Nature Blog

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Disclaimer

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

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

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

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Final Blog

Throughout this course, I have developed not only as a person but also as a nature interpreter, and as I continue to change into a nature interpreter in whatever form that may take, I want to bring a few personal ethics with me. The first ethic is that I want my love and passion for nature always to be evident. Interpreting often involves sharing facts and telling history, which is highly informative. If done correctly and with good interpretation in mind, it should also connect with people and boost their view of the world through a sharing of passion (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). It is also vital for me to carry the love of nature and work to have others fall in love with nature the same way I did. I believe love for something initiates learning, solving problems, and protecting fundamental issues in a changing world with many environmental and ecological challenges. Love is also where many children begin to learn; they develop a love for nature and then grow to learn more about complex concepts and ideas (Rodenburg, 2019). Lastly, I want to ensure that I continue to learn and encourage others to continue to learn. There is endless knowledge to be had, and I want to encourage people to realize that it is never too late to stop learning. 

As I work towards becoming an experienced nature interpreter, I want to bring a few beliefs with me, beginning with the fact that everyone wants to learn and sometimes just needs more help. Many people have barriers such as being too busy, physical or mental ailments or lack of financial ability (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Despite barriers, everyone can participate in nature interpretation and continue to learn more about the world around us. I also believe in sparking joy with participants. Making people fall in love with nature is the key to handling more significant issues such as climate change. 

Being a nature interpreter involves many responsibilities ranging from the goals of interpretation and spreading a message to ensuring inclusion for everyone. Along with many responsibilities, I think a few take the cake for importance, and I would like to focus on these. The most important responsibility is creating an inclusive environment that is supportive of learning for everyone. You can have a fantastic message and interpretive performance, but if not everyone can see or experience it, then there is no point. A critical aspect of this is accessibility. If someone is blind, I have to ensure they have components they can participate in, such as having brail pamphlets or information boards; if someone is in a wheelchair, I need to provide either an accessible, safe walk or, if that is not possible provide an online component offering the same experience (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6; Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). It is also important for me to include people of all ethnicities and races, whether through hiring a diverse team of individuals or being aware of different individuals with differing beliefs on religion, history or politics (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). It is also crucial to get to know my group before beginning to interpret (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Talk to them, hear their perspectives and change my program depending on the discussion (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Understanding the people you are interpreting is key to sharing your message with them. My last key responsibility involves creating an effective interpretation program. I have to be able to pick out unique features of a place, relate them to the common person and create a bigger picture and sense of place through an enjoyable, organized method (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5; Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 1). Ensuring that the entire story is shared by including history is essential to avoid only relaying parts of the pieces (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). Overall, there are many responsibilities when interpreting. However, the most important thing to me is getting to know the people with whom you share your message to tell a story effectively. 

Everyone is different, which makes nature interpretation fun because everyone brings different experiences, passions and abilities. When it comes to interpreting, I will be sure to include as many multiple intelligences as possible to try to reach all learners. However, I have a few that I think I would be best at, and those are bodily-kinesthetic, naturalistic and musical. I learn the best through these types, and I feel I can relate to learners who are similar to me. Using hands-on experiences out in nature is an easy way of teaching because this is how I learn. The same goes for musicals, as I remember lyrics and sounds well. I can use music to connect audience members to what I am interpreting. I also feel that I can connect with people very well. I have always been more of an introvert who would rather sit back and watch other people than be the one in the spotlight. This gives me an advantage when getting to know the audience, like what they are interested in, their barriers or why they are there. I can then tailor my interpretation to suit the audience best, allowing them to get the most out of the program (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6).  Another approach that I would be effective at using is art. I have always connected with art and have been creative growing up. Art is used to help convey messages, remember facts, and set tones (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 10). By using pieces of nature to make art, using art mediums to draw or recreate nature, or using music, I can effectively interpret and add more to a program. One last approach I want to use, as I think it suits me, is using history to change perspectives and give a place more meaning (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 15). I never used to be interested in history and thought it was boring; however, I have recently begun to change my opinion, and I see the value in it being used. I want to share this newfound passion with people and use history to create and tell a complete story about a place. I want them to imagine the place in it is past and understand how it has changed to where it is now and why that change has been important. This could be incredibly important when discussing topics such as climate change, where landscape changes can be seen through things like glaciers receding. 

Nature interpretation will look different for everyone as we bring unique perspectives, assets and passion to the field. I want to know how you think nature interpretation will be incorporated into your life in the future. 

References:

Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. Environmental Literacy. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300.

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Hello Olivia,

I think your final blog post this week was very well-written and encompassed this week's blog prompt very well. I really liked how you touched on the need for passion in the world of being an environmental interpreter. Without having a strong passion for the environment the messages you spread hold less weight. It is always easier to accept an opinion or statement from someone who clearly cares about what they are talking about versus someone who seems disinterested. I also think it was a great idea how you talked about creating an inclusive environment. In my opinion, this is an extremely important aspect of being an environmental interpreter. Creating an environment where everyone has a sense of belonging and inclusiveness is a necessary aspect of being an environmental interpreter and I am glad to hear that it is of great value to you as well. Overall I think the topics you touched on for your final discussion post are great and really encapsulated what we have learned in this class over the course of semester, like when you touched on having a variety of learning types and platforms to create a inclusive learning environment. Great job Olivia, I think you will make a great environmental interpreter in the future based on the

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Final Blog: Beliefs of a Nature Interpreter

Hey everyone, welcome back! This will be my final blog post and I just wanted to take a quick second to thank everyone for reading my thoughts and ideas and I wanted to say it was a wonderful time! I really enjoyed seeing all your opinions about my thoughts and I hope to see them one last time in this post! Stay strong, protect the natural world around you, and keep exploring! As always I hope you enjoy my thoughts and pictures.

Nature is such an important part of everyone's life, and must be preserved at all costs. However, to some nature is more than just an escape. It’s a calling. I believe that every little thing in nature is worth saving, protecting, and maintaining its beauty. In the class content it said, “we can create nature-rich communities where kids feel a deep and abiding love for the living systems that we are all immersed in” (Hooykaas, 2024), and this quote really stuck with me because I believe that every person in this world should be given the ability to establish their own special bond with the natural world around them. I believe the preservation of nature should be of the utmost importance because if the natural world changes too much there may not be any of the same things that we hold dear left to explore, and without it so many people would be left confused and unsure where to wander. I believe it is also extremely important to teach others, especially the younger generations how very important it is to maintain the beauty of what can occur when humans do not manipulate the environment. I also believe it is important to not interfere with natural occurrences that you might stumble across no matter how disturbing, awkward, or sad it may be. For example, last summer I came across many different animals doing various things from water snakes mating to a garter snake eating to a family of beavers building a damn under a dock, of course I tried to take pictures if I could, but not a chance would I get too close or startle the animals due to the slightest chance of it messing with their routine.

This is a collage of a few things I’ve witnessed while out exploring nature. Top left is a shaggy mane mushroom, top right is a member of the beaver family that was creating a dam, bottom left is a garter snake attempting to eat an earthworm, and the bottom right is a very large wolf spider that was just hanging around.

Being an nature interpreter is a role that must help others explore aspects of nature that they wouldn’t have thought to look at. Nature interpreting is so much more than simply a job. As I said before it’s a calling, a passion, a craving for exploration, and bringing what is unknown into the light for other people to be in the know. Nature interpreters have some of the largest responsibilities for the future. They hold the responsibility of being storytellers for future generations. They won’t just say facts about nature because that is not what gets people, more importantly kids, interested in the natural world. Kids are interested in video games and have simulations of nature, however, it is the responsibility of nature interpreters to tell exciting and eccentric stories that get them wanting and willing to go out and experience it for themselves (Boeckel, 2015). It is also the responsibility of the interpreter to be well-prepared, insightful, and communicate efficiently and in an appropriate manner depending on the audience that they are attending to. It is also the responsibility of the interpreter to, while telling the stories, make sure that everyone who is listening knows how important even the smallest thing in an ecosystem is all the way down to the small twig/branch the kids may want to pick up and play with. 

This was a location that we visited called Overhanging point (name is kinda self explanatory) during a guided hike. This was carved out by glacial ice movement.

As an individual it may seem difficult at times to think that what you say has an impact on the overall scheme of things, but there are many things that one person can do that can change and pull so many more people in. As it says in the textbook, find a way to articulate your ideas and points in a relevant, creative, and caring manner because that is what draws the attention of others (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). There are many ways to engage groups of people, and some effective ways are: holding interactive presentations for specific topics, creating a podcast that can appeal to younger and older audiences with many games such as guess the bird call, or guess that animal by the description, guided hikes are also a good tool to pique the interest of the more outdoorsy type of person, and sometimes even simple blogs like this one is an effective tool for getting ideas across to a very significant amount of different people. I know from personal experience that the two most effective ways to reach me with different information is an interactive presentation, or a guided hike. These two speak to me the most because I find them the most useful for engaging people. Guided hikes are a very nice way of exploring the wilderness because not only do you get to be out in nature, but you are able to hear the backstories of all the caves, rock formations, or anything that you may come across during the hike. However, each person has a different way of engaging with nature.

That’s all I have on my mind for now, and I hope everyone enjoyed my thoughts this time, and I hope you have all enjoyed my previous posts too! I had a wonderful time sharing my opinions and thoughts over the past months. I am looking forward to everyone's replies and ideas of their own. 

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

Boeckel, J.v. (2015). At the heart of art and earth: an exploration of practices in arts-based environmental education. Envir. Edu. Research. 21 (5), 801-802. https://doi-org.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/10.1080/13504622.2014.959474

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 10: Nature Interpretation’s Role in Environmental Sustainability. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640024/View.

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Hello Jody,

I think your final blog post this week was very well-written and encompassed this week's blog prompt very well. I really liked how you touched on the quote "“we can create nature-rich communities where kids feel a deep and abiding love for the living systems that we are all immersed in” (Hooykaas, 2024)" I think this statement perfectly encapsulates the importance and responsibility we have as nature interpreters. Whether that is through creating physical spaces for kids to connect with nature or to teach them about nature the progression of younger generations is in my opinion the true goal of nature interpretation. I think it was a great idea to talk about the importance of exploration in nature interpretation. Exploration is normally the first step towards discovery and furthering our understanding of our natural environment. As nature interpreters, it is important to keep pursuing exploration as there is a near-infinite amount of knowledge that can be gained from our natural worlds and someone will be needed to interpret these discoveries. I also think it is a good idea to touch on how even as a single person it is difficult to see how you could make a difference in this world. But like you outlined having things like podcasts gives people a voice of change in the world. As nature interpreters, it is very important that we make everyone feel as though they are able to make tangible environmental differences in this world.

Overall I think you had a great post and a great way to wrap up your Tumblr page

Great Job!

[ifenvs3000w23]

Week 10 Last Post

Hello everybody for the final time this semester!

A question like this requires a lot of self-reflection to understand how I want my personal ethics as I develop as a natural interpreter. In essence, a reflection on how you are and who you want to become is necessary to answer this question in full. I spent lots of time thinking about how I wanted to respond to this and the largest element of my personal ethics I want to develop as a nature interpreter is the passion I have for the environment. In all jobs or hobbies, I believe the most important aspect of success is if you are passionate about it. To become an environmental interpreter you need to be passionate about the world that you are interpreting to others. I have always had a passion for being outdoors and living my life outside and I have always enjoyed sharing the knowledge I have accumulated with people who want to listen. These two qualities will be pillars in becoming a successful environmental interpreter. Implementing passion into what you do every day will always be important in obtaining long-term success, but in the sense of being an environmental interpreter, I believe it is even more important. 

As an environmental interpreter whether you are taking kids to a summer camp for a walk to teach them about the firsts around them or you are working in a biological research lab you must convey your findings about the natural world to people, the value of passion is the same. When teaching the future generation if you don't care about the information you are conveying to them it is likely that they won't listen as well. Then the future generation will not carry the same passion for the environment and perhaps change to protect our natural world will progress slower than it already does. While this is an extreme example, being an environmental interpreter is an important role for reasons like this as the information and passion we as interpreters can convey will affect the future. 

A belief that I have and that I want to bring into my future as an environmental interpreter is that everyone cares about the environment and climate change, but sometimes it is difficult to admit people. An example that I can think of is that I have an uncle who always says that climate change is not real and that what we do as humans doesn't affect the world as we environmental science students believe. To me and all of you, this is obviously not true, so I asked him why he thinks this way. He responded by talking about how the carbon tax and not being able to use plastic straws anymore. It was during his explanation I realized that the reason why he says he doesn't believe in environmental impacts is because he doesn't like the implications of protecting the environment, as none of his arguments was based on facts or reality. When I presented this to him he agreed with the assessment I made, while he is not an activist by any standards I like to believe it helped change his beliefs. Interactions like these occurring all over the world are what will drive change in our world. This ties into our responsibilities as interpreters as well. Environmental interpreters in some ways could be considered as the voice for the environment. The reality is that most people are largely uneducated about climate change and its true causes and effects. So as interpreters, we must convey this information in ways that can be understood by the general public. Our responsibility is to provide factually correct statements in an understanding and manageable matter to help drive the wheel of change. 

Another belief/responsibility that environmental interpreters and all interpreters for that matter have is to be inclusive. The information that an interpreter is able to convey could be flawless and truly encapsulate the audience and alter the way they now think about the environment, which is great. But, if there is someone who was not able to hear or see your presentation then what was the point for them. Having accommodations for someone who is blind or someone who is deaf. As an interpreter, it is your responsibility to provide alternate learning pathways for people. If someone is blind you could prepare a transcript in braille ahead of time or if someone is deaf you could have speech-to-text software on screen so they are able to accurately understand the information you are trying to convey (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). This ties back to previously explored concepts about different learning types. Having a variety of learning types like auditory, visual and sensory learning creates an inclusive atmosphere where all kinds of different people are able to gain the same knowledge because you convey it in a variety of ways that everyone can understand.  If this is not done then it can lead to people feeling left out and this can diminish their desire to learn about the environment or whatever information you are trying to convey. Another aspect of being inclusive/accommodating is to include people of all different ethnicities and races. People of all ethnicities and races should be treated the same in all facets of society and that is no different in the world of environmental interpretation. 

Overall, these are my thoughts on my personal ethics as I develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do I bring? What responsibilities do I have? And what approaches are most suitable for me as an individual? I am sure everyone in the class's opinions will differ, some slightly and some will largely differ and that is great! This now begs the question what is the single most important aspect of becoming/being an environmental interpreter?

Isaac Fisher

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.

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Unit 09 - The Amazing Uniqueness of Nature

I think the most amazing thing about nature to me is the fact that every area unique and has its own distinct variables. And I know that there are obviously similarities in specific areas and similar habitats and ecosystems but what I'm really talking about is how there's no complete replication in nature. Every single path that you take will be different from the next. 

I think about this fact quite often actually because growing up in a more rural area I was constantly surrounded by unique areas. I think that living in the city with all its buildings, streets, and other urban developments, can make it easy to view the areas we live in as very standardized and similar to other places. And this makes sense because a lot of buildings are built the exact same, streets are built the exact same, lots is built the exact same. But in nature everything is different. 

This contrast between urban and rural environments often leaves me thinking about how intricate and extensive nature is. It serves as a reminder that our envinroment is made up of many distinct components, all of which add to the wonder and beauty of our world. There are always exciting discoveries to be made, new paths to take, and new viewpoints to acquire—even in seemingly familiar surroundings.

This uniqueness is also what allows for everyone to have their own unique connections and views, encouraging every person to discover, become knowledgeable of, and engage with nature’s wonders (Beck et al., 2018).

Personally, I love going on walks to clear my head and get some fresh air, as I’m sure many of us do. It's amazing how nature can deliver a new experience each time I walk outside. There are always fresh sights, sounds, and smells to explore, even in the same old surroundings. Every step turns into an exploratory adventure and an opportunity to form deep connections with the nature. I think one reason why I’ve always been drawn to nature is due to the fact that it's always changing.

Imagine walking through a luscious green forest, where every turn reveals a new surprise. The trees that surround you are more than just ordinary trees; they tell unique stories, all holding their own responsibilities to their ecosystem. You take in the noises of hidden animals, the brightly coloured petals of blooming flowers, and the intricate patterns of leaves as you walk. Then as you turn the corner, you see a glistening blue lake, peaceful and calm. Every part of this path is fresh and unseen before, leaving you guessing at what may come up next. This is what the uniqueness of nature provides during every outing. Whether it leaves you with good memories or perhaps even some that are not as enjoyable, each experience in nature leaves it's audience with a unique memory of a unique adventure.

While I feel that my explanation of this may not be the most clear explanation, I hope that you were still able to understand the type of feeling I was trying to decribe. Hopefully some of you have experienced this for yourself and can relate to my thoughts.

References:

Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

[ifenvs3000w23]

Hello Michela,

I think your interpretation of this week's blog post is extremely well done and well thought out. I think that was a great idea to talk about how unique our world is and how that in and of itself is amazing. I too grew up in a rural environment, more specifically on a farm. Living in a rural area often exposes you to a diverse environment that would otherwise be unlikely to be seen in an urban environment. In my case, I live close to Collingwood where if you go west you see one of the largest ski hills in Ontario called Blue Mountain and if you go east 10 minutes you are at the largest freshwater beach in the world, Wasaga Beach. Being able to see vastly different environments that are within 20 minutes of each other is truly amazing and makes me appreciate the uniqueness we see in our world. In your blog post, you described walking through a green forest and then suddenly coming upon a beautiful blue lake. I think this is a great way to summarize the point of your blog post to show that nature can change incredibly quickly and often times you don't see it coming. Overall, this is a great blog post and I believe that nature's uniqueness is truly amazing.

[ifenvs3000w23]

Week 9

I was excited this week to see that the blog prompt is pretty open-ended and we can talk about the most amazing thing we know about nature. I spent a while thinking about what I think is most amazing about nature and couldn't come up with one thing as it is all amazing. So I decided to focus on an amazing behavior that I learned about in one of my classes. The class was taught about mycorrhizal fungi. I had previously heard about this type of fungi but was largely unfamiliar with its role in ecosystems. I was not prepared for the scale at which mycorrhizal fungi are present, it is found across the whole world. It lives in symbiosis with (if I remember correctly) 90% of plant species in the world. For the fungi to be this successful it must be doing something right, and if so what are they doing? Mycorrhizal fungi can grow around and even into various plant roots, however, the cell membranes are always separate so are not considered one organism. The purpose of this behaviour is a perfect example of a symbiotic relationship in the natural environment. Essentially, when the fungi grow on and around plant roots the rooting area of the plant is increased. This allows increased access to essential nutrients like nitrogen and especially phosphorus, many mycorrhizal fungi are exceptional at extracting phosphorus out of soil. The valuable essential nutrients that the fungi are shared with the plant. Initially, it may seem puzzling as to why mycorrhizal fungi would just give up nutrients to the plant, but in reality, the plant and fungi have a “deal”. The plant uses the nutrients that the fungi obtain to increase its photosynthetic process resulting in more carbohydrates and sugars. The plant then shares the nutrients created by photosynthesis with the fungi granting access to vital nutrients that fungi otherwise could not obtain. This is an extremely fascinating relationship that I did not have knowledge about until I learned about it in class. To me, it is absolutely amazing that 90% of plants in the entire world are in symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi. We also learned in class that this relationship has been around for hundreds of millions of years. It is thought by some people that this relationship between fungi and plants is what allowed aquatic plants to eventually make the leap to terrestrial plants. If this hypothesis is true then the fact that this symbiotic relationship is still ongoing today is incredible. Something I also found interesting was that the mycorrhizal fungi are unable to survive without being “connected” to a plant whereas the plant is still able to survive without the presence of the fungi. Overall, this relationship is something in nature that I find amazing. What do you guys think about mycorrhizal fungi and its role in plant growth and agriculture across the world?

[ahenvs3000w24]

07: The Most Captivating Composer

Hi all!

We have had a short break in conversation, but I am back today to discuss the role of music in nature and where we can find it. One of my favourite aspects of spending time emersed in the natural world is pausing to hear all the elements surrounding me and my senses. When you become still, the world continues to move around you, and you can appreciate the smallest details. Music serves a social, emotional, cultural, and cognitive purpose that can connect us to each other and to nature regardless of socioeconomic status or other potential barriers (Hookyaas, 2024). The period in which music is produced provides context into the state of the world at that time and provides the listener with context (Beck et al., 2018). Often music is a vessel that indirectly informs us of the world without the need for a lecture or reading (Beck et at., 2018). The compilation of sounds can connect all our senses and encourage us to feel something that has been left unsaid.

So where is music in nature?

Some of the greatest musicians and conductors rely on a diverse set of instruments to convey emotion through their sounds. The orchestra that nature has assembled relies upon various components and species to produce a symphony. The waves that crash upon the beach and exposed rock at impressive speeds are the percussion. They provide a base line for the remaining components to layer themselves upon. The wind provides a soft but noticeable melody with powerful acoustics as it whisks amongst the brush and trees that line the beach front. At dusk, you may hear the rustling of small creatures, scurrying about to return to their burrows providing depth to the ensemble. 

I am most familiar with music in nature and have always been an observant listener, however nature in music is something I am not as familiar with. In an interview that I once watched with Finneas, Billie Ellish’s brother and co-collaborator, he explained his producing technique. He discussed his efforts to be a mindful creator and explained he often sources his beats and sounds from the world around him (Youtube, 2020). An example of this is the funky beat in the song “Bad Guy” which is part of a traffic light in Australia (Youtube, 2020). Creators such as Finneas are innovative and are exceptional interpreters of the world around them. In several Jay-Z songs such as “No Church in the Wild”, animal sounds are used for stylist purposes and make for easily identifiable songs (Jay-Z, 2011). Mainstream radio stations that play these songs are providing a platform for subtle nature interpretations. I intend to delve deeper into true nature songs and listen to how creative some songwriters are.

To wrap up my thoughts today, music makes us feel. Many of us turn to music in times of sorrow or when we need a pick me up while getting ready to play a game. Music can transform any space it enters and create an ambience that cannot be ignored. It is also the purest form of nostalgia. A personal example is the song “Home,” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, 2009). It is my camping trip anthem. Within the first few seconds, I am transported back to hikes under the hot sun, diving into the cold lake, and early morning wakeups. It is a song that represents the outdoors, family, and is ever-present in some of my fondest memories. I have included it if you are unfamiliar and in my slightly biased opinion, I think it is a must add to your summertime playlists! 

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world: Chapter 10 Arts in interpretation. Sagamore Venture.

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 7: Nature interpretation through music. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640018/View

Jay-Z & West, K. (2011). No church in the wild [Song]. On Watch the throne [Album]. Def Jam Records.

Sharpe, E., & the Magnetic Zeros. (2009). Home [Song]. On Up from below [Album]. Vagrant label.

YouTube. (2020, February 4). Finneas reveals everyday sounds hidden in “Bury a friend” and “Bad guy.” YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-zeJRjP6xA 

[ifenvs3000w23]

Hello!

I think that your blog post was exceptional this week, Great Job!

I think that it was a great idea to include that the complexity of a song or musical performance can mirror the complexity of natural ecosystems. I particularly that it was very insightful that you made the comparison of waves crashing up against a rock to the percussion elements of a song. Something I wish I had thought of when thinking/writing about my discussion post is that music is a vessel that can instantly transport you back to the scenario that you associate with that song. This statement really resonates with me as it totally encapsulates how I feel about certain songs myself. An example of this for myself is "Ends of the Earth" by Lord Huron. Similar to how you said that waves hitting rocks can be interpreted as the procession elements in songs the piano and other instrumentals in this song, in my opinion, represent the quiet calming presence of birds in a forest. Also, I really appreciated that you included some of your favourite songs that remind you of nature. When you spoke about how Jay-Z uses animal sounds in his song was something I had never heard/noticed before and is a very creative way for him to include nature into something so unnatural. I also recall how you talked about the song "Home", I have actually listened to this song and totally understand and agree with your opinion on it as it makes me feel a similar way.

Overall very insightful and impressive!

Thanks, Isaac.

[ifenvs3000w23]

Interpreting Nature Through Music

Music is a part of practically everyone's lives in one way or another, whether you are someone who loves listening to music and always has their headphones on or maybe someone who creates music or maybe you just like listening to the radio while you driving, we all have some relationship with music. Music can be presented in various ways from Rock and roll to classical music or even music in different languages, it may sound different but the meaning and complexity are the same across all facets of music. This includes music in nature, the complexity of instruments and different tempos that can be compared to an ecosystem.  Much like the harmonious combination of species within a natural habitat, music has the power to convey the diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness of our environment. By listening to compositions of music that echo the diversity of nature one can come to appreciate the true complexity of a biological ecosystem. Now to unpack nature in music, many different songs speak and convey ideas about nature and its preservation. One song that I have known for years called “Eyes Wide Open” by Gotye always makes me think about nature. From how I have interpreted the song it is about humanity's degradation of natural environments whilst simultaneously knowing the damage we are doing. The lyrics “And some people offered up answers, We made out we like we heard they were only words, They didn't add up, to a change in the way we were living, And the saddest thing, is all of it could've been avoided, But it was like to stop consuming, to stop being human, And why'd I make a change if you won't” These lyrics perfectly encapsulate humanity has rejected the idea of climate change for many years because it required that we change the way we live and that is the easiest way to live since if you say climate change is not real then there is no reason for change. A song that immediately makes me think of a natural landscape is called “Ends of the Earth” by Lord Huron. This song is not written about nature per se but the instrumentals of the song remind me of what I think the natural world and forests sound like. I have this connection to this song because I can distinctly remember camping with my family when this song came on the radio and has resonated with me ever since. There are many songs about nature or sound like nature but this song has always stood out to me and will continue to stick out to me for the rest of my life. 

What song makes you think of nature?

Thanks, Isaac

[nbenvs3000w24]

Importance of Interpreting History

Hi everyone!

Welcome back to another blog!

In today’s blog, I will unpacking the quote by Edward Hyams stating, “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.” 

As I read this quote over and over again, trying to really grasp the sense of what he was trying to imply and express, I believe that this quote can be understood in many different ways depending on how you want to see it. In the first part of the quote, I believe he was trying to express how the importance and goodness of history and ancient things is not necessarily the history in itself, but rather the togetherness, the knowledge and the memories that come from it and how it is passed throughout time. For example, chapter 15 of the textbook explains that it's important to interpret history as, “Interpretation breathes life and meaning into past events, architecture, and artifacts. In doing so, it nurtures the development of a personal identity as individuals hear inspiring or thought-provoking stories of the past, and it forms values to guide living in the present” (Back, 2018). Meaning that, the importance of history and old buildings or museums is not the architecture itself, but rather how we remember history and keep the past alive in order to create our future and share these memories. 

The second part of the quote I believe represents the idea that we cannot define our own ‘history’ or ‘tracks’ simply by only considering the railways that we’ve been on…for our history extends beyond the present and the past is made up of the tracks that got us here. In the larger picture of the world, I believe this holds true in issues such as discrimination or war that were large conflicts of the past throughout history that created the world we live in today. To remember not only the happy stories of our past but also the tragic ones are what makes interpreting history so important. In my own life, the idea of things such as my great grandmother's wedding ring or my grandfather's artifacts from when he was in the army being passed down through generations comes to mind. It is not necessarily the wedding ring or the artifacts that are important to have, but more so the meaning and the stories behind them that show where I came from and how the lives of those before me have lived. 

As nature interpreters, I believe this is an important idea as it's our job to make an impact on people’s lives to become a part of their history. To help people see how history relates to their own lives by telling stories of the past is a way to help people remember and keep memories alive. To extend beyond merely what is physically present and instead create lasting feelings and memories. Can you think of any historical artifacts, buildings, etc that have made you remember memories or moments from the past? How has history shaped you into the person you are today?

I look forward to hearing back from you! 

Natalie :)

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

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Hello Natalie, 

I really liked your blog post this week. I think it went very well throughout and reflected a true understanding of nature interpretation. I think when you said that this quote could be interpreted in a variety of ways is very true as everyone's past experiences affect how we interpret ambiguous things like this quote. I totally agree with what you said about the beginning of the quote. I think that Edward is trying to express that people don't value things just because they are old, people value them because they have maintained their integrity and have passed through the trials and tribulations time puts things through. An example of this that immediately comes to mind for me is ancient arrowheads made of obsidian. Thousands of year old human tools such as arrowheads have been discovered which gives humanity a clue into our past. We can still make arrowheads and basic tools today but to see that a piece of our ancestors have passed the test of time gives insight to how resilient our ancestors once were. In the second part of your post you said “‘history’ or ‘tracks’ simply by only considering the railways that we’ve been on…for our history extends beyond the present and the past is made up of the tracks that got us here.” I was extremely impressed when I read this and I think that you phrased this perfectly to think that who you are as a person is a product of our current tracks (the present) is simply not true, because our past tracks are what makes us who we are today. Overall I think that you nailed this quote analysis and it was truly an eye opening read

Thanks Isaac.

[ifenvs3000w23]

Week 6

Hello Everybody,

This week we were all tasked with unpacking a quote by Edward Hyams in chapter seven, Gifted of interpretation, the quotes reads, “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.” Unpacking this quote initially seems like a daunting task. There is a lot of information and insight in only a few sentences. The first statement immediately sets the tone for the whole quote, when Edward says “There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity”  I interpret it as just because objects are old does not make them special or noteworthy but it is the fact that the object has been able to stand the test of time yet still keep its integrity should be appreciated and celebrated. “and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole”, this part of the quote puzzled me initially but I believe that Edward is trying to say that the point or purposes of objects in our past can be lost or misunderstood if the physical integrity of the object is not maintained. “if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things” I believe this part means that if the integrity of an object or idea is maintained it represents that the people maintaining it have a higher understanding of the importance of remembering ancient things as they were. “To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.” This part of the quote perhaps was the most impactful to me, my understanding of what Edward is trying to say is that time does not only exist in the present and to think that it does is simply incorrect. This relates to the idea of legacy a person can leave behind, although the things that this person has done occurred in a single moment in time its memory and importance can be carried on for decades or hundreds of years. This quote reminds me heavily of another very popular quote you have probably heard, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”- George Santayana. If humanity is not concerned with protecting the integrity of historical objects, historical events, or historical people then the world will forget the lessons learned by thousands of years of experiences. Overall, this quote is very insightful and provoked me to think about how I interpret historical artifacts and events.

How did this quote change the way you think?

[dmenvs3000w24]

Warmer Winters Ahead

This week, we’ve experienced some fantastic weather in the Guelph area, and it has been enjoyed by many. The sun has been out, there are no buckets of snow being dumped on us, the birds are chirping, and even some bugs are reappearing. Personally, I enjoy being able to open up the windows in my apartment to air everything out, letting the fresh air in without turning the space into a walk-in freezer. It feels as if we are already deep into April given the weather being so springlike, however we aren’t even halfway into February. Normally, I would be the biggest supporter of warm weather, as snow is not my biggest fan, nor am I a fan of it. However, between this class ENVS*3000 (Nature Interpretation), and a course I took last term ENVS*3010 (Climate Change Biology), it has impacted my way of thinking dramatically, and I am growing more concerned about the world around us and how nature will change due to the effects of climate change. 

In 2023, it was determined we would experience El Nino, which brings forth warmer, wet weather that could also bring more extreme weather patterns with it (ICL 2023). Its opposite, La Nina, does not commonly impact this part of North America, however the two tend to swing back and forth (ICL 2023). Together, they interrupt the natural atmospheric weather patterns and seem to only become more aggressive as the effects of climate change continue to grow more apparent (ICL 2023). 

While all these changes in weather and temperature are explainable through science, the impacts it will have on our environment are still unknown, which makes me very fearful of what our natural spaces will look like in the future. For us to have such a green winter this year, it makes one curious about how this will impact the health and survival of all of those found within our green spaces. How does this type of weather disrupt their mating season? Will the species of plants still blossom and sprout when needed? Would they be able to survive the cold fronts that unexpectedly appear? 

While this seems like an odd thing to think about, I am concerned about what nature will look like in just 10 or 20 years from now. What native species will no longer be able to live here? What will the forests look like years from now if events such as drought or wildfires become the new normal? Will we still have winters with the buckets of snow that we all loved as kids? As aspiring nature interpreters, I think it is our due diligence to be asking the big questions about the nature we find around us. I think it is important to live in the present, and enjoy what we have, but also look to the future and protect the environment for generations of nature interpreters to come.

[ICL]  Imperial College London. (2023). What is El Niño and how is it influenced by climate change? Accessed February 10, 2024. .https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/publications/climate-change-faqs/what-is-el-nino/

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Hello Denice,

I think the topic you chose to do your discussion post on was great. I really liked how your topic relates to everyone who could be reading your post since we all have been experiencing the same weather. I totally agree with you that the weather has been absolutely amazing this past week but when we start to think "why is it so nice?" we all get a little sad. I also took climate change biology last semester is was really a great class and also impacted the way I interpret and think about things. I really like how you incorporated that we are currently experiencing a El Nino winter. Climate change and this years El Nino are working together to exaggerate the warming we are experiencing it is important as "environmental scientists" that we report the facts correctly and not say that this very warm winter is only because of climate change. Something that I noticed this week in particular about the mild winter is that the migratory birds are already stating to come back. I was leaving Walmart this week and noticed that there were two Canadian Geese. (as seen below)

For most of my life Canadian Geese do not migrate back to Canada until the spring and not in the middle of winter so this took be by surprise initially. Then i was reminded of the warming climate and i realized why they were back so early. Overall, I really enjoyed reading your post and i think it is great that you explained although warm weather in February maybe be enjoyable for us the reasons behind it are much more sad.

Thank You, Isaac

[ifenvs3000w23]

Week 5

Initially I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my discussion post as this week we are free to write about whatever we want. I settled on talking about plastic recycling using plastic eating bacteria. Last week I read an article on this and it inspired me to look into how they are using plastic eating bacteria and how they could be used in the future. I found out about that In 2021 a French Company called Carbios partnered with nestle and Pepsi when they began using a enzyme called PETase (PETase is one of a handful on enzymes that is capable to breakdown plastic) to assist in the Degradation of PET plastics (PET plastic is the most common form of plastic in water bottles and product packaging) to process about 250kg of PET plastic waste every day or 91 tonnes per year, breaking it down into its precursor molecules, Which then can be made into new clear plastic. Typically recycled plastic is not clear and has a more opaque look to it which companies often find undesirable. For example A recycled plastic bottle becomes a mottled bag, which becomes fibrous jacket insulation, which then becomes road filler, never to be recycled again.  So having the ability to continuously recycle and remake clear plastic will massively reduce the amount of new plastic that is made.

Carbios is able to complete this recycling process by shredding the plastic and running it through a machine which freezes it and forces it through a tiny opening at great pressure. The plastic pops out as pellets about the size of corn kernels. At the microscopic level, it is much less dense than its original form. which gives the enzymes a larger surface area to attack allowing for increased degradation. 

The plastic pellets are placed in a solution of water and PETase, inside a sealed steel tank. As time goes on, the plastic erodes away, and its components dissolve into the solution, leaving only a grayish liquid. The liquid now contains the two components ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, which can be separated out and turned into new plastic. Fortunately, This technique scales easily. Two years ago the company was recycling a few kilos of plastic a day; now they do about 250kg a day. Next year, with the help of a new recycling plant carbios will be able to process 130 tonnes a day or almost 50 thousand tonnes a year. 

Many scientists hope that PETase will be used in the future for microplastic clean up. Last year, a German group engineered PETase into marine algae, noting that someday it could be used to break down microplastic in the ocean. Microplastics are a huge issue and there are not many effective ways to do this and using GMO algae is a possibility that should be explored. 

Another future use of PETase along with other chemical reactions is to produce hydrogen fuel from plastics. In Plastic on average the second most abundant element within is hydrogen, there are already a few research teams looking into the possibility of using terephthalic acid, one of the by-products of PETase, to make hydrogen fuel. terephthalic acid can also be used in perfumes and can be turned into Vanillin, the compound that creates the “vanilla taste”. 

Overall, this biotechnology is very promising for the future of global plastic clean up and recycling. Hopefully this will help make the world a greener and healthier place. Do you think we should release this marine algae into the world's oceans to help clean up microplastics?

Article Link:

‘We are just getting started’: the plastic-eating bacteria that could change the world

The long read: When a microbe was found munching on a plastic bottle in a rubbish dump, it promised a recycling revolution. Now scientists a

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4: Art and Nature

I think that art has been inspired by nature for such a long time, and it's no wonder why. Nature is beautiful, in so many different ways, that it's easy to draw inspiration from the world around you. Now me personally, I'm not really an artist, but I love looking at art, and I love nature, so art inspired by nature always make me feel good. So many artists are so talented at not just drawing landscapes, but showing their appreciation for nature through their art. I find that my favourite artists are able to connect with the intricacy of nature, such as ecosystem balances, and the connections within nature. My favourite paintings make me feel something, which I think is the key to successful interpretation through art.

Some of my favourite nature paintings: Top: Ivan Aivazovksi's The Ninth Wave (personal favourite, I have a print of it!). Bottom left: Claude Monets' Cliff at Varengreville. Bottom right: Albert Bierstadts' Mount Corcoran.

The most important part of art and nature is the translation of sentiment from artist to audience (Beck et al., 2018). As I said above, I find that my favourite pieces make me feel anything. The ones I added to this post make me feel small, in a good way. Nature is everywhere, and it's boundless, so I appreciate each of these paintings for the way that they can capture that feeling, at least to me.

My kind of nature interpretation through art would probably be the art of flower pressing. My dad and I used to do it when I was young, and I remember pressing the first flowers that would bloom in our backyard in the springtime. I find pressing flowers creates a memory, and as someone who loves preserving things and being able to remember them later, pressing flowers was the way to do that. I also like that I was able to do it with my dad, and that he taught me the way to do it, so I can do it with someone else in the future.

In conclusion, the relationship between art and nature is quite the dramatic interplay, shaped the most by the interpretations of both the artists and the viewers.

References:

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

[ifenvs3000w23]

Hello Tamara,

Your blog post was great, I really enjoyed reading it. I really like how you touched on how art is often inspired by the beauty of nature. Some of the greatest paintings and photographs are created based on nature. I also find it fascinating that artists are able to convey complex things such as ecosystem balances and connections through nature. I think a great example of this is the mural/painting within Alexander Hall at the university. If I remember correctly the painting is a combination of the 4 spheres (Lithosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere) showing how they work together to shape the physical characteristics of our planet. I always find that painting interesting when I walk by it. The paintings that you shared in your post are absolutely amazing. I see why they are some of your favorites. I totally agree that these paintings make you feel small (in a good way) . It puts into perspective how vast and powerful that natural world can be. The story of how you and your dad do flower pressing is awesome. I think it is a great idea to use art as a way to immortalize a part of nature that comes and goes every year. This is a great way to use art to interpret nature as well as making great memories that will last a lifetime. I found your discussion post very inspiring,  it makes me want to interpret nature in ways that I did not think of before.

[ifenvs3000w23]

Week 4

Who am I to interpret nature? This is a difficult question to answer, I am a third year environmental science student. This education pathway has offered me many opportunities to interpret nature. However in many cases the way I interpret nature is not through art but through other means, mostly through textbooks and lectures. In most classes there is a distinct lack of artistic expression through other mediums such as music, dances, painting, poetry etc. In my opinion increasing the amount of artistic expression in these ways would be beneficial to the field of environmental science. It would challenge professors and students to think and learn through different avenues that are not typically explored. As learned in previous weeks, different types of learning is beneficial if not necessary to the success of learning. Providing information in a more artistic way would help achieve this. Also as a student I think in the future interpreting nature through art would be beneficial for the learning process as it would challenge students to think outside of the box when it comes to nature interpretation and would allow for their thoughts to be transmitted through a different media. 

How do I interpret nature? I really enjoy connecting to nature through a variety of mediums such as music, art, dance, poetry. With so much of my schooling being through text and lecture it is a nice breath of fresh air to interpret nature in a more inviting and “open way”. Interpreting nature through painting for a long time would have been the most popular medium for many people besides simply seeing nature for yourself. An example of this would be cave paintings, perhaps the earliest version of nature interpretation. I find it very interesting that our ancestors also saw the beauty in nature we see today. Much like many people today nature and its animals prompted early humans to make (likely) the first artistic expression in human history. The fact that animals can provoke early humans to interpret nature in an entirely different view is truly inspiring and astonishing to me. 

Interpreting nature through dance initially confused me when I was thinking about this topic simply because I didn't understand how that was/is possible. Then I thought about the indigenous populations that have been using dance as a part of their culture for thousands of years. After some research I now understand Indigenous peoples use dance in a variety of ways to express their relationship with nature. It amazes me how creative people can be with nature interpretation. 

Photography is another way to interpret nature that I use on an almost daily basis. It is by far the most common way I would interpret and interact with nature on a day to day basis (when I am in school at least). It serves as a way you can share earth's gift of beauty with your friends and family that can't experience it with you. Here is a photo I took near Parry Sound that resonates with me because it was taken at my cottage where I have spent my summers for most of my life. 

Overall, this blog prompt has caused me to think about how I interpret nature in totally new ways that I did not even think of before.

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Blog 3: Defining privilege in nature interpretation

Hi! Welcome to blog 3,

According to Oxford Dictionary privilege is defined as “a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group” lets take this definition and bring it into the perspective of nature interpretation. Privilege will generally affect people in the factors of education, socio-economic status and culture/community. 

In the context of nature interpretation, privilege can indeed influence individuals based on factors such as education, socio-economic status, and culture/community. Let's explore how: 

Education: Individuals with a higher level of education may have a more in-depth understanding of ecological systems, biodiversity, and environmental issues ( this does not discount the knowledge of individuals without higher level education, there are more methods of learning than academia). They might appreciate the intricacies of nature on a more profound level due to formal education in the sciences or related fields. Nature interpreters need to recognize varying levels of environmental knowledge among visitors. Privilege in education might manifest in a more nuanced appreciation of ecological complexities, allowing for more advanced and specialized discussions during interpretive programs. 

Socio-Economic Status: Those with higher socio-economic status may have the means to access and explore natural spaces more frequently. They might afford outdoor gear, travel expenses, or participate in activities like guided nature tours, which can enhance their connection with nature. Nature interpreters should be aware of economic barriers that some visitors may face. Creating inclusive programs that cater to diverse economic backgrounds ensures that everyone, regardless of financial status, has the opportunity to engage meaningfully with nature. 

Culture/Community: Different cultures may have unique perspectives on nature, influenced by traditions, beliefs, or practices. Those with a cultural background (Indigenous communities for example) emphasizing environmental stewardship may already possess a deep connection to and respect for nature. Nature interpreters must be culturally sensitive and recognize the diversity of perspectives. Acknowledging and incorporating various cultural viewpoints enriches the interpretation experience, fostering inclusivity and understanding among visitors from different backgrounds. 

In essence, understanding and addressing privilege in nature interpretation involves tailoring programs to accommodate diverse levels of education, socio-economic backgrounds, and cultural influences. By doing so, interpreters can ensure that the beauty and knowledge of nature are accessible and appreciated by a broad spectrum of individuals, regardless of their privileges. 

I didn't have too much to say on this topic and will be happy to see what others think. :)

[ifenvs3000w23]

Hello, Daphne I think it was a great idea to include how Oxford defines privilege as it gives everyone reading your post a good baseline on how you interpret and define privilege so that everyone is on the same page.  I really liked this statement you made, “In the context of nature interpretation, privilege can indeed influence individuals based on factors such as education, socio-economic status, and culture/community” it very clearly outlines your stance on that matter whilst outlining three areas that are particularly affected. I touched on how being privileged greatly changes a person's access to education which in turn can have a massive impact on how people are able to interpret environmental information on a more complex level. I also appreciated how you spoke on how education/knowledge can be gained independently and not strictly through traditional education means. I totally agree with the statements you made about people's different  socioeconomic states playing a role in privilege within nature interpretation. Outdoor equipment can be very expensive and to some degree limit people's access to nature. Also, it should be noted that having access to a private vehicle greatly increases a person's ability to experience nature. I think it is interesting that you included peoples' cultural background having an effect on nature interpretation, being sensitive to other people's culture is very important as a nature interpreter so that everyone feels welcome in the natural world. Overall you discussion post was very informative and definitely interesting that made me look at how I thought privilege influenced nature interpretation differently.

[ifenvs3000w23]

Week 3

Privilege is seen across all facets of our society including nature interpretation. In nature interpretation privilege is seen in access ability to the environment. Being a student at the University of Guelph it is a privilege to have the arboretum as a part of our campus. The Arboretum is the largest on-campus woodlot/forest that is part of a university campus that I am aware of. The arboretum is 400 acres of largely untouched forest area with over 1000 species of plants, having free unrestricted access to this area is a privilege that lots of people unfortunately do not have. After reading this week's material and hearing how privilege was described as “ an invisible package of unearned assets which one can count on cashing in each day, but about which was “meant” to remain oblivious”. The definition of privilege being an invisible package of unearned assets is exactly how I would define it. I am privileged enough to have many opportunities to access the environment in my personal life. Living near the Blue Mountains allows me to access the largest walking trail in Canada, the Bruce Trail. I am fortunate enough to be able to experience this with minimal cost when compared to someone in Toronto who might not have access to transportation to get themselves into a natural environment. Since most places where access to the natural environment is relatively remote (no public transport) it can be very difficult to simply get there without having access to a car. Furthermore, living in Canada it can get quite cold and being able to spend significant time outside requires expensive winter clothing that can be unaffordable for many people. This further limits people's access to nature in Canada which is not commonly thought about. As outlined in the previous discussion post, becoming an environmental interpreter requires access to education to learn about different plant and animal species. As well as an understanding of how to best engage with audiences. Without being privileged enough to have access to education it would be very very difficult if not impossible to become an environmental interpreter. Access to education, in general, is a privilege in Canada (public and high schools) that many third-world countries unfortunately do not easily offer to their residents. Something that I learned in one of my previous classes that relates to environmental privilege is simply access to clean and unpolluted housing. I remember learning about a community that consisted mainly of minorities living next to a community of primarily white people. In the primarily minority community, landfills, sewage treatment plants etc of the white community were all placed in this community lowering the water and air quality. Things like this, I believe, are not commonly talked about or thought of by the general public and need to be addressed. Overall, privilege plays a huge role in becoming a natural interpreter as a job in terms of access to the tools, training, and knowledge requirements. Privilege also affects people who are able to interpret nature on their own in the sense of access to the natural environment.

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My Ideal Role as an Environmental Interpreter

My ideal role as an environmental interpreter would likely look like me taking a group of people on a hike/walk in the forest and teaching them about plants and their medicinal value. I don’t know a great deal about this topic currently but I know enough that I can go on a walk and name some of the plants I’d see (thanks to my plant-loving mom). I hope to learn more about plant identification in the future as well as medicinal uses of these plants which can be very useful in a pinch. I think these things are best learned from someone in your community giving a hands-on learning environment. In this way, people of all learning types can get something out of the experience because you are speaking to them, showing them, and actively using and showing the plants. I would hand out booklets with the information spoken as well for those who prefer to read and process information on their own. Forest walks are not accessible by everyone so I’d like to have this information online as well for those who can’t be there in person.

Guelph is a great location for this kind of learning because there are so many access points to nature. I currently don’t drive but if I did I would do some walks out in a further forest that would be more remote and I would host some on the Royal Recreation Trail for those like me so they can access it by foot or bus. The fact that we experience all four seasons, and beautifully so, in Guelph adds another layer to this job. I would be going out in very hot and very cold temperatures which may not always be ideal but this is my dream job so I would still enjoy it! Nature transforms throughout each of those seasons, making what I present to each group slightly different based on the time of year and which plants are in season.

This job requires a lot of skills including teaching, understanding, problem solving, organization, creativity and communication. Firstly, I’d need to learn more about how different people learn and possible nuances in this that I may come across while in this position. I’ll need to educate myself further about this topic and on how to communicate what I’ve learned to others. I will want to make my nature walks as engaging as possible which requires a lot of creativity and organization to put something together that people will find valuable. Thus, this is a journey I’m excited to delve further into and take you all along with me. I hope to expand my skills in all of these areas through learning and teaching and hopefully one day be able to make this dream a reality.

[ifenvs3000w23]

Hi Uma,

After reading this week's discussion post it was clear to me that we share lots of the same ideas of what an ideal environmental interpreter would be. We share a passion to guide and share knowledge to groups of people that are willing to learn. I believe it's a passion of many people who are knowledgeable about the environment to want to share all that they have learned about this beautiful earth. I also envision walking through a forest and identifying species however something I had not thought of is focusing on the medicinal properties of many plants. I believe it is a gap in knowledge for a lot of people including myself. Understanding medicinal values of plants like you said can be very helpful if not life saving in a pinch. I really like how you incorporated using both visual and auditory learning options. Using pamphlets is a great way to accomplish that, giving people options to learning is a great way to maximize what information they retain. I also agree that Guelph is a great place to accomplish this, having access to many forested areas whilst also having a high population of people wanting to learn. This combination allows for accessible learning. I think it’s great that you mentioned that Guelph has very diverse seasons which allows people to return to the same place yet get an entirely different experience out of it. Finally, I totally agree with you on how doing this job would require skills in teaching , understanding, problem solving, organization, creativity and communication.

Thanks for writing this post it offered me a more complex understanding on what my idea of an ideal environmental interpreter is.