My Personal Ethic as a Developing Nature Interpreter
I'm always thinking about the values I bring to nature interpretation since starting this class. Interpreting nature involves more than just providing information, it also involves encouraging direction, meaningful experiences, and relationships between humans and nature. My judgement that nature interpretation is a strong instrument for inspiration, education, and transformation has been strengthened by the readings and blog posts of the course.
Core Beliefs: Nature as an Extension of Ourselves
One of my beliefs is that nature is an extension of ourselves rather than something distinct from us. The fact that "we do not end at our fingertips" adds trust to this idea, implying that our identities are linked to the environments we live in (Brueggemann, n.d.). Whether I was sitting by a lake, hiking through forests, or just watching the seasons change, I always felt like I belonged in natural settings ever since i was a child. These encounters strengthened my belief that everyone should have access to nature because I believe it is so beautiful. Effective nature interpretation must have a strong bond with the natural world in addition to knowledge. This supports Brueggemann's argument that interpretations have to adjust between the facts of environmental problems and messages of empowerment and optimism Brueggemann, n.d.). People must have faith in their ability to change things as fear does not inspire effort.
My Responsibilities as a Nature Interpreter
I could potentially see myself as a future nature interpreter. Some of my duties would be:
Everyone should have access to nature, regardless of their level of experience. I would try to bring information in ways that appeal to a variety of learning styles, whether it be through science, technology, art, or storytelling like mentioned in our class.
The readings for Units 5 and 6 on using science to understand nature, emphasize the need of utilizing data from research, but this needs to be combined with emotional involvement. Stories and firsthand accounts leave a lasting impression; facts by themselves do not inspire (Hooykaas, 2025, Units 5 and 6).
In unit 3's readings on risk versus return, I see the importance of encouraging people to move beyond their comfort zones in order to encourage discovery (Hooykaas, 2025, Unit 3). I want people to experience the excitement of exploration, whether it be through interactive conversations or hands-on activities.
Earlier views on conservation were frequently exclusive and colonial, as Unit 7's history of nature interpretation says (Hooykaas, 2025, Unit 7). I would work to advance inclusive environmental policies that take into account local communities and Indigenous knowledge.
Technology is becoming more and more important in nature interpretation, and I see how it can help people understand nature. Technologies such as social media can help reach a larger audience (Hooykaas, 2025, Unit 8).
Approaches That Align with My Personality
There is no one-size-fits-all method for interpreting nature, and I've found that some approaches are better than others. Participatory learning approaches interest me since they encourage active participation rather than listening. I would rather teach people in an environment than lecture them about it, whether that means taking a walk through a forest or hearing birds chirp.
Storytelling is effective and the readings on using art and music to comprehend nature emphasize how creativity encourages comprehension (Hooykaas, 2025, Units 4 and 8). I can identify with this since I've always discovered that personal stories may help close the gap between ecological ideas and real-world experiences. Furthermore, I want to strengthen an environment that promotes discussion as opposed to one-way communication. This concept is supported by the textbook Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World, which emphasizes the importance of inclusive and collaborative interpretation (Beck et al. 2018).
I intend to improve my communication techniques and come up with new ideas for making nature interpretation more interesting and inclusive as I may become a nature interpreter. I want to investigate techniques for digital interaction and storytelling while keeping a close tie with hand on interactions. I also understand the value of learning, whether it be through more coursework, practical experience, or guidance from other interpreters.
Overall, I have learned so much from this class and I think that interpretation should encourage people to see themselves as active people in the natural environment because nature is an essential element of who we are. I want to make nature interpretation meaningful for people by striking a balance between history, technology, science, and learning. I'm excited to possibly teach them knowledge and experiences as I interact with people in this field from what I have learned thus far.
If you were to become a nature interpreter, what would you do to get people to align with nature in the way you do?
Brueggemann, W. A quote from Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth. (n.d.). https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/8033666-advent-prayer-in-our-secret-yearnings.
Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Hooykaas, A. (2025). Nature Interpretation, Unit 3. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/924379/viewContent/3963574/View.
Hooykaas, A. (2025). Nature Interpretation, Unit 4. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/924379/viewContent/3963575/View.
Hooykaas, A. (2025). Nature Interpretation, Unit 5. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/924379/viewContent/3963576/View.
Hooykaas, A. (2025). Nature Interpretation, Unit 6. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/924379/viewContent/3963577/View.
Hooykaas, A. (2025). Nature Interpretation, Unit 7. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/924379/viewContent/3963578/View.
Hooykaas, A. (2025). Nature Interpretation, Unit 8. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/924379/viewContent/3963579/View.