Kobis Hot Takes on Nature

[kshaperoenvs300021]

Nature as a storybook.

[kshaperoenvs300021]

[ktenvs3000f21]

Protecting History

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all doing well and hanging in there for this midterm season!

When I read this week’s blog prompt, I had to reread it. I'm not sure if it was the same for everyone, but it took me a couple of reads to fully interpret its meaning. For me, it seemed like a tongue twister to read at first. This quote expresses the importance of continuing to interpret history. By continuing to interpret history, we can preserve knowledge and memories through history. We can use tools such as museum exhibits, trails, walking tours, websites and even story-telling to interpret history to others. I think story-telling or living history is one of the best ways to interpret history. I believe there is something incredibly captivating about hearing someone’s stories and experiences. It gifts you the ability to develop an emotional connection to them and their story leaving the feeling of personal authenticity. The feeling that their story allows you to transcend time and place and live in that moment from the past with them.

In elementary and high school, around the time of remembrance day, each year, my school would have guest speakers. These speakers usually had experienced World War I or World War II or shared stories from those who had. Often these stories were passed down from grandparents or great-grandparents. I always found these presentations to be enriching because we had been learning history out of a textbook for most of the year. These presentations always seemed to bring what we had learned to life. When you read these accounts in history books, they are just words on paper. But when these people shared their stories in person, it was more of an emotional experience. These were real people with real stories. I think we must continue interpreting history because it allows audiences the opportunity to learn and find inspiration from these survivors. Did you guys ever have any of these speakers come to your schools?

I believe that the past defines us, so to know who we are today, we have to learn about where we came from. One part of this week’s prompt that resonated with me was the part about the train station. I think it represents how many people feel about history. Why do we need to learn about the past when it happened so long ago? Many people like to separate themselves from the past and imagine it never existed. But who am I to judge? I used to think the same thing. Growing up in elementary school, I used to loath learning about history. I always found the material way too dry and was always left wondering why we had to learn about all these people who died so long ago. It sounds silly now that I think about it but, I feel like this is the thought of many students in grade 5. Hopefully, I wasn’t the only one. If more interpretive history programs were integrated into the school curriculum, I think very few students would ever feel this way again. However, I have learned that to understand why the world is how it is today; it is essential to know about the past. But, it did take me quite a while to get there.

Until next time,

Karissa

(Image from Microsoft Word Stock Images 2021)

[kshaperoenvs300021]

Hey Karissa! I completely agree with your point that our history defines our present and future. I think too many people only look towards the future and ignore the lessons that the several millenia long trial and error experiment of humanity has given us. I also had holocaust survivors and world war 2 veterans come speak at my high school. I always found these presentations the most interesting and important mostly due to the lessons they taught us about our past. Almost every person that came to speak emphasized the point that we must remember in order to never make these mistakes again, and i think thats super important. I think the way we are destroying our environment will pose a similar prompt in the future. In the future we will have to look back at all the famines and natural disaster that are being caused by our failing natural environment and remember in order to not make this mistake again. now to end this prompt with a weirdly deep kung fu panda quote “yesterdays a lesson, tomorrows a mystery and todays a gift, thats why they call it the present’

[kshaperoenvs300021]

“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“

This quote unpacks a-lot. My interpretation of it is that humans as a whole have integrity in where they came from. We feel as if where we came from makes us who we are. This is the beauty of what some think makes us human, our ability to form and appreciate culture. Culture can be thought of as traditions and a style of doing things, but really its just the integrity of humans doing what others did who came before them. Its quite beautiful to think that humans have an innate need to follow these traditions and uphold the meaning of different cultures. 

However the one thing that we don’t appreciate as a species, which probably has more to do with our cultures than anything, is the natural land that surrounds us. Whats occurring around us, and what natural resources are available to us is what started these traditions and ways of going about life. Nowadays, being able to ship anything from anywhere and being able to access anything at anytime has made us lose our sense of how our natural environment really defines our culture. In a sense its kind of ruined new cultures from being formed. The earth is so global now that the same thing you can access in Australia, you can also access across the globe in Canada. There is no more originality of using what surrounds you anymore. Surrounding big cities we have destroyed, overused and deported any natural sources that would mold a culture. We have no appreciation anymore to how our natural environment formed who our ancestors were and this is shown by the destructiveness of our environment. This quote demonstrates how important recognizing our past is to our success in the future. And in my opinion destroying what molded our past is detrimental to our future success.

[kshaperoenvs300021]

Free prompt week: A rant on the education of climate change

As this week allows us to write about a topic of our choosing, i’ve decided to go on a little bit of a rant as an environmental science student. I have a twin brother, we grew up with essentially the same outdoor experience. Same canoe trip experience, same camping experience, same travel experience. Our relationship with nature should be similar, however, it couldn't be more different. He’s more of a granola ‘poser’ than a real granola nut like me. We took very different paths in our post secondary educations, with environmental science choosing me and him deciding to go to Laurier for business. Heres where the meat of my rant comes in. This weekend, when home for thanksgiving I struck up a debate with him. He claimed that at a certain point, the environment will degrade so much that it'll be more economically viable for companies to help the environment instead of destroying it. He claimed that only at that point - when it becomes financially beneficial will we start to turn things around and lower our emissions. According to him, thats what he was learning in his business school, and surprisingly enough, my older brother who has graduated from a psychology program, with some general business class experience apparently learned the same thing when in school. This angered me beyond belief. Schools (especially business schools) should not be teaching their students that this pollution issue can be ignored until we’re at the absolute tipping point. Its quite clear that its the giant corporations and big businesses that are ruining our environment the quickest and not focussing on teaching the future employees and potential heads of these companies the danger of polluting our atmosphere is absurd. 

This brings me to my next point, that Ontario’s grade school curriculum needs to begin implementing more environmental science courses. My girlfriend is currently applying to teachers masters in education programs right now and is looking to specify in environmental science. Crazy enough only 3 universities in Ontario offer environmental science as a specialization for a masters in education. This is because, crazy enough, there are only a handful of high schools in Ontario that even offer environmental science as a course, and it’s an optional course at those schools. It’s not even in the curriculum for middle or elementary school. That means in order to learn about how pressing our climate situation is, you need to go to university and choose to take environmental science classes, which is not really an option to most people in Ontario. This seriously needs to change. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues for our generation and children need to be educated about it. Theres so much miseducation in our online world and the fact that Canada - who is thought to be very forward thinking about this whole climate change thing, is not even educating grade schoolers about how much harm we’re doing to the environment. Im hoping that in the near future this will change as the best way to make change, is by educating the kids.

[kpenvs3000f21]

Privilege and Nature Interpretation

Privilege can be a tricky subject to grasp, as I believe there are certain privileges that affect our lives in ways we often overlook. What I mean by privilege is something that gives you an advantage over others, whether you’re aware of it or not. I am aware I am very privileged, but it’s probable that I am even more so than I realize. There are many factors regarding my privilege that I may not even consider and therefore don’t fully realize just how lucky I really am. I’m aware of my privilege in the sense that I am a caucasian, English-speaking, Canadian citizen, who’s parents have assisted in paying for my post-secondary education twice (both college and university). Growing up middle-class in southern Ontario, these are all things I ignorantly assumed were the norm for everyone else around me (for the most part). Of course, I was aware of differences between people, but not until I was older did I considered how many more differences there truly were, and how these differences could be a disadvantage for others. Not being aware of certain disadvantages is in itself a privilege. I did not learn about them until I happened to come upon them or decided I wanted to learn more. Some people do not get the luxury of ignoring certain socioeconomic issues, but I had the privilege to ignore certain issues simply because I had not personally experienced them myself. 

The more I learn, the more I realize how complex privilege really is with a greater awareness of intersectionality. With this in mind, how might privilege play a role in nature interpretation? Well, I am further privileged by the opportunity to live in a National Park within Canada. When I first moved here, I assumed most people visiting the park were aware of information I considered “common sense”. Only after interacting with more people did I start to realize how even more privileged I was. Some visitors had never seen mountains, or wildlife, or rushing rivers. Knowing that fast flowing water and approaching wildlife is dangerous, is something I assumed everyone else was aware of, but that’s not true. Some people plan their whole lives to come and visit the park, some people have older relatives that never had the opportunity to visit when they were able, and will never get the chance to travel here. That further lead me to realize that not only am I privileged to be here, I am even more privileged to be knowledgeable of the local environment, and to be physically able to experience certain things or perform activities others cannot. For instance, I am physically fit to go on a long and steep hike, while someone who uses a wheelchair would not be able to go. Although there are trails here that are accessible, they are of course limited. 

Understanding the privileges I have in my “invisible backpack” and how they provide me an advantage is essential in interpreting information to others. My invisible backpack is “filled” with things such as being physically able, financial stable etc. and these “items” allow me to potentially have an advantage over others. When interpreting knowledge about wildlife for example, I need to understand that some people may have zero knowledge on the subject, as well as consider the physical abilities of those I teach if we go out into the park to explore. In addition, perhaps my audience will be accessing my nature content online. It’s vital to make sure the information I’m presenting is done with inclusivity in mind. I’ve noticed the advertised “lifestyle” for living in places such as the National Park I live in, is one that’s focused on people who are “fit” by society’s standards, mostly caucasian, young, able-bodied etc. Even the retail stores within my town are filled with advertisements that target one demographic, and outdoor equipment that is far from inexpensive. There is little representation, for example, for visible minorities, individuals with differing body sizes or abilities, or people of colour. I am fully aware I fit into this target demographic, and most things advertised and presented to me are made for people like me. I am intending to keep all of this in mind when sharing content and interpreting, as I believe it’s important everyone feels they have a place in nature and in the things that they’re passionate about. Relating back to my first blog post, I am hoping to help provide others with a “sense of place” within nature and all it has to offer, regardless of the differences we may have. Keeping in mind that not everyone is going to have the same experience even if we’re doing the same things. 

My invisible and literal backpack and I, privileged enough to experience this hike, fitting into the target demographic mentioned above

[kshaperoenvs300021]

Hey Kendra! I love your interpretation on privilege and how its affected your relationship with nature. You managed to touch on many different types of privilege not just the ones that are easy to write about such as economic or social privilege. My favourite part about this post is when you spoke about your privilege to have knowledge of your environment. A lot of people who grew up with an abundance of opportunities to explore our wilderness like you and I, don’t appreciate how not everyone gets that opportunity and those interests may only come later in life after a great portion of their life has passed by. This post is super self aware and addresses many things that a-lot of people aren't willing to admit to themselves. It shows that you put a-lot of thought into this and that you really do care about sharing your passion for nature and allowing others to have a sense of place in nature no matter who they are! Keep up the good work!

[ktenvs3000f21]

The Gift of Beauty

I decided to include the above quote from Rita Cantu because I felt that it provides a good explanation as to why we should be interpreting nature through art. One of the main goals of interpretation is to embrace the gift of beauty and share that with others. Nature interpretation itself is an art form that uses artistic methods to provide meaning to the beauty around us. Using art to convey your interpretive message creates an enhanced experience for the audience; making good programs great. It allows the audience to perceive natural resources and history both emotionally as well as intellectually. Several types of art forms are beneficial for use in nature interpretation. These include interpretive theatre, storytelling, poetry, dance, visual arts, and music. The use of each provides a different dimension to nature interpretation.

Theatre is a great creative tool that can be used to help attract a broader audience and keep people engaged in interpretive programs. Storytelling has the power to captivate large audiences of all ages. These stories create vivid images in people’s minds which helps them understand and retain what they have heard. After all, emphasis on the storyline approach is the key to successful interpretation! In the case of environmental interpretation, singing can help promote environmentally sensitive behaviour. This is because the words in these songs stick in the listeners' minds and evoke emotions in the listener. Dance is another art form that can complement an interpretive program by promoting participation from the audience and evoking emotions. Visual art can also be used as an aid to help audiences immerse themselves completely in an interpretive program.

I am not a very artistic person in the visual sense. However, I do love to be creative and interpret the beauty of nature through photography. I am not a professional photographer by any means but, I do love taking pictures of the natural world. I find that taking up close and personal photographs of underappreciated species (like the spiders we all love so much) can often be surprising. There is so much more to these species when you take a closer look at them than you ever could have imagined. These snapshots successfully capture the beauty of these individuals at that specific moment in time. It’s nice because although that moment is over, you can always relive it through the images that you have captured. I enjoy sharing these photos with friends and family members and, in doing so, feel that I am extending my appreciation of nature to them. Often people are surprised at the beauty in these images because they are often of things they see every day. However, these photographs allow them to take a closer look and find a whole new appreciation for these species. Taking the time to appreciate the beauty in nature always makes my days a little brighter.

Music is also a very useful art that can help people remember information. This is especially evident in advertising. There are so many jingles that, for the life of me, I just can’t seem to get out of my head. I bet you can finish this one too.

967 11 11…

This can’t be just me. Are there any other jingles that you can remember extremely well?

Until next time,

Karissa

[kshaperoenvs300021]

Hey Karissa! I love how you managed to connect prevalent everyday things such as jingles and singing to our environmental interpretation of art! I found your point about how the art you create yourself, in photography, can be beneficial to not just yourself but for your peers. The ability to show others your pictures educates them and helps them understand the beauty of nature. This in itself turns you into an educator, allowing others to see the gift of beauty, which is a very special thing! I know from experience that helping and educating your peers enjoy the gift of beauty enhances your appreciation of nature. Going out in the wilderness alone is great, but being able to share that experience with others, especially when you're the one who created their love for beauty, is beyond special. I would love to be able to see some of your photos in order to educate me on what you consider your natural beauty!

[kshaperoenvs300021]

Nature interpretation through art

When asked the question ‘who are you to interpret nature through art’, my mind jumped directly towards visual art. This worried me because I do consider myself an ‘artist’ or ‘artsy’ whatsoever. I never paint, I never draw, I don’t even enjoy visiting gallery or looking at these types of art . After thinking for a while however, I remembered art comes in all different shapes and forms. The pictures that I constantly take when I’m in the wilderness IS art. The videos I create of my kayak canoe and hiking trips ARE art. The wood structures I create to burn and cook food on, can be art. Even the freestyles I rap to myself on long, dreary portages can be considered art. Thats when I realized how intertwined nature and art really are. When i’m on a backcountry trip, art surrounds me. Wether its the inukshuks or maps directing me where to go or the canoes and paddles I use to transport myself, this is all art. Even when i’m in the city, sitting at home in bed, listening to artists such as Bon Iver consistently transports me to the middle of a calm, glassy lake, making music like this synonymous with nature. The movies I consume with b roll of rolling hills and scenes of sunsets and oceanside views. Nature is surrounded in all art I consume and appreciate because of my love for the wilderness.

As spoken about in the textbook ‘the gift of beauty’ is only available to those who learn to appreciate and interpret nature. To many, a forest could be seen as boring, just a clump of trees with some smaller plants scattered here and there. To a nature interpreter, a forest is a complex ecosystem filled with different species constantly interacting and specializing in order to benefit from super specific resources, all trying to survive in a harsh ever-changing environment. That is beyond beautiful, a complex ecosystem disguising itself as a forest to the unknowing. Spending time surrounded by these environments gives you the utmost appreciation for how special life on earth is. Everything in nature has a purpose and those who cant understand that will never know the beauty of it. Educating yourself about nature is one of the most beneficial things a person can do because the result of that is finding beauty in everything natural and all the things that surrounds us. Landscapes can be pretty on their own, however the true beauty of nature comes from the knowledge of how special our environment really is.

[kshaperoenvs300021]

The privilege of nature

The definition of privilege is  very broad. When the word privilege comes to mind many automatically think about economic privilege. The ability to go out in nature requires money to do so. Growing up in big cities like Toronto, it’s difficult to get out into real remote places without money. Purchases of permits and the need to travel large distances to really reach remote places are the biggest economic boundaries to nature for a-lot of people. I was economically privileged enough growing up to have the ability to access Ontario's beautiful provincial parks whenever I wanted and to be able to travel throughout Canada to see everything Canadas vast landscapes have to offer. Many people, especially those living in urban areas do not have those opportunities to reach barely touched, natural lands. However, that being said, nature surrounds everyone no matter where you live. Even in the heart of Canadas biggest city, Toronto, there is access to tons of woodlots, parks and ravine systems that are completely free to use. So if you have a passions for nature interpretation, no matter who you are and how financially stable you are, you will follow that passion.

Thats why I think the biggest factor when it comes to privilege of nature interpretation is not economic privilege. I think its’ the privilege of having peers and family members that introduce to you and allow you to explore a passion for nature. Growing up in Toronto, if my parents or peers didn't encourage me to find the green around me, I would have never learnt how much I love nature. No matter how much money you have, the natural side of the world can go right over your head if you aren't surrounded by the right people. Although it isn't exactly what people think of when they hear the word ‘privilege”, as stated before its a very broad term. Privilege really just means an advantage given to you which is out of your control and can be thought of as a synonym to the word ‘luck’. So therefore, being born into a family that appreciate nature is a privilege. Going to a school which happens to be filled with peers that enjoy nature is a privilege. The idea of loving parks and urban woodlots will usually only come to those who have been introduced to that. Both economic and peer based privilege are definitely important factors to nature interpretation and passions and I was thankfully lucky enough to grow up with the access to both.

[kshaperoenvs300021]

My Relationship With Nature