interpretation. In ENVS*3000: Nature Interpretation. Guelph University. YouTube. (2017, October 15). Social Inequalities explained in a $100 race - please watch to the end. thanks. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com

Image: Holly Mandarich

[poojanpatel]

Environmental Interpreter

My ideal role as an environmental interpreter or an entrepreneur (EI/EE) would be that of a Landscape Architect (LA). Many people misunderstand the true meaning of LAs, many think it has to do with only maintaining land-scapes; grasses, parks, gardens, etc. But it is a much more broad of field than that. To describe an LA very briefly, is someone who is striving to bridge nature, the built world, and human perception. Interpretation as described in Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World by Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, and Douglas M. Knudson, means "interpreters produce, direct and act in the greatest shows on earth" a platform that helps or bring " meaning to people about cultural and natural heritage." The importance of Landscape Architecture as a method to reactivate feelings, as well as to re-experience the psychological welcoming that natural diversity provides, is completely integrated into its design vision.

This role is not limited to a specific place; However, personal preferences are always welcomed. In a modern state of society, one cannot truly be local to one area, but given the opportunity, I would explore my options to exhibit the meaning of nature and cultural perception to the dwellers in developing countries, or areas of developed countries that lack the infrastructure to experience the importance of nature. Specific locations include the rural part of Gujarat, India (my birth state), and coastal countries like Malaysia, and the Philippines, which are hindered by the wrath of nature, rather than the beauty. Also dabbling in urban design in populated cities, such as Rome, Mumbai, Rio, and Bangkok.

Skills needed would not be limited to ones listed; as one is always growing and is never truly finished developing internally. Some include the importance of accepting the various different forms of culture their are globally and their individual connection to the nature. People have developed differently in various parts of the world, and understanding that ideologies differ is the fist step that one should have as a EI or EE. Another one is that of Gratefulness. You cannot connect someone to a culture and nature without yourself first believing in the importance of these facets within our lives. Being grateful enables one to view the world in a blissful manner, limiting unnecessary feuds with may be encountered through ha difference of mind. Some specific skills may include the ability to management time efficiently, engage with the community, having a deep passion for conservation, as well as communication skills to interpret others POV. Limited by a word limit I cannot delve further, but am happy to reply to any comments =).

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.

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It is great that you were able to connect the role of an Environmental Interpreter back to your studies as Landscape Architect (LA)! I also appreciate the short definition of the LA role as does seem like it is commonly misunderstood. While the design of parks and gardens are of course important and vital, it is much broader discipline and covers more ground (so to speak). Best of luck on your studies! I feel like you having been born in India, and visited (I assume), some of the places you listed such as Malaysia, Philippines, and Rome, gives you a good breadth of understanding when it comes to how vastly people interpret nature. I can imagine urban design also ties nicely with landscape architecture and the role of Environmental Interpreter. Additionally, I like that you provided a list of tangible skills needed of an Environmental Interpreter in your blog post. I wholeheartedly agree with the list, especially on how it is important to always grow and that it is a lifelong endeavour. As a person grows, they learn, develop new skills and knowledge, and in turn their passion(s) grows as well. Passion is the heart of the Environmental Interpreter role!

Lastly, other skills that you listed, that I feel are equally important, is someone who wants to genuinely engage with the community and has strong communication, as these are key to the role. When it comes to communication, it makes me reflect on various learning styles people have, such auditory, tactile, and visual, and how important it is to keep that in mind when being an interpreter to ensure that your message is coming across clearly to all!