Leena's ENVS3000 Blogs @ltenvs3000f23 - Tumblr Blog

Disclaimer

This blog was created for ENVS3000, 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.

Week 10 Blog Post and a quick farewell:)

Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?

I can’t believe it’s already time for the final blog post of the semester, it feels like it wasn’t that long ago that I was getting situated and writing my first one! This week’s prompt definitely led to a lot of thinking and ruminating in order to come up with a concise way of summing up ethics, beliefs and responsibilities. I think the best way to work through this will be to take it one point at a time as they are referenced in the prompt.

For starters - personal ethics. Throughout this course I’ve learned a lot about what it means to be a nature interpreter and what effects I might be able to have on the world as a result of it. Being able to interpret the vast complexities of nature through music, technology, art and a multitude of other ways are all going to be important and bring new challenges that will butt up against my ethics.

I think a good place to start is that nature has an innate value to it that is worth preserving. This likely isn’t unique among environmental scientists and nature interpreters but that’s for a good reason. As a whole, nature is fascinating, vast and incredibly complex and while my knowledge about it will never be complete I do know that I want to preserve it so that future generations can be as inspired as I am by it.

Ethically I think it is also important to teach, or interpret, for my audience in a responsible way. This includes things like doing proper, well cited research in order to be able to convey a truthful outlook of nature. I think many of us know the struggle of writing a paper, relying on one or two sources that are supportive of your point only to later find an array of more recent papers that disprove your thesis. While instances like this can be frustrating it is still important to use the most current and accurate information in order to be truthful, sowing disinformation will only lead to more issues down the line.

Finally on the ethics point, which is maybe a bit muddier than my other points, is that nature and human development will not always be able to cleanly coincide with each other. I think we all know this at some level but what I’m trying to get at with this point is that sometimes we will have to sacrifice what is good for humanity in order to preserve nature and sometimes we will have to sacrifice nature in order to preserve humanity, it’s a delicate balancing act of keeping these two important aspects in a place where they can both prosper. If this point isn’t clear yet, let me give a short example. If we want to move to renewable energy there are still some hurdles with storage and consistency that solar, wind and hydro haven’t yet solved (although we’re getting there!). Perhaps using nuclear energy to fill in these gaps in the meantime could be the lesser evil even if it means creating some large mines, dealing with radioactive waste etc. since it would drastically cut carbon emissions until we can use renewables as our sole source of energy.

So to sum up my ethos I would put it as three main points:

Nature has innate value

Interpret truthfully and responsibly

Nature and humanity will not both always be able to benefit from every decision

As for my beliefs; learning from nature is also innately valuable to me. If I can learn from nature in order to preserve it better then that’s perfect. It is my hope that one day we can have someone interested enough in each and every tiny interaction that exists in nature so that we can piece together how it works as a whole. I believe that being able to understand nature at every level is important - all the way from the biochemical level up to the broadest look at ecosystem health and function. With the variety of information we could gain by understanding these levels of nature I believe we could find a way for humanity to live much more harmoniously on Earth compared to how we live now. I believe it will be the job of interpreters like us to drive climate policy to a sustainable level.

This leads nicely to some of my responsibilities as a nature interpreter. While I as an individual may not be able to influence as much as I’d like I still believe I have a place in helping the world function in a more environmentally friendly way. That could be something as small as teaching other individuals about why nature is important to preserve or, if I can manage it, maybe help larger organizations or governments make smart, effective decisions about preserving our environments. Personally, I think I would be more effective at the lower levels of this scale. I mentioned in other blogs doing things like rewilding degraded habitats or doing small guided nature walks as a way to get people to care about environmental issues. I think I work better at this scale since I’m able to see tangible effects from the work I’m doing. Working at higher levels, like determining climate policy, is tough because while you may be able to look at data like average global temperatures it’s so much less tangible than being able to see plant growth in an area that didn’t have any before.

Well, I think that about wraps up my thoughts for this final blog post. It was an interesting semester of reading fellow classmates’ blog posts every week and learning from them. I’ve mentioned it in past posts but I believe the future of environmentalism is looking optimistic because of the way you all treat issues and want the world to improve. I hope that in the years to come I get to see all sorts of advancements and improvements because of interpreters like you all:)

ltenvs3000f23

Hi there,

I enjoyed reading your final blog post, as it was a thoughtful reflection on your journey as a nature interpreter! You encapsulated your evolving understanding of personal ethics, beliefs, and responsibilities really well.

You set a thoughtful tone for your final post with your acknowledgement of how quickly time has passed, which even connects to the progression made since the beginning of the course. You expertly divided your insightful considerations into separate points, providing your thoughts with clarity and structure.

From what you conveyed in your personal ethics, it was revealed that you share a strong commitment to preserving nature’s innate value. I absolutely agree that it’s critical to deliver truthful, responsibly researched information while acknowledging the delicate balance between nature and human development.

I appreciate that you mentioned that learning is a continuous process and that, as time passes, we learn even more. Educating ourselves on a regular basis about our environment and the natural world allows us to better preserve and communicate the importance of preservation in nature.

By highlighting your beliefs at the local level, where real effects are apparent, the discussion of responsibilities gives your approach a personal touch. It also shows that you have a practical approach to making a difference, as evidenced by your preference for hands-on initiatives like rewilding and guided nature walks.

Closing with gratitude for the learning experience and an optimistic outlook on the future of environmentalism, your words express hope and appreciation for your peers. You acknowledge the collective commitment to improvement, and it adds a positive note, emphasizing the potential for advancements and positive change.

Thanks for sharing an inspiring post! I hope you have a successful rest of the semester.

Best, Leena

sgrenvs3000f23

Last Blog Post

Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?

Hello everyone, can't believe this is our last blog post, time really flew by! I've really enjoyed seeing everyone's thoughts every week, and I've definitely learnt a lot about everyone as well! This is a really interesting blog post prompt, and I've made my post very detailed, so get ready!

Looking back at one of my first blog prompts, I can see how much progress I've made in learning what it means to be a natural interpreter. My knowledge has changed as a result of the journey, and it has also strengthened my bond with nature. Nonetheless, I have a strong desire to work as a nature interpreter; I want to be a tour guide that takes people on adventures throughout different ecosystems across the globe. The idea of sharing these experiences with other tourists makes me feel really fulfilled. Taking on the position of narrator and acting as a representative of the amazing marvels that our world is home to will undoubtedly be a very fulfilling experience.

My main objective as an interpreter is to enlighten and motivate people about the topics that I find fascinating. By doing this, I hope to shed light on the complex environmental factors that influence the surrounding biomes in addition to offering useful and insightful information. This purpose not only informs but also cultivates a deep understanding and appreciation for the complexity of life that surrounds us. My efforts are driven by motivation. My goal is to pique people's interest and inspire them to discover the wonders of the natural world. By spreading my enthusiasm, I want to encourage a community that actively engages with and cares for the environment by instilling a sense of responsibility.

My personal ethic as a nature interpreter is deeply rooted in my desire to convey to others my enthusiasm for the environment and develop in them a sense of wonder and responsibility. In my opinion, encouraging people to have a relationship with nature is essential to supporting sustainable practices and conservation. I see myself promoting responsible behaviour and emphasizing the value of environmentally conscious travel and conservation. I think it's important to spread the word that all of our acts have an influence on communities and the environment, no matter how minor. In terms of responsibilities, my main objective is to make people deeply aware of their surroundings and to instill in them a sense of wonder and awareness. My commitment is to inspire people to cultivate deep connections with the natural world by highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and conservation.

Nonetheless, I think it might be difficult as a nature interpreter to strike a balance between offering informative material and engaging experiences. Considering that entertainment may be a potent technique for grabbing people's attention, the issue comes from the desire to draw in and involve a larger audience. However, there are a number of ethical issues at stake when amusement overrides instructional value. Although there's an intrinsic fascination with nature, there's a chance that certain elements of it may be sensationalized or dramatized for entertainment value. This may result in a distorted view of the natural world, emphasizing dramatic details over a comprehensive comprehension. As a nature interpreter, my professional identity is profoundly influenced by the environment, which inspires me to promote constructive change and build relationships with like-minded individuals. My approach includes not only displaying the beauty of various settings but also educating and raising awareness about the necessity of environmental stewardship. My goal is to inspire people to take responsibility for the environment and take action to safeguard it by acting as a catalyst for change, as I mentioned previously and to raise awareness of environmental issues among the largest number of people through tours and informational lectures. My greatest sense of fulfillment in this position ultimately stems from the chance to motivate others. I want to be able to support group efforts to cultivate an awareness of and reverence for the natural world's beauty. In summary, my holistic approach to conservation considers not just the biological components of conservation but also the social and cultural factors.

By combining these components, I hope to promote a legacy of care for coming generations and help humans and the natural world live in harmony and sustainability. My experiences in the ENVS*3010 class, in particular, benefited my journey toward refining and deepening my environmental ethics, responsibilities, and approaches. My awareness of sustainability, environmental challenges, and the complex interactions between human activity and the natural world were all examined by this course. Essentially, the knowledge I acquired from ENVS*3010 has shaped my professional identity and influenced how I advocate for environmental stewardship and connect with others. In addition to increasing my knowledge, this course has fueled my desire to motivate positive change. I am appreciative of this class's transformational influence on my career as a nature interpreter, which has strengthened my resolve to advance the peaceful coexistence of humans and the natural world. As I dive deeper into the specifics of being a nature interpreter, my daily goal is to gain more insight. Upon contemplation of the deep significance included in my position, I consistently improve my morals and responsibilities. These ideas will inevitably become dynamic, and I look forward to accepting this evolution with flexibility and an open mind.

To ensure that I am knowledgeable about the changing dynamics of this subject, I continue to study in the field of nature interpretation. My goal has always been to cultivate a mentality that encourages both ongoing curiosity and personal growth.

Have a great rest of the semester everyone, hope all of your upcoming assignments and exams go well and I can’t wait to read your last blog posts!

ltenvs3000f23

Hi there!

I enjoyed reading about your perspective on your personal and professional growth throughout your nature interpretation journey! It’s also clear how it has evolved over time. You’ve shown your commitment to nature interpretation throughout your post, and it’s inspiring to see your enthusiasm for sharing the wonders of nature.

I relate to you in that it is important to instill a sense of wonder and responsibility as a nature interpreter when conveying to the audience. Being passionate about the environment is something I’ve had throughout my life, and I’m glad that you agree on the importance of sustainable practices and conservation efforts. Much of the detrimental damage done to the environment was caused by humans, and so it is essential to raise awareness if we are able to communicate with audiences.

I also love that you’re using nature interpretation as a way to communicate and motivate people based on your interests. The creations, eras, and events that have occurred on Earth are interwoven with the rich history of nature. It is great that you are using this as an opportunity to share your passions and environmental appreciation.

Naturally, it will be challenging to strike a balance between education and entertainment when interpreting nature, but I believe it is an exciting challenge that will help raise awareness. Bringing this up demonstrates a thoughtful approach to your role and your awareness of ethical considerations.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and I hope the rest of your semester goes well!

Best, Leena

Unit 10 Blog Post

Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?

Hey everyone! I’m sure we can all relate to the disbelief that comes with how quickly the semester has passed. It’s a familiar feeling each year, but as we approach the end of the semester, the pace never fails to catch me off guard each time. Before starting this course, I was skeptical of the unique learning approach it uses. However, as we near this course’s conclusion, I can confidently say that I am happy I chose this course, as it embraces a different learning style that I have never come across before. It has genuinely expanded my understanding of various concepts in nature interpretation, and it was wonderful to be able to integrate that into our blog posts and podcasts.

For our last blog post, it seems fitting to talk about how we bring in our individual identities and the different approaches we take when interpreting nature. Before the semester, my perspective on nature was grounded in the belief that it was meant to be observed and appreciated, a feeling that has only deepened over the past few years. However, I now understand that, on top of that, this course brought out a sense of responsibility or duty, if you will, in regards to nature. This newfound sense of duty has added immense significance to my understanding of the environment. The main concept that this stems from comes from the textbook in that “interpreters help the public to understand the scientific and economic bases of resource management” (Beck et al., 2018, p.12). What I take away from this quote is how important it is that while we also appreciate nature, we ensure that we keep it protected through conservation efforts.

In general, personal ethics are what shape a person into who they are. It’s what someone identifies with and is the basis for how they deal with situations in everyday life. Right from the start of the course, we learned about the basics of what it takes to interpret nature. Maslow’s concept of basic and growth needs sets a good stage for what nature interpreters should incorporate into how they communicate with their audiences (Beck et al., 2018, p.48). All of these levels in Maslow’s theory contribute to the overall goal of meeting a visitors need. Although it may seem abysmal, this structure helps visitors with long-term growth. And who knows? Because of how we interpreted nature for them, they might end up as collaborators in nature interpretation or experts in other fields, which is really cool.

Expanding on the ethical side of things, my core beliefs revolve around the idea that knowledge should be pursued responsibly. I strongly believe that everyone has the right to expand their understanding, but that knowledge must be carefully gained. Take, for example, bringing up past history—accuracy is of utmost importance. Understanding and even interpreting history requires a complete verification of sources and making sure that the presented information is built upon proven facts. Another essential part of this interpretation is that it is important to make sure the history is proven to be correct with reliable sources and that this message is carried out as accurately as possible. Recognizing the possible existence of varying viewpoints or biases throughout history is also essential, as it contributes to the reliable delivery of messages.

Similarly, I believe that nature is delicate and we must take good care of it. It’s so unfortunate how our planet has undergone significant impact from human activities. A major concept that has opened my eyes over the years is truly how much we need to appreciate nature. I’m sure that we’ve all seen the potential years for when our planet may no longer be habitable, and it’s a really scary sight to see. This serves as a constant reminder and gives motivation to interpret the critical need to appreciate and safeguard our natural world. When I interpret nature, I will be committed not just to conveying the beauty of it but also to the increasing need for community-driven conservation efforts. It will be crucial for me to stress conservation efforts wherever I may be. My goal is to raise awareness about environmental issues and educate people about how we, as a community, can help to restore the environment.

Adding on to that, I also firmly believe that another important concept in interpreting nature for the audience is to make sure you understand them. Simply put, a variety of personality traits can serve as valuable tools to explain the wonders of nature to a viewer. Although I am convinced that the most effective approach is a combination of them all. This approach would add to a thorough and influential knowledge of nature. It stems from the recognition that each individual is unique, shaped by a collective story that has formed their identity. This is why it is crucial to me to interpret for a wider audience and to interpret to them appropriately (Beck et al., 2018, p.143). It’s important that each person appreciates their interpretation experience, wherever it may be, because that’s what they will remember. It ensures that I connected with the audience in general, but more specifically with regard to nature. I also feel that delivery is key and a big part of the job. In order to talk to the audience and be straightforward, they need to understand what you’re saying. While I have struggled in the past and in general with speaking skills, I can say that this course has helped elevate that skill. Building confidence, a strong delivery and belief in the product is also an ideal part for me in capturing the audience’s attention (Beck et al., 2018, p.194).

As a biological science major, this was a course that simply intrigued me. I am actually really glad that I took it, as I got to see so many different perspectives throughout the semester and also learned a lot of new concepts that I can use not only to interpret nature but also in my overall life. For example, in whichever career path I take, I need to be an expert in the field, and this course has helped expand on that. I’ve taken awaa lot about how to be a nature interpreter and how I would put forth my own technique in that setting.

Thanks for reading and good luck to you all in the rest of the semester!

References

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For a Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

jmenvs3000f23

Madagascar, Lemurs, OneHealth.......a Masters? 🏝️🐒🔭🎓(U9)

Hey friends, its been a while and I’m glad you’re here!

This weeks’ prompt encourages us to share something about nature that gets us excited and ooooooooooooooooh am I excited! Like I’ve mentioned before, I’m a 4th year zoology student which 1) means I know a lot of cool animal stuff (ask me questions!), and 2) it’s almost time for me to graduate!

So today I’d like to talk about my current Masters application and the really cool OneHealth conservation research I have done (and hope to do again) in Madagascar!

Over the summer I got the opportunity to take the One Health Approach to Conservation Field school where we were taught zoological, ecological, and anthropological approaches to conservation issues in Madagascar’s rainforest and unique dry deciduous forest within Ankarafantsika National Park (Picture a rainforest but take away the rain, the biggest animal is the same kind of lemur as Zoboomafoo, and also the soil is like sand!!). While I won’t go into too much detail about most of the field work we practiced, like tree identification, phrenology, and size measurements, participant-observation sessions in tree-planting, rice harvesting, and a local village classroom, and of course-tent living and consistent rice and beans eating, I willllllllllll go into detail about the lemurs, cause oh so much do I love those little guys.

(1. Male with eye tumor/injury, 2. me with two mothers (if you look close you can see 2 baby heads!), 3. me taking leaf samples to make a dry-season Tree ID sketch, 4. my luxurious living quarters for the month.)

Our instructions were to do both focal and scan sampling, but my absolute favourite part of the trip was following the lemur groups and trying to identify the specific individuals while they were either chilling in our camp or being extremely chaotic in the forest.

During these observations, not once but twice did I witness 2 separate groups have lemurs literally try to kill an individual from the other group... and so when asking about this to my professor, the general conclusion we came to after he told me he’s never seen such violence despite coming to the park for years, was that the increased forest fragmentation (deforestation making the forest into sections rather than one continuous space) might be forcing groups that should be far apart into sharing the same spaces, causing fights for space, food, etc.

This species of lemur (Coquerel’s sifaka) is critically endangered and is a huge sense of pride for the indigenous people of Madagascar. Many of the parks residents follow taboos that forbid lemur hunting and consumption to protect these creatures. Unfortunately, its possible that either the past or current farming practices of some of them are negatively affecting lemurs, potentially without realizing. Not only does this become an anthropological issue, but if true, is a logistical problem best answered with knowledge of the lemurs behaviour, spatial and abundance knowledge on the plants used for food and shelter by both lemurs and people, and of course interviewing, participating in, and potentially educating and being educated by the residents to get a proper understanding of how to tackle this problem.

And so that’s the general gist of what I’ll be diving deeper into for my Masters, wish me luck!

[My friends video of one of the violent interactions (I know it looks like they are hugging but they have giant teeth with a strong bite force, are the size of toddlers, and it didn't give up until it thought the other was practically dead), the lemur that didn't run away was left with a bleeding head and injured arm but we think she survived!]

ltenvs3000f23

Hey Jamie!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post; it was so freaking cool hearing you dive into the world of lemurs in Madagascar! Your passion for zoology and the One Health approach truly shines through your words. I loved the visual aspects you provided, as they added even more depth to your post. Lemurs are such cute creatures, but it was also interesting to hear how tenacious they can be, as shown by the video. It’s saddening to hear that the increased violence they inflict on each other most likely comes from the deforestation they currently face (an issue that humans have significantly contributed to 😕). Given the link between deforestation and intragroup aggressions, I believe your concern about the endangerment of the Coquerel's sifaka adds a layer of urgency to your work.

This field experience exploring the rainforests and unique forests of Ankarafantsika National Park sounds like it was quite an adventure, filled with challenges and discoveries! I enjoyed hearing your approach to addressing this specific issue by combining zoological, ecological, and anthropological methods (truly admirable!). It highlights the intricate web of relationships that surround Madagascar, between the lemurs, the environment, and, of course, the indigenous people of Madagascar.

I also wanted to ask a few questions, if you don’t mind :

Is there any specific unexpected or memorable moment during your time in Madagascar?

I’m curious to know how your team ensured the safety of both your group and the lemurs, especially when encountering these acts of aggression?

Are there any specific goals or milestones you’ve set for your Masters research, or is more about the ongoing journey of discovery?

Congratulations on nearing the end of your zoology degree; it must have been quite the ride! It’s clear how dedicated you are to the well-being of these lemurs, and the balance between human activities and conservation efforts, it is both inspiring and essential. I hope that you keep us posted on your discoveries and adventures in the world of lemurs and other creatures. Cheers to the exciting road ahead, and I wish you the best of luck in obtaining your Masters!

Best,

Leena

Unit 9 Blog Post

Interpet (through this blog) the most amazing thing you know about nature – get us excited. This is your blog – your audience isn’t in the field with you so bring the field to your armchair reader.

There are so many concepts of nature that I can speak upon that amaze me, such as bioluminesence, the beauty of the northern lights, and the captivating diversity in nature. However, for this week’s blog, I wanted to take a different approach and reflect upon the beauty that humans have provided within nature. Every piece tells a fascinating story; a collection can form a narrative that spans centuries, continents, and cultures.

I find it astounding to look back at the technical wonders that have shaped history, especially as we stand on the shoulders of innovation in the 21st century. When the world's wonders, like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Colosseum, were built, they were engineering marvels. Fast forward to the present, and we are surrounded by a brand new category of wonder: the digital world.

I believe that a lot of the reason we are able to look back and appreciate our history is due to technology. It makes it so convenient for all of us to enhance our knowledge on a topic or concept that we find interesting. It is also worth noting that technology can aid in the transmission of interpretive messages at sites, allowing more visitors to learn about the location (Beck et al. 2018, p. 465). For example, when my family and I went to Los Angeles, we visited the Griffith Observatory (same planetarium seen in ‘La La Land’!). During this visit, we watched a show at the Dome at the planetarium that used the Zeiss Star Projector. The live show we watched was ‘Signs of Life’ which uncovered what it took to put life in the universe. I was truly captivated, along with the audience, by the magnificence of technology and how it can be used to interpret aspects of our history.

In the modern era, prominent technological wonders include the Hubble Space Telescope, the International Space Station, and Mars rovers. These innovative technologies have allowed for explanations of many mysteries in space as well as discoveries. Furthermore, the Hubble Space Telescope has provided us with countless stunning photos of space exploration and the beauty that exists within our solar system—a universe that will never cease to amaze me.

However, among these technological wonders, it is important not to forget the wonders that breathe history—true testaments to human ingenuity and ambition. Each structure within nature holds a unique place in history, leaving a persistent mark on the world (Beck et al. 2018, p. 329). As an Egyptian, it only feels fitting for me to speak of the brilliance of the pyramids of Giza. This is the only one of the Ancient Wonders of the World to survive largely intact today, along with its intricate details and massive scale. Though it remains a mystery how the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids without modern technology, it sparks many theories on how exactly they were created. Nevertheless, it’s inspiring how these architectural marvels, whether ancient or modern, captivate tourists with their awe-inspiring designs and historical significance.

I hope you all find this as interesting as I do, we're embedded within nature and that includes the history that precedes us and continues to evolve. It is also fascinating to me personally how technology and the human creations embedded within nature can strive for many diverse interpretations!

I have provided some images taken from the Hubble Space telescope below :)

References

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For a Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

ltenvs3000f23

Unit 7 Blog Post

Hello everyone!

In a previous blog of mine, I mentioned how much I enjoy taking walks outside and being surrounded by nature and its sounds. I believe that entwined in nature are the rhythmic patterns and natural sounds of the environment. Although I listen to music on my walks, I make sure that I can still hear the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, among the other sounds of nature.

Within that blog, I also stated that listening to Taylor Swift’s ‘folklore’ and ‘evermore’ albums were my top albums to listen to on these walks. Contained within these albums are beautiful notes of poetry that paint a fictional story within the song as well as the albums themselves. I consider these albums to be sisters because of their similarities with each other in what the era and songs represent. The first of the two, folklore, has themes of escapism and also has fictional narratives, especially within the songs: betty, cardigan, august as well as the last great american dynasty. I have attached links to the song's lyric videos if you would like to see how Taylor uses her extraordinary song-writing abilities in this album. The evermore album was written during the pandemic and encompasses Taylor in a magical cottage core inspired landscape. She uses the characters in her evermore album to convey her own emotions. Here are some images that remind me of the folklore-evermore era:

Also, listening to the sounds of nature has many benefits, especially for stress. We don’t even have to be outside to have access to the natural sounds of the environment. In the world of technology, we can access it through apps such as YouTube and Calm. Many people use it to sleep (ex: rain, thunderstorms), study, or use it as a natural calming background noise. Another cool concept of nature in music is how animal sounds can be directly incorporated to make a rhythmic pattern, such as the pattern DJ Ben Mirin created. In the song Hymn For The Weekend by Coldplay, the song starts off with beautiful bird calls among street sounds and the chimes of a bell. Nature is entwined within the rest of the song, and this sets the tone for how the rest of the song will sound. I encourage you to watch the incredible music video here to see what I mean!

As for the last prompt, surprisingly, a song that has memories of me is Believer by Imagine Dragons. This resonates with my family trip to Banff, Alberta. On our road trip from Banff to Jasper, this was the song that we played numerous times and sang together with my sisters. Although a pretty popular song, it always reminds me of the beautiful landscapes that we drove by. Here are some images that capture Jasper and Banff, they are NOT mine (but we did actually see a Mama Bear and her cubs as well on our road trip!):

Nature surrounds us, and music provokes emotion. Intertwining the two can lead to masterpieces in poetry, storytelling, and, of course, simply capturing emotion. They benefit each other as well as balance each other in many aspects.

Thanks for reading!

lfenvs3000f23-deactivated202405

Hey Leena,

Loved your blog post this week (will never pass up a chance to relate to a fellow swiftie!) :-) I totally agree with your interpretation of the closely intertwined relationship between music and nature! I didn't mention it in mine this week, but the folklore and evermore albums are one of the first things that came to mind when thinking about songs that remind me of a natural landscape! Especially august and cardigan, so I find it's so cool that you mentioned those exact songs as well! Great minds think alike? I think she encapsulates the essence of autumn and winter so amazingly well in those albums, and it's definitely due to her perfect lyricism! And about the Imagine Dragons songs in Jasper, I always find it so interesting how sensory experiences can transport us back into time. I hope you're enjoying the cooler temps lately and finding time to take lots of nature walks listening to t-swift :-)

ltenvs3000f23

Hey Lauren,

I am so glad that my post reached a swiftie, that makes me so happy!! It's so cool that you also resonate with those albums in how they portray natural settings and landscapes. Although every single song on folklore is a hit, cardigan and august capture the folklore era perfectly in my opinion and hope that others can see what I mean by that as well! I'm trying to get out more in the trails and the fallen leaves while listening to folklore + evermore as much as I can before it gets too, too cold.

Thanks for taking the time to respond! :) I hope you're enjoying 1989 TV as well, hahaha.

All the best,

Leena

sgrenvs3000f23

Blog Post 7

Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music?

As a follow-up (focus on the above two before you tackle this one), what song takes you immediately back to a natural landscape? What is the context? Share it with us – I would imagine many of these ideas may have similar underpinnings of a campfire, roadtrip, backpacking journey, etc.!

Hello everyone! I love this blog prompt for week seven, it's a combination of two of my favourite passions: music and nature!

I have always had a deep love for both music and the natural world, and their complementary relationship has always provided me with endless inspiration. The soothing sound of running water, the whispers of the wind, and the melodies produced by nature's animals are all closely connected. On the other hand, the magical beauty of nature is frequently reflected in the creations of the musical world. Because music has such an amazing ability to convey the essence of nature, the link between nature and music is a source of inspiration for both musicians and artists. One song in particular that easily transports me to a place is "I Follow Rivers". I have a special place in my heart for this song since I can identify with its melodies on an emotional level. When I was younger, I would always replay this song, either on a hike with my friends or on a road trip with my family. Surprisingly, while I'm outside, I frequently prefer to listen to nature's noises rather than music. The way birds start their morning chorus, with their chirps, and the leaves gently swaying and rustling in the breeze. I really believe Mother Nature herself is conducting a captivating symphony for us through these natural sounds. And this symphony has the incredible ability to create a peaceful ambiance. These natural sounds hold a unique power that can transport individuals into a different realm in the world around with an intensity that's truly transformative. Music, in all its forms, has a way of capturing the spirit of nature. Music artists often seem to draw inspiration from the very spirit of nature when creating their works. Whether it's in the subtle background melody or the overall composition, there's a sense of familiarity, like echoes of the sounds we hear when we're outdoors. I'll sum up by saying that I can never describe the deep ways that music and the environment enhance my life. Both domains take me to a state of amazement, inspiration, and are also both domains that have shaped me as a person. Listening to music and embracing the soothing sounds of nature is vital to me because it offers a mental escape and a heartfelt connection to the world's beauty, providing solace and inspiration in the midst of life.

I have attached a link to the song I mentioned that I would always replay when hiking or when on a road trip! Let me know what song you enjoy listening to when going for a walk or just while being outside.

ltenvs3000f23

Hey,

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I really enjoyed reading your post, as I can strongly relate!

I love that nature has a place in music, just as music has a place in nature. There are so many different ways the two can be intertwined with each other to create something beautiful. As you mentioned, Mother Nature and the way her sounds can transport us to a different realm are truly magical. Within the sounds, there is a remarkable source of mental escape and the ability to connect to the world’s beauty. I believe that artists use these sounds of nature in order to draw inspiration from and capture the overall spirit of the natural world.

I found it compelling that you enjoy listening to nature’s symphonies rather than music. I can relate to that, as there are times when I like to pause my music to capture the sounds of nature and take in the atmosphere as a whole. Also, the song you mentioned is a song that I can relate to as well! I listened to it many times when I was younger, and it holds a similar sense of nostalgia for me. Your mentioning it and also listening to it once again from the link brought me back to those years.

Overall, it is incredible to see how captivating nature can be with what it provides. So many sounds are contained within its beauty. The sounds of nature are truly a symphony orchestrated by Mother Nature that can be heard in all parts of the world.

Again, thanks for sharing.

Best,

Leena

Unit 7 Blog Post

Hello everyone!

Thanks for reading!

egenvs3000f23

Blog #6

Prompt:

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.

When we consider nature interpretation through the lens of history, we need to consider whose history we are telling and why. What truths are being shared? What role does privilege play in this? What responsibility might we have to share the authentic voices and experiences of others who came before us and experienced the same nature in perhaps a different way? The story you share is but one of many. Being sure to include or mention others stories in your story. I think these are all important questions to ask when interpreting history, but also just as important to consider when reading or learning about it.

History is important because it creates meaning and context to the present moment. Nothing in our realities makes any sense and would not have been possible if it was not for the events that created the structures and ideas we all operate on; this is culture. History makes our differences make sense, and also allows us to achieve compassion for, an understanding of, and to celebrate our differences. It is through learning history that we can prevent mistakes from the past from repeating themselves, and create a better understanding of the conflicts we witness in the present day. When the quote talks about a train passing through a railway station I think this is referring to any event in history. It would be foolish to assume a train would only come by a station once. The train station represents the certain unfolding of events, or the present moment and the moving trains, the time and build up to the events that happen.The train is always coming to, is at, or is leaving the station. It's just that different people doing different things at a different time come through the station. The same story is never told twice, but any story could never have happened without its precursors. To make sense of modern day conflicts it is crucial to understand the various histories and the meaning of these histories to different people. That is one danger of today, and one of the interesting moral questions. We live in a world of informational access, one where we have a voice and a platform unlike previous generations did. It becomes a question of ethics however to voice opinions on events without a proper understanding of history and who is to be affected by an only partially informed voice. The more history, the more perspectives and otherness we understand the better an outlook there is for ourselves, our communities, and collective humanity.

In interpretation, it is important to present history in a way that is careful of other perspectives but to make sure that it is presented in a way that is relevant to the person learning about the history. To learn of events in the past without an understanding of one's own connection to them is poor interpretation. Interpretation should always call on someone's sense of self and worldview, they need to understand history in the context of the experience in which they learn it. Otherwise it is too abstract, unrelatable, and forgettable.

ltenvs3000f23

Hey,

I enjoyed reading your perspective on the breakdown of this quote by Edward Hyams. I especially liked that you pointed out some important questions to ask when interpreting history. There are so many ways nature can be interpreted, and I believe that it is important to look at historical interpretation through nature from all perspectives, as you mentioned.

It is crucial to recognize how history has brought us to where we are today. Without the past, who knows what the present day would look like? I liked how you expanded on the metaphor and gave an example relating to it. As you mentioned, every story is unique.

The importance of learning about our past and interpreting that history cannot be understated. I feel as though we need to recognize the generation that we live in today and our access to technology and information. This not only helps us learn about the past but also educates us on how to become better. I am glad that today it is much easier to raise our voices and spread measures for issues all over the world. Being from Egypt, it is so important to me to use my voice over what is happening in the Middle East. I would not be able to be as educated on the topic as I am now if it were not for the internet and how quickly I can learn from a variety of resources, including communication between my family. This is a huge benefit that we need to realize we have today that we did not have before. Having access to technology is HUGE in advocacy and education.

Thanks for sharing!

Best, Leena

Unit 6 Blog Post

“There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.”

(Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)

Unpack this quote.

Many concepts are being discussed in this quote by Edward Hyams, most notably the ideas of integrity and the importance of history. I believe he is expressing that age alone does not add value to something; however, the integrity surrounding that thing is what contributes to its value. Integrity involves many aspects as well but is mostly centralized around moral and ethical consistency and honesty. It also includes the quality of being whole and undivided, maintaining the essential elements that make up a particular society or other system. Connecting to history, these elements that make up the whole of a system can be spread over time, not just from one era. Lastly, he states that this is also an integral reason why the past is an essential part of sustaining integrity; it shapes who we are today as well as in the future. Throughout our education, there have been many events that we have learned about that have historically had effects that we’ve seen today.

Recently, there was an issue that would have affected us locally if it were pushed through, involving the Greenbelt. The Greenbelt was created in 2005 and provides many important economic and environmental benefits. Some of these include forest protection, protection for species at risk, drinking water quality, and so much more. If you want to learn more about just how important the Greenbelt is for us in Ontario, I recommend you read through their page here (about a 30 second read). Initially, Doug Ford made a promise not to touch the Greenbelt in 2018. However, in November 2022, the Ford government decided to change their mind and remove 7,400 acres from the Greenbelt to use for housing development (Callan and D’Mello, 2023). Taking protected land off of the Greenbelt would have come at the cost of jobs, species, weather management, agriculture, and so on. Lots of controversy was surrounded by this announcement, and rightfully so, as the Greenbelt is an integral part of Ontario.

It is clear that the Greenbelt was created for a reason, or many reasons, for that matter. Although it was created in 2005, expansions have been made ever since to keep the local economy thriving. Growing up in Oakville, I used to go by the creeks many times, especially when I was in elementary school. On one of my field trips in grade 3, my class went to Crawford Lake to explore the Indigenous history of the conservation area. During this trip, we ate cornbread, used snowshoes, and explored the historical area with the help of our tour guide along the way. It was a very fun trip that allowed us to connect with the past and expand our knowledge of Indigenous history and culture.

However, the biggest reason this field trip stuck with me is how our guide interpreted some of this history. Once it got dark, we gathered around a campfire while he told us the legend of Crawford Lake. Legend has it that on one late winter day, while men were carrying lumber on a horse drawn sleigh over the frozen waters, the ice broke and the horses, sleigh, and lumber fell into the water and sank to the bottom. He then went on to say that legend has it that the horses lie undisturbed at the lake bottom until awakened at sunset, and at that time, any person standing on the shore of the lake may see the glowing red eyes of the horses at the bottom of the lake.

Once we were all a bit frightened and vulnerable, one of his co-workers decided to jump out from the back and scare us. We all found it funny, and it was a great way to talk about the history of the past and interpret it for us when we were quite young.

Overall, it is so crucial to continuously recognize our past and not dismiss it. It is an important step in preserving the integrity of our local areas, such as the Greenbelt and the Crawford Lake conservation area, which is located within it.

This was a long post, so thank you for reading it!

References

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For a Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

In 2018, Doug Ford promised he would not touch Ontario's Greenbelt. The premier, however, is facing severe backlash after reversing that pro

The Greenbelt Foundation stewards the Greenbelt - 2 million aces of working agricultural and ecological landscape that helps Ontario thrive.

lfenvs3000f23-deactivated202405

Blog 5: No prompt!

Honestly going through the Unit 5 page, scrolling down to see no prompt, I was surprised but thankful (lol)! I feel like it's also more difficult in a way because now I actually have to think about a topic to write about (not complaining though!). I've hit the mid-semester burnout at this point, especially being in my last semester of undergrad (like ever!). Applying to grad school while also being in a research course and four other courses on top is more hectic than I thought. On top of that is life being life and throwing more stuff at you. The weekly blogs and convos have been a little harder to do as it gets busier but the interesting/creative/open-ended prompts help. To anyone reading this, I also wanted to stress the importance of personal check-ins and maintaining your mental health during these times! For me, I've been relaxing/unwinding/coping by binging copious episodes of Narcos on Netflix. I'm obsessed with Pedro Pascal at the moment. Anyways, whatever self-care looks like for you, even if it's just giving yourself time to do nothing, is so important to do!

I wanted to spend the rest of this post talking about something that interests me and I'm passionate about! I always love telling people about this because they always get so shocked and don't believe me. Did you know goldfish can get super huge outside of their fishbowls? When in an environment with unlimited resources and space to grow (e.g., lakes and/or ponds), goldfish can grow to the size of a football (the ones i've seen at least) but they can get so much bigger! This happens when people release their pet goldfish into bodies of freshwater like lakes or ponds. I worked as an Aquatic Science Technician for fish species-at-risk this summer and I've encountered quite a few of them. This is definitely not a good thing, as they're becoming quite the invasive species - but it's so absurd and strange I can't help but be excited. Here's some pictures of me with one we found this summer :) I was absolutely elated.

As you can see, the goldfish isn't bright orange as they are usually seen as in pet stores! This is because the pet goldfish we know are selectively bred to express a bright orange phenotype! As they breed in the wild with other fish (whether that be other goldfish, or they are also known to hybridize with carp), natural selection occurs and they become better blended in with their environment (this is a hypothesis). Goldfish are also highly intelligent, I think I read somewhere that they have a memory of up to 3 months and will learn tricks for treats. I like to compare goldfish to stray cats (in the fish world, at least). They were simply pets failed by their owners :( The only difference is that goldfish are highly adaptable opportunists and are invasive species now! Despite this, both scenarios go to show the importance of responsibility as a pet owner. Whether it's goldfish, bunnies, cats - no pet deserves to be dumped ! I hope you enjoyed reading this and if you're learning about this for the first time, I hope you are as amazed as I was! Now go tell all of your friends and family not to dump their goldfish!

ltenvs3000f23

Hey!

I enjoyed reading your post! I agree that I was also thankful for no prompt, yet I still found it challenging to come up with what to write for this week. In these cases, it’s good for us to get the creative juices in our brains flowing at this point in the semester. I feel that we’ve all been getting towards the burnout stage in the fall, as you mentioned.

I’m so glad that you mentioned the importance of personal check-ins and keeping your mental health in check throughout the year. I do not blame you for your Pedro Pascal obsession; I was right there with you in that phase earlier this year when ‘The Last of Us’ came out, lol!

I learned so many more cool facts about goldfish from your post! I honestly had no idea that goldfish were specifically bred for that phenotype of colours. It reminds me of how some cats are bred in both good and bad ways — I hope in the future that we will see less of the latter in all animals. I hate that some people think animals were made for our entertainment and don’t deserve to be treated with the same kindness and compassion.

Back to the goldfish, it is also so interesting that they can grow to that size, yet unfortunate that they are becoming invasive species. It is truly devastating to see how some pet owners treat their animals as if they aren’t worth anything; these creatures all have a heart just like us!

Thanks for sharing your insights on goldfish! Just out of curiosity, is this your favourite species of fish, or are there any others that fascinate you in particular?

Best,

Leena

Unit 5 Blog Post

No prompt this week – free write on what you are thinking about!

After a crazy week of midterms and other assignments, I think that this prompt is exactly what many of us needed to cap off week 5 of the semester! This week, I wanted to talk more about how much I love cats (if it wasn’t obvious enough from my profile picture, I am a huge cat person). The cat in my profile picture is actually my cat back at home; her name is Pepper, and she turned 6 in July! We have had her ever since September of 2017, back when she was still a kitten. She actually has a sister, which is interesting to know because we occasionally get to see her since my cousins have her. If my aunt had not texted my mom that day to let her know about the other kittens' litter, who knows if she would still be roaming around our house today?

Although I could talk about cats for hours, I wanted to talk about how Pepper loves to be outside and also takes in nature every day. In comparison to dogs, cats are very independent creatures that enjoy being in their own company while basking in the fresh air and warmth of the sun that shines down on them. Naturally, while Pepper is outside, she tries to hunt, although she tends to fail miserably at it; mice are her usual prey (at least she’s trying!). Meanwhile, my other cat, who passed away in 2015, was a hunter by heart; her name was Basbousa. She grew up on my mother’s farm, and once we moved to our home in Oakville, Basbousa would still use her hunting abilities in our backyard and would frequently bring back larger game, including rodents and even the occasional rabbit.

Returning to Pepper, there are countless times where I looked for her outside only to see her sitting on the top of our fence or on top of our covered barbecue. From the looks of it, she always tries to take in the sounds and sights of the environment that lives in our backyard. In general, cats are curious creatures, and I think that plays into her love for being outdoors. I personally have always been curious as to how she interprets nature through her eyes. Are there colours that only she can see that lie beyond our spectrum of human vision? What sounds can she hear within her auditory range? Or pitches that she can comprehend that we wouldn’t be able to hear? What creatures does she observe more frequently than we do when we are outside? Overall, she loves the fresh air on all days other than when it’s raining. Although it’s funny that she was actually a fan of the fresh, falling snow when she saw it for the first time!

I wish she enjoyed being taken on walks (trust that we have tried, with a leash and everything), but I think she just loves being independent and taking in nature on her own.

Do you guys have any cats or pets back at home? I would love to hear more about them! I have attached some pictures of Pepper below. :)

czenvs3000f23

Unit 4 Blog

Prompt: Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”?

To me, nature and art are synonymous. It's impossible to have one without the other. There's a reason why some of the most world-renowned and critically acclaimed paintings are of beautiful, sweeping landscapes. But it's not always that simple. How the art is created, through the use of different techniques is just as important. Colour and contrast can be used expertly to convey a specific theme, as well as line weight and perspective. Art, at its core, is deeply human. We seek to find ourselves in art and how to best relate to it. Sometimes art can say things we ourselves don't have the words for. It evokes profound feelings of relatability that guide understanding across cultures and continents.

Seeing this, it's no wonder that art has been used as a tool for nature interpretation. As mentioned in the textbook, the gift of beauty can be interpreted through genius loci. I firmly believe that each natural site has its own unique history that contributes to its overall significance. This doesn't have to be strictly natural history either, but cultural, geographic, artistic, and architectural history as well. Connecting heritage to art emphasizes the importance of a particular area and why it is being conserved for use by the general public.

In addition to this, being able to share this sense of beauty in nature is critical for interpretation. There must be some medium where many people partake in a site's beauty without ever physically stepping foot there. I have an appreciation for places around the world that I've never even been to, and this was only possible through photographs, paintings, poems, etc.

Art can also be used as a tool to start conversations about difficult topics without being direct about it. Making an artistic statement is sometimes more useful than straight-up facts because there is engagement from the audience. People can ask questions, dissect certain word choices or colour palettes, and gain an understanding of the intent. Usually, art is not so black-and-white, it is filled with nuances that are more thought-provoking when discussed, rather than served up neatly on a platter.

So, who am I to interpret nature through art? Well, I'm not the authority on what constitutes good and bad art but rather can contribute my own perspective on what I consider art. That's the thing about using art as a medium to portray certain themes, it's subjective. Generating discussions about art can aid in the acknowledgment of its significance.

I went to the Rockwood Conservation area this weekend and took some breathtaking photos of the beautiful fall colours. To me, these represent the vastness of nature and the complexity that each season brings. But that's just me-- what do you think? :)

ltenvs3000f23

Hi Christina,

I really enjoyed reading your blog post for this week!

I liked your emphasis on nature and art being synonymous with one another. It is so true that art is often driven by inspirations that come from our natural world, which makes sense in how, as you stated, many famous paintings are depictions of nature! Also, I strongly agree that at the heart of every art form is the creativity and imagination that come from being human. There are so many ways art can be expressed and various techniques as you mentioned that can speak through these mediums. It’s beautiful to me that art can serve as a reflection of someone’s experiences, emotions, and interpretations of the world.

Thinking about it now, there are so many times where I have had an appreciation for places that I have never been to. It’s surreal thinking about how art is everywhere, all the time, and the connections we can make, especially with the advancements of technology over the years. I love that anyone can connect through art and is open to one’s interpretation of how they view it. Every one person has their own experiences and reflections that they use to interpret art as well as nature through these mediums which is just so fascinating to me!

Also, those are some stunning photos! Fall is definitely my favourite season because of all the beautiful colours we see. I appreciated reading what you had to say on this topic!

Best,

Leena

Unit 4 Blog Post

Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”? (Your readings – specifically Chapter 5 of the textbook – will be helpful for this!)

To me, interpreting art through nature is a fascinating topic as it can take on many different forms as well as connect with people through their interests. Of course, a representation of this can be seen through paintings as many would assume when talking about art specifically. However, art in itself typically surrounds creativity and imagination, any form of expressing oneself or an idea or any one topic that involves that creative factor is at the heart of any art form. This can range from paintings to videos to dance or music, there truly is no limit for the various ways of expressing art.

Personally, my favourite form of interpreting nature through art is with photographs or images that capture the beauty of nature itself. This doesn’t specifically entail photos captured in real life but these can also be images that have been made on other platforms that attempt to express a particular part of nature. For example, I absolutely love sunsets, any chance that I get to watch one is when I try to be outside to appreciate it as much as I can. I can also say the same about the northern lights (it’s my dream to see them in real life!!) and space. Any photos that capture the absolute stunning views of the stars in our planet, galaxies, northern lights, etc., always take my breath away whether the images are real or not.

Another form of an art form that I have always connected to is music. I listen to music every single day, at this point it is so routine and structured into my life now. I listen to a variety of different artists and they all have very different ways of expressing themselves through this art form. An artist that I love to listen to and have been a huge fan of since I was a little kid is Taylor Swift. Yes, I know that some of you may be thinking… seriously? But yes, seriously. Listening to her music while walking outdoors is when I truly take in nature for its beauty. On my walks, I listen to her ‘folklore’ and ‘evermore’ albums, and if you happen to know anything about those albums, you would know that those two albums are the most poetic of hers. The lyrics within are so captivating to listen to while looking at the beautiful colours of the leaves along with the gentle whistling of the wind and the sounds of diverse species that ring through. I look forward to walking specifically with those soundtracks because I truly feel embedded within nature when I’m listening to it.

To summarize, these are the forms of art that I love to use to connect with nature. As I quickly stated above, there are so many ways that nature can be interpreted through art. The two forms that resonate the most with me are through visual images and photography as well as through music. I’m curious to hear what some of your favourite ways of interpreting nature through art is, I would love to know! I have attached some images that I find fascinating below that I was talking about earlier — some are genuine depictions of nature, while others are interpretations. However, I will leave you to decide what you think is and isn’t “authentic.”

Thank you for taking the time to read my post this week!

rjmenvs3000f23

Blog Post 3

Prompt: What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation? Please include your working definition of privilege.

Privilege has never been something I’ve given much thought to, and I think many people can resonate with this sentiment. To me, privilege means having an advantage over others and this is granted to some people at birth because of their cultural or socioeconomic classes. It means being able to go through life without much worry and being certain that at the end of the day you will have things your way. I am an Indian, first-generation immigrant, cis woman; in many ways I am privileged and in many ways I am not. My parents decided to immigrate to Canada when I was just 6 years old so that my brother and I could have the best possible opportunities for education and our lives. I am privileged in that aspect as they had to do the hard work for our family to become Canadian citizens. We live in Mississauga which is well known for its diversity, so I never felt like an outcast even when I first moved to Canada.

However, I did face many hardships throughout my life, and being an Indian woman definitely has its caveats. One of the hardest periods in my life thus far was coming into university. I realized that the colour of my skin plays a lot more factors in my life than I had originally thought. It was difficult at first to adjust to the culture at Guelph, but soon I found my people and I found my place within the community. Coming to Guelph is what also allowed me to really get immersed in my own culture and learn how to actually appreciate it. In many ways I was underprivileged and that sucks, but to be honest I have so much to be grateful for in my life, so I choose to look at the positive sides of things.

To me, privilege plays a huge role in nature interpretation. My parents allowed me to grow my love for nature and animals and never discouraged me in trying to pursue an environmental career, and for that I am so privileged. When I was younger I always tried to convince my parents to allow me to get a cat or a dog as a pet, but they refused as we do live in an apartment. So as a compromise my parents got me hamsters, and I currently have one and her name is Peach Fuzz <3. In grade 12, I also had the opportunity to volunteer for High Park zoo where I essentially hung out with llamas and chickens at a petting zoo. I was allowed to venture into nature surrounding my area and my mom would accompany me and just listen to me talk about different trees, invasive species and wildlife. UoG also gave me opportunities to foster my love of nature and I get to take interesting and intellectually challenging classes like ENVS 3000.

Privilege is not often talked about, or at least I try to avoid that subject as much as possible. But I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to reflect back on my life and understand how it has affected and nurtured who I am as a person today.

Here are some cutesy pictures of my hamster, Peach Fuzz btw :)

ltenvs3000f23

Hi Rebecca,

I really enjoyed reading your post as I related to a lot of your points!

It really is important to recognize the various ways in which we are privileged and of course there will be aspects in which we will not have much of it. I can relate to your point on immigration and how that has led to further opportunities in getting a higher education. As you said, in that aspect we are privileged because of what our families had to do to get us here. I myself am an Egyptian, muslim woman and can see how privilege touches up on various aspects of our identities and in all sorts of ways.

It makes me happy that you have decided to embrace your culture and appreciate it as I was in that exact same position as well. I always felt out of place and as if I didn’t belong within my community, especially growing up playing Hockey with very limited women of colour. I really tried to fit in with them but once I came to University I had to realize who I was and truly embrace what my identity is composed of. This didn’t mean that I had to take hockey away from my identity but I had to ensure that it wasn’t taking up other parts that make me who I am.

Although it is uncomfortable in a sense to talk about privilege, I believe that it’s necessary for us to do so in order for us to move closer in creating a more equitable society. I appreciated the fact that you touched upon your own experiences and acknowledged the privileges and challenges that you have faced throughout your life.

Lastly (but not least), Peach Fuzz looks ADORABLE! I’m so glad that you were able to get a fuzzy friend, she looks so tiny and so cute, I can’t🥹😩!!!

Best,

Leena

Unit 3 Blog Post

What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation? Please include your working definition of privilege.

In today’s society, it’s unfortunate that privilege is routinely taken for granted. From my understanding, the actual definition of privilege is stated as “a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favour” or “an advantage that only one person or group of people has, usually because of their position…” To put it simply, both of these definitions show that one group suffers while the other benefits, however there is also room for variation.

As we were learning in this week’s unit, the idea that all of us carry an invisible backpack is an important concept that many of us (including myself) may have never thought about before. In my personal experience, over the past month or so, I have been trying my best to express my gratitude for the experiences that I have been able to take part in over the course of my life. It has been very important for me to recognize the privilege that I have had. For example, if it wasn’t for my grandparents immigrating to Canada, I would not be here writing this blog post. It is thanks to them that I am fortunate enough to be able to afford and attend University to further expand my knowledge, which allows me better opportunities to find a career.

Moving on to the context of privilege in nature, there are many different ways that this can be prominent in nature interpretation. Who has easy access to natural spaces can vary depending on their privilege. National parks, forests, and other natural spaces are more frequently visited by people that have stable financial resources, mobility and access to transportation. It may be difficult for others without these privileges to access these areas of nature and in turn restricts their ability to interpret nature. Furthermore, more people are likely to learn about the value of nature if they have access to greater educational opportunities, a privilege that we currently have. This can also lead to how some people may not have knowledge on nature’s conservation and protection efforts which means they cannot participate in these activities or have a say in influencing environmental policies.

Adding on, privilege in nature can also be shown in different aspects such as the safety and connection that people can experience with the environment. Those who were exposed to natural settings on a regular basis growing up may have a stronger bond and appreciation for the environment. This can also affect how a person having access to certain privileges can feel secure or even at ease in the environment. There is a higher chance that people would engage with nature without anxiety or discomfort if they do not experience systemic discrimination or harassment. This also further demonstrates the fact that people from various cultural backgrounds may regard and interpret nature in different ways.

To summarize, it’s crucial to recognize these privilege-related discrepancies and use this knowledge to promote more inclusive perceptions of nature. I believe that we all have room to grow and expand on the concepts that we already know! I truly appreciate being able to see the various perspectives that we visit throughout the course and hope that you all find some of this to be as eye-opening as I do.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post!

Leena

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

Leena's ENVS3000 Blogs