A Place for my Thoughts @jsenvs3000w22 - Tumblr Blog

Introduction

Hello! I thought I should introduce myself and the purpose of this blog. Click below to learn a bit more about me!

Final Blog

As I develop as an interpreter of the natural world, being self-aware of my own ethics, beliefs, responsibilities, and suitable approaches is vital if I am to create meaningful experiences for individuals throughout my life. Analyzing these topics individually is important as they each hold much weight in how I as a developing interpreter, function and will learn to function in the future.

When I focus on my personal ethics and what ethics I believe are objectively rudimentary, I like to remember that most often than not, simplicity is best. This brings to light statements such as don’t harm others, or help those in need, as than can be unpacked to be quite complex statements, but their value is within their broad simplicity, making them applicable to almost any situation. To connect these ideas to my own interpretation of the natural world requires me to be self-aware of my past, present, and future, being the best human, I can be at my current place in time, while simultaneously improving on who I used to be. For example, actively listening to the natural world around me in place of pushing my opinions onto the world. Then and only then can I begin to broaden my interpretive practice to an audience, as I would be actively conveying the world, avoiding as much bias as possible.

At the beginning of these blogs, I had decided to attempt to focus on being an interpreter specifically for tissue culture and plant propagation, believing that picking a specific area to focus on and related course work to throughout ENVS 3000. I believe this was the right choice although at times it was difficult to specifically relate course content, it allowed beginning practicing what it was like to communicate specific scientific language and techniques to a broader audience that may not have experienced such topics before. Only through such exercises can I improve as an interpreter.

Being on the cusp of both finishing this course as well as finishing university, I am beginning to acknowledge my responsibilities with regards to what I have learned from university, these include many things, from how I learned to learn, to how I communicate to the people around me. From this, continuing to practice communicating scientific research and ideas is a responsibility I believe I have, being self-aware enough to know the importance of making knowledge available to everyone in any audience, from learning other languages to addressing privilege.

Throughout ENVS 3000 we were tasked to use podcasts and blogs as media for such communication, and even though I have not experienced or practiced such skills before it was eye-opening in terms of real-life media consumed every day. Both blogs and podcasts are consumed in vast amounts daily around the world and beginning to practice creating such media for any purpose let alone those of nature interpretation and environmental education is vital as a nature interpreter simply because it's more experience. Whether it is an approach that I feel is suitable for me is hard to say as I have only briefly experienced creating these media, but overall practicing communicating any interpretation to anyone is valuable.

jsenvs3000w22

Hi there,

I love your post. Your mantra "simplicity is best" is such a great reminder to slow down and bring things back to basics. I think in an ever-increasingly connected world, bringing our lives (and our interpretation) back to simplicity is the best way forward. I love that you focused your blog on tissue culture and plant propagation - what a cool subject. I never would have thought to bridge the gap between that field and interpretation - so creative and novel! It makes me wonder what other fields that traditionally are not explored through interpretation would benefit from using interpretive values and activities like we learned in class. I study entomology, so it would be interesting to use interpretation to educate growers/producers about emerging insect pest threats... hmm lots to think about.

Great post and great work this semester!

ngsenvs3000w22

Blog 10 - Final blog

Throughout the semester we have learned how to become a nature interpreter and what special qualities and skill we should develop. With the weekly blog prompts we wrote we were able to not only write on our experience with nature but make a connection into becoming a better interpreter while also discussing with classmates and their unique experience.

I believe that everyone can have an understanding and appreciation of nature. However, in today’s world it is harder to get people to leave their comfort zones and ever evolving modern world of technology to spend time in nature. I believe the best way to have a deeper connection and fondness of nature one must be in nature with no distractions to really take in the beauty. But as I mentioned, technology has affected this as more kids are staying indoors rather than going out or them choosing to go to wonderland than going camping. In one of the units we read, it expressed how we can use technology as an outlet that can even help reach more people than we tend too.

I believe that we can use technology as a way to lur others into taking a break and going into nature to explore and develop a deeper connection with nature, on a physical, mental, and spiritual level. My best memories as a child were going to our cottage in the summer with my whole family and my cousins and I would go on a walk in the woods behind the house we would sometimes get lost as we were still young however we always found our way back.

Something I love to do when I am stressed or uncertain of what to do, I find just watch in the distance how water moves weather in a river, lake, or any body of water. It gives me a sense of peace and helps we forget about any distraction and focus on a solution or just giving me a break from the world.

I believe as an interpreter we need to show others that nature isn’t so scary and can be an outlet for us to let out steam or clear our heads as everyone can get overwhelmed time to time. I want to be able help others get this sense of relief when going into nature and for them to seek the comfort that nature can provide.

The responsibilities I have as a nature interpreter is being able to connect each and every person in their own unique way to nature, it takes just one memory to either make or break someone’s relationship with nature. Nature can be scary, as sometimes nature can be ruthless showing no mercy to anyone or anything. However, I believe that the beauty while executing safety precautions outweigh the negative side of nature, because everything in life there is always a good and bad side. Not everyone is going to jump headfirst into the idea of spending days or weeks in nature and or have a past fear of being in nature one bad experience can really impact a person’s life and can reflect onto other people around them. For example, my family and I went to Cuba one summer for my birthday and on the trip, we decided to do a 2-day horse riding expedition. We spent a few hours riding while being informed about the rich history of the forest we were riding through by the guide, we pasted rivers, open spaces, we saw some wild turkeys and native plants of Cuba ending up at an amazing natural waterfall. While we spent time at the waterfall, we had an unexpected visitor a Cuban Boa also known as Chilabothrus angulifer. It was my first time seeing a snake in its natural habitat and so close… I loved it. The whole experience truly brought me closer to nature and wanting to spend more time in it and experiencing new things. However, this trip was the complete opposite for my sister, she hated the whole experience since the horse ride was bumpy that caused her lower body to hurt and since she was wearing dark colors she was being constantly bit by mosquitos and to further ruin her experience something I found so interesting and amazing terrified her wanting to leave immediately. What sparks interest in one person might not for the other and my responsibility as an interpreter is to make sure everyone is creating positive memories and connections with nature for them to then want to continue exploring and creating deeper connections.

An approach most suitable for me as an individual is connecting it with wildlife and entertainment. I really liked earth rangers as a kid I have a fascination with animals so anything involving animals my ears perk up and has my immediate undivided attention which is also the reason why I’m studying zoology. Every time I go to a place, I like to know what wildlife there is in the area, which is why on my bucket list I want to go to both British Colombia and Africa. British Colombia has such amazing and unbelieve views and it has such a diversity in its wildlife. People who live there have the possibility to run into bears, wolf and even cougars, this is dangerous however I find it fascinating that they have such strong predators in Canada. When interpreters use wildlife as a way of creating connections, I really enjoy it and find it interesting, and I have a better way of understanding nature around me.

Another approach is being entertaining, getting information back-to-back with little connection or buffers makes me loose interest as this is a way of parting from my regular day to day learning. Hearing someone talk for more than 30 minutes without a buffer or a way to connect with the audience is exhausting especially when it can be approach in a creative and interactive approach. Having a balance of information and buffers can really help the information sink in while creating a fun atmosphere.

Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this class and what a unique take it had with assignments… I was more of making connections with the curriculum our own way and this is one of my classes this semester where I truly learned because I had to take the information and relate it back to experiences. If I could take this class again I would do it in a heartbeat. I also enjoyed reading everyone’s blogs on their own take of each unit and everyone’s experience. I hope everyone enjoys their summer!

Natasha Garces

jsenvs3000w22

Hi Natasha,

I think your post was so well written and really connected to the course material. You had great examples of changes seen in younger generations over time - going to wonderland over camping or staying in using video games instead of playing outside. On the other hand, you also mention using technology as an outlet or a tool for interpretation. We talked about this in class, but I think its important to mention both 'sides of the coin' of technology (which you did wonderfully). Technology can be used as an asset to advance accessibility in interpretation, but it also can serve as a distraction from nature. This dichotomy is a great paradox in interpretation, and a challenge for us all to take on in our own lives!

Overall, great work this semester and glad to hear how much you loved the course!

arenvs3000w22

Final Blog Post

It’s hard to believe that this blog post is the last of the semester. I’ve really liked working in this format and reading the insights of my peers in this course. Many of you have had really unique and inspiring experiences with nature! It’s motivating to be reminded of the scope of opportunities that are waiting to be explored.

One belief that I’ve developed throughout the semester is that everyone deserves access to nature. I believe that nature interpreters are in an ideal position to bring nature to people with barriers that prevent them from exploring outside. Everyone has the ability to appreciate the connections between culture and landscape in some capacity, but not everyone has the opportunity to do so. As a nature interpreter, I have a responsibility to tailor programming that focuses on including those whose access to nature is limited. Nature is a place where everyone belongs. As the textbook mentions, there are strategic ways to integrate programs for disabled and non-disabled people, providing unity rather than separation (Beck et al., p. 141, 2018). There are also non-traditional ways to increase access. Virtual resources can be appealing as they are generally less costly and can be viewed anytime. They also tend to have the option to be translated into other languages, slowed down, made louder, transcribed, or paused. A skilled nature interpreter should be able to provide a sense of immersion through virtual programs, recognizing that the reach of their interpretation will extend to a much more diverse audience. Virtual resources have the capacity to plant the seed of nature appreciation as effectively as other types of programs.

Another belief I have fostered is that quality interpreters don’t shy away from ‘humanness.’ The most effective teachers and interpreters I have engaged with have sought to build a connection with their audience. They don’t adopt an air of superiority, but instead they humbly share their knowledge and admit when they are unsure of something. Rather than robotically regurgitating information, these individuals strive to incorporate anecdotes and unique perspectives. Vulnerability is a key attribute of good interpretation. I find that I feel far more comfortable asking questions to someone who has made it clear that they are my friend. Since the goal of interpretation is to inspire a passion for conservation and regeneration, it’s imperative to allow your audience to feel comfortable and safe enough to engage with the concepts you share.

As an interpreter, I have a responsibility to the next generation. I find purpose in stewarding the Earth even if it won’t benefit me during my lifetime. I strongly believe that the decisions I make today should support the best interests of the future. I won’t be here forever, so as an extension of this responsibility, I should strive to prepare the next generation to serve their descendants. Acting sustainably makes me feel good, because I feel like I am doing my small part to protect nature. I want to pass this feeling on to others, too. It is critical to recognize that you can make a difference on an individual level, and that your choices do affect nature and people. This course has led me to learn about citizen science projects and the ways in which they bring people of all ages and education levels together in working towards a common goal: conservation. It can be really encouraging to know that you can do something good right where you are.

And, even if my interpretive efforts do not cause my audience members to become instant stewards, I can still rest easy knowing that experiencing nature benefits creativity and health in the short and long term (Louv & Suzuki, 2012).

For me, the most suitable approaches to nature interpretation are at the intersection of art and nature. I find art to be such a rich way to interpret nature that extends beyond what words alone can accomplish. Whether its music, visual art, poetry or storytelling, art has the ability to affect each member of the audience deeply and differently. And, the same experience in nature can inspire very different artistic products. Consider these two paintings, both inspired by the Grand Canyon and composed within a couple of years of each other. One is a very literal, bright take on the scene, and the other is more abstract and looming. It’s clear that different things are important to these artists, but at least one commonality exists between them – their desire to immortalize the beauty of nature. It amazes me how making and seeing art can affect people diversely, and I would love to share that amazement with others.

Carol Nelson’s interpretation of the Grand Canyon, “Grand Canyon 2″

Randy Follis’ interpretation, “Grand Canyon”

References

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

DavidSuzukiFDN. (2012). David Suzuki and Richard Louv @Ago. Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5DI1Ffdl6Y&t=272s.

jsenvs3000w22

Hi!

Great post! I totally agree with your first hit home point that everyone deserves uninhibited access to nature and that we, as interpreters, are able and responsible for bridging the gap between people and nature. The textbook mentions fostering unity instead of separation through active inclusion of people from all walks of life, regardless of ability, mobility, literacy or financial status. I think this ties in perfectly to your belief of 'humanness'. By being vulnerable and humble, interpreters are able to connect with everyone they come across. A great way to do this is through art, like you mentioned in your post.

thanks for sharing those beautiful pieces of art, and for sharing your thoughts!

lmenvs3000w22

The Most Amazing Thing About Nature - The Human Diving Reflex

I had trouble coming up with something I wanted to write about for this post. There are so many incredible things about nature; I mean simply the fact that it exists in the complex way that it does is a feat in itself. I’ve finally landed on something that might not typically be related exactly to nature, but I do believe speaks to the impressive and extensive relationship humans have with nature.

Over the summer, I read a book by James Nestor, titled Deep: Freediving Renegade Science, and what the Ocean Tells Us about Ourselves. In this book, he dives deep (pun intended) into the world of freediving, the competitive and human aspect of it, as well as how it can be used within science to aid in discoveries (Nestor, 2014). Of particular interest to me was in a section where he discussed what he called “the master switch of life” (Nestor, 2014). This has been better described in scientific papers as the mammalian diving reflex, or diving response, whereby mammals undergo certain physiological changes when submerged underwater (Godek & Freeman, 2019). This response has been found in all of the mammals studied in experiments relating to this reflex (Godek & Freeman, 2019).

While it is not known for sure why this occurs, it is thought to occur in mammals as a way of conserving oxygen (Godek & Freeman, 2019). When submerged underwater, the human heart slows, blood vessels constrict, our spleens constrict, blood pressure increases, and we see a reduction in blood flow (Foster & Sheel, 2005; Andersson et al., 2002; Gooden, 1994). All of these responses are thought to redistribute blood to our vital organs and conserve oxygen (Godek & Freeman, 2019). By redistributing this blood to our organs, we are able to keep our brains and hearts oxygenated for longer, thereby increasing the amount of time we can stay underwater (Nestor, 2014). Similarly, with less blood pumping throughout our bodies, we are better able to conserve oxygen, making us able to stay underwater for longer (Nestor, 2014). Submersion in water is the only thing able to trigger this response in humans; even just splashing cold water on your face can prompt this physiological response! This is something I find incredibly profound.

As Nestor notes, Swedish scientist Per Scholander made great progress in understanding this phenomenon with his experiments (Nestor, 2014). He found that human heart rates immediately decreased when underwater, with some divers noting a drop to around 20-30 beats per minute, but, in his experiment, he instructed participants to dive underwater, strap themselves into workout gear, and perform short, vigorous workouts (Nestor, 2014; Foster & Sheel, 2005). Even after performing these workouts, the participants' heart rates still dropped (Nestor, 2014)! These results have been verified by other researchers, with one study finding that participants performing simple exercises with only their faces immersed in water even still saw decreases in heart rate and increases in blood pressure (Andersson et al., 2002).

After learning about this response over the summer, I decided it was time to test it out for myself. My backyard has a pool, so I suited up and got ready. I had my mom and sister supervising just in case, and I took my three deep breaths, then submerged myself under water. After about the first 30 seconds, I felt my lungs burning and it just about took everything in me not to come up for air. Somehow I fought off my initial bodily responses and toughed it out, and after that, the burning feeling went away and I felt, what I can only describe as, peaceful. I could physically hear my heartbeat slowing in my eardrums - the rhythmic thump-thump sounds becoming further and further apart. It was almost like I could feel my whole body tighten underneath the physiological processes happening. I felt calm, and if I was trying to count how long I’d been underwater in my head before, I had completely lost track as my mind went blank. It was almost like I was in a meditative state.

When I came up, my sister told me that according to her timer, I had only been underwater for just over a minute and a half, but to me, it felt like I had been under there an eternity. I tried and tried again, just wanting to push myself and see how long I could stay under, and I finally was able to stay submerged for nearly three whole minutes! Never in my life had I ever been able to come close to holding my breath for that long, but in one afternoon, I was able to experience and teach myself first hand the wonders of how the human body reacts underwater, and it amazed me. For me, and many others, this was not only a physical response, but a mental one. The mind and body shifts when underwater.

To be clear, I don’t exactly recommend doing this! I wanted to experience this reflex, but I was also trying to see how long that reflex would allow me to hold my breath. I had my sister squeeze my hand every 30 seconds so that she could check if I was responding and squeezing back. Additionally, since I had begun reading the book and learning about this stuff, I had been practicing holding my breath out of water before actually trying it in water. Holding your breath for long periods of time underwater can be extremely dangerous and can lead to blackouts consequential drowning, especially if you’re doing it unsupervised! Just a side note, but back to the post…

We can essentially bypass our body’s terrestrial form to undergo a transformation that allows us to better survive underwater. You might say that this is simply a survival response, and you would probably be right, but I think this can provide insight into something much deeper than that. I think that our bodily reactions to being submerged in water can largely speak to the fact that we are connected to all parts of nature - land and sea - more than we even know. As Nestor mentions extensively in his book, the feeling of triggering this diving response is indescribable to most people who are attuned to what it is and how it has the innate ability to calm us.

I have always found that many people have some sort of aversion to water. For some reason or another, people just don’t like water, unless of course they’re swimming in a heated pool or relaxing in a hot tub. I’ve heard most people claim that they don’t like the unknownness that comes with water, usually lakes or oceans. I used to be one of these people. The ocean was terrifying, and even when swimming in lakes, I was on edge, always half expecting something to grab me by the leg. But, if our bodies are programmed to undergo such a profound physical and mental response to being in water, why would we ever consider water as something that is inherently not for humans to explore? After understanding how this human response to being underwater triggers something so amazing within us, it is hard to argue that we are not all connected to water in some sort of special way. Once we understand this reflex, we can understand the undeniable human connection to water and nature.

Humans and nature are inherently connected in so many ways. While many of us have a fear of water, it uniquely helps us to achieve certain responses that we cannot elicit in any other way, and in this way, we are explicitly connected to it, be that in an evolutionary, survival, or spiritual way.

So, overall, the most amazing thing I know about nature, is that we, as humans, are connected to it in ways we might not even know.

I would encourage everyone to look into James Nestor's book that this post was largely inspired by! It was an incredibly interesting read, especially if you have an interest in diving, or specifically free diving!

References:

Andersson, J., Linér, M., Rünow, E., & Schagatay, E. (2002). Diving response and arterial oxygen saturation during apnea and exercise in breath-hold divers. Journal of Applied Physiology, 93: 882-886.

Foster, G. & Sheel, A. (2005). The human diving response, its function, and its control. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports., 15: 3-13.

Godek, D. & Freeman, AM. (2019). Physiology, diving reflex. StatPearls Publishing.

Gooden, B. (1994). Mechanisms of the human diving response. Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science, 29(1): 6-16.

Nestor, J. (2014). Deep: Freediving Renegade Science, and what the Ocean Tells Us about Ourselves. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

jsenvs3000w22

Hi Lauryn!

I thought your post was so insightful and it really sparked by curiosity (and love of puns)! I had never heard of the mammalian diving reflex, and loved reading about it. I can see why its your choice for this post. Hearing that all mammals studied expressed the same response when being submerged brought about an unexpected feeling of connectedness in me. The idea that mammals from all walks of life have intrinsic threads that tie us each to a single source and guttural instincts is weirdly comforting - while also being kind of terrifying. It makes me wonder what other common threads we have yet to find, and where they will lead us when tugged on.

Chapter 10: Signing Off

In my final blog post I will be outlining and describing myself as a nature interpreter. In contrast to many of my other posts, this one will follow a more rigid structure to ensure each facet of my interpretive role is covered.

In a letter to Robert Hooke in 1675, Isaac Newton made his most famous statement: “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants”. (Although he did not originate the concept, it originates to the 12th century). This statement is now often used to symbolise scientific progress. We, as academics, owe much of our successes and discoveries to those that came before us. For it is through standing on the height of their achievement are we able to gaze out and direct our scientific pursuits. Moved by this quote, I defer back to one of my penultimate inspirators, Aldo Leopold. I am sure many of you have read his infamous work “A Sand County Almanac”. It was one of the most cataclysmic experiences in my academic career. To pay tribute to Leopold, I have littered quotes from him throughout my post to drive home a few crucial messages.

Personal Ethic and Beliefs:

"A land ethic changes the role of Homo sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it. It implies respect for his fellow-members, and also respect for the community as such."

-Aldo Leopold.

My personal ethic belief system hinges on the interconnectedness of human beings to the world around us. I do not subscribe to a hierarchical mindset of existence. I believe in the intrinsic value of all things, including both biotic and abiotic entities. This may not be congruent with other belief systems, but it is mine. Nature and humanity are inextricably combined.

"Land is not merely soil, it is a fountain of energy flowing through a circuit of soils, plants and animals."

-Aldo Leopold.

I had the privilege and honour to sit down and interview a First Nations Elder, Donna, from British Columbia. She said to me “If the world took care of the earth from the heart, we would be better off” and I think that is the perfect way to sum up my personal Land ethic.

"A conservationist is one who is humbly aware that with each stroke, he is writing his signature on the face of the land."

-Aldo Leopold.

This little blue planet is deserving of love and respect. Collectively, humanity has a duty to meaningfully interact with the Earth and the Land of which we are on. This is a multifaceted calling; entailing abundant and appropriate paying of respects to First Nations, innovation of novel green technologies, alleviating diesel and fossil fuel dependency, uplifting impoverished communities, and protecting the Land from overzealous and irresponsible development. If each of us can have a negative impact on the face of the Earth, we each have the capacity to make a positive impact instead.

Responsibilities:

"I am glad I will not be young in a future without wilderness."

-Aldo Leopold.

My responsibilities are multi-faceted, but I think they start with being first and foremost a denizen of the Earth. This entails being a steward to the Land and all that live upon it. This can manifest through conservation work, public engagement and education, research, protesting, community outreach, or just practising sustainability in your own life. We talked in class about the role of privilege in nature interpretation. I think it is my responsibility to use my privilege and the platform, education, and connections it has given me to uplift those around me - including entities without a voice like flora, fauna, and the Land. Equitable, responsible, fair, thorough, and timely actions matter.

We owe it to future generations to preserve wilderness. If not for its intrinsic value, at least for its role as a solution source. In my previous posts I mentioned how access to green space is a privilege with massive consequences to child development including cognitive milestones, physical health, and emotional maturity. I have a responsibility to do everything in my power to uphold the world, in its purest, for those that will come after me. They deserve a planet with lush, abundant, unsoiled resources and life.

Approaches:

"Teach the student to see the land, understand what he sees and enjoy what he understands."

-Aldo Leopold.

Education is at the frontier of environmentalism. Public community engagement is critical to implore learners to take on stewardship responsibilities in their own lives. Young people are the future, but those around us cannot be forgotten so easily. Education at all levels, following all learning styles (as we learned in class) is a principle of responsible education. Regulation can only go so far, change must come from the heart and the heart can be moved through common humanity grounded by teachers. This is a cornerstone of my nature interpretive approach.

"The road to conservation is paved with good intentions that often prove futile, or even dangerous, due to a lack of understanding of either land or economic land use."

-Aldo Leopold.

Another key facet of my approach follows education, and that is the appropriate and comprehensive model of conservation. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a must for any real change in the world. One person cannot be expected to know all, and it takes a team to institute real action. As much as environmentalists want to do away with economic or political theory, that is not only ignorant, but dangerous. With the looming climate crisis coupled with furthered disparity amongst humanity, it will take countless collaborative partnerships and efforts to strive towards genuine conservation. I intend on fostering this collaboration and mutual respect amongst disciplines throughout my career.

Conclusion:

"We shall never achieve harmony with the land any more than we shall achieve absolute justice or liberty for people. In these higher aspirations, the important thing is not to achieve, but to strive."

-Aldo Leopold.

This Leopold quote is brilliant, albeit a bit stark. I think many people dream of an end goal of perfect harmony between humanity and the Land, and amongst each other. However, as with most things, this is not a binary end goal of achievement or not. Instead, it is a transient spectral process that institutes decades of additive synergistic changes to strive towards this “end goal”. We cannot work in absolutes. I intend on following my own aspirations, along with the rest of the world, in an attempt to make this planet a better place for future stewards of the Earth. And I think that's a pretty good goal to strive towards.

Thank you for coming along with me on this journey of self discovery, education, and connection. This course has been incredible and I valued every moment.

ejenvs3000w22

The Most Amazing Thing I Know About Nature

Since the beginning of the pandemic, nature has started to have a greater importance in society than ever before. As I stated before in my previous posts, people have begun to appreciate nature and the environment again. Being stuck in quarantine has made people realize how important the environment is for us and our health. The environment provides us with many things to improve our mental and physical health.

As society begins to realize how important nature is for us to grow in and surround ourselves in, future city builders are beginning to incorporate nature with our future cities. Building more sustainable cities has been a much talked about subject and people can begin to see the amazing innovations that are being created to incorporate nature with our cities.

A great example that is coming to Toronto is the Quayside site. This will be Canada’s first Zero-Carbon Building certified neighbourhood of this scale (3.4 million square feet), demonstrating climate leadership as one of Canada’s most sustainable low-carbon communities (Bredin, 2022). As you can see from the photos, this new community will mesh together nature with future building architecture. This will also help grow our cities while combating climate change.

This new development will help us tackle urban environmental challenges such as stormwater management, pollution reduction, and climate resiliency (Bredin, 2022). Nature also supports the health and well-being of the people that live in cities, offering benefits like stress reduction and opportunities for social connection.

The most amazing thing I know about nature is that it isn't just a pretty thing to look at. Nature gives us a source to reduce pollution, inspire physical activity, improve neighbourhood safety, reduce risk of disease, and improve our contact with the natural world. Nature provides us with solutions and improves our quality of life. Nature is such a gift and provides us with more than just its beauty. I am very excited to see what's in store for our future sustainable cities. I look forward to see what's in store for us as we continue to find ways to combat climate change and improve our quality of life. Thank you nature for your help, we couldn't do this without you!

References

Bredin, S. (2022, February 15). Dream unlimited and great gulf group selected to develop quayside. Waterfront Toronto. https://waterfrontoronto.ca/nbe/portal/waterfront/Home/waterfronthome/newsroom/newsarchive/news/2022/february/dream+unlimited+and+great+gulf+group+selected+to+develop+quayside

jsenvs3000w22

Hi Erminio!

Your post rocked! I had never even heard of the Quayside site, but I am from the GTA (Niagara). This is the stuff our generation dreams of. It feels like when you watch Back to the Future and start to dream about what the future holds for you. I think so many young people can relate to imagining green cities and finding a balance between "nature" and urbanization. This is that dream coming true. I think minds like yours will get us there. You mention seeing nature as a solution to improve quality of life; I believe this is the mindset to subscribe to in order to spur meaningful, responsible, equitable, economical, and ecologically sound change in the world. Great work!

Chapter 9: The Diabolical Ironclad Beetle

Hands down, one of the coolest things I’ve learned about nature is the sheer tenacity of it. Nature can be soft, gentle and beautiful yes, but is also is determined, gritty, and far tougher than we give it credit for. One of the coolest insects I know of perfectly embodies this.

The diabolical ironclad beetle (Phloeodes diabolicus), a desert bug native to California, can withstand an applied force of about 150 newtons—roughly 40,000 times its body weight—before the exoskeleton of the insect begins to fracture.. That means it can be run over by a car — and live to tell the tale. Also, what an AWESOME name. It's built like a small tank. Beetles have hardened wings on their backs, called elytra. In flying beetles, the elytra are there to protect the wings and facilitate the ability to fly. The diabolical ironclad beetle, however, has no wings, which allows the elytra and the manner in which they are connected to distribute force more evenly throughout its body. They interlock like a jigsaw puzzle, so when pressure is applied, they don’t bend or break.

While real jigsaw pieces snap at their “necks” (their thinnest points), those tying the diabolical’s exoskeleton together don’t. Instead, the puzzle piece-like sutures delaminate—or fracture into layers—allowing them to pull apart without breaking completely.

The front and back of the beetle also vary in flexibility. Near the back of the beetle, the ridges are not as tightly interlocked. That allows the top and bottom halves of the exoskeleton to slide past each other slightly. This flexibility helps the beetle absorb compression in a part of its body that is safer to squish.

Many would-be predators don’t stand a chance of cracking one of these beetles open. The diabolical ironclad is basically nature’s jawbreaker. The strength of this beetles exoskeleton can inspire new, sturdier designs for things such as body armor, buildings, bridges and vehicles.

J. Rivera et al. Toughening mechanisms of the elytra of the diabolical ironclad beetle. Nature. Vol. 586, October 22, 2020, p. 543. doi: 10.1038/s41586-020-2813-8.

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Music in Nature

Music is everywhere in nature. George Santayana, a poet philosopher, and naturalist, stated “the Earth has music for those who listen.” Birds and whales have very similar music in respect to human songs. A song is defined as, “any rhythmic repeated utterance, whether by a bird, a frog, an insect, a whale or a human being (Gray et al. 2001). For instance, whale’s “songs fall between the length of a modern ballad and that of a movement of a symphony” (Gray et al. 2001). Due to the fact that whale’s songs are close to humans, it is believed that that they have close attention spans to humans (Gray et al. 2001). This is a result of whale’s large cerebral cortex’s (Gray et al. 2001). Additionally, whales are able to sing over a range of seven octaves. However, whales typically utilize “musical intervals between their notes that are similar to or the same as the intervals in our scales” (Gray et al. 2001). Next, birds will often chirp songs that “use the same rhythmic variations, pitch relationships, permutations, and combinations of notes as human composers” (Gray et al.2001).

Nature is also everywhere in music. Many of the sounds that are utilized in modern music are from nature. I personally know many people that can’t fall asleep without listening to ‘nature’s music.’ For example, hearing running water from a waterfall, owls hooting, or ocean waves crashing on the beach. Even in the famous nursery rhyme, “Old Macdonald Had a Farm,” nature is utilized in music through the use of the different farm animals.

The song that immediately takes me back to nature is “Big Yellow Taxi,” by Joni Mitchell. The message in this song is very clear message regarding society’s poor use and concern for our use of the lands around us (Mitchell, 1970). This is shown in the main chorus “we pave paradise and put up a parking lot,” as well as “we cut down all the trees and put into a tree museum and charge the people a dollar and a half to see them” (Mitchell, 1970). Whenever I hear this song, I think about how beautify nature is and how it is being taken away. This is even stated in the song when Joni Mitchell says, “you don’t know what you got till it’s gone” (Mitchell, 1970). I believe that this statement sums up nature as society has become so driven that nobody takes the time to enjoy what Earth has to offer. I loath the day we need to pay “a dollar and a half” to see nature in a museum.

References

Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=anon~bddb6115&sid=googleScholar&xid=8b0b8c09

Mitchell J. (1970). Big Yellow Taxi [Recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell]. On Ladies of the Canyon. United States: Reprise Records.

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Hi! I thought your post was thought-provoking and so well done! The quote you included by George Santayana was such a creative and effective way to start your post. I think that message is carried throughout the rest of your writing. You described in detail how a whale and bird song is similar to human music as they “use the same rhythmic variations, pitch relationships, permutations, and combinations of notes as human composers”. I would pose the opposite viewpoint in that human music is inspired by nature, like bird song, and not the other way around. They don’t follow our rules, we created our rules around what we saw in nature and what was intrinsic to us. I guess it's kind of a chicken and egg situation. Do we make our musical theory as a result of nature, or do we just interpret nature through our theory superficially? What are your thoughts?

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07: Nature & Music

Music is everywhere. As corny as that sounds it's true, at least in my interpretation. Music isn't just the same generic song blasting 24/7 in your cities Forever 21, and it isn't just a century old Mozart composition. Music is all around us and allows one to feel a variety of emotions. Music in nature is a bird's mating call, or the roaring of a river. It can be the sound of ice cracking under your feet or rustling leaves in the wind. These sounds we hear in nature are presented in such a way that it produces beauty, emotion and euphony; music. From crashes of thunder to ocean waves, we have nature to thank for the melodies that calm us.

Music as a form of interpretation is a very powerful tool we should be grateful for.

"Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.”

–Joseph Pulitzer

What better way to spread information through entertainment and emotion than music? With music not only are we able to reach various groups of individuals, but we are able to reach beyond park boundaries (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2017) and set a lasting, creative memory in the audience's mind. It's beautiful to think of large groups of people with different values and beliefs all sharing this one moment together, listening to the same song. The sense of unity felt through music is quite difficult to replicate.

Nature in music is a more complex thought. After some reflection however, I’ve realized aspects of nature are present in various forms of music. We don't need to look too far for examples, Indigenous peoples are known for the deep history and meaning behind their music, full of hidden ecological knowledge. These traditional songs are embedded with history and sense, passed down from generation to generation. Kwaxsistalla Wathl’thla is one crucial example; a man who revealed an ancient ya’a song that led researchers to the mystery of lokiwey (clam gardens). Through his song we were able to discover that cultivation of clams in clam gardens as a popular 3,500 year old practice for Coastal First Nations. Through one song Wathl’thla caused an immense surge in research surrounding traditional management practices and educated communities on how Indigenous landscapes thrived. Plus it was a great step in clam management improvement (White, 2020)!

As for a more personal example, nature is present in a lot of music of my culture. There are many examples of songs and poetry that use various examples of nature to prove how beautiful life is whilst being thankful to the creator that made it. Though not everyone can relate to the religious aspects, the lyrics regarding nature are impactful enough to reach any group. This gives me the perfect segway to share a song that immediately takes me back to a natural landscape;

The song (more of a poem actually) was written by Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, a 13th-century Persian poet. Last summer in Pakistan, sitting at the top of a mountain with my headphones on, this poem came on shuffle. I don't know if it was due to the extreme cold at the peak, my sudden fatigue, or the beauty of this poetry and the nature surrounding me; but I had never felt more at peace. For someone with stress levels constantly through the roof, this piece of music never fails to bring me back to the peak of that mountain top and a peak moment in my life.

Here’s me back at the bottom of the mountains, as you can likely tell by my flyaways and peaceful grin, that experience really shaped my future mindset. I will never hear this poem and not have a wave of bittersweet gratitude wash over me.

References

Beck, L. Cable, T. Knudson, D. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. Sagamore- Venture Publishing LLC. ISBN 978-1-57167-865-2.

White, S. (2020). Indigenous song keepers reveal traditional ecological knowledge in music. The Conversation.

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I absolutely loved your post, especially your powerful and thoughtful writing. You described music in nature as a bird’s call, or the roaring of a river. I thought these were exceptionally relatable examples and were able to tug on the memories of the viewer. I also truly loved your writing on Kwaxsistalla Wathl’thla. I had never heard about this and the idea of a song bringing to light a three century-old practice is amazing! Music has ways of healing and the interface of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and biodiversity conservation has been in dire need of healing in the last decades. Thank you for sharing about the poem limerick by Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī and your personal experience. I can only imagine how personal of a story this is for you to share, and your message conveyed all of the emotions you felt while listening to this song so well.

Chapter 7: Music, Nature, and the Spirit

I absolutely loved this week's prompt. The relationships between nature and music are intimately tied to human desire and the spirit. I think that there are ways to dilute these relationships within Westernised scientific paradigms, but at their root the pull between music and wilderness draws in the spirit to the heart of human nature. In an academic lens, the interwoven triangle of emotions, music, and the natural world stem from our evolutionary history as a species. Nearly two millenia ago, Taosit philosophers proposed music to be "a potent cosmic force capable of expanding human intelligence and enhancing communion with the non-human world" (Stewart 2014). The connection between human spirit, music, and nature is not a new idea, it has permeated through centuries and retains it's relentless grasp on us to this day. Our ancestors were entrenched in nature as a means of existing, and musical ability is thought to have evolved before actual language (Stewart 2014). Music is an intrinsic part of the human story. Music originates from nature, and is itself a part of nature living.

One of the things that I immediately thought of with the prompt “Where is music in nature?” was the phenomenon known as Ice Singing. A YouTube influencer I follow lives in rural Sweden, and documents her life exploring her Nordic heritage and running her homestead in a frozen world. She records every winter the music of ice singing. Here I have linked one of her videos on the singing ice and a “Frozen” inspired Nordic song that she composed. She uses an ancient herding-call "kulning" and the old viking instrument "Bukkehorn". It was recorded “among the mountains of Marsfjällen, a place where a part of my heart always will be, and a place where I constantly feel drawn to the call of the wild mountains and the dancing rivers.”

Did you know that ice can sing? - Ice sounds - Singing ice

“The sound of the ice is among the most beautiful and magical sounds I know, and I also believe that the sound can have a very healing effect on humans.”

THE FROZEN CALL - Ancient Nordic Chant

Now, as for where nature is in music, I thought of The Four Seasons (1725) by Antonio Vivaldi. It is a timeless ensemble that pulls the emotions and portrays each of the four seasons. It is a series of pieces that elicit the sounds, images, and emotions of nature through each season with only instrumental music as a set of four concertos. Each concerto has three sections, totaling 12 sections, which reflects the 12 months of the year and the three months comprising each season. This is my purest memory of nature in music. It brings wave after wave of emotion, from light joyous spring of bird song, to scorching sweet breezes of summer threatening rainstorms and insect swarms, to harvestful cool autumn preparing for slumber, to finally stinging chattering winter. It is a feast for the senses and would recommend it to everyone if in need of a mental reprieve.

https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1005&context=muscstud_theses

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Pandemic Gecko

The pandemic has been a long one I feel like we have been tracking it in stages from Tiger King (oof) to sourdough to Wordle and a whole lot more in between. It’s wild to think that 2020 was two years ago. It feels like we were just panic buying toilet paper and finding out what masks we needed. But it wasn’t all bad like many others; I fell victim to the pandemic pet craze where you found yourself with ample time at home and want a new friend. Except my pandemic baby was a leopard gecko named Norbert. (You know, after the dragon from Harry Potter, haha).

Now you may wonder why a lizard? Since I am in student housing, I didn’t feel I had the space for a cat or dog. Rodents bedding often has an odour and can be messy. And well, birds live long enough to be included in wills, and I wasn’t ready for that level of commitment. So I landed on a reptile. I am new to the world of reptiles and researched from March to June 2020 to make sure I knew everything I needed to give this little guy the proper care. Leopard geckos are also known to be one of the “easier” reptiles to care for. So I thought it would be a good introduction.

On July 14th, 2020, I got Norbert from PetSmart (now I know better and should have gone to a reputable breeder, but I saw him and knew he was coming home with me). He was timid, but now we are the best of friends. It’s unfortunate how many people think reptiles have no emotion and can’t show affection to their owners, which I don’t believe is true. The world of reptiles is amazing. They might not get excited the way a dog does or as cuddly as a cat, but it’s truly rewarding once you get to know them and understand their cues.

I crocheted Norbert a hide because I wanted to give him something cozy. He loves it and sleeps the day away in his little cactus. And when I speak to him, he recognizes my voice and will poke his little head out to say hello. When evening comes, he will walk to the front of the tank and ask to come out, in which he will climb up my shoulder and snuggle into my warmth. He loves watching TV. His favourite shows are the Great British Bake off and Phineas and Ferb. I can’t explain it, but something about those shows have him sitting and watching for an hour.

He is also super vocal and will let you know how he is feeling. He has happy chirps when he eats and is exploring and angry noises when he’s in his carrier. He also has favourite people, my roommates and my sister. And you may be wondering how I know he likes them. Well, let’s just say he flung himself off my partner and rubs himself on anything he touches to remove his scent. He is very clear on who he enjoys and who, um... not so much.

Oh, and SPLOOTING is the best thing ever! If you have a pet, I’m sure you have seen them lay fully extended; now imagine a little lizard laying like a pancake to absorb as much of your warmth as possible. When it happens, you feel like you have been chosen, and you can’t move until the lizard has decided you may.

Norbert’s tank! (40 gallons because he’s spoiled)

So I am sure you have gathered my love of reptiles from this post. They have big personalities, love to communicate, and can form great trust from being worked with. I want to put a disclaimer that they require the best care you can give them and not the bare minimum that many pet stores will suggest. The reptile community also has many divided views on many aspects of care, and it takes a lot of research to make sure you are doing what you ought to. This isn’t to discourage anyone from venturing into the world of reptiles. They are wonderful pets, and I don’t think they get nearly enough excitement.

A series of videos from when Norbert and I️ were playing peekaboo (he loves to pretend he’s stalking me loll)

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LEAH! I LOVED YOUR POST!

Hearing about your experience taking care and loving your lizard Norbert made my heart swell. I loved all the pictures and the video you included - totally made my day. I can also totally relate to the “pandemic pet craze” and I think a lot of other people can too. I think it speaks to our yearning for companionship and how we, as humans, need to have friendships (even with tiny lizards) to stay sane in these insane times. I especially loved your crochet huts and seeing how much time and care you invest in your little cold-blooded friend's life. It's heartwarming to see how well Norbert is taken care of and how much time and effort is spent to make his life better. Thank you for sharing a little piece of your heart and telling us about you and Norbert and how he made the pandemic easier to bear. SO CUTE!

- Jenna

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BLOG 5: CLIMATE MITIGATION

On my social media feed recently, I’ve noticed a lot of advertisements about climate change. It has made me think a lot about the situation. As a result, I was reminded of some lessons I’ve learned about climate change mitigation, which I’d like to share. I previously read an essay entitled “The Climate Mitigation Gap:…”, which some of you may have also read. At the end of the article, I was pleasantly surprised to find out about all the different suggested methods available for reducing one’s carbon emissions. Some were fairly well known and probably the go-to response for “how do we curve the effects of climate change?”. Other suggestions however aren’t that discussed/established or at least I wasn’t too familiar with them. For instance, I wasn’t aware of how much meat consumption contributes to personal daily carbon emissions. Although, after reviewing the rationale behind some of the suggested tactics, it all appears to make perfect sense and is completely justified… But… Could I follow ALL the recommendations? Probably not. I would love to be able to reduce my carbon footprint but I don’t think I can. One major thing that helps mitigate climate change is reducing travel (car and/or plane), but living in rural areas limits your options for transportation. Also, I honestly don’t think I can give up eating meat, sorry. The article also talked about how much having a pet contributes to our carbon emissions. I mean I could get rid of my dog but I don’t think I would be able to live with the guilt. All I can do is continue to conserve energy, limit my amount of driving, recycle more, waste less and use environmentally friendly products. Ultimately, I believe that becoming more aware of one’s own part in climate change is beneficial. This course has definitely made me think more about my role in the environment and what ‘I leave behind’. So, what can I do to minimize my carbon footprint, and what should my entire household be doing to help? Well, I thought about this recently. My family was moving to a new home and the moving process tends to produce a lot of unnecessary garbage. When talking to my family, I recommended getting reusable bins for packing to reduce our waste after the move. Also, I suggested using our towels/blankets as cushioning between fragile items rather than getting plastic bubble wrap. Sometimes the little things make a difference. If you or anyone you know is moving, here are some environmentally friendly tips that I found:

https://onthegomoving.com/green-moving-eco-friendly-10-tips/.

Additionally, when the popups concerning climate change were brought to my attention, I began to consider how things could be done differently at my work. For example, we have to print a lot of paper every day, despite the fact that the information we’re printing can be found online. If we were allowed to access information using electronic devices, we would reduce waste and save money in the long run.

How about you? What are some things that you noticed in school or at work that could be done differently to help reduce carbon emissions?

Keep reading

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Hi there! I loved your post about steps to reduce your carbon footprint as a form of climate change mitigation. I think you touched on some really important topics and you unearthed a few creative and novel takes on personal carbon footprints. I especially was intrigued when you mentioned how travel has a huge impact on reducing your footprint and helping mitigate climate change. But you also mentioned how for those living in rural areas, travel is necessary and lengthy. Shifting to a more ruralized, and less urban-dependent, way of living has also been suggested as a mitigation measure. This begs the question of how these two suggestions can coexist and not negate the benefits of the other?

I also am moving this April and I loved your eco-friendly moving tips! Thanks! I think it's so cool how innovative people become when striving for a common good. Unless I was moving myself, I never would have thought about how much waste is created through the packing process. Great post, great tips, and great perspective!!

- Jenna

Chapter 6: Integrity of the Past

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 dense. There is a lot to unpack in just this short snippet of Edward Hyams’ thoughts. It took me a long time to get a full grounding of what I think Hyams is saying here, and I still don’t think it encompasses all interpretations. In this quote Hyams states that “ancient things” have no peculiar merit. I read this as Hyams saying that things of the past, in and of themselves, do not pose merit. Reading further, Hyams goes on to say there is merit in integrity and says “integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole”. By this, Hyams means that historical and “ancient” things are valuable, only so far as to it's related context that these objects or places represent. By keeping the knowledge and understanding of these things intrinsically tied to the objects themselves, then we instil integrity and therefore merit in the objects. Hyams claims this can be done through knowledge, a memory. In interpretation, we relay and recount information and stories to tie in isolated places, people, and objects. Without interpretation, these entities would exist in isolation from each other - without integrity. Interpreters weave a myriad of stories, myths, facts, and understandings of the world around them and present this knowledge to audiences from all walks of life. Hyams’ writing suggests that this interconnectedness of information through time underpins the integrity of nature interpretation. Further, Hyams presents an analogy of believing a train station only exists so long as our train is sitting in it, and as soon as it's in the past it ceases to matter. He equates this as thinking, feeling, or acting as though the past is done with. I think this is an incredibly effective analogy, with a powerful message. The past is not simply “done with” just because it is out of sight. Every day we live in a world defined and created by the thoughts, feelings, fears, dreams, and actions of those before us. We cannot take for granted all that it took to bring about the world we live in. The Interpreter's job is to provide context and information on past events, objects, and places. These things have real, tangible, and powerful impacts on our day to day lives and do not simply cease to exist because they are not directly in front of us. Beck and Cable (2011) notes “the beauty of human integrity commemorated in events of the past and the beauty of the intricacies of nature give rise to hope” and I think this profoundly connects Hyams thoughts on integrity and the interpretation of nature through human action.

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

Chapter 5: How Trees Talk to Each Other

This week we have a free-write to talk about anything that is on our mind lately. For me, I had a difficult time thinking of what to write about this week. I’ve found myself losing my grounding in the monsoon of school, work, responsibilities, and global and political grief. It's been a genuinely challenging time in my life, and I’ve been trying to actively find ways to connect to nature, even in light of personal responsibilities and the ever-growing to-do list. One way I’ve tried to do this is by sitting down and reading about the things we learn in class, for myself. I used to read for pleasure all the time, so starting that habit up again has been my way of bringing nature to me and reclaiming some of my mental space for learning again. I’ve been reading about Suzanne Simard, a scientist and Professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia who studies mycorrhizal networks. I am sure some, if not most of you, have heard of her research or at least seen her Ted Talk "How Trees Talk to Each Other" (with over 5 million views). I have been reading her book, “Finding the Mother Tree”. I have linked below a few resources of hers like her website and a link to one of her TedTalks.

While researching her doctoral thesis over 20 years ago, ecologist Suzanne Simard discovered that trees have the ability to communicate their needs and send each other nutrients through a network of fungi in the soil. Since then she has pioneered research into how trees talk, including how these fungal relationships help trees send warning signals about environmental change, search for kin, send biotoxins and how they transfer nutrients to neighbouring plants before they die. The mycorrhizal fungus connecting trees underground provides the host plants with nutrients, such as phosphate and nitrogen. The fungus will send out tubes called hyphae, which weave into the tips of plant roots. These hyphae create what is called mycelium, which links plants together through these root connections. Roots and fungi combine to form what is called a mycorrhiza. Trees are connected underground to sometimes hundreds of other individuals, sending excess carbon, water, and information through the network. An example of such a network can be seen here. Seedling establishment can be aided by older plants with extensive root systems because seedlings can quickly tap into a larger resource pool than they would be able to access on their own. This research revolutionised the way we understand forest dynamics, intelligence, communication, and our definition of community. Forests are not aggregations of isolated individuals, but are instead complex and adaptive networks of information. They are worth protecting, not only as resources but as genetic reservoirs, biodiversity hotspots, and mitigators of climate change.

Suzanne’s Website: https://suzannesimard.com/

TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_trees_talk_to_each_other?language=en

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BLOG 4

When looking at the blog prompt I put some heavy thought into the following question: Who are you to interpret nature through art? This is an important question to reflect upon. Firstly, how does art become an interpretation of nature? Art has the power to mimic nature by visually replicating objects we see in nature as they appear in real life. Another question to ask is do we need to have qualifications to interpret art, such as a university degree? I believe that anyone can interpret art regardless of their qualifications. When considering how I interpret art as an individual, that is a complicated question. I think art has the power to let your imagination run free and create beautiful images and stories. Art and nature are both very similar as the way they are interpreted are left in the hands of the interpreter.

Speaking honestly, I have never had the most artistic eye and have never been good at actually making art. Although I do not have the most talent in this area I do enjoy it quite a lot. There are many ways different styles of art that I enjoy such as photography, painting, music and cinema. When I am in nature I enjoy taking pictures to capture its beauty. When I look back at my pictures I feel the emotions I felt at that time and relive the memories I had.

(Estero Island, Florida (2017). Whenever I look at this image it reminds me of the memories I had on this trip and the fun times I had on the beach with my cousins. I remember feeling complete relaxation as I looked at this sunset. This just goes to show the power of photography!)

In my opinion, art plays a very important role in nature interpretation and should be incorporated more into programs. Firstly, many visitors may find it fun to participate in activities that include art. For example, incorporating crafts in a children’s program will likely stimulate their minds and help them take an interest in what is being presented to them. In addition, art has the power to resonate in our minds and help visitors truly take value in nature. As the textbook highlighted; a dance, song, image or drama is likely to be more interesting than dense information.

To quote the textbook: “The gift of beauty comes from the principle that interpretation should instill in people the ability and desire to sense the beauty in their surroundings (Beck et al., 2019).” This inspires people to connect with the beauty of nature spiritually, developing a connection that is bigger than yourself. It is so powerful that it can motivate resource preservation, making people more likely to protect the world we live in. The gift of beauty can also relate to nature interpretation through art. A visual representation of nature is another way visitors can feel and desire the beauty of nature. Art helps to visualize meaning associated with a place and can even tell a story.

I am looking forward to reading about everyone else’s interpretation of the gift of beauty!

Beck, L., Cable, T., & Knudson, D. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage. Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC.

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Hi Makayla! I thought your post was really well written and you made some great points. You posed the question whether any qualifications were required to interpret art. I agree with your response that anyone, regardless of education or any other ‘typical’ qualifications is able to experience and interpret art in ways that are justified and valid. I especially liked how you mentioned that both art and nature are interpreted in a way that is “left in the hands of the interpreter”. Moreover, you mentioned the practical applications of art in nature interpretation for children, and I think that's a great use of art to not only bolster nature interpretation experiences, but to improve the communication of such experiences past barriers like language proficiency, literacy, energy level/attentiveness, and previous knowledge (or lack thereof). Using art as a medium to convey information, either through visual or auditory stimulation, can assist in reaching every child effectively and making the experience both fun and genuinely memorable. It can help the information to ‘stick’ when we empower people of diverse learning styles to experience nature interpretation in a variety of ways - similar to how we learned about different learning styles in previous weeks. For example, audible tours in a variety of languages and knowledge levels, visual mediums like plaques and pictures like photography and infographics, as well as tactile experiences like paint nights, crafts, or identification workshops where visitors can have hands-on time with different specimens (e.g., bark, twigs, feathers, rocks). Thanks for a great post, super thought provoking!

- Jenna

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Nature and Art

I have never been much of an artist myself, but that isn’t to say that I don’t still appreciate art on a daily basis. One of the ways that I do find myself appreciating art on a daily basis is through nature and its various landscapes, creatures, and environments. The textbook mentions that art can elicit certain emotions, such as empathy and sympathy, and that art is something that while eliciting emotional responses, also is an intellectual experience (Beck et al., 2018). Given this, it is easy to visualize nature as an art form. Nature is something that elicits sympathy and empathy, among other emotions (i.e. awe, excitement, and curiosity), as well as being something that is intellectually valued.

In this way, I am largely someone who looks at nature as I would a piece of art. When I’m in nature, I make sure to stop and really take in my surroundings. I make sure to take note of the surroundings, what colours stick out to me, the organisms present, the noises I hear, and so on. This is certainly an emotional experience, and oftentimes I am in a state of awe when I’m in nature, but as well, it serves as an intellectual experience. It is particularly intellectual to me as the more I am in nature, the more I feel I learn about it; the ecosystems within it, the way it works, and so on. As I mentioned, I am by no means an artist or have the capabilities to “properly” judge or critique artworks, however, nature seems like a sort of artwork that everyone is able to enjoy and interpret in their own way; there is no wrong way to interpret nature through the lens of art.

“The gift of beauty”, as the textbook describes it, states that, “interpretation should instill in people the ability, and the desire, to sense the beauty in their surroundings - to provide spiritual uplift and to encourage program and facility design” (Beck et al., 2018). This definition lends itself well to this discussion regarding art and nature interpretation. As we become better at interpreting nature, (we begin to notice the little things, or we spend more time in nature), we will inevitably begin to sense the beauty in our surroundings. This is similar to a person who interprets paintings, for example. The better they become at interpreting paintings (they spend more time learning about the artist and their intentions or spend more time generally exploring art), the better they will become at seeing the beauty or intention behind them.

I personally see the gift of beauty as something that grows and develops over time. We can’t expect to be necessarily “good” at interpreting nature when it’s something new to us. I would say that we have to work to cultivate an understanding of the beauty in nature and the complexity of the connections within it. As mentioned above, we begin to be more observant. Once we are able to better interpret nature, we are able to instill the ability and desire to sense the beauty in the surroundings in not only ourselves, but also others. This is to say that once we understand the gift of beauty, we are better equipped to explain this gift to others through our own interpretation.

Ultimately, I would note that there is just something so inherently beautiful about nature, and this is why it is so easy to see nature as a form of art. Being able to discover this beauty as I get more and more into nature is something so valuable to me, and I can’t wait to explore and discover more of nature in my future!

Side note - I’m currently in an advanced philosophy of the environment class, and we’ve been talking a lot about nature from an aesthetic appreciation/value perspective. I think this topic relates well to this week's prompt, as many of the papers we’re currently discussing make connections to actual art works and draw comparisons between art and nature to help explain why nature should be valued based on strictly aesthetic reasons (strange argument, I know!). I’ll attach a few of the papers we’ve read below in case anyone is interested in reading!

Papers on aesthetic value:

Brady, E. (1998). Imagination and the aesthetic appreciation of nature. The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 56(2): 139-147.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/432252

Carlson, A. (1981). Nature, aesthetic judgment, and objectivity. The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 40(1): 15-17.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/430349

References (for blog post):

Beck, L., Cable, T., & Knudson, D. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage. Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC.

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Hi Lauryn! I really enjoyed your post this week, especially when you shared your approach to experiencing and interacting with nature. It has become ever-increasingly important to take our time to consciously experience our surroundings and I think you’ve done a wonderful job at describing how to do just that. When you describe taking purposeful observations of things like the colours of what you see, what flora and fauna are around you, and intentionally listening to your surroundings it perfectly encompasses the acceptance and immersion of nature. Of particular note, I loved when you mentioned that the gift of beauty develops and grows over time. I think it's important to recognize our relationship to nature is not static and is able to strengthen with practice. Then, as our own relationship and understanding of nature is deepened, we are able to use it to empower, uplift, and educate others to deepen their own relationship as well. You also mentioned how you're learning about environmental aesthetics, and I have also learned about it in my own philosophy courses. I would love to hear your opinions on the role environmental aesthetics may (or may not) play in Land and wildlife conservation For example, the preferential conservation of picturesque landscapes vs. ecological functionality, or funding/media coverage/research on charismatic megafauna vs. keystone species. I really enjoyed learning about this topic and from your post, it sounds like you did too! I would love to hear other peoples views on this topic - whether or not (and to what degree) the aesthetics of nature impacts and sways conservation efforts, and whether the consequences of this are beneficial or detrimental?

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