Hinal's Nature Interpretation Blog

@hpenvs3000w23

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Unit 9

Hi Everyone, 

It has been difficult to think of something that would excite me and my classmates. I do have a passion for health and welling being, so I wanted to pick a topic in that realm. 

I find it very interesting that plants can be used for medicinal purposes. More specifically, cannabis plants can be used to treat multiple medical conditions. I have recently done research for a NEUR*4000 course that looked at the effects of cannabis on schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a very interesting and complex disorder. Research has proven that antipsychotics that are prescribed to individuals with schizophrenia are ineffective. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a naturally occurring and primary component in cannabis plants (Koleza et al., 2020). CBD differs from THC as it does not elicit psychomimetic effects, making it the non-psychoactive component in Cannabis Sativa (Boggs et al., 2018). In individuals with schizophrenia, the effects of THC can trigger amplified psychotic episodes, provoking relapse (Koleza et al., 2020). However, studies have been conducted to determine the possible therapeutic effects of CBD due to its antipsychotic profile (Peres et al., 2018). Multiple studies have proven that CBD reduces psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia (McGuire et al., 2018). 

Another way that nature is used to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia is through interactions with animals. Currently, I am working in Caledon at a Ranch that houses individuals with schizophrenia. The ranch is not only home to the clients but some farm animals as well. There are 2 miniature ponies, 3 alpacas, 2 sheep, 5 goats, 16 chickens, and 3 peacocks. The ranch sits on 23 acres of land. The animals provide comfort and responsibility to the client. There is also a community garden on the property. The clients on the ranch and in the community learn to care for the animals and community gardens. The program aims to teach life skills to the clients. 

What other medical conditions could be treated or benefit from CBD? Research has shown that CBD can be used to ease chronic or neuropathic pain (Rapin et al., 2021). Furthermore, mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can be treated with CBD (Rapin et al., 2021). Findings have shown that CBD is effective when individuals experience moderate to severe symptoms (Rapin et al., 2021). 

I find it so amazing how nature can be used to help individuals with mental health issues and improve well-being. It is not a very nature-isc view but nature is involved to some level. 

I look forward to reading your blog post and find out what in nature interest you!

Thank you, 

Makayla 

Boggs, D. L., Surti, T., Gupta, A., Gupta, S., Niciu, M., Pittman, B., Schnakenberg Martin, A. M., Thurnauer, H., Davies, A., D’Souza, D. C., & Ranganathan, M. (2018). The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on cognition and symptoms in outpatients with chronic schizophrenia a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacolog

Kozela, E., Krawczyk, M., Kos, T., Juknat, A., Vogel, Z., & Popik, P. (2020). Cannabidiol improves cognitive impairment and reverses cortical transcriptional changes induced by ketamine, in schizophrenia-like model in rats. Molecular Neurobiology, 57(3), 1733-1747.

McGuire, P., Robson, P., Cubala, W. J., Vasile, D., Morrison, P. D., Barron, R., ... & Wright, S. (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) as an adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(3), 225-231.

 Rapin, L., Gamaoun, R., El Hage, C., Arboleda, M. F., & Prosk, E. (2021). Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic. Journal of Cannabis Research, 3(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w

[hpenvs3000w23]

Hi Makayla,

I really enjoyed reading your discussion posts and found that you made some interesting points. Like you, I also have a passion for health and wellbeing. I find it interesting how CBD can be used as a way to ease pain especially in cases where improving quality of life requires this form of treatment. I also agree that nature can be used to help those struggling with mental health issues and improve overall well-being.

Thanks for sharing,

Hinal.

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Unit 9: The Most Amazing thing about Nature

I consider the most amazing thing about nature the idea that viewing it brings us pleasant feelings. We appreciate how it provides life not for us but for animals and other organisms. My latest fascination with nature are aloe vera plants.  The plant itself has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties (Surujushe et al., 2008). I personally have a plant in my room that I enjoy looking at daily and it adds to the decor in my room. The best thing about these plants is that they don't require much water and simply thrive on their own with little help. The reason why I'm fascinated with this plant, is how the inside of the leaf can be cut open to reveal a gel-like substance. I find it so cool how these plants produce this. It's amazing how there are so many benefits to using this plant such as for face and hair masks. The plant itself contains many antioxidants which helps to fight free radicals and reduces excessive inflammation. This is one of the main reasons why I personally use it topically.

The reason why I brought about this example is that it relates to an idea from this weeks readings. In the text, there is a notion that there is an importance of bringing about interpretation into the everyday. I would say that I am doing this consistently as I take care of my plants. By taking care of this plant, I am also considering how I can use it by interpreting how it will benefit me.

To prompt further discussion what are your favourite houseplants? Are there any other plants you can think of that provide the same kinds of benefits as aloe vera plants?

Thanks,

Hinal

References

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

Surujushe, A., Vasani, R., Saple, D.G. (2008). Aloe vera a short review. Indian J Dermatol, 53(4): 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785

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Music in Nature

I had never really thought about music in nature in this context before. Of course I hear music in nature; from birds chirping to the quiet rhythmic rumble of waves while I lay floating on a surfboard between sets. But I had anyways assumed we were anthropomorphizing nature; projecting the human concept of music onto nature. I was elated to read that whales, through some form of convergent evolution, have their own music (Gray et al., 2001). Whale songs follow a similar pattern to ours, are similar lengths, indicating they have a similar attention span, and are horizontally transferred amongst populations (Gray et al., 2001). I had always assumed when animals made sounds, it was for mating purposes, alerting other of danger, resources, etc., and never that it could simply be for pleasure. I guess the way I quietly sing to myself on a long vacant walk back to my car, why couldn’t something else do the same. I also appreciate that different cultures in both whales and humans share music and adopt others songs. Whereas in whales, Gray et al., (2001) a whole population may adopt the song of a newcomer, humans also pass their teachings to new cultures through song (Mallarach, 2012). Anecdotally, through my own life and friends playing songs that I shazam from the backseat, I can say humans share music as well. 

Even as we stray from nature and ways of life more connected to nature, it still creeps into our music. Often my taste in music does not match that of my peers. However, Objects in the Mirror by Mac Miller is one of the few songs both I, and others my age, collectively like. The reason I love it so much is because the intro to the song has what I can only describe as night-time jungle sounds. You can hear birds, what I have always perceived as primates throughout the intro.  

Other well-loved songs describe nature. In invertebrate zoology this semester, we put together a playlist of songs that mention invertebrates. Said playlist is nine and a half hours long. One of my favorites is Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men. Although people argue about what the song really represents, on paper, it’s about dynamics in nature, with lines like

 “The bees had declared a war

The sky wasn't big enough for them all

The birds, they got help from below

From dirty paws and the creatures of snow”. 

To me, the sound of spring isn’t baby birds or bees buzzing, it’s hearing Fine by Mae Moore. The song is admittedly obscure; I’ve never met someone outside my family who’s heard it, and my parents can't remember where they got the album from. But every time I hear it, it’s 2008, the back doors are all open (we do that in coastal BC all summer - no bugs!), the lawn is just getting green again and it’s just warm enough to be outside without a long-sleeve. During spring of 2020, I’d listen to it on repeat during my covid walks as I passed the now highly-used parks, everyone having distanced picnics on the fresh spring green grass. Nothing says spring to the Mitchell’s like that album. 

Gray, Patricia M., et al. "The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music." Science, vol. 291, no. 5501, 5 Jan. 2001, p. 52. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8. Accessed 26 Feb. 2023.

Mallarach, Josep-Maria (ed.). Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of Europe: Workshop Proceedings. Bonn, Germany: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, 2012. 170 pp. ISBN: 978-3-89624-057-6.

Miller, M. (2013). “Objects in the Mirror”. Watching Movies with the Sound Off. 

Moore, M. (1995). “Fine”. Dragonfly. 

Of Monsters and Men. (2011). “Dirty Paws”. My Head is an Animal. 

[hpenvs3000w23]

Hi!

I really enjoyed reading your post and I also feel the same way. I never thought that I would think of nature in this context either. Like you, I always thought that animals used sounds for mating purposes or maybe even communicating that there's a predator nearby. But it was interesting reading that whales can adopt certain sounds such as when welcoming a newcomer which is quite clever.

I also enjoyed reading about your song selections. That zoology playlist assignment sounds like it was a lot of fun! Now my question for you is have you thought about nature in music?

Thanks for sharing,

Hinal.

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Unit 7: Interpretation Through Music

Music is something that I absolutely enjoy regularly. I'm very much an audiophile where I'm listening to music pretty much most of the day. It is an addiction. It is true that every known human culture has music. When reflecting on the course material, I find it so fascinating that we have created patterns of sound varying in pitch, tone, and rhythm that is different or can be similar across various cultures (Gray et al., 2001). Music itself is like its own language and there is evidence of the earliest use of nature in music.

Where is music in nature? When I think about this I know that nature makes its own sound like waves and the sound of birds at the beach creating a sense relaxation. Birds are definitely the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of where we find music in nature. Going back to how I mentioned that music is like its own language, we can appreciate how birds have a language of their own by singing. What's interesting is that birds have the ability to pitch songs to Western music which is why humans are attracted to these sounds (Grey et al., 2001).

Where is nature in music? This is an interesting question. Our Neanderthal ancestors were very fond of music. They used animal bones to create a flute-like instrument which resembles the sound of today's recorders (Grey et al., 2001). This just goes to show that ancient civilizations prioritized and discovered music as a primary form of entertainment. I would say that this is an early example of nature in music because animal bones were recycled to create instruments which is a clever idea.

Discovery of prehistoric flutes (Gray et al., 2001). Credit: Jelle Atema.

One song that I used to listen to a lot when I was a younger was Starships (clean) by Nicki Minaj because it reminds me of summer and it's a catchy throwback song. The song itself is fast-paced with the strumming of a guitar in the background. It makes me visualize a nice sunny day. And it reminds me especially of the times where I would go to the beach with my friends and we would always jam out to this song on our way there to get hyped. It's the perfect road trip song to the beach. It's very upbeat and always puts me in summer mode when ever I hear it even during the gloomy winter months.

For further discussion, what are some other animals that use musical sounds to communicate? How are these musical sounds beneficial within species?

Thanks for reading,

Hinal.

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.

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Interpretation Through a Historical Lens

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 an example of interpretive writing. Edward Hyams relates to the life of the reader and gives insight into the importance of history, thus motivating the reader to care about the topic. 

This quote can be interpreted differently depending on the view of the individual reading it. I will unpack this quote through a historical lens. The overall meaning of this quote is that history should not be ignored. People that “think, feel or act” as though the past is over and see history as irrelevant must understand the value of viewing the complete picture of our past (Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation). Considering history encourages a better understanding of the challenges that are present today (Beck et al., 2018). Interpreters play a key role in the education of these individuals. Often interpreters tell engaging stories to open the audience's eyes to how history relates to their lives (Beck et al., 2018). The result of such programs is citizens with new perspectives about themselves and their community (Beck et al., 2018). These programs inspire individuals to take action on current issues in the world and also be inspired to live up to the success and innovation of the past (Beck et al., 2018). 

The following quote discusses how history can shape these new perspectives:

“We need the past for our sense of who we are. We need the past for a sense of our civic responsibility, how all these benefits and freedoms came to us, and what it is our duty to protect.”

- David McCullough (Beck et al., 2018)

A difficulty in historical interpretation is accuracy and authenticity. Recently I went to an interpretive presentation at the Eldon House in London, Ontario. This house is the oldest in London as it was built in 1834 and still stands. The Eldon House was home to generations of mostly related families. During this interpretive presentation, I learned in detail what living in London was like during this time and compared that to how I live today. The interpreter went through each room and discussed the room's significance, what activities were done there, how the residents lived and talked about specific artifacts in the rooms. As the textbook discussed, historical interpretive programs can't be 100% accurate and authentic. However, the key to being as authentic as possible is to admit when certain aspects of the presentation are not entirely accurate (Beck et al., 2018). The interpreter in this program did exactly that. The interpreter had no problem discussing the changes that had to be made to the house so it was accessible to the public and often discussed some aspects of the house that they could not keep entirely authentic. After going through the rooms, I understood how different people's lives were back in the late 1800s. For example, although I knew how common slavery was at the time, after seeing the house and learning from the interpreter, I had a new understanding of the topic. 

EXPLORE THE HISTORYWELCOME TO ELDON HOUSELEARN MOREEXPLORE ELDON HOUSE WITH A HISTORICAL INTERPRETERGUIDED TOURSClick HereFIND OUT WHAT IS H

With this first-hand experience of historical interpretation, I saw many interpretive methods being used, all proven effective. After leaving the Eldon House, I had a new personal understanding and perspective of the past. 

From this experience and this week's content, I have learned that with the help of interpreters, the history a place holds can be shared with the public allowing them to learn and gain new perspectives to build a better future. 

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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Hi Aaliyah,

I really enjoyed reading your breakdown of the quote! My interpretation of it was very similar to yours. What you described is essentially big picture thinking. We should remember all aspects of a particular event, whether good or bad and see how it makes up the entire picture as a whole. It was interesting reading about your experience at Eldon house. I personally have never visited this historical site but I am definitely going to consider this to learn more about it. I also agree with your statement that history allows us to recognize challenges and understand how they pertain to today's society. Earlier in the course we talked about what qualities make a good nature interpreter. I feel like your experience with the historical interpreter resembles the same ideas that were discussed which is what made the experience memorable.

Thanks for sharing!

Hinal.

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UNIT 6 - 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).

Unpacking this quote would reveal quite a few things. We can take a lot away from this quote. First of all, let's actually define what integrity is. The first word that comes to my mind is honesty. Having integrity means that you're honest with strong morals. Let's actually break down the first part of the quote. We all have experiences that are both good and bad. And most people like to talk about their good experiences which is a given. It's sheds more of a positive light. But when there are times where we're asked to open up about our bad experiences, we tend to stay away from sharing that. We do this because opening up makes us feel vulnerable. This is related to the first part of the quote, as it shows us that there is integrity in remembering everything as a whole and not leaving certain aspects out. A simple example I have is one particular day when I was on vacation with my family. This is a picture that I took at animal kingdom in Disney World. This day was amazing for the most part but there were a couple of issues that we had heading to the park. I won't get into the details but we were in a situation that would have ruined the entire family's day. This was something that I still remember to this day. However, I don't let it define the experience we had and think more along the lines of the bigger picture. We still had an amazing day and were able to overcome the obstacle we had.

The second part of the quote makes us understand that the past is not something that we forget. We have knowledge of events that will always be engrained in us. It is not something that is temporary or goes away with time. There are also things that we should not forget. For example, residential schools in Canada. We recognize that this is a part of our history and it's important that we continue to acknowledge this as time passes.

It was definitely interesting dissecting this quote and really appreciating what it means rather than having a superficial understanding. For further discussion, do any of you have any personal experiences that really resonate with this quote?

Hinal.

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The Many Art Forms of Nature

Being able to interpret nature through art (whether it be music, a painting, a book, or movies/ photographs) is such a special attribute. It can be easy to form connections to nature when your body is physically in it, but forming this connection through an art form can be more difficult.

Growing up, my parents filled the walls of our house with nature-inspired artwork. Whether it was a scene of wolves running through the forest, or a horse-drawn carriage traveling through a town around Christmastime, being surrounded by these images helped me develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between art and nature. A few years ago, I travelled to Victoria B.C. to visit family, and while I was there I went to the Robert Bateman Gallery. I can't quite describe it, but viewing his artistic interpretations of nature always left me with such a deep gratitude for the natural world and for artists like Robert Bateman who capture it so perfectly. Below is an image of one of my favourite paintings. My parents have it hanging in their house, and I love showing it to friends when they visit and seeing how long it takes them to realize this is not just a painting of grass.

Eyes in the Grass- Robert Bateman (painting)

I recently watched the movie "The Banshees of Inisherin," and felt quite moved by the cinematography and setting. My grandparents immigrated from Ireland, and I still have a lot of family there that I am lucky to have visited in the past. I have always found the rugged coasts and rolling fields of Ireland to be so beautiful, and this movie did such a special job of capturing the beauty. It left me with feelings of sadness and longing to go back to Ireland, but also with feelings of gratitude. Even though I'm not in Ireland now, seeing its landscapes portrayed in film left me feeling peaceful just knowing that they're there, and that they'll still be there when I get the opportunity to return.

A scene from "The Banshees of Inisherin"

I mentioned before that it can be easy to feel connected to nature when you're physically present in it. Don't get me wrong, this is still such a special feeling and is one I hope everyone can experience in their lifetime. But being able to connect with nature through art can allow you to experience a deeper level of connection with places you may have never physically been. It is inspiring and hopeful to feel connected to a place you are not physically in, and I think it creates a certain sense of longing to travel and experience these things first hand. Just knowing that the Irish landscapes are out there waiting for my return sparks such an excitement in me, and I feel lucky to have this feeling.

The beauty of nature is subjective. One person could look at a landscape and see nothing special, while the next person that comes along could think it was the most beautiful thing they have ever seen. The subjectiveness of nature interpretation is especially relevant when it comes to art, and it is so special that each person can experience the beauty of art differently.

[hpenvs3000w23]

Hi Lauren,

I found it really interesting reading about how your parents displayed artwork around the house. We like to keep a lot of houseplants around our house as it keeps things looking very lively. We don't have much on our walls so this is definitely something that we should consider to incorporate more of around our house.

I also really liked your take on how the beauty of nature is very subjective. Everyone has their own unique perspective when they're looking at nature where we all notice different aspects. I also think that everyone has their own way of appreciating nature whether it is through painting, listening to music while going for a walk, or taking photos.

You mentioned that you've been to Ireland in the past, what's your favourite memory from Ireland? Do you plan on visiting Ireland again anytime soon?

[hpenvs3000w23]

Unit 4: Interpreting the Gift of Beauty

When I think about art, my mind immediately goes to visual arts like painting and drawing. Growing up, I had an interest in drawing and I really enjoyed painting. My way of interpreting nature through art would be to paint pictures with trees and rivers. I would often enjoy painting nature. I think this is easily an effective way of interpreting nature and it does not have to be an exact replica of what you see. It can also include a little bit of your imagination as well as there are no boundaries which is part of the interpretation.

Nowadays, I rarely paint or draw but I find that I enjoy nature by listening to music. I have an extreme love for music and one of the ways I really enjoy the outdoors is by putting in my headphones blocking everything out and simply enjoying the view. In the summer, I would often sit by the lake near my house at night and just enjoy watching the waves while blasting my music!

Nature is a form of art. A natural form of art which can be simple or complex. I've learned that it is important to express your own experience with nature by starting simply rather than being complex (Beck et al., 2018). The simplest way that I like to appreciate nature is by taking photos. Photography is another form of art in which people like to appreciate nature. When I look back at those photos later on I realize more aspects that I did not notice before which makes me appreciate the photo all over again. It's also nice being able to document everything that you've seen so that it's always there for you to see later and cherish the memories that you made.

To me, the gift of beauty is having an understanding of what makes something beautiful and being able to help others understand in order to help preserve this sense of beauty. This is along the lines of what the textbook interprets "the gift of beauty" as . This fits with the idea that to truly appreciate nature, one must be able to understand and pass on their knowledge for others to understand. It's what keeps others connected and engaged.

My question for others is, do you agree with the textbook definition of beauty?

References

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

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Unit 03: Risk and Reward

My working definition of privilege involves the unearned reception of certain advantages to a group of people, or individual. These privileges are often passed down through generations and typically revolves around identities such as race, ability, socioeconomic status, sexuality, and level of education (Mcintosh in Noel, 2000 p. 115). While many people who live a privileged life are afraid to recognize it, it is an important topic to discuss in order to fully understand the power imbalances that result from it.

Privilege is just as important of a concept within nature interpretation as it is in everyday life. One of the ways I recognize that I am privileged in terms of my relationship with nature, is through having parents that placed values on our natural environment. Not everyone has the same opportunity to grow up in a family that has an appreciation for nature as I did. I am able to recognize this as a privilege as it is not something that everybody grows up with, and not something I ever worked to earn. I was simply born into a family that happened to share the same love of nature as I did, and this ultimately shaped the course of my life. One way this privilege unfolded as I grew up was through travelling. I have been fortunate enough to have parents that understand the value that comes with travelling and can set aside enough money for our family to go on trips. This has benefitted by relationship with nature greatly as it has allowed me to learn firsthand about different environmental topics such as ecology and conservation in other countries. This has bettered my ability as a nature interpreter as I’m able to spread the knowledge I’ve learned on trips with the people around me.

This privilege has benefitted me throughout the course of my time as a student, which even furthered my privilege. A specific example I can remember of travelling benefitting my performance in school was in grade 10. In my biology class we were learning about different interactions within nature, specifically symbiotic relationships. During the Christmas break of that year, my family travelled to the Amazon for an adventure. We were on a hike with a guide who was informing us of the natural history and interactions that occur within the rainforest. One topic he mentioned was the relationship between capybaras and cleaner bird species. He explained how certain birds will land on capybaras and eat ticks and parasites off of them and how this benefits both animals. It was a perfect example of a type of symbiotic relationship, specifically a mutualistic one, and I was able to reinforce what I had previously learned in class with a real-life example. When I returned to school, the information I had learned over the break stuck with me and ended up benefitting me in class. I was able to recognize that this was a unique experience that I was able to participate in and that it was a privilege resulting from my parents.

Privilege is an important topic to discuss, within the field of nature interpretation but also in everyday life. Continuing the conversation is one way to recognize your privileges and understand the power imbalances it creates.

Gallavan, N.P. (2005). Helping teachers unpack their ‘invisible knapsacks.’ Multicultural Education, 13(1), 36.

Noel, J. (2000). Notable selections in multicultural education. Guilford, CT: Dushkin/McGraw-Hill.

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Hey,

I enjoyed reading your post and agree that privilege is definitely a part of nature. I was also born into a family that has a love of nature. We like to enjoy our summers by hosting family get togethers at the beach so I feel very privileged to be able to experience that. It's nice being able to have access to nature every single day when some people don't get to experience that. Your real life example of a symbiotic relationship was interesting to read about. I also enjoyed hearing about your family vacation at the Amazon. How was your experience during the tour? Do you feel that you were given a solid nature interpretation?

Thanks for sharing!

Hinal.

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Unit 3: Role of Privilege in Nature Interpretation

I define privilege as being someone or a group of people that have some kind of advantage over others. Historically, privilege is focused on gender, race or both (Black & Stone, 2011). Privilege can be defined based on the context of oppression where certain groups are given a lot more attention relatively to other groups (Black & Stone, 2011).

Privilege in nature is the idea that we are given access to nature everyday and that it should not be taken for granted. Whether it is through a walk in the park or appreciating your houseplants collection. Nature is always around us. Not everyone has the same opportunity to experience nature. For instance, for those that live in a busy city area, there is not much greenery to look at compared to someone who lives in a nice rural area. I am fortunate enough to live in the suburbs where we get a little bit of both. There's so many local parks and conservation areas around to enjoy and appreciate nature.

I remember we did a creek study for my final project in biology class which was probably the best projects I have ever had to complete. We spent three days outdoors collecting samples and documenting pictures for analysis . The goal of this project was to better understand the condition that this creek had to offer for living organisms. For instance, was the quality of water ideal for living organisms to inhabit? To answer this, we tested different properties of the creek water using devices or instruments. Several other tests were taken for data analysis later on. Ultimately, this trip was extremely memorable and as a group, we enjoyed being able to appreciate the diversity around us. I definitely felt privileged to be able to experience a learning activity like this.

Here is a picture of the creek that we studied.

Privilege in the context of nature is definitely an interesting area to reflect on and is important to discuss. It makes us recognize that having access to nature is a privilege.

Black, L.L, Stone, D. (2011). Expanding the definition of privilege: the social concept of privilege. Counselling and development. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1912.2005.tb00020.x

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Teaching Learners

When I think of who I want to be as an interpreter, I think about my experiences on the receiving end of interpretation as the audience. Who made me think, and who made me laugh and engage with their talks, who inspired me?

One of the most influential interpreters in my experience has been someone that refers to themselves as a science translator. I think this is a really cool title because she focuses on making the big science words, themes, and concepts, digestible for all audiences. Bryna Belisle is the director and owner of Monteverde Butterfly Gardens in Costa Rica, but she does more than just talk butterflies! When I watched one of her presentations she wanted to illustrate that even bugs and insects with a not-so-pretty reputation were just as loveable and deserved more appreciation. She talked about cockroaches and her love for them, telling us cool facts about them as she let one crawl all over her arms. Then, as she's talking about how they're not as dirty as everyone thinks and letting the cockroach crawl across her face, giving it some smooches, she then pops it into her mouth! You can see her do this in her Instagram post below that I've linked where she shares her love for these creatures.

Bryna B on Instagram: "I 💚 🪳 Here is the proof Put your roach related questions in the comments and I'll answer! #cockroach #crazylove #do

Bryna B shared a post on Instagram: "I 💚 🪳 Here is the proof Put your roach related questions in the comments and I'll answer! #cockroach

Now I'm not saying as an interpreter this is how I plan to approach all of my work, but there's definitely a few things to learn from Bryna's methods because it sure was memorable and effective at communicating her message! Bryna demonstrates key skills that make an effective interpreter: passion, enthusiasm, and storytelling are critical in getting messages across to an audience.

If I could pick and choose different aspects from all of my experiences as an interpreter, it would look a little something like this:

Once I got my first job in something more related to my field and major of wildlife biology and conservation, there was no going back. I cannot picture myself in a world working a 9-5 job for 30 years before retiring and then finally 'living'. I want to keep learning about what's around me, and the more I learn the more I realize there's so much to keep discovering (hence continuous learning)! I want to continue growing and fostering my own appreciation so that I can inspire others. I want to be outside and see cool wildlife and witness amazing landscapes that even photographs can't capture the complete beauty of. I want to share my own passion and enthusiasm that Bryna does every day at Monteverde!

Above is one of my favourite photos of myself from my time volunteering with Wild Ontario, and really captures my ideal role as an environmental interpreter. Here I am handling Sibley, a non-releasable red-tailed hawk with the program. Not only was this a valuable experience for Sibley who was working hard at her job as a species ambassador, but also for me because I was able to speak with so many people and have many deep, profound conversations. I was really proud of Sibley for handling the many stresses of a hot day with lots of people around, and I was proud of myself because I felt like I made an impact on a lot of people who talked with us, and that's all I could have asked for!

[hpenvs3000w23]

Hi Teagan,

I enjoyed reading your post and it looks like you had a lot of great adventures outdoors! I find it really interesting how one can have a love for cockroaches as much as they love any kind of pet! Bryna's method of delivery is definitely memorable and I can imagine that it left a lasting impression for everyone. After all, she let a cockroach crawl in her mouth! For me personally, I'm afraid of all kinds of bugs. Especially big and scary bugs. Your experience definitely resonates with me because who wants to work a 9-5? It's great that you've been able to experience first hand what it is like to be outdoors in a role which closely resembles what a nature interpreter does. Reading your post has definitely given me more insight on ecology related jobs and perhaps even inspired me to look into it as a possible career option.

Thanks for sharing!

Hinal.

[hpenvs3000w23]

Unit 2: My Ideal Nature Interpreter Experience

When I think about what an ideal nature interpreter is, I think about someone who can not only appreciate the beauty of nature around them but has some form of attachment with nature. Almost as if they're in-tune with what exists around them. They have to have the passion to understand nature but also enjoy educating those around them. This role would entail leading walks and demonstrations by engaging visitors. Providing a cohesive interpretation of the surrounding environment is essential as is expected as an interpreter with knowledge.

Personally, I have never participated in a nature interpretation but I can imagine how enlightening it must be. It's one thing to take a walk around a park and another thing to actually have someone guide you through what you are actually seeing and to understand what it is around you.

Three skills that are important as an environmental interpreter are the ability to be confident, enthusiastic, and passionate. It is also important to have a genuine love for outdoors which is a given. These are the skills that will create the best experience for their audience and will really provide the audience with enjoyment and engagement with their surroundings. The goal is to not only share the enjoyment of nature with others, but to also hopefully inspire and develop the same kind of passion. The idea is to give every member a lasting impression to take away from the experience which is what makes a great interpreter.

Ideally, I would want to take on more of a leadership role as an environmental interpreter. Instead of being given a program package and being told exactly how to deliver the presentation, I would much rather be apart of the planning process. The best way to start off any program would be to break the ice by asking questions to every participating individual. Being able to create a genuine connection and forming relationships with the audience is what fosters a great tour. This would also get the audience more engaged and excited about the tour resulting in a far more authentic experience for the audience. It would also be beneficial to have an understanding of who the target audience is. This knowledge can be particularly useful in creating a program that is best suited for the target audience, ultimately providing the best experience.

[hpenvs3000w23]

Relationship with Nature

My current relationship with nature is steady.  I’ve never really thought about this so it’s definitely an interesting prompt to reflect on. I would say that my relationship with nature has definitely evolved over the past few years where I didn’t truly care for it initially. Since I grew up in the suburbs, I was pretty much limited to parks which I seldom visited anyways. In the summers, I would mainly stay inside rather than going out and exploring nature. I have changed my habits a little bit more over the years where I’ve realized that I want to be able to enjoy it a bit more by going for a quick walk at our local park or even driving a little further towards the countryside. I now try to appreciate nature whenever I can since it’s refreshing to be around. I like to keep myself surrounded by it and I even do this by keeping a collection of plants in my room. With the weather being cold for most of the year I don’t go outside too much. When the weather’s nice I like to go hiking just to appreciate nature a little bit more.

I took a road trip with my family all the way down to Florida and it was amazing seeing how much the geography changes as you go down south.  Driving past West Virginia was absolutely beautiful. We didn’t end up stopping there but being able to drive past the valleys was breathtaking. Here is a photo: 

Being a biological sciences student, I’ve taken a plant science course as an elective and it truly broadened my horizons helping me understand plant life at the biological level. I also went to the dairyfarm in one of my first year courses during the winter which was definitely a great experience. I don’t typically prefer to be outside during the winter but this particular activity was fun. Before this, I never truly cared for nature so I would say my relationship with nature was definitely lackluster and has improved over the years. 

This past summer I got into biking long distance and I really developed a "sense of place" when I started doing that. It was definitely one of my favourite activities to do and it made me realize how much I need to spend time outdoors. Even though it’s not as beautiful as the countryside where there’s a lot of scenery, it still allows you to appreciate nature a little bit more.  I've now decided to make this a regular activity in the summer and spring.