Developing as a nature interpreter:
I care very much about the environment and I believe that I am very ethical when it comes to my abilities in nature interpretation. I would describe myself as a mild influence on others when it comes to nature and my interpretations of it. I like to ease myself into topics of nature with others because I find that people turn away from aggressive conversations and are more likely to do the opposite of what you ask of them. I find it better to gradually teach lessons about nature that I know or enjoy in a softer manner, in hopes of influencing them to learn about nature interpretation and treatment of the environment themselves. Kind of like reverse psychology. No one likes to be told what to do, so much so, that we often do the opposite of what we’re being pressured to do (Pantalon, 2011). This is why I do not force my opinions and interpretations onto others. As I develop my knowledge, skills, and outlook about nature interpretation, I believe that I am gradually becoming wiser in not only my understanding of nature, but how I want to interpret it to others as well. I am learning how to properly communicate, and how to choose various methods of interpreting information to others that is most appropriate in different situations.
The general belief that I have and share with others as a nature interpreter is to continuously share the knowledge I have and gain to others. It is important to remember how human activity progressively affects our environment, as well as the various impacts it influences. There are still many individuals who are either unaware of how severe climate change is becoming, or they may be ignorant towards the idea of it. As an environmental science student, I am well aware of the implication’s climate change will have on our future populations. I can also confidently say that I still have so much more to learn about it. With that being said, it is a gradual process. Taking part in conversations with friends, family members, coworkers, or strangers about how they can interpret what is occurring in nature is important towards spreading the awareness and knowledge that science has presented us. I believe that it is better than nothing, and that it is okay if it takes baby steps. As a nature interpreter, I am willing to interpret my understandings through communication!
This video, created by TED-Ed shows how easily false news is able to spread, especially in today’s societies with rapid communicational advances. This video emphasizes to me, how important it is to share the truth that you know. It is important that we do not let false news take over what we know about nature.
This relates to the responsibilities I have as a developing nature interpreter. It is my responsibility to use my knowledge that I have gained through education to raise and spread awareness. It is also my responsibility to lead by example to show others how I value nature. If you can teach people about a subject that is valuable to sustaining a high standard of life for future societies, then it should be your responsibility to continue teaching as much as you can. Not everyone specializes or takes the time to learn about nature. It may not be a topic of interest to many. With that being said, I believe it is also my responsibility to attempt to make the topic of nature interesting to others.
This is where my role as a nature interpreter comes in. To make the topic of nature interesting to others, it is important to understand the various methods to interpret the subject, or how to interpret to the masses. Many people are much more influenced by media methods like photography, documentaries, and social media posts. This is a personal preference for me, as I find that visual media truly influences an emotional response as I learn. For example, I follow an Instagram account called: get.waste.ed. This account posts photographs and videos to display both wasteful practices and companies, as well as environmentally friendly innovations. This account motivates me to consume sustainably. It also deters me from purchasing certain items, materials, or from specific companies for their wasteful practices.
Here are two screenshots of posts from the get.waste.ed account. Check them out to get inspired!
I have also learned from books, courses, communication, as well as personal experiences. A great book I read during my time in University was called: A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold. This book truly put nature into a perspective I wish I saw on my own. Leopold uses metaphorical language to describe nature that further inspired my appreciation for nature. Maybe for others, visiting a conservation zoo would deliver the message much clearer than seeing a photograph, or reading an entire book. As an individual, I would best interpret my knowledge about nature through photography, the use of social media, and communication. However, being present with nature or seeing wildlife regardless where they are encountered, I am also inspired and affected. Overall, it is very important to interpret the knowledge you have about nature to others in a way that will peak interest and communicate the messages effectively. It is important to consider what methods were effective for us to interpret the various messages, as well as how we want to interpret them to others. Similar to the two target audiences we had for our podcast assignments, considerations like age groups is necessary to know to be able to choose effective methods.
Moving forward, ask yourself these questions: What sparks your interests? How would you best teach your interpretations about nature to others? Who do you want to influence, and why?
Tatiana
References: Pantalon, M. (2011). Do You Use “Reverse Psychology?” Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-science-influence/201104/do-you-use-reverse-psychology-stop-right-now
Hey great post!
I completely agree that its best to have these important conversations in a very soft and relaxed way, like you said without forcing your views on anyone. Right here I think this shows your understanding of people and how your role as a nature interpreter impacts them and how to do so successfully!
That Ted video was super interesting and did a great job at explaining concepts, especially circular reporting. This is definitely commonplace now in our digital society which so heavily depends on social media to get their information. I know I don’t watch the news or read the newspaper, so I tend to be weary when getting information from a social networking site such as twitter because of this same concept. Especially when it comes to environmental issues. So many people will see one article or one post that suits their viewpoint and spread that information which dilutes the other (and possibly more correct) information. Like the video said, the desire for information beats out the desire for correct information.
Thanks for sharing that Instagram account as well, it is super informative and important to highlight these wasteful practices and show the companies that are being conscious of their impact and using more environmentally conscious habits!
To answer just one of the questions you posed,
What sparks my interests is how spaces are designed for people and then how people actually use them. You can design the most beautiful space but if it is not made functionally then it will go to waste. I also love to learn about plants and all of their cool characteristics. Looking at a site trying to understand why specific trees were selected over others. For instance, my favourite tree is a London Plane Tree, it has super unique bark that adds visual interest along with the fact that the bark sheds. Due to the shedding it makes a great street tree as it absorbs pollution into the bark and then sheds it, keeping the tree healthy! Super cool, although it is not native so I don’t get to use it much as it doesn’t do much else for the environment.
Image from http://www.tree-guide.com/london-plane-tree
We have a few of these trees on campus and you can identify them by their camo bark! (There are some along South Ring Road as well as on Johnston green over towards War Mem!)



















