Harsharan's Blog

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Disclaimer

This blog was created for ENVS*3000 W24, University of Guelph. 

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph. 

The University of Guelph is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by this blog.

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Unit 10: Nature Interpretation's Role in Environmental Sustainability

For the first final blog post of this week I would like to dip into Unit 10 about environmental sustainability and our roles as interpreters. Nature sustainability is a large topic that we often circle back around to in environmental, and science courses. Maintaining our natural world is essential for physical health like from food, to mental health like for clarity. Yet the environment is something people continually neglect to consider when making valuable choices such as urban designing, or manufacturing products.

The video in this weeks content was of a conference hosted by David Suzuki and Richard Louve at the Art Gallery of Ontario (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012). Richard Louve goes on to explain how he met a group of neuroscientists studying how to improve mental health based on implementing tools, and he asked if they had tried using nature (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012). The neuroscientists then asked, well what is defined as nature (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012)? I found this very interesting because as simple as the question is, it can be hard to really define what is nature. Richard Louve's definition explains nature can be thought of as sharing and experiencing or gaining meaning from being with or around a species other than your own (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012). I can agree with this definition as it helps break the idea that to be connected to nature you need to be constantly immersed outside. Not everyone has the ability or privilege to have endless access to nature experiences, so being able to immerse or connect yourself to nature in other ways is important. David Suzuki also goes on to say how there has been a lack of inclusion of natural spaces in urban settings and communities (DavidSuzukiFDN, 2012). These spaces allow everyone to have more opportunities to connect and embrace nature around them, which are more important than people realize.

The quote mentioned in Unit 10, “Now, my tree-climbing days long behind me, I often think about the lasting value of those early, deliciously idle days. I have come to appreciate the long view afforded by those treetops. The woods were my Ritalin. Nature calmed me, focused me, and yet excited my senses.” (Last Child in the Woods), connected with me because it made me realize how privileged I have been to have access to nature experiences throughout my life. These experiences, running through the woods, climbing trees, building forts, swimming in lakes, or skating on ponds have allowed me to see my environment for more than just my surroundings. It can give you peace and presence in that moment to take in the true beauty around you and can create incentives in people to prioritize environmental sustainability in their lives. 

References:

DavidSuzukiFDN. (2012, July 20). David Suzuki and Richard Louv @AGO. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5DI1Ffdl6Y&t=150s 

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Hi Alysia!

Thank you for your blog post on the role of nature interpretation in environmental sustainability!

I also think that the environment is something we continuously neglect and tend to ignore when considering valuable choices made in regards to how to encourage environmental sustainability. A lot of companies have went down the environmentally friendly and clean route but they often fail to consider how manufacturing products and the packaging of these products can negatively impact the environment. If a company truly wants to be environmentally sustainable, they have to encourage the reduction of plastic materials and ensure that products are made and packaged with sustainable materials. Biodegradable materials, for example, are a great alternative tool to ensure that there is no plastic waste and that none of the materials would harm the environment.

You brought up a great point that not everyone has the privilege to have access to nature nor is everyone given the same opportunities to explore nature. I do think privilege regarding nature interpretation and exploration is perceived very differently depending on the individual. For example, an individual who is surrounded by nature may be viewed as more privileged than university students who pay to enrol in courses to explore and interpret nature.

Overall great job for your final blog post! I enjoyed reading your posts over the course of this semester. Thanks again!

- Sharan

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08: Amazing things in nature - my favourite animal!

Hi everyone! Since this week’s prompt is to talk about the most amazing thing we know in nature, I thought I’d talk about my favourite animal, the spotted hyena! Although you can’t see these animals in Canada unless you go to a zoo, they’re super cool to learn about!

Source: Joel Sartore, https://www.joelsartore.com/search/hyena/

Spotted hyenas, with their unique appearance and intriguing behaviours, stand out as some of Africa's most interesting creatures. From their distinctive laughs to their complex social structures, these animals never fail to spark curiosity. Did you know that despite their appearance, they're actually more related to cats than they are to dogs?

Their robust build with distinctive spots gives them an unmistakable presence. But what truly sets them apart is their extremely complex and unique social dynamics. In the world of spotted hyenas, it's the females who reign supreme. These matriarchs, larger and more dominant than their male counterparts, lead their clans with a ton of strength. 

As for their vocalizations, the noises hyenas make are fascinating due to their versatility and complexity, ranging from spine-chilling laughs to a wide array of grunts, whoops, and growls. These vocalizations play a crucial role in communication within their clans, conveying information about social status and territory. Their vocalizations even convey their identities to eachother as each hyena has its own distinct “whooping” sound, just like how each of us have our own distinct fingerprints!

But it's not just their looks and noises that make spotted hyenas fascinating, it's their smarts too. These creatures are surprisingly amazing hunters. Working together, they employ tactics that enable them to take down prey much larger than themselves, largely due to the fact that their jaws are 10x stronger than a pitbull’s! And when it comes to meals, they eat pretty much everything since they have special enzymes in their stomach that can fully digest the stongest of materials like bone and venom. From insects to venomous snakes, spotted hyenas will have a go at anything, contributing to the delicate balance of their ecosystems as both predators and scavengers. 

Despite their remarkable qualities, spotted hyenas don’t have the best reputation, and are made the villains in many stories. This is probably due to their eerie vocalizations, their knack for scavenging, or even their uncanny ability to consume everything, bones included. Throughout history, they've been linked to death and the supernatural in African folklore, adding an air of mystery to their already mysterious presence. And then there's the competition with humans for resources, a rivalry that has often led to misunderstandings and conflicts. 

Despite this, efforts are underway to set the record straight and give spotted hyenas the credit they deserve. Scientists are delving into their behaviour, ecology, and importance in ecosystems, shedding light on their true nature and advocating for their conservation. These animals are not just symbols of fear, they're integral parts of Africa's rich tapestry of life. 

Overall, spotted hyenas are not just predators of the night, they're the charismatic characters of the African plains, adding complexity to the ecosystems they’re part of. With their playful antics and fierce determination, they've earned their place as one of Africa's most iconic animals!

Law, J. (2004). Crocuta crocuta Spotted Hyena. Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Crocuta_crocuta/

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Hi Grace!

Thank you for this informative and intriguing blog post on the spotted hyena!

First of all, the pictures of the spotted hyena are very cute. As you stated, hyenas are often made to be the villains in many stories, like in The Lion King. Honestly, after I watched The Lion King when I was younger, I was always a little spooked of them and was fully expecting an image of a vicious hyena to pop up, but based on these pictures, they seem like adorable, yet mighty animals.

I was intrigued when you stated that the spotted hyena is linked to the supernatural in African folklore, so I looked into a bit more and found that they have a variety of depictions and importances in a variety of different cultures, specifically in African cultures. In most cases of African folklore, the spotted hyena was said to be the embodiment of "physical power, excessivity, ugliness stupidity, as well as sacredness" (Frembgen, 1998). In certain regions in Africa, the spotted hyena was said to be associated with witches, while some thought the carcasses of hyenas to be possessed by malevolent hyena spirits and had to be treated respectfully as to not upset any spirits (Frembgen, 1998).

Thank you again for this informative and intriguing blog post on the spotted hyena!

- Sharan

References

Frembgen, J. W. (1998). The Magicality of the Hyena: Beliefs and Practices in West and South Asia. Asian Folklore Studies, 57(2), 331–344. https://doi.org/10.2307/1178757

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Blog 07: The Music in Nature & The Nature in Music

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my weekly blog for ENVS*3000, and this week’s blog will be focusing on the presence of music in nature, and vice versa. Before I begin sharing my views, it is important to truly understand what music exactly is. Music is defined as “vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). My interpretation of this definition is that music is not just limited to songs or albums, but it is in fact present everywhere, even if we do not immediately notice it. 

When I had initially read this week’s prompt, I had recalled my past experiences of when I was present in nature and truly happened to observe, as well as appreciate, its “music”. I believe that music is present all throughout nature and that music in nature is a reflection of how our environments and ecosystems work together to remain harmonious and keep balance constantly restored.  In terms of music in nature, we all may share differing perspectives on what music is. However, a key example that comes to mind for me, and I am sure for many of you as well, is the birds chirping at early dawn, since they are beautiful sounds that sound so melodic to the human ear, even though it is just a form of communication between birds. An essay published by Gray et al. discussed a rather interesting point about this which stated that our appreciation of bird sounds is due to the fact that sometimes the pitch is similar to the music we listen to (Gray, Krause, Atema, et al., 2001). This makes sense because I think that many of us would appreciate sounds in nature that are similar to our music preferences! The chirp of the birds is often an association that warmer weather is near and it also acts as a window to my childhood when I would often spend time outdoors with my cousins which serves as a fond memory when I look back, even though it sounds so melodic to the human ear, it is simply a form of communication for birds. Here is one of my favourite sounds from the Mourning Dove which takes me back to my childhood! I hope you enjoy it!

To answer the second prompt for this week’s blog post, I think that our personal views surrounding what is nature in music can shape how we identify it! I think that music has the power to reach many different individuals and convey a message or make people feel things on a deeper level. Although nowadays we have access to many different streaming platforms for music (e.g. Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora), I think for many of us our first experiences with music was through the radio, CDs, or even cassettes, and I found that “Radio’s greatest advantages come from its potential to reach many people, its high local interest, and its inherent flexibility in targeting specific audiences.” (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 8: Interpreting to the Masses, pp. 175). In terms of nature in music, I think that this would include the use of certain sounds that can be found in nature, as well as through the use of literary devices to set the stage so the listener is able to use their imagination. 

For a fun add on, a song that takes me back to a natural landscape is a song from Taylor Swift’s album folklore called “the lakes”. This bonus track includes imagery to further support the themes within the song. Lyrics that represent nature within the song are  “I want auroras and sad prose / I want to watch wisteria grow right over my bare feet” (Genius, 2020) and “A red rose grew up out of ice frozen ground” (Genius, 2020) which adds an additional layer of depth to the woeful music and lyrics. An analysis of the track stated that “The lyrics allude to the necessity to disconnect from daily life and seek refuge in nature in order to recharge and rediscover one's way forward.” (Bushra, 2023, pp. 2) and this is how we often view nature since it acts as an escape from our daily rigamarole. 

I hope I was able to provide insight as to my views surrounding the associations between nature and music. I think that these simple observations can make life all the more enjoyable.

References

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing. Chapter 8: Interpreting to the Masses

Bushra, F.T. (2023). Deciphering Taylor Swift's Sentiments- Analyzing The Lakes and This is Me Trying through Discourse Analysis. BRAC University, 2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375061805_Deciphering_Taylor_Swift's_Sentiments-_Analyzing_The_Lakes_and_This_is_Me_Trying_through_Discourse_Analysis

Genius. (2020). ​the lakes. Retrieved March 2, 2024, from https://genius.com/Taylor-swift-the-lakes-lyrics

Gray, P.M., Krause, B., Atema, J., et al. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52–54. https://link-gale-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Music. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 2, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/music

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Hi Harkiran!

Thank you for your blog post on nature interpretation and music. I loved reading about your analyses on Taylor Swift's music as a Swiftie myself. I think a lot of her music, specifically including the 'folklore' and 'evermore' albums which are two of my favourites, mentions nature-y themes and imagery. I also think these two albums provide a sense of nostalgia for a lot of her listeners (including me) because they were written and released during the pandemic, a time where a lot of us (myself included) would spend time outdoors. As a result, I tend to associate these two albums with nature and the outdoors due to the imagery and descriptions related to nature within the songs and because they were the albums I listened to the most during the pandemic (especially when I was outside in my backyard).

Including 'the lakes' was a great example of how there is nature in music, especially due to a lot of the imagery she describes throughout the song. Some other Taylor Swift songs you should check out that mention nature and include some really great examples of imagery include:

'willow' from evermore

'ivy' from evermore

'seven' from folklore

'invisible string' from folklore

'Snow On The Beach' from Midnights

Thank you again for your insights on the correlation between music and nature interpretation! I really enjoyed reading a fellow Swiftie's insights :)

- Sharan

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Interpretation through History

In this weeks blog we will be taking a look at a quote by Edward Hyams, and deconstructing it to see how it can teach us about nature interpretation through 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 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 is very powerful, in that it speaks about the importance of memory and knowledge of the past and states that the value in history is in it’s ability to stay with us. Hyams is stating in this quote that the value of ancient things does not lie in the object or site itself but rather in the knowledge, understanding, and integration of lessons that can be learned from the past. He emphasizes integrity in recognizing the ties between events that may be separated by time and how they influence and interact with eachother. This is core to interpretation of history, as it is important to remember the past, both the good and the bad, to learn from what has happened (Beck, 2018). Just as it is good to learn about the bad that has happened to not repeat it, it is also beneficial to learn about the good, so that it can be replicated. Not all stories are black and white however, and even in tragic times we can find inspiration in the stories of survivors and those who became agents for change (Beck, 2018). It is the job of interpreters to choose stories and perspectives that will be valuable for their audiences and help them see how history can correspond to their own lives. To achieve this it is important that programs are both accurate and authentic and portray a truthful interpretation of the past.

From Hyams’ quote, knowing that the train station still exists is equivalent to remembering past events and knowing that they have occurred. Just because these events are not currently happening does not mean that they never did or that they will never happen again. Just like how leaving the train station does not mean it no longer exists or that you will not pass through another. It is easy to recognize when events in the past were wrong and to judge the people of the time, but it is much harder to recognize when wrongful practices are developing or when current events are unjust. By understanding the interconnectedness of past and present events, this knowledge can be applied to modern life to prevent repitition of tragedies and improve the situation for others.

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

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Hi!

Thank you for your analysis of Edward Hyams's quote. I wanted to start off by saying that your analogy "not all stories are black and white" provided an especially unique outlook on history and nature interpretation. You said "It is the job of interpreters to choose stories and perspectives that will be valuable for their audiences and help them see how history can correspond to their own lives.", but I also think the job of the interpreters is to emphasize the importance of change and moving forward in a way that improves our society. I agreed with a lot of the analyses you made regarding his quote, especially in regards to how there is value in the knowledge, understanding, and integration of various lessons that can be learned from the past. I also think history / the past is considered to be a complex combination of various stories and perspectives from individuals and groups, emphasizing the stories of those oppressed and/or persevered.

It is evident genocides like the Holocaust ensure we do not repeat the mistakes of the past while allowing appropriate responsibility to be taken. As you said, there is an interconnectedness of the past and present, so I was wondering how you think history continues to influence the present? I look forward to hearing more from you!

Thank you again for your in-depth analysis of Edward Hyams's quote as well as the interpretation of history / the past.

- Sharan

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Killer Whales

I have always been obsessed with marine animals, especially killer whales ever since I watched the movie Free Willy, back in grade two. And of course, since there is no prompt this week, I thought what better way to conclude this week by talking about Northern Resident Killer Whales (NRKW) and the ongoing efforts for their wildlife conservation. 

To provide some background, NRKW can only be found in Canada, specifically, on the coast of British Columbia, as well as some parts of Washington State and Alaska. They are under the Species at Risk Act as there are only 332 NRKWs remaining in the entire world as of 2022 (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). Back in the late 1900’s, NRKW populations used to grow by the hundreds but their life expectancy has been slowly declining due to a decrease in prey, impacting their survival rates (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). Having said that, they only feed on chinook salmon but it is not always available due to commercial fishing, climate change and river blockage (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). This results in the NRKWs traveling away from their natural habitat (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). Since then, there has been an increase in conservation efforts towards NRKWs as they play a critical role in the ecosystem. 

Raincoast Conservation Foundation, a non profit based at the University of Victoria has been working for years to educate the public via science and through courts to help the NRKW population thrive once again. They have led many legal battles against businesses like fishery companies in Federal Court to protect killer whales. One of their most notable cases which they won was against the company Kinder Morgan and their TransMountain Expansion through the Salish sea where these killer whales reside. 

A petition led by Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard, an alumni of UofG, proposed ideas for protecting killer whale populations. Suggestions included increasing chinook salmon in critical habitats. This can be achieved by eliminating commercial fishing in feeding areas important to the killer whales (Rainforest Conservation Foundation). Using various scientific models, they were able to prove if fisheries were closed, it would improve their populations (Rainforest Conservation Foundation). If measures were taken to reduce physical and acoustic disturbances by prohibiting commercial and recreational whale watching at critical times of the year would allow NRKW to forage food (Rainforest Conservation Foundation). As well, establishing 200m distance and speed reductions for whale watching vessels in key foraging areas would allow killer whales to freely hunt and not be driven away (Rainforest Conservation Foundation). Measures like such would gradually present an increase in killer whale populations and allow their species to thrive. 

In all, many environmental groups and government agencies are understanding the impact of losing killer whale populations native to Canada. Experts like Dr. Barrett-Lennard and many other research collaborators used their experiences and scientific observations to draw out conservation plans which they presented to the government of Canada. They proposed emergency measures based on available science which Fisheries and Oceans Canada have been educated upon, resulting in an increased effort to preserve killer whale populations in Canada. 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada. (n.d.). Population status update for the northern resident killer … https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2023/mpo-dfo/fs70-7/Fs70-7-2023-031-eng.pdf 

Rainforest Conservation Foundation. (n.d.). Petition for an emergency order for the southern resident ... https://www.raincoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SRKW-petition-for-Emergency-Order.pdf 

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Hi!

Thank you for this informative blog post on killer whales! It was intriguing to learn more about what seems to be a big and scary marine mammal. So I was wondering how watching the movie Free Willy specifically spark your interest in killer whales (i.e. was there a specific moment that sparked your fascination)? I was also wondering if you had a specific / favourite fun fact about killer whales. Personally, I have always been fascinated by Beluga Whales because they were an oddly-shaped yet goofy looking mammal. I researched them for a project on animals in the ocean when I was in the second grade and loved learning about their communication habit(s), diet, and behaviour(s).

In your blog post, you mentioned there have been emergency measures based on available science that have cause increased efforts to preserve killer whale populations in Canada, and I did some more research on this to learn more! I found that there is a management measures to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales created in 2021 that stated "boats must keep 400 metres away from killer whales in all southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet, including Barkley Sound and Howe Sound" (Government of Canada, n.d.). When you researched the preservation of killer whales, did you come across any research regarding how this could translate into government?

Thank you again for your interesting and informational blog post on killer whales.

- Sharan

References

Government of Canada. (n.d.). Protecting the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Government of Canada. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/gulf/nature/ocean/erds-srkw/epaulard-killerwhale

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Ethics, Beliefs, Responsibilities, and Approaches in My Role as a Nature Interpreter

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my nature interpretation blog! This is my final blog post for ENVS*3000. Over the course of this semester, I was given the opportunity to learn a lot more about nature interpretation through art, history, music, and technology while being taught about how privilege plays an integral role within the nature interpretation world. This course has allowed me to learn about nature and interpretation while being able to connect lectures and other course content to personal experiences. I truly enjoyed learning from my peers through their ideas, connections, and experiences. I am also grateful to attend the University of Guelph, where I have been constantly been given opportunities to succeed and learn more. Please enjoy some pictures I took this past year on and off campus before diving in :)

So without further ado, this final blog post will be focusing on the ethics, beliefs, responsibilities, and approaches surrounding my role as a nature interpreter. 

As stated in Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World, interpreters as a whole often “strive to inspire stronger civic and environmental ethics” (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 4: Values of Interpretation for Management, p. 71). As a result, over the course of this semester, I think I have developed stronger civic and environmental ethics in my role as a nature interpreter. “The beauty of human integrity commemorated in events of the past and the beauty of the intricacies of nature give rise to hope, and these are the tools of the interpreter.” (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5: Guiding Principles of Interpretation, p. 84). The main personal ethic I have as I continue to develop as a nature interpreter is ensuring that I honor the integrity of the landscapes, environments, and cultures we explore as I continue my role as a nature interpreter. As nature interpreters, we are more privileged than others since we have the tools and capabilities to explore landscapes and new aspects of nature. As a result, it is integral that we ensure that the environments we are exploring are being respected and that there is no harm done to any surrounding animals, habitats, and/or ecosystems. 

My main belief is that as a nature interpreter, it is important to ensure that sustainability and conservation efforts are at the root of nature. Various agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environment Canada prompt the public to be more concerned about the environment and encourage intelligent action during visits and in their daily lives (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 1: What is Interpretation? p. 11). Similarly, as nature interpreters, we are given access to a lot more resources and tools in order to educate others about the unknown while providing individuals with new perspectives and experiences. However, in the process, it is important to encourage the listener and audience to choose environmentally sustainable alternatives, like sustainable pieces of clothing, refillable shampoos and conditioners, refillable and reusable coffee pods, and reusable water bottles, when they are able to do so. Nature interpretation is not only an outlet to help individuals connect with and understand nature, but it is also a tool to help educate individuals on the importance of preserving and conserving various environments, landscapes, animals, habitats, and ecosystems.

The first responsibility I have as a nature interpreter is to acknowledge the land and the Indigenous groups and people it rightfully belongs to who is allowing us to explore and learn more about nature with the help of their land. Land acknowledgments are especially important in the environmental world in which a lot of practices concerning environmental activism in British Columbia and other provinces and regions within Canada are heavily influenced by the cultures, practices, beliefs, and traditions of Indigenous and First Nations groups (Blenkinsop & Fettes, 2020). Land acknowledgments are also important as they allow us to take responsibility to continue to honor the history and the past of the land while ensuring that past and present oppressions are not left forgotten (Blenkinsop & Fettes, 2020). Another responsibility I think every nature interpreter should have is following the Leave No Trace Principle, which is a minimum of seven practices that should be enforced by anyone exploring nature or visiting the outdoors to ensure that no surrounding animals, habitats, and/or ecosystems within the area are disturbed and/or threatened (Leave No Trace 2024). To get some more insight on the Leave No Trace Principle, please refer to the blog post titled ‘Respecting Nature’ from February 16th, 2024.

The main approach that is suitable for me as an individual is being taught and teaching others using the appropriate learning styles. Learning styles are an integral tool used to help individuals learn information and content in the most effective way possible (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6: How People Learn, p. 110). They are also effective in helping nature interpreters understand how to better connect and communicate with their audience in an impactful way (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6: How People Learn, p. 110). In the second week of the semester, I completed the ‘What's Your Learning Style’ quiz by EducationPlanner.org and learned that I am a visual learner, which means that I like to learn by reading or seeing, and a kinesthetic/tactile learner, which means I also like to learn by doing. The third learning styles is being an auditory learner. In the nature interpretation world, I think implementing the visual and tactile learning and teaching approaches is best since describing the various wonders of nature through audio clips and sounds is a lot more difficult compared to individuals being able to visualize and feel the landscapes and environments themselves. To get some more insight on the role of learning styles within nature interpretation, please refer to the blog post titled ‘My Role as an Environmental Interpreter’ from January 25th, 2024.

Thank you for an amazing semester. The final question I have for you is, what was your favorite thing you got to learn about this semester?

Thank you for reading!

- Sharan

References

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing. Chapter 1: What is Interpretation?

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing. Chapter 4: Values of Interpretation for Management

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing. Chapter 5: Guiding Principles of Interpretation

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing. Chapter 6: How People Learn

Blenkinsop, S., & Fettes, M. (2020). Land, language and listening: The transformations that can flow from acknowledging indigenous land. Journal of Philosophy of Education, 54(4), 1033–1046. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9752.12470Leave No Trace. (2024). The 7 Principles. In Leave No Trace. Retrieved March 24, 2024, from https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/

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The Most Amazing Thing I Know about Nature

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my nature interpretation blog! This week’s blog post will be focusing on the most amazing thing I know about nature.

Without further ado, the most amazing thing I know about nature is that starfishes are able to regrow their limbs as a result of an autonomic or traumatic event. An example of an autonomic event where a starfish may lose a limb is when one or more of a starfish’s limbs have been held or pulled on by a predator, the starfish is able to shed the limb(s) in order to evade the predator. Starfishes can also lose limbs in a traumatic event as a result of an accident or injury to one or more limbs. As I have been learning in NEUR*2100 this semester, there are VERY few animals that are able to regenerate neurons in the event of a traumatic event. However, starfishes are one of the very few animals able to regenerate their limbs and their neurons, something humans are unable to do.

I specifically learned about this fun fact after watching Season 4 Episode 17 of Wizards of Waverly Place where one of the characters gets turned into a starfish and loses his leg because of an asteroid, but since he was turned into a starfish, his leg grew back perfectly fine. Looking back, it was a fun way of including an educational and unique fact about nature.

Starfishes are invertebrates found in all of the world’s seas and oceans, from warm, tropical climates to the cold, dark seafloor (Nicholson, 2021). These invertebrates are able to regrow their limbs in the event of an accident or injury with the help of unidirectional or bidirectional regeneration. If a starfish loses four limbs, the starfish will be able to regrow all lost limbs through bidirectional regeneration, regardless of whether the central disk is intact or not [image on the left hand side] (Ferrario et al., 2022). If a starfish loses one to three limbs and has an intact central disc, the starfish will be able to regrow all lost limbs through unidirectional regeneration [image on the right hand side] (Ferrario et al., 2022). 

Based on this information, what else intrigues you about starfishes?

Thank you for reading!

- Sharan

References

Ferrario, C., Khadra, Y. B., Sugni, M., et al. (2022). Studying echinodermata arm explant regeneration using echinaster sepositus. Whole-Body Regeneration: Methods and Protocols [Internet]. Humana. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK586926/ doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2172-1_14

Nicholson, F. C. (2021). Starfish (6th e.d.). In K. H. Nemeh & J. L. Longe (Eds.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Science, 7, 4210-4211. Gale. https://link-gale-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/CX3418502168/GVRL?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=05d17aa5

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Nature Interpretation through Music

“It is said that every known human culture has music. Music has been defined as patterns of sound varying in pitch and time produced for emotional, social, cultural, and cognitive purposes. Is music-making in humans defined by our genes? Do other species show musical language and expression? If they do, what kinds of behavior invoke musicmaking in these animals? Is there evidence in the animal kingdom for the ability to create and recreate a musical language with established musical sounds? How are musical sounds used to communicate within and between species? Do musical sounds in nature reveal a profound bond between all living things?” (Gray et al., 2001)

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my nature interpretation blog! This week’s blog post will be focusing on nature interpretation through music.

Similar to the opinions of others, like art, the purpose of music is to signify a moment or memory as well as provide listeners with a sense of nostalgia, often creating a symphony of various sounds (Gray et al., 2001). To answer one of Gray et al. (2001)’s questions, other species do show musical language and expression. One of my favorite examples of music in nature is when birds begin to chirp at dawn in the spring and summer months when sunbeams begin to illuminate my room as I get ready for work, as if they were wishing me a good morning. Their odd, yet harmonious, tunes provided me with comfort and nostalgia at the start of a long day. In contrast, I loved the symphonies created by crickets chirping as I played with my dog in the evening or would take him for his last bathroom break before the following morning like they were bidding us a good night. 

A video of me playing with Charlie on a summer evening as crickets chirped in the background.

So, where is music in nature? I believe music is found everywhere within nature. This type of music may not always be lyrical or melodious, but you can hear unique symphonies if you listen carefully for them. 

Where is nature in music? In a lot of the music I listen to, which mostly consists of Taylor Swift, nature is used as a representation of emotions: peace, happiness, anger, frustration, etc. Nature is also found within music to remind individuals of ideas, thoughts, feelings, inspirations (Hookyaas, 2024). One of my personal favorite songs that reminds me of nature is “willow” by Taylor Swift (Swift, 2020). It doesn’t have a lot of connections to nature aside from willow trees, but I like to think of it as my theme song for the spring and summer months when I would be in the car on the way to a new park or outdoor activity.

Based on my interpretation of nature and music, what song reminds you of nature? And, do you think other species show musical language and expression?

Thank you for reading!

- Sharan

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.

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 7: Nature interpretation through music. University of Guelph.

Swift, T. (2020). willow [Song]. On evermore [Album]. Republic label.

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Nature Interpretation and History: Unpacking an Edward Hyams Quote

“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.” (Hyams 2015).

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my nature interpretation blog! This week’s blog post will be focusing on unpacking an Edward Hyams quote from Chapter 7 in The Gifts of Interpretation. 

When attempting to initially understand this quote, there was a very evident theme that focused on history and nature. I think merit in integrity regarding history focuses on the significance and information provided. As stated by Beck et al. (2018), interpretation aids with connecting people to places and things. It also allows individuals to develop skills, read landscape, relive history, and feel art (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 1: What is Interpretation?, pp. 6). As a result, in my opinion, the first part of Hyams’s quote stating that there is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity demonstrates how there can be merit in integrity if information and knowledge is significant and/or meaningful to the people and land. For example, when considering merit and integrity, we should ask ourselves “Who/what benefits from this story and how might that impact them/others in the future?” (Hooykaas 2024). Additionally, it represents how our history has merit due to its plethora of knowledge in addition to the information it provides us with. 

A picture of the Mona Lisa, one of the most famous paintings in the world.

The second part of Hyams’s quote represents the ignorance people have when assuming that history does not impact us nor do we face any repercussions of past events because they happened a long time ago. As the American Association for State and Local History [AASLH] stated “History serves us in many ways. It can delight and enrich us, inspire and caution us, inform and educate us, help us make thoughtful decisions, enlarge and intensify the experience of being alive.” (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 15: Interpreting History, pp. 326). We often see survivors of horrific events, like the Holocaust, continue to share their stories to ensure that these events do not get forgotten because it allows us to make sure history does not repeat itself (Hooykaas 2024). We still see consequences and repercussions of the Holocaust affecting impacted communities in 2024 so it is ignorant and oblivious to, as Hyams stated, "think, feel or act as though the past is done with" (Hyams 2015).

Overall, Edward Hyams’s quote represents how significance and importance are required for merit in integrity and how individuals are naive to consider that the mistakes of the past do not continue to influence the present. 

Based on my analysis of Edward Hyams’s quote, how do you think history continues to influence the present? 

Thank you for reading!

- Sharan

References

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing. Chapter 1: What is Interpretation?

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing. Chapter 15: Interpreting History

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 6: Nature Interpretation through History. ENVS*3000. University of Guelph 

Hyams, E. (2015). Chapter 7. In The Gifts of Interpretation. Sagamore Publishing.

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Respecting Nature

Hi everyone! A little late, but welcome back to my nature interpretation blog! This blog post will be focusing on a topic of my choice within nature! As a result, I will be focusing on respecting nature in the nature interpretation world. 

As university students we are privileged to be given an abundance of opportunities where we are able to freely explore nature and be able to interpret nature through various aspects like art and history. However, I think it is important to consider being respectful to nature and appreciating the wildlife and habitats that reside within an environment. Similar to how we are guests when we visit another person’s home and treat them and their belongings with the utmost respect, we should do the same when we are interpreting and exploring nature. Additionally, respecting nature ensures that we do not cause any disturbances within the natural balance of the environment and surrounding components. 

The primary thing everyone and anyone wanting to explore and interpret nature respectfully is following the Leave No Trace Principle (Leave No Trace 2024). These are a minimum of seven practices that should be enforced by anyone exploring nature or visiting the outdoors. The seven practices are: 

Plan and prepare ahead , 

Travel and camp on durable surfaces, 

Dispose of waste properly,

Leave what you find,

Minimize campfire impacts, 

Respect wildlife, and

Be considerate of others (Leave No Trace 2024). 

Implementing these principles can ensure that nature is not harmed in the process of nature exploration and interpretation by minimizing impacts of things like polluted environments or campfires that may spread when unattended (Leave No Trace 2024). Making sure that these seven practices are being regulated and enforced can overall ensure the safety of the visitors as well as maintaining respect for nature and surrounding habitats and wildlife. Based on the information provided, I hope we can remember to respect nature when we explore next :)

So, what will you do in the future to ensure nature is respected?

Thank you for reading!

- Sharan

References Leave No Trace. (2024). The 7 Principles. In Leave No Trace. Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/

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Unit 2: My Ideal Role of Environmental Interpreter

While reflecting on my experiences with others' environmental interpretations, the memories that linger are those of connections between tangible elements of a place and intangible meanings (Beck et al., 2018). In this way, the interpreter planted a seed to evoke thought so as to foster a revelation, personal understanding, and feeling. However, not everyone grows their roots the same way. Individuals are unique in their learning styles, which was highlighted when completing the “What's Your Learning Style?” quiz. Just as people grow roots in different ways, so too do they connect with and interpret their surroundings uniquely. Acknowledging this diversity is crucial, especially when acting as an interpreter for a place. While a location might speak for itself in some instances, it is equally important to tailor interpretations to resonate with the audience, sparking a connection that evokes emotion—a gift of a spark (Beck et al., 2018).

As an interpreter, my goal is to have visitors able to convey significance, by being able to appeal to their emotions and allowing them to create tangible connections with the environment. Drawing inspiration from my Montessori upbringing, I value the natural curiosity to learn, which I believe is crucial for environment interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). To enrich visitor experiences, I intend to provide an interpretive recreation as Beck et al. (2018) explained. Combining a theme for interpretation (as per the “T” in TORE), along with self-guided opportunities, encourages visitors to explore the environment in their own ways and develop their own connections (Beck et al., 2018). 

Along with endless opportunities to learn curiously, passion emerges as a central skill I would need for effective environmental interpretation. As Tilden expressed, sharing genuine love for the subject is paramount in engaging the audience (Beck et al., 2018). Without genuine passion, the interpretive experience falls short, rendering it no more valuable than reading a pamphlet. 

In my ideal role, I could exude this passion on a remote island where I lived for two months in 2021 for a marine conservation internship. Immersed in the island’s culture and community, I developed a profound passion for its nature. This newfound passion became integral to my daily life through my daily tasks, where I eagerly shared it with others, particularly children from neighbouring islands. Employing various techniques such as presentations, listening games, and hands-on activities, my team and I tailored our approach to different learning styles, providing a real-world application of environmental interpretation. The island as depicted in the pictures, speaks for itself, but I believe there is much more to discover if you know where to look.

Tailoring communication to evoke emotion and instill passion would allow me to showcase the hidden treasures of this 16 km² island to a diverse audience, providing personal opportunities to develop perception of place and explore and appreciate its nature as much as I do! 

Reference:

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

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Hi Emily!

Great job on this blog post! First of all, these photos are absolutely breathtaking. Second of all, I think it especially interesting how you would want to integrate your upbringing into your role as an environmental interpreter. A lot of people for the purpose of this blog post included their results from the “What's Your Learning Style?” quiz (including myself) but you made me think about how an individual's upbringing and childhood influences their learning styles and teaching capabilities. As a result, do you think your upbringing shaped your learning style? Thanks!

- Sharan

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Blog 3

The idea of privilege is significant yet often overlooked in the fields of environmental research and nature interpretation. To define privilege, I would suggest it is a complicated combination of unfair advantages that people may accumulate during their lives. It covers a wide range of social benefits, frequently categorized by country, race, gender, socioeconomic background, and level of education.The understanding of nature is not exempt from the effects of privilege. It has a big impact on the stories we tell about the natural world and who gets to have a say in them. There is an uneven distribution of access to natural areas. Many people are unable to take advantage of the peace and educational possibilities that nature offers due to geographical and economic constraints. For example, those who live in urban or low-income neighborhoods have a difficult time getting to green spaces since they are frequently few or ones too distant from their homes. The feeling of safety and belonging in nature extends well beyond easy access. Another factor such as a person's degree of education frequently determines how deeply they connect with their surroundings. Higher education, especially in environmental science-related fields, gives people the skills necessary to analyze ecological phenomena, comprehend conservation issues, and participate in academic discussions. This is a privilege that can improve one's advocacy for and appreciation of nature, but it is not available to everyone.

When I consider my personal experiences, I see how my privileges influence how I engage with the natural world. Since I am physically able to, I can walk through harsh terrain that would be impassable for someone with a physical disability. Given my training in environmental science, I would also be able to understand the complexities of ecosystems, which makes spending time in nature both a spiritual and intellectual experience. Being fluent in English gives me the opportunities to express my opinions and access a wide range of scientific material, which deepens my comprehension and makes it possible for me to take part in international discussions regarding conservation. The goal of acknowledging these benefits is to raise awareness of the discrepancies that exist. Those of us who work in the field of nature interpretation have a responsibility to utilize our privilege to promote diversity and close inequalities in society. This means appreciating the ecological wisdom of all cultures, establishing venues where a range of views are acknowledged and heard, and providing fair access to natural regions. Adopting this kind of inclusion enhances environmental research as a whole and makes it possible for a larger community to enjoy and share nature's advantages and beauty. 

To summarise, while we investigate the natural world and our position within it, we must constantly reflect. By doing this, we may work to lower the obstacles that stand in the way of people enjoying nature's beauty and make sure that our perceptions of the surrounding landscape are as varied and complex as the ecosystems we study. This understanding is the first step towards an interpretation of nature that is more just and equal and that honours all viewpoints and experiences.

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Hi Samantha!

Great blog post! You brought up some really great input on privilege within environmental research and nature interpretation communities. I also think it is especially important to lose the limitations certain individuals or groups of people may experience when it comes to nature interpretation and the overall appreciation of the environment. As a result, what do you think can be done to get rid of these limitations so more people can have access to nature and its interpretation? Thanks!

- Sharan

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The Art of Nature Interpretation

Our natural world is a major influence in my life and has inspired me to study environmental science and create art in the form of photography and paintings. I use these art forms to capture my love and appreciation for the natural world. When outdoors, I am constantly inspired to take photographs of sunsets, bodies of water, flowers, trees, and different animals. When I take these photos, I am trying to convey my feelings of wonder, excitement, curiosity, and love from that moment surrounded by nature. Similarly, natural environments are often my source of inspiration when I feel the desire to paint. When I paint a landscape or an organism, I try to visualize the beauty of the natural wonders that bring joy to my life. Through art, I try to interpret the importance of our natural world and the emotions I feel when surrounded by nature. Photographs, paintings, drawings, and music with environmental themes tend to ignite strong emotional responses in me. These emotional responses in turn influence me to learn about environmental issues and ways to protect our resources.  

A photo I took of the crabapple tree in front of my house.

Art has been used for centuries by people around the world to interpret and capture the beauty of our natural world. Art can illustrate nature in perspectives that build new emotional and intellectual connections to the environment and its resources (Beck et al., 2019). Interpreters, such as I, can use art to deliver themes of stewardship that incorporate science while drawing on people's emotions. Interpreters can inspire people to see the value in their surroundings (Beck & Cable, 2011). Interpretation tools such as voice, movement, music, and storytelling are valuable ways to get people to determine the quality of the natural world for themselves (Beck et al., 2019). Incorporating art into interpretation exposes people to different forms of art that they resonate with and allows them to interpret themes for themselves.  

Photo taken at Six Mile Lake. The mix of shade and sunlight over the waterfall created a gorgeous scene.

Environmental education with a strong art focus can allow people to understand natural processes and issues in new ways (van Boeckel, 2014). Additionally, different art forms provide people with little exposure to natural environments and the opportunity to build emotional connections with nature, which is the first step to environmental stewardship. When people observe a beautiful piece of art that resonates with them, whether it is a painting, photography, song, or story, they may be moved to learn more and to protect our natural resources.  

A photograph I took of a sugar shack used to make Maple Syrup. The beauty of the fog in the distance with the tall trees surrounding the building inspired me to take this photo.

Beck & Cable (2011) explain that interpretation provides people with the “gift of beauty”. Through the art of interpretation, people can carefully combine science, history, and art in an inspirational way (Beck et al., 2019). Interpretation with the use of art can ignite an individual's desire and ability to feel the beauty of the world. The emotional and intellectual connection gained from the “gift of beauty” promotes people's desire to protect the earth's resources. Seeing the beauty in nature is the most vital key to environmental sustainability. To me, the ‘gift of beauty’ is one of the most significant things a person can have. The ability to see beauty in our world allows people to make meaningful connections and find fulfilment every day.  

References  

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

Beck, L., & Cable, T. T., (2011). The gifts of interpretation: Fifteen guiding principles for in-terpreting nature and culture. Sagamore Publishing. 

van Boeckel, J. (2014). At the heart of art and earth: An exploration of practices in arts-based Environmental Education. Environmental Education Research, 21(5), 801–802. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2014.959474 

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Hi Tess!

Great job on your blog post! You brought up some great points about nature interpretation and art. I liked how you mentioned that you try to convey your feelings within the photos you take of nature because even though we cannot relive a moment again, we can picture the moment again and experience the feelings we felt again. You have also captured some really pretty moments of nature and the environment. Some of the most memorable photos i have taken of sunsets have always brought me back to how I felt when I first captured them. Do the pictures you included within this blog post have any specific memories attached to them? Thanks!

- Sharan

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Interpreting Nature through Art

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my nature interpretation blog! This week’s blog post will be focusing on the interpretation of nature through art. 

“Who are you to interpret nature through art?”. That was a very difficult question to answer. I don’t have any experience in analyzing art or deciding what qualifies as “good art”. But it’s actually quite simple. I can interpret nature through art because I am a human who has been given the ability to interpret art and nature, as well as life. Nature can be very subjective, so, art is one of the tools that can be used to interpret nature. One of the main benefits of nature and art is that they are personal experiences and are viewed differently by everyone, in which people may not always have the same perception. Interpreting nature through art can allow us to find the beauty in the mundane. For example, during a heavy snowfall, instead of seeing it as a pain to shovel through the snow or worrying about how to get to school or work, if you take a close enough look, you can see that no snowflakes are identical, each having their own intricate patterns and details which makes every single one of them beautiful.

I have always loved taking pictures of sunsets, especially during the spring and summer months, but the one that has since stood out to me the most were the ones I saw and took pictures of the week my grandma passed away. I was taking my dog on his evening walk, and for three days in a row, I had seen the most beautiful sunsets, with the mixture of the pinks, oranges and purples in the sky and the sunbeams peeking through standing out to me. I will always remember how I felt when I took picture of those sunsets, and because of that, I will always be reminded of my grandma. As a result, I interpret the “gift of beauty” as a tool to capture a moment in time, whether it's a picture or a painting.  Every picture taken of a sunset or a painting of a field of flowers has captured a moment in time that brought someone happiness or peace, often representing a fond memory or a sense of nostalgia. 

Beauty, nature and art are in the eye of the beholder. I think it is up to us to remember to find the beauty in our everyday lives, with the way each sunset and snowflake is different from the last, but just as beautiful.

Thank you for reading!

- Sharan

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Privilege in Nature Interpretation

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my nature interpretation blog! This week’s blog post will be focusing on the role privilege plays in the world of nature interpretation. 

My personal working definition of privilege refers to individuals or groups of people who are at an advantage or favoured due to the opportunities provided to them, often based on factors like class, wealth, education, and gender. 

In my opinion, the main role privilege has to play in nature interpretation has to do with opportunities and experiences provided to those more fortunate than others. As a result, privilege can impact people very differently. For example, individuals or groups of people who are wealthier and have access to better education would be given more chances to explore nature and go on excursions than an individual who does not have access to adequate education or an individual who does not have the financial freedom to do so. Privilege in nature interpretation can also play a role in how individuals may be seen as privileged to be surrounded by biodiversity and nature. For example, if an individual lives in a rural environment where there is biodiversity and landscapes, they may be perceived to be privileged since they would not have to pay money or go on various excursions to explore nature. 

Peggy McIntosh’s invisible backpack theory can be applied when analysing nature interpretation since it provides insight on how humans are oblivious to the privileges given to or earned by them (Hooykaas 2024). Since I am a woman of colour, I do not always have the privilege to constantly explore nature and the environment due to the safety concerns that are associated with a woman travelling or exploring new places on her own. However, since I am a Canadian-born University of Guelph student, I am also privileged because I have been given the opportunities to access information and explore and learn more about nature and the environment through my classes and coursework. 

Privilege can be an extremely easy thing to forget you have, especially when considering things that are considered to be normal, like being educated at a university or speaking English. After thinking more about privilege and our discussions last week, I think it is especially important to consider privilege when trying to be an ideal environmental interpreter. 

Thank you for reading!

- Sharan

References

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

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My Role as an Environmental Interpreter

Hi everyone! A little late, but welcome back to my nature interpretation blog! This next blog post will be focusing on my ideal role of an environmental interpreter.

Without further ado, my ideal role of an environmental interpreter would ideally be learning and educating others on environmental sustainability. I have always been interested in finding sustainable alternatives and have been gravitating towards things like sustainable pieces of clothing, refillable shampoo and conditioners, refillable and reusable coffee pods, and reusable water bottles. Additionally, I am interested in learning more about what changes we can make to conserve our resources and not cause further harm. In a role as an environmental interpreter who focuses on environmental sustainability can be done from a variety of areas, like online forums that would be able to reach a large number of people around the world. In order to be an impactful environmental interpreter, I first completed the ‘What's Your Learning Style’ quiz by EducationPlanner.org and learned that I am a visual learner, which means that I like to learn by reading or seeing, and a tactile learner, which means I also like to learn by doing. As a result, to be an ideal environmental interpreter for me would mean learning and teaching with experiences since I would be able to learn through my participation.

Applying my visual and tactile learning styles in my role as an environmental interpreter is especially important to me since my learning styles will allow me to be able to effectively learn about the environment, while being able to properly understand and apply what I have learned. Additionally, being an impactful environmental interpreter means offering a multitude of learning styles that would be able to help others effectively learn about environmental sustainability. Having relevant knowledge regarding the environment is very important to keep in mind as an environmental interpreter since any resources or information are always helpful for individuals who want to learn more, while remembering that there are individuals who may not be very knowledgeable on sustainability and the environment, but still want to learn.

Thank you for reading!

- Sharan