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This blog was created for Githmi Wijedasa (ENVS 3000), University of Guelph.Ā
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Blog 09-10 (Final Blog)
Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?
A Brief āThank Youā
Greetings everyone, thank you for joining me on my journey of learning various methods of how to interpret nature throughout these past 11 weeks. Writing these blogs have been more than helpful in reflecting, documenting and visualizing my thoughts, feelings and future endeavours rooted in interpretation. This last blog prompt serves as a ātying up of loose endsā colloquially speaking. Here, I will hopefully provide insight into my personal ethic as I hone my interpretation skills, acknowledge my responsibilities and implement strategies most suitable to me moving forward. If you are a new reader, welcome! If you have read my work from the very beginning, thank you for sticking around!
My Beliefs as an Interpreter
Nature already plays a very important role in my life. It is all around us. Most may even argue that the concept of ānatureā itself, is inherently a necessity to human beings. As a geography and biology student here at the University of Guelph, as well as an aspiring masters student in the field of environmental science, my academics and future endeavours are innately correlated with the outdoors. My geography minor contains required classes that mostly pertain to physical geography, such as land formations, climatology, morphology, hydrology and so much more. These courses have equipped me with the knowledge and understanding required to educate individuals about specific regions. Additionally, the biology portion of my degree focuses on biological interactions, with a heavy emphasis on ecology. Synergistically speaking, the physical geography aspect of my degree coupled with the biological component of my degree provides a holistic perspective of our world and the organisms that live within it. This may come in handy with my future as an interpreter. With that being said, my beliefs as an interpreter revolve around conservation efforts. Both regarding ecosystems and habitats, as well as global warming. I feel as though utilizing the skills I have learned in university to propel my interpretational skills is rather feasible!
My Personal Ethic Moving Forward
Ethically speaking, I wish to make this world a better place, and offer individuals the opportunity to engage and interpret the world in whichever method of delivery they best relate with. To accomplish that goal, I will apply all of the lessons I have learned throughout this course, such as interpreting nature through art, science, history, music and technology to appeal to a broader audience.
From a young age, I have always had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether it be hikes and bike rides with my dad, or hanging out at the park with my friends, and now, travelling around Ontario and camping in really interesting places, nature is something I will always swear to protect. In my second year, I read a very interesting book called āHow to Blow up a Pipelineā by Andreas Malm. Despite the titleās clear relation to an act of eco-terrorism, that is not at all what the author is trying to discuss. The pipeline is metaphorical for destroying our habits which perpetuate the continuous heating of our planet. Malmās text has taught me that being a moral pacifist is equivalent to being a bystander (Malm, 2021). We must take action and make a change so that we can secure a future for generations to come. A portion of his text discusses being somewhat violent in the form of protests, however in an essay I wrote about the book, I discuss how I can advocate for total peace, however, exonerate heroic acts which utilise physicality or violence. This is where being an interpreter comes in handy. It provides me with the opportunity to educate and inform others in a peaceful manner, which if done correctly, by many others like myself, can be monumental in conservation efforts.
(Image of book āHow to Blow Up a Pipelineā. Credit: Amazon)
Approaches That Suit Me
Certain teachings throughout this course align quite well with some of my passions and hobbies. For example, as stated earlier, Ideally, I would interpret and teach others through lenses such as art, science, history, music and technology. These are all separate units in our courselink, which prove to be extremely useful. Below, I will provide a brief statement to how I would interpret through each of the above lenses.
Art: As discussed earlier on in my blog, art is extremely subjective. This makes interpreting nature through art genuinely unique. It is not an experience that I can shape, as the āgift of beautyā concept discussed in chapter 5 of our textbook describes it as the ānatural aestheticā being perceived by the interpreter (Beck et al., 2018). I could then explain that concept on future guided tours or hikes.
Science: Science is an interesting lense to interpret through. Not everyoneās minds are science driven, however I could use my knowledge of land formations, and biological interactions as a framework for outlining our surroundings. Science is a ātoolā to inform others of objective truths, as outlined in our textbook (Beck et al., 2018).
History: Thinking back to the Edward Hyams quote, I think interpreting nature through history is quite important. In my future interpretations, both alone or with others, I will think back to both Hyams and the textbook, as we should look to cultural and natural heritage with respect (Beck et al., 2018).
Music: Interpreting nature through music is a fun one. I think that instead of focusing on natural sounds, I would play music that I feel best correlates with the current setting. This can create memories back to a specific moment when hearing the same song after the fact. For me, when I hear the song āSaraā by Fleetwood Mac, I automatically think of a camping trip I went on in 2021. I would like to create a similar experience for others!
Technology: I like making videos, therefore in the future I may create guides or video essays for other interpreters before embarking on a sightseeing tour, or simply to inform others of certain causes. Here is a video I made for my Arts & Science class about how to reduce plastic waste:
(Video on how to reduce plastic waste. Credit: Joseph Gaudio)
Lastly, What Responsibilities Do I Have?
As my final post comes to an end, it is important to outline my responsibilities as a future interpreter. My goal of conservation is extremely important. I wish to create an environment for individuals like myself to enjoy the wonders that our natural world has to offer, without worrying whether or not it will be there to enjoy in the future. One topic that I have left for this section is āaccessibilityā. Earlier on in the course, we discussed how privilege affects the abilities of others to share the same experiences of those who are privileged (Beck et al., 2018). As an interpreter, and potential guide in the future, I will make it my responsibility to create and find funding so that others have access to experiences rooted in nature. Moving forward, fostering an environment rooted in accessibility and sustainability is the ultimate goal. We should all be granted the same opportunities, as nature does not discriminate.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my blog posts. I have truly enjoyed reading yours! I wish everyone a lovely rest of the semester and best of luck with exams.
Warmest Regards,
Joseph G.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture.
Hi Joseph!
I really enjoyed reading your final blog post! Your passion for nature and conservation really comes through, and I love how youāve tied your academic background into your approach to interpretation. The way you connect geography and biology to storytelling is such a strong foundation for engaging people in a meaningful way. I also found your discussion of How to Blow Up a Pipeline really interesting!Your take on activism and how interpretation can be a peaceful but powerful tool for change is really inspiring.
Your section on using different lenses art, science, history, music, and technology stood out to me. The way you describe music creating lasting emotional connections to nature really resonated. That example of Sara by Fleetwood Mac was such a cool personal touch, itās true that music has a way of bringing us back to specific moments. Using that to shape a visitorās experience in nature could be such a unique and effective approach. Your use of technology is another great idea creating video guides or essays is such a smart way to make nature interpretation more accessible to a broader audience.
I also really admire your commitment to accessibility. Making sure that everyone, regardless of privilege, has the opportunity to connect with nature is such an important responsibility for interpreters. You did a really great job on tying everything together in young final post, and I have no doubt youāre going to make a real impact as a nature interpreter. Wishing you all the best moving forward!
Unit 10: Nature Interpreter
Interpreting nature is not just about sharing facts about the environment with others, but it is about developing a longlasting connecction and a deep understanding between people and our natural world.Ā As I develop skills as a nature interpreter, I often reflect on my guided approach through personal ethics.Ā These ethics I speak of emerge from my responsibilities, my engagement with the public, and by my core beliefs.Ā Through maintaining traits such as my curiosity and integrity, I am able to emphasize conversation with the goal of creating meaningful experiences that can inspire appreciation for nature.Ā Interpreting Culture and Natural Heritage for a Better World, the authors emphasize that the role of an interpreter is to create connections between the natural environment and visitors, where the use of of different artistic elements can create a more meaningful interpretation (Beck, Cable & Knudson, 2018).
Beliefs that Guide my work
For my approach to interpreting nature, the foundational beliefs that influence my interactions are with the way I present information and interact with people.Ā These beliefs that I will go more in depth to, inform how I conduct myself as a guardian of natures world and how I communicate.
Nature is interconnected
One truth about nature that speaks to me is how interconnected it is.Ā Every organism, ranging from the smallest microbe to the largest tree, plays a vital role in supporting ecosystems.Ā Taking time to create an understanding of these connections helps to create such an appreciation for our world.Ā When people actually see their actions and the impact it can have on the environment, either positively or negatively, they are likely to take the responsibility for protecting it.
Nature is for everyone
The access we have to the environment and to environmental educational shouldnāt be a privelage.Ā Personally, I believe that individuals should all have the opportunity to be able to connect with nature.Ā To do this, barriers to access need to be broken, interpretation should be inclusive, and it should ensure that diverse perspectives are all inclused and represented when discussing the natural world.
Education is important for creating conversation
Awareness begins with conversation.Ā Many environmental issues stem from a lack of knowledge.Ā So, providing informative, engaging, and key experiences, I feel like I can help individuals to understand the importance of education through conversation to have a better chance of leading to sustainable decisions being made.Ā Whether this is from explaining the effects of climate change, or the importance of pollinators, education is a key tool when protecting the environment.Ā Jacob Rodenburg highlights the importance of education in his article stating that, āLeaving kids indoors cuts them off from the knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a living being that shares a world with other living beingsā (Rodenburg, 2019).Ā He further goes on to say that children learn about the natural world through stories and being outside in the environment.
Authenticity
With all of this being said, making sure the information I present is ethical, science-based and accurate is my responsibility.Ā This means checking sources and acknowledging any scientific uncertainty in order to not misrepresent facts.
Responsibilities of a Nature Interpreter
As a nature interpreter, with all of those beliefs in mind, comes responsibilities.Ā These responsibilities will influence my approach to storytelling, interactions with audiences, and my representation of the natural world.Ā Ā
Facilitate learning and promote curiosity
My goal is to inspire others' curiosity and help facilitate their learning.Ā Instead of just presenting factual information, I want to really engage my audience so that it encourages them to ask questions and trigger their critical thinking.Ā When they can form their own conclusions, it means that I have effectively helped to deepen their connection with nature.
Ethical storytellingĀ
Telling stories are some of the most powerful tools for a nature interpreter.Ā If you are able to create a story well-told that can inspire actions, evoke emotions, and make scientific information relatable, that is key.Ā I will avoid any misinformation, ensuring that the stories donāt reinforce any inaccuracies about nature.
Promoting/practicing environmental stewardship
As a nature interpreter, leading by example is critical.Ā The principles that I promote (conservation and sustainability) I will embody, which means practicing that responsible behaviour.Ā With this, part of my responsibility is to create meaningful experiences to promote to audiences to take meaningful actions contributing to environmental stewardship.
Learning/adapting continuously
Nature is continuously changing, which means our understanding of it also shift constantly.Ā To be a nature interpreter, when things are always changing, I will commit to continuous learning.Ā This includes staying up to date on research and getting feedback on my methods.Ā Adapting is also important, so that I can always be prepared to change my approach depending on an audiences needs or new scientific developments.
Approaches that Suit Me
Every Nature interpreter is different and will have their own style of approach that aligns with their strengths, personality, and communication.Ā To me, the most effective methods involve engagement, experimental learning, and inquiry-based interpretation.Ā With social media being a huge part of our daily lives, we can use available technologies to enhance citizens' interactions with the environment, science, and education (Wals, 2014).
Hands on/experimental learning: I believe many people learn best when they are actively engaged.Ā Even sensory-based experiences (touch, see, hear, smell) can strengthen the audiences understanding and connections.
Inquiry-based interpretation: Instead of me giving out all the answers, I encourage questions.Ā This guides individuals to make their own discoveries to further a deeper connection with nature.Ā Promoting people to critically think helps with the visitors engagement with the material.
Passion and enthusiasm: Being passionate is contagious.Ā Whenever I share my excitement and knowledge about nature, it will engage the audience naturally and make their experience overall more enjoyable.Ā Whether I am talking about wildlife, leading a nature walk or showing how ecosystems function, being enthusiastic will inspire others and promote their own development of their wonder and appreciation of nature.
Ultimate Goals
Inspire stewardship
Deeper appreciation for our natural world
Even small changes can have a ripple effect
Foster respect, curiosity, responsible behaviour
We are a part of nature, not separate from it
Feeling connected to our environment
Advocate protection so future generations experience the same wonders
Conclusion
My role as a nature interpreter is to bridge that gap between individuals and the natural world.Ā This is an ongoing journey for me that requires learning, adapting, and continuous reflection.Ā I can create meaningful experiences by grounding my approach through the principles of education, inclusivity, integrity, and interconnectedness.Ā Through engagement, hands-on learning, and storytelling, my goal is to inspire others to appreciate nature and take an active role in conserving it.Ā By broadening participation from communities, stewardship and environmental science is important for the acknowledgement that human behaviour has when determining environmental conditions (Merenlender, 2016). Nature interpretation is about more than spreading information; itās about fostering connections, responsibilities, and a sense of wonder.Ā I hope to help make positive impacts on not just the planet, but on individuals as well.Ā
ReferencesĀ
Arjen E. J. Wals et al., Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education.Science344,583-584(2014).DOI:10.1126/science.1250515
Merenlender, A.M., Crall, A.W., Drill, S., Prysby, M. and Ballard, H. (2016), Evaluating environmental education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs. Conservation Biology, 30: 1255-1265. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12737
Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why Environmental Educators Shouldnāt Give Up Hope. Clearing Magazine. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300 Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture.
I really enjoyed reading your last blog post! Youāve outlined a very clear and thoughtful approach to nature interpretation, and I agree with a lot of the points you made. The idea that nature is interconnected is such a powerful concept to share with others. Helping people realize the impact of their actions on the environment can lead to greater awareness and responsibility. Your emphasis on making nature accessible to everyone resonated deeply with me, too. Breaking down barriers to access and ensuring diverse perspectives are included is key to fostering a deeper sense of connection to nature.
I also love how you focus on engagement and inquiry-based learning. Encouraging people to ask questions and make their own discoveries creates a much more meaningful experience. When visitors are involved in the process, theyāre more likely to feel a genuine connection to the natural world. Your commitment to providing accurate, science-based information and being authentic is so important, too. It builds trust with your audience and helps maintain the integrity of the message youāre sharing. For me, I think that honestly and trust go hand in hand.
Your approach to hands-on, sensory learning is something I really appreciate as well. Itās amazing how much more people connect to nature when they can experience it firsthand. Overall, I think youāve got a great balance of ethics, engagement, and education in your approach to nature interpretation. Your passion for making a positive impact really shines through, and itās evident that youāre truly committed to fostering a deeper connection between people and nature!
Fairy staircase
Blog 10: Final Blog Post - My Ethics as a Nature Interpreter
When I first began this course, my understanding of nature interpretation was shaped by personal experiences, especially with my family, teachers, and my grandmother, who taught me to view nature as something full of magic and wonder. I remember her story that every mushroom marks the spot where a fairy has landed, and to this day, it influences how I connect with the natural world. My initial view of interpretation focused on helping others find meaning and connection in nature, and that perspective has remained the same. However, the course and the blog posts have deepened my understanding of interpretation, offering new insights and knowledge that have broadened my definition, responsibilities, and ethical approach as a nature interpreter.
As an interpreter, my personal ethic is grounded in fostering deeper, more compassionate connections between people and the natural world. Rooted in interconnectedness, responsibility, and mindfulness, my approach draws heavily from Buddhist philosophy, which already shapes my current ethical framework. I see interpretation as more than just sharing information; it is an opportunity to inspire a meaningful, reflective experience that encourages a stronger bond with the natural environment. By weaving Buddhist principles into my nature interpretation, I aim to create an environment where reflection and understanding flourish, nurturing both the individual and the natural world.
One of my strongest core beliefs, is that all life is interconnected. This idea is at the heart of Buddhism, which emphasizes that our actions (karma) have consequences, not just for ourselves but for the entire ecosystem (Capper, 2023). Every action has consequences that ripple through the environment. In nature interpretation, I emphasize the idea that humans are not separate from nature. we are all a part of it. By helping people recognize that their deep interconnectedness with the natural world, I hope to inspire how people interpret nature and how they make decisions about the environment. Through my work as a nature interpreter, I aim to push people to prioritize both sustainability and compassion.
Another key belief I hold is that effective interpretation should inspire a sense of wonder and foster a deep sense of responsibility. In Buddhism, the principle of ahimsa, or nonviolence, teaches that we should aim to minimize harm to all living beings (Dorzhigushaeva & Kiplyuks, 2020). As a nature interpreter, I interpret this principle of ahimsa as a call to advocate for and actively promote conservation efforts and environmentally sustainable practices. Whether I am guiding a friend on a nature walk or designing an educational program for Fridays for Future Toronto, I aim to encourage visitors to reflect on their environmental impact and to take meaningful steps towards sustainability, both in their daily lives and within broader environmental contexts. This aligns with Merenlender et al.'s (2016) research, which emphasizes the role of environmental education in shaping conservation attitudes. In real life, I see myself guiding people toward responsible actions, such as staying on trails to protect fragile ecosystems, minimizing waste, and respecting wildlife.
As a nature interpreter, I aim to approach interpretation by not just spitting out facts. I strive to facilitate meaningful experiences. Inspired by the concept of bodhichitta (meaning compassion) in Buddhism, I believe that effective interpretation should be centered around people and their experiences (Dorzhigushaeva & Kiplyuks, 2020). This means encouraging visitors to ask questions, engage in discussions, and form personal connections with nature. For instance, when leading a group through a forest, I might ask them to reflect on how the sounds, smells, and textures make them feel, rather than just listing off species names. Creating space for emotional engagement enhances learning and fosters a deeper appreciation for nature.
One of the most suitable approaches for me as an interpreter is integrating mindfulness into my practice, another Buddhist concept. Mindfulness encourages being present, allowing both interpreters and audiences to fully engage with their surroundings. Encouraging visitors to pause, listen to the sounds of nature, or observe the small details of a bug can foster a deeper, more personal connection with the environment.
An approach I aim to stray away from is fear-based messaging when trying to foster care and responsibility for the environment. Often times, I have found that fear-based conservation is not effective. As Rodenburg (2019) suggests that environmental educators should avoid focusing solely on the overwhelming challenges we face, like climate change and species extinction, as they can lead to feelings of helplessness. Instead, a suitable approach for me in terms of nature interpretation is one that is rooted in hope, wonder, and collective responsibility. As Rodenburg (2019) highlights, building age-appropriate educational experiences that emphasize love for nature rather than fear can inspire positive change. By emphasizing positivity and interconnectedness, I can help visitors feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. This approach not only helps visitors connect with the environment but also fosters a sense of action, encouraging them to take meaningful actions toward sustainability.
As a nature interpreter, I feel that it is my responsibility to remain honest while communicating with my audience. Beck et al. (2018) stress the importance of honesty in interpretation, avoiding misinformation while making scientific concepts accessible and engaging. Inclusivity is another key responsibility. Not everyone engages with nature in the same way, and effective interpretation must be adaptable to different cultural backgrounds, learning styles, and accessibility needs (Beck et al, 2018). In my interpretation, I want to add diverse perspectives and voices. Wals et al. (2014) explains that diverse perspectives enrich our understanding of conservation. By incorporating storytelling, hands-on experiences, and dialogue from different people, I can create a more inclusive interpretive approach to nature interpretation.
At the core of my philosophy as a nature interpreter is the belief that connection to nature is fundamental to environmental conservation. Without a sense of connection, there can be no sense of responsibility. As such, it is my goal to help create a relationship between individuals and the natural world. Through mindfulness, positivity, compassion, and honesty, I aim to guide others toward a deeper understanding of their place within the ecosystem, not as separate entities, but as interconnected beings to nature.
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References:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Venture.
Capper, D. (2024). Buddhist environmental ethics and climate change. Religion Compass, 18, e12483. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec3.12483
Dorzhigushaeva, O., & Kiplyuks, A. (2020). Environmental ethics of Buddhism. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 11(3), 154ā158. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijesd.2020.11.3.1243
Merenlender, A. M., Crall, A. W., Drill, S., Prysby, M., & Ballard, H. (2016). Evaluating environmental education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs. Conservation Biology, 30(6), 1255ā1265. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12737
Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why Environmental Educators Shouldnāt Give Up Hope. Clearing Magazine. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300
Wals, A. E., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence between science and environmental education. Science, 344(6184), 583ā584. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1250515
Unit 9- Amazing Thing About Nature
The Hidden Language of Trees:
For todayās blog post I want to talk about something in nature that truly amazes me.Ā Something that has always fascinated me was how trees can ātalk.āĀ When you first walk into a forest it always seems pretty quiet and all you hear is mostly the sound of birds chirping, leaves rustling, or maybe even the trickling of a stream.Ā However, what we donāt always realize or donāt always think of is the conversations trees are having.Ā Trees are always in active communication with one another to warn, protect, and nurture each other.Ā What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word forest?Ā I myself, and maybe even you, will first think of trees.Ā A Forest is a collection of trees, but also is an interconnected community that works together in ways that we are only beginning to understand.Ā Ā
The Underground Web
Trees donāt just fend for themselves, they actually help one another out.Ā What I find interesting is that they can send nutrients and carbon to other trees.Ā For example, if a younger tree is struggling to get sunlight, an older tree in that area can send the nutrients the younger tree needs in order to survive.Ā Even when one tree is sick, others can send extra nourishment to help keep that tree alive.Ā The forest is not just a battleground of competition between species, but also a community that is built on cooperation.Ā Ā
Trees that Warn and Protect
Imagine an insect infestation coming to invade a forest.Ā The tree that is under attack does not just simply suffer in silence, and instead can release chemicals that signal through their roots and into the air to send a message to other trees.Ā In the response, neighbouring trees can now help to produce signals as a defense.Ā This can make their leaves seem less appealing to the invading insects.Ā That same warning system isnāt just for insects, but also for environmental conditions as well.Ā Some trees can actually detect certain environmental conditions to help prepare for threats (ex. To conserve water in dry conditions).Ā This āhiddenā language of the trees is fascinating and essential for their survival.
What does this Mean?
If you stop to understand the communication between trees, it can change the way you see forests.Ā So think, when a tree is cut down, it is not just a single organism being removed; it is disrupting a whole community.Ā Itās severing conditions and silencing part of an ancient and āhiddenā conversation, one that has been happening beneath our feet for millions of years.Ā The next time you are walking through a forest, remember that it is not just a collection of trees, but it is a living, communicating, breathing network.Ā They are a society with complex connections and an āunspokenā language that we are just beginning to be able to decode and understand.
Hi,
Thanks for sharing your post! I really enjoyed reading it, and I think itās awesome that we both ended up focusing on the same topic, how trees communicate and support each other in forests. Itās such an incredible thing that trees actually rely on each other through networks of fungi. I think itās wild how trees can warn each other of danger and even help younger or weaker trees by sharing nutrients and resources. The concept of the āmother treeā that helps nurture the rest of the forest is just mind-blowing to me.
The idea that each tree is part of a much larger conversation, one thatās been happening Ā for millions of years, really resonated with me. It reminded me that forests are not just collections of trees, but living, breathing ecosystems full of unseen interactions. The āunspokenā language you mentioned is such a cool way to think about it, and I love how youāve highlighted the fact that weāre only starting to decode it. That shift in perspective makes me want to pay more attention the next time I walk through a forest, knowing that Iām walking through something much bigger than just a bunch of trees. Thanks for sharing! I look forward to your next blog post!
October in Sweden.
Early Spring - Shoji Hamada
Japanese , 1894-1978
Pigment on paper, sealedĀ , 41 x 53.3 cm.
Blog 09: Trees Talk to Each Other š²
Trees communicate with each other. I know it sounds strange, but itās true. Beneath our feet, a hidden world of fungi and tree roots is connecting forests in ways we can barely begin to understand. The trees arenāt just standing there silently; theyāre exchanging information, sharing resources, and even helping each other out (Davies, 2021). This underground network is as complex and essential to a forestās health as anything happening above ground (Davies, 2021).
The key to this connection is mycorrhizal fungi (Davies, 2021). These fungi form vast networks beneath the soil, connecting trees and plants in a complex web (Davies, 2021) . When one tree is injured by insects, it can send out signals through this fungal network (Davies, 2021). Nearby trees receive these warnings and can prepare by producing chemicals to fend off the threat (Davies, 2021). Itās like a forest-wide alert system, making sure that every tree stays safe (Davies, 2021).
This communication isnāt just about warning each other (Davies, 2021). Trees can also share nutrients through this fungal network. If one tree is thriving and another is struggling, they can transfer carbon, nitrogen, and other essential nutrients to help each other out (Davies, 2021). And the older, larger trees ( āmother treesā) are at the heart of the forest, helping to support the younger and weaker trees around them (Davies, 2021). They ensure that the entire community thrives, even when times are tough.
This shared resource system doesnāt just benefit trees (Davies, 2021). The health of the whole forest depends on this exchange of nutrients, which helps maintain balance in the ecosystem (Davies, 2021). Hereās the really mind-blowing part: when trees die, they donāt just disappear (Davies, 2021). Their nutrients are absorbed back into the network, feeding the next generation of trees (Davies, 2021). So even in death, trees continue to nurture the forest.
Another fascinating aspect is that trees seem to recognize their kin (Davies, 2021). When trees are dying, they may direct more nutrients to their genetically related trees, helping them survive and grow(Davies, 2021). This kind of kin recognition shows just how much trees are invested in the well-being of their family and the forest as a whole. The trees around us arenāt just individual parts of the environment, theyāre part of a larger, interconnected community (Davies, 2021). Theyāre constantly communicating, supporting each other, and passing along their wisdom to the next generation (Davies, 2021).
We can learn so much from trees. Their ability to adapt to challenges and the way they nurture are valuable lessons. The forest shows us that collaboration and community are important. Trees teach us that we are better when working together. Itās a reminder that we, too, can learn to build more sustainable and connected relationships in our own lives, whether in our communities, workplaces, or the natural world around us. š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²š²
References
Davies, D. (2021, May 4). Trees talk to each other: 'Mother tree' ecologist hears lessons for people, too. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/05/04/993430007/trees-talk-to-each-other-mother-tree-ecologist-hears-lessons-for-people-toon
The Symbiotic Relationship between Music and Nature - Blog 7
As I have gotten older, I have begun to appreciate how music is such a big part of our lives. As our readings mention, it is believed that every known human culture has music, and it could even be said that making music is something genetic. I can certainly look back at many of the most significant moments of my life and correlate them to a song or have a song in mind to describe it. For many of us, it feels as though music is an ingrained form of self-expression. Whether we create or consume, music is always something we share on a regular basis. That said, this inherent music-making ability seems to expand beyond humans.Ā
The first thing I thought of was cicadas and their infamous buzzing noises. Growing up, I always looked forward to the warmth and sunny days of summer, and one of the only ways for me to feel like it was summer was to hear that buzz. Whether I was walking down my street at home in Toronto or up north at my cottage surrounded by forest, that noise of the cicada would stand out. Nature is the original composer, creating soundscapes that have influenced musicians and cultures for centuries. Indigenous communities have long mimicked and gained inspiration from the calls of birds or the drumming of rain. Beyond direct imitation, nature provides raw elements from musical creation. The wooden bodies of violins, the stretched animal hides of traditional drums, and the hollowed-out reeds of woodwinds all originate from the environment. Even the very physics of sound involves vibrations travelling through the air, water, and earth, which is an extension of nature itself.
Even today, we see modern composers looking to integrate nature into their work. Musician Ben Mirin is an excellent example of how creativity can expand our appreciation and understanding of nature and the animals around us. Despite his music being made at the hands of modern hardware, totally distanced from where the sounds originate, there is a unique journey behind each note. Every sound comes from a plant or animal he interacted with. For me, his music signifies the creation of this perfect collaboration between the beauty of the natural world and human engineering.Ā Ā It represents the symbiotic relationship that nature and music possess. Nature inspires music's rhythms, tones, and textures, and music helps us connect more deeply with the natural world.
When I think of songs that evoke natural landscapes, I am quickly drawn to one of my favourite artists, who has gained significant popularity in recent years. Noah Kahan has many songs that reflect his experiences in Vermont and explore what itās like to live there. While much of his music highlights his upbringing in Vermont, there are two specific songs that I particularly enjoy, as they address nature and the consequences of failing to respect or preserve it. In his song ā Northern Attitude, ā he says, āIf the sun donāt shine ātil the summertime, forgive my northern attitude, oh, I was raised on little light.ā This lyric resonates with me, as I believe it does with many Canadians, because, like the northeastern U.S., our winters can be very harsh with little sunlight, so we desperately wish for the day when the sun starts to shine again. His song āNew Perspectiveā is another song that I think provides an interesting perspective about nature. He says, āOoh, this town is for the record now. The intersections got a Target, and theyāre calling it downtown. This lyric is significant to me because he is speaking about the gentrification of this small town and how he believes it will never be the same. This is relevant to nature because, with all of the growth and evolution of our communities, we are actively destroying the beautiful nature and ecosystems of all the animals there. We see all of this change in response to the needs of our growing community and forget that we are constantly taking away from the original inhabitants.Ā
References:
Gray, P. Krause, B. Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C. & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science. 291. 52-54.
Kahan, N. (2022).Ā New perspective. Genius.Ā https://genius.com/Noah-kahan-new-perspective-lyrics
Kahan, N. (2022).Ā Northern Attitude. Genius.Ā https://genius.com/Noah-kahan-new-perspective-lyrics
Hi Daniel,
I really enjoyed reading your blog post and the way you explored the deep connection between music and nature. Itās amazing how music can serve as a mirror to the natural world, shaping our experiences and memories. Your reflection on how music is ingrained in our lives and often associated with specific moments is something I can relate to deeply. It's almost as if certain songs become the soundtrack of our lives, and we connect them to different feelings, places, and events, just like you mentioned with the cicadas. That buzzing sound in summer is a perfect example of how natureās soundscapes shape our perception of the world around us, marking the transition of
Ben Mirinās work is a great example of how contemporary musicians are continuing this connection, blending modern technology with the sounds of nature. Itās fascinating how he uses field recordings from plants and animals. I think this kind of music not only broadens our understanding of the sounds around us but also deepens our appreciation of the creatures and ecosystems that are part of the planetās delicate balance.
I also loved how you brought up Noah Kahanās songs, as they perfectly capture the relationship between nature and the changes happening within human communities. āNorthern Attitudeā really resonated with me too thereās something so real about that longing for the sun after long winters, and I think many of us can relate to that feeling. Your post got me thinking more about the way we can use music to reflect on our relationship with the environment and how we, as a society, can try to protect it. Ā
Blog 07: Nature Interpretation through Music
Music and nature have always been intertwined. Whether itās the song of a bird, the melody of a folk tune, or the sound of falling rain. Before humans composed symphonies or wrote folk songs, nature was already making music.
In many ways, nature is a composer. Birdsong, for instance, follows patterns of pitch and repetition similar to human music. Researchers have even found that elements like pitch, harmony, and rhythm exist in the vocalizations of animals like birds and whales, suggesting that music itself is not purely a human invention but something deeply embedded in the natural world (Gray et al., 2001).
Similarly, scientific studies have explored how music can heighten our awareness of natureās beauty, making us more attuned to the world around us (Gray et al., 2001). Folk traditions, particularly in Finland, have used music to honour the land. Finnish folk singing and poetry are filled with imagery of forests, lakes, and wildlife, preserving stories and myths that tie people to their environment (Sahi, 2011). For these cultures, music isnāt just about entertainment itās a way to express gratitude for nature, to pass down knowledge, and to remind people of their place in the world.
In a way, I think that listening to nature music is a form of ecological activism. It encourages a deeper, more attentive engagement with the environment. When we truly listen to natureās songs, we begin to notice subtle shifts, changes in patterns, of the health of an ecosystem. This heightened awareness can inspire us to protect the natural world.
Music also has a way of bringing us back to certain places. A single song can immediately transport us to a moment in time, often tied to a natural landscape. For me, itās the playlist I made for a road trip to Vancouver. Every time I hear those songs; Iām taken back to being in the backseat of my friend's car and watching the towering mountains and winding roads surrounded by lush green forests. The way the songs blended with the scenery made it feel like nature itself had a soundtrack, one that still plays in my mind whenever I hear those familiar songs.
In a different but equally powerful way, nature sounds have become a central part of my daily life. I listen to rain sounds all the time while studying, so much so that they frequently appear in my top songs on Spotify Wrapped each year. Thereās something about the steady, rhythmic pattern of rainfall that helps me focus, bringing a sense of calm. Itās a reminder that even in the middle of a hectic academic schedule, natureās presence is always there, providing a sense of stability and connection.
References
Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52.
Sahi, V. (2011). Using folk traditional music to communicate the sacredness of nature in Finland. Workshop Proceedings: Spiritual Values of Protected Areas in Europe, 129.
The Importance of Integrity in Interpretation
Interpretation of any kind relies on the accurate investigation and retelling of history. This quote from Hyams highlights this very point;Ā
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. ā¦. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.
-Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation
The true value in the past is the integrity and reflection of events of how they have led us to the present. The ability to capture a whole can be difficult, as it may rely on combinations of spoken and lived experiences, first hand accounts, documents, and other evidence that can help us piece together the past. However, one must be careful when analyzing the evidence. As it was explained in Chapter 15, there can be bias in historical documents, and what knowledge gets written down and recorded in the first place (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). However, with in-depth assessments, and critical thinking, historians can start to unpack the truth and piece together āthe wholeā. These pieces of history can be spread throughout time, but in order to create the integrity of creating this whole, one must dig and gather as many pieces as possible. Afterall, the past will always be there, whether we know about it or not.Ā
As interpreters, learning about the past is an important component of the role. Having the ability to educate visitors about how past events have shaped the world we live in today is a great skill to have. This can be done in many formats such as living histories with actors in first or third person, reenactments of historical events, through art, in writing, and much more (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018) The ability to shed light on our past can help inspire people, and shift their perspectives of their world views (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018).Ā
I remember going to a Parks Canada interpretation program at East Point Saturna Island, where they were talking about the importance of reintroducing indigenous clam farming. Historically, the Coast Salish indigenous nations, like the WĢ±SĆNEÄ would create rock walls on the shore, which would create safe zones and a good habitat for clams and many other sea life to thrive, which would be maintained and relied on as a food source (wsanec, n.d.). This is a relatively new piece to the colonial story of Saturna Island, which with the efforts of many people, is being taught again, and even restored.Ā
This story helps highlight why looking at the whole history is important. Having a better understanding of how historical peoples' relationship with the land was, is helping to restore how modern indigenous peoples continue to practice their culture. As information continues to grow and become more dynamic, our worldviews will expand, and gain a better appreciation as to how we arrive in the moment (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). Though it may not ever be possible to ever obtain the entire āwholeā, we as interpreters can do our best by collecting as much as humanly possible to maintain integrity, and teach the most accurately up-to-date research.Ā
Work Cited:
Wsanec (n.d.). Clam garden restoration project. Wsanec Leadership Counsil https://wsanec.com/the-clam-garden-restoration-project/Ā
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritageāÆ: for a better world. Sagamore Venture.
Hi Zoe,
Your discussion on the importance of integrity in interpretation is so insightful. You highlight how history is not simply a collection of past events but an ongoing narrative that shapes our present and future.
I also appreciated your point about interpreters piecing together history from various sources. It's a challenging task, given the inherent biases and gaps in historical records. But that's where the integrity comes in, right? Striving for accuracy and balance, even when the picture is incomplete.
And those different methods of interpretation, living histories, reenactments, they bring history to life in a way that resonates on a deeper level. The clam garden restoration project on Saturna Island? That's a fantastic example. It demonstrates how history can be actively revived, and how vital it is to acknowledge and reintegrate marginalized perspectives, like Indigenous knowledge, that have been historically erased.
It's also important to acknowledge that we'll never have a complete, definitive understanding of the past. There will always be gaps, ambiguities, and differing interpretations. But that shouldn't deter us from the pursuit of knowledge. By remaining curious, asking critical questions, and embracing diverse perspectives, we can strive for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of history.
Ultimately, interpretation is about more than just presenting facts; it's about fostering a deeper connection with the past, and understanding how it continues to shape our present and future. It's about building bridges between different perspectives, and creating a more informed and thoughtful understanding of the world around us.
Look forward to your future blog post :)
Blog 6: Nature Interpretation through History
Sometimes, when I'm out walking, I get this unsettling feeling. It's like I'm looking at a surface, a pretty picture, but I know there's a depth I'm missing. I see the trees, the rocks, the river, but I don't see the stories they hold. It's like I'm ignoring something important.
Edward Hyams wrote, āThere 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. ā¦ 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.ā
And I think he's right. The landscape Iām looking at isnāt just there, itās been shaped by people, events, and time. Weāre part of a much bigger story.
That railway station analogy really gets to me. Itās unsettling, realizing how often we only see whatās right in front of us, forgetting everything that came before. The world doesnāt begin and end with our own experience. If we really want to understand a place or anything, really we have to know its history.
It reminds me of another quote Iāve heard: āTo know who you are, you need to know where youāre from.ā That idea has always stuck with me. Everything we are is shaped by what came before us. Places, people, cultures ,they donāt just appear out of nowhere. They carry layers of history, and if we ignore that, weāre only getting part of the story. Maybe thatās why this all feels so important. Itās not just about looking at the past, itās about understanding how it connects to us now.
I think thatās what interpretation is about. Not just explaining things, but helping people see what they wouldnāt notice on their own. Making connections, filling in gaps, reminding ourselves that weāre all just small pieces of something much bigger. And yeah, thatās a little scary. But mostly, it just really, really matters.
when we ignore the past, we also risk misunderstanding the present. We make assumptions about whatās ānaturalā or āthe way things have always beenā when, in reality, everything has changed over time, often in ways that benefit some and harm others. This is especially true when we look at landscapes and think of them as untouched wilderness when, in fact, they have been shaped by Indigenous communities for thousands of years. A forest isnāt just trees growing on their own itās part of an ecosystem that has been managed, altered, and sometimes even destroyed by human hands.
Thatās why interpretation matters. It helps us see the full picture, not just the version thatās most convenient or easiest to accept. It pushes us to question, to dig deeper, and to recognize that history isnāt just behind us.
