ENVS*3000 Interpretive Blog

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Disclaimer

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

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

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

Blaze

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Personal Ethics and Nature Interpretation

Through participating in this course, I have gained insights into various aspects of environmental interpretation and the roles and responsibilities of nature interpreters. The readings, discussion, and different components we have explored in this course have influenced my personal ethics regarding interpretation in the future. Although I have always found a great interest in this field from an outside perspective, I am still determining if I would pursue a role as an interpreter as a career. However, if I were to take up a position as a nature interpreter, it would be focused on environmental education and public outreach because those are incredibly important to the community from a conservation standpoint. In this position, I would consider and include the questions asked in the prompt. 

Focused on pursuing a career in conservation, I consider passion to be a central skill in nature interpretation. My biggest belief is that motivating action in an audience to conserve our environment is done through the enthusiastic delivery of a topic. As discussed in the textbook, sharing genuine love for a topic or subject engages an audience deeply with the topic (Beck et al., 2018). Without that genuine enthusiasm, the interpretive experience is limited. To create a connection with nature and instill an appreciation for the natural world, I would create experiences that connect tangible elements of a place and intangible meanings, as explained by Beck et al. (2018). I hope that by doing this, I can make the interpretive experiences enjoyable and memorable and ignite curiosity in my audience. Igniting this curiosity I think will allow my audience to develop their own personal connections with the world around them. In this way, as an interpreter I could create a community of individuals who share a passion for conservation and appreciation for nature, and potentially transform their attitudes and behaviors towards the environment. 

In addition to passion, I prioritize respect for nature. During discussions through Tumblr with my peers, I have come to recognize the importance of instilling this respect as an interpreter, especially in a society facing habitat destruction and other environmental challenges. While some cultures (i.e., First Nations) already embody a deep sense of respect for the environment, it is our responsibility as interpreters to promote conservation and respect for nature, which can be done through interpretation. 

Drawing from my own experiences as a second-generation Canadian and my family background, I understand the significance of reducing barriers to accessibility, whether they are cultural, economic, or physical (Beck et al., 2018). As an interpreter, this requires me to know my audience and adapt my approach accordingly. Increasing the number of culturally diverse staff, offering interpretation in different languages, curating community events celebrating cultures, providing transportation, and involving individuals cooperatively could serve our communities more effectively (Beck et al., 2018). By offering diverse forms of interpretation and ensuring accessibility, we can reach a broader audience and allow all individuals to have a ‘sense of place’ in nature.

Along with reducing barriers, my other responsibility as an interpreter is tailoring interpretation approaches to appeal to different learning styles, thereby promoting inclusivity and engagement. By utilizing various forms of media and various artistic mediums, I can connect with more than one demographic and reach a larger audience. Everyone is unique in how they learn and connect with the world around them, making nature interpretation challenging. However, my responsibility as an interpreter is to foster that connection with each member of an audience as best I can, ensuring that everyone feels valued and considered in the interpretive process. 

Regarding my beliefs and responsibilities, I am particularly drawn to promoting conservation and respectful engagement with the environment, especially among children and through citizen science initiatives. Growing up, I did not have the opportunity or interest to engage in nature, as I was more interested in indoor activities and sports. Although I did not possess a natural innate appreciation for the environment, as explained by Rodenburg (2019), it is something I believe is essential to improve our environment in the future. Compared to older populations, children approach nature with curiosity and a desire to explore, as I have observed in my interactions with my young cousins and in my role as an environmental educator during my internships (Rodenburg, 2019). Therefore, I agree with Rodenburg (2019) that instilling a connection with nature at a young age is important to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the environment and promote sustainable attitudes and behaviours. 

From my experience, environmental education plays a crucial role in reinforcing this connection with nature in children. During my internships, I had the opportunity to engage with children of local communities and share the importance of proper plastic management and its environmental impact. I gained first-hand experience with environmental education and cultivating a connection between children and their environment, although I did not live on the island I worked on. 

In addition to this, from a conservation standpoint, I think that citizen science initiatives also provide accessible opportunities for various demographics (including children) to engage with the environment (Merenlender et al., 2016; Wals et al., 2014). These can be as simple as applications like iNaturalist. Although self-guided, they can empower individuals to develop an appreciation for nature and take action for conservation, which I believe is the most important. These approaches also force individuals to immerse themself in nature, facilitating a deeper connection with the environment, ideally filled with passion and respect. 

This course has introduced me to concepts and approaches I had yet to encounter. The discussion on this platform has provided valuable perspectives that have enabled me to integrate these concepts and insights into my ideal role as a successful nature interpreter. 

Thanks to everyone for their responses and engaging with my posts. I have had a blast reading everything and seeing what everyone else has to share. Good luck with the rest of your semester! 

References

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

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

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

Wals, A. E. J., Brody, M., Dillion, J., and Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence Between 

Science and Environmental Education. Science 344, 583-584. DOI:10.1126/science.1250515

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Hi Emily,

I enjoyed reading your blog post. Your emphasis on reducing barriers to nature interpretation events is something I strongly agree with as well. North America is increasingly becoming more and more diverse each day. Canada welcomes almost 500,000 new immigrants yearly (“Immigration in Canada: Statistics & Facts,” 2024). Ignoring the accessibility of nature interpretation events could dramatically impact the influence the events can have. Understanding and celebrating the cultural differences within your audience can help interpreters serve everyone more effectively (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018, pp.137). Barriers can be physical, but also the attitude framed around our designs of interpretive events (University of Northern British Columba, 2021). It's one thing to create nature interpretation events for the average viewer and then accommodate others as an afterthought. It's another thing to create events with people with disabilities or language barriers in mind. It's important to ensure that people with potential barriers don't receive a reduced experience as a result. I think it's also important to promote these events to the desired demographic. Before this course, I was unaware of how many different nature interpretation events exist. Now imagine being someone who just arrived in Canada. They likely don't even realize these events are available to everyone, let alone available to them.

Additionally, I agree with your point on using different approaches to nature interpretation to appeal to others. Creating an experience using different media and artistic mediums can dramatically increase the audience that is able to participate in the experience. Overall, I'm excited to see how nature interpretation changes in the coming years with our growing technology for communication and educational purposes.

References

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

Immigration in Canada: Statistics & Facts. (2024). Statista Research Department. https://www.statista.com/topics/2917/immigration-in-canada/#topicOverview

University of Northern British Columbia. (2021). Making nature accessible for everyone. https://www2.unbc.ca/newsroom/unbc-stories/making-nature-accessible-everyone

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ethics as an interpreter

As I embark on my journey as a nature interpreter, I find myself being guided by mainly my personal beliefs and responsibilities. This ethical base is a compass that leads me towards more understanding and appreciation.

One of my personal beliefs lies in the interconnectedness of life forms and our ecosystems. I view nature as a vital part of our existence as it is and deserves respect for its beauty, importance and abilities and should thus not be seen as separate from humanity. This belief fuels my passion for being a nature interpreter as I strive to convey interconnectedness to others.

Another huge contributor to my personal ethics is the responsibility I feel towards both the natural world and the people I engage with as an interpreter. I find myself to be a mediator between these two and thus it is my responsibility to bridge the gap between us humans and the rest of the beautiful natural world. Along with this role comes the duty to inspire and install a sense of wonder. Through fostering a deeper connection to nature in these individuals I can empower them to become advocates for environmental conservation and sustainability as well and spread awareness.

 Through fulfilling my responsibilities of being a nature interpreter, there are a few approaches that reflect my personal ethics. First, prioritizing authenticity in my interactions with the audience and natural world is a top priority as I strive to ensure the information being presented is accurate and clear so that everyone is able to understand and acknowledge the importance and complexity of our ecological systems.

I also embrace a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to nature interpretation through insights from ecology and history. This is because I have taken a variety of history in the environment and animals in history courses as well as a field ecology course that helped me connect to nature on an even deeper level and sharing these insights with others will help resonate on a more intellectual and emotional level.

Lastly, I am committed to ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy nature. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of nature regardless of their background or circumstances is my top priority. 

As I continue to develop as a nature interpreter it is also important that I learn and grow with it and am mindful of the evolving nature and am open to new ideas, perspectives and experiences that challenge and deepen my understanding of the environment. My main goal is to inspire others to discover, reflect and act towards a more harmonious relationship with our natural world.

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Hi,

I enjoyed reading your blog, and I share many similar beliefs when it comes to nature interpretation. Specifically, your belief in the interconnectedness of life forms and ecosystems really resonated with me. I believe viewing nature not only as a resource but also as an integral part of our existence is a necessary perspective to have. This perspective reminds me of how the First Nations view nature. First Nation's relationship with nature is spiritual and intrinsic. Their perspective of nature is not one of ownership but one of stewardship ("First Nations' Relationship to the Land," 2015). They believe their relationship with nature is the same as any other life form; if they respect and protect nature, nature will provide for them in return. I feel like we can learn from this type of perspective. Currently, our relationship with nature is one of greed and selfishness. We continue to drain the environment's natural resources for our benefit. Nature is fairly resilient. However, if we keep taking from it, it will eventually be unable to recover. I believe shifting our perspective on nature towards one that resembles the one held by the First Nation will be essential to prevent this from happening. Nature interpretation can play a trivial role in that shift as well. As you mentioned, it's essential that we continue to learn and grow with nature. Hopefully, one day, as a society, we’ll respect nature not only for its resource value but its intrinsic value as well.

References:

First Nations’ Relationship to the Land (2015). Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nation-relationship-to-the-land

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Unit 10: Reflecting on my personal ethics, beliefs, responsibilities and suitable approaches to nature interpretation

Personal Ethics:

After reflecting on my journey through this course, I have found my personal ethics towards nature have profoundly changed. Before this course, I was unfamiliar with the term nature interpretation and didn't fully understand what it meant. However, I now know that it's a communication process aimed at illustrating not only the complexity but also the beauty and culture found within nature (Beck, Cable & Knudson, 2018, p.4). Furthermore, nature interpretation fosters an understanding and appreciation for nature through firsthand experiences, illustrative media, and even interpretive art pieces. The concept of nature interpretation resonated with me, especially as a student in an environmental sciences program. I now hold a stronger respect for all aspects of the environment, from the tiniest insects to the tallest trees in my neighbourhood. Overall, my personal ethic as a developing nature interpreter centers around respect, responsibility, and a strong belief in the power of environmental education. Respect towards nature not only as a resource for humans but for the inherent value it holds just by existing. A sense of responsibility to act as a steward of the environment, especially mindful of the impact my actions can have on the present and future generations. Shifting people's perspective to one of love and admiration towards nature will be vital for creating a sustainable relationship with the environment. I believe kids play a crucial role in that process. Hopefully, kids will not only employ sustainable practices but also engage in actions that will help to regenerate nature (Rodenburg, 2019). Finally, I firmly believe that environmental education can help ignite change and inspire others to gain a greater appreciation for nature.  

Beliefs:

As highlighted above, my beliefs surround the idea that nature interpretation/education holds great power, regardless of its scale. I believe that even our individual efforts can significantly encourage a deeper connection to nature. Whether through art, music, writing or acting, each method of nature interpretation presents an opportunity to inspire and grow an appreciation for the environment in a diverse audience. This leads me to my next belief. I believe nature interpretation experiences should be available and accessible for everyone, no matter someone's age, race, physical capabilities, or financial situation. Acknowledging the inclusivity of a nature experience will only become more important in the future as places like Europe, Australia, and North America continue to become more culturally and ethically diverse (Beck, Cable & Knudson, 2018, p.37). Although interpreters may never fully overcome all barriers that limit participation in their experiences, the more we consider our constituents' needs, the better we will be able to serve them. Moreover, I believe nature possesses intrinsic value beyond its advantages to humans. This idea of viewing nature as an independent entity with its own inherent value aligns with the perspectives of many indigenous groups, as discussed in this course. Indigenous cultures believe sustaining life within an environment requires viewing the life surrounding them as their kin (Salmón, 2000). By acknowledging our connection with the environment, the communities grow respect and stewardship towards nature. I strongly agree with this belief and would like to incorporate this concept into future interpretive experiences.

Responsibilities:

I've always wanted to grow my knowledge of the environment and its processes, but using my knowledge to educate and inspire others always seemed beyond my reach. Like many others, I got stuck in the mindset that my efforts would be insignificant in terms of the vast environmental issues our planet faces. As Jacob Rodenburg describes in his article Why Environmental Educators Shouldn't Give Up Hope (2019), being an environmental educator is like trying to stop a rushing river with a teaspoon. Although being an environmental educator may seem daunting or even pointless at times, this course has helped me realize that even small actions can have profound impacts. For example, Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring perfectly demonstrates how influential a simple piece of literature can be. In her book, she called for action against harmful pesticides, causing devastating bird population declines. Her persuasive writing helped initiate an environmental movement, ultimately leading to policy and law changes (Beck, Cable & Knudson, 2018, p.304). Examples like this and others highlighted in this course have made me more aware of my influence as a nature interpreter. Along with awareness comes a greater responsibility to educate others about nature's significance and beauty. Additionally, the task doesn't feel as daunting anymore. This course has shown me that creating something as simple as an informative blog or podcast can help contribute to a collective movement toward greater environmental awareness.

Suitable Approaches:

As a nature interpreter, I found several approaches that allow me to express my interests, skills, and values. Firstly, I have discovered a passion for writing through our weekly blog posts. I believe a blog is a great platform for discussing topics that interest you in a more casual manner. Creating a blog that focuses on subjects such as ecology, species invasions, and species at risk would allow me to dive into topics that I find interesting while raising awareness about real-time issues in nature. I would feel accomplished even if only my friends and family read my posts. Additionally, I've enjoyed using podcasting as an avenue to present information. I want to conduct interviews with individuals passionate about their environmental work and allow them to spread awareness. On the other hand, I also enjoyed the storytelling aspect of the kids podcast my group completed in this course. It reminded me of how the indigenous discuss their knowledge of the environment. The Indigenous use traditional storytelling as a research method to discuss their understanding of nature and natural processes (Figure 1; Datta, 2018). This approach interests me because it allows nature interpreters to discuss complex ecological concepts in accessible and compelling ways. Finally, I would like to conduct a nature walk. Conducting a nature walk would allow me to create firsthand experiences with the environment for my participants. I would start small by creating a nature walk through my neighbourhood or nearby forest area for family or friends and discuss the different species of plants and animals in the region while also exploring their historical and cultural significance to the area. I hope that educating my participants on the nature surrounding them will foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature. Regardless of the chosen approach, I hope to inspire others to appreciate, protect and advocate for the environment.

Figure 1: The novel Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a perfect example of discussing scientific knowledge through storytelling. Through short stories, the novel emphasizes the importance of gratitude and giving back to the Earth, encouraging a deep connection with nature (Makhani, 2022).

References

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

Datta, R. (2018). Traditional storytelling: an effective Indigenous research methodology and its implications for environmental research. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 14(1), 35-44. https://doi.org/10.1177/1177180117741351

Makhani, B. (2022). WSU selects ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ as next common read for students. Washington State University. https://news.wsu.edu/news/2022/04/28/wsu-selects-braiding-sweetgrass-as-next-common-read-for-students/

Rodenburg. J. (2019). Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope. Clearing Magazine. Creative Education Network. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

Salmón, E. (2000). Kincentric Ecology: Indigenous Perceptions of the Human-Nature Relationship. Ecological Applications, 10(5), 1327–1332. https://doi.org/10.2307/2641288

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"wood-wide network"

I've read some great blog posts from classmates about the coolest things they know about nature. After taking a few minutes to ponder it, I found myself looking at the trees around me and remembered learning some cool things about trees. 

The most amazing thing that I know about nature is that trees can communicate with each other. Trees in every forest are connected to each other by underground fungal networks. In the sciences, these are referred to as mycorrhizal networks.  Using these networks, trees can share water and nutrients in addition to communicating. These networks are often used to send signals regarding drought or disease. Those signals can be chemical, hormonal or slow-pulsing electrical signals (Grant, 2018). In these forested ecosystems, you will also find mother trees, which are the oldest and largest trees in the area. These trees can draw water and nutrients up from deeper soils making them available for younger, more shallow rooted seedlings (Grant, 2018). 

The first time I heard about this was during my time at SOES. I was out on a hike with a group of students and the specialist leading us stopped at one point to discuss it. He gathered the students up and asked them to find the biggest tree in the area. Once they had located the tree, Richard started to explain how that one tree was helping all the other trees around us through this underground network. It was very interesting to hear it told as more of a story instead of just spitting out the scientific facts. I found that the students were more engaged, and they also had the opportunity to ask questions. 

Simard (2018) presents evidence that these mycorrhizal networks act in a similar way to neural networks. It is a lot easier, when learning about new topics, if you can put it into a context that is familiar. For this idea that trees communicate, it is sort of similar to a human family. Messages are sent, resources shared and the older help protect and shelter the young. This is one of the most simplest ways we can think of this topic, and yet it is also the one I connect to the most. We, as humans, have come a long way from thinking that trees and forests are simply a resource awaiting harvest. We started learning these organisms are alive, and although we are still missing much understanding of how they work, this scientific breakthrough of mycorrhizal networks is a huge step in understanding forest dynamics. 

We now know that cutting down one tree will not just affect only that tree, but all the others surrounding it. In our textbook, it is mentioned that to look at the past means people are calling for a better future (Beck & Cable, 2018), I believe that this discovery is something that will one day have been a historic event. In the future we will look back to when we first discovered that forests and trees have these connections. It is another connection between humans and nature that will one day benefit society. 

All for now :)

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

Grant, R. (2018) Do Trees Talk to Each Other? | Science| Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved March 12, 2024, from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-whispering-trees-180968084/#

Simard, S. W. (2018). Mycorrhizal Networks Facilitate Tree Communication, Learning, and Memory. 191–213. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75596-0_10

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Hi Heather,

I enjoyed reading your post. While walking through a forest, I never really thought about what was occurring below me. So, learning about the network of underground fungi and how it allows trees to communicate with one another is very fascinating. Your discussion on the importance of mother trees just goes to show how impactful deforestation can be on an environment. The biggest and oldest trees are often the first ones to be cut down in a forest. To justify the cutting down of trees, it's common practice to plant younger trees in their place. However, not only does this decrease the amount of carbon stored within the environment, but it also disrupts the mycorrhizal network, impacting all the trees in the surrounding region (Lagomarsino, 2019). Specifically, with current and future changes in the climate, these underground networks between the trees will become increasingly important to maintain.

Your experience with SOES encapsulates the impact nature interpretation can have. A nature interpreter helps ordinary people with little scientific background to understand the complexity found within nature. Demonstrating these processes with real-world examples, as your nature guide did, can really help people visualize a concept. Additionally, it leaves them with increased respect for the environment. Like many things in life, we must give meaning and significance to nature for it to be conserved by others and I believe nature interpretation helps do this. Now, when I walk through a forest, I will not only notice what's occurring above ground but also below.

References:

Lagomarsino, V. (2019). Exploring The Underground Network of Trees – The Nervous System of the Forest. Science in the News – Havard University. https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2019/exploring-the-underground-network-of-trees-the-nervous-system-of-the-forest/#:~:text=Deforestation%20not%20only%20removes%20the,important%20for%20intra%2Dtree%20communication.

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Unit 9: Understanding the Interconnectedness of Nature

Nature is a complex system that holds countless different organisms within its boundaries. At first glance, it may seem challenging to grasp that each organism influences one another. Yet, from the smallest microorganism to the fiercest predator, every organism plays a critical role in maintaining the complex balance of ecosystems. Unfortunately, anthropomorphism often dictates the types of species that receive more attention and conservation efforts from humans. Anthropomorphism is humans' tendency to attribute human-like qualities to animals, especially those that resemble us or demonstrate behaviours we identify as familiar or charming (Mota-Roja et al., 2021). For example, larger animals can evoke a sense of awe, while attractive animals may evoke feelings of empathy and connection. However, despite the size of an organism or its perceived significance, every organism plays a vital role in the interconnectedness of an ecosystem. In this blog post, I will be discussing the importance of every organism in an ecosystem and exploring their interactions to define the reliance and stability found in nature.

Ecosystems are complex networks of interactions between living organisms and their physical environments (Bogers, Sims & West, 2019). At the centre of every ecosystem lies a web of interconnected relationships where plants, animals, and microorganisms co-exist, depending on one another for survival. Chantal van Ham (2018) discusses this concept in her article "In the Spirit of Nature, Everything Is Connected." She outlines how soil is a perfect example of the interconnectedness of nature. Within soil, organic matter like decomposed plant and animal remains holds more carbon than plants and the atmosphere combined. Additionally, soil is the home of countless organisms. It's shocking to realize that just a single teaspoon of healthy soil may hold more organisms (bacteria and fungi) than individuals on Earth (Natural Resources Conservation Service, n.d.). Although improving it could address numerous ongoing challenges in related fields, soil management receives little to no attention (van Ham, 2018).

I believe it's important we start looking at conservation from an ecosystem-level approach. Most past and present efforts to preserve biological diversity have focused on a species, a subspecies, or a population (Franklin, 1993). While addressing visual concerns at the species level can be effective, the underlying issue causing the species' impact often remains unnoticed and unresolved. Additionally, a species-level approach can be costly and timely; there are simply too many species to manage every species at risk effectively. An ecosystem-level conservation approach considers the interactions between numerous species within an ecosystem. Trying to preserve the entire ecosystem helps protect not just one species but all the species that depend on that ecosystem for survival. Healthy ecosystems are stable, dynamic and resilient. By conserving an ecosystem, we also increase their resilience to future environmental changes. This resilience will be essential in the coming years for protection against factors such as climate change and invasive species. Overall, by recognizing the interconnectedness of nature, we can better manage the complex challenges facing species and ensure their continued health and resilience for future generations.

References:

Mota-Rojas, D., Mariti, C., Zdeinert, A., Riggio, G., Mora-Medina, P., Del Mar Reyes, A., Gazzano, A., Domínguez-Oliva, A., Lezama-García, K., José-Pérez, N., & Hernández-Ávalos, I. (2021). Anthropomorphism and Its Adverse Effects on the Distress and Welfare of Companion Animals. Animals: MDPI, 11(11), 3263. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113263

Bogers, M., Sims, J., & West, J. (2019). What Is an Ecosystem? Incorporating 25 Years of Ecosystem Research. Academy of Management Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3437014

van Ham, C. (2018). In the spirit of nature, everything is connected. IUCN's EU Programme Manager for Nature Based Solutions.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (n.d.). Healthy Soils Are full of life. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/Healthy-Soils-Are-full-of-life.pdf

Franklin, J. F. (1993). Preserving Biodiversity: Species, Ecosystems, or Landscapes? Ecological Applications, 3(2), 202–205. https://doi.org/10.2307/1941820

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Unit 07: Nature and Music 

Music is deeply intertwined with nature, and my time spent in Mexico during reading week reminded me of that. From pelicans squawking to waves crashing loudly on the shore or rain hitting the pavement, nature's sounds are diverse. In my opinion, that "atmosphere" created by nature is attributed to its "music." Each environment creates its own unique music, evoking emotions and memories in those who experience it. No one environment produces the exact same music, and one environment's music is never the same each time. Gray et al. (2001) note how nature's unique sounds have sparked curiosity throughout history. For instance, the study of communication among aquatic mammals like dolphins and whales has long been a focus. From the majestic mating songs of blue whales to the distinctive clicks of dolphins, these sounds compose the underwater world's music. Recently, I had the privilege of listening to humpback whale mating songs in Puerto Vallarta. Accompanied by a marine biologist or a nature interpreter, the experience was enlightening. Through his expertise, he skillfully guided the group through the whale-watching tour, engaging people of all backgrounds and instilling a sense of curiosity and respect for nature. By sharing his passion through personal anecdotes, he illustrated the real-world significance of our course content in connecting humans with the natural world.

Like nature interpretation, music affects our minds through emotion (Gray et al., 2001). While initially challenging to pinpoint where nature is in music, the reading by Gray et al. (2001) highlighted its presence. Musicians and composers often draw inspiration from nature's sounds, incorporating them into their compositions to evoke specific moods or atmospheres. In that regard, it's similar to poetry, incorporating certain words like "dark clouds" or "rain" to evoke a feeling of sadness and despair. 

Another factor I had yet to consider, explained by Gray et al. (2001), was that nature's unique sounds mimic those in an orchestra, with each creature and element contributing its own distinctive voice. Just as musicians use different instruments to create harmonious melodies, nature orchestrates its own music. 

Reflecting on personal experiences, certain songs transport us back to nature. As someone who grew up playing different instruments, the melody of music sticks out to be more than lyricism does. Through playing guitar, I have come to appreciate songs that involve plucking each string, each evoking a sense of connection to the natural world. One such song that immediately conjures images of rolling mountains and lush green grass is “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music. The melody resonates with feelings of peace and tranquillity, reminiscent of the landscapes portrayed in the film.

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.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8

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Hey Emily, I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I think your experience in Mexico during reading week beautifully demonstrates how music and nature are intertwined with one another. As you describe, the diverse sounds of pelicans squawking, crashing waves or raindrops on pavement all create a distinctive atmosphere that can be described as nature's music. It's interesting how various environments can generate distinct music that provokes certain emotions in individuals depending on their personal experiences. For example, while some of my friends are unsettled by the sounds of thunder, finding them chaotic and stress-inducing, I find thunderstorms calming. This is because, as a kid, I would often watch thunderstorms with my dad from the window of our cottage.

Additionally, I agree with your point about nature's influence on the composition of music or how musicians will create music to evoke emotions associated with a landscape. As I mentioned in my blog post this week, folk and country musicians frequently reference the beauty of their countryside in their music, while many symphony music commonly draws inspiration from the power of storms and dramatic weather. For example, Brian Eno, an English musician, record producer, and visual artist, wants his music "not to evoke landscape, but to be landscape" (Rothenberg, 2001).

Overall, nature is an integral part of music, and so is music to nature. At first glance, the two may seem unrelated, but with closer inspection, you'll see they are indeed intertwined. This is where I think nature interpreters can come in handy, helping guide people to see the connection, like how your guide in Mexico enabled you to see the composition of sounds from the underwater world.

Reference

Rothenberg, David. "Music in Nature." Alternatives Journal 27.2 (2001): 30-1. ProQuest. https://subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/scholarly-journals/music-nature/docview/218769325/se-2?accountid=11233

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Exploring the relationship between music and nature

Nature is filled with sounds. From birds chirping to the rustling of leaves in the wind or the pitter-patter of raindrops falling from the sky, melodies can be found everywhere in the natural world. Unfortunately, the music created by nature often goes overlooked by many, and its influence on music production is similarly unnoticed.

Where is music in nature?

To many, the sounds found in nature are merely that—sounds. However, upon closer inspection, the melodies produced by nature can be interpreted as music. As Richard Homes (1955) expresses in his poem The Magic of Sound, "The Earth has music for those who listen." Nature is filled with its own music, comprised of the calls of animals, the whispers of the wind, and the earth's rhythms. For example, the calls of birds can often be identified in many natural areas. Birdsongs have been referenced in literature and poetry for centuries. Birds may be the most recognized species for their songs; however, they weren't the first to use sound to communicate. Inspects and frogs have produced rattles, scraping, and trill sounds to attract mates and intimidate potential threats for billions of years (Farrell, 2016). It's fascinating how many species utilize melodies to communicate, just as humans craft music to convey messages. Overall, the music of nature is like a symphony, with each sound playing its part in the great composition of the environment. And just like a piece of music, nature's sounds can evoke emotions and connect us to the world around us.

Where is nature in music?

Have you ever listened to music and felt like you were transported to a specific environment, like a scenic forest or a beach on a sunny day? I certainly have. Often, this phenomenon is because musicians use nature as their muse while crafting their music. Nature isn't only an inspiration for musicians but also a common theme used in songs. For example, many folk and country musicians highlight the beauty of their countryside in their music, whereas symphony music frequently draws inspiration from the power of storms and dramatic weather. Sounds of nature can even be directly incorporated into music, as discussed in this week's course content. For instance, wildlife DJs are musicians who integrate animal sound recordings into their music compositions or performances.

As with any form of art, music can be purveyed in different ways depending on the listener's personal experience. A song might remind a person of a particular natural setting, not necessarily because it was inspired by nature, but because the listener associates that song with a specific memory of being in nature. Two summers ago, my friends and I decided to take a road trip to Mont Tremblant in Québec, and coincidentally, a new Kendrick Lamar album had just been released. My friend was obsessed with the song "Mirror" on the album, so naturally, we ended up listening to it on repeat for what felt like a solid seven hours straight during the drive. However, when I hear the song now, even though it has nothing to do with nature, I get transported back to driving through the scenic mountains in Québec.

Mont Tremblant, Quebec - 2022

In conclusion, music can be heard throughout nature, whether through the calls of animals or the howls of environmental features. Meanwhile, nature is an endless resource of inspiration for musicians, offering endless possibilities for creative communication. Together, music and nature are deeply intertwined, each influencing and inspiring the other in countless ways.

References

Farrell, B. D. (2016). First Take: Music and Nature. ReVista – Harvard Review of Latin America. https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/first-take-music-and-nature/

Holmes, R. (1955). Fireside Fancies.

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History and Interpretation (BLOG 6)

Hello and welcome back to my nature blog! This week I have done some thinking on history and how things of the past can be interpreted. When we think of history, we think of the great stories and background behind artifacts that are left over. However, without interpretation, these artifacts that unpack tales of the past would simply be items or really old landscapes. In nature, history allows the information about land, the species it holds, and the people that use it to be conveyed and be used in many ways. History in nature allows local communities to share their past, gives cultural richness, and helps scientific research study the land for important preservation or monitoring rising issues like climate change.

"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)

In this quote shared as this week's prompt, it seems Edward Hyams dives into the meaning of interpretation in the context of preserving history. He starts by introducing the merit of artifacts, in which he describes what I had mentioned: without a story and someone to debunk the history and an honest background, historical artifacts have little to no worth. The mention of ancient things acknowledges the importance of remembering the history of a place or artifact and how they contribute to the present. This is extremely applicable when talking about nature's history as historical landscapes and ecosystems are all formed by their long evolution over time. These evolutionary processes are important to be understood through interpretation to debunk how species, the climate, and the earth came to be. The last part of the quote uses a train station analogy to describe the importance of memory. This analogy describes that the past isn't simply something to be discarded or ignored. Just because an event is past, doesn't mean that it wasn't significant to the present or future. I think Hyams quote also can describe how disregarding historical events that “only existed for as long as our train was in it”, creates struggle in using natural history for conservation. The historical aspects of nature continue to influence the future and we can't forget about the past as there may be great clues to drivers of change currently in ecosystems. For example, cycles of lower temperatures like the ice ages and warmer interglacial periods are all elements of environmental history that have allowed scientists to study the earth's climate and predict the natural waves of temperature versus human impact. Interpretation also keeps historical culture alive and teaches younger generations about having a relationship with nature. An example of this is how Indigenous communities keep their ancestors' history alive for cultural reasons and use stories to convey the importance of certain natural features or landscapes for spirituality (Beck et al., 2018, p.341).

It is extremely important to remember history. This makes interpreters especially important as their role is to keep the integrity of history alive and not forgotten (Beck et al., 2018, p.326). With this, preserving history can be a driver of change for the future having a huge impact on scientific research and cultural practice. Without acknowledging and remembering the past, these "trains" of history will be lost.

Resources

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World (pp. 81–102). Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

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Hi Estelle,

I enjoyed reading your post. You did a good job connecting the importance of history, interpretation, and nature to Edward Hyams' quote discussing the significance of preserving the past. I think the quote captures the core of interpretation by highlighting how a historical artifact or landscapes hold intrinsic value only when complemented with context. Interpretation brings to life an untold story of the past that can completely change a person's perspective on the matter. I agree with your discussion on the importance of historical information when understanding nature and ecosystem processes. To truly understand our environment, we must first figure out how it came to be. Furthermore, understanding how an environment was created can also give insight into where it may go. Interpretation serves as an important tool for conservation and scientific inquiry by recognizing the interconnection of historical events with current ecological dynamics. I also believe incorporating Indigenous perspectives can help connect traditional knowledge with modern science to foster a deeper understanding of nature. Indigenous knowledge reflects the unique beliefs, histories, and governance of Indigenous peoples. The knowledge is place-based and cumulative (built from generation to generation) (Government of Canada, 2022). For this reason, Indigenous knowledge is priceless. Indigenous people have a very strong historical understanding of their land. Collaborating with the indigenous and mixing their knowledge could bring new perspectives to the table and lead to great discoveries.

Government of Canada. (2022). Indigenous Knowledge. https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency/programs/aboriginal-consultation-federal-environmental-assessment/indigenous-knowledge-policy-framework-initiative.html

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The Timeless Merit of Ancient Things

"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

In a world driven forward by advancement and innovation, it can be easy to fall into the trap of believing that the past retains little importance to our present lives. Yet, as this quote suggests, the knowledge found throughout history has profound value. While ancient artifacts and events may appear distant or irrelevant, their value lies not in their age but in the lessons they hold. Personally, I believe history is one of the greatest teachers. Even within the course of my life, my successes and, more importantly, my failures have shaped the person I have become. Integrity requires the gathering of information and the forming of connections to gain a more complete perspective. It's about forming the knowledge needed to connect us with our past and guide us toward our future. To maintain integrity when faced with the uncertainty of the past, we must acquire a deep knowledge of ancient events and objects. Like a quilt, without the careful stitching of its patches, history loses its coherence; our understanding of the world suffers without the incorporation of historical context. I thought the quote's use of the train station analogy was a very effective way to support its claims further. The analogy uses each stop at a train station to represent a moment in history. To be ignorant of the significance of these stations once the train has passed through them is to miss the importance and knowledge the journey holds. Each station, however brief, contributes to the plot of the whole trip. Similarly, each period in history contributes to a better understanding of how things came to be, no matter how distant.

History serves as our roadmap, guiding us through the struggles of the present and illuminating the path forward. For example, the environmental movement sparked by Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" catalyzed a shift in public consciousness and laid the groundwork for critical environmental legislation (Beck et al., 2019). Though written decades ago, her work continues to create impacts today, reminding us of the power of individual actions. Moreover, interpreting history is not only for increasing our knowledge but a call to action. By documenting memories of both successes and tragedies, we commemorate the sacrifices of those who came before us and empower ourselves to shape a better future. As a community, we must embrace our heritage to cultivate a society built on principles of justice, equity, and compassion. For instance, Remembrance Day is a good example of commemorating the sacrifices of those who came before us. Every November 11 since the First World War, Canada has dedicated the day to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who served our country and acknowledge our responsibility to recognize and respect the peace they fought to protect (Government of Canada, 2021). As a kid, I didn't fully appreciate the importance of Remembrance Day. However, after joining Air Cadets and hearing the experiences of Canadian veterans, I gained great respect for those who have served our country and the impacts their actions had.

In conclusion, while ancient objects or events may lack merit at first glance, their significance lies in their ability to give insight into periods of history. As we navigate the challenges of our modern world, we must not forget the wisdom and lessons from the past.

Government of Canada. (2021). Why Remember?. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/a-day-of-remembrance/why

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 5: Guiding Principles of Interpretation. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp. 304). Sagamore Venture.

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The Interconnectedness of Science and Nature

Science and nature are things that are inexplicably intertwined. Science provides the methodological framework behind nature. Nature interpretation bridges the gap between scientific research and public understanding. Whether measuring bird migration, population census, or the molecular makeup of a mushroom, interpretation translates the intricacies of science into something we can all comprehend. Scientific knowledge should be accessible to everyone and that is where nature interpretation takes its role.

When interpreting science, it’s important that we remain conscious of the words we use. “Jargon” is a term used to describe the unnecessarily complicated language that scientific professionals often use. This can act as an ‘othering’ of the outside world, keeping those who are not worthy of understanding out. In 2020, a study conducted by Shulman et al. split up 650 participants into groups that were asked to read paragraphs with varying levels of scientific jargon and then rate their experience. Those who read jargon-heavy text said they were less likely to seek out further information and that they are not good at science (Shulman et al., 2020). Thus, the use of jargon discourages people from learning and seeking out academic material. This, I feel, is exactly what we should be trying to avoid as scientists and interpreters. What purpose does research give if only a select group can understand the findings? The goal of researchers and educators should be to widen their audience, not narrow it.

In my own life, nature and science converge frequently. When out in nature I am always using my knowledge of how these beautiful things come to be and how they reproduce and grow. Having a background in biology helps me appreciate the complexity of nature. I can understand how two seemingly unrelated species or processes complement each other in a symbiotic relationship, allowing me to cherish the interconnectedness of the natural world. Likewise, learning about science has given me the skills to think critically about the world around me. This is a very important skill to have and certainly comes in handy when interpreting nature. Critical thinking allows me to approach nature with curiosity and leads me to think beyond the face value of a simple sunset. Lastly, being aware of my actions and how they affect the environment is something that I consider to be crucial for someone who considers themself a “nature lover”. Can one truly appreciate nature without considering how their actions may have harm against it? We are in a time of over-consumption that is hard to escape but being aware of what is in the products we consume and making conscious decisions to modify them is a small step that we can all be taking. Hopefully, by educating ourselves about our impact on the environment we will feel a need to take responsibility, whether that’s by doing further research, consuming less or switching to more sustainable options, or participating in citizen science initiatives.

Shulman, H. C., Dixon, G. N., Bullock, O. M., & Colón Amill, D. (2020). The effects of jargon on processing fluency, self-perceptions, and scientific engagement. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 39(5–6), 579–597. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927x20902177

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Hi Uma, I enjoyed reading your post and agree with a lot of the points you made. I feel the overuse of scientific jargon can alienate rather than enhance a paper. I’ve definitely read some scientific articles on new concepts to me and have felt very lost due to the high use of technical jargon. I think it’s something the science community needs to try to improve on. Scientists and interpreters need to start prioritizing clarity and inclusivity to ensure scientific resources are available to a wider array of people. As the future generation of scientists and nature interpreters, I think it’s important for us to be mindful of this as well. If scientific articles were made easier to understand, it would help individuals become more informed about the environmental issues going on around the world. People would be able to develop their own opinions on the matter rather than be subjected to the bias of others. Furthermore, I agree that citizen science could be a useful strategy to enhance people's understanding of environmental crises from a scientific perspective. Something I find intriguing about citizen science is the wide variety of projects available. Whether you're interested in birds, plants, or even space, citizen science projects exist that will likely cater to your interests (Citizen Science Projects, n.d). Funnily enough, I commonly use the application Inaturist to document unknown species I come across in nature, little did I know I was adding information into a citizen science project to help document species worldwide.

References:

Citizen Science Projects. (n.d). National Geographic. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/citizen-science-projects/

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Citizen Sciences: A Community Collaboration Approaching To Improving Scientific Knowledge

A big divide often exists between scientific experts and the general public's perception of environmental problems. Furthermore, the general public often has the power to sway regulatory responses to environmental matters. This has led to a good proportion of environmental regulations and policies not aligning with expert recommendations (Millner & Ollivier, 2016). Tons of people base their opinions regarding environmental issues on many factors other than scientific research. For example, a person's religious or political stance can heavily influence their opinions of environmental issues, more so than scientific knowledge.

I believe this isn't necessarily the individual's fault. For instance, my parents are very intelligent and have found great success in their area of expertise. However, they both lack much knowledge of science or have a scientific background. For them, a majority of the information they perceive is through the news or social media, which is often biased towards the political views of the publisher (Auburn, 2023). Having no scientific background, they may have trouble understanding scientific articles, which causes them to struggle to develop their own opinions on an issue. Even my opinion on environmental issues has dramatically changed since I started my undergraduate degree in environmental sciences. I believe it's important as an individual with a scientific background to help inform people about these issues or at least guide people to resources or experiences that could help further educate them, such as nature interpretation experiences or citizen science programs.

Citizen Science is a collaborative approach to improving scientific research involving professionals and volunteers. An example of a citizen science project is the African Raptor Databank. Established in 2012 by Habitat INFO, the conservation project was created to help monitor the status of raptors (birds of prey) throughout Africa and inform strategies to protect the species effectively (African Raptor Databank, n.d.). Locals could help document bird sightings through a mobile application and grow the project's databank. Additionally, the project helped create a community of raptor enthusiasts and experts who could lobby for the protection of the species.

I believe citizen science could be a great strategy to increase people's awareness and knowledge of environmental issues. One of the main advantages of citizen science is its capability to harness a community's knowledge of an issue on a large scale. The vast knowledge gained by the participating enthusiasts can help the science community tackle complex issues. Not only does this approach increase the rate of discovery, but it also promotes public engagement in science, furthering the knowledge of volunteers. Furthermore, volunteers gain scientific knowledge and a better connection and commitment to their local environments. Overall, I believe citizen science projects could help change how scientific research is conducted and increase people's understanding of environmental crises from a scientific perspective.

Questions:

How has your perspective of environmental issues changed over the years?

Has furthering your education in the sciences altered your perspectives on the topic?

Do you think citizen science is a valid solution to help increase people's awareness and understanding of environmental issues?

References

African Raptor Databank (n.d.). Habitat INFO. https://www.habitatinfo.com/african-raptor-databank/

Auburn, L. (2023). Study of headlines shows media bias is growing. University of Rochester. https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/study-of-headlines-shows-media-bias-growing-563502/

Millner, A., & Ollivier, H. (2016). Beliefs, Politics, and Environmental Policy. Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, 10(2), 226–244. https://doi.org/10.1093/reep/rew010

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Unit 04: Interpreting nature through art and What the "Gift of Beauty" means

This week's unit dives into how we can interpret nature through art. Art is an amazing medium in which we can capture our interpretations of the environment and translate them in a way others can enjoy. As discussed in unit 04, when appreciating a piece of environmental art you're actually looking into a moment in time and the perspective of the artist's world. Being able to share art in all forms allows the viewers to also be present in that moment and experience its beauty. In my opinion, art is greatly about interpretation and it is also found throughout nature within all the amazing things biology has created. With that being said, I believe art and nature are extremely interconnected, as nature is the root of many art forms. The environment does not just exist within art mediums such as carving stones and wood, glass art or ice sculptures, but it is also one of the largest sources of art inspiration. For me, art has always been one of my primary means of interpreting nature. Since I was young, I have felt a strong connection with art whether it was with crafts, drawing, painting or digital art, I enjoyed it all. While making art I often received my creativity from the environment and my favourite types of art are by far landscape or nature paintings. Often, instead of referencing specific locations I enjoy painting my own environments, building a unique natural world for others to interpret and enjoy.

When exploring the textbook readings for this week, we read about the expanded set of 15 principles and associated gifts to help guide interpreters (Beck et al., 2018). Regarding the “gift of beauty”, the text mentions that interpreters can display this by instilling the ability and desire in their audience to see the beauty in their surroundings (Beck et al., 2018). I found this very interesting specifically when looking at Tilden's idea that a love of what you are interpreting and a love for your audience is the overriding principle of interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). When interpreting nature, I find it easy to do this through art because of my prior love for the subject of interpretation. This can allow me to be a stronger interpreter of nature and further connect with my audience through personal forms of expression. I think it is important to reflect on what forms of interpreting nature align with what you love most. With this, we can provide more meaningful and insightful experiences for your audiences. what aligns with you most when interpreting nature?

The gift of beauty to me is how we can share nature through art in a way where others can perceive their own ideas of “beauty”. Allowing for uninterrupted and unique interpretations of nature through art is the true gift of beauty, as it provides diverse views and perspectives. When creating art it allows us to have a special ability to capture and provide an experience of nature to others where they can immerse themselves into the art and create personal interpretations.

References:

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

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Hi, Alysia

I enjoyed reading your post. I agree art is a great way to interpret nature. It's a medium we can use to communicate our unique perspectives of nature. Art can be a very good method of communicating how you perceive nature. Creating a piece of artwork freezes a moment in time and allows others to experience its beauty as well. Hopefully, that experience will encourage individuals to become more consciously aware of their environment and maybe partake in nature interpretation through art. Additionally, I believe artwork is a very important medium of nature interpretation because it often passes the tests of time. Many forms of artwork, such as sculptures, paintings, and photographs, can be interpreted by the audience regardless of their backgrounds or possible language barriers.

I also agree with your reflection on the "gift of beauty" principle. I believe it's important to create nature interpretation art in a way you enjoy. If you enjoy creating it, I think it will show through the artwork. I enjoy taking photos of nature, and I feel it shows through my work. This also gives me motivation to continue to improve my photography skills. However, I also believe it's important to try new forms of expressing nature interpretation through art. It's hard to enjoy any task at first if you're not good at it. But, with time and commitment, you can become better. For example, I loved your rock paintings; they reminded me of when I was a kid. I always painted rocks with my family; I was never really good. However, after seeing your rock painting, I feel encouraged to try again!

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Unit 4: Nature Interpretation Through Art – Who am I to interpret nature through art, and how do I interpret “the gift of beauty”?

Nature interpretation exists to help people gain a sense of place, engage in the beauty of their environment, and understand its history/culture (Beck et al., 2018). Interpreting nature through art has been a long-used and common method to communicate the concept to an audience. Since the 19th century, artists have used paintings to capture the beauty of wilderness landscapes and protect them for future generations to observe (Beck et al., 2018). An artist’s portrayal of a landscape can gives a meaningful insight into that particular time in history. Furthermore, the audience can be inspired by what they see and feel persuaded to protect our environment. I believe the ability to interpret nature through art can be performed by anyone. The beauty of nature can be perceived even with little knowledge of the environment. Art can even unintentionally capture the history or culture of an environment. Thus, I believe any motivated individual passionate about the environment can interpret nature through art.

As I’ve previously mentioned on my blog, I enjoy capturing the beauty of nature through nature photography. Nature’s beauty has always stunned me, and photography has been my chosen medium to capture and share these moments. Especially when I travel to new places, capturing the unique landscapes through photography helps me remember and re-live their beauty. Exploring the great outdoors with my camera in hand has become a cherished hobby, allowing me to immerse myself in the peaceful stillness of natural landscapes. By no means am I a skilled photographer. Thankfully, the beauty of nature is often easy to capture. I have recently been using a 35mm film camera to photograph landscapes. I enjoy using film because, unlike cell phones or digital cameras, you often have limited photos you can take. This limitation causes me to put more thought into my pictures and appreciate them even more when they turn out well. Additionally, I like how the film captures the vibrant colours of nature.

The “gift of beauty” surrounds the idea of encouraging people to appreciate and seek out the beauty in their surroundings (Beck et al., 2018). One way I enjoy interpreting the gift of beauty involves photographing generic or ordinary nature landscapes in my surroundings and finding a deeper beauty behind them. I believe all nature is beautiful in some way or another. However, people often forget to enjoy their surroundings. Many people fail to “stop and smell the roses” occasionally. Your surroundings may hold unique beauty to them, but because you are surrounded by them daily, it’s easy to become unaware of them. The falling of snow from the sky, the sun setting, or the blooming of flowers happens frequently throughout our lives (depending on where you live). It’s easy to become desensitized to these natural phenomena. I enjoy taking photographs of such events and sharing them to help remind people of the beauty held by nature.

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 5: Guiding Principles of Interpretation. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp. 81–103). Sagamore Venture.

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03: Plants, Ponds, Petals, Pebbles, and Privilege

This week, I will be discussing the role privilege plays in nature interpretation. While at first glance, one may (naively) think, ‘Well, we can all interpret nature. Just step outside!’ there is more than meets the eye. My understanding of privilege is that it is a special advantage that makes opportunities more easily available for specific persons; more often than not, individuals are born with a certain level of privilege. Various details of an individual play into privilege; some of the more prevailing aspects (but not limited to) include culture, gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.

For society to bridge the gap between more privileged and less privileged, at an absolute minimum, we as individuals should recognize the attributes and opportunities we have access to. In other words, as Peggy McIntosh may say, we should unpack our invisible backpacks. That is, we carry a weightless and ‘invisible’ backpack that gives access to opportunities; the irony being the backpack is by no means invisible (Hooykaas, 2024). Reflecting on my ‘invisible’ backpack, I am a white, middle-class, English-speaking university student with Canadian citizenship. As a result of my backpack, I have had opportunities that are not remotely equally available to everyone.

I believe a pertinent privilege, and thus also a barrier, that plays into nature interpretation stems from one’s socioeconomic status. Access to education, technology, and transportation are all aspects that would allow for preferable nature interpretation. However, these all require a level of income that can be spent on recreational purposes, which we all do not have. As a result, people who have lower socioeconomic status will be less likely to participate; this is often called the Marginality Theory (Beck et al., 2018). As some of us consider a career in nature interpretation, moreover as our generation will eventually be the majority of working age, we must do what we can to reduce such economic barriers. For example, in the case of providing nature interpretation, we should consider providing transportation, or better yet, bringing nature interpretation to people where they can learn about their local environment (Beck et al., 2018).

One’s physical status is another significant privilege, particularly to nature interpretation. Do you have able legs that can walk you through the intricate and sometimes harsh environments on our planet? Do you have able eyes that allow you to see the detailed aesthetics of nature while avoiding the potential harms of large bodies of water and coyote interactions? Can you hear the woodpeckers pecking? Can you smell the often distinct sweetness of sap in pine trees? I fortunately can say yes to each of these questions, however I can imagine that without having these physical abilities, an individual's ability to interpret nature would lessen. Again, as some of us consider a career in nature interpretation, such privileges should be taken into consideration. For instance, there could be more implementation of nature interpretation for people who are blind, including in-depth descriptions and more integration of touching features such as leaves, sand, flowers, and more. 

Thanks for tuning in this week!

References

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

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 03: Risk versus Reward in Interpretation [Lecture notes]. Courselink.

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Hi, Kiera I enjoyed reading your post and strongly agree with you. The role privilege plays in life often goes overlooked, and nature interpretation is no exception. I liked to think about privilege as a different lens through which we perceive the world and nature. These lenses are shaped by race, social status, economic status, physical capabilities, education, etc. And as with many other things in life, you don’t truly appreciate what you have until you live without it. Reading McIntosh’s metaphor about viewing your privileges as an invisible backpack also helped me realize how many opportunities that might seem unreachable to others are available to me. As a white male, middle-class, English-speaking Canadian citizen, many opportunities are available to me that are not universally accessible. The Marginality Theory is very applicable to this issue. Many migrant groups are intentionally or un-intentionally not accommodated for regarding in Western society, and this is no different for nature interpretation opportunities.

I agree with your discussion of someone’s physical status being a big prevention from allowing to experience nature interpretation opportunities. Being in nature is a very physically demanding task. This can often leave people with disabilities unable to enjoy such events. These are things the future generation of nature interpreters must take into consideration. Luckily, there are many resources currently available surrounding such topics. For example, the University of Exeter, located in Cornwall, England, has published a guide to providing nature experiences to the visually impaired (Bell, 2018). Another example comes from Gabarro-Lopez & Mesch (2020), with an in-depth article discussing making environmental information accessible to deaf people. We still have a long way to go, however, I believe we are on the right path to reducing the role played by privilege in nature interpretation.

References Bell, S. (2018). Easing into nature with sight impairment. University of Exeter. https://beyondgreenspace.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/1323b-easingintonature.pdf Gabarró-López, S., & Mesch, J. (2020). Conveying Environmental Information to Deafblind People: A Study of Tactile Sign Language Interpreting. Frontiers in Education, 5. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2020.00157

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Unit 3: The Influence of Privilege on Nature Interpretation

I believe that privilege plays a large role in nature interpretation and can heavily influence the ability of certain groups to experience nature interpretation opportunities. As a white male living in Canada, the thought that a nature interpretation experience may not be accessible to me has never crossed my mind. However, after reading about Peggy Mcintosh’s way of viewing privilege as an “invisible backpack”, my perception of my privilege in this field has become more visible (Gallavan, 2005). The concept of viewing privilege as an “invisible backpack” surrounds the idea that people are unaware and often not taught to recognize their privileges, and therefore, they hold them in an “invisible backpack” on their backs. For example, the idea of white privilege can be conceptualized as a weightless backpack filled with special privileges based on an individual’s race, and the individual is often unaware of these privileges because they haven’t lived without the backpack before (Hooykaas. 2024). Because of my “invisible backpack”, I have never questioned whether a nature interpretation opportunity will be available to me.

After reading this week’s course material, my working definition of privilege surrounds the idea of an unearned advantage given to a specific group of individuals based on their social identities, such as their race, gender, ability status, religion, economic state, sexuality, education and/or age. If privilege, or a lack thereof, is not considered when creating nature interpretation experiences, many individuals may be unable to appreciate or participate in the experience as intended. A lack of support for people who speak a different language, people with cognitive or physical disabilities, people of different age groups etc… could limit the potential audience nature interpretation events are available to. Additionally, these are privileges people who do attend nature interpretation events often don’t recognize or appreciate.  

Moving forward as a nature interpreter, I will present in such a way that gives everyone in the audience an equal opportunity to have an enjoyable experience. This process will start by getting to know my audience. Simply asking individuals “where they’re from’ or “what brings them to this event”, can give great insight into how to help shift the interpretive experience to their interests or needs (Beck et al., 2019). Altering the experience in terms of people's interests and needs will ensure everyone can get the most out of the experience rather than limiting it to a particular set of people. Furthermore, important steps must be taken to reduce barriers preventing people from even considering attending such events. For example, providing transportation to interpretive facilities or bringing the events to people can help reduce economic barriers (Beck et al., 2019). Another example could be communicating in multiple languages depending on your audience to help reduce communication barriers.

Overall, privilege can heavily influence and limit the experience of nature interpretation opportunities. After reading this week’s content, I have become more aware of this influence. Moving forward, I will try my best to be inclusive so that everyone interested in nature interpretation has an equal opportunity to experience it.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.

Gallavan, N. P. (2005). Helping teachers unpack their "invisible knapsacks". Multicultural Education, 13(1), 36. https://link-gale-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A137921591/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=9fe2f151

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 03: Risk versus Reward in Interpretation. ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640017/View

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As an Environmental Entrepreneur

My ideal role as an environmental entrepreneur is to pursue a career in urban planning. In a time where new developments are constantly in the works and technology is improving at a rapid pace, environmental sustainability and preservation often gets overlooked. Growing up in Toronto, I always noticed the sheer quantity of construction going on at all times as well as the heavy traffic that occurred every single day. While traffic and construction are inevitable in urban areas, there are plenty of improvements that can be made to promote sustainability and advocating for the environment. I would like to aid in designing developments, such as homes, offices, parks, and malls to be sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. By using my skills to develop urban areas, I could benefit communities and cities to create a more eco-friendly environments and reduce the amount of pollution emitted by highly urbanized areas.

The role of urban planner can have a wide array of duties that would be taken on day to day. The job may entail research, engaging with communities, developing policies, architectural design, transportation planning, collaboration with stakeholders, outsourcing for specialists, and marketing and promotion of sustainable urban planning. Although many activities go into the everyday lives of urban planners, the overall goal is the create sustainable urbanization.

My ideal location for workers as an urban planner would be Toronto. It is an urban area in need of more sustainability, plus my family lives there and I'm family with the city. To become an urban planner in Ontario, I will need a bachelors degree in either urban and regional planning, architecture, geography, engineering, or a related discipline (job bank, 2023). I may also need a masters degree in one of those disciplines (job bank, 2023). I will then need to become a member in the Canadian Institute of Planners, and a certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (job bank, 2023). Some of the recommended skills include evaluation, critical thinking, management of financial resources, problem solving, reading, writing, and oral communication (job bank, 2023). Recommended personal attributed include collaboration, innovation, attention to detail, adaptability, leadership and independence (job bank, 2023). It is also recommended to be knowledgable in mathematics and water resources (job bank, 2023).

References

Canada, E. and S. D. (2023, November 21). Planner, urban and regional near Pictou (NS): Skills - job bank. Planner, Urban And Regional near Pictou (NS) | Skills - Job Bank. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/skills/22469/23051