HS ENVS3000 W22

Welcome to my blog!

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Ethical Interpretation of Nature

       One’s personal ethics are built from a foundation of virtues, morals, values, and principles (Waggoner, 2010). Ethics are what guide us around what is right and what is wrong, resulting in the decisions we make both in our personal and professional lives. Personally, as I develop as a nature interpreter there are various core values and ethics that I would like to carry into the profession. For example, I believe that nature interpretation around the world should consist of socially, culturally, and intellectually responsible heritage interpretation which recognizes minorities of all kinds (Beck et al., 2018). It is the responsibility of nature interpreters to ensure that all participants feel included and comfortable, in order to provide an optimal experience of learning and inspiration that they can carry with them beyond their visit. Furthermore, an approach that would be most suitable for me as an individual would be to sustain and interpret the unique heritage of local communities, to foster a sense of worth, and to disseminate it broadly in order to nurture a greater mutual understanding (Beck et al., 2018). In doing so, nature interpretation can contribute to harmonious interactions between visitors and local community members. Secondly, I believe in the power of knowledge and the importance of sharing that knowledge with future generations. The ability to acquire knowledge, preserve and pass it on to future generations is what gives us the tools to be better and continue to evolve in a positive direction. Therefore, I believe that promoting educational training programmes and providing opportunities of growth for interpreters and volunteers is crucial to their success (Beck et al., 2018). Accordingly, an approach that would be most suitable for me would be to help develop courses, programs, and training opportunities to share knowledge around the principles of nature interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). In addition I would like to promote academic research focused on the impact of nature interpretation on a local and global scale (Beck et al., 2018). In this way, I can fulfill my responsibility in promoting the positive outcomes associated with nature interpretation and spread awareness on the importance of it, not only on local communities but also on tourists and visitors. As nature interpreters we have a responsibility to advocate for all individuals involved. This includes, heritage site owners and operators, tourists, local minority communities, and education professionals (Beck et al., 2018). In conclusion, the beliefs I bring to nature interpretation focus on inclusion, recognition of all, advancing education, continued learning, with a foresight on posterity. I hope to carry these efforts into both my personal and professional life in order to better understand the world around me. 

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Van Haren Publishing.

Waggoner, Jessica, “Ethics and Leadership: How Personal Ethics Produce Effective Leaders” (2010). CMC Senior Theses. Paper 26. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/26

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I very much enjoyed reading your post and how you will take the tools from this course and apply them towards your future as an interpreter!

I talked similarly about the importance of making everybody feel included and how this is a vital role as an interpreter. As we discussed in Unit 3, a large barrier to people is feeling like they don’t fit the “mold” of an outdoor person. But what does that mean? It doesn’t have much standing, other than what it is represented through who we find outside. May it be affluent people with very expensive gear? Access to knowledge that was provided through having a privileged upbringing? Even the exposure to the outdoors is a privilege that not all get, and that is what I would like to change in my personal role of ethics and interpretation. I believe it is a right for everyone to be able to make connections to nature and feel like they belong there, because they do! This of course has cascading effects as having this exposure leads to shifts in values and what we want to conserve and protect when we are older. Increasing the number of people with values of nature conservation gives prosperity to interpretive learning and expands the field even further. This could develop future programs and training opportunities as you mention. More accessibility and knowledge to everyone!

I wish you the best of luck in the future as you continue to be an interpreter and steward of nature. :)

Jill

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Hi Jill, 

Thank you for reading my post and sharing your meaningful insight. I like how you drew a connection between personal ethics and privilege as was discussed in unit 3. Earlier on in the course we learnt that privilege has a large role in every aspect of our lives including ones relationship with nature. The lack of access and opportunities to form a connection with nature has a huge impact on the ability of nature to play a healing and beneficial role in ones life. Hence, inclusivity is key to fostering a meaningful connection with nature, after all it is human nature to be drawn to places where we feel we belong. 

For as long as I can remember, the value of education has been instilled in me by my parents who did not have the same access to education that I have had or the same educational opportunities as me. This personal value of mine has shaped my understanding of nature interpretation as it has helped me understand the value of training programs and courses for nature interpreters to better cater to their audience and meet the goals of nature interpretation. As the textbook states, many universities around the world offer programs and courses in nature interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). Just as the University of Guelph has provided us with the opportunity to learn about nature interpretation, other universities around the world also recognize the importance of this discipline. By educating and inspiring young minds, the message of sustainability and goals of nature interpretation are met. Like you mentioned, by educating others we are expanding the field and creating training opportunities to increase accessibility. 

Thank you for engaging me in this conversation and sharing your insight. Wishing you all the best. 

- Harleen

Reference:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Van Haren Publishing.

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The End!

Wowie, I can’t believe we made it to the end. It’s been a long process (writing every week was tougher than I expected), but I have had a lot of fun on this nature interpretation journey. I have learned a lot about myself and who I am as a nature interpreter, especially how to provide a meaningful connection with nature. From unpacking my invisible backpack to using music as a method of interpretation, ENVS*3000 taught me so much about this subject. Also not to mention, I enjoyed exploring my own connection with nature throughout my life and how it has changed me as a person. I never realized how big of a role the environment plays within my life, especially throughout my childhood. This truly made me realize how it is crucial to gain/have that connection with nature, which is why nature interpretation is so important.

Ok! So now, onto our final topic - ethics within nature interpretation!

As a nature interpreter, I think our main goal is to provide a healthy connection with nature and teach sustainability to an individual. In our world today, there are many people with different backgrounds, all having varying relationships with nature. In order to bring a compelling message to your audience, it is important to consider everyone’s beliefs and perspectives towards our environment. Going into any form of nature interpretation, we should avoid preconceived notions and assumptions. This will ensure that the message remains strong and effective, as the message remains inclusive towards any field of knowledge. For example, if you were taking a group of people on a tour of a nature reserve and coming across a deer and its fawn, you would not use difficult scientific terms and concepts to teach your audience. You would use general terms that would be easy for any person to understand (science and non-science backgrounds) and challenge them to think further. Of course, it is context-dependent (you can be talking to an audience of scientists); however, it is important to draw that connection within your interpretation. That is one of my personal ethics as a nature interpreter - take an adaptable and inclusive approach to things!

That leads to my second personal ethic within nature interpretation - acknowledging different beliefs from different cultures and bringing them into my own interpretation. Within sustainability practices, many different cultures and backgrounds have other methods of maintaining a healthy environment. For example, here are some religious texts/quotes that promote living sustainably with the environment:

Buddhism (Dalai Lama, 1990a):

“Our ancestors viewed the earth as rich and bountiful, which it is. Many people in the past also saw nature as inexhaustibly sustainable, which we now know is the case only if we care for it.”

Sikhism (Guru Granth Sahib, Maru Sohele, page 1020):

“You, yourself created the Universe, and You are pleased… You, Yourself the bumblebee, flower, fruit and the tree.”

Taoism (Lao-Tzu, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 16):

“This original nature is the eternal law. To know the nature’s law is to be enlightened. He who is ignorant of the nature’s law shall act recklessly, and thus will invite misfortune. To know the constant law of nature is to be generous. Being generous, one is impartial. Being impartial, one is the sovereign. Sovereign is the nature itself.”

You can find more about it here; they have a couple of more quotes that are super interesting to read! Now back to what I was saying - I think it’s essential to draw in lessons from different teachings to create a meaningful connection with nature. There are so many other sayings and beliefs that can all be broken down into a straightforward message: care for the environment as it is a crucial aspect of our lives. We always tend to hear only the western side of environmentalism within government and politics, which is not a practical road to sustainability (especially with capitalism being the central ideology within the western world, but that conversation is for another time, LOL). We should take in the perspectives of every different culture and belief system when it comes to promoting sustainability; each group has something important to say/contribute. This is why as a nature interpreter, I want to bring in beliefs from all over the world that support one main goal; protecting our environment. This is a truly important part of nature interpretation since some people may have only been exposed to one way of thinking. Opening up the minds of your audience and introducing them to different cultures and ways of thinking can be extremely important to convey a message of sustainability. You can do a land acknowledgement whenever you are on indigenous lands and mention how they promoted a healthy relationship with Mother Earth, which can effectively teach sustainability to others. When talking about protecting our world from climate change and pollution, it doesn’t make sense to only bring up one side of the story. Environmentalism and sustainability come from all ends of the earth, not just a white, wealthy male politician.

Now finally, I want to explore my responsibilities as a nature interpreter. Nature interpretation can be taken down many different avenues, from tours around a natural wonder to create a citizen science project to help promote scientific knowledge within the community. But I think the most important aspect of this field is making a “sense of place,” as mentioned at the beginning of this course in chapter one of the textbook. There is a significant disconnect between humans and nature within our world today. With technology and the growth of cities, it can be hard to develop a deep connection with the environment around us. We tend to be caught up with school, work and other daily stressors, unable to relax and reflect. This stress digs us into a deep hole, making us think, “why should I care about nature and sustainability at the moment? There are a lot bigger issues I am currently dealing with”. Or even, “I don’t care that we’re going camping next weekend. I have a project due the next week which I need to get done as soon as possible”. We push ourselves further and further away from nature, which can damage or limit our “sense of place”. That’s why I think that as a nature interpreter, it’s important to give your audience the building blocks to form a “sense of place.” By developing this feeling, you can truly help create a response towards the “beauty of the environment” (Beck et al., 2018). I think the textbook said it best; 

“The interpreter helps visitors to recognize a location as more than just another mountain, river, arboretum, or pioneer settlement. The interpreter helps identify the special characteristics and the “big story” that the place represents in the overall scheme of things” (Beck et al., 2018)

A deep and meaningful connection can be formed by helping the audience identify the “big story” of nature. It can inspire them to learn more about the world about them and make meaningful changes within their lives to help better the environment.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed my blog! I surely loved reading and responding to everyone. Can’t wait to hear about everyone’s journeys as a nature interpreter! Goodbye for now!

~Nicole

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Hi Nicole, 

This is a very insightful post that you have shared in regards to your personal ethics and how they may be integrated into nature interpretation. I agree with you in that nature interpretation should involve adaptability, inclusion, and promoting sustainability. I like how you go beyond these concepts to mention that it is also the interpreters responsibility to foster a deep and meaningful connection between their audience and nature. These points you have mentioned go hand-in-hand with ICOMOS’s Ename Charter for the Interpretation of Cultural Heritage Sites which encompasses seven principles some of which include authenticity, sustainability, and inclusiveness (Beck et al., 2018). Specifically these three principles coincide with the personal ethics you have highlighted throughout your post. In terms of a nature interpreters responsibilities, you drew a strong connection back to the beginning of the course in where we shared our sense of place within nature, and who provided that sense of place to us. As I think back, many of us shared that our teachers, grandparents, and family members provided us with a sense of place growing up. As nature interpreters it is our responsibility to now pass that feeling onto others and provide them with the gift of forming a connection with nature. Personally, I believe that this may be one of the most challenging parts of nature interpretation as each individual holds a different set of beliefs and values therefore, what attracts one audience member may not have the same affect on another audience member. As nature interpreters we must continue to expand our knowledge of the world in order to resonate with each audience member in an inclusive and meaningful manner. 

Thank you for sharing Nicole, wishing you all the best in your future endeavours! 

- Harleen

Reference:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Van Haren Publishing.

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Ethical Interpretation of Nature

       One's personal ethics are built from a foundation of virtues, morals, values, and principles (Waggoner, 2010). Ethics are what guide us around what is right and what is wrong, resulting in the decisions we make both in our personal and professional lives. Personally, as I develop as a nature interpreter there are various core values and ethics that I would like to carry into the profession. For example, I believe that nature interpretation around the world should consist of socially, culturally, and intellectually responsible heritage interpretation which recognizes minorities of all kinds (Beck et al., 2018). It is the responsibility of nature interpreters to ensure that all participants feel included and comfortable, in order to provide an optimal experience of learning and inspiration that they can carry with them beyond their visit. Furthermore, an approach that would be most suitable for me as an individual would be to sustain and interpret the unique heritage of local communities, to foster a sense of worth, and to disseminate it broadly in order to nurture a greater mutual understanding (Beck et al., 2018). In doing so, nature interpretation can contribute to harmonious interactions between visitors and local community members. Secondly, I believe in the power of knowledge and the importance of sharing that knowledge with future generations. The ability to acquire knowledge, preserve and pass it on to future generations is what gives us the tools to be better and continue to evolve in a positive direction. Therefore, I believe that promoting educational training programmes and providing opportunities of growth for interpreters and volunteers is crucial to their success (Beck et al., 2018). Accordingly, an approach that would be most suitable for me would be to help develop courses, programs, and training opportunities to share knowledge around the principles of nature interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). In addition I would like to promote academic research focused on the impact of nature interpretation on a local and global scale (Beck et al., 2018). In this way, I can fulfill my responsibility in promoting the positive outcomes associated with nature interpretation and spread awareness on the importance of it, not only on local communities but also on tourists and visitors. As nature interpreters we have a responsibility to advocate for all individuals involved. This includes, heritage site owners and operators, tourists, local minority communities, and education professionals (Beck et al., 2018). In conclusion, the beliefs I bring to nature interpretation focus on inclusion, recognition of all, advancing education, continued learning, with a foresight on posterity. I hope to carry these efforts into both my personal and professional life in order to better understand the world around me. 

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Van Haren Publishing.

Waggoner, Jessica, "Ethics and Leadership: How Personal Ethics Produce Effective Leaders" (2010). CMC Senior Theses. Paper 26. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/26

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The one giant tree ~ blog 08

What generally comes to your mind when you think of a tree? Probably some bright green leaves that symbolize the relief from summer’s heat or the orange, yellow, red, brownish leaves that hint at the fall, some roots, the shade, the cool breeze and a trunk. But not all trees follow that formula. One natural example of this beautiful creation is the clonal groves (as seen below):

Now, it may seem like they all are individual trees, but they’re actually all part of ONE giant tree in reality. Clonal gloves represent a swath of forest connected underground by a single network of roots, which means that each trunk is genetically identical to others. The most famous example of a clonal grove is Pando, quaking aspen (i.e. trembling aspens) in Utah’s Fishlake National Forest. The word Pando itself means “I spread” in Latin, perfectly describing its cluster of aspens spread from a single seed. While its tricky to tell exactly how long Pondo has been around because the individual trunks only live up to about 100-150 years. Scientists have predicted that this organism has been growing for at least 80,000 years now.

Yet it’s so hard to decide the most memorable part about aspen: the tall tube-like clusters of the white stand? The sounds of the quaking leaves? Or because they’re one of the first things to turn vibrant yellow in the fall? The leaves of the trembling aspens catch the breeze so that it looks like the tree is shaking and turn a brilliant gold in the fall and notably are the only trees that change colour like that in the West. Regardless of what comes to mind when you think aspens, they hold the title of the most widespread trees in North America and are one of the oldest and largest organisms in the world. Underneath the soil, the dense network of roots connects all of its 47,000 stems, covering over 100 acres of land. But don’t be disappointed; that’s not the only place you’ll find this grove. Its quaking aspens are the dotted edge of conifer forests in clusters across Canada from the Midwest, North into Alaska, and West through Arizona and New Mexico.

The deciduous aspen stands thrive in various environments as they quickly colonize recently burned or bare areas as long as they receive the proper conditions. They prefer moist soil but can also survive near the springs or desert conditions. Aspens grow throughout the year, even in the winter; the thin white outer bark layer consists of a delicate green photosynthetic layer that allows the trees to produce sugars and grow when other deciduous trees might be dormant. This serves as an ideal source for deer and elks as they can obtain nutrients from the green sugary layer in harsh winters.

Now you may be wondering how these trees develop. Scientists have discovered that the Clonal aspens like Pando reproduce the traditional way and aren’t very good at it. This is because they have three sets of chromosomes than the usual two sets. So, when the conditions are supporting, they stick to sending up new shoots under the grove from the mass of the roots. And this traditional method has allowed Pando to survive for the longest time. Still, lately, it has been worrisome that they may not be able to clone themselves as quickly to stay alive in the future, and several places in the West are beginning to see diebacks of the aspen. The main reason behind this is that deer, and other animals heavily feed upon the shoots, which prevents the trees and clones from reaching maturity.

While being in nature is known to lead to better health, kindness and even creativity, I have always believed that there is something extraordinary about being among trees in a forest. While the most prominent role of trees is that they produce the oxygen that we breathe and sequester the carbon dioxide to help protect our atmosphere. My favourite part of trees is the psychological benefits of walking through a forest. Forest environments are known to have a significant contribution to promoting mental health. For instance, deliberately spending time in the woods, commonly referred to as “forest bathing,” can help us heal from the stresses and strains of our hectic daily lives. Can you think of any other benefits that we get from interacting with trees?

I am sure as the research continues to grow, so will my tree appreciation. As described in our textbook, experiences of awe stimulate purpose, creativity, curiosity, wonder and perspective. In regards to mental health, the experience of awe can reduce stress and improve mood (Beck et al. 2018). Forests are essential to many Canadians’ spiritual wellbeing and recreational activities. They serve as natural playgrounds for cultural traditions and spiritual sanctuaries for many activities (Beck et al. 2018). The sustainable management of the forest ecosystem allows us to benefit from all the beautiful things nature offers, whether at a park or museum or even visiting the Clonal gloves. It’s not about memorizing the name of the plants or the birds that we share the planet with but more like an opportunity to question, grow, and be moved, momentarily stunned or puzzled by something you could have never pictured would exist in nature around us (Beck et al. 2018).

Thank you for reading!

Farheen D.

References:

Bartels, M. (2016, July 8). This looks like a forest, but it’s actually just one tree - and it’s one of the oldest and largest organisms on Earth. Business Insider. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.businessinsider.com/pando-aspen-grove-utah-oldest-largest-organism-2016-7 

Beck, L. et al. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. 2018. Sagamore Publishing.

Kilvert, N. (2018, October 18). The world’s largest organism, known as ‘The trembling giant,’ is collapsing. ABC News. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-10-18/pando-aspen-clone-utah-collapse/10383562 

Magazine, S. (2018, October 18). Pando, one of the world’s largest organisms, is dying. Smithsonian.com. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/pano-one-worlds-largest-organisms-dying-180970579/ 

Tree profile: Aspen - so much more than a tree - national … (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/tree-profile-aspen-so-much-more-than-a-tree

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This is quite the post you have put together with such an interesting take on trees. Something that we often forget is the importance of trees throughout our daily lives until our attention is brought to them. It seems logical that spending time in nature, surrounded by the calmness of trees instead of the hustle of cars and people, would be beneficial to one’s mental health. Yet, so many of us forget the impact that walking through a forest or a conservation area can have on our prosperity and happiness. This demonstrates the importance of nature interpretation and the role of local interpreters in helping residents to learn about the natural and historical aspects of an area in order to recognize how they relate to the world around them (Beck et al., 2019). By facilitating this personal connection with nature, interpreters have a key role in connecting information from a local park to what is going on in the world, what the future may look like, and how society can work together to improve the wellbeing of all other species that co-inhabit Earth with us (Beck et al., 2019). 

I really enjoyed reading about the importance of trees to both our physical and mental health, as well as the various interesting facts you included. To answer your question of what other benefits trees provide, they can provide a habitat for wildlife, provide shade, contribute to tourist attractions, and improve soil quality. Trees are just one of the many wonders of the natural world.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Van Haren Publishing.

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Rocks in the Road Ahead

One of the world's biggest fascinations is rock formations. From England, China, Australia, and the United States, incredible rock formations exist for tourists to enjoy. In a way, it seems as though these rock formations, carved perfectly by wind and rain over millions of years, are much more than just rocks. They are unique and abstract forms of art that are meant to serve a greater purpose than just attraction sites for tourists. These rocks have been formed as a result of weathering and erosion however, they portray a story of the site around them and its history. They tell a story of the animals, flowers, birds, rivers, and streams that encompass a specific location. 

One eye catching example is the Danxia landform in northwestern China. This landform is an absolute masterpiece created by nature, with colourful cliffs covered by red sandstone. This site tells the story of the challenges that have been endured by this land. A sight as unique and astounding as this leaves one feeling powerful, inspired, and hopeful for what this world has to offer. 

To be accompanied by a nature interpreter while visiting a site such as the Danxia landform would be greatly beneficial. An interpreter has the ability to reveal the true beauty behind a landscape such as this, while empowering and inspiring their audience (Beck et al., 2019). It is important for interpreters to represent all people, of all backgrounds and perspectives as they are responsible for sharing the natural, historical, and geographical background of a place (Beck et al., 2019). 

It is also important as interpreters to be able to use various resources to keep track of important information and be able to use that information in order to share the story behind a natural landmark. Things to keep track of include animal migration patterns, noise and pollution, plant and animal species, cultural resources, and natural disasters (Beck et al., 2019). All of these aspects are important in being able to paint a picture for the audience to interpret in their own personalized way. 

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Van Haren Publishing.

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Week 07: The Nature of a Human Symphony

Hey everyone, welcome back from a week break! As always its that time of the week so lets get into it!

Today’s guiding questions are, “Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music?”

Music is an art that many people favour whether it be because it makes you feel something or it is simply for relaxation, music has an oddly strong power. Biologically, we respond to different types of music differently and it triggers different emotions within us. Different types of music appeals to different people or different parts of a person. A song that brings me into nature, almost immediately, is Wonders by Klingande and Broken Back. I like when songs convey a story and this song immediately brings me to a forest edge where one can run freely and explore. The lyrics start off by asking “should we ride to the north until the south, to the western wonders burning all desires”. For me this paired with a deep drumming and whistling background makes me thing of a forest adventure with each drum beat being a step and heartbeat. Looking at it the whistling may be inspired by bird sounds to add to that sense of submersion. It also mentions some elements of love which can also be interpreted as one talking about their relationship with nature or it still works the same as if talking about a relationship with a person. I like to think of a girl running through the forest looking up at the dappling light through the trees and her friends closely behind her. The wonders she is experiencing is the love of a solid relationship with nature - a comfort and adventure that is beyond words. Embarrassingly enough, on road trips when this songs play I feel completely in my element.

The songs of nature can also be assessed and can create an unreal atmosphere. What I mean by that is that all sounds of nature can build a symphony. In the simplest example a series of bird tweets can create music. More complex, each tweet, tree rustle, and every footstep can be a sample in a song. Gray et al. (2001) mentions signing of humpbacks being similar to music that humans produce. Despite their range of octaves they regularly chose to use intervals and in similar or the same scales as human scales (Gray et al., 2001). Each artistic choice whales makes brings it closer to the way human compose music. I believe in the times when humans were more connected to the land, they learned from and adapted habits from nature. Therefore, it shouldn’t be much of a shock that there are similarities, yet it is still present. I think the shock for me comes from an amazement of animal intelligence and complexity. Not that I think that they are unintelligent however, the world just amazes me sometimes. Building off of that idea, I wonder if the reason music is so different from culture to culture could be a result of the varying types of animals near by. For a different yet similar reason Neanderthals were proven to be fond of music in a display of flute made from animal bones (Gray et al., 2001). This made me think that music could also be limited depending on what animals and plant materials that were available to use to make instruments. Overall, music can bring one closer to nature by creating a feeling or using natural sounds, or nature itself can be the music.

- Tamia N.

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 3 Mar. 2022.

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 Hi Tamia,

I loved reading about the song that submerges you back into a natural environment and the vivid picture you have drawn of what that scenario looks like for you. I agree with you in that music has the ability to draw on certain emotions, deepening the connection we feel. I like how you mentioned the reading by Grey et al. (2001), and how the sounds of animals have been found to be closely related to the structure of music that we often listen to. This reading highlighted the ways in which different animals such as birds, insects, and whales produce sounds which have similar rhythms, harmonies, and characteristics of music that humans produce (Grey et al., 2001). You mentioned that these findings make you wonder whether or not varying music styles are a result of variation in species in different geographical locations. This is a great thought, and makes me wonder about how far the connection between music and nature draws back to. I am sure there have been many aspects of music that were inspired by nature, and vice versa. 

I really enjoyed reading your insightful post and my question for you is do you think that the connection between nature and music is often overlooked?

References:

Gray, P.M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501).

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The Music of the World

Music is in nature, observed throughout the animal kingdom amongst different species. Whales, birds, and insects are just three examples of species with the ability to produce sounds with similar attributes to what we call music (Gray et al., 2001). Although advances in technology have allowed us to record, study, and compare the low frequency sounds of elephants and whales, many indigenous communities have heard these sounds for decades (Gray et al., 2001). The characteristics of bird sounds have been found to be very similar to the music that we listen to in terms of its rhythm, harmony, and pitch (Gray et al., 2001), which may tell us why we are so attracted to the sound of birds chirping, because it's got the same underlying principles as the music we often listen to. 

Human music-making may differ widely between cultures, but the fact that it exists in all societies demonstrates that humans have a profound need to create, perform, and listen to music (Gray et al., 2001). When I think about where nature can be found in music, a few examples come to mind. Firstly, nature is often the source and inspiration behind iconic songs such as Micheal Jackson’s ‘Earth Song’. It is definitely an emotional song that draws on feelings of sadness to engage its audience and draw attention to the impact that humans have had on the world. This song was released in 1982 however, it is still relevant today. This is one way that nature can be found in music, as a source of inspiration in creating powerful pieces that will draw the attention of listeners to the issues at hand even decades later.

One song that immediately takes me back to the natural landscape is ‘Just The Way You Are’ by Bruno Mars. One summer as a kid, my family and I had stayed almost two weeks at our family cottage because we were in between moving houses. Our stuff was everywhere, my parents were stressed out, and as kids my siblings and I were just happy to be staying at the cottage. My brother had a little speaker he had got for his birthday, and he would carry it everywhere playing this one song. Now, as adults we are brought back to those simpler times every time we hear that song play. Whether we would be swimming in the lake, canoeing, hiking, playing soccer, or roasting marshmallows by the fire at the end of the day, this one song would be playing. By the end of it, we knew every word and were singing it together every night. This is a song that I will forever cherish as its linked to some of my core memories growing up as a child. 

References:

Gray, P.M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501).

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The Power of the Past

While unpacking the quote written by Edward Hymas, the first thing I did was google the definitions of some key words and according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, this is what I found:

Merit: Refers to having a good quality or feature that deserves to be praised.

Integrity: To be honest and fair.

This is a very powerful quote with multiple layers to be dissected. The first part of this quote recognizes the fact that there is no distinctive goodness in ancient things unless we give them meaning. As mentioned in the textbook, "Without  interpretation,  artifacts  are  merely  old  things,  historic  buildings  are  just  old  buildings,  and  ceremonies  and  festivals  are  merely  entertainment” (Beck et al., 2019). However, through honesty and transparency we can keep track of meaningful changes in landscapes and artifacts over time and as mentioned in the quote by Edward Hymas, this requires a knowledge and memory of ancient things. This is where integrity plays a crucial role in the preservation of historical events. Since changes occur over time, we must be able to maintain integrity in our knowledge and memory of these changes in order to determine their true meaning. The railway station analogy given in this quote is a powerful way the author has conveyed their message. By recognizing that there is more to life than what just you and I have experienced, we can appreciate the history that shaped the way we live our lives. Acknowledging the fact that there was life before us and life will continue on after us, we can begin to appreciate the past and find meaning in its events. The past is never done with, in fact it shapes our very existence today from the way we eat, play, sleep, work to the traditions we practice, and values we hold. Our knowledge of past events has shaped the way we see the future. Through patterns, physical evidence, data, and research conducted over time we are able to make predictions about what the future might look like based on the past. This again amplifies the importance of integrity when sharing our knowledge and memories of the past, as they ultimately shape our future. Keeping these memories alive, whether they be good or bad, is a key part of historical interpretation as we can find inspiration in the stories of survivors and use them as agents of change (Beck et al., 2019). 

References: Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Van Haren Publishing.

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BLOG #5

After reading the blog prompt I sat for quite a while and thought about the many different things I could write about. There is so much to discuss when it comes to nature and science! After reading the Ares article “Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education” I decided I would discuss the importance of this article. Wals, et al. discusses how science education and environmental education have become increasingly different and to see a significant sociological change convergence of the two is needed. Science education has been around since World War 2 and focuses on new technology and finding new information. It helps students to understand natural processes and systems. Meanwhile, environmental education only started in the 1960s due to environmental crisis’ (Wals, et al. 2014). Environmental education is used to analyze behaviours, emotional contexts and to understand sociopolitical patterns. This is used to teach the public how to participate in environmental problems and to make contextual decisions about these issues (Wals, et al. 2014). To better explain the difference between science education and environmental education I will use an example. In the case of air pollution, science education would teach how to determine pollutants, monitor the air quality and develop or use technology to reduce air pollution. Environmental education would focus on why the air pollution was caused from a behavioural point of view and would teach how to make the air “clean.” As mentioned above, if we were able to combine these two efforts we would be able to see mass global change for education. Another teaching tool that has recently been useful is citizen science (Wals, et al. 2014). This is local monitoring of environmental changes using data and tools from communities. In today’s world, we can use social media, phones and the internet to help collect data regarding the environment and education. Another example of incorporating these three learning tools is the creating of “eco-schools.” Wals, et al discusses how we can use science education to redesign the school into something more “ecofriendly” and to teach about ecology, climate change and health. Environmental education would be used to develop a “sense of place” and encourage community participation. I think an eco-school is a great way to create new learning opportunities and create new communities.

If you want to read more about eco-schools I attached a link below! It talks about their style of learning and the importance of young people making a difference.

It is important to continually improve our education as nature interpreters. When learning about environmental issues we should strive to learn why the problem has occurred, the effects of the issue and how we can improve or fix it. To do this we will need science-based knowledge, which we must link with society and identity to truly understand the problem at hand. 

Link to eco-schools website:

https://www.ecoschools.global/how-does-it-work

Reference:

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

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I really enjoyed reading your post about the importance of the integration between science and nature. I like how you mentioned a key point from the article that environmental education started as a result of environmental crisis’. This is one of the many ways in which environmental education and the convergence between science and nature can be improved. Rather than hitting the panic button once things have already got bad, we should be working towards preventative awareness and education. In my opinion this is a common theme amongst environmental issues in that people only seem to care once the damages have already become detrimental. What do you think about this? Is there ways we can use nature interpretation to halt this pattern? 

The link you included about eco-schools was super interesting and fun to read! I never even knew something like this existed so thank you so much for sharing! This is a great initiative that you can see has been built through a lot of effort from teachers, communities, and families. I love how the framework puts an active effort in student involvement and allows students to have a role in determining environmental policies for their school while instilling a sustainable mindset. 

Thanks again for a great post!

- Harleen

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For the Love of Science

Scientific knowledge plays a crucial role in nature interpretation. Current issues such as climate change, sustainability, and habitat loss are all based on scientific conclusions drawn by researchers or professionals in the field. However, we rely on interpreters to relay this information in a meaningful way to groups of people in order to motivate them to be a part of the solution. One of the main goals of nature interpretation is to be able to educate the audience in a way that they can carry beyond the experience itself. I like to think of this as a step by step process, while recognizing that it may not be as clear cut in reality. The first step in my head is to engage the audience and answer questions such as ‘Why should we care?” and “Why is this important?”. This is one of the techniques used in the TED talk, For the Love of Birds by Washington Wachira. Washington uses a beautiful physical feather to engage his audience. He also speaks about the topic in relation to humans by highlighting the many ways in which birds impact humans. By doing so, he is able to gain the audience’s interest in the topic before highlighting issues that need attention. His TED talk is told as a smooth flowing story and he did a great job at using visual images to enhance the experience. After establishing a vested interest from the audience, he then begins to highlight problems affecting birds such as climate change, poisoning, habitat loss, hunting, and wind farms. At this point the audience is emotionally or intellectually intrigued and have an interest in helping to solve these issues. The next step is to highlight solutions for these problems and ways in which people can contribute to the solutions.

I see science communication through nature interpretation as an art, as it requires a delicate flow of information that is easy to understand, impactful, and will leave a lasting impression on the audience. By invoking feelings of inspiration, motivation, and passion amongst an audience we can help solve pressing issues. To me, science is very meaningful and has played a huge role in my life. I see the world from a scientific lense whether that be the environment, animals, or humans. I believe in the concept of One Health in that all three of these things are connected and the health of one relies on the health of the others. This is why it is so important for us to understand the world around us and protect the future of our planet. 

What does it mean to you to see the world through a scientific lense? What role has science had in your life?

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This week we get to discuss art in nature interpretation, and I’ve been really excited to talk about this topic! I remember when I was a wee little tyke, I was convinced that every school subject fit into the category of art. Math was an art in the way that you had to use your imagination and creativity to use numbers to solve any problems. Science was an art in the sense that there was an order to everything, but everything worked harmoniously and in complex and mysterious ways that you can’t help but appreciate it the same way you’d appreciate an artistic masterpiece.

Yes, I realize this was quite the nerdy outlook to think of mathematics, of all things, as an art form; however, I’ve carried this mindset from then on and it has always made learning these “dry” subjects much more meaningful. This is the power that art has and understanding this and incorporating it into nature interpreting can make the experience so much more special.

Interpreting on its own is an artform, and the best examples of it are expressions of what is held in the head and heart of the interpreter (Beck et al. 2018). When these expressions are authentic, there is an inherent connection between the audience and interpreter, because you get a glimpse of something that the interpreter is passionate about. This can make the passion contagious, and before you know it everyone is mentally and emotionally engaged.

Furthermore, mixing in traditional art forms with interpreting can make the experience that much more impactful. Art has always brought people together, whether it be a family singing and dancing to music, or an audience watching a Broadway production. It’s undeniable that art is an important aspect to all of our lives. We also see its impact in society and culture, where singers sing or writers write about current societal issues, and often act as trailblazers for societal progression.

Using traditional art forms to express eco-consciousness and raise awareness of the climate crisis can be immensely impactful. Personally, music holds a special place in my heart, and I would love to interpret nature through music. Songs have the potential to tell a story, and a story holds the potential to attract audiences of many ages and backgrounds (Beck et al. 2018). The beauty of music is that it can be used to invoke so many emotions within the listeners, which pairs remarkably well with good story telling. Just think about it… A horror movie with no soundtrack is much less frightening, and a funeral scene just probably won’t make you cry without the melancholy piano and strings playing. Music can intensify the feelings that are quintessential to interpreting, and I would love to use it to enhance the many emotions that you feel when exploring nature.

The “gift of beauty” is defined as cultivating a sense of desire and appreciation for your surroundings, resulting in positive and uplifted spirits (Beck et al. 2018). To me, the gift of beauty is that feeling of awe you experience when you experience something moving. This could be the feeling you get when you walk through the forest and get lost in its beauty, or the feeling of intense emotion a song invokes that brings you to tears. Heck, even the feeling I felt when I looked at math and though, “wow numbers work in so many amazing ways!”. This gift of beauty is what makes interpreting so effective and pairing it with an equally impactful art can be ground-breaking.

Also, I would love to hear some of your favourite examples of artists who incorporate nature interpretation into their works! Please share!

Here is this week’s photo (because photography is an art LOL), taken from my hike this week! There is a deer somewhere in there but I cannot find it for the life of me. Let me know if you spot it!

Reference: Beck, L., Cable, T.T. and Knudson, D.M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For a Better World. Sagamore Venture Publishing. 2018.

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Hi! 

I loved reading your wonderful perspective on finding an artistic outlook on things that we wouldn’t typically describe as art. Like you mentioned, nature interpretation is definitely an art form in itself, and I like that you chose the word passionate when describing an interpreter. In my own post this week I focused on the ability of art and nature to evoke inspiration and I believe passion goes hand in hand with being inspired by something. When I look at a beautiful piece of art, whatever form it may be in, or a breathtaking sunset I feel inspired by the underlying beauty. To me, this is the gift of beauty. It may not be exactly as described in the textbook however, it follows along the lines of appreciation for ones surroundings. 

Your interpretation of the importance of music in movies really highlights the significant role that art plays in capturing our emotions and feelings. In combination with nature, art can be used to connect with an audience through emotions and perception. The way in which individual visitors perceive their experience with nature is valuable to the interpreter in guiding their experience as well as promoting sustainability and raising awareness. 

Thank you for sharing this great post, it was delightful to read!

- Harleen

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Blog #4: Nature Through an Artistic Lense

When I think about art I think about the ability to let your imagination guide you to creating a visual representation of something. The definition of art is boundless as art comes in endless visual forms just like nature. This is where art and nature go hand in hand, as anything that presents itself visually is open to free interpretation. Personally, some art forms that I enjoy are painting, crochet, and music. A common feeling that I often experience when feeling motivated to create art is inspiration. To be inspired by something and then channel that inspiration through art is very enlightening. This is the same with nature, as I often feel inspired to explore, learn about, and visit new places. 

For me, interpreting nature through art contributes to a deeper connection between myself and nature. As I mentioned in my first blog post about my relationship with nature, I often like to enjoy artistic activities outdoors. Whether that be reading, crocheting, painting, listening to music, I enjoy doing these things outside as it gives me a sense of calmness and stability. Hence, interpreting nature through art is a positive emotional experience for me filled with feelings like hope, inspiration, and gratitude. In regards to the beauty of hope the textbook mentions that, “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”. To me this statement means that as an interpreter of nature, a very valuable tool is to allow visitors to experience a feeling of hope based on sharing the past and present beauties of nature. By doing this, we are creating a positive experience for visitors in which they can be hopeful towards the future. Helping the visitor to find meaning in the world around them and find their own purpose in how they can affect the future ways in which humans will live in this world. 

The gift of beauty is to inspire others to connect with the beauty in their surroundings in a spiritual way that extends beyond themselves. This entails developing a connection that is bigger than yourself, your experiences, and your values. Instead, coming to the realization that we are all connected for example, through nature. This also relates to nature interpretation through art, as an artistic visual representation of nature is another way that an interpreter can give their audience the gift of beauty. Through art we can also channel the intangible meanings associated with a place and its elements (plants, rocks, streams, wildlife). The gift of beauty also inspires resource preservation in the receiver, motivating them to protect the future of the world in which they live. 

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Privilege

This prompt was thought provoking and forced me to put into words how I define privilege. It took me a while to try and find the correct words, and I still think there are other terms and thoughts that I couldn’t fully express. When someone is either oblivious or ignorant of the struggles of others, that is privilege. This creates certain advantages for the privileged person/group, and is specific to who they are and how they fit into certain societal standards. 

Recognizing privilege is an awareness that is key in the steps towards humbling oneself, and acknowledging how different opportunities are presented to different groups. Privilege can—and often is—abused by those possessing it. Those with privilege are often the people in power, for example: a straight, white male. It is negative when someone with privilege uses their advantage to take opportunities from those without privilege. Privilege can most definitely be a positive thing, for those possessing it. I myself, have certain privileges in life due to the way I look, present myself, and the social class I belong to. These things grant me privileges such as being able to attend university and having access to an education all my life. Or being a white-passing Métis woman and passing under the radar of targeted racism.

The most important thing is being aware that you have privilege. This means that you understand your social position, and the disadvantages others may face due to many factors: race, ethnicity, social class, sexuality, religion, etc.

In this week’s readings and videos we saw an example of privileges being shown in the YouTube video: Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race. What struck me was the kids that found themselves ahead of the group. They were not turning around during the video, and noticing as they advanced who they were leaving behind, until they were told to turn around. Relating this back to my working definition of privilege, I believe the students at the head of the group displayed their privilege through their oblivion of the other students left behind. It was not just displayed in their large head start. The leader of the exercise said that all of the statements he listed were not based on the students’ actions, they were all based on the actions of others such as their parent(s). 

Nature interpretation has privilege just like many other areas of life. As a nature interpreter one must learn to relate to their audience in order to effectively teach. As the book references, you must know your audience through factors like demographics, social class, attitudes, values, culture, etc. I liked the book’s note to start a conversation with your audience. It is as simple as asking them about themselves, and learning what you can from what they are willing to share, rather than making your own judgements solely based on your preconceived notions. 

There are a few examples I’d like to address when it comes to privilege in nature interpretation. First, I think it is important to look at the extraction of knowledge such as plant identification journals. Most key information was derived from the knowledge of indigenous peoples. Our widely accepted language of Latin scientific names are obtained from white language.

Second, I would like to bring up the comparison of land defenders versus park rangers. I have attached a Venn diagram summarizing key points I have learned. Essentially the main difference between these groups is due to societal interpretations of them: criminalization of land defenders vs veneration of park rangers. Whether they recognize it or not, park rangers’ position historically arose because of privilege. Indigenous peoples were displaced and colonizers took it upon themselves to take care of the land ‒ the land which was already being taken care of. They took it upon themselves to keep part of the urbanizing land as a “pristine” park or wildlife refuge. Both groups have environmental protection in mind, and want to preserve the land for future generations. This raises the question of why land defenders are often criminalized and stigmatized for having the same goals as park rangers, who are often seen as iconic. By understanding the common goals between the two groups, I believe steps can be taken towards a network of solidarity and eventually giving the land back to its rightful caretakers. 

It is a privilege to be learning about the environment and not take the respectable time to acknowledge the history. It is important to understand the origins of a “ranger” are rooted in colonial violence, and question why we are continuing to uphold these structures. This understanding can lead to the reimagining and decolonizing of these systems.

 Thank you for taking the time to read this post, I am open to hear your thoughts and opinions.

-Jacqueline L.

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Hi Jacqueline, 

Your post was very insightful and I agree with a lot of the points you mentioned. Firstly, I like how you mentioned that being aware of one’s privilege plays a big role in nature interpretation. I agree with you in that being oblivious towards ones own advantages over others plays a part in the definition of privilege. The interpreter must be aware of the privilege that may or may not exist amongst the visitors and how this can be used in a way to connect meaningfully with the audience. The textbook mentions Robert Fudge’s development of “The Visitor’s Bill of Rights” which states four ways in which visitors should be treated in order to allow them to have power over their own thoughts and feelings. According to this, visitors have the right to have their privacy and independence respected, to express their own values, to be treated with courtesy and consideration, and to receive accurate and balanced information. I believe that these rights can only be fulfilled if the interpreter has taken the time to get to know their audience. 

I like how you gave an example of park rangers vs. land defenders. This is a very interesting example of how privilege plays a role in nature interpretation, and how we all play a role in the breakdown of these views. I think you have done something great by sharing this in your post and raising awareness towards this issue. It is something that has never come to my mind until now and I want to thank you for sharing this so that I can be apart of the destigmatization of land defenders. 

Great post!

- Harleen

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Blog Post 3: The Realms of Life Brought Together by Nature

My working definition of privilege is someone who has access to opportunities that others may not due to certain life circumstances. In the video ‘Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race’, the person asking questions put a focus on the fact that one’s life circumstances are separate from their own personal choices. I believe that privilege has a lot to do with uncontrollable life circumstances that people are born into. 

In relation to nature interpretation, privilege can play a huge role in the amount of exposure a person has to nature experiences. For example, throughout my life I believe the most exposure and direct learning opportunities that I had with nature are when my family and I stay at our cottage 3-4 times a year. This is where I learnt how to swim, start a fire, navigate through the forest, play with frogs, and go fishing. If it wasn’t for my parents, I would not have the opportunity to learn as much as I have about nature through visiting the cottage. However, not everyone has similar life circumstances or opportunities which is why it is important to consider each person's individual story and experiences that shape their perception of nature. 

The textbook highlights that in order to serve and relate to your audience, a nature interpreter should first put some effort towards getting to know their audience. A few ways to do this is to ask questions and speak with people as they arrive to gather their motivations, interests, and goals of their visit. The most important question being why visitors have chosen to come to a specific location. That way, the interpreter can shape the experience to fit visitors needs whether that be for entertainment, relaxation, a fun group activity, or to see unique attractions. 

Relating back to privilege, each visitor brings their personal beliefs, values, experiences, knowledge, interests, and abilities to their visit. These are all based on the opportunities that the visitor has had access to throughout their life. Therefore, each visitor is different and it is important that as nature interpreters, we don’t assume the knowledge or feelings of others. Rather we shape the experience in a way that can be relatable and meaningful for each visitor and their unique background. This definitely isn’t an easy task however, we can use communication and offer opportunities that allow visitors to connect with nature in a way that is meaningful to them. 

What are some ways that one aspect of nature, such as a waterfall for example, can be interpreted differently amongst a group of visitors from different realms of life?

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BLOG 2

My ideal role as an environmental interpreter would be to ensure my visitors appreciate nature and all it has to offer. The first thought that came to mind when I read the blog prompt was climate change and how we need to protect our planet! I hope to make people more aware of the challenges climate change has caused and how we can all make a difference. As an interpreter, it would be my role to make sure I deliver this message in a way that is inspirational and optimistic. Oftentimes information about climate change can be depressing and something that most people would rather not hear. Another issue with presenting climate change issues is it can come across as boring and dense with information. As an interpreter, I would need to overcome these challenges to ensure visitors get the most out of what I would teach. The National Network for Ocean and Climate Change gives recommendations on how to focus less on the “blame” and more on the solution. They encourage neutral tones, value statements, explanatory metaphors, explanatory chains and community-level solutions.

In the textbook reading, we learned about the three different learning domains. I feel it is important to achieve each of these domains for inclusive learning. The cognitive domain involves learning through knowledge and mental skills. This can be reached in various ways, such as informational talks and charts about global warming. The affective domain is for people who learn through feelings and emotions. There are many ways to bring forth this domain including paintings, music, and photography to name a few. The last domain is the kinesthetic domain which includes using motor skills. This means learning through activities such as gardening, cleaning waterways and hiking. In my opinion, this is the most fun domain and the best way for me to learn. What learning domain do you feel you gain the most from?

(2017) My sister Claire taking in the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park

I think the best place to do this would be in a national park. There are many beautiful National Parks to choose from that could benefit from having more interpreters. I feel that Joshua Tree National Park would be a great place to be as it is unfortunately highly impacted by global warming. During the winter season, the temperatures are not low enough to flower and seed. If climate change persists the trees of the park may not be able to survive. I think that if I was an interpreter here I would be able to help make a difference. I would like to share that we can stop climate change and help the Joshua trees survive. There are many ways to deliver this message such as through social media, the visitor centre, talks, informative posters and much more. Some solutions I would encourage are saving energy at home by turning off electricity when it is not needed or by walking, cycling or taking public transport instead of using a car.

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Hey Makayla!

I really enjoyed reading your personal take on your ideal role as an environmental interpreter! I think it's imperative to bring awareness and enhance an individual's knowledge on one of the most crucial topics to date. I took Climate Change Biology (ENVS*3010) last semester. I was able to learn more about climate change and better understand and identify the patterns we see in our world today, the past patterns, and our planet's future.

I believe that we are the generation that can make a difference for our planet and form a better tomorrow. With that being said, I completely agree with you that one of the most crucial characteristics of an interpreter who hopes to shed more light on climate change would be to have an inspirational approach and connect with the hearts and souls of the visitors. This form of nature guiding can be attempted in many ways, mainly through social media, informative tour guides, and posters. It allows you to provide the visitors with the scenery.

I have never been to Joshua Tree National Park, but it looks beautiful from the photo you attached. That exact spot would be an ideal tour stop for an interpreter to discuss current and future global temperatures and negative impacts on climate change. Having something to look at while being served with a tremendous amount of information is extremely important as the location can affect visitors' interpretation and acceptance. Having a beautiful scene to look at can set the tone and greatly benefit the interpreter, whose goal is to inspire and inform.

awesome blog post and I love the picture!

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Hey, thank you for your response!

Joshua Tree National Park is absolutely beautiful and you should go one day! I completely agree that the location of my picture is a perfect stop for a tour guide. I attached some other pictures from my trip that would be great places to stop and talk about the importance of climate change while taking in the beauty of the park.

(2017) A beautiful sunset overlooking the Yucca trees of Joshua Tree National Park

(2017) Super tall Yucca tree at Joshua Tree National Park!

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Hi Makayla and Shelly!

I really enjoyed reading both of your posts in relation to climate change and how we can make a difference. I believe that one of the most impactful ways to make change is to share your knowledge with others and spread awareness. What better way to do this than through nature interpretation? 

I love how you mentioned the different learning domains. I think a common theme among post of the blog posts I’ve read is the ability to be flexible and adapt to different audiences/learning styles. The different learning domains give a perfect example of how a nature interpreter should approach sharing knowledge with others in a way that resonates with each and every visitor. It also highlights the way in which mixing these domains can help expand the knowledge and skills of a diverse group of learners. Just like the textbook highlights, there are many different learning styles and the key is to provide the right combination of them to promote successful learning for visitors. 

The photos you included of Joshua Tree National Park are beautiful and I can feel your passion for protecting nature through your post. 

Shelly, I like how you mentioned in your response the importance of connecting with the hearts and souls of visitors. I think this is a great way that nature interpretation can leave a mark on visitors that they can carry beyond their visit and share with others. I read this quote by Kahlil Gibran on page 114 of the textbook and thought I’d share it here:

‘If he is indeed wise, he does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom, but rather, leads you to the threshold of your own mind.’ 

I think this quote is a perfect representation of what the main goal of a nature interpreter should be; to ignite the spark in each of our minds. While sharing knowledge is very important, leaving room for personalized interpretation, exploration, and curiosity is just as important. 

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Being a Historical Environmental Interpreter

My ideal role as an environmental interpreter would be at a historical site such as the Borobudur in Indonesia. My grandmother was from Indonesia and would always share stories of her growing up there with me. It has always been my goal to visit Indonesia and learn more about the cultural and historical background. The Borobudur is one of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions in Indonesia. It is a large temple that was abandoned and later rediscovered. 

Genius loci is the unique nature or character of a particular site which outlines its significance. As an environmental interpreter one of my main goals would be to enrich the experience of visitors by studying the character of historical sites and then sharing it with others. This includes sharing things like the historical and cultural significance of a place. A key skill that I would need to adopt in order to successfully share knowledge of historical places with others, is using engaging methods of communication to keep people interested and allow them to feel the true essence of a place.

Another key role as an environmental interpreter is to provoke wonder in the mind of the perceiver. Although the interpreter is responsible in helping others gain a historical and cultural understanding of a place, it is also their job to allow the visitor to perceive things in their own way. One skill that I would need in order to do this is to be highly adaptable. This would help me propose ideas from different viewpoints and allow room for curiosity in the mind of the interpreter. Each person has their own perception of the world based on personal values and experiences; however, being able to present one idea in different ways helps everyone gain a deeper understanding than what first meets the eye. 

As an environmental interpreter I would like to split my audience into beginners who may be interested more by exciting information and those that are experienced who would benefit from a more challenging experience that will expand their knowledge. This would require a certain level of creativity, planning, and organization in order to connect with my audience in a meaningful way. This can be done in a number of ways such as pamphlets, media, tours, and even communication that extends beyond the experience itself such as through websites or blogs. Technology allows for a large number of ways in which visitors can continue to interact with their nature experience and share their knowledge with others. 

I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to connect with my roots and visit Indonesia. I want to learn everything I can and share that knowledge with future generations in a meaningful and lasting way.

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Li Moonde Katawashishiw  — Beautiful World

The sound of rain pouring down on the asphalt driveway, the misty smell of soil wafting in through the screen door. As soon as those summer rains started pouring down, my two sisters and I would put on our swimsuits and race down the driveway, splashing and dancing in the storm. My core memories are almost all based around my experiences in nature and playing in my backyard.

I consider myself lucky to have grown up surrounded by trees, able to walk out the patio door barefoot and sun myself with the blue-tailed skinks who made their home in mom’s garden. From setting up the tent by the backyard bonfire pit and “honey-hut” treehouse, to swimming in my first grade teacher’s murky fish pond, my childhood adventures in nature were many.

I attribute my curiosity to all things creepy and crawly to my mother. She always encouraged us to go out and discover something new, and still does today. She interpreted nature to her children as an essential beauty backed with many cultural and historic elements—she presented to me my “raison d’être”. 

As I got older, my relationship with nature evolved and continued to flourish. In high school, my sister and I would often speed out to the nearby watershed, trying to catch the sunset and watch the flock of snowy white egrets nest in the trees. My discovery of my Métis heritage has also led me to learning about heartbreaking, captivating, and defining historical and cultural events. My sister’s artistic journey using traditional materials has inspired me to venture out into nature, finding her pieces to incorporate into her cultural artwork.

As I reflect on my memories, I realize I’ve recently let my relationship with nature fall behind in my priorities. The past year, I have made a conscious effort to remedy my longing for the good old days playing in the ditch or hiding at the tippity top of a sticky pine tree. These days the closest I can get to having a dance party in the rain is going for a short walk through my neighborhood, but even that is enough to bring me back to my happy memories. 

My goal is to continue exploring my Métis identity in regards to the natural world, and foster actions of reciprocity. I would also like to make personal lifestyle choices that help me work towards living sustainably. I look forward to sharing more with you all as my weekly posts progress.

Miigwech | Maarsii | Thank you

Jacqueline L.

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Hi Jacqueline,

Reading your post, I was reminded of my own childhood memories - my sister and I each had a favourite tree branch in the backyard where we would just hang and chat for hours, and in high school I made a treehouse with two friends where we would stash chocolate & magazines and sneak out to while we were supposed to do homework 😊.

Your mother’s interpretation of nature is inspiring and resonates with me; since I came to Canada 12 years ago, I’ve made an effort to learn more about Indigenous culture and history. I’ve come to understand that the beautiful nature in this land has been inhabited since ages by culturally rich peoples, from which much can be learned how to be environmental stewards in the current age.

We have very different backgrounds - I grew up overseas with a strong European background, so as the course content describes, it likely means we would interpret the same natural environment in a very different way. We would highlight different attributes that make it unique and place it differently in our societal context, however both interpretations would contribute to a deeper emotional connection and richer understanding. I believe that in this way, nature interpretation can form a bridge between people coming from different backgrounds, being united in their love for nature.

I’ve also decided last year to get more connected with nature again, which made me move out of downtown Toronto to the burbs in Burlington, where there’s so much more nature in my backyard, the neighbourhood and nearby conservation areas. It is truly a beautiful world!

Good luck with the course,

Fleur

[hsenvs3000w22]

Hi Jacqueline,

I absolutely loved reading about all of your meaningful childhood experiences with nature. I think that these initial interactions with nature that we experience as children play a large role in our interpretation of nature throughout life. I can relate to you in that my relationship with nature as a child was full of curiosity, exploring, and learning new things. However, as we grow up and become preoccupied we often find ourselves slowly disconnecting with the world around us. Specifically with the circumstances of the past 2 years, I often find myself experiencing a mental and physical barrier from nature. This past summer my main goal was to spend as much time as I possibly could outdoors and rebuild my relationship with nature. 

I like that you mentioned your goal to work towards sustainable living choices. I believe that our interpretation of nature can allow us to build a profound appreciation for it. 

One of my goals for this course is to learn ways in which I can deepen my cultural and historical understanding of the world around me. I also want to be able to share what I learn with others, enrich their experiences with nature, and spread awareness. I believe this course is the perfect start to that and I look forward to reading more of your posts in the future!