Harjot Boora

Nature Interpretation Blog | ENVS 3000

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Me as a nature interpreter

In this week’s Ares reading, Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give up Hope by Jacob Rodenburg, the line “If I had a job description, it would be simply this: to help reveal wonder and cultivate awe.” really stuck out to me, and I immediately got out a pen and paper and wrote this down. Jacob Rodenburg is the executive director of Camp Kawartha and The Camp Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre, located in Ontario, Canada. As I mentioned in several of my previous blog posts, my experiences as both a camper and a counselor at my summer camp (also located in Ontario, Canada) have been very formative in my development as a leader, sense of self, scientist, and global citizen since this space has encouraged me to cultivate my curiosity, embrace my leadership, and live my values. I think the core purpose of any youth educator, especially in an outdoor nature educational setting (such as summer camp), is to do exactly what Rodenburg said: to explore the wonder in the world and just keep exploring and pursuing what brings us joy and fulfillment. After reading this article, I decided to share the wisdom of this statement with my greater summer camp staff community in our WhatsApp groupchat.  

The WhatsApp message I sent my summer camp staff regarding Rodenburg's article.

There is an annual Jewish summer camp in person weekend-long conference for summer camp staff members across North America called Cornerstone by the Foundation for Jewish Camps (FJC). Cornerstone is such a valuable education space since it acts as a melting pot for the ideology of Jewish summer camps across the continent, and so much institutional and anecdotal knowledge is exchanged among the participants. Each participant signs up for a series of workshops to participate in during their weekend at the conference to learn skills and activities transferable to their jobs at their respective summer camp. Last year, I signed up for an activity about science and wonder. My key takeaway from this program was extremely inline to Rodenburgs words: it doesn’t exactly matter what you are teaching or how invested the participants are — your job as an educator is to give children the tools they need to explore the world for themselves, appreciate the wonder in any way they can, and celebrate them for their discoveries instead of shame them for their neurodivergence. This program inspired an activity I ran for my summer camp community this summer that I have linked here. This activity embraced the idea of using nature interpretation and exploration as a form of self care and avenue for discovery. Magnifying glasses were given to all the campers for if they got bored at any point during the activity so they could always keep investigating the world, even to the small details in the blades of grass beneath them. This activity was composed of (i) a nature-themed check-in reflexive activity, (ii) a game where they were encouraged to act out nature and empathize with its components, and (iii) a game to observe their surroundings through trust and touch, without their sense of sight. (iv) This activity concluded with one-on-one discussions reflecting on their experience observing nature, applications for self-care practices, and what it was like to search for and embrace the wonder in the world, from small blades of grass, to forests, to whole ecosystem dynamics. 

Me explaining my takeaways regarding nature interpretation from Cornerstone to my greater summer camp staff community.

My personal ethic as a nature interpreter resides in the belief that there is no one way to engage with the world and ourselves. This is a very individual process that is constantly evolving and changing. I think providing each other with support, co-creating safer spaces, and building personal connections allows us to feel empowered to explore the relationship between ourselves and nature. I believe that with love and care we can foster an environment that enables youth to grow, discover, and care. Afterall, I believe effective learning is unable to happen when we don’t feel safe and cared for. Therefore, as a nature interpreter, it is my responsibility to actively evaluate my privilege, make nature-based education accessible to as many people as possible, and emphasize positive relationships among individuals that push us to grow and challenge ourselves. We have our comfort zone, where we are not challenged. We have our danger zone where boundaries are violated and not respected. And somewhere between these zones, we have our learning zone, where we are pushed to try new things, reflect with ourselves, and question the status quo in a safe and consensual environment. It is my role to find the learning zone of those around me and provide them with the support and guidance to navigate this zone. For example, this can include learning about tick safety and the increasing population and range size of ticks due to global warming caused by climate change, while giving them the proper tools and advice to enjoy nature while being tick-safe. This can also include sitting together by the water with a guitar and writing a song together about the nature around us. Music can feel like a very vulnerable task, so in this case my role would be to help guide the musical framework and celebrate contributions made by the group. 

The approaches most suitable to me as an interpreter stem from foundations of mutual trust and respect. I am a strong believer that we need a space that values trust, respect, and kindness in order to share our thoughts and ideas in a meaningful way and can be further built and inquired upon by the group. I feel most connected to nature when I am in a forest or ravine and I investigate the tree species around me and the sounds of birds chirping nearby. I have lots of questions about the life history of the organisms I see around me and make hypotheses about why some species may predominate in an area versus others. I share these thoughts with those around me, not to provide them with answers, but to awaken a space where curiosity is valued and celebrated and to care enough about nature enough to want to further inquire about it. I am also passionate about using nature interpretation as an avenue for self care. I encourage others, either by themselves or with me, to play guitar by the water and ground themselves in one thing they hear, one thing they smell, a thing they can touch, a thing they can taste, and something they can see. Nature interpretation is of immense value to me and I have been so grateful to see my relationship with nature and as a nature interpreter grow over the past several years. I am filled with warmth and gratitude in knowing that I have the opportunity to be outside at summer camp with the purpose of helping children learn and grow in their relationship with nature and themselves.

Soaking in the nature beauty and wonder of the summer the with the summer camp staff the evening before the kids would arrive for another intense and rewarding summer.

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Hey Melanie,

I really enjoyed reading your post, and also thought that quote was wonderful and believe that should be what every individual should strive to do. It is the epitome of nature interpretation! It was interesting to read that the summer camp has shaped your personal ethics in nature. It is these memorable and valuable experiences that allow you to connect with and appreciate the beauty of nature. You brought in an interesting perspective to the idea of personal ethics that "there is no one way to engage with the world and ourselves", which can be associated with the different learning styles (Beck et al., 2018). As a visual learner, when I am exploring a new area or natural landscape, brochures and field maps are most helpful. I am wondering that as a camp counsellor, did you take into context the cognitive development theory and how did you create activities for different ages (Beck et al., 2018)? What did you have to consider when working with these children? I believe young children have some perception of nature already, and with the concept of constructivist, you can build new knowledge and views on their previous perceived thoughts of nature (Beck et al., 2018). It is so important to communicate the preservation of nature for our future generations to enjoy. It is intriguing to know that you are actively involved as a nature interpreter and have the opportunity to inspire children by communicating and displaying your own love for nature. I hope you continue sharing your personal ethics and inspiring children at the camp!

Works Cited:

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage or a Better World (1st ed). Sagamore Venture.

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Unit 10: Nature Interpretation's Role in Environmental Sustainability

Who am I as an Interpreter?

Well, here we go everyone… my last post for the semester! What a bittersweet moment this is. As grateful as I am to be completing this semester, I thoroughly enjoyed the creativity involved in writing these blog posts so it will certainly be missed. 

So let's dive in, shall we? Prior to participating in this course, I didn’t fully understand the amount of hard work and effective communication it takes to be an environmental interpreter. In all honesty, I barely knew what the term ‘nature interpreter’ fully meant in itself. Reflecting back on readings, I feel that many beliefs and responsibilities emerged from myself as an interpreter. I’ve been able to dissect the concept as a whole, understand how I fit into that role and figure out who I am as a nature interpreter. 

So who am I as an interpreter and what do I believe in? When reflecting on my ethics as an interpreter, I believe they coincide with my personal ethics outside of interpreting. I value understanding, accepting and most importantly being kind to other individuals. I believe each of these concepts are key points and responsibilities of being an interpreter, and are necessary to be an effective one.

Image taken of myself (fall 2022) in the Arboretum at the University of Guelph.

The purpose of environmental interpretation is to help individuals understand the natural world and help people create a positive, lasting sustainable relationship with the environment (Youngentob & Hostetler, 2018). As an interpreter, I believe that this is our main responsibility and to effectively fulfill this, we are responsible for knowing and understanding our audiences. First and foremost, it's important to acknowledge that there are different learning styles that individuals have. Incorporating different teaching styles in presentations is important to address visual, auditory and tactile learners. As mentioned in past blog posts, this can be done through the use of visuals, captivating story-telling or hands-on activities in presentations. Having this variety in presentations has proven to be the most useful, meaningful and the most interesting for learners (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 110). It is also very important to know our audience's age range. By knowing who we’re talking to, we can figure out how to talk to them. Conveying messages in an engaging matter is a very important and valuable skill, and adults and children are engaged in different ways. These are all responsibilities I have as an interpreter, and to consider each of these factors when trying to convince and engage an audience of the importance of our natural world.

Figure of the main learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic (tactile).

When I mention that it is in my ethics and moral code to accept other individuals, I mean this in terms of the spectrum of diversity. As an interpreter it is my job to help other humans create a lasting relationship with their environment, and this should include all humans regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, finances, religion, health or physical condition. A valuable lesson I learned in my interpretation journey is the role that privilege has in nature interpretation. As an interpreter it is important to unpack our invisible backpacks, as mentioned by Peggy McIntosh (1989). By doing so, we can acknowledge the privilege that we have and understand that audiences may not hold that same amount of privilege. On a similar note, it has been recognized that there is a large lack of attendance from minorities in nature interpretation parks and this is a result of economic, cultural, communication, knowledge and fear barriers (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 133). As an interpreter I believe it is my responsibility to acknowledge these barriers, and to practice inclusive interpretation. Inclusive interpretation involves advocating for the reduction of economic barriers, the inclusion of minority populations, reducing communication barriers and by supporting the inclusion of staff diversity (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 134-137). By accepting, including and celebrating cultural differences, not only is this morally just, but this can help me as an interpreter to serve everyone more effectively.

Drawing of diversity audience taken from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Finally, kindness is a huge part of my personal ethics, and is a quality of mine that I value most and I think it very important to bring this into the world of environmental interpretation. There are a lot of negative things actively happening in this world and many tourists and audiences look to nature interpretation programs to take them away from all of the chaos. Using kindness as a tool to grab audiences and talk to individuals can leave a lasting and positive impression on interpretation programs. By leaving this kind of impression, people will feel more motivated to have a positive and sustainable relationship with the environment, which reflects back on the definition and purpose of nature interpretation programs. 

Image of me in August 2022 in Algonquin Park, Ontario, handling juvenile spotted and blue-spotted salamanders.

Moving forward from my personal ethics, I think a major responsibility I have as an environmental interpreter is to discuss the importance of history with my audience. Interpretation plays a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the past. By sharing historical tales and artifacts, we are able to remember these stories of the past. Now, why is it important to tell the tales of history? Well, as Turkel (2006) describes in their article, one motive for learning about the past is the desire to influence the present and the future (Turkel, 2006). By understanding stories of tragedy and hope from our past, we can use these teachings to make a more sustainable and inclusive future. 

So how will I approach my role as an interpreter with the ethics and responsibilities I have discussed? I think it is important to remain positive, and give life to what I am speaking about. Beck et al. (2018) pp. 83 describes Mills’ ‘formula’ which involves appealing to the imagination, and giving life to facts. By doing so, audience engagement is guaranteed while also keeping myself motivated and passionate to continue guiding others. This will ultimately fulfill my duty as being an environmental interpreter and encourage future generations to feel passionate as well. 

Thank you everyone for joining me on this nature interpretation journey! I leave off on this note, it is our duty as individuals that are passionate about environmental science to educate humanity on the importance of our earth and the history behind it to provide a more sustainable future. 

Signing off, and wishing everyone the best in their studies and future careers! Don't forget to appreciate the little things in life :)

Image of BIOL*4410 (2022) Field Ecology Course participants admiring moose sighting.

References

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

McIntosh, P. (1989). White privilege: Unpacking the invisible knapsack. Peace and Freedom, 10-12.

Turkel, W.J. (2006) “Every place is an archive: Environmental history and the interpretation of physical evidence,” Rethinking History, 10(2), pp. 259–276. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/13642520600649507. 

Youngentob, K.N. and Hostetler, M.E. (2018) Environmental interpretation: How to communicate persuasively. Available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW182 (Accessed: March 20, 2023). 

Images taken from:

Do You Understand the Most Common Employee Learning Styles? - HR Daily Advisor

One obstacle that many instructors—whether they’re in primary schooling, advanced graduate education, or training in the workplace— run into

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Hey Catherine,

This is such an insightful post and I really enjoyed reading it. Similar to you, I also had limited knowledge about nature interpretation, and the responsibility and challenges that interpreters must face to create a lasting and memorable experience for visitors. In fact, they can play a key role in promoting stewardship of our land and increasing appreciation of the beauty of nature. This is a belief I value, as nature is so important to us and for the next generations to experience. There is satisfaction in knowing that if you ever need to feel grounded, calm, or improve our mood, we can go for a walk and spend time in nature. However, this may not be the case forever, due to our own actions that we must take responsibility for, which would be the basis of Kohlberg's stage six of moral development (Beck et al., 2018). Our children can be the epitome of nature lovers who aid in the preservation and advocation for change, but this would not be possible if we do not serve as good role models. An effective idea that Rotenburg states is that we need to work with schools, parents, the community, and governments to cultivate a love and sense of responsibility for the environment in our future generation. I like that you brought about the point that we all have different learning styles, and as a visual learner, brochures and field guides are most helpful when exploring a new natural landscape (Beck et al., 2018).

Works Cited:

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage or a Better World (1st ed). Sagamore Venture.

Rotenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why environmental educators shouldn't give up hope. CLEARING. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

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Personal ethics : final blog post!

Through this course and blog-writing, I have been able to reflect on my experiences, love and respect for nature, and its undeniable importance in our lives. Today, we have the joy to indulge in the beauty of nature, embrace its benefits, and create memorable experiences, which may not be available for our future generations. Interpretation acts a key to communicate these qualities of nature, while also teaching us the importance of stewardship and the preservation of our land and advocating for change. As the textbook states, interprets "strive to embrace the wonder and beauty of life and share that with others", which I think is a beautiful concept to aid in developing an ethical sense of our place in the world (Beth et al., 2018).

To discuss my personal ethics in the context of nature interpretation, I would have to think about the ethics I pursue in my day-to-day lives. I strongly believe and implement compassion, kindness, respect for all aspects of life, selflessness, fairness, and integrity in my life, which have shaped my thoughts and views about nature. The quality that is of the utmost importance in relation to nature is respect, because without it, we can never fully appreciate the beauty and the wonder of nature and understand its importance. Today, the need to preserve our world and to act against issues, such as climate change, is vital and the urgency to advocate for action, and teach the next generation is a necessity. Adults feel they cannot engage with nature due to lack of time, however, participating in naturalist programs has shown to increase motivation to be involved in conservative activities (Merenlender, 2016). Moreover, children need to spend time outside to experience the joy of life, be immersed in it, and understand what it means to share the world with others (Rotenburg, 2017).  This will allow them to learn to sustain, care about, and protect the environment for our future generations to enjoy (Rotenburg, 2017).

Before engaging in this course, I had limited knowledge about nature interpretation, and did not know that interpreters have a major contribution in shaping our views about the world. They hold a separate responsibility to communicate, educate the public about the wonders of nature, create a sense of place, and provide unforgettable peak experiences (Beck et al., 2018). The knowledge I have gained has provided me with a new appreciation for interpreters. Personally speaking, my career path of dentistry does not necessarily have anything to do with nature, but I hope to be involved through volunteering, travelling, and instilling good values in my children to understand nature’s worth. Parents can be considered nature interpreters as they educate their children, for which it is important to keep the cognitive development theory in mind because teaching should be age-appropriate (Beck et al., 2018). According to compassionate intelligence, if a child obtains a positive introduction to nature, they will have an optimistic view on the world, which is imperative to leading a good life and instilling these lessons in the future to their children (Beck et al., 2018).

Additionally, something as simple as keeping a plant in your home can create awareness, a sense of responsibility, and appreciation for its aesthetic value. I would say my personal ethics I developed with my experiences in nature and my upbringing, because we would regularly go on walks in our neighbourhood, bike rides, have picnics, go for long-drives, and visit local attractions. My first memory of being in awe of nature would be the Niagara Falls, which I have visited several times in my life and has solidified my love for the unbelievable aspects of our world. Funny thing is that every time I watch a movie with my dad, he is always busy admiring the nature scenery and pointing it out to us, rather than paying attention to what’s happening in the movie.

For this prompt, understanding Gardner’s multiple intelligence is useful, because we need to reflect on our intrapersonal and naturalistic aspects which aid in building personal ethics in nature (Beck et al., 2018). Being aware of our feelings and ethical goals is the key to building responsibility for our actions (Beck et al., 2018). Keeping a journal to reflect upon how you feel when you spend time in nature can significantly benefit you and learn to appreciate new aspects of life. This is a goal I would like to work towards, especially when I go travelling around the world. Moreover, my volunteer experience with the YMCA Cedar Glen gave me a chance to perform purposeful tasks that made me feel grounded, and it was satisfying to know that I was helping the environment in some way. During this experience, me and my fellow team members planted 100 trees, helped restore few gardens in schools, and enjoyed fun activities in nature. It was an enjoyable week and I do not recall spending any time on my phone, all I remember is the memories I made in relation to the environment. In today’s world, spending time away from your phone is a difficult task, but it is so important to create that distance and go outdoors to learn about oneself. This is a belief that I have due to my mom because she has always tried to enforce a rule that Sunday should be a day to spend with family and an electronics-free day, so we often go on long-drives and do not bring our phones along.

In conclusion, my personal ethics are based on teaching my children about the value of nature, spending more time outside without technology, reflect on my feelings using a journal, and implementing good habits that lessen damage to the environment. We can raise our children to be stewards of our land, but only if we act as a good role model and take the initiative. Respect is a value that should be instilled in our children through outdoor education, to learn how to make better decisions to protect nature.

Works Cited:

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage or a Better World (1st ed). Sagamore Venture.

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), 1255–1265. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12737

Rotenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why environmental educators shouldn't give up hope. CLEARING. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

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Amazing things in Nature!

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

Image Credits: Alvaro Bejarano

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

Image Credits: M. Godfrey, 2006

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

References

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

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

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

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Hey Simran,

I really enjoyed reading your post and can't believe you got a chance to experience bioluminescence, that must have been so memorable! It is interesting how a chemical reaction is produced by the organisms to create this beautiful phenomenon. The red tide is also an awesome event! To answer the question you have posed, some other species that use bioluminescence are jellyfish, fungi, and squid (Bailey, 2018). I find it very intriguing that these species use bioluminescence as a defense mechanism, which makes natural so wonderful. There are so many aspects to nature that are incredibly shocking, and leave you want to learn more about them, and this is how nature interpretation can play a role. Interpreters can enhance an experience through stories, through their research, knowledge, and the use of different media, such as images, social media, apps, and videos (Beck et al., 2018). Being a biological science major, the concept of bioluminescence interests me even more, and learning about these unique processes and reactions that take place in nature, definitely increases my love for studying, and having new experiences in nature. I remember taking BIOL 1070, and one of the key parts of the course was learning about mussels, and I remember thinking about how boring it is going to be. I was pleased to learn that there is so much complexity to mussels, they are currently experiencing loss of diversity of their species, and are at a risk of extinction, which makes it so important to learn about these aspects of nature.

Bailey, R. (2018, June 6). Ten amazing bioluminescent organisms. ThoughtCo. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.thoughtco.com/amazing-bioluminescent-organisms-373898

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

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Sense-making of nature

Everything about nature is so fascinating and it has mysteries that are yet to be solved. There are aspects to nature that leave you wondering how it is possible to be real, and as a biological science student, learning about the functioning of the world, you tend to believe that scientists, naturalists, and biologists have got everything figured out. There are some things that appear to be unexplainable and difficult to understand in nature. One of the most interesting parts of nature that comes to mind is the ability of some animals to be able to regenerate parts of their bodies, and that mostly includes aquatic species, such as salamanders, and starfish.

Some natural wonders in the world, such as the Marfa lights and the Bermuda triangle are still a mystery to the world. The lights are unpredictable glowing orbs that appear in the desert in the town of Marfa in Texas (Lallanilla, 2013). There is no explanation for their appearance and are believed to be "fallen stars" by the Native Americans in the area (Lallanilla, 2013). Local interpreters can incorporate this interesting phenomenon when attracting visitors to this town to learn the features of the area and make sense of the unknown wonders of nature (Beck et al., 2018). The Bermuda Triangle on the other hand, is known for its dangerous and mysterious forces that have caused disappearances, and we have yet to find the cause (NOAA, 2013). Many believe it to be a work of nature, while some believe there may be supernatural effects at a play.

Another interesting landscape is Australia's pink Lake Hillier, which scientists have been unable to figure out why it is the colour pink and why the colour stays the same all the time (Nargi, 2023). There are definitely some theories, but no concrete explanation for its beautiful pink colour. This one its own is a reason to visit Australia, to check out this natural phenomenon, and take good pictures. These types of strange landscapes make the profession of an interpreter more interesting, as it provides them with a chance to fascinate visitors and create an exciting experience.

In addition to these crazy natural wonders, the crooked forest of Poland will also leave you scratching your head. This forest consisted of oddly shaped, bent trees that are growing in a healthy manner despite their strange shape (Yang, 2020). There are also several theories based upon this mystery, but there is little evidence to prove their reliability. I personally think that it is amazing that there are places such as this in our world, and that sometimes it is okay for everything to not have an explanation. It makes the world a lot more interesting! Even interpreters do not have all the answers, and perhaps these mysteries may inspire more people to grow this profession (Beck et al., 2018).

Works Cited:

Lallanilla, M. (2013, June 19). What are the Marfa Lights? LiveScience. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.livescience.com/37579-what-are-marfa-lights-texas.html

Nargi, L. (2023, January 6). 11 natural landscapes that even scientists can't explain. Reader's Digest. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.rd.com/list/natural-landscapes-scientists-cant-explain/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2013, June 1). What is the Bermuda Triangle? NOAA's National Ocean Service. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/bermudatri.html

Yang, Y. (2020, March 4). The mystery of the crooked forest. Discovery. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.discovery.com/exploration/the-mystery-of-the-crooked-forest

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Music Is Everywhere

Music and nature are intertwined! The first thing that comes to my mind is a device called PlantWave. An artist named Joe Patitucci created it and it’s the coolest thing ever. The way it works is it converts plant biorythms into music (Patitucci 2021). The flow of water through the plant is detected with sensors which then graph these vibrations and variations and convert it into a pitch (Patitucci 2021). The pitch is then run through instruments designed by PlantWave and the final product is a continuous melody! Below I’ve linked a video to learn more about it (Patitucci 2021).

Continuing on, it’s evident that music can be found everywhere in nature. There are so many ways to look at it. I mean, we can seek out music on a small like by looking at the biorythms. We can also think more “big picture” and go sit in a forest and listen to the wind blow through the treetops. Bird calls are another interesting way to interpret music.

 Let’s take a lyrebird for example. To attract a female, a male lyrebird must since the most complex song they can manage (Person 2022). This includes copying not only the song of other male lyrebirds around them, but also all other surrounding noises (Person 2022). And the crazy thing is…this includes anthropogenic sounds! Chainsaws from nearby construction sites and camera shutters have both been copied by male lyrebirds (Person 2022). 

It’s very cool that what we perceive as boring sounds can be seen as music by lyrebirds. I mean, who would’ve thought that mimicking a chainsaw would be seen as beautiful by female lyrebirds?! It goes to show that music and beauty is so subjective. Not only that, but music is intertwined with nature as well as the world around us in its entirety! 

Some music that takes me back to a natural landscape is, shockingly, Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles. Not really the folksy, outdoorsy song you were expecting, right? Two summer ago, my friends took me on my first ever back country camping trip. After 3 days of mosquitos and beautiful sunsets, we took a multihour trek back to the car. Once we were in the car, we had to open all the windows because we smelled like sweat and dirt. We stuck our heads out the windows and out the music on high, and the song I remember playing was Watermelon Sugar. 

I’m no singer by any means, but I somehow managed to hit that high note in the chorus and everybody in the car complimented me on it! I was never able to hit that note again, but the memory stuck with me to this day. 

Patitucci, J. (2021, September 30). Artist invents device that can listen to plant musicJoe. YouTube. Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMvSAjkQg9I 

Person. (2022, February 25). An Australian bird that mimics the sound of a chainsaw. BBC Travel. Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20140416-an-australian-bird-that-mimics-the-sound-of-a-chainsaw#:~:text=To%20persuade%20females%20to%20come,of%20chainsaws%20and%20camera%20shutters!

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Hey Mishell,

I really enjoyed reading your post! I was able to learn something new, as I had not heard about this device called PlantWave, it's so cool to be able to listen to the music that comes from plants! We've often heard that plants can feel our emotions, and I've heard that playing certain types of music can increase their growth. Moreover, the sounds that animals make for different purposes, such as mating or communication, can sound like music to our ears. Taking a moment to take in the sounds of nature can significantly improve our mood and alleviate stress, similar to how we feel after listening to music. In terms of interpretation, music can be used in the form of background music to enhance the experience, fulfill aesthetic needs, and can aid in making the storytelling more impactful (Beck et al., 2018). There are so many songs that I associate with particular seasons, which shows that nature can be found in music, and can make you feel a connection to a specific element of nature. I think that music and nature go hand in hand. Also, watermelon sugar is a great song, and it always reminds me of summer! It is evident that the song holds a special place for you and reminds you of your camping trip, and it is amazing that music can become associated with our memories! When we listen to a particular song, we are reminded of a particular time, and it makes the trip, vacation, or journey more memorable.

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Nature interpretation in Music

I was excited to read that this week’s blog prompt is about music, which holds a lot of value in my life. I believe we are surrounded by music, to the birds chirping in the morning, to the sound of leaves crunching as you walk over them, and to the sound of a thunderstorm. We have animals, such as whales and birds, that have unique musical patterns used for mating, echolocation, and communication, that act as examples of the music found in nature. The sounds of waves, rain falling, nature ambience, and Zen music, act as tools for meditation, relaxation, and be associated with our mood. Additionally, interpreters serve as storytellers, and they can incorporate music to elevate the experience of a natural landscape and allow the audience to resonate with them (Beck et al., 2018).

If we take a moment to spend time in nature, close our eyes, and fully immerse ourselves, we can hear a variety of sounds that can be comparable to music. The soundscapes in nature can have an emotional impact, convey a sense of peace and happiness, and have unique benefits to human health (Eftaxia, n.d.). In Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for Better World, there is a story about President Theodore Roosevelt going on a camping trip in Yosemite where he “spent the night beneath the monumental granite massif of El Capitan on one side and the music of the great waterfall”, which results in being “the grandest day” of his life (Beck et al., 2018). There is a power in the music of nature that cannot be understated, that has an ability to leave a lasting impact on your life.

The second part of the prompt asks, where is nature in music?

Musicians take inspiration from nature for their music, which has been observed in the composure of classical music. Beethoven's Symphony No.6, the 'Pastoral' was inspired by a storm, and he would often get ideas for his music when going on his daily walks (Bonn, n.d.). Artists who create folk music take inspiration from nature, engage with the landscapes, and implement it during environmental protests.

There are two songs that remind me most of nature, one is Touch the Sky by Julie Fowlis from the movie "Brave", and Coastlines by Hollow Coves. One of my favourite Disney movies is Brave, and this song always make me want to learn horseback riding and yearn to travel to Scotland. On the other hand, the song Coastlines reminds me of the beach, a hot summer day, and spending time by the ocean. These songs allow me to feel more connected to nature, and it is interesting that music can evoke such feelings. These songs make me want to be transported to the carefree days of summer!

References:

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

Bonn, B.H. (n.d.). Ode to nature: Beethoven's "Pastoral" - google arts & culture. Google. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://artsandculture.google.com/story/ode-to-nature-beethoven-s-pastoral-beethoven-haus-bonn/gwVR9z8WccLygw?hl=en

Eftaxia, G. (n.d.). The powerful effect of the sound of nature on human health. Radio Art. Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://www.radioart.com/blog/the-powerful-effect-of-the-sound-of-nature-on-human-health

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Week 6:- Nature Interpretation through History

There’s no doubt that history plays a huge role in today’s society, by setting a foundation for understanding and interpreting the world around us. It is important to study the past so that we as a society can learn from our successes and failures and use that insight to make informed decisions going forward. In terms of nature interpretation, history is crucial to provide us with an understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Understanding the history of the nature allows us to delve into the historical events and changes that have occurred on our planet and how they have transformed nature into the nature we know and love today.

There are many noteworthy historical events related to nature that have changed the way we as humans interact and understand the natural world around us. One major historical event that comes to mind is the Paris Climate Agreement, 2015, where countries around the world and the United Nations came together to vow to diminish climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emission. Another great example of how history has impacted the relationship between humans and nature is the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution, 1760, brought a transition to new manufacturing processes using the burning of fossil fuels to create energy. This in turn significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gas in our atmosphere, leading to a multitude of negative effects on the environment. The Paris Climate Agreement and the Industrial Revolution are just a few of the many historical events that have changed the way humans coexist with nature and the natural world.

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

~Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation

This quote by Edward Hyams does a beautiful job of highlighting the significance of understanding the past as it holds the key to maintaining the world as we know it. As the quote describes, the past should not be valued because it is old, but rather for the wisdom and insight that it carries. I loved that Hyams mentioned the importance of keeping all parts of a whole together, because it is essential in order to see the bigger picture. The world we live in today is a sum of all its experiences, the good and the bad, which is important to account for. You are not simply able to look at all the beauties of the natural world without also considering the atrocities that come along with it. Most of all, I loved the comparison to the railway station that Hyams described. This portion of the quote emphasizes the fact that the past is not gone once it has passed, and instead adds to the present and future.

Overall, I believe that nature and the natural world in present day can never be fully understood without considering its past history. The past is not separate from the present, rather it is part of the whole.

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Hey, I enjoyed reading your post and thought that the industrial revolution was a great historical example of the changed relations between humans and nature. Throughout history, scientists have been able to observe the effects of climate change, its evolution, and the failures made due to our actions that has contributing to this. There is so much that we can learn from history, as they can shape our present and our future. Interpreters play an integral role in spreading awareness on our history and increasing the knowledge of the public. They create a valuable experience, and the use of historical artifacts can enhance this by allowing visitors to relive the past events. In museums, interpreters share their input on the various models and historic pieces that are displayed, aiding the audience to become an expert in different topics (Beck et al., 2018). If we visit the Canadian Museum of Nature, and see dinosaur fossils, we are immediately intrigued into wanting to learn more, which is due to the availability of this history. The analogy of the rail station and the train was interesting, as it described that our past is not temporary, and it has a more permanent effect on our lives, needs to be understood, and be passed down. An object on its own may not hold "merit" as Hyams suggests, but the entirety of its significance and its story is what causes an effect on our lives. If this were to be "scattered throughout time", we would not get the complete story.

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

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Nature Interpretation & History

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

This quote by Edward Hyams emphasizing the importance of preserving the past, whether it be in the form of a memory, or knowledge. When he says, "ancient things", I believe he is referring to historical artifacts, which can provide valuable information about the past. These products require maintenance for future generations to learn about, and its potential use as an interpretive tool. Visitors can become experts in the history of a particular place through the experience of an interpretive program (Beck et al., 2018). In addition to this, today there are numerous historical sites that have been preserved for visitors to revisit the past and gain knowledge of its evolution and importance. Visitors can become experts in the history of a particular place through the experience of an interpretive program (Beck et al., 2018). Even though this may contradict with Hyam saying that "there is no peculiar merit in ancient things", these places hold great importance to society, and it becomes a major responsibility for the interpreter to justify its beauty and its significance to the public (Beck et al., 2018). This makes it essential to carry on the legacy or the history to build "integrity" and help us understand our world in a better way. If the parts of history become "scattered throughout time", it can affect the full understanding of its magnitude and create miscommunication in the transfer of information through generations.

I have been to numerous museums in my life and have always enjoyed learning about an event or an artifact that has held significance importance throughout history. A particular museum that comes to mind is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which featured a titanic exhibition that had several pieces from the wreckage, such as the personal items of the victims. It was an immersive experience reading about the history of the Titanic and its profound impact on the lives of those onboard. Being able to see the real-life artifacts adds so much to the interpretive experience, as it allows you to relive the sequence of events that undertook during and before the disaster. This is one of the key goals of interpretation to be able to enrich the visitors' experience and cater towards all age groups (Beck et al., 2018).

The importance of history cannot be understated, as it shapes who we are today and in the future, and interpretation plays an integral role in this continuation of carrying our past to the next generation.

References

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

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Science in Nature interpretation

Since the beginning of the year, I have learned that nature interpretation is many things. This week, I learned that it is integrated with the mechanism of presenting scientific knowledge and using this information to spread awareness to the public eye (Beck et al., 2019). Nature interpretation through science can be presented in many ways such as nature programs, interpretive activities, and visual displays (Beck et al., 2019). All of these activities have one thing in common with each other and that is that they tend to educate the public by giving them the opportunities to engage in nature through interpretive processes (Beck et al., 2019). This then leads to a greater understanding of the natural world by creating connections and stewardship with the nature around them (Beck et al., 2019). Science plays an extremely large role in nature interpretation through methods such as research and scientific data, an example of this is the information that is provided about the ecological and geographical aspects that identify a certain interpretive activity (Beck et al., 2019). The information provided usually highlights the distinctive features of the specific experience and provides context for the observers (Beck et al., 2019). The utilization of scientific methods in nature interpretation tends to influence the perception of the individuals who are interpreting nature (Beck et al., 2019). Often times studies are performed and data is collected to identify the efficiency of interpretive programs, this creates the potential room for improvement regarding the quality of the program in order to make sure the observers are fulfilled and gaining knowledge (Beck et al., 2019). Science methods in nature interpretation are of importance for scientists as well as the public since the scientists are able to apply their findings and knowledge by sharing them with the public eye (Beck et al., 2019). This then increases the understanding of nature to the public (Beck et al., 2019). Through science, nature interpretation is able to provide education about the environment through opportunities and stewardship which is essentially the basis of what nature interpretation is (Beck et al., 2019). Below I have included a short video on the nature of science that innocently depicts the importance of science in our daily lives!

Although science is critical, there are also some minor consequences that nature interpretation has on our environment such as physical impacts to the ecosystem. Interpretive programs are usually aware of these impacts and do what they can to mitigate it by managing them effectively. (Beck et al., 2019). States that science is one of the many backbones of nature interpretation and this made me realize that we interpret nature through science in our everyday lives without even realizing that we do it! In fact, without the communication of scientists engaging with the public, there would be little to no knowledge on nature today. In conclusion, the importance of science in interpretation is something that we use every day and it is important for all the mechanisms involved in this process to be represented accurately in order to provide insightful information to the public.

References

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

NCARUCARConnect. (2015). The nature of science. YouTube. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui8X_TTFIzI

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Hey,

Those are some great points! Interpreters can play a key part in shaping our views about nature, and they can significantly increase awareness of issues, such as climate change, and how the public can contribute to finding a solution. This definitely requires the incorporation of science! We can read about climate change online, where there is an abundance of debates available, and we can shape our own opinions accordingly. However, through real-life participation in nature interpretation programs, we can see the reality of climate change in a different perspective. These programs can attract visitors who previously may have had no interest in nature and help encourage them to spend more time outside. Moreover, without science, the informative tours that interpreters provide may have not been as convincing. Visitors are more likely to participate in programs in which they can be educated on a topic, which helps enrich an experience. We wouldn't have any knowledge about climate change without science. Today, there is so much scientific research available on any topic that comes to mind, which has provided numerous benefits to the public. An important issue is climate change, for which interpreters should continually raise awareness, which can be effectively achieved through the incorporation of science. Nonetheless, we know that nature can provide us with benefits, such as decrease anxiety, stress, and elevate our mood. These findings are provided by scientific research, which can guide the public towards a healthier life.

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Free prompt: Climate change!

This week I would like to focus on the importance of incorporating stewardship, conservative efforts, and climate change advocacy in nature interpretation programs, and the effects of climate change on places across the world. Environmental education can inspire visitors to appreciate the need for maintaining the “gift of beauty” provided by nature, which can be best achieved through good interpretation. Individuals can acquire knowledge through an enriching experience about cultural and natural resources of an area to aid in making their visit more meaningful (Beck et al., 2018).  Interpreters can teach people how they can play their part in taking care of their planet with the aid of science education and environmental education (Wals et al., 2014).

Climate change is creating a significant effect on specific well-known locations in the world. One such location is Venice, Italy, which is slowly flooding due to the high tides caused by climate change (Varley, 2017). It is considered as one of Italy’s most attractive cities due to their canals, bridges, and gondola rides (Varley, 2017). The Amazon Rainforest, known for its abundant biodiversity, is also under the pressure of climate change by affecting the stability of the forest, and increase its vulnerability to forest fires (Nobre et al., 2016). You can take a cruise along the Amazon River where you can learn more about the rainforest ecosystem. With the biodiversity being key to the Amazon, it is becoming more essential to implement conservative efforts. Interpreters can share and acknowledge the richness of the forest with visitors, to invoke a sense of place. Additionally, climate change is ruining the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest economic contributor to Australia, leading to increased temperatures, loss of marine life, and coral mortality (Hoegh-Guldberg, 2017).

It is important to increase participation in nature interpretation programs for the public to be more engaging in taking conservative efforts and learn to respect our land.  With eco-friendly guided tours, the tourism industry can change for the better in an ethical way. Interpreters can educate the visitors on the effects of their actions and spread more awareness. We must do our part by being more conscious and take about the bigger picture. I know this can sound very cliché and you have all heard it a million times, “save our planet”, “reduce, reuse, recycle”, “save our water”, but we need to think beyond these words. They might seem like “just words” to everyone, but if doing it for our planet, then at least think about those in developing countries, who would do anything to be where you are, drink the clean water you drink, and live the life you live. I believe interpretation can play a major role in promoting stewardship and awareness about climate change. The worsening effects of climate changes on these extraordinary sites makes me eager to see the world before there’s no beauty left of it.

Works Cited:

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

Hoegh-Guldberg, O., Poloczanska, E. S., Skirving, W., & Dove, S. (2017). Coral reef ecosystems under climate change and ocean acidification. Frontiers in Marine Science, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2017.00158

Nobre, C. A., Sampaio, G., Borma, L. S., Castilla-Rubio, J. C., Silva, J. S., & Cardoso, M. (2016). Land-use and climate change risks in the Amazon and the need of a novel Sustainable Development Paradigm. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(39), 10759–10768. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1605516113

Varley, R. (2017, November 22). Science says this is when Venice will become an underwater city. Culture Trip. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/science-says-this-is-when-venice-will-become-an-underwater-city/

Wals, A. E., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence between science and environmental education. Science, 344(6184), 583–584. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1250515

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Interpreting Nature through an Artistic Lens

As humans, we have an intrinsic and universal ability to appreciate art. We draw from our emotions, opinions, influences, and personal experiences to develop an artistic perception that is purely our own. Art relates to nature, such that nature can be the subject or medium of art. It is a well-known fact that much of history’s most brilliant and impactful works of art have nature as their subject. Artworks by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Hokusai, and the Group of Seven capture nature as it is interpreted by the artist. These artworks elicit an emotional response in their viewers in a way that touches their minds and hearts. It’s interesting to note that the emotional response itself is a form of interpretation. Art is something that everyone can and does interpret in the context of themselves. Art encourages its viewers to look inward at their own selves and their emotions to understand the art as it appears to them. Interpretation of art is, therefore, something that everyone can intrinsically do; the challenge is applying it as a way to interpret nature. Nature is already the subject of art; furthermore, its beauty, form, complexity, variety and uniqueness all parallel with what we already view as art. With that in mind, there is no reason that nature cannot be interpreted as art itself. Moreover, it is my belief that if anyone can interpret art, then anyone can interpret nature through art.

Based on the principles outlined by Beck and Cable (2011), an interpreter provides its audience with “the Gift of Beauty” when they instil in them the ability and desire to sense the beauty in their surroundings (Beck et al., 2018). One way this can be achieved is by encouraging people to view nature as art to extend their appreciation of nature to also encompass its aesthetic value. By viewing nature in this way, we open doors to a type of interpretation that can only truly be accessed through art. This type of artistic perception enables us to create our own interpretations based on how an artwork, or in this case, nature, makes us feel. How we view and interpret art is something that is not universally understood. Art lacks the objectivity of math and science, which are dictated by laws and formulas. Instead, art is subjective, and the emotions and opinions of both the artist and the viewer largely influence its interpretation. Art encourages us to connect with our emotions more deeply than other disciplines. It is this aspect of art that connects it to nature so eloquently.

By encouraging the viewing of nature as art, we can help our audience to develop deeper emotional connections with nature, allowing them to become more empathic towards the environment (Beck et al., 2018). We also encourage personalization of each individual’s perception and understanding of nature as it relates to them and their unique emotions. As interpreters, we can guide our audience and encourage them to open their eyes to others’ interpretations; however, what they will inevitably take from an art-based nature experience will be truly their own. In this case, the interpreter's role is to inspire audiences to view nature from an artistic lens, opening their minds and hearts up to these deeper emotional connections that come with art appreciation.

References

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

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I enjoyed reading your post! As a lover of art, I have always enjoyed the fact that we can look at an art piece, and we can each have our own interpretation of what the artist is trying to express. With the incorporation of nature in art, it allows us to sense the beauty of our surroundings and its importance. Now more than ever, it is essential to promote stewardship of our natural resources, and I believe art can achieve this in an effective manner. Those you are not necessarily passionate about the environment, can get attracted and enthralled with the use of art in interpretation, as it provides a different perspective to seeing our world (Beth et al., 2018). I also agree with the artists that you have mentioned and how they are able to gain an emotional response from their artwork. Two notable artists whose paintings I adore are Claude Monet and Van Gogh, who often showcase the “gift of beauty” through their art, due to the influence that nature has had in their own lives. For an interpreter to create deep emotional connections through art, can leave a lasting impact on the visitor, and motivative them to be more involved in nature. Anyone can form these connections, indulge in art, and earn a unique experience when viewing the world from a different lens. We have often heard that “some scenes need no words”, and that “beauty speaks for itself”, and art can be most effective at displaying this beauty (Beth et al., 2018).

References

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

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Art as Interpretation

Using art to interpret nature provides a unique perspective for sensing the beauty of our world and forging new connections. For me, art in the form of paintings and drawings is the ideal way to interpret the “gift of beauty” as it allows for the capturing of the sense of place and experience its genius loci (Beth et al., 2018). Quality interpretation entails the ability to communicate the importance of a place and to emphasize what makes it special (Beth et al., 2018). A quote that sums this up states that, “our ability to perceive quality in nature begins, as in art, with the pretty. It expands through successive stages of the beautiful to values yet uncaptured by language” (Beth et al., 2018). This resonated with me as these are the stages I go through when observing an art piece, which involves analysing the beauty and then thinking about what it is trying to convey to the audience. This is the main aspect of art that I enjoy when you are allowed to create your own response and interpretation, and someone could have different thoughts than your own (Beth et al., 2018).

A painting that perfectly conveys the importance and the beauty of nature is Christi Belcourt's The Wisdom of the Universe, who has included more than seven endangered species in her art piece, to encourage the need to care for our planet and the animals that live within (Gessell, 2022). She has depicted the beauty of our world in a unique way to motivate stewardship. Art can be so powerful at inspiring feelings of optimism, addressing key issues, and developing as a hobby to ease stress and anxiety. Therefore, art can be effective when interpreting nature to attract and move visitors, while also sparking concern about environmental issues (Beth et al., 2018).  

In a personal context, I created a painting for a IB project in high school, which incorporated the concept of art of hidden faces using nature. The hidden face I included was Frida Kahlo and aimed to create a double meaning to highlight her life, struggles, and the symbolism of nature she often uses to represent this. I was able to communicate this effectively when presenting and communicating my interpretation of my painting. This is relevant as nature and art can be used to depict emotions, express yourself, and allow viewers to form a connection. An interesting perspective to this is as Aristotle said, "Art not only imitates nature, but it also completes its deficiencies." It allows for nature to be shown in a different light and fully encompass its beauty.

I would like to end off by saying that all forms of art can be effective methods for nature interpretation, and participating in arts-based activities can possibly allow visitors to gain a feeling of connection to nature. There is so much that can be communicated through art and everyone can enjoy it!

References

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

Gessell, P. (2022, July 15). 5 Canadian artists addressing Canada's increasingly threatened landscapes . Canadian Geographic. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/5-canadian-artists-addressing-canadas-increasingly-threatened-landscapes/

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Recognizing Privilege

Privilege to me means having an advantage because things were handled to them as opposed to earning them. When looking at this in terms of nature interpretation, some people might have more opportunities in the field then others. Experiences with nature could be due to their parents through where they lived or if the family did outdoor activities altogether. Therefore, one could have had all these experiences growing up but there are some people who don’t grow up that way and they have to fund their connection with nature on their own. Someone who is privileged may not have to worry about facing barriers such as race, religion, gender etc. and can go about their journey of nature interpretation without a worry. 

I consider myself to be privileged because thanks to my parents, I was able to experience nature at a young age through my home and my experiences that they paid for. I loved spending time outside through camping and horseback riding. Horseback riding was a way for me to get out in the outdoors and enjoy nature in a fun way. This is an extracurricular activity that I did for a few years as a kid and I enjoyed it, rain or shine. It is a very expensive activity to get into and I am fortunate to have been able to do so. My parents funded these activities for me and it is not something that I had to work towards by myself. Besides my experiences with nature, I am privileged that I do not experience any boundaries to what I want to do. I did not fully understand and appreciate this luxury when I was younger. Now that I am older, I am appreciative of the opportunities that I had and can see that this is not the case for everyone. All these little adventures created the relationships I have today. 

Another major privilege that I have today is through me attending university. I never had to worry about how I can financially afford an education or if I can even get an education. Through attending university, I am able to broaden my relationship with nature through taking classes like this one that challenge me to look deeper into what nature has to offer. An education is not a luxury for everyone and I am grateful for the opportunity I have. With my education, I can work towards providing a life for myself without reliance on my parents and earn the future experiences that are soon to come. Yet I have my parents to thank for giving me a leg up. 

Everyone should be able to experience nature, regardless of barriers they may face. Nature can provide so much peace and is a great connection to form. Although I wish for this to happen, the concept of privilege will never go away. Through recognizing the privilege that we experience, we can come up with ways to help others overcome these barriers they are faced with. 

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Hey Amanda,

I enjoyed reading your post and I agree that the way you have grown up can affect your journey of nature interpretation, as not everyone has the same access to nature as we do. The barriers to privilege essentially play a major role in hindering an experience with environmental interpretation, and these are factors that cannot always be prevented. As you mentioned, you have spent time outside by camping and horseback riding, which clearly show the privilege you have been granted by your parents. I know that horseback riding is quite expensive, so this activity alone would be out of reach for many people.

I also believe that education can affect our privilege, as it can allow us to become financially stable, to enjoy more experiences outdoors, and then be able to pass on this privilege to our children. It is important that interpreters understand these barriers to increase attendance, and provide an enjoyable experience to everyone, regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, and language (Beth et al., 2018). I agree that we should focus on coming up with ways to overcome the barriers individuals face to participate in nature interpretative programs to aim to be more accommodating.

Moreover, children should be provided with nature experiences at an early age, so they can learn the importance of stewardship of our natural resources and help shape their personalities (Beth et al., 2018).  Therefore, interpreters must know how to deal with different age groups to effectively serve them.

Look forward to reading more of your posts!

Reference:

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage or a Better World (1st ed). Sagamore Venture.

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Role of privilege

Privilege, in my opinion, is defined as having an advantage over others, which may be gained by birth or obtained at a later point in life. I am grateful to have had access to nature, and the chance to create memories while spending time outdoors from a young age. Despite my parents being immigrants, they have provided me and my siblings with an abundance of opportunities to succeed through good education, plentiful resources, support, and a healthy lifestyle. I also believe that living in Canada is a privilege, where we receive free healthcare, education, and enjoying a country for its flourishing natural landscape. Nevertheless, I am privileged to be able to travel across Canada and around the world, to build a stronger relationship with nature, that others may be not as fortunate to do so. This can be due to several factors, such as race, gender, religion, education, and financial obligations.

In terms of nature interpretation, privilege can affect the attendance at interpretive programs (Beth et al., 2018).  It has been reviewed that minority populations have a lower attendance to national parks, and other environmental attractions, due to economic, cultural, communication barriers and lack of knowledge (Beth et al., 2018).  The importance of inclusive interpretation is growing and should be widely employed to attract and welcome a diversity of audiences. Most nature interpretive programs that I have attended have guides that are predominately white. As a minority, I believe that with staff diversity, it can allow you to feel more welcomed and involved. It is important to ensure that nature is accessible and available to everyone in a way to effectively gain knowledge and have an enjoyable experience. Some ways to do this are to incorporate different languages, make all people feel welcomed, diversify the staff, and provide accessibility for individuals with disabilities (Beth et al., 2018).

The privilege of residing in a specific country and location can also play a part in your access to nature interpretation. For example, if you were to be living in Vatican City, where there is little to no variety in their natural features, participating in environmental interpretation would be difficult. Through living in Canada, I have realized that I am able to get ready access to nature, and this is mainly due to the city and country I live in where we are surrounded by different aspects of nature. In connection to my mom, she used to live in a town where she was regularly able to spend time in nature, primarily due to my grandfather being a farmer. In comparison, my dad lived in the city, where he had to make travel arrangements to experience nature in the same way. Nature interpretative programs were also almost non-existent in India during those times, and both my parents only got this experience once they immigrated to Canada.

Conclusively, everyone should be able to engage with nature, regardless of privilege. However, this may depend on various factors.

Reference:

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage or a Better World (1st ed). Sagamore Venture.

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UNIT 02

When I think about what an environmental interpreter is, or rather just an interpreter in general, I think of someone who is passionate about a topic and patient enough to teach others about it. Interpreters have an important job to engage with an audience and provoke a passion in the visitors in which they are able to leave with. Visitors should be able to leave a place having learned something or gained an interest in a particular field or area that they are not typically familiar with. A quote from Beck et al. (2018) says, “If you love the things you interpret, and love the people who come to enjoy it, you not only have taken the pains to understand it to the limit of your capacity but you also feel its special beauty in the general richness of life’s beauty.” This quote in particular spoke to me in the sense of what kind of interpreter I would want to be. We are all able to be interpreters in our daily lives, we are able to do this by having different interests and hobbies and sharing them with others. However, the part of this quote that I particularly liked was how if you like what you are teaching and those who want to learn, the job is not really a job, rather you are finding the beauty within the world and others. 

A time in which I was a visitor was when I went to Italy one summer. My family and I toured all around and ended up in Rome towards the end of our trip. While there, we decided to join a tour of the Colosseum. This tour was offered auditorily through headphones and you were able to learn about the history of the Colosseum while walking around on your own. I particularly liked this form of communication as it allowed me to walk at my own pace and take in the scenery without having to follow around a tour guide in a big crowd. As stated in the textbook, personal interpretation is important as there should be opportunities for visitors to simply go out and enjoy the wonders of the resource on their own, taking in all aspects of the beauty of the resource through their senses (Beck et al., 2018). 

A time in which I was an interpreter myself was when I worked at a garden center with my family. I was nervous at first as I did not have much confidence in my knowledge about plants, however, after a couple weeks I was able to retain enough knowledge to help customers with their questions. During this job, I taught people about different plants, their sun, water, and soil requirements, and which plants would do best in certain zones. I was lucky to have been given the knowledge to then pass on to others about nature and how to take care of it, and to find some new favourite plants myself (such bleeding hearts which caught my attention pretty quickly - pictured first).

In all, I believe that the skills needed to be an interpreter are unique to every individual. Sure you may say that confidence is needed, good speaking skills, good presence, ect., but I think that these skills will automatically come after trying a few times. I think that the only ‘skill’ needed to become an interpreter is passion and enthusiasm about what you are teaching. Without passion and enthusiasm, the visitors will not be engaged and will not be able to feel happiness through the words of the interpreter.

Literature Cited

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

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Hey Victoria,

Great post! I completely agree that passion and patience play a major role in being an effective interpreter and creating a lasting experience for visitors. The quote that you have mentioned would perfectly sum up my position as an ideal interpreter because love and passion for a particular place, can elevate and enhance that way a person interprets it and decides to teach it to others. I really like how you said that if you truly enjoy teaching and those who want to learn, then the “job is not really a job”, which highlights the importance of interpreters, especially those that can go above and beyond to create an enjoyable experience.  

I have always wanted to visit Italy, and the self-guided audio tour seems quite interesting, I would love to experience that myself! I think the tour offers a chance to take in the beauty of the place on your own while simultaneously learning about the history, which brings in the concept of personal interpretation as you suggested. Another factor that is essential for an ideal interpreter is knowledge, without which, it would be impossible to teach others, guide, or answer questions that visitors may have.  I also found it intriguing how you said that some skills can be gained through practice, which are essential to develop because they can contribute toward factors that affect credibility, such as the rate of speaking, appearance, and the verbal and non-verbal expressions of confidence (Beck et al., 2018).  Overall, I enjoyed reading your take on an ideal environmental interpreter and your experience being one yourself!

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

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Environmental Interpreter

Prior to this course, I had not placed enough importance on the way an interpreter can completely change and influence a persons’ experience of a place.  Their ability to “embrace the wonder and beauty of life and share that with others” is admirable and would perfectly describe my ideal role as an environmental interpreter (Beck et al., 2018). I would aim to be updated with the facts to effectively communicate the significance of a cultural or natural site and enrich the visitors’ experience. Interestingly, interpreters can create what Maslow calls a “peak experience”, which gives the sense of being temporarily transported, through their powerful and persuasive communication skills (Beck et al., 2018).

Understanding that individuals have varying learning domains is an essential factor to organize a valuable and satisfactory learning experience for visitors, through incorporating interpretive approaches from the cognitive, affective, and kinesthetic domain (Beck et al., 2018). This is comparative to the “What’s Your Learning Style” quiz, for which my results indicated that I am a 30% auditory, 45% visual, and 25% tactile learner, therefore it is important to approach an interpretation from all perspectives. As an ideal interpreter, I would encourage evoking passion and care for natural sites due to the growing importance of stewardship with the ongoing climate change crisis. As I am a visual learner, I have experienced that getting a brochure with details and facts about a specific location has always enriched my experience, because I am able to explore an area and learn new details. When visiting the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, we participated in a ghost tour in which the guide created a haunted atmosphere while providing us with historical details about the site. The interpreter’s storytelling ability and engagement made it a unique and worth-while experience, which significantly increased our interest towards the historical aspects. Although he was not an “environmental” interpreter, he still invoked ideal characteristics of one, and used similar principles, including the involvement of the TORE model of thematic communication (Beck et al., 2018).

If I were to choose an optimal place to be an environmental interpreter, it would be in my Town of Caledon, where there are several recreational trails, the Cheltenham Badlands, apple picking orchards, and the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. The Cheltenham Badlands is one of the most unique places I have ever been to, and it always invokes excitement whenever we drive past. It is a type of place where the beauty speaks or interprets for itself. As my town is where my love of nature excelled, it is where I believe I would be most passionate about being an interpreter. Caledon is known for its environmental aspect, but the continuing increase in the population, causes an urgency to protect the town from urbanization and spread the message of stewardship. My role would focus on this message to encourage people to spend more time outdoors appreciating the breathtaking scenes that nature has to offer. Appreciably, for this ideal position, I would need sufficient knowledge, passion, enthusiasm, and love to act as an effective interpreter.

Citation

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