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Disclaimer
This blog was created for ENVS 3000, 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.
Final Blog
As I stumbled upon the course description for this class and decided to enroll myself through curiosity and interest, in all honesty, I had never thoroughly considered what it really meant to be a nature interpreter. It was through the units of this course where I first reflected on my role and responsibility as a nature interpreter, as well as my inspiration to guide people to enjoy nature. The various aspects of environmental interpretation which we studied throughout this semester have amplified my understanding of what it means to be an interpreter and the importance of environmental education.
I feel that the individual identities which we have all developed as environmental interpreters are heavily influenced by our personal experiences, realities and beliefs. Personally, I spend majority of my free time in the great outdoors, throughout every season, on the hunt for various freshwater fish species across Ontario and over the course of my journeys, I have developed immense and rooted appreciation and love for nature and everything which it has to offer. Time in the outdoors allows us, as humans, to understand and feel what it means to be a part of the living world, across time. It exposes us to stimulating and uplifting experiences where we learn to live in a world where time is not always ticking, cars are not buzzing by, and strangers are not disappearing before your eyes in a flash. We are exposed to a world where creatures live symbiotically and don’t exploit each other for personal gain. A world so beautiful, yet fragile. The great outdoors is unfortunately, a fading experience in many modern societies, as children who grow up in cities are given minimal opportunity to experience nature. As a young child, I was heavily exposed to nature, growing up in a home located on a forested property and connected to many farmers fields and hiking trails, I spent majority of my youth outside, where I could be one with the natural world. The thought that many children who are brought up in cities may never get adequate exposure to nature and its beauties is dispiriting. I feel very fortunate and blessed to have been given the chance to have had the environmentally involved upbringing that I did, I also reflect on this blessing as a call to action. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to experience nature on an intimate level also have the responsibility to advocate and protect the environment and all which it has to offer us. A key part of the ethics which I value as a developing nature interpreter is conservation, sustainability and environmental advocation and education. In addition to my upbringing, I have pursued biology and sociology throughout my post secondary education pathways and feel that my general understanding in many environmental processes like climate change, weather systems and various species and their interactions provides me with a unique perspective on environmental interpretation and a concrete background for environmental advocation and general education.
As an avid fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, environmental education to me, means to teach my friends and family about the sport and conservation of fishing to inspire people to get into the great outdoors and learn to love and respect our natural world. Through the content in this class, I valued our exploration through various learning styles as it has allowed me to better curtail both my learning and delivery of information to people with different backgrounds. A huge part of fishing, is conservation and environmental stewardship, like all other finite resources, humans must conserve it to ensure we do not deplete it. I have seen fish stock depletion firsthand, as well as unethical fishing, and environmental disregard (trash, dumping, fish dumping). It is through these gruesome acts where we feel the fire in our souls to do something, and to advocate for what’s right. Once you learn to love nature, it hurts to see people ruin it. Environmental advocation and stewardship is all about the little actions because if everyone does the little things, in commination, small actions can have large impacts. Getting people involved and invoking pride for our environment can be through the display of its beauty; in order to want to protect something, you must be aware of its immense power and magnificence.
I believe that a dominant responsibility which I embody is the role of revealing nature and its many wonders to people, allowing whoever it may be, to find out for themselves, the mental and physical benefits which can come from the natural world. We can form a mutualistic relationship with the environment, where we can benefit immensely, while taking great care of these resources. When people can navigate nature, with some guidance, they are able to see the world for what it truly is, a diverse landscape which so many plants and animals and animals share. This is bound to inspire stewardship and environmental action.
Climate change remains as one of the largest contemporary threats to humanity, yet it is consistently downplayed in media and throughout society, hindering environmental action. As environmental interpreters I feel climate change is one of the prominent items on our agenda. As nature interpreters and educators, we are called to teach and promote good environmental health, in hopes to invoke good policy and community action towards a healthy planet. I find great value and relation to a quote from this week reading, written by Jacob Rodenburg, which states the following, “Being an environmental educator in today’s world feels like you are asked to stop a rushing river armed only with a teaspoon”. This quote speaks to the ability and impact of one singular person in comparison to the never-ending list of environmental issues and areas in need of progression. It is easy for us as interpreters and educators to feel hopeless and that our individual impact on the world will result to be insignificant, but this is no attitude to hold. We must individually and in turn, as a community, take action in order to make the changes needed to support a healthy environment for our children’s futures.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture.
Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope. Clearing Magazine. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300
Hello!
Thank you so much for sharing this reflection on your experience with the course, I enjoyed reading your response.
I think like you mentioned that it's so important to slow down and take time in nature to form a connection with it, and I agree that everyone's personality and background will change the way we form unique relationships with the world around us.
I think your passion for fishing is really inspiring, and I love to hear that you feel compelled to protect the environment because of this connection. I think encouraging people to create bonds like these even if they aren't immediately what people think of (I know fishing isn't something I would think of right away when discussing areas of conservation) is super important because it guides people to feeling compelled to take action.
I am interested in the last paragraph you've written, and I was wondering what small actions you think everyone could take to work towards a better future? Do you think this is something each individual person has to figure out for themselves or do you think each person should work towards a similar goal? I also agree that it's so important to encourage people to take action, especially when we consider the fact that we aren't just shaping the world for ourselves with our actions, but also for all of our future generations.
Thank you again for sharing!
Unit 10 Blog
First of all, I want to extend gratitude towards all of the aspiring nature interpreters who have contributed their thoughts and perspectives here to educate and inspire each other, while responding to their peers with kindness and respect. I’m glad to take this time to reflect on some of the things I’ve learned from this course and the ethics and beliefs I will hold myself to going forward.
As interpreters, it is important that we understand why we’re here. In a world that is rapidly becoming more online, and with younger generations growing up without the same level of access to nature, interpretation has become increasingly important for developing connections between people and their environment. Ultimately, this is in an effort to promote sustainability for the natural world and our future generations. Regardless of where interpretation takes place, be it through a screen, on a page, or in the field, establishing a fond relationship between people in the environment is a catalyst for meaningful change. This is well understood among interpreters, and the reason why many of us are here today. I think that the reading from this unit, “Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope” by Rodenburg (2019), explains this perspective well, reminding us that the benefits of effective nature interpretation extend further than the information and awareness provided about worrying topics such as climate change. By inspiring hope in visitors, we can empower them to take action.
Raising awareness about important topics and inspiring change is one of the main goals of nature interpretation. However, Rodenburg (2019) states that environmental educators should not rush to teach children about looming issues such as climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline, given that most young children are not ready to handle this burden of knowledge yet. I completely agree with this belief. In order to form a meaningful connection with nature that may lead to preservative action down the line, this connection should not be overshadowed by sadness or worry, but focus solely on the joy of play and discovery. Negativity can be difficult to avoid nowadays, especially in an online space, and these fond memories will stick closest to them throughout life and provide a beacon of hope. I say this from personal experience - I grew up very rurally, surrounded by forest and wetland to explore. I spent every ounce of my free time outside, and developed a lifelong love of nature and the environment as a result. While I was acutely aware of the importance of preserving the natural world and some of the threats that impact it, I was never overwhelmed with pessimistic views to the point where the enjoyment I found in spending time outside was compromised. Now that I understand the magnitude of irreversible damage to the environment caused during the Anthropocene, I can only be thankful that I was able to connect with nature from such an early age. By sharing experiences of joy and discovery with younger visitors, we are inspiring the next generation of nature interpreters; after all, these same experiences are what inspired us! When interpreting nature to older visitors who have a better understanding of environmental issues, I hope to frame the experience in an optimistic light. Interpreters serve as role models for those around them, and while it is our responsibility to raise awareness about some very depressing but important topics, it is also our responsibility to establish hope. The conversation should not end with a discouraging tone; instead, visitors should leave the experience with the understanding of why it was beneficial that they attend in the first place.
Something we often overlook is that by discovering and connecting with nature, we can also learn more about ourselves. Effective nature interpretation doesn’t just benefit nature, but it can also provide important emotional benefits for people. On the same topic of negativity in an online space, a connecting with nature regularly (Vitamin N) is more important than ever for both our physical and mental health. Rodenburg (2019) explains that there are a wide variety of benefits associated with spending time outside that are important for early development. By extension, spending time in nature can benefit all of us in different ways. As an interpreter, ask yourself – why do you go outside? Are you looking for something new or something familiar? What kind of experience do you hope to take away from spending time in nature? I believe that every visitor will get something different out of the same interpretive experience, and it is important that we adjust the experience to account for this. As discussed in our readings, we have all been visitors at some point, and the best way to reach them is to put yourself in their shoes.
A personal ethic that I have always connected with is the importance of learning from others and how we interpret nature in different ways. I mentioned above how every visitor will get something different out of an interpretive experience, and this means that there is no ‘formula’ for effective interpretation. Throughout this course, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about all of the incredible knowledge, beliefs and experiences of other developing nature interpreters. This specific blog prompt will likely have a wide range of responses attached to it, depending on our different personal goals, interests and relationships with nature and people. We can all learn a lot from each other, inspire each other, and use these collaborative experiences to become better versions of ourselves – from which visitors can source informative, fun and meaningful experiences from.
I would like to close by stressing the importance of a universally shared ethic. Respect shapes the connection between people and their environment. In nature interpretation, both the interpreter and the visitor play important roles in respecting both the natural site and the people they share the experience with. As an interpreter, I will always respect the boundaries and opinions of others. When interacting with the environment, I have always held the belief of the observer; that is, I am extremely mindful of not disturbing wild ecosystems and the biotic and abiotic factors within them. Ontario is fortunate to be home to a large diversity of species, many of which are at risk or endangered. Teaching visitors about the vital importance of respecting their surroundings is something that I will hold to a high standard. Nature is a delicate environment that is not defined by the sum of its parts, but by what, and who, we share it with.
Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. Retrieved from https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300
Hello!
I just wanted to start off by saying thank you for sharing your beliefs around nature interpretation, I really enjoyed reading your post.
I absolutely agree with you that nature interpretation has become a vital source of connection between many individuals and the natural environment. I enjoyed reading your reflection on this week's readings, and I also think it's hope and a strong connection that can inspire people to take action. It's especially important right now to facilitate this sense of hope and encourage conservation and activism.
I thought your reflections on how you'd like to engage with people of different ages were really interesting, and I often find it easy to get lost in all the stories of despair regarding the world as it is right now. I think leading with hope and with the goal of inspiring an audience is a great idea. I was curious how you thought that younger audiences might respond to themes of hope, especially with the frequency of which kids seem to be browsing news online? I know my younger cousins are often more up to date on things than I am!
Lastly I wanted to say that I also base a lot of my beliefs around respect, and I think it's so important to lead with that guiding principle. By treating ourselves, others, and the natural environment with respect I think we can create much deeper connections and relationships with each other and the world around us!
ENVS 3000- Final Blog Post
As I’ve developed my skills as a nature interpreter throughout this course, I keep returning to the fundamental belief that the natural environment should be treated with respect and seen as more than just a resource. Like we discussed in the nature through art unit, nature is often seen for its beauty. This places value on natural environments and is one of 4 key ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are the different quantifications for how a natural area or ecosystem is beneficial to humans ¹. The four ecosystem services are provisioning services, regulating services, cultural services, and supporting services ¹. Beauty falls under cultural services, and is what leads to people creating art, music, and myths based around these areas ¹. Provisioning services are things like food, lumber, and oil, while regulating and supporting services are the benefits such as cleaning water and producing oxygen, and the basic life processes such as photosynthesis, respectively ¹.
Beauty is often the most engaging way to draw someone into caring about the natural environment, especially if they already have the other resources they need or are living in urban environments. However, even though it's amazing when people choose to advocate for the environment for its aesthetic features, this still determines the value of the environment based on a system we’ve put into place. In another one of my courses (ENVS 1100) we’ve been discussing the ways that value is assigned and the different ideologies that surround them. One of the most extreme views is the anthropocentric view, which is the belief that only humans have value because we are the only species capable of understanding and assigning the concept of value. A slightly less dramatic view is sentientism, which is the idea that only sentient animals have intrinsic value. This encompasses more of the natural environment but still doesn’t place value on the environment itself. A third view is environmental pragmatism, which is the idea that since there are so many different values in nature, such as the ecosystem services listed above, the only way to protect all values is to protect the integrity of the ecosystem/environment itself. This view focuses more on the practical consequences of human interaction with the environment and real-world problems, instead of the more theoretical or moral lens.
As developing interpreters, I feel that it’s important to understand where our ideas of value sit along the possibilities mentioned above, and I personally believe that it’s critical for interpreters to be as close to environmental pragmatism as possible. By understanding that value extends far past just the benefits to humans and assigning value to every part of an ecosystem we’re more likely to focus conservation efforts and interpretations on the natural environment as a whole. Like we discussed throughout the course, there are many different ways to interpret the natural environment, whether that be through history or art or science. These methods of interpretation become more dynamic and applicable when we look at the larger picture and take into account the individuality of an ecosystem or natural space.
Other beliefs that I carry include the idea that everyone deserves to spend time in and interact with nature, but no one person deserves to own the natural environment or its resources. I think that nature is its own entity and instead of working to control it or manipulate the environment we should instead strive to work alongside the natural environment and offer services in exchange for what we take. If we spend hours walking through a forest, either on our own or with friends or even leading a tour group, we could pick up garbage alone the way and strive to leave this forested area as undisturbed as possible during our time spent there. By treating the natural environment with respect and autonomy we can interact with it in a way that is mutually beneficial.
These beliefs lead directly into responsibilities that I think I have as an interpreter. As someone who is hoping to continue to advocate for conservation efforts to be put into place and to inspire others to engage with the natural environmnet as much as possible I need to ensure that I am not manipulating or using the environment for my own net gain. I think that I have a responsibility to encourage others to connect with nature in a way that works for them and provides them with knowledge or peace and allows them to feel accepted in the space regardless of their background or level of privilege. While doing this I need to make sure that I am treating nature with respect as an example, and that I’m not prioritizing these connections or pursuit of knowledge over the value the natural environment itself holds. I would hate to fundamentally disturb an ecosystem just because I wanted others to be able to connect with the space. Lastly, I need to ensure that I understand my own position and role in nature, and make sure I don’t take more than I need or overharvest from it.
In order to share these ideas with others and encourage them to engage with the environment in a positive way I need to find a suitable approach to interpreting. For myself, I think this will look like a couple different methods. The first method is through writing. As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts I’m very passionate about writing, specifically climate or speculative fiction, but I’ve also recently been working on creative non-fiction pieces. Finding ways to bring a connection to the natural world to those who might not have the privilege or capacity to travel to a natural space such as a forest can be difficult, however I feel that I can use writing as a tool to make these connections more accessible and bring natural worlds to life in the minds of readers. There are a couple authors I’d love to emulate, as they’ve done a fantastic job in bringing the natural world to life. The first is Rachel Carson, a well-known American biologist and conservationist who is most commonly recognized for her piece “A Silent Spring”. Carson’s writing was descriptive and based in truth, and she worked to engage the reader in thinking about how they are impacting the natural world around them. The other author I take inspiration from is Christiane Vadnais. Vadnais is a Canadian speculative fiction author and was born in Quebec. Her novel Fauna is a collection of short speculative stories that explore what a more ‘wild’ and naturalized future could look like if climate change impacts led to changes in evolutionary processes. Both authors bring the natural world to life on the page and have inspired me to further my knowledge on the world around me and continue to engage with it as much as I possibly can.
The other way I could see myself working with interpretation is through a hands-on approach. I enjoy getting knee deep into projects I’m working on, and I would love to do something like lead a community garden or nature hikes and encourage people to interact as physically as possible with the environment as they can. By focussing on ways to engage that are positive it could also help both myself and anyone I work with to develop good habits and beliefs around the environment and minimize the chances that any of us involved will then get hands-on with a project that could be destructive.
¹ National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). Ecosystem Services. https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Understanding-Conservation/Ecosystem-Services
BLOG 9: Amazing Things About Nature
Sunset in Greece - Kong, 2024
When posed with the question, “what's the most amazing thing you know about nature?” I admittedly get a bit stumped. I’m reminded of my various encounters I’ve had with nature, and how in one way or another, everyone around me is fascinated in the same way as I am, maybe even more.The world holds an uncountable number of wonders, and yet everything is interconnected one way or another in a complicated web. It's fascinating to see how every being in the world synergizes with each other. Plants provide oxygen for organisms through photosynthesis, decaying matter is processed by decomposers like fungi and different kinds of invertebrates, and we all know about predators and prey. Everything in this world holds a purpose, no matter how big or how small; nothing goes to waste. So, for this particular blog post, I decided to focus on mother nature as a whole. Nature itself is amazing in a way that words can’t describe.
I want you, the reader, to take a moment to just imagine. You’re sitting atop a hill, and the sun has just begun to set. A salty breeze of wind blows past you, carrying the scent of the sea. It’s cool and refreshing, but mingles with the warmth of the setting sun. Just above you, there’s a few seabirds circling above the water. Maybe one dives down into the ocean, looking for a fish. The sky is painted with a mix of orange and pinkish hues, and the sea stretches as far as you can see, beyond the horizon. Now picture what lies beneath the waves. There’s a breathtaking diversity of animals, the very core of nature. From gentle giants like the blue whale to the microscopic plankton. One, we can’t even see with the naked eye, yet they play such a large part in creating the oxygen within the water which every marine organism relies on. Blue whales have the ability to store carbon within their bodies, and play a big part in the transport of nutrients to keep the ecosystem balanced; directly aiding in climate change, which I’m sure we all know is an increasing problem within our world.
And humans are in the center of it. Every sip of water, every breath, every weather pattern. It’s humbling to think that the water we see today has likely traveled the entire world, strong enough to shift continents and nurture ecosystems. No matter where you are in the world, take a moment to really look and think, to appreciate nature in the various ways it works and contributes to the world. Because nature is really, really amazing.
Blog Post response
Hi Angela,
I really enjoyed reading your blog post!
I thought your comments on how all of nature is amazing were really relevant, and I enjoyed how you brought the reader into your post with a scene written in second person. I agree that it can often be humbling to consider just how vast the world is, and how interconnected every aspect of nature is. It can be easy to forget that water has to come from somewhere and that it doesn’t just exist on its own.
I’d love to know more of your thoughts on the interconnectedness of nature and humans. Do you think humans are part of the natural world or do you think we’re separate from it? I personally think we’re just as much a part of the natural world as anything else but we can build and design things that remove us from it.
Overall I thought this was a great commentary on the magic of nature and it’s interconnectedness.
Thanks for sharing!
ENVS 3000- Unit 9 Blog Post
Like me, you might have grown up with a few key ‘poster animals’ for species conservation. Polar bears, monarch butterflies, and one I find particularly interesting- honeybees. These animals are often marketed as species that we need to save. In Canada, Campaigns like General Mill’s Bring Back the Bees, which was launched in 2016, often encourage us to plant wildflowers to support honeybees. (Check out this ad campaign from 2018 if you haven’t heard of this project! Honey Nut Cheerios – Bring Back the Bees)
Which is great! However, honeybees aren’t the only pollinator species, and they aren’t even native to Canada. Apis mellifera or western honeybee is native to Europe, western Asia, and Africa.
It can be exciting planting wildflowers in our backyards, and it’s important to plant flowers that will help maintain honeybee populations. But it is also important to cater to the rest of our pollinator species as well. There are over 800 native bee and wasp species in Canada, and pollinators aren’t just exclusive to these insects. Flies, hummingbirds, and moths are all considered pollinators as well.
To create the best space for these pollinators it’s important to first start by removing any invasive plant species you might have in your yard that have the potential to overtake anything native that you plant. Once you’ve done that you can find out what flowering plants are native to your area and have fun arranging them how you like! Some great native plants to Ontario include milkweed, black-eyed susans, and wild strawberries.
Another important thing to consider is that not all pollinator species construct their habitat in tree hollows or using wax honeycomb patterns. Several species burrow in the ground, and leafcutters nest in fallen leaves. Carpenter bees tunnel in woody debris and mud wasps often use mud to construct their habitat. Moths can often be found around trees or meadowed areas, and hummingbirds can live in forests, orchards, and backyards. To protect these species, it's important to leave plant debris in your yard and cultivate an environment with diverse plant types. If we clear trees and shrubs out of our backyard just to replace them with wildflowers, we reduce the variety of native pollinators we attract. And remember to keep an eye out for pollinators in areas you might not expect them to be!
It’s great that honeybees have gotten so much attention in recent years, and conservation efforts that get people excited are always great to see! However, it’s important that we don’t forget about the rest of our pollinator species and turn the enthusiasm we have for saving the bees into enthusiasm for protecting natural ecosystems around our houses. By planting native plant species and encouraging natural areas in our backyard we aren’t only saving honeybees, but tons of other species as well.
Here’s a link to a great article detailing native pollinators in Canada if you’re interested in learning more. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2014/aac-aafc/A59-12-2014-eng.pdf
And this booklet details some great plants that are native to Ontario! 17-uo-nativeplantsforpollinators-booklet-v8-web.pdf
BLOG 7: Nature and Music
Music and nature are ingrained within one another, albeit the way music is shown in nature is a little different to how we perceive music to be. Personally, when the word ‘music’ is used, I first think songs and artists. Big celebrities like Taylor Swift, Adele, and Hozier come to mind. Different genres like pop and classical are also a first thought. However, when looking at how it intertwines into nature, music becomes so much more.
At the break of every dawn, you can hear the birds begin to sing, signifying the rise of the sun. In different forms of media, we commonly associate birds with music. For instance, Snow White. She is shown singing with the birds, whose tunes slowly merge with the soundtrack. Birds are commonly used as musical accompaniments in films like Snow White and Cinderella, where they create harmonies and interact as if they’re in sync with the characters. However, they are not the only creatures that ‘sing’ in nature. Many animals use sounds and melodies to attract mates, signal their territories, or even to simply communicate with others of their species. Whales, for example, create long, complex songs that can travel vast distances underwater. Music in nature serves as a complex network of sounds, each having their own, important meaning, but serving as a pleasant tune to our ears. For centuries, musicians have been inspired by the sounds of nature.
In today's norm of ‘music’, the thought of nature might not come to mind immediately. Most songs follow a common trend of finding love or heartbreak, as artists write lyrics that their audience can primarily relate to in some way, shape or form. However, Indigenous people commonly incorporate the theme of nature in their musical traditions, both physically and spiritually. The instruments they use are commonly made from materials you can find in the environment; seeds, wood, and animal parts (Hoefnagels 2011). Hoefnagels (2011) states these instruments are treated with the utmost care, as they are seen as sacred within the Indigenous community. Their music also frequently incorporates sounds that mimic nature like the rustling of leaves or rushing of water. In Indigenous culture, music as a whole is deeply ingrained with their culture, as it served as a way to pass on historical narratives, legends, and general expression (McLeod 2024).
Composers like Beethoven also incorporated birdsongs in their music to connect their pieces with nature. In this post, I’ve linked one of his pieces; Symphony No. 6 in F major, which incorporates different bird sounds. I believe this particular piece of music does well to convey how nature can feel; whimsical, peaceful, and calm. But pieces such as Allegro, where the music is more fast-paced, gives a sense of urgency and serves a bit of a warning; to never get too comfortable in nature, as it is still the place where danger can lurk around every corner.
Overall, I believe that music and nature go hand in hand. But in order to dig deeper into how they connect with each other, we have to dive back into our history.
References
Hoefnagels, A. (2011) Music of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The Canadia Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/first-peoples-music
McLeod, D. (2024). Heartbeat of a People. Canadian Museum for Human Rights. https://humanrights.ca/story/heartbeat-people
Hi Angela,
Let me start off by just saying that I enjoyed reading your blog post!
I thought it was really interesting that you mentioned how musicality in nature is often incorporated into movies such as Snow White and Cinderella. I also enjoyed how you brought up whale songs, and I'd be interested to know if you think overdoing music in nature in a cartoonish manner, like is often seen in Disney movies, makes real birdsongs and whale songs any less impressive or relevant?
I also liked reading your comments about the roles natures sounds can play in a composers piece. I think your take on Allegro showing the dangerous side of nature is an interesting one, and not one I had previously thought of on my own.
I also agree with your statement that in order to understand deeper how music and nature interconnect we have to look at human's history with both. I would love to know more of your thoughts surrounding this. I think it can often be easy to assume we know everything about our species and others but much of the way music and nature interacts is outside of our umwelt or experience of the world.
Thanks for a great thought provoking post!
Blog Post 7- ENVS 3000
Music can be found across all areas in nature, from bird calls to whale songs to rhythmic lapping of waves along a shore. This week’s content defines music as “patterns of sound varying in pitch and time produced for emotional, social, cultural, and cognitive purposes.” (Gray et. al., 2001). Based on this definition, the first place most people will look to find music is in humans, but humans certainly aren’t the only species to create these sounds. Grey et al., discuss the similarities between whale song and human song in their article, and encourage the reader to consider the intentionality which whales use to compose their songs when communicating. I think its fair to say this intentionality could be considered for many other species as well.
Music can be found in many other areas of nature as well, including in unintentional sound patterns like the stuttering of wind through aspens. Even though wind isn’t cognizant of the sounds it’s making, as humans we’re able to find pattern repetition in these sounds and they can often sound melodic to our ears. In this case I would suggest that the quote above could be expanded to “patterns of sound varying in pitch and time produced and interpreted for emotional, social, cultural, and cognitive purposes”. Even if the wind doesn’t know it’s making a musical sound by rustling tree leaves, as humans we could anthropomorphize the wind and interpret what we hear as being a sign of the ‘beauty’ of nature and its ability to create art.
As for nature in music, I think nature is used quite often as inspiration for music, and musicians often strive to replicate sounds from the natural world. One recent example of this is the Trees.Listen album created by Frank Horvat and Sharlene Wallace. These lyricless compositions are named after different tree species, and were meant to evoke feelings of awe and respect for the different personalities each tree holds.
Eabha - Aspen (youtube.com)
Lastly, one of the songs that takes me immediately to a place of natural landscape is ‘The View Between Villages’ by Noah Kahan. Both the lyrics and the sound of the song itself bring to mind memories of driving down dirt roads in the rural area I grew up in, surrounded by brush and fields. While the song itself isn’t necessarily focused on the natural environment, it is one that for me will always bring me to that place.
Gray, P. Krause, B. Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C. & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science. 291. 52-54.
BLOG 6: Nature Interpretation Through History
There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.
(Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)
Unpack this quote.
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When it comes to pieces of art and poems, I’m one that enjoys deciphering the messages that are hidden between the lines. This particular quote by Edward Hyams is no exception. I’d like to break this quote down piece by piece, as I believe it holds quite an important message that we should continue to value to this day.
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 through time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things…
This particular sentence speaks volumes to me, as it takes a little bit more interpretation than the latter of the quote to fully understand it. The first part of the quote, “there is no peculiar merit in ancient things”, suggests that being old or ancient doesn’t inherently make something valuable. However, to fully understand this quote, we must first solidify the definition of merit. Referring to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the closest definition that we can relate to this quote is “a praiseworthy quality”, as the quote later mentions there is merit in integrity. It describes how in integrity, we unlock the ability to preserve something whole instead of in pieces. The quote also suggests that even if we do lose it into pieces, by using our memeory and knowledge of our history we can continue to keep it intact. Knowing our history with nature and how we came to be is essential as it allows one to understand how the past contributes to the present.
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.
The latter half of the quote is an analogy that tells us that if we make the decision that the past has no impact on the future, it is the same as believing that a railway station loses its existence after the train has already passed through it. We can assume that it suggests that just because we have moved beyond a certain point in time, it does not mean it ceases to exist or hold significance. The present is connected to the past, and to be ignorant enough to disregard it would be ignoring what shaped up to what and who we are today.
This quote holds a significant importance when we connect it to nature interpretation through history. In most high school history curriculums, we learn about the history of Canada’s land, Indigenous cultures, and historical events. The history of wars and colonization in Canada undeniably impacted the environment, displacing Indigenous communities and altering landscapes. But by keeping these parts of history together, we can interpret nature in a way that acknowledges its natural beauty and the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped it.
References
Merit. (2024). In Merriam-Webster Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merit
Hi Angela,
I really loved reading your blog post for this week!
I enjoyed how you broke the quote into two pieces to examine it, I used a similar method in my post. I agree with you that to understand how we’ve got to where we are now, we have to look at our history and our past. I think it is especially important, as you’ve said, to keep this in mind when we think about nature and our history with it.
I thought you used a pertinent example when discussing how this quote is connected to Canadian history. I agree that the more parts of history we can include and keep together, the greater our ability will be to interpret nature. I find discussions of the past can often quickly be bogged down by stories from white, straight, cis men, and history is often remolded and smoothed out to fit the stories they want to tell. By ensuring we look at all parts of history, we ensure we have not only a greater understanding and comprehension of what happened, but also a more diverse and vibrant understanding.
I know you mentioned you enjoy looking for hidden messages in art and poems and I’d be curious to know if you feel like history is often kept out of artwork or if its buried in plain sight. As someone who enjoys writing I find oftentimes that authors bury references to the past in their work, especially if they are trying to disguise the fact they are writing about something political or polarizing.
Overall, I enjoyed reading your post and I agree with the points you’ve brought up.
Blog Post 6- ENVS 3000
The quote in this week's blog prompt is a reflection on the importance of remembering the past and using the lessons we’ve previously learned to guide what we know today. The quote starts off by saying there isn’t necessarily value in any one aspect of the past, but there is value in having a comprehensive understanding of the whole. In most cases, you can’t fully understand something without looking at its past. By learning how a space used to look or be used, you can better understand how it looks today. For example, Wild Goose Woods in the Arboretum is composed of Freeman’s maple trees all primarily the same size and age, however it wasn’t planted like most areas that exhibit this type of growth. In the past, Wild Goose Woods was an old growth elm forest. When Dutch elm disease hit this area, it wiped out almost all of the elm trees, leaving room for a new species to emerge. In this case, Freeman maples, which have a higher tolerance to flooding (which is necessary in these woods due to the ephemeral pond that exists) than other maple trees. Since most of the elm trees died around the same time, these maples emerged within a few years of each other, creating what could look like a plantation at a first glance. This is just one small example of the importance of needing to understand the past to interpret the present.
(Photo of Wild Goose Woods, showing several of the equally sized trees.)
The second part of this quote describes the ignorance that can occur if you don’t acknowledge the past. Hyams describes how easy it is to think the present revolves around ourselves by stating it's like thinking the train station you just passed through only existed while you were there. I think this is an important idea to keep in mind as humans tend to fall into a manner of thinking that only applies to what they are currently experiencing. Robert Sutton alludes to this in the video that was part of this week's content. He explains how much of what was described at Pea Ridge Battlefield used to focus only on the military aspects, stating it was largely about “who shot who”. He then discusses how they have more recently partnered with the Cherokee nation in developing a more comprehensive story that includes the interaction with the land and the Cherokee members who were active during this battle. If park services had chosen not to acknowledge these stories, they would be ignoring a significant portion of history and in turn the comprehensive integrity of the past.
The idea of paying attention to the past and honoring history becomes even more important when we think about the future of our planet. If we are conscious of how we acted in the past and we understand how our actions created what we see in the present, we’d be more likely to act in a way now that will lead to a more promising future. If we believe the railway station only exists while we’re in it, we may be more inclined to destroy it with litter or carelessness while we’re there than we would be if we acknowledged that another train will be coming in shortly. If we use the past in our interpretations, we may be better equipped to convince people that nature is important and worth conserving.
Blog Post 5- ENVS 3000
This week's prompt being open ended left me feeling a bit overwhelmed, but after collecting my thoughts I realized most of them surrounded around the importance of citizen science that was discussed during this week's content. As it was mentioned in the Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education article, citizen science has become increasingly popular and accessible through social media and tech app platforms. This increase in engagement is exactly what we need for a future that focuses on environmental education. Like with my last blog post discussing the gift of beauty, citizen science also allows people to form a connection with something; albeit in a different manner than just appreciation.
I’ve participated in a few citizen science projects myself, mostly for class assignments, and I enjoyed the sense of accomplishment I felt after submitting an observation on a squirrel or a feeder bird that I observed in my backyard. By finding ways to engage in projects I might otherwise not have the background for, it’s changed how I feel about squirrels and birds. I’m more likely to pay attention to them now which is one of the biggest struggles in conservation, getting people to pay attention and to care.
I’ve also been thinking about how science often feels inaccessible, for reasons we’ve mentioned earlier in the course such as privilege, but there are several ways to interpret and explain the natural environment in a way that doesn’t feel like science. By finding engaging ways to learn and to teach nature interpreters are bringing in a wider audience than just those in the academic field or working in environmental sciences. Citizen science does something similar, bringing a wider community together and allowing for broader areas of engagement.
Unit 04 Blog Post
From our textbook, the interpretive principle associated with The Gift of Beauty is, "Interpretation should instill in people the ability, and the desire, to sense the beauty in their surroundings -- to provide spiritual uplift and to encourage resource preservation."
I believe art, in its many forms, is a tool that interpreters can (and should!) use to do exactly that. Art has a knack for evoking emotion and profound thought. Using it in the context of nature interpretation, I believe it would be effective for instilling in people the ability/desire to sense beauty in their surroundings, for providing spiritual uplift, and for encouraging resource preservation. Art is connected to nature in many ways, and I think it is no coincidence that there are practically endless works of art that aim to capture the beauty of nature.
Various art forms can be used to enrich an experience, and to make nature interpretation more meaningful and memorable. Our textbook discussed interpretive theatre – and this reminded me of a guided tour I've mentioned in my blog before briefly. My family and I did a guided tour of the Tower of London, in which you are escorted around by Yeoman Warders, or more comically known as "Beefeaters." I've included a picture of a Yeoman Warder in their official flamboyant attire.
Image source: https://tv-english.club/articles-en/discover-great-britain-en/the-yeoman-warders-of-the-tower-of-london/
Being guided by someone who is 'dressed the part' and who tells stories in a theatrical, dramatic way made the tour extremely fun and memorable. This to me is the perfect example of how incorporating art to accompany historical facts can make an experience much more immersive. Therefore, I believe art can have the same potency when used to support environmental interpretation.
As discussed in the textbook, "nature guiding should be more inspirational than informational." On top of that, I believe interpretation should strive to be unique from formal education and find ways to make learning meaningful and profound. By combining different disciplines – like art and science – interpretation can reach and connect with a broader audience. Scientific facts can be fantastic for illustrating a point but can be ineffective at emotionally stimulating the recipient. Inspiring someone to really care and connect with the subject matter can be achieved through various art forms. Therefore, if interpreters want visitors to emotionally connect with the science they are communicating, art is a fantastic way of doing so.
What makes art a potent tool for tugging on people’s emotions is that regardless of a person's individual artistic talent, anyone can appreciate art and be moved by it. Art has a way of reaching the masses and connecting us through common themes – you don't have to be a skilled artist to feel stirred, inspired, or influenced by art. Because art can be so subjective, I think that it's important that interpreters are mindful about how they incorporate art into their programs. A lot of times, interpreters are expected to provide answers and give information to visitors. Despite this, when it comes to art, it can be more impactful to let it speak for itself. This quote from the textbook, "interpretation sometimes uses judicious silence. Some scenes need no words; “reporting” the beauty of a scene might reduce the opportunity for inspiration. Often the scene interprets itself, so interpreters need not impose" explains this concept well.
I personally am someone who loves visual arts, and so I love the idea of incorporating artwork into nature interpretation. Nature interpretation has been shown to be extremely important for raising awareness for conservation purposes and connecting people with the environment. It may be easy to convince visitors who are already interested in ecology and the natural world to experience nature interpretation, but what about those who aren’t already interested in the field? Science and art are viewed as such separate things, but I believe that they can be extremely powerful when used in combination. Together, they can communicate important information and facts, while also garnering sympathy and compassion. I believe art is a vessel for conveying a message – and is an important tool for reaching a broader audience than science can on its own. Delivering nature interpretation in an integrated fashion is a promising approach – one that I think will succeed at engaging both the intellect and imagination of a wide audience.
Hi Alyssa,
I wanted to start off by saying that I enjoyed reading your post!
I appreciated your references to the textbook content, and I liked how you tied it in to your own experience with Yeoman Warders.
I agree that incorporating art with learning can make it so much more engaging and enjoyable. I also agree that art is easy to relate to because it's subjective, and I think you bring up a good point in cautioning interpreters from over-interpreting what a piece of art could mean. I think artwork can often stand on its own and it's sometimes the confusing aspects or ambiguity of a piece that makes it most memorable whether it be a painting or photograph or song lyric.
I am interested in hearing more about your opinions on the intersection of arts and science. I've always been passionate about combining the two and as I mentioned in my blog post for this unit I love writing climate fiction, and engaging with material that is both science based and speculative.
I think it's super important to engage as wide of an audience range as possible when it comes to conservation efforts and arts is definitely a great way to do that. I think it can sometimes be easy for activists and others who work in conservation efforts to forget that there are people outside of their circle that don't have the same experiences or pre-existing love for the natural world, and one way to rope others in is through artwork that showcases the beauty of natural spaces.
Blog Post 4- ENVS 3000
Art is often used as a medium to convey larger meanings and make statements on bigger issues. As the textbook content for this week indicated, this means artists often use art as a method of activism or to bring attention to conservation efforts or natural areas worth protecting. I think in this sense everyone is meant to be an interpreter, and so much of what goes into art is intentional that it feels necessary to try and understand what an artist is intending to convey. I also feel that even by observing a piece of art no matter the medium, a person is working towards an interpretation of sorts.
I could go so far as to consider myself an artist, being both a photographer and a writer, and much of what I create is focused on the environment. I am particularly drawn to the emerging genre of climate fiction or “cli-fi” which uses elements of speculative fiction and dystopia to consider what our natural areas and social structures might look like under the pressures of a changing climate. As for my interests in photography, I often find myself trying to capture the personality or charm of animals or the environment, hoping to personify it and encourage others to connect with the natural spaces. When I am taking photos or writing, I am often doing it for two reasons. The first is for the enjoyment that comes with creating something beautiful. Taking a stunning photo or writing elegant prose is inherently satisfying. The second reason I am creating art though is often to convey a deeper meaning or highlight something that is important to me.
This photo is of Nanaimo, BC.
This photo is of Naftel's Creek, a conservation area near Goderich, ON
This photo is of a waterfall in BC (I can't remember the name for these falls unfortunately as my family and I just noticed them while driving and quickly pulled off so I could take a photo!)
This photo is of a black-capped chickadee, taken in the University of Guelph's Arboretum.
When a person feels connected or drawn to something, they are more likely to remember it later on. In this way I feel that the “gift of beauty” is often the fact that it sticks with a person far after being encountered. When something is so beautiful or engaging that a person thinks about it hours, days, weeks, even years later, it is successful in keeping the subject matter relevant, which is often the first crucial step in conservation. If people aren’t thinking about natural areas, they will be less inclined to advocate for their survival.
It is often artwork that allows people to fall in love with the natural world, as these mediums bring people experiences they may not have access to otherwise. Without a feeling of love towards something it can be difficult to advocate for its existence, and it can often feel easier to take a step back and allow someone "more passionate" to do the hard work. By inviting nature into peoples lives through art, artists are inviting people to love nature, and to deepen their connection to it.
Blog #3: The Role of Privilege in Nature Interpretation
Privilege is something that impacts everyone in different ways every single day. I would define privilege as undeserved advantages that some people or groups have based on their background, like their socioeconomic status, race, gender, or other social identities. Having open discussions about privilege is a vital step toward creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves. I’ve noticed others addressing this, and I want to do the same. As a straight, white, middle-class woman, I recognize that I’ve had various privileges throughout my life. While this acknowledgement can sometimes feel uncomfortable, it is a necessary part of the conversation. This week’s chapter allowed me to learn more about my privilege, and prompted me to think about ways we can make nature interpretation more accessible to diverse audiences.
In nature interpretation, we can see privilege in ways that impact who feels welcome and included in these spaces. These advantages may not be obvious, but they are present. Firstly, access to these natural interpretive areas can be a privilege. Some may take the ability to get to these sites for granted, but those that come from low income backgrounds may lack the resources to participate in the outdoor activities, or even travel to these places to begin with. Additionally, economic status can also influence the educational opportunities some may have compared to others. Those from higher socioeconomic standings typically have better access to environmental education and outdoor experiences, making them feel more comfortable and connected to nature. From the chapter, I love the idea of providing transportation for lower-income communities, or bringing interpretation directly to them to try and reduce economic barriers. Implementing these ideas would take some planning, but it could significantly enhance the inclusivity in interpretation.
Next, representation is a crucial aspect of privilege found in nature interpretation. If the media (ie. photos, promotional videos, etc.), literature, and interpretive programs mainly show individuals from specific backgrounds, it can alienate those from minority backgrounds, making them feel as though they don’t “fit the mould.” This lack of representation may also discourage them from engaging with nature and participating in outdoor activities. By having a variety of voices, experiences, and backgrounds, we can create a more relatable and welcoming environment that encourages everyone to connect with nature.
A final example of how privilege plays a role in nature interpretation is related to individuals with disabilities. For those without disabilities, accessing nature can be pretty easy and straightforward, but for people of all ages with sensory, mobility, or cognitive challenges, it may be difficult, and could lead them to feel excluded from the environment. For instance, many nature parks and trails lack accommodations such as wheelchair-friendly pathways, audio guides or printed text and closed captioning. Implementing these types of accessibility features can help them feel included and integrated into the community, boost their self- esteem, encourage independence, and feel respected throughout their interpretive journey.
As a nature interpreter, my goal is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, excited, and inspired to connect with the natural world. I believe every individual, regardless of their background or abilities, deserves the equal opportunity to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings and explore the “Why?” and “How?” of these spaces. I think it’s essential to create a sense of wonder and responsibility, so everyone can engage deeply with nature to hopefully become environmental stewards and advocates for its preservation.
Hi Emma,
I wanted to start off by saying I really enjoyed reading your post!
You’ve brought up a lot of great points in this piece, such as pointing out the importance of open discussion around privilege as well as the importance of fostering a welcoming environment for interpretation to take place.
I agree that it is super crucial for media to display a diverse range of perspectives, and that without representation it can be even harder to access this information as more invisible privileges put up walls.
I think your goal to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and inspired when connecting with the natural world is admirable. I also hope to foster this sense of belonging in others as it has been so pivotal in who I am as a person to feel like I have a space to belong in when outdoors.
Lastly, I also think it's vital to encourage these connections to form to increase environmental stewardship and preservation. Without ensuring everyone has a chance to form a bond with the natural world we risk losing out on hearing everyone’s voices when important environmental issues show up such as climate change.
Blog Post 3- ENVS 3000
When I think of defining privilege, I usually consider it to be an advantage or step up that a person or group of people have that others do not. I also usually consider a privilege to be something that someone did not necessarily work towards but instead is just granted to them based on characteristics they can’t control like race, gender, family class level, etc.. Obviously, people can work towards entering a higher-class level but someone just above the poverty line would likely have a harder time achieving this than someone whose family is already middle class.
I think privilege plays several roles in nature interpretation, from influencing what stories are being interpreted to influencing who gets to experience interpretation. Nature interpretation is often inaccessible for those with lower incomes as it is usually experienced either though paid trips to science centers or guided tours, or through trips to natural areas that require transportation and sometimes specialized gear. It can also be inaccessible for those with visible and non-visible disabilities as it typically requires going outdoors to natural/unregulated spaces to engage with nature, which can be difficult or in some cases impossible for those individuals.
There is also often privilege in what stories can be shared and interpreted. I find most of what I learn or am exposed to is from a Western knowledge system, and many of the important figures or events focus on white male scientists. There is often less opportunity for other ways of knowing to be shared, and those who fit more closely to the Westen knowledge system models are often favored and granted the privilege of being listened to without much disagreement.
When reflecting on my own experiences with nature interpretation it becomes clear to me just how much privilege I’ve been granted. As someone who grew up rurally in a middle-class family, I’ve had the privilege of taking weekend trips to nature spaces or going to visit a science center. My mom also ran a convenience store into my teens, and I was privileged to get work experience there before getting a job at a bookstore later in high school that helped me with paying my university tuition. By being able to attend University I was able to be qualified for an internship with Science North in Sudbury that taught me the basics of science communication.
I think it’s important for those who work in nature interpretation to pay attention to what privileges they have and to keep in mind that the experiences they’ve had often won’t be the experiences of those they are talking to and guiding through natural spaces. I also think it's important for nature interpreters to make their content as accessible as possible whenever given the opportunity.
Unit 02 Blog Post
My ideal position as an environmental interpreter would be providing knowledge as a park ranger or museum interpreter, as it combines my passion for nature with my desire to educate and inspire others about environmental conservation and sustainable practices. The role would involve not only interpreting natural landscapes and ecosystems for diverse audiences but also fostering a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between humans and the environment.
As a park ranger, my responsibility would be to communicate the significance of natural and cultural resources to the public. This might involve leading guided nature walks, creating educational programs, or developing interactive exhibits in national parks, wildlife reserves, or museums. One key aspect of the role would be conveying the ecological, historical, and social importance of different landscapes in a way that resonates with both children and adults.
A typical day might include delivering presentations on local ecosystems, highlighting the unique flora and fauna of the region, and discussing the impact of human activities on the environment. Additionally, I could be responsible for developing written materials like brochures, educational resources, or blog posts that provide deeper insight into conservation efforts. Part of my role would also involve collaborating with scientists and researchers to ensure the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
This is a place where I would love to work. This is a picture I took back in 2021 in Kerio Valley.
The ideal setting for this role would be somewhere that allows for a strong connection to the natural world. I would love to return home to Kenya and work there. I could see myself working in national parks, nature reserves, or even botanical gardens, where I would be surrounded by the biodiversity I am so passionate about protecting. These locations would provide an opportunity to connect visitors with the environment, from towering forests to coastal habitats teeming with life.
Alternatively, I can imagine working in a museum or science center, where I would develop interactive exhibits to help people understand natural processes like climate change, water cycles, or food webs. Being in such a venue would also allow me to reach a broad audience, from schoolchildren to tourists and environmental enthusiasts.
I would need a strong foundation in environmental science, biology, ecology, and conservation, along with strong communication skills. This would ensure that the information I provide is accurate and based on current research. Additionally, having technological skills to design and manage interactive exhibits, or knowledge of digital tools for creating engaging educational materials, would be beneficial in today’s technology-driven world.
By connecting people to the environment, I hope to instill a sense of responsibility for protecting our planet's resources. Whether working in a national park or a museum, the goal remains the same: to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world, and to encourage sustainable living practices that protect it for future generations.
Hi Rushali,
I loved reading your post!
I think it's great that you’d like to be a park ranger or museum interpreter, I mentioned that I had similar aspirations in my post. I also think it is interesting that you specified you’d like to interact with both children and adults. As someone who hopes to be able to connect with the largest audience possible, I think it's great that you’d like to connect with everyone.
I also admire your dedication to protecting the planet’s resources and to encouraging sustainable living practices. I am the president of the Roots & Shoots club on campus and a lot of the work we do centers around ways to live more sustainably and engage positively and responsibly with the environment.
I noticed that most of what you described centered on educating people about climate change and resource over-consumption, which I think is interesting. I think it can be easy sometimes to forget about the bigger picture when educating people and working in an interpretive field. I find it easy for me at least to get caught up on small details and wanting to explain something very in depth to the point where I often forget to return to the larger picture.
Overall, I really enjoyed this post, and it left me with some things to think about.
Blog post 2- ENVS 3000
When I imagine my ideal role as an environmental interpreter, I envision myself in a science center or out in a field somewhere, giving hands on experiences to people of all ages. As someone who learns by doing, I would love to offer this opportunity to others as well so it's not just journal articles and documentaries available to learn from. I would hopefully be in a welcoming environment where active and engaged learning could occur. I would love to share my passion for the environment and the natural world with others and guide them to a greater level of respect and understanding for it. A dream location would be in Algonquin park or somewhere similar that is biodiverse and recognized for its beauty and importance.
For an ideal role as an interpreter, I’ll need to expand my expertise in forest ecosystems as I’ll hopefully be discussing trees, wildflowers, and the animals that interact with them. I will also need to be able to communicate effectively and be adaptable so that I can tailor what I’m communicating to the interests of the people I am talking to. On top of that I’ll need to be open-minded and willing to learn from others around me so that I can offer the most comprehensive possible interpretation.
Last year I completed an internship position at Science North and got the opportunity to practice interpreting things for groups of visitors. I created a diorama with a couple other interns to promote fire safety and got to create an interactive project to encourage people to practice their debating skills. This project was then used at climate change youth conferences to better equip students with the skills they need to speak about issues that interest them.
An ideal future role would allow me to expand on the skills I gained during that internship and would provide me with a platform from which I can continue to educate and discuss the natural environment with those who want to learn more. It would also allow me to amplify the voices of others so everyone can have their opinions and questions heard and answered.
