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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
Throughout this course, I have developed not only as a person but also as a nature interpreter, and as I continue to change into a nature interpreter in whatever form that may take, I want to bring a few personal ethics with me. The first ethic is that I want my love and passion for nature always to be evident. Interpreting often involves sharing facts and telling history, which is highly informative. If done correctly and with good interpretation in mind, it should also connect with people and boost their view of the world through a sharing of passion (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). It is also vital for me to carry the love of nature and work to have others fall in love with nature the same way I did. I believe love for something initiates learning, solving problems, and protecting fundamental issues in a changing world with many environmental and ecological challenges. Love is also where many children begin to learn; they develop a love for nature and then grow to learn more about complex concepts and ideas (Rodenburg, 2019). Lastly, I want to ensure that I continue to learn and encourage others to continue to learn. There is endless knowledge to be had, and I want to encourage people to realize that it is never too late to stop learning.
As I work towards becoming an experienced nature interpreter, I want to bring a few beliefs with me, beginning with the fact that everyone wants to learn and sometimes just needs more help. Many people have barriers such as being too busy, physical or mental ailments or lack of financial ability (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Despite barriers, everyone can participate in nature interpretation and continue to learn more about the world around us. I also believe in sparking joy with participants. Making people fall in love with nature is the key to handling more significant issues such as climate change.
Being a nature interpreter involves many responsibilities ranging from the goals of interpretation and spreading a message to ensuring inclusion for everyone. Along with many responsibilities, I think a few take the cake for importance, and I would like to focus on these. The most important responsibility is creating an inclusive environment that is supportive of learning for everyone. You can have a fantastic message and interpretive performance, but if not everyone can see or experience it, then there is no point. A critical aspect of this is accessibility. If someone is blind, I have to ensure they have components they can participate in, such as having brail pamphlets or information boards; if someone is in a wheelchair, I need to provide either an accessible, safe walk or, if that is not possible provide an online component offering the same experience (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6; Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). It is also important for me to include people of all ethnicities and races, whether through hiring a diverse team of individuals or being aware of different individuals with differing beliefs on religion, history or politics (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). It is also crucial to get to know my group before beginning to interpret (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Talk to them, hear their perspectives and change my program depending on the discussion (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Understanding the people you are interpreting is key to sharing your message with them. My last key responsibility involves creating an effective interpretation program. I have to be able to pick out unique features of a place, relate them to the common person and create a bigger picture and sense of place through an enjoyable, organized method (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5; Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 1). Ensuring that the entire story is shared by including history is essential to avoid only relaying parts of the pieces (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). Overall, there are many responsibilities when interpreting. However, the most important thing to me is getting to know the people with whom you share your message to tell a story effectively.
Everyone is different, which makes nature interpretation fun because everyone brings different experiences, passions and abilities. When it comes to interpreting, I will be sure to include as many multiple intelligences as possible to try to reach all learners. However, I have a few that I think I would be best at, and those are bodily-kinesthetic, naturalistic and musical. I learn the best through these types, and I feel I can relate to learners who are similar to me. Using hands-on experiences out in nature is an easy way of teaching because this is how I learn. The same goes for musicals, as I remember lyrics and sounds well. I can use music to connect audience members to what I am interpreting. I also feel that I can connect with people very well. I have always been more of an introvert who would rather sit back and watch other people than be the one in the spotlight. This gives me an advantage when getting to know the audience, like what they are interested in, their barriers or why they are there. I can then tailor my interpretation to suit the audience best, allowing them to get the most out of the program (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Another approach that I would be effective at using is art. I have always connected with art and have been creative growing up. Art is used to help convey messages, remember facts, and set tones (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 10). By using pieces of nature to make art, using art mediums to draw or recreate nature, or using music, I can effectively interpret and add more to a program. One last approach I want to use, as I think it suits me, is using history to change perspectives and give a place more meaning (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 15). I never used to be interested in history and thought it was boring; however, I have recently begun to change my opinion, and I see the value in it being used. I want to share this newfound passion with people and use history to create and tell a complete story about a place. I want them to imagine the place in it is past and understand how it has changed to where it is now and why that change has been important. This could be incredibly important when discussing topics such as climate change, where landscape changes can be seen through things like glaciers receding.
Nature interpretation will look different for everyone as we bring unique perspectives, assets and passion to the field. I want to know how you think nature interpretation will be incorporated into your life in the future.
References:
Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.
Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. Environmental Literacy. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300.
Hi Olivia,
Thank you for your insightful post on your journey and experiences in nature interpretation, it was truly inspiring reading about your commitment to bringing personal ethics of inclusion and the different approaches to your interpretation work. I can really resonate with your strong love for nature and drive to bring that with you when participating in interpretation as this is something that I also strongly believe in. I also find your desire to break down barriers and make nature and interpretation accessible for everyone. People with disabilities are often overlooked and forgotten in society, and even the infrastructure and supports that we do have in place are not enough. Your ideas of including braille pamphlets I found to be especially smart! Creating an inclusive environment is crucial in interpretation for extending the benefits to a wider audience. Also apart of encouraging inclusivity is including the perspectives of individuals with diverse backgrounds, especially when it relates to the program, such as including native perspectives when talking about land or history. This can also help to encourage the participation of a wider audience, as it becomes easier for the viewers to identify and relate to the speaker. This is not exclusive to ethnicity or culture, as even including diverse perspectives from different fields is important in providing a more accurate and whole picture. Even if you know a lot about a given field, it is impossible to know everything, and there will always be areas where someone will be able to provide more insight. Getting input from these experts can drastically improve a program and give the audience a better experience.
I also really agree with your statement about the importance of initiating the love for nature in children. From reading the posts of other students, something that comes up often is that we all fell in love with nature at a young age. I dont think that this is a coincidence, and think that this just shows that children who appreciate nature grow into adults who can appreciate nature as well. Initiating the love for nature in children when they are young is just that much more important, as this will nurture fascination in the environment and world around them as they grow and develop. It is important to teach to a level that they can understand, with young children, it is important to focus on one thing at a time and give them hands on experience where they can learn and explore (Beck et al., 2018, Ch. 6). This will provide them with the knowledge and tools to participate and solve the environmental issues that they will face when they are older, and may be the best way to protect the world of tomorrow.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., and Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Unit 10 (Final) Post
As we approach the end of the semester, it feels nice to take an opportunity to reflect on all that we have learned about both nature interpretation and ourselves throughout the duration of this course. The concept of nature interpretation, which once felt quite abstract, is something which I now feel much more comfortable discussing, as I now understand that it is one of the reasons I so greatly enjoy talking about the environment and science to others.
The thing that has always stood out to me when having nature interpreted for me, or when interpreting nature myself, is the feeling of awe, getting a renewed sense of wonder about the world and all of its inhabitants. I love the experience of learning things that make me feel as if my understanding of the world has become even just a bit clearer, discovering more and more about how interconnected each natural occurrence and process truly is.
When I engage in nature interpretation, whether it be making posts on social media or simply speaking to people, my primary motivation is to ignite that feeling of wonder in them, not only because it is a wonderful feeling, but also because I know it deepens one's reverence for the natural world. Like stated by Beck et al., "by gaining more knowledge about the cultural or natural resources of an area, [one's visit] becomes more meaningful", and I think encouraging the development of people's connection to the planet is currently more important than ever (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 42).
In the modern day, people have become increasingly disconnected from nature, both physically and mentally. It is a common sentiment for people to have that climate change is not an important issue to them as, "they will be dead when it happens", and aside from this simply being untrue, it saddens me to realize how little attachment some people feel towards our planet and the animals which live upon it. An important aspect in interpreting nature for me is to help inspire people to connect with nature, to show them that there is something to care about, not just for future generations or other species, but for themselves too.
I believe that feeling of awe is a great catalyst in developing a respect for nature and its beauty, as who could listen to the stories of how the animals in a fossil ended up immortalized there, to listen to the strong waves crashing against a rocky shore, or to see a vast forested mountainscape without feeling as if there is something there worth protecting. It is my hope, and I believe also my responsibility, to encourage people to feel a sense of wonder towards nature, and to help them understand why some people feel that it is so important to protect it.
"One of the key features of interpretation is to promote stewardship of our cultural and natural resources", says Beck et al., and I do believe this to be true, as it is one of my goals to encourage stewardship and conservation efforts with my nature interpretation (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 96). I hope that with technology, we can work on encouraging interconnectedness, to share the beauty of nature with others and to inspire change, rather than letting it continue to drive us apart from each other and the natural world.
Reference
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.
Hi Max,
Thank you for your post sharing your thoughts about nature interpretation, your post was very nice to read! I can really resonate with your sentiment of finding joy in talking about science and the environment with others. I find myself often oversharing with my friends or the people close to me about the new things I've learned. I try to bring the excitement and intrigue that I had when learning about it, but I used to sometimes struggle with sharing in a way that would interest them while still maintaining understanding. Now, after learning more about interpretation, I am able to convey to them the same feelings I felt when learning and share in a way that also elicits appreciation. Shifting the focus toward the feelings that information can inspire has made encapsulating that feeling of awe much easier for me, rather than just spewing science that they might not understand.
Sharing not only what interests us but also what we think is important can be helpful to the person we are sharing with to get a deeper appreciation for the world around us. Through sharing information we can encourage others to respect the environment and get them involved in having a positive impact and can combine citizen science with science education and environmental education (Wals et al., 2014). Although technology can work to disconnect us from nature, I believe it can also be a powerful source of nature interpretation. The textbook states that information overload is disconnecting us from each other and from nature, which does hold some truth, but technology can also act to remove barriers and expose people to nature in ways that were never previously possible (Beck et al., 2018, Ch. 21). Using technology we are able to gain access to information that was only available in textbooks or through schooling and can experience places of the world we would never be able to visit in person. Technology can also be used to spread nature interpretation, such as through a blog, series of videos, or other posts.
Although you are correct in saying that more people are becoming disconnected from nature in the modern world, it is our duty as future nature interpreters to give them a chance to reconnect and show them the importance of doing so. I hope to never become disconnected from nature, which may be difficult with the increasing complexity of technology and nature being pushed away by human developments, but with our actions, we can work to right these wrongs.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., and Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Wals, A.E.J., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R.B. (2014). Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education. Science 344, 583-584. DOI:10.1126/science.1250515
My Journey Through Nature Interpretation
As I mentioned in my first blog post this semester, I am finishing up my fourth year of undergrad and will be graduating after this semester. I hope to continue my education and pursue veterinary medicine, which will allow me to attain my dream job of working at a zoo as a vet. Along this path, I have taken courses that I thought would further my education or was a subject I was interested in. This course was a mix of both. I have always been fascinated with nature, and learning how to communicate that interest to others would be an important skill for my future career. I also was interested in taking an environmentally-focused course that was not just about learning science but was more applicable to the real world and real interactions. In this way, the course has opened my eyes to a different aspect of science that is very important yet hardly explored, science communication. As I develop as a nature interpreter, it is my responsibility to communicate the knowledge I have gained through my education to others in a way that is accurate and informative but also enjoyable and easy to understand. Doing so will allow others to gain a better understanding and connect with nature, which is the goal of interpretation (Beck et al., 2018, Ch.1).
My personal beliefs will shape and determine the kind of person I will become and what I will bring with me to interpret nature, in whatever form that may take. These beliefs are grounded in respect for the natural world and encouraging responsible connections with the environment. I value all life and believe that there is an inherent significance that each life holds, which has been a driving factor in my pursuit of vet medicine. This is something that I have believed for a long time, but recently with my education, I have realized that all life is related. No matter how distant, all living things have been developing and changing for the same amount of time. This has led me to really appreciate the amount of diversity that can be seen today and has helped me recognize that all life is valuable. Each plant or animal is unique and has different past experiences that have shaped them and will have different future experiences that will have different outcomes. Recognizing the past of a place, object, or living thing is core to interpretation and obtaining a better understanding and appreciation (Beck et al., 2018, Ch. 1). By understanding the differences that a life has experienced you can better understand the state that it is in today, which in animals can explain its personality, behaviours, or relationships with others (McMillan, 2018). It is important to respect and try to understand the lives of others as there is just as much value in their experiences as there is in our own. It is often easy to sympathize with others when they have similar experiences, but difficult when they are different. By trying to understand each other we can better sympathize and can more easily acknowledge their motives and actions. This applies to interpretation as well, where understanding the audience demographically and culturally can improve communicating the significance of a message (Beck et al., 2018, Ch. 7).
Working at a zoo, as a vet I would have responsibilities to prioritize the well-being of the animals but would also have opportunities to address the visitors. In this case, I would be giving interpretive talks, which is an approach that works well for me, as normally I can talk for hours about topics that I am interested in and know a lot about. To be successful in these talks I need to employ good public speaking skills and would need to communicate in a way that is joyful, enthusiastic, and confident (Beck et al., 2018, Ch. 9). My audience would also be dynamic and able to come and go as they please, so creating an effective talk would need me to grab the attention and encourage excitement from the audience (Beck et al., 2018, Ch. 9). My audience would also be very diverse, but since they are attending the zoo, would likely have some interest in animals to unite them. I would play off of this interest and would encourage further education and intrigue by introducing fun facts about the animals I was presenting (Beck et al., 2018, Ch. 11). Doing so, I can engage the crowd as individuals and help them find personal meaning in the interpretation I am providing (Beck et al., 2018, Ch. 7). This would also help the visitors to better appreciate the animals on display and I would try to incorporate my views of valuing all life by highlighting the unique differences between the different animals.
I also believe in the importance of collaboration and partnership between different disciplines and fields that can be involved in interpretation. Often there are many different views on a subject, and just like the experiences of different individuals, diverse viewpoints have inherent value. Getting guest speakers from diverse backgrounds or collaborating with experts to form a talk can drastically improve the level of interpretation that is possible and can apply to a wider scope of audience. Many environmental challenges have interdisciplinary causes and effects and require multiple industries to collaborate to form solutions. Being able to interpret not only from a diverse viewpoint but also to a diverse audience is important in bringing awareness to these issues, which is crucial for environmental education and taking action (Wals et al., 2014).
Developing as a natural interpreter will be crucial to my success in my future career. Overall, I am driven by the belief that all life has value and importance which is a message that I will attempt to convey no matter what form my interpretation takes. I have a responsibility to encourage appreciation and understanding of all life to my audiences and will be able to best do so through guided talks that are on subjects I am deeply interested in. It will be crucial for me to involve the opinions and views of diverse experts and to motivate others to consider the experiences of others. As I continue down my path of pursuing my goal, staying true to my beliefs will allow me to encourage positive change and inspire others to value the environment in the same way.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., and Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
McMillan. (2018). Psychological Trauma in Animals. World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress Proceedings, Retrieved from, https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=22915&catId=124664&id=8896731&ind
Wals, A.E.J., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R.B. (2014). Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education. Science 344, 583-584. DOI:10.1126/science.1250515
09: Amazing things in nature - my favourite animal!
Hi everyone! Since this week’s prompt is to talk about the most amazing thing we know in nature, I thought I’d talk about my favourite animal, the spotted hyena! Although you can’t see these animals in Canada unless you go to a zoo, they’re super cool to learn about!
Source: Joel Sartore, https://www.joelsartore.com/search/hyena/
Spotted hyenas, with their unique appearance and intriguing behaviours, stand out as some of Africa's most interesting creatures. From their distinctive laughs to their complex social structures, these animals never fail to spark curiosity. Did you know that despite their appearance, they're actually more related to cats than they are to dogs?
Their robust build with distinctive spots gives them an unmistakable presence. But what truly sets them apart is their extremely complex and unique social dynamics. In the world of spotted hyenas, it's the females who reign supreme. These matriarchs, larger and more dominant than their male counterparts, lead their clans with a ton of strength.
As for their vocalizations, the noises hyenas make are fascinating due to their versatility and complexity, ranging from spine-chilling laughs to a wide array of grunts, whoops, and growls. These vocalizations play a crucial role in communication within their clans, conveying information about social status and territory. Their vocalizations even convey their identities to eachother as each hyena has its own distinct “whooping” sound, just like how each of us have our own distinct fingerprints!
But it's not just their looks and noises that make spotted hyenas fascinating, it's their smarts too. These creatures are surprisingly amazing hunters. Working together, they employ tactics that enable them to take down prey much larger than themselves, largely due to the fact that their jaws are 10x stronger than a pitbull’s! And when it comes to meals, they eat pretty much everything since they have special enzymes in their stomach that can fully digest the stongest of materials like bone and venom. From insects to venomous snakes, spotted hyenas will have a go at anything, contributing to the delicate balance of their ecosystems as both predators and scavengers.
Despite their remarkable qualities, spotted hyenas don’t have the best reputation, and are made the villains in many stories. This is probably due to their eerie vocalizations, their knack for scavenging, or even their uncanny ability to consume everything, bones included. Throughout history, they've been linked to death and the supernatural in African folklore, adding an air of mystery to their already mysterious presence. And then there's the competition with humans for resources, a rivalry that has often led to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Despite this, efforts are underway to set the record straight and give spotted hyenas the credit they deserve. Scientists are delving into their behaviour, ecology, and importance in ecosystems, shedding light on their true nature and advocating for their conservation. These animals are not just symbols of fear, they're integral parts of Africa's rich tapestry of life.
Overall, spotted hyenas are not just predators of the night, they're the charismatic characters of the African plains, adding complexity to the ecosystems they’re part of. With their playful antics and fierce determination, they've earned their place as one of Africa's most iconic animals!
Law, J. (2004). Crocuta crocuta Spotted Hyena. Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Crocuta_crocuta/
Hi Grace! Thank you for your informative blog about the spotted hyena, I learned a lot from reading your post that I never knew previously.
I also decided to write a post about my favourite animal, the turtle, and I found the differences in our approaches to be intriguing. I was interpreting the different species of turtles that can be found in Ontario and explored some of the various aspects that make each one unique. You focused much more in-depth on a single species and interpreted multiple aspects of their behaviour, social structure, and characteristics. From this, I was able to learn a lot about hyenas that I did not know.
What I found most fascinating was the vast intelligence of these animals and their complex communication, using laughs, grunts, and whoops, but also having distinct sounds. This combined with their social structure tells me that they are likely much more intelligent than most people would think, and this can be seen in their execution of hunting tactics. I think this fits a common theme of humans underestimating the intelligence of animals, where even other animals have been proven to be extremely intelligent, such as elephants, dolphins, and ravens, yet are not seen as such by most humans, which is reflected in their poor treatment in captivity and the wild.
It is unfortunate how hyenas are portrayed in the media and the bad reputation that they have as villains. No animal is inherently “evil”, predators and scavengers, such as the hyena, play important roles in the ecosystem in controlling the populations of prey species and cleaning up carcasses that are left behind.
Thank you for highlighting this fascinating species, and for sharing your favourite animal with us!
Turtles of Ontario
Beneath the calm surface of Ontario’s lakes and rivers lives an animal that has occupied the area for longer than any human civilization. But with the changes of the modern world, the ancient turtles of Ontario that once represented protection and longevity are quickly fading from existence. In today’s blog post, I will be exploring my favourite animal, the turtle, and share with you the unfortunate story of how this elder of the animal world has become rare in their native habitats, and how if action is not taken, we may never be able to see them again.
There are eight species of turtle that can call Ontario their home, the most of any Canadian province, each with unique characteristics that set them apart from the others. Turtles are reptiles that belong to the order Testudines, they have hard shells that have developed from their ribs and can hide their heads and limbs within the shell when threatened. Most turtles can be identified based solely on the patterns, size, and shape of their shells. One of the most commonly seen turtles in Ontario is the painted turtle. If you see a bunch of turtles lying on a log or rock, you’ve likely seen a painted turtle! These turtles love basking in the sun near the lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands that they live in. They are aquatic, spending most of their time in the water but will travel onto land to migrate, nest, and bask. They have a unique pattern of red stripes on their shells and limbs which can be seen in the picture below (COSEQIC, 2018).
The largest turtle in Ontario is the Snapping turtle, which can grow to 40cm in length! They are known not only for their size but also for their powerful bite, which they get their name from. Although their shells are large, their underside is not well protected, and they cannot fully retract their head and limbs (OTCC, 2023).
Another fascinating species is the Northern Map turtle, which lives in bodies of water in and around the Great Lakes. They get their names from the unique pattern on their shells of intricate lines that resemble that of a topographical map. They also like to bask on logs and other surfaces near the water but are quick to startle and will dive into the water at the slightest movement (OTCC, 2023).
Unfortunately, seven of the eight Ontario species are considered at risk of extinction if steps are not taken to conserve their populations. They all face similar threats from human activities and suffer the most from roadway accidents, loss of habitat, and invasive species (OTCC, 2023). Turtles have long lives but take many years to reach sexual maturity, resulting in low rates of population growth. This combined with increased adult mortality has made population recovery a slow and difficult process. Being able to identify the different species of turtles in Ontario is crucial for reporting and monitoring their populations. There are many citizen science initiatives and reporting turtle sightings is an important step in their conservation. This can be done at the following website, but many others can be found with a quick search: https://www.ontario.ca/page/report-rare-species-animals-and-plants
COSEWIC. (2018). COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Midland Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta marginata and the Eastern Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta picta in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa.
OTCC. (2023). Our 8 Native Species Need Our Help! Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, retrieved from: https://ontarioturtle.ca/turtles/
Blog 7: The connection between Music and the environment
Have you ever noticed how nature has its own music? From the sound of waves crashing to the wind rustling through trees, it's like the world is playing its own soundtrack. This makes me think about how music and nature are connected. They share a special relationship, with nature inspiring music and music capturing the essence of nature. It's fascinating to explore where music exists in nature and where nature appears in our favourite music.
Nature is full of sounds that could easily be part of a song. Think about the rhythmic patter of rain or the cheerful chirping of birds at sunrise. These sounds create a natural melody that's all around us, a real-life music that plays without any instruments. This music of nature isn't just noise in the background; it's a beautiful performance that tells stories about the world we live in.
Just like nature influences the music around us, musicians often use the beauty of the environment as inspiration for their songs. They take the sights, sounds, and feelings of nature and turn them into music. This way, music becomes a bridge that connects us to the natural world, helping us express our feelings about it and feel closer to it.
One song that does this for me is "Coastline" by Hollow Coves. Whenever I hear it, I'm instantly taken back to my cozy cottage by the lake. The song's gentle melody and calm singing perfectly capture the peaceful feeling of being near the water. It talks about exploring and finding comfort in nature, which is exactly what I feel when I'm at my cottage.
Listening to "Coastline" brings back memories of sitting outside, breathing in the summer air mixed with the smell of pine trees, and listening to the waves. It's not just a song; it's a key to my memories, bringing back those quiet moments of reflection and connection with nature. This song shows how music can take us back to special places, reminding us of our adventures and the calmness we find in certain spots
"Coastline" isn't just about a beautiful natural scene; it's about our own experiences in those places. It reminds us of the journeys we've taken, the peaceful evenings by a fire, and the deep sense of belonging we feel in our favorite natural settings. These feelings are personal, but the song speaks to something many of us share: the joy of finding meaning and beauty in the natural world.
Overall, the link between music and nature is about more than just sounds; it's about how we see ourselves in the world. As "Coastline" plays, and I remember my times by the lake, I'm reminded of how music can connect us to our surroundings, bring back cherished memories, and celebrate the natural world's beauty. It's amazing how a simple song can capture the feelings of being in nature, making our experiences and connections even more special.
Cheers! Please enjoy my photos and videos from my cottage!
-Virginia
Hi Virginia!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and giving us a look into your interpretation through the photos and videos of your cottage. Exploring the sounds of nature can be really fascinating and when I first read the prompt my mind immediately went to the singing of birds and insects and then the natural sounds of wind and rain. I then explored the idea of animals making their own music and the emotions and feelings that they convey with their songs, but something I skipped over was the emotions that are embedded in the inorganic music of the Earth. I am someone who is comforted by the patter of rain on my window and calmed by the gentle waves on the coastline, these are emotions that are connected by the water that makes these sounds. It is clear to see how musicians would look to these natural sounds for inspiration as they turn the feelings of nature into music.
After listening to the song you mentioned, Coastline, I can see clearly how this would remind you of the lake and your cottage. In the song, there are multiple natural sounds that are used that compliment the instruments and voice of the singer. I think this is where the beauty in music lies, even though your cottage is a unique place with personal experiences, the emotions and feelings are still the same and can be conveyed through song. This emphasizes the importance of music in interpretation as it can go beyond just simple retelling of stories or stating of facts to connect more with the emotional side of the experience.
Nature Interpretation in Music
Music can be found everywhere in nature, from the songs of birds to the buzzing of insects, almost all life produces some unique sound that can be pleasant to the ear. Life is not the only origin of music, where even the natural world can produce rhythmic sounds, such as rushing water, rain pounding the ground, or the wind in the trees.
Music has been defined as patterns of sound varying in pitch and time produced for emotional, social, cultural, and cognitive purposes (Gray et al., 2001). Music is sounds that are used for communication between animals (including humans), where noises are arranged in a way that is unique and sends a message. This message is a way to communicate to other animals of the same or other species to convey information like the location of the group (in whales and other herd animals), the site of food (in some birds like crows), possible mates (frogs, birds, and many others), and territory (wolves). These animals also use sound to convey emotions, much like humans and our music, where a growling predator displays aggression, a whimper or whine can convey sadness or fear, and a yelp or squeal can represent discomfort. In this way, the sounds and music of nature are filled with purpose and meaning and are a means to communicate. Animals are even known to produce and teach songs to others, where young sparrows learn songs from older adults that they will practice and perfect quietly on their own and then perform to others (Petrinovich & Baptista, 1987). This creates a cultural evolution of songs in these populations of sparrows that will be different from other populations.
Human music is much the same in that sounds and words are used to convey the emotion of the artist and can even communicate powerful messages or stories. Culturally, music has been used to instill the beliefs and morals of a society and shape the identities of the people who listen to it. Nature can be found in music in many areas. Sometimes directly inspired by the sounds heard in nature like in the Hutu and Tutsi tribes of central East Africa that incorporate elephant sounds into their songs, or can be indirectly inspired like the beating of rain setting the pace of a song (Gray et al., 2001). Some music can also follow the patterns of nature with ebbs and flows and crescendos, and sometimes incorporate both direct and indirect influences such as in “Morning - Edward Grieg” which I am sure many of you have heard before (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x463zoWpiVI). This song in particular reminds me of nature, or more so, the feeling of being in nature, with a calm melody and rising beat that is reminiscent of the rising sun.
Interpreters need to capture the attention of their audiences and communicate in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Music is a perfect medium to accomplish this as it can combine the important message of information with the entertainment that can be experienced through song. The textbook states: “Radio's greatest strength is its power to reach many people,” but I think this is more true of music in general, where certain songs can transcend the barriers of even culture and language.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., and Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), 291(5501), 52–54. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.10.1126/SCIENCE.1056960
Petrinovich, L., & Baptista, L. F. (1987). Song development in the white-crowned sparrow: modification of learned song. Animal Behaviour, 35(4), 961–974. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-3472(87)80153-7.
06: History in nature interpretation.
“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)
Hi everyone! For this week I’ll be talking about this quite, and how it relates to history in nature interpretation. As someone who loves learning about both history and nature, I think this quote sheds light on the interconnectedness between the past, present, and future in natural ecosystems! Nature interpretation involves figuring out the intricate narratives that lie within landscapes, ecosystems, and species, and it often draws parallels between ecological dynamics and human history.
In nature interpretation, we often look at ecosystems as interconnected wholes, just like how the quote talks about integrity. Each part of an ecosystem contributes to the overall balance and resilience of the system (Beck et al., 2019). Just as the quote suggests that ancient things hold value beyond their age, in nature, we also see how old-growth forests, ancient rock formations, or even long-standing wetlands aren't just relics of the past, but also living records of ecological processes and adaptation throughout history.
The analogy of the railway station can be really interesting when we think about nature. It's like saying that if we only focus on the present moment, we're missing out on the bigger story. Ecosystems have a history, shaped by years of evolution and natural processes. Ignoring this history limits our understanding of their true significance and potential for interpretation and conservation.
When we interpret nature, understanding its historical context also enriches our appreciation for nature (Hooykaas, 2024). I know I personally feel a lot more connected to a certain area when I know the history behind it. This knowledge can encourage people to recognize their role in the broader narrative of the landscape, creating a sense of connection and stewardship towards its preservation and sustainable enjoyment (Hooykaas, 2024).
By recognizing how past human interactions have influenced landscapes and species, we also gain insights into the challenges they face today (Beck et al., 2019). For example, studying historical land-use practices helps us understand the impacts of deforestation or habitat destruction on biodiversity. Learning from past conservation initiatives allows us to refine our strategies for sustainable stewardship. By looking at what worked and what didn't in the past, we can develop more effective approaches to protect and restore ecosystems.
Overall, this quote reminds us that nature interpretation isn't just about the present moment; it's about appreciating the historical context that shapes ecosystems. By embracing this perspective, we as interpreters can create a deeper connection to nature in people, and inspire actions that ensure its preservation for years to come.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Hooykaas, A. (2024) Unit 6: Nature Interpretation Through History. ENVS*3000. University of Guelph.
Hi Grace,
Thank you for your insightful blog and interpretation of the quote by Edward Hyams. I find your take on the quote to be unique and interesting as you relate it to nature and the environment. I took a completely different approach in my interpretation, thinking that humans were the only ones who could record and appreciate history, but this is not true. Ecosystems are constantly in ebbs and flows through different periods and cycles that are affected by what came before. Nature also keeps a record of this, where you can tell how wet or dry, cold or warm, and how much light a tree was exposed to historically by looking at its rings. Animals also keep track of historic trends where populations of migratory species will choose a different site if a past one was poor quality and will travel to the same site if it was high quality. These trends can persist through generations and these populations may return to old sites despite not a single individual having visited before. These patterns are important for understanding the natural world and it is important to recognize the historic context that trends have developed. In this way, the integrity of "ancient things" is extremely important to interpreting nature and understanding the environment.
Interpretation through History
In this weeks blog we will be taking a look at a quote by Edward Hyams, and deconstructing it to see how it can teach us about 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
This quote is very powerful, in that it speaks about the importance of memory and knowledge of the past and states that the value in history is in it’s ability to stay with us. Hyams is stating in this quote that the value of ancient things does not lie in the object or site itself but rather in the knowledge, understanding, and integration of lessons that can be learned from the past. He emphasizes integrity in recognizing the ties between events that may be separated by time and how they influence and interact with eachother. This is core to interpretation of history, as it is important to remember the past, both the good and the bad, to learn from what has happened (Beck, 2018). Just as it is good to learn about the bad that has happened to not repeat it, it is also beneficial to learn about the good, so that it can be replicated. Not all stories are black and white however, and even in tragic times we can find inspiration in the stories of survivors and those who became agents for change (Beck, 2018). It is the job of interpreters to choose stories and perspectives that will be valuable for their audiences and help them see how history can correspond to their own lives. To achieve this it is important that programs are both accurate and authentic and portray a truthful interpretation of the past.
From Hyams’ quote, knowing that the train station still exists is equivalent to remembering past events and knowing that they have occurred. Just because these events are not currently happening does not mean that they never did or that they will never happen again. Just like how leaving the train station does not mean it no longer exists or that you will not pass through another. It is easy to recognize when events in the past were wrong and to judge the people of the time, but it is much harder to recognize when wrongful practices are developing or when current events are unjust. By understanding the interconnectedness of past and present events, this knowledge can be applied to modern life to prevent repitition of tragedies and improve the situation for others.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., and Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
More clouds
Here are some more photos of clouds I have taken that I thought would be nice to share.
This first one is of some stratus clouds during sunset. These clouds are located low in the sky and are found in flat sheets.
Next is a picture of altostratus and altocumulus clouds. These clouds are located in the middle layer of the sky and are found in sheets and patches respectively.
Lastly here is a picture of cirrostratus and cumulus clouds. Cirrostratus clouds are found high in the sky in sheets and are made of ice crystals.
Science in Nature Interpretation
Even though there is no prompt for this weeks blog posts, I felt that the title of the unit resonated with me. Science has always been a major passion of mine, and science is likely one of the most common mediums for nature interpretation. There are many different fields of scientific discovery fully focused on the natural world, such as ecology, zoology, botany and more. Even anthropology has roots in different natural environments, where a anthropologist must acknowledge the environment a culture grows in. As there are so many different fields, an important aspect of science must be to maintain a consistent nomenclature of understanding. Names of things must be the same regardless of field, so that when a scientist or anyone for that matter reads a paper, they can immediately distinguish what they are talking about. Their is an elegance to this work, differing fields each have their own societies of experts that decide on the proper names. Almost all of these fields follow some kind of Linnaean classification, which follows a hierarchy of levels of relatedness. This allows for the very large pool of plants, animals, and fungi alike to be classified efficiently. However, this wasn't always the case. Taxonomy, or the study of classification could be considered one of the oldest forms of science. It was first practiced by Aristotle, who separated living things into two categories, plants and animals. This classification was taken and advanced by his students, to give us more and more in depth analysis of their anatomies and histories. Some used these classifications to prop up and put down certain species, claiming some more primitive than others. This shows something that is very common throughout human history, it is almost human nature to classify everything into various categories and boxes. We saw this in the privilege section of the blog, where some people can be looked over due to preconceived boxes we have put them in. But these boxes are usually surface level, there is commonly much more to get the whole picture. One such example is from the TED talk "for the Love of Birds", where Washington Wachira highlights the many differences of feathermakers. He mentions that only one class of animals on earth can make feathers, birds. But as the talk continues, he goes over the many ways that birds are different. From the vulture to the bald eagle to the guinea fowl to the penguin, all of these animals are within the same bird classification, and yet all of them are majorly different. This brings me back to my main love of science, as it cannot always be interpreted the same way. In the way that science wants to classify things into categories, those categories cannot always be the same for everyone. The take home message from this idea, is that the scientific lens will not always hold the correct interpretation of nature, and it is important to constantly be thinking outside of the boxes.
Thank you for your post on the intersection of science and environmental interpretation. I agree that it is important for science to use terminology that is the same across many different disciplines. This makes the terms and theories generated by a scientific field universal as long as it is commonly agreed upon. Although knowing scientific terminology can help in understanding scientific research and papers, I don’t think that it is necessary for being able to appreciate nature. Many sites that offer interpretation for the public tend to rely on and use the scientific names of the species that they are presenting, I find this especially true when referring to plants or when communicating through static displays (such as signs). This can act as a barrier to nature interpretation as those who are not familiar with taxonomy or the scientific names may feel like they are being kept from understanding the information offered. A key role of nature interpreters is to communicate science to their audience in a form that will be easy to understand and that people of all levels of knowledge can learn from. The example you use of the TED talk “For the Love of Birds” is an excellent example of science communication to a broad audience. Where the speaker begins with information that is commonly known by everyone and then builds up from the common ground to present new information or a new way of thinking. This is an effective form of science communication that interpreters should strive to implement whenever teaching scientific concepts.
This week, to stick with the theme of interpreting nature through science I want to talk about a recent interest of mine; clouds. I have always appreciated the outdoors, and exploring the environment around me. Growing up, some of my favourite things to do outside were going for walks with my family, swimming in the lake, and playing in the field. I had previously never paid too much attention to the sky because my eyes were always on the ground. This past summer I ended up spending a lot of time relaxing and looking at the sky. During this time, I developed an appreciation for cloudwatching. I spent hours staring up and looking at the clouds. How the clouds changed, moved, and looked fascinated me. I started taking pictures of the clouds that I thought looked interesting, at first it was to get inspiration for drawings or paintings but it eventually turned into self-interest. They showed a great amount of variety and I noticed that they all had different shapes, sizes, and heights. I was curious about their differences and did a bit of research into the different kinds of clouds and have since learned that there are 10 different types of clouds that are characterized based on their height and shape (Means, T., 2020). Clouds can be low, middle, or high in the sky and are located less than 2000m, 2000-6000m, and over 6000m in the sky respectively (Means, T., 2020). They can cover the whole sky, be clumped in groups, or be evenly distributed in the sky (Means, T., 2020).
Here are some of these cloud types from the pictures I have taken!
First I have a picture of some cumulus clouds, which are located low in the sky, denser than most clouds, and appear white and fluffy.
Here are some altocumulus clouds, which are white or grey, found in patches or sheets, and are located at the mid-level in the sky.
In this photo are some cirrus and cirrocumulus clouds. These clouds are located high in the sky and are detached from others or in sheets and are made predominantly of ice crystals, giving them a white colour.
In this last one, we see a large impressive cloud called a cumulonimbus, this cloud spans all three sky heights and is the cloud that causes thunderstorms.
The changes in moisture in the environment change the properties of the clouds and not only does this have an impact on the weather, but I also found it had a large impact on people’s mood for the day. Even just waking up in the morning, I am almost instantly aware of how much sunlight is being let into my room. I always feel more energized when the sky is blue with some bright white clouds. This type of weather would always encourage more outdoor activities and opportunities to make memories.
Even if you are not focused on the clouds, you are still impacted by the atmosphere it creates. My fascination with clouds has stuck with me since this past summer, and I now find myself constantly looking up at the sky to appreciate them.
Means, T. (2020). The 10 Basic Types of Clouds. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/types-of-clouds-recognize-in-the-sky-4025569
The art of Nature interpretation
Nature has been a muse for artists for centuries and cultures. It is easy to find inspiration in the vast landscapes, intricate ecosystems and the passing moments. Many artists seek to capture the beauty of nature and relay it to their audience.
Artists seek to convey their feelings and interpretation of nature through their medium, whether that be photography, drawing, painting, or making music. Regardless, all of these play the role of interpreter, translating the beauty of nature into a tangible work that can be appreciated by all who see it, even if they aren’t a fan of art or nature. They play a crucial role in showing a broad audience the beauty of nature, and helping them develop their own feelings and relationship with it, and maybe inspiring them to convey their feelings through art.
Personally, my favourite medium of nature interpretation is photography. I can't draw nor can I paint, so photography is a way to share my experiences with nature. Though I don’t do it often and it's rather a new hobby so I’m still getting used to it. My goal is to show people the beauty of nature in hopes that they can also understand how I feel about nature and develop their own love for the world around them. Although I can’t make music, I appreciate it and it is my second favourite medium .
As for the statement of “The gift of Beauty”, I think this is very important to think about. The textbook says interpretation inspires people to see and feel the beauty that surrounds them everyday, through this they will create a spiritual relationship, in turn motivating them to persevere with the resources (Beck et. al., 2018). To me this statement is calling on people to start recognizing the beauty in their everyday life and the nature that surrounds them. To see the beauty in both the big things like the sunrise or a beautiful waterfall, but also the small things like a flower blooming or a butterfly flying by. Through this people will begin to develop a love and passion for nature, inspiring them to take care of their surroundings and treating it with more respect. It is definitely not easy to be able to see and appreciate beauty when everyone is used to seeing small bits of nature but I think it's a skill that will lead to living a more happy and fulfilling life.
In the end, I think art is an important player in nature interpretation as there are so many ways to use it and so many different mediums. Nature in itself is art, but people just have to stop and take a second to really realise the beauty of it all.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.
Hi Zende! Thank you for your thoughtful reflection on the relationship between nature and art and for sharing your interest in natural photography. Similarly, I am fascinated with visual art, particularly drawing and recently painting. I don’t think that someone needs to be a good artist or have the skill to be able to derive a positive experience from the act of creating art. If the goal of art in nature interpretation is to portray some aspect of the original experience, then even simply taking a photograph would suffice, as it captures the visual image, the setting, and anything else that would be present. I prefer creating visual art because there are many steps where the artist can influence the final message that is portrayed.
When I travelled to England a few summers ago, I took a picture of the Tower of London (above), and later when looking over the pictures I took on the trip, the image caught my eye and I decided to recreate it in paint.
Although some details of the painting I attempted to make imitations of the original, I took some liberty to make it my own. One thing I remember from my trip is how vibrant all the colours looked and all the beautiful foliage they had amongst the old buildings. Even though it wasn't present in the photo I added this to the painting and I think that makes it unique without taking away from the potential interpretation. It represents my interpretation of the moment and I'm sure someone else who was there would have a slightly different view or interpretation. Art, in all forms, offers not only a medium of interpretation but also a medium for people to express themselves.
Nature Interpretation Through Art
“Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life.’ - Oscar Wilde (The Decay of Lying), 1891.
This quote by Oscar Wilde is a comment on the ongoing discussion of the back-and-forth influences that art and life have on each other. Both are intrinsic to the field of interpretation, where life is often the subject of interpretation in exploring nature and appreciating its beauty, and art can offer a form of interpretation itself in how it conveys nature or offers a medium that awaits to be interpreted. As someone who enjoys both creating and appreciating art, as well as exploring and interpreting nature, I recognize that there are many similarities. Often times to get the most out of a natural experience you need to put in equivalent effort to finding an environment that is rich in meaning and beauty. Similarly, art takes effort and time to portray what the artist intends, and typically the more effort that is put in results in a better product.
Art that imitates life, such as a painting of a natural landscape or enactment of a scene of nature, works to convey the message that one would normally be able to interpret while experiencing a natural setting. Art thus is capable of expressing both the emotional and intellectual aspects that are present in nature. Through composition, colours, and other characteristics of the subject of the art, an emotional message can be conveyed, while through the creation, medium, and technique used can the intellectual and deeper messages be encoded into the art. Many other forms of art are capable of adding to interpretations that are not exclusive to visual art. Interpretative theatre is such an example where voice, movement, music, props, and storytelling are used to send messages that the audience may be able to resonate with.
Going back to the quote from Oscar Wilde, it is easy to see one side of the discussion where art imitates life. It is often the goal of art to capture some feature of life, whether that be literal, emotional, or intellectual. It isn’t as easy to see how this goes the other way around, life cannot imitate art because life came first. However, life imitating art claims that artistic creations can shape the way people perceive and interact with the natural world and can change the ways it is interpreted. By presenting certain ideals, beauty, or concepts, a piece of art can alter the ways that someone looks at life and can change what they see in nature and the way they interact with the world. The “gift of beauty” is a concept that interpretation should inspire people to appreciate the beauty in their surroundings and thus value it more highly to encourage preservation (Beck et al., 2018). Wilde’s statement rings true here most of all, where life is often shaped by the artistic and cultural expressions that individuals encounter and the way that society views the natural world is heavily influenced by the art they consume.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., and Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Wilde, Oscar. (1902). The Decay of Lying. New York: Sunflower Company.
Exploring the Role of Privilege in Nature Interpretation
Nature interpretation is a powerful tool for connecting people with the natural world and inspiring conservation efforts. However, how different individuals and groups interpret nature can vary widely depending on their backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. One factor that can have a significant impact on nature interpretation is privilege.
Privilege is the advantages, benefits, and opportunities available to certain individuals or groups due to their social, cultural, economic, or political status. For example, someone who has grown up in a wealthy family and has had access to private education and travel opportunities may have a different perspective on nature than someone who has grown up in poverty and has had limited exposure to natural environments.
The role that privilege plays in nature interpretation is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, privilege can provide individuals access to resources and experiences that can deepen their understanding and appreciation of nature. For example, someone who has travelled extensively and studied environmental science may have a more nuanced understanding of ecosystems and the impacts of human activity on the natural world. However, privilege can also have the opposite effect. Those with more significant resources or wealth can develop characteristics of greed, which can cloud the importance of natural things and focus on the artificial society that we live in. For example, the wealthiest in the Global North generate the most carbon worldwide (Norgaard, 2012). However, these individuals' concern rate is also the lowest, as they do not view climate change as a 'high priority concept' (Norgaard, 2012). In this point of view, the unprivileged may experience greater closeness to nature from living in the perspective of "less is more." It is a complex thought.
Privilege can also create barriers to natural interpretation for those who cannot access the same resources and experiences. For example, people from low-income backgrounds may need more financial resources to travel to national parks or participate in outdoor education programs, which could limit their exposure to and understanding of nature. This can cause them to view money and "things" as necessities in life to be happy. At the same time, those who study nature or become connected via experiences open to them due to privilege might connect more due to those opportunities.
In addition, privilege can impact how individuals interpret and engage with nature. Someone from a culture that values hunting and fishing may have a different perspective on conservation efforts than someone from a culture that values animal rights and biodiversity. These differing perspectives can impact how individuals interpret and engage with nature, sometimes leading to conflicting opinions about conservation efforts.
So, what can be done to address the role of privilege in nature interpretation? One crucial step is recognizing and acknowledging how privilege can impact our understanding and engagement with nature. By being aware of our privilege and the privilege of others, we can work to create more inclusive and equitable spaces for nature interpretation. However, the connection between environmental interpretation and privilege is not straightforward. Those privileged may not have been taught the right values to appreciate something as "simple" as nature. Those privileged or unprivileged may have needed a proper role model who cared enough to teach them or valued nature themselves. Privilege is a complex subject, and it greatly depends on multiple factors beyond just wealth, poverty, and social class. A child's upbringing greatly depends on who they will become, dependent or not on social class.
These are my opinions and my opinions alone. While I cannot begin to understand the complex nature of ethnic standards, being a Caucasian female, I believe that all individuals, regardless of identity and race, should have the resources to experience or study whatever they wish in life. However, that is not the world we live in. Therefore, I believe the connection of privilege and nature interpretation is very well connected to privilege, but not just in the "common definition" most would think (i.e. money). Privilege has eye-opening opportunities that others may not be fortunate enough to experience, whether that be experiences, opportunities, support, family, religion/belief systems, etc. Privilege can go far beyond wealth; supporting family/friends could be just as privileged as money. Privilege can also depend on each individual's viewpoint and definition of what it means to be favoured.
To "unload my invisible backpack," a concept taught in class regarding realizing one's opportunities and privileges that others may not have been able to have. I am of white heritage, in a whole family that is not of low social class. I had the opportunity to experience vacations growing up, join whatever sports I wanted, every field trip or summer camp, and attend University to complete my bachelor's without going into debt. I am a very fortunate individual, which many in Ontario could relate to but others couldn't. I cannot begin to express my gratitude enough to my parents for raising me with these opportunities and presenting me with proper values and experiences that allowed me to connect with nature and its beauty. Without the moral values taught to me, these privileges could have led to a different outcome.
References:
Baró, F., Camacho, D. A., Del Pulgar, C. P., Triguero-Mas, M., & Anguelovski, I. (2021). School greening: Right or privilege? Examining urban nature within and around primary schools through an equity lens. Landscape and urban planning, 208, 104019.
Beck, L., Cable, T., & Knudson, D. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage - For A Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC.
Norgaard, K. M. (2012). Climate denial and the construction of innocence: Reproducing transnational environmental privilege in the face of climate change. Race, Gender & Class, 80-103.
Thank you for your insightful post on the role of privilege in nature interpretation. I really enjoyed reading your take on how to address privilege in nature interpretation, and I agree that acknowledging our own privilege is a great first step to creating more welcoming environments. You talk about the importance of role models, and I think that through participating and getting involved with nature and education is a great way to provide the next generation with the opportunity to also get involved. This way we can all work to even the playing field by providing as many young students as possible with the privilege of experiencing the beauty of nature.
Your point on privilege being a factor that might prevent someone from partaking in nature interpretation is an idea I have not considered. Although it is true that having the financial resources is important in being able to access nature, I can also see it as a possible boundary for someone to get involved. To venture out into nature is to make all things equal, but when you live a life of luxury, returning to nature may be something that is scary as they wont have all the resources they normally have access to. The form of nature that they interact with would also likely be quite different as it would be more structured and curated rather than what true nature is.
Thank you for "unloading your backpack", this is something that isn't always easy to do for many reasons. A privilege that you didn't mention that I think is crucial to appreciating nature is being able-bodied, and is one that we often take for granted. Accessible areas are fairly common when in urban areas, but rural and natural areas often lack this accessibility, which can keep a lot of people out from enjoying nature. I don't think this has to be the reality, and finding and creating inclusive ways to interpret nature should be a priority to us all!
Privellege in Nature Interpretation
There are many different forms that nature interpretation can take, but most of these involve exploring the outdoors and being present in nature. To be able to participate in nature interpretation is a unique experience that is not afforded to everyone. This is because privilege can play a large role in determining whether or not the act of interpreting nature is accessible to a person who is interested, and can even play a role in whether or not someone is even interested in nature in the first place. When thinking about privilege, I think it can be described as the advantages that someone lives with that they did not earn or achieve but rather were afforded based on factors that they couldn't control, such as identity, parentage, or ability.
Privilege is involved in nearly everything that we do, whether we realize it or not. In nature interpretation, there are many ways in which privilege can play a role in how people involve themselves. The most obvious of which is the privilege of having an able body to traverse difficult natural environments or attend non-inclusive exhibits. Having access to nature is also a privilege, as there are many people who do not live near any nature parks or locations that can provide interpretation. If these people do not have access to transport, then they may never be able to experience the natural world the same way someone who lives closely with nature would. There are also many non-physical privileges that are relevant, such as having the time or money to be able to explore leisure activities, whereas someone who did not have the funds or someone who is preoccupied with work or other responsibilities would not be able to explore nature interpretation the same as someone who has these commodities.
These privileges allow someone who is interested in nature interpretation to participate or attend interpretive programs, but there are also barriers that prevent people from being interested in nature in the first place, and thus are unable to take the first steps towards interpretation. Some of these barriers are related to the privileges already mentioned, where someone may feel that they are not welcome to participate because they do not fit into what they perceive as a nature interpreter. Time and money can also act as a barrier to preventing someone from learning about nature interpretation as well. Socio-economic privilege can unlock access to quality education about ecology, conservation, and biodiversity, providing a deeper understanding of interpreting the natural world. The adults that someone is surrounded by as they grow up can have a huge influence on whether someone is interested in nature, and having parents that encourage you to explore your interests can also lead to exploring nature.
In conclusion, privilege influences nature interpretation in more ways than we might realize. It is important when participating in these activities that we self-reflect and acknowledge our privilege, and try to work towards a more inclusive and equitable appreciation of the world around us. After all, the beauty of nature is for everyone to behold!
