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Unit 9 - The Aurora Borealis

Aurora Borealis

Have you ever experienced a moment in your life where nature really draws you into a trance-like state? Making you feel so small in a world full of such complexity. For me, I have to say I feel this way about the Northern Lights. Imagine standing outside on a cold night in the north, as you feel the cool wind against you when you suddenly see green, pink, and purple lights in the sky—something that genuinely looks so unreal.

When I had first found out about the Northern Lights, I was so amazed I just needed to know how this phenomenon occurred. The Aurora Borealis (proper name for the Northern Lights) happens because of charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. So, what basically happens is the sun releases these solar winds, and when those particles hit the oxygen and nitrogen in our atmosphere, it creates these different colors. When seeing the green color, this is due to it hitting oxygen, and blue and purple occur with nitrogen. These solar winds smashing into the gases around the Earth create this movement of light in the sky that looks alive.

-> Watch how this works: NASA’s video on the Northern Lights

Myths and Cultural Beliefs

Prior to when we first learned about how this phenomenon occurred, different cultures tried to make sense of it, such as the:

Vikings

Sámi people

Inuit people

Vikings thought the lights were reflections of Valkyrie shields, which would lead fallen warriors to Valhalla. The Sámi people (from Scandinavia) thought of the auroras as spirits of their ancestors who would watch over them. Some Inuit legends would even warn people against whistling at the lights, saying if you did so, the lights would come down and take you away.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Canada

If you are lucky, you can see the Northern Lights here in Canada! Back in September, the lights were visible across the GTA, which includes here in Guelph! Even though the lights were visible for two days, I sadly did not get the chance to see them. However, if you’re interested in seeing them, you can head over to Manitoulin Island, located in Lake Huron, said to have one of the darkest skies in Ontario. It is a long road trip—about six hours away—however, the experience is one of a lifetime.

-> Use this live tracker to see where the aurora is and where it will be: Aurora Forecast

Photo captured from Guelph back in March of 2023! - https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/guelph-photographer-captures-spectacular-northern-lights-display-6753922

I have never personally seen the Northern Lights, however, this is definitely a big dream for me. I think it’s so cool that whether you see them in photos or in person, it can still change and inspire you. Just looking at these photos has me in awe, but I can guarantee seeing them in person is just a whole other experience. So if you ever get the chance to stand under this glowing sky, definitely take it. I can promise you won’t regret it.

NASA. (n.d.). Auroras: The Northern and Southern Lights. Retrieved from https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/focus-areas/magnetosphere-ionosphere/auroras

NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. (2023). What are the Northern Lights? Retrieved from https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/

Chamberlain, J. W., & Hunten, D. M. (1987). Theory of planetary atmospheres: An introduction to their physics and chemistry (2nd ed.). Academic Press.

Canadian Geographic. (2019). First Nations legends of the aurora borealis. Retrieved from https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/first-nations-legends-aurora-borealis

Scientific American. (2017). Why do we feel awe? Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-we-feel-awe/

[ilenvs3000w25]

Hi Dannie

I enjoyed reading your post as it captures the wonder and awe of the Aurora Borealis!  I was drawn in by your vivid description-being able to clearly imagine the stillness of the night, the chillness of the air, and then the sky coming alive full of colour.  There is definitely something humbling about moments like these, where our natural world reminds us of how mysterious it truly is, and how small we are compared to our universe.  What stood out to me when reading your blog post was how you combined culture and science.  Learning that solar particles interacting with our atmosphere cause the Northern Lights is fascinating, but also learning how different cultures interpret this phenomenon adds depth.  It shows how humans throughout time have always tried to make sense of the unknown through story and spirit.  I have never personally seen the Northern Lights, but it is something I would love to see!  Your mention of the Manitoulin Island is very helpful, and I had no idea that it is a good viewing spot in Ontario.  I will definitely be keeping this in mind for the future.  Great post!

[atenvs3000w25]

Interpretive Blog #9

As I near the end of this course, I find myself reflecting on the key question: What kind of nature interpreter do I want to be? Interpretation is more than just sharing facts; it is about creating connections between people and the natural world. Throughout this journey, I have realized that my personal ethics, responsibilities, and approach to interpretation will shape not only how I engage with my audience but also how I contribute to environmental stewardship in the long term.

At the heart of my passion for nature interpretation is the belief that people will only protect what they understand and care about. This aligns with Freeman Tilden’s (1957) foundational principle that interpretation should reveal deeper meanings beyond surface-level facts. I believe that every individual has an innate connection to nature, whether they recognize it or not, and my role as an interpreter is to help rekindle that bond.

Another core belief I hold is that environmental education should be accessible and inclusive. As Knudson, Cable, and Beck (2018) emphasize, mass media and interpretive storytelling play a significant role in reaching diverse audiences. Not everyone has the privilege to explore pristine natural landscapes, but interpretation—whether through podcasts, digital media, or urban programming—can bring these experiences to people in new and engaging ways.

With these beliefs in mind, I recognize the responsibilities I hold in this role. One of the most important is fostering environmental stewardship. David Suzuki and Richard Louv (2005) emphasize that children who form positive experiences in nature are more likely to grow into adults who protect the environment. This means that every interaction I have with an audience, whether through a guided hike, a podcast, or an online program, must be designed not just to inform but to inspire action.

Another responsibility is ensuring that my interpretations are ethical and culturally respectful. Many Indigenous communities have deep, place-based knowledge of nature that has been passed down for generations. Western science alone cannot fully explain or interpret the land; therefore, I must incorporate Indigenous perspectives and respect their knowledge systems. The importance of this approach is highlighted by Beck and Cable (2011), who state that quality interpretation should include a diversity of voices and perspectives.

Given my personal strengths and interests, I find that storytelling and experiential learning are the most suitable approaches for me. Stories have the power to create emotional connections, making them one of the most effective tools in interpretation. Jacob Rodenburg (2023) notes that personal stories allow audiences to engage with nature on a deeper level, turning facts into meaningful experiences.

Additionally, Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (1984) reinforces the idea that hands-on engagement leads to lasting learning. When people experience nature firsthand—whether by listening to bird songs, feeling the texture of tree bark, or participating in conservation activities—they develop a more personal connection to the environment. I aim to incorporate this interactive approach into my future work, whether through guided hikes, citizen science programs, or digital storytelling.

In today’s digital age, technology is often viewed as a barrier between humans and nature. However, when used correctly, it can be a powerful tool for interpretation. As Knudson et al. (2018) explain, mass media allows interpreters to reach audiences who may never visit natural sites in person. Virtual reality nature tours, live-streamed wildlife cameras, and interactive nature apps can make conservation efforts accessible to a broader audience.

In my own interpretive work, I see technology as a way to enhance engagement rather than replace direct experiences. For example, apps like ‘Pl@ntNet’ and ‘Merlin Bird ID’ can help people identify species in real-time, deepening their appreciation for biodiversity. Meanwhile, podcasts and digital storytelling can bring ecological concepts to life in ways that resonate with modern audiences. My goal is to strike a balance—using technology to enhance learning while still emphasizing direct, in-person experiences with nature.

As a nature interpreter, my ultimate goal is to create meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact. This means understanding my audience and adapting my approach to meet their needs. For example, younger children may benefit from hands-on activities and storytelling, while adults may be more engaged by scientific discussions and ethical debates about conservation.

Additionally, I believe that interpretation should be provocative in a way that sparks curiosity and action. Tilden (1957) emphasized that good interpretation is not just about delivering facts but about inspiring audiences to think critically and form their own connections to the material. For example, rather than simply explaining deforestation, I might guide a group through a forest and ask them to imagine what it would look like if all the trees were gone. By creating these emotional and intellectual connections, I can make environmental issues feel more personal and relevant.

Ultimately, my role as an interpreter is about more than just educating people about nature—it is about inspiring them to care and take action. I see myself as a bridge between knowledge and stewardship, helping others to form meaningful connections with the environment.

As I move forward in this field, I want to remain adaptable and open to new approaches. Interpretation is an evolving practice, and I know that my methods will continue to grow and change with experience. However, my core ethics—a commitment to inclusivity, ethical storytelling, and experiential learning—will remain constant.

As this course comes to a close, I feel more confident in my ability to make a difference. Whether I am leading a hike, producing an educational podcast, or using digital tools to engage new audiences, I will always strive to make my work meaningful. Because at the end of the day, interpretation is not just about sharing knowledge—it is about creating a sense of wonder, connection, and responsibility for the natural world. Every moment spent in nature is an opportunity to inspire someone else to appreciate and protect it. I hope to foster these moments for as many people as possible, helping them see the magic in the world around them.

References

Beck, L., & Cable, T. T. (2011). The Gifts of Interpretation: Fifteen Guiding Principles for Interpreting Nature and Culture. Sagamore Publishing LLC.

Knudson, L. B., Cable, T. T., & Beck, L. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World.Sagamore Publishing LLC.

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice Hall.

Louv, R. (2005). Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Algonquin Books.

Rodenburg, J. (2023). The Role of Storytelling in Environmental Education. Ecological Perspectives Press.

Tilden, F. (1957). Interpreting Our Heritage. University of North Carolina Press.

[ilenvs3000w25]

Hi Aliya!

Thank you for sharing a passionate and thoughtful reflection.  Your post really captures what it truly means to be as nature interpreter- someone who creates meaningful connections between the natural world and individuals and someone who is able to share their knowledge.  When you reference Freeman Tilden’s idea that interpretation is not solely about sharing facts, but it also stems farther than education.  It is the idea that you want to also inspire others and encourage them to take action.  This reference resonated with me as I agree that this is the kind of interpretation to aim for!  And it is inspiring to see how these connections you can create is ahping your role.  I also appreciate your point about making interpretation accessible.  You acknowledge that not all individuals are able to explore different nature/wild spaces, and the use of technology to bridge that gap, is key.  While embracing more modern strategies, you are still not loosing site of the value that sensory and direct experiences in nature can have.  I really connect with your point about being able to recognize your responsibilities that you hold in this kind of a role, and that at the end of the day you want your audience to be inspired to take action.  Yes it is important to educate people and provide them with information, but ultimately you want them taking away the fact that if we want to see a change…it starts with them taking responsibility and action.

[ilenvs3000w25]

Unit 10: Nature Interpreter

Interpreting nature is not just about sharing facts about the environment with others, but it is about developing a longlasting connecction and a deep understanding between people and our natural world.  As I develop skills as a nature interpreter, I often reflect on my guided approach through personal ethics.  These ethics I speak of emerge from my responsibilities, my engagement with the public, and by my core beliefs.  Through maintaining traits such as my curiosity and integrity, I am able to emphasize conversation with the goal of creating meaningful experiences that can inspire appreciation for nature.  Interpreting Culture and Natural Heritage for a Better World, the authors emphasize that the role of an interpreter is to create connections between the natural environment and visitors, where the use of of different artistic elements can create a more meaningful interpretation (Beck, Cable & Knudson, 2018).

Beliefs that Guide my work

For my approach to interpreting nature, the foundational beliefs that influence my interactions are with the way I present information and interact with people.  These beliefs that I will go more in depth to, inform how I conduct myself as a guardian of natures world and how I communicate.

Nature is interconnected

One truth about nature that speaks to me is how interconnected it is.  Every organism, ranging from the smallest microbe to the largest tree, plays a vital role in supporting ecosystems.  Taking time to create an understanding of these connections helps to create such an appreciation for our world.  When people actually see their actions and the impact it can have on the environment, either positively or negatively, they are likely to take the responsibility for protecting it.

Nature is for everyone

The access we have to the environment and to environmental educational shouldn’t be a privelage.  Personally, I believe that individuals should all have the opportunity to be able to connect with nature.  To do this, barriers to access need to be broken, interpretation should be inclusive, and it should ensure that diverse perspectives are all inclused and represented when discussing the natural world.

Education is important for creating conversation

Awareness begins with conversation.  Many environmental issues stem from a lack of knowledge.  So, providing informative, engaging, and key experiences, I feel like I can help individuals to understand the importance of education through conversation to have a better chance of leading to sustainable decisions being made.  Whether this is from explaining the effects of climate change, or the importance of pollinators, education is a key tool when protecting the environment.  Jacob Rodenburg highlights the importance of education in his article stating that, “Leaving kids indoors cuts them off from the knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a living being that shares a world with other living beings” (Rodenburg, 2019).  He further goes on to say that children learn about the natural world through stories and being outside in the environment.

Authenticity

With all of this being said, making sure the information I present is ethical, science-based and accurate is my responsibility.  This means checking sources and acknowledging any scientific uncertainty in order to not misrepresent facts.

Responsibilities of a Nature Interpreter

As a nature interpreter, with all of those beliefs in mind, comes responsibilities.  These responsibilities will influence my approach to storytelling, interactions with audiences, and my representation of the natural world.  

Facilitate learning and promote curiosity

My goal is to inspire others' curiosity and help facilitate their learning.  Instead of just presenting factual information, I want to really engage my audience so that it encourages them to ask questions and trigger their critical thinking.  When they can form their own conclusions, it means that I have effectively helped to deepen their connection with nature.

Ethical storytelling 

Telling stories are some of the most powerful tools for a nature interpreter.  If you are able to create a story well-told that can inspire actions, evoke emotions, and make scientific information relatable, that is key.  I will avoid any misinformation, ensuring that the stories don’t reinforce any inaccuracies about nature.

Promoting/practicing environmental stewardship

As a nature interpreter, leading by example is critical.  The principles that I promote (conservation and sustainability) I will embody, which means practicing that responsible behaviour.  With this, part of my responsibility is to create meaningful experiences to promote to audiences to take meaningful actions contributing to environmental stewardship.

Learning/adapting continuously

Nature is continuously changing, which means our understanding of it also shift constantly.  To be a nature interpreter, when things are always changing, I will commit to continuous learning.  This includes staying up to date on research and getting feedback on my methods.  Adapting is also important, so that I can always be prepared to change my approach depending on an audiences needs or new scientific developments.

Approaches that Suit Me

Every Nature interpreter is different and will have their own style of approach that aligns with their strengths, personality, and communication.  To me, the most effective methods involve engagement, experimental learning, and inquiry-based interpretation.  With social media being a huge part of our daily lives, we can use available technologies to enhance citizens' interactions with the environment, science, and education (Wals, 2014).

Hands on/experimental learning: I believe many people learn best when they are actively engaged.  Even sensory-based experiences (touch, see, hear, smell) can strengthen the audiences understanding and connections.

Inquiry-based interpretation: Instead of me giving out all the answers, I encourage questions.  This guides individuals to make their own discoveries to further a deeper connection with nature.  Promoting people to critically think helps with the visitors engagement with the material.

Passion and enthusiasm: Being passionate is contagious.  Whenever I share my excitement and knowledge about nature, it will engage the audience naturally and make their experience overall more enjoyable.  Whether I am talking about wildlife, leading a nature walk or showing how ecosystems function, being enthusiastic will inspire others and promote their own development of their wonder and appreciation of nature.

Ultimate Goals

Inspire stewardship

Deeper appreciation for our natural world

Even small changes can have a ripple effect

Foster respect, curiosity, responsible behaviour

We are a part of nature, not separate from it

Feeling connected to our environment

Advocate protection so future generations experience the same wonders

Conclusion

My role as a nature interpreter is to bridge that gap between individuals and the natural world.  This is an ongoing journey for me that requires learning, adapting, and continuous reflection.  I can create meaningful experiences by grounding my approach through the principles of education, inclusivity, integrity, and interconnectedness.  Through engagement, hands-on learning, and storytelling, my goal is to inspire others to appreciate nature and take an active role in conserving it.  By broadening participation from communities, stewardship and environmental science is important for the acknowledgement that human behaviour has when determining environmental conditions (Merenlender, 2016). Nature interpretation is about more than spreading information; it’s about fostering connections, responsibilities, and a sense of wonder.  I hope to help make positive impacts on not just the planet, but on individuals as well. 

References 

Arjen E. J. Wals et al., Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education.Science344,583-584(2014).DOI:10.1126/science.1250515

Merenlender, A.M., Crall, A.W., Drill, S., Prysby, M. and Ballard, H. (2016), Evaluating environmental education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs. Conservation Biology, 30: 1255-1265. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12737

Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope. Clearing Magazine. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300 Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture.

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Blog 9: Blue lakes of Alberta

As I’m sure everyone knows by now, I love talking about my experiences living in Banff, Alberta. The Rockies have a way of speaking to your soul, and once they do, you can’t help but share their magic with others. Today, I want to take you to one of the most jaw-dropping sights in nature. The unbelievably blue lakes of Alberta.

If you’ve ever seen a photo of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake or Peyto Lake, you know exactly what I mean. These lakes aren’t just blue, they’re an unimaginable bright turquoise, so unreal that they seem fake. Before I saw them in person, I was convinced that every photo I’d seen was edited. No way the water could be that colour. Then, the day came when I saw Lake Louise for the first time.

Picture this:

You’re finishing the last stretch of a hike. The air smells like fresh pine, the earthy tones of the forest surround you, and the sky is a crisp clear blue. As you take those final steps to the lookout, suddenly, there it is, a shimmering turquoise lake, sparkling like diamonds against the earthy tones of mountains. It looks fake, like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

The first time I saw these lakes, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Moraine Lake are some of the most photographed places in Canada, and now I understood why. Growing up in Ontario, I was used to deep blue, murky and brownish green lakes. Beautiful, sure, but nothing like this. This was something I expected to see in the Swiss Alps, not in my own country.

So what exactly makes them this unreal colour?

The answer lies in the glacial flour, tiny rock particles created when glaciers grind against the mountains over thousands of years (Canadian Rockies, 2024). When the snow from winter melts off the glaciers in the spring and summer, they carry this flour into the lakes. The particles are suspended in the water, and scatter sunlight. The lake absorbs reds and yellows and reflect intense blues and greens. This is what gives the lakes their vivid turquoise colour (Canadian Rockies, 2024). They are most vivid in the summer when there is more glacial flour present. The two photos below are Peyto Lake (left) and Moraine lake (right).

Winter also brings a different magic to these lakes.

In winter, these lakes freeze over and become stunning outdoor skating rinks. Peyto lake, in particular is famous for its crystal-clear ice. When it freezes, you can see deep below the surface where captured air bubbles and rocks lie below.

One of the coolest phenomena I’ve ever seen is candle ice. In early spring, as the lakes start to melt, the ice doesn’t just disappear into chunks. The ice breaks into long, needle like formations, that look like delicate glass rods floating in the water. This happens because the lakes (already close to frozen) form ice so quickly in the winter that ice crystals develop at an accelerated rate. This is called flash freezing. When melting begins in spring, the ice separates into its unique candlestick structure. There are thousands of these ice pieces floating through the water, but this only occurs for a limited time when melting first starts to happen. I have added a video from the first time I discovered candle ice.

During my time in Banff, I worked at the Fairmont hotel, where I constantly met visitors from all over the world. Guests constantly asked about the lakes, mountains, and wildlife. Without even realizing it, I became an environmental interpreter by helping people connect with nature through education. The textbook states “Local interpreters can set a goal to help all residents of a locality, and visitors, to learn the historical and natural features of the area” (Beck et al. 2018, p460). As more guests asked me questions, I started to develop an interest in sharing my knowledge. I asked locals, read signs, and researched the science behind the lakes, so that I could give people interesting and accurate answers. I realized how important it is to share these facts, so people weren’t just seeing a pretty lake, but witnessing an incredible natural process at work.

These three lakes aren’t just famous landscapes, they are living proof of the power of glaciers, geology and evolution. They have reminded me that nature is interconnected, and our ecosystems are fragile. We are lucky to witness such beautiful things. If you ever get a chance to visit, I promise you, no photo or video can compare to what it’s like to stand in front of these lakes.

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

Reggiani, J. (2024, July 17). Have you ever seen candle ice? prepare to be wowed. IFLScience. https://www.iflscience.com/have-you-ever-seen-candle-ice-prepare-to-be-wowed-75142

What makes the Canadian rockies’ Lakes So Blue and unique? Discover Canada Tours. (2024, November 28). https://www.discovercanadatours.com/blog/what-makes-the-canadian-rockies-lakes-so-blue-and-unique/#:~:text=As%20glacial%20meltwater%20carries%20sediments,exibiting%20breathtaking%20shades%20of%20blue.

[ilenvs3000w25]

Hi Cayla!

I really enjoyed reading your blog post about the blue lakes of Alberta.  Your description of Alberta’s glacier lakes helps me to really be able to visualize the scenery.  Not only do you help capture the scenery, but also the emotions that are tied to witnessing something as amazing as this!  I like how you also included the science that goes behind the colours of the lakes-glacier flour is an incredible natural phenomenon!  I think it is amazing that something just as simple as these tiny rock particles can create such a beautiful sight…makes me really appreciate the little things in life.  Nature is full of all these complex processes that make these profound landscapes what they are.  Your mention of candle ice also fascinated me, as I have never heard of this before, but now am intrigued.  The thought of ice needles just floating on the surface of the lakes for a brief time in spring makes me really appreciate how dynamic nature is.  Not only did you just visit a place and admire the beauty of the view, but your analysis and deep understanding gives this special place a whole new level of appreciation.  I like how you incorporated your own experience of working at the Fairmont hotel and the connection between it and how it naturally made you an environmental interpreter.  It is a great reminder that nature is something that can be shared through personal experiences, and your passion has helped deepend my understanding.  It is easy to think of a place like this as a picture-perfect postcard, however your perspective and personal experiences reminds us that even these kinds of landscapes are evolving, living-ecosystems that are shaped by climate and time.  Specifically, its like how you mentioned that these ecosystems are fragile.  This makes me reflect on how vital it is to protect places such as these lakes, so future generations can also be there to admire the view as well.

Cool pictures!  Great post!

[ilenvs3000w25]

Unit 9- Amazing Thing About Nature

The Hidden Language of Trees:

For today’s blog post I want to talk about something in nature that truly amazes me.  Something that has always fascinated me was how trees can “talk.”  When you first walk into a forest it always seems pretty quiet and all you hear is mostly the sound of birds chirping, leaves rustling, or maybe even the trickling of a stream.  However, what we don’t always realize or don’t always think of is the conversations trees are having.  Trees are always in active communication with one another to warn, protect, and nurture each other.  What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word forest?  I myself, and maybe even you, will first think of trees.  A Forest is a collection of trees, but also is an interconnected community that works together in ways that we are only beginning to understand.  

The Underground Web

Trees don’t just fend for themselves, they actually help one another out.  What I find interesting is that they can send nutrients and carbon to other trees.  For example, if a younger tree is struggling to get sunlight, an older tree in that area can send the nutrients the younger tree needs in order to survive.  Even when one tree is sick, others can send extra nourishment to help keep that tree alive.  The forest is not just a battleground of competition between species, but also a community that is built on cooperation.  

Trees that Warn and Protect

Imagine an insect infestation coming to invade a forest.  The tree that is under attack does not just simply suffer in silence, and instead can release chemicals that signal through their roots and into the air to send a message to other trees.  In the response, neighbouring trees can now help to produce signals as a defense.  This can make their leaves seem less appealing to the invading insects.  That same warning system isn’t just for insects, but also for environmental conditions as well.  Some trees can actually detect certain environmental conditions to help prepare for threats (ex. To conserve water in dry conditions).  This “hidden” language of the trees is fascinating and essential for their survival.

What does this Mean?

If you stop to understand the communication between trees, it can change the way you see forests.  So think, when a tree is cut down, it is not just a single organism being removed; it is disrupting a whole community.  It’s severing conditions and silencing part of an ancient and “hidden” conversation, one that has been happening beneath our feet for millions of years.  The next time you are walking through a forest, remember that it is not just a collection of trees, but it is a living, communicating, breathing network.  They are a society with complex connections and an “unspoken” language that we are just beginning to be able to decode and understand.

[sfenvs3000w25]

Blog 7: The Harmonious Bond: Exploring the Interconnection Between Nature and Music

Both significantly and intensely connected are the elements of nature and music which each reflect and influence each other immensely. Within the natural world exists a landscape of endless sonic patterns including melodies performed by birds of an intricate manner and the waves of the ocean- ever rhythmic with its crashes and flow. In “The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music,” Gray et al. (2001) specifically reveal the musical qualities of harmony, melody, and rhythm as they pertain to vocalizations from animals and other environmentally produced sounds. Including variations of tones and repeated elements commonly found in human musical compositions are the songs of whales for example, which supports the notion that musicality is an intrinsic component of the natural world rather than an entity exclusive to mankind. 

My result of searching "music and nature". I chose to include this photo as it stuck with me greatly. To me, it is portraying the wind whistling to be like music, which is always what I hear when its windy.

Traditional folk music itself is reflective of a culture’s widespread and deep connections with nature. Similarly, Sahi (2011) highlights that within Finnish folk traditions exist the use of music as a means to share and spread the sacred nature of the natural landscape thus resulting in embedded sounds of the natural environment into their cultural identity. Created from naturally occurring materials, various instruments including drums formed of animal skins and flutes crafted of wood, bring together the environment with the expressions of music. Musial compositions often reveal a mimicking of sounds found in nature as evidenced in Vivaldi’s Four Seasons where the violin generates the imitation of birds singing and sounds of a thunderstorm.

Different ways that people connect music with nature, and the list goes on!

The interconnectedness between nature and music exists beyond mere composition and enters into the world of human experience. Nature offers a source which is most powerful in terms of inspiration whereby both composers and listeners alike find joy and complexity in its offerings. “Interpreting to the Masses” a chapter within our textbook sheds light on the manner in which one’s interpretation of music as well as the visual arts and literary world works to mold a person’s environmental connections. Music performs the role of allowing people to connect to nature in fresh ways, where the solemness of an Autumn forest or the tumultuous vibrations of a summer's storm can be experienced through sound.

Transporting me to a natural landscape is the song by Fleetwood Mac titled Landslide where the acoustic guitar, played most gently coupled with intensely introspective lyrics bring to memory long walks hiking in the Northumberland Forest where vast landscapes bring to mind both a sense of change and reflection. The themes of transformation and time mimic the shifting seasons and the impermanence of nature, offering an evocative song for immersing oneself in the outdoors. Undoubtedly for many, music such as this song can become interwoven with outdoor memories of campfires, camping and hikes.

What I picture when I think of the term "Landslide", also a song as I discussed by Fleetwood Mac and the amazing Stevie Nicks!

Whether through the imitation of birdsong in classical compositions, the use of organic instruments in folk traditions, or personal associations between songs and landscapes, the connection between the two remains undeniable.

Evidently, both nature and music coexist in a relationship which is reciprocal, whereby nature is inspired by music and music in turn broadens our appreciation for the environment as a whole. By means of imitation of the songs of birds as found within the compositions of the Classics, or through the use of instruments fashioned from natural elements as found throughout many folk traditions, or even through personal connections between landscapes and songs, the interconnectedness of music and nature is evident.'

Birds singing away in nature. This is what I picture when I think of nature and music- the beautiful songs of birds.

[ilenvs3000w25]

Hi Skylar!

Your blog post for this weeks topic was fun to read!  You made many great points as to how music and nature are interconnected.  The way you highlighted the musicality found within the natural world-rhythmic crashing of waves and unique melodies of birds- really emphasizes that music is a part of our existence and not just a human creation.  Ther reference made to Gray et al. (2001) further supports this idea, explaining how whale songs can mirror some elements of human musical composition, which reinforces that nature composes its own symphonies itself.  Another point I enjoyed reading was the connection made between traditional folk music and the environment.  Across the world, cultures have long used different, natural materials to create instruments, which blend the elements of nature with musical expression.  Your reflection about Fleetwood Mac’s song Landslide resonates deeply.  I agree that music is very powerful and can evoke emotions and memories that help to transport us to places that resonate with us strongly.  The way you were able to connect the theme of change using the song, to your reflection of hiking in Northumberland Forest is a great example of how music has the ability to enhance our connections with nature.  In all, your discussion post does a great job at capturing the harmony between the natural world and music, while showing how they can shape and inspire one another in profound ways.  

Great job!

[ilenvs3000w25]

Unit 7- Nature Interpretation Through Music

Music or inspirations for music can ber found virtually everywhere in nature.  Music has always been woven into the world before humans even started composing symphonies or writing notes on paper.   You may have not thought about it before, but if you stop to listen to the sound of ocean waves crashing, raindrops falling on leaves, the whistling of the wind…this is where music in nature has always been.  Our natural world has always been continuously pulses with music, and as humans, we are the listeners that tune in.  Perhaps that is why music is such an important part of our lives.

Where is music in nature?

Nature is musical.  Ranging from birds composing unique, intricate songs, the sound of whales melodies that echo through the ocean, to insects like cicadas and crickets forming their own beautiful symphony.  Nature doesn’t just contain sounds, it also serves to create different rhythms, harmonies and melodies all on its own.  To me, the most mesmerizing examples of where you find music in nature is from the animal kingdom.  All of the different species having their own unique sounds they compose is very fascinating.  The thought of crickets and their chorus they produce at night, even cicadas loud sounds during the day, brings me back to the thought of warm summer days and nights and all the memories created then.  Not just animals are making music in nature, but landscapes do as well.  The loud, booming sound of thunder that follows with a flash is just one example that creates its own rhythmic sounds.  If you stop to think deeper, the sound in nature isn’t just noise; it has structure, patterns and even emotions just like a song does.  

Where is nature in music?

If nature is musical, then music must also be a reflection of nature.  Our natural world has always had an influence in the way we experience and create music.  If you have noticed, many composers throughout time have been influenced and twill take their inspiration directly from nature.  Not only are composers’ inspiration drawn from nature, but nature is present in music throught materials that are used to make it.  Materials like wood for wooden flutes, or strings for a guitar, they are all found from the organic life that they have originated from.  Even nowadays, in a more electronic-based age, music producers will still use nature as an inspiration and sometimes will layer the sound of thunder or ocean waves into their compositions.

As for a song that takes me back to a natural landscape, I would say “The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin.  When this song starts to play, it immediately makes me think of being at the edge of a coastline, with the sounds of waves pounding against the rocks, with the wind blowing.  In the first few moments of the song, the rhythm feels like a pulse of a rough and wild ocean.  This song brings me back to thoughts of summer, and it makes me think of being on a roadtrip with the sound of the open sea in the background.  

Music and nature are intertwined and both echo one another in ways that are obvious and subtle.  All these natural sounds have created a “soundtrack” that we have been listening to since the beginning of time.  Music draws inspiration from the world around us, evoking certain emotions that I think are inherent in ourselves.  I believe that is why certain songs make us think of places we have visited and the memories that were created there.   Have you ever heard a song that instead transports you to a place that you have never visited?

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Unit 6- Nature Interpretation Through History

Edward Hyams’ quote allows us to challenge the way that we think about history and how it is relevant to the present.  His statement about a memory, integrity, and the illusion of leaving the past behind us is a reminder to us all that history has built a living foundation of who we are, and not just collections of old facts.  When Hyams says, “There is no particular merit in ancient things” he is challenging the tendency that people have to idiolize the past.  Hyams goes on to say that, “But there is merit in integrity” speaking to the wholeness of something (like an individual's identity or culture) in this context.  Integrity is dependent on continuity, and if parts of the past are scattered across time, maintaining that integrity requires you to understand and remember the past to ground your direction for the future.  Having memory and knowledge of the past are essential for integrity and if we start to discard or ignore history, our sense of self also gets fragmented as both a society and as individuals.  It is important to remember the past because we do not lose those threads that connect us to and influence our values.  Having an understanding of where we come from allows us to be able to build an informed future, rather than building a future that is blindly repeating mistakes from the past.  I like the analogy that Hyams uses when he is comparing dismissing the past to believing that railway stations do not exist once our train has passed through them.  This railway station analogy is highlighting the flaw in the assumption that history is “over” just because we have proceeded to move on in time.  You can think of it in such a way that the railway station is remaining real and continues to serve travelers, just like ideas and historical events continually shape the future and even still do so in the present.  Although it may be hard to look at it in such a way as we no longer are existing in that moment, the effects still continue to ripple forward.  So, forgetting history is not just an intellectual loss, but it is also weakening our ability to navigate and actually understand the present.  

Why does this matter today?  Well, in our generation especially with rapidly advancing technology and social media that is so influential in our society, many individuals may view history as a burden, rather than seeing it as an asset.  Many people also say that we should only focus on what is to come and what is new (focus on the future) and that the past is obsolete.  What I find interesting is that Hyams’ quote gives insight to us that is actually warning us about thinking in that kind of way.  Progressing forward does not strictly mean we need to break past connections with history. Rather it is to engage with the past and learn from it in order to move forward.  History is something that is within us, not something that is simply behind us.  Whether speaking to societal values, personal identity, or cultural heritage, integrity is dependent on integrating and remembering the past and being able to carry that into the present/future.  

Think of it like this: Ignoring history would be like erasing those train tracks that are left behind a train as it travels and pretending that the journey has a new start at each station.  When in reality, those tracks still remain and are leading us forward, even if we choose to ignore them.

If we dont acknowledge our history, how can that impact our decisions and values when moving forward?

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Education is Everything: Nature Interpretation Though Science

Nature Interpretation through Science 

After completing this week’s readings, my thoughts lie with how crucial it is that we develop proper education for others for the good of society. Education is so powerful in general. In the same sense, a lack of education can be very detrimental. We see a lack of education more than ever nowadays with the quick spread of information on the internet. 

In the age where we have social media at our fingertips, it is so easy for fake news to spread quickly. If you take 5 minutes to scroll on any social media, whether it's TikTok or Instagram, and so on, you will likely be flooded with several opinions on many different matters, whether you were looking for them or not. So, now more than ever, especially regarding the current state of the environment, it is important that we spread the word to others on basic scientific and media literacy, and how to fact check what they are hearing. 

There are many current environmental issues, whether global or local to a specific region, that are crucial for a general population to understand so a change can be made! For many of you, climate change may be what comes to mind. As we know, climate change affects everyone, and we live in a time where we need scientific knowledge to collaborate with “citizen science” as referred to by Wals et al. (2014). According to Wals et al., “citizen science” refers to “community-based local monitoring of changes in the environment using simple data acquisition devices and communication tools” (2014). Ultimately citizen science can foster an engagement between the public and science in terms of environmental issues, and collaboration between the public and local/global scientists. In this way, we can translate crucial scientific knowledge and ensure community accessibility and understanding of environmental science to take action in the form of environmental stewardship. 

I am so thankful for my scientific education and ability to read and understand articles, or hear a fact and be able to look for backed up articles and trusted sources to confirm it. I know this is not the case for everybody. Environmental education and scientific education must be able to work in tandem in an accessible and public-friendly manner, and this has been proven to be effective in helping society learn about addressing "sustainability challenges” (Wals et al., 2014). 

There are many steps that can be taken in enhancing the integration of environmental and scientific education, including educated, trusted people taking to social media to describe how we can truly trust science. For me personally, learning about the scientific method helped me learn to trust science a lot, as well as truly respect the hard work that scientists and researchers put into their careers.  

Nature interpreters, as nature experts, have the power to bridge the science-environmental education gap, and promote important discussions in the public.  Of course, interpretation programs should be fun and engaging, but since the interpreters and the programs themselves have the privilege of connecting with the audience, the messages they choose to send can be very powerful and deep.

Research was done in California and Virginia, where they examined two regional naturalist programs, to get a sense of how participants took action in their communities and demonstrate environmental stewardship (Merenlender et al., 2016). As a result, it was found the participants in the programs generally “increased their content knowledge about ecosystems, had greater confidence in conserving them, and continued to engage as citizen scientists after completing the program” (Merenlender et al., 2016). This is great, and shows that passion and participation in educational programs can really inspire people to help change the world for the better. 

Everyone has the power to be environmentally responsible. Some people just may not have the education to spark that passion for science and the environment. Interpreters can play a huge role in this where they may inspire and educate the public in a way that helps them understand and feel passionate towards the environment. It would change the way they interpret the nature around them, knowing more important context about the environment backed by science, and knowing how to trust science. Knowledge is everything! 

Something that really impacted me was hearing about the “Climate Clock,” which you can learn more about by clicking this link: https://climateclock.world/

This clock encourages us to act in time to limit global warming and reach “zero emissions”. I encourage you to check it out. 

Was there any moment/something you learned that really sparked your passion for science and the environment?

Let me know,

Kattrina 

References 

Merenlender, A. M., Crall, A. W., Drill, S., Prysby, M., & Ballard, H. (2016). Evaluating Environmental Education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs. Conservation Biology, 30(6), 1255–1265. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12737

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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Hi Kattrina!

I really enjoyed reading your post for this week!  We are at an age where social media is a huge part of our daily lives, with the constant spread of different and/or false news.  This makes it hard sometimes to understand what is truly going on throughout the world, and so I try my best to not not believe everything that I see on social media.  I agree with your point about how these news articles should be fact-checked and that we should be using more of a scientific literacy lens.  Especially nowadays, there are many significant environmental issues where social media could be beneficiary in spreading awareness, but unfortunately is mostly false.  I too am thankful for having a scientific education so that I can actually understand what the articles are telling us and be able to back the facts up.  Instead of just reading a social media post that is of interest to me and believing it right away, I find myself doing further research to ensure all of the true facts.  However, this can be tricky for many individuals who don't have that scientific background so there can be many challenges when trying to incorporate a more science and environmental basis.  Overall, I really liked your social media take on this topic as it made me reflect on previous misinformation that I have read through social media, and how we can take action to reduce this.

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Unit 5 Blog

Upon reading the article linked in our course for week five, I found it to be interesting and what I would like to talk about for this week's blog.  The article “Convergence Between Science and Environmental Educaton” looks at exploring the integration of both science education (SE) and environmental education (EE) to address the fundamental socioecological challenges to individuals.  This raises questions related to how we can effectively incorporate the two in the curriculum together.  How can environmental issues be taught without compromising scientific principles?  What education levels should this be integrated or considered?  And would integrating this environmental education actually lead to students taking action?  Throughout the article, the idea is to converge the two educational approaches together to foster a more extensive understanding of environmental issues.  Related to science education, there is an emphasis on developing skills, having an understanding of scientific concepts, and being able to apply scientific methods.  On the other hand, environmental education focuses more on promoting sustainable behaviour and raising awareness about environmental issues.  By aligning these two different disciplines, a holistic learning experience can be created by educators.  Not only imparting the base scientific knowledge, but also influencing individuals to take action and responsibility for environmental issues.  I believe that a benefit that would arise from merging these two approaches is that it would help to enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  For me, when I apply scientific knowledge/principals into the real-world, it helps me to expand my own deeper understanding, which I believe could help others too.  By understanding both the complexities of environmental issues as well as the science that is involved, this approach can create an important learning experience that would prepare students for the socioecological complexities of the future.  In addition, integrating both environmental education and sciene education can also promote interdisciplinary learning.  Environmental issues alone are complex and requires knowledge from different disciplines, so by converging the two, it would foster students to make connections between different fields, creating a more comprehensive understanding of the issues presented.  However, this is easier said than done and achieving this kind of a convergence would present some challenges at hand.  A shift in development of educational curriculums, and educational training would be required, because now there needs to be a successful integration of the environmental topics into a science curriculum.  Students would also need to be evaluated of their understanding at a scientific level and their ability to apply that knowledge to different environmental issues.  Overall, merging both environmental education and science education would assure individuals would be engaged in addressing the socioecological challenges.  The integration of these two principles would provide an interdisciplinary learning experience for students that fosters them to have a sense of responsibility toward the environment, while developing their critical thinking skills.  Although there are many challenges for implementing this approach, the benefits are worthwhile.  

How has your education shaped the way that you think about environmental issues? 

Do you think this is somehting that should be mandatory to teach in the curriculum, or more of an elective?

Reference: Arjen E. J. Wals et al.,Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education.Science344,583-584(2014).DOI:10.1126/science.1250515

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Unit 4

Interpreting nature through art seems personal and universal to me. On one hand, nature's vastness and complexity may be intimidating. How can one individual ever completely grasp the basics? However, I feel that each individual has a useful, distinct perspective, which is what distinguishes natural interpretation via art. It's not about catching everything precisely; it's about expressing my own connection to the world around me and sharing it with others in a way that they, too, may find meaningful.

For me, interpreting nature through art is about expressing the thoughts and experiences that nature provokes in me rather than trying to imitate each component I discover. When I look at a landscape, I see more than simply trees, rocks, and mountains.

I watch how the light touches the leaves, how peaceful I feel when I'm in nature, and how a sight changes depending on the time of day or season. Painting allows me to slow down and focus on these things in ways I would not be able to accomplish otherwise.Brushstrokes, colors, and textures all become ways for me to express something other than words. Nature talks to me in a spiritual manner, and when I produce art inspired by it, I share a bit of that connection with others. When it comes to understanding "the gift of beauty," I see beauty as something more than just aesthetics.

To me, beauty is more than what we see with our eyes; it is also what we feel in our hearts. Nature causes me to pause and breathe more deeply, and the sight of a growing flower reminds me of hope. Nature's beauty isn't always visible; it might be in the tranquil moment of watching the sunset or in the way the sky changes color before a storm. These moments are blessings because they increase my awareness, presence, and appreciation for the environment around me.

The "gift of beauty" is something I aim to capture in my artwork. Whether I'm painting a landscape or drawing a tree, I'm attempting to express my sentiments about its beauty in visual form. Art, for me, is a method of interpreting these gifts and sharing them with others so that they, too, may appreciate the beauty I've experienced, but in their own unique manner. Art helps me to slow down and actually interact with nature, which is a gift in itself. In a fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook these moments of beauty, and art helps me not only recognize but also remember them.

Nature's beauty is so vast and ever-changing that no single interpretation can entirely capture it, but each individual's perspective contributes something significant to the overall image. My interpretation through art is only one way of expressing that beauty, but it is a genuine and significant contribution. By sharing my own connection to nature, I help others experience it in a new light, inspiring their own enjoyment.

Nature's treasures are all around us, ready to be seen and cherished, and I use art to capture and share those moments. My work may just be a little part of nature's story, but it is an essential one, and by sharing it, I help to foster better knowledge and respect for the environment we all share.

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Hi Yasmine!

I enjoyed reading through your blog for this weeks topic!  It appears that we both agree, that with relation to interpreting nature through art, it heavily depends on the individual themselves.  Each individual has their own unique perspective towards what they believe is considered “art” which leads them to each make their own meaningful connections to the world around them.  As you had mentioned in your blog, for you, painting is a way that helps you to connect to nature through art, which I think is a great way to interpret and connect with nature.  As a painter, through different elements such as colour, form, and texture, you get to evoke emotion through your own perspective.  Through abstraction, it allows the artist to emphasize different elements in the natural world to capture their own truth.  In addition, I agree with your point about how “the gift of beauty” is more than just what we see with our naked eye, but rather what we can feel inside.  It is also about how we create a meaningful experience with what we see in that natural world, because it is really our mind and our heart that give it the depth.  Relating that back to your artwork, the gift of beauty also allows you to share your interpretation with others, to evoke a meaningful response in them as well.  However, whats interesting is that you will connect and see your artwork in a way that others would not, and what's fascinating is that each individuals interpretation of nature through art is going to be vastly different.

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Blog #4: Interpreting Nature Through Art

Who am I to interpret nature through art?  To me, being able to interpret nature through art is to take in the essence of what we observe in the natural world, and then translate that to create an experience.  It is not necessarily about trying to impose a meaning, but rather to reflect on what is already there (serenity, chaos, textures, moods, etc) and being able to project those interpretations back through a personal lens.  The way nature speaks to us is not through dialogue, but through colours, patterns and movements.  Focusing on capturing these meanings and feelings and creating relationships that nature has to offer, can really make you appreciate a small moment in time.  Each individual gets to choose what resonates with them the most and interpret those elements through their own perspectives.  Being an interpreter allows us to take an experience and create a connection that feels personal.  When I first think of interpreting nature through art, I think of the Maldives blue glowing beaches.  To me, this phenomena truly captivates the magic of nature.  What comes to mind when I first think of these beaches is serenity and peacefulness because it is something almost magical or spiritual, and as an interpreter, we get to be the ones who reflect this wonder.  Another way I interpret nature through art is through tattoos.  I have a tattoo of a few butterflies and a rose which is my way of capturing something that I feel is beautiful in nature and embodying it.  Tattoos are a way of telling stories which are personal to that individual, in a way that marks their connections to the natural world.  They are meant to last with you, and as you grow older, they start to fade like many things do in nature.  As for “the gift of beauty” I see it as a way of interpreting the world and recognizing the little things that nature has to offer, such as something as simple as looking at a nice sunset, or watching waves roll through the ocean.  Calling beauty a gift is suggesting that it is something that has to be accepted and given, where the observer is the one who brings it into focus.  The gift of beauty is continuously being left behind by individuals through different expressions such as art, kindness, words, and even through ink and tattoos.  To embrace the gift of beauty and to interpret nature through art go hand in hand in which a main factor connecting the two is presence.  These two both require individuals to recognize and reflect on how nature is presented in the world and to translate that into something that others can relate to or invoke thoughts and emotions on their own.  We are the ones in control, where we get to create our own interpretation that resonates with us.  To be able to interpret nature through art, we have to be able to recognize and share the gift of nature’s beauty.  Does the gift of nature feel more like something that needs to be experienced rather than defined?

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Blog #3: Privilege

My definition of privilege is the advantage of more benefits over those of a particular person or group of people. In society we often talk about the hand we’re dealt in life. Some people are born more privileged than others by being a certain race/ethnicity, residing in a good neighborhood, having access to food/education and monetary wealth. This can lead to better opportunities in the workforce and fewer societal barriers. Privilege plays various roles in nature and nature interpretation from the level of education provided to the ease of access to said education. I also want to dive deeper into Darwin’s theory of natural selection and how adaptive traits contribute to privilege. 

When I think about my own privilege I consider myself very fortunate. I grew up in a family that allowed me access to various opportunities including university and travelling around the world. We also had access to a decent amount of nature in our backyard and to hiking trails around the city. This gave me the opportunity to explore my relationship with nature and grow a fondness of nature walks to improve my physical and mental well-being. I also had the privilege to work at a cafe during the summer to save up for books to educate myself, further enriching my experience with the environment around me. 

Nature interpretation is all about being able to immerse yourself in the environment which is why having access to those areas is crucial. As I mentioned above, I am fortunate to be living in an area with many hiking trails and national parks within a short drive from my house. When it comes to natural spaces, three types of privilege are: economic, geographic and physical. Oftentimes, parks will require visitors to pay a fee for using the facilities thus only allowing those who have the resources access to the park. The textbook dives deeper into economic barriers citing “the lack of personal vehicle or public transportation” (pg. 133). This can be true especially in rural areas where public transportation is scarce or even in urbanized business spaces where a car would be useful to travel to more remote locations. Additionally, some areas may have parks and trails nearby however, they are difficult to gain access to due to infrastructure or unsafe terrain conditions making them physically inaccessible. 

  Furthermore, nature interpretation encompasses the teaching of nature’s history and providing people with information to interpret on their own. If we are selective in the topics we teach or who we hire to teach them, this can lead to the feeling of exclusion. Chapter 7 of the textbook heavily discusses the idea of increasing employee diversity to include those of various ethnicities. I believe this is a major issue when it comes to privilege because if we don’t hire those with varying perspectives we won’t be educated on different versions of history. 

Lastly, I want to touch on Darwin’s theory of natural selection because I believe that adaptive traits play a big role in natural privilege. Though it doesn’t directly relate to nature interpretation, if certain species are born with more weapons or defense mechanisms they will have a better chance at survival. For example, lions are privileged in the context of nature because they are massive in size and have large claws that allow them to effectively hunt prey. Privilege comes in many shapes and sizes and can be interpreted differently by various individuals.

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Hi Julia!

I enjoyed reading your blog for this week’s topic!  We both seem to agree that education and access play a huge role regarding privilege and nature interpretation.  These are just two of many critical factors that determine which individuals have a better opportunity with understanding, experiencing, and engaging in natural environments.  Individuals that have a higher level of education are more likely to have been more exposed to formal environmental education, allowing them to connect their knowledge to nature. These individuals also are more likely to be aware of different outdoor environmental policies and recreational opportunities.  The role of access also comes into play, where access to nature is another key factor that's influenced by privilege.  I too consider myself fortunate that I grew up with having access to these various opportunities.  This also allowed me to be able to develop a meaningful connection with nature, ever since I was young.  I like your point about how you have developed such a fondness for nature that it has led to improving your mental and physical health.  With this now in mind, I can say that having such a good connection with nature, has allowed me to improve my mental well-being as well.  Unfortunately, many natural spaces are located far away which require money for transportation and often there is a fee even to get into the park itself. These travel costs and entrance fees make these nature experiences inaccessible for many.  Your last point including Darwin’s theory of natural selection made a great end to your point, and overall I agree that privilege is interpreted by everyone differently, so addressing these disparities we can make nature a more welcoming and accessible experience for all.

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Blog 3: Privilege in Nature

When we first hear the word privilege, oftentimes we first think of it as the benefits and advantages that some individuals, or groups of individuals, posses due to factors such as gender, race, social and economic background.  These factors influence opportunities, experiences, and access to resources.  However, privilege can also be applied to the interpretation of nature and can influence who has access to certain natural spaces such as forests and parks, and how individuals connect with those spaces. 

Individuals considered privileged often have a greater access to these natural spaces due to their geographic proximity to them and financial resources.  These individuals have a greater access to greenspaces due to living in wealthier areas with lots of parks, transportation options, and leisure time for plating outdoors.  Having easier access to undeveloped, natural areas plays a significant role in how an individual experiences and connects with nature.  However for many, barriers to access these areas such as from lack of available transportation or financial constraints limits the experience of some individuals as well.  Participating in outdoor activities requires a financial investment in equipment, transportation and fees for parks, which can affect individuals with lower-income and limit their engagement with these nature-based programs.  Many natural spaces also lack the infrastructure to accommodate individuals with disabilities, such as easy assessable restrooms, trails, and alternate formats of materials (audio guide, braille).  This can lead to individuals feeling unsafe or unwelcome in those natural spaces, due to discrimination, historical exclusion, or lack of representation and programming, reinforcing systemic inequalities. 

Access to natural areas should not be considered a privilege to individuals and so to eliminate these barriers and create a more inclusive space, we need to enhance accessability/affordability, increase inclusivity, create culturally relevant programming, address safety concerns, make structural changes, and increase education efforts.  To achieve this, there needs to be free or low-cost programs to reduce the financial barriers some individuals face, and provide transportation solutions such as shuttles for people to get to parks. Incorporating diverse perspectives and voices and by hiring and training a diverse workforce can help to increase inclusivity.  As well as this, it is important to develop programs that align with different cultural values and traditions, and collaborate with community organizations to help create meaningful experiences for different audiences.  Educating others and advocating for individuals can help to raise awareness of opportunities for nature engagement.  Advocating for the allocation of resources and equitable funding can help to ensure different communities have access to nature, while making sure that marginilized communities are actively involved in the decision-making processes with regards to management of parks and programs.

Working towards removing these barriers and creating an inclusive environment so that all individuals, regardless of privileges they may or may not have, can connect to the natural world and feel safe, welcomed, respected and overall create a meaningful experience with nature.

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Future Role as an Interpreter - Unit 2

I initially was uncertain of how to connect my dream career of working in veterinary medicine with that of an environmental interpreter. However, a large part of a veterinarian’s role is communication on behalf of various animal species. This communication involves interspecific signals, as they read the body language and behaviour of the animals they work with. It also involves both written and verbal methods of communication with pet owners, farmers, researchers, government bodies, law enforcement (when necessary) and the general public as a whole. Some of the verbal communication can also take place over the phone, where the lack of body language can be limiting. I imagine this challenge will be similar in our podcast endeavor, where we will have to rely on tone and inflection to help convey more than just the words themselves.

I am fortunate to currently work at a mixed animal practice, which also serves a local zoo in our area, a government-run bird sanctuary, and is a triage point for turtle rescues in Ontario. As you can imagine, this gives many opportunities for involvement beyond the traditional companion animal scope. It is imperative that the general public and involved animal guardians are given correct information, and that they receive this information in a manner that will resonate with them. Particularly in emotional or emergency situations, it can be difficult for people to remember information, however critical. It is the job of the veterinary team to help convey the necessary information in an appropriate manner, and involves taking into account the person’s current level of knowledge, language barriers, preferred method of communication, and assessing whether further follow-up is needed to ensure the information was retained.

My successfully stabilised turtle

To be successful in this role, beyond the scientific knowledge I would also need skills such as quick-thinking, comfort with public speaking, emotional intelligence, compassion, flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. An ability to multi-task is necessary, as the communication to people may be occurring at the same time as managing the animal patient themselves, which sometimes also poses a safety threat. Additionally, being adaptable to the environment is important, as communication not only happens at the hospital, but also on farm regardless of weather, in rural areas for emergency calls, or in peoples’ own homes. These more obscure locations may provide individual challenges as factors outside of our control come into play, such as distractions, other noise, and lack of equipment or services (ie. electricity, internet or cellular access).

Myself at a Birds of Prey demonstration with one of our patients

Lastly, it is worth acknowledging that society has increasingly transcended to social media and other online methods of communication. It would be naive to think clients and the general public aren’t utilizing these options, either by intentionally seeking out information, or by unintentional absorption of information presented to them by others online. Learning how to interpret and communicate animals’ behaviour and wellness to an online audience will likely continue to be of vital importance. This may be done through social media, blog posts, or podcasts. I look forward to gaining more experience in this area as the course progresses, so that my future self can be at her best in representing the animals of the world around us.

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Hi Ashley!

I had fun reading your blog for this week!  It was very engaging and I enjoyed how you included pictures and made connections to your work.  I agree that communication is very important in this kind of a role. With your experience working at the mixed animal practice you already have an idea of how communicating with the public can be important. In your case you are currently dealing with animals and advocating for them but as you noted, the concept can be extended to the environment as well. What is important is helping people understand a problem or problems that exist and trying to educate and influence their opinions on a topic.

In my case I really focused on the aspect of how to educate and influence people on an important topic. It could be any topic really, whether the environment or like in your current case animals. By applying some principles of how to effectively communicate and educate, these are skills that could be used in any situation. Your blog resonated with me because you mentioned the direct communication with people where verbal skills and body language are very important. In my case I was thinking about hands on education by working environment such as a forest setting, nature reserve, or national park and working with audiences ranging from tourists, local communities, and school groups.

Communication using social media is very important in our world nowadays, so being able to adapt to an online audience will be very important.  I am someone who has utilized the online options of using social media to seek out information, so I agree that gaining experiences in this area will be important for our future.

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Blog 2: Environmental Interpreter

An environmental interpreter is someone who educates and engages audiences about our natural world, with an appreciation and concern for our environment.  They create meaningful experiences to help individuals develop a deeper connection with the environment.  Being an effective environmental interpreter involves having strong communication skills, an understanding of the environment including the science behind it, and working alongside others to educate different audiences. 

I believe the role of an environmental interpreter would ultimately have the goal to inspire and influence others.  In my case I could achieve this by working in a dynamic setting and immersing myself in an environment such as a forest, nature reserve, or national park and working with audiences ranging from tourists, local communities, and school groups.  Working in multiple locations would help to foster a more diverse audience and allow me to interact and engage with them in multiple ways.  With a goal of highlighting the importance of sustainability, biodiversity, and ecological balance, interactive programs such as hiking or hands-on workshops will help to further engage the audience.  Using storytelling and real-life stories/examples while hiking through a nature reserve can help to create an even more meaningful and tangible experience, as the individuals would be able to connect the scientific knowledge to something they are experiencing first hand.  In order to excel in this kind of a role, an important trait is having good communication skills and public speaking skills, while also being creative, engaging, and adaptable to different audiences.  Since there is a range of individuals to connect with from school groups to locals, it is important to understand how to engage them.  For example, if I was leading a school group, since they are a younger audience, I would not use as much scientific data but rather would use more storytelling and intriguing facts to keep them engaged throughout, including some hands-on activities such as bird calling.   This job would entail not just hiking through nature, but also creating brochures and media content to also further engage more of an audience.  Good collaboration skills are also just as important because I would be collaborating with other educators and conservationists to create these programs.  As social media is now a huge part of our daily lives, even leading virtual tours and creating just as much digital content would help to extend that environmental message.  In this role, I would try to tell stories that are personal to me, as having your own personal experience is what makes each interpreter unique themselves and can make the stories more interesting.  Additionally, asking your audience questions and having open discussions with some debating can help others to foster a stronger connection and encourage people's curiosity and learning experiences.  

People learn in their own way, and coming into a role as an environmental interpreter, you have to account for different learning styles.  Some people are auditory learners and learn through listening to discussions, some are visual learners where visual aids would be beneficial, and some are more tactical learners and learn through direct experiences.  Being able to incorporate all of these learning styles are crucial so that everyone feels included/engaged and can understand the information presented.  Tailoring different education experiences and accommodating different individuals, everyone is able to participate, retain the information better, and create an environment where everyone can actively make contributions.

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Unit 01: Launching Into Nature Interpretation

Hey everyone! My name is Maia Dan, and I’m a third-year Environmental Science student here at the University of Guelph. I’m super excited for this course, so let’s jump right into this week’s prompt😊!

As a kid, I spent endless hours outdoors, letting mornings fade into days and further into nights while all I could pay attention to was the nature around me. Whether it was climbing trees in the park near my house or splashing in streams during summer vacations, nature became my playground and my comfort zone. I didn’t realize it then, but those moments laid the foundation for the relationship I have with the environment today.

As I’ve grown older, nature has always been the place I run to when I need to be reminded of who I am. It offers me a sense of clarity and grounding that I haven’t found anywhere else 😊. I’ve always felt a deep connection to the world around me and its importance in shaping my life. I truly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today without these experiences.

During the pandemic, my connection to nature evolved even further. With so much uncertainty and isolation, going for bike rides became my lifeline. These rides would last for hours, taking me through quiet trails and vibrant parks around my hometown of Waterloo. Each ride felt like an adventure, but also a retreat—a way to escape the chaos and reconnect with something constant and comforting. The feeling of the wind on my face and the scent of fresh air provided a sense of peace that nothing else could match.

While our textbook beautifully describes the idea of a sense of place, I’ve always struggled to find one specific location that feels like “home” to me. Instead, I’ve learned to create that feeling for myself. To me, a sense of place is less about the physical environment and more about the person themselves & their experinces. I feel most at home when I’m alone on a hill at sunset, with a light breeze brushing past me. In those moments, I feel like I can simply exist without judgment or expectations 😊. The nature around me accepts me as I am, and that has been a powerful source of reassurance throughout my life. I find myself running out the door for a walk whenever I’m at an impasse in my life, and somehow I always come back better than I was when I left.

My relationship with nature is something I will never be able to fully articulate because it runs so deep in my heart. It’s more than a refuge or a hobby—it’s a part of who I am. The trees, the wind, the rivers, and even the soil under my feet remind me of my place in the world.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my blog post. This question definitely struck an unexpected chord with me and reminded me to get outside today—and every day for the rest of my life.

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Hi Maia Dan,

I really enjoyed reading your blog post about how your relationship with nature has evolved over the years.  I can definitely relate to your experiences with nature as a kid, because I too would spend hours outdoors!  I like your point about how we don’t always realize that some of the experiences we have as kids being outdoors heavily influences the relationship we have towards nature today.  It is amazing how even something small and simple like bike riding can help to give us a reset in hard times.  During the pandemic, I also spent more time bike riding and used it as an outlet to get out of the house and explore the world around me.  I would never set a specific time for my rides and would just keep going until I felt that my mind was in a better place again.  Stepping outside, going for a ride and looking at the scenery around you truly makes you appreciate nature a lot more and gets you to think about all of the incredible things it has to offer.  I do agree that the fresh air when biking truly does provide a certain sense of peace that nothing else can.  Just simply taking some time outside, whether it's 10 minutes or 30 minutes, can leave you coming back home in a better state of mind.  Looking at our experiences together, nature has served as an outlet to escape from reality and take some time to remind us who we are and the experiences that have led to the people we are today.