Mandy

Started as ENVS 3000 blog but making it my own

[emrenvs3000f24]

UNIT 10 BLOG POST

As I develop as a nature interpreter, I am driven by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to access and appreciate nature, regardless of where they live or the resources available to them. I find profound beauty not only in vast, untouched landscapes but also in the pockets of green in urban spaces, like city parks and community gardens. To me, nature exists wherever there is life, growth, and connection. I believe that helping people see this, showing them that nature is not just a remote wilderness but something within reach, can foster a more inclusive and widespread love for the natural world.

https://wwf.ca/stories/nature-based-cities

I recognize that privilege often dictates who has access to vast natural areas, shaping whose experiences are enriched by nature’s presence. Many people may never see a national park or wilderness reserve, but this doesn’t mean they should miss out on the lessons and joys nature can offer. For those living in cities, for example, urban parks and gardens are opportunities for connection with the outdoors, and it’s my mission to help people see these spaces as valuable, accessible natural areas.

My goal as an interpreter is to bridge this gap, making nature both accessible and relatable. Breaking down barriers means meeting people where they are, whether that’s through guided walks in a city park or providing virtual content like videos and podcasts that bring nature to them. It’s about reshaping the idea of what nature can be and expanding the places where people feel connected to it.

Another pillar of my ethic is the responsibility to protect and restore natural areas. I believe our relationship with nature impacts us deeply, not only for the ecosystem services that sustain human life (like clean air and water) but also for the emotional and spiritual benefits we gain. Nature has a unique power to ground us, to remind us to slow down and reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

https://runwildmychild.com/sit-spotting-nature-meditation

I see it as my duty to help others understand this, especially the role that conservation plays in preserving these spaces for future generations. Teaching people about the benefits of clean air, water, and biodiversity, and helping them see how protecting nature is a form of self-care, can inspire actions that support both personal well-being and environmental sustainability.

I feel a deep responsibility to convey the importance of nature and conservation in a way that resonates with diverse audiences. This isn’t about simply telling people what they should feel or believe, but rather about opening doors for them to develop their own relationships with nature. Whether it’s taking people on guided hikes, leading them in reflective activities, or creating accessible content, I strive to be a resource and a guide.

For those who may be less able to explore natural spaces on their own, perhaps due to physical limitations or other barriers, I’m committed to finding alternative ways for them to experience nature. This might involve creating content that’s accessible to all, like podcasts, social media stories, or even documentary-style videos that showcase the beauty and resilience of nature. By bringing nature to people in these ways, I hope to inspire them to seek their own outdoor experiences when possible.

I am passionate about getting out into nature as often as I can, fishing, camping and hiking are all big parts of my life. I find that  physically interfacing with nature is one of the best ways to manage the stress of university life. There’s something about being in the woods, away from deadlines and to-do lists, that allows me to reset. The rhythm of nature, with its slower pace and its reminders of resilience, teaches me to be patient and trust in life’s cycles. This personal experience gives me a sense of responsibility to share this source of calm and balance with others.

Whether it’s taking a quick study break in my backyard or spending an entire day fishing on a remote lake, nature has a way of bringing clarity and peace that I think everyone deserves to experience. And as an interpreter, I’m in a unique position to make this possible for people from all backgrounds.

From my personal experience I believe that hands on, immersive experiences are the most effective way for me to connect with people. I feel as though guiding individuals and groups in natural settings would be most suited to my abilities. In these face-to-face settings, there’s an energy that comes from shared discovery, from spotting an unexpected animal or seeing the beauty of a plant up close.

https://www.skilouise.com/explore-summer/guided-hikes

However, I also know that not everyone can join these in-person experiences. For these audiences, creating digital content is essential, and easier than ever before. I am drawn to developing social media posts, podcasts, and videos that can spark curiosity and encourage people to explore on their own. I want to help them feel connected to nature, even if that connection is happening from a screen.

As I continue to grow in this field, I’m committed to being adaptable in my approach. Everyone comes to nature with different perspectives, experiences, and needs. For some, a short walk in a city park might be enough to find peace, while others may need the challenge of a backcountry trail. As a nature interpreter, it’s my job to honor these differences, provide multiple ways of connecting, and celebrate nature in all its forms and locations.

Through every method I use, whether it’s guiding hikes, sharing stories online, or simply helping others see nature as an essential part of life, I hope to foster a love for nature that feels personal and possible for everyone. And ultimately, I believe that by making nature accessible and meaningful to people of all backgrounds, I’m contributing to a future where more people will care about protecting the world around them.

[mangomandy]

Hi Evan, I found we shared very similar thoughts, ideas, and perspectives when it comes to how we want to grow as nature interpreters. Firstly I'd like to mention your starting point from your blog about priviledge and accessibility to green spaces for everyone. I think it's amazing that we live in a country which has many green spaces even in busy cities to connect and ground ourselves while receiving some sunlight. Although I will say as I mentioned in my own blog, I think sometimes people lose sight of the purpose of these spaces and see it as a free ground to throw any sort of litter around. I like how you mentioned as well our responsibility to protect and restore these areas even with cleanliness. I made a very similar point in my blog and mentioned how often my family and I will dedicate around 3 hours to pick up any litter around close neighbourhoods to hopefully help people realize the importance of keeping our areas clean and feel motivated after seeing others do so. This is also a strong ethic and leading moral I follow strongly as a developing interpreter. Like you, I also feel a strong duty to ensure I'm staying true to my values and responsibilities and have never shied away from calling people out while still educating them on why what they're doing is wrong and extremely harmful to our environment. Going to high school in an inner city area, littering was unfortunately the norm and no one ever thought twice about it; but even then if anyone littered around me, I'd make clear my stance on it and set an example for those around which encourage many people to avoid littering around me. Overall great post it was very insightful and relatable.

[agpenvs3000f24]

Blog Post 10: 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?

As I reflect on my journey as a nature interpreter, I am reminded of how much my personal experiences in the outdoors have shaped my approach to this work. Nature has a remarkable ability to ground us, connecting us to something larger than ourselves. In our textbook, this connection is described as a “deep-rooted sense of belonging” (Beck et al., 2018, p. 34), and it is this feeling I aim to share with others. My journey began at twelve, setting out on my first canoe trip, a memory that remains vivid even now. It felt like stepping into a new world, filled with the vibrant sounds of the forest and the vast expanse of water surrounding me. This experience left me with deep respect and curiosity, emotions I hope to convey through interpretation by creating moments that help others discover the beauty of nature in a way that resonates with them. Throughout this course, I have come to understand that interpretation is about much more than conveying knowledge. A key message from this course is that interpretation goes beyond facts. It fosters meaningful connections. This goal is particularly evident in the course emphasis on “meaning-making” as a central function of interpretation, where we help audiences “find relevance in the material being interpreted” (Beck et al., 2018). For me, one of the most striking examples comes from Richard Louv’s description of nature as “my Ritalin.” For Louv, nature provided calm, focus, and excitement, much like it did for me as a child, and I strive to create similar spaces for my audience. I aim to bring this sense of calm and curiosity to those I guide, particularly young people who may not have had many opportunities to experience nature up close.

One of my core values as a nature interpreter is inclusivity. I recognize that my experience with the outdoors comes from a place of privilege. From a young age, I had access to outdoor spaces, and now, as a Marine and Freshwater Biology student, I am privileged to deepen my understanding of the environment. Beck et al. (2018) discuss how privilege and access to nature often shape our ability to interpret the environment. They argue that “interpretation must strive to be inclusive, respecting diverse backgrounds.” This understanding drives me to make the outdoors feel accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their circumstances or life experiences. I aim to foster moments where people feel invited to build personal connections with nature, to help them feel that they belong in the outdoors. By creating spaces of inclusivity, I hope to foster curiosity and a sense of belonging, assisting people to form personal connections with the natural world.

Curiosity is another guiding value in my approach to interpretation. Nature is endlessly complex and always changing, and curiosity drives a lasting connection to the world around us. In our textbook, curiosity is referred to as the spark that fuels meaningful engagement (Beck et al., 2018). I want to encourage others to observe, ask questions, and explore beyond the obvious. By fostering this curiosity, I hope to inspire an appreciation that continues to grow over time, rooted in a genuine desire to understand and protect the environment. This course emphasizes that “curiosity nurtures a sense of discovery,” and I want to support this by encouraging people to engage in meaningful exploration.

One of the most effective tools I’ve found in interpretation is storytelling. Our textbook highlights storytelling as a powerful method, especially for younger audiences, explaining that "stories make content memorable and relatable" (Beck et al., 2018). People, especially children, remember stories that surprise, make them laugh, or challenge their usual ways of thinking. Stories can turn abstract ideas into familiar, relatable experiences. For instance, explaining how milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies and how these butterflies undertake a remarkable migration each year can transform a scientific fact into something memorable. Through storytelling, I aim to encourage my audience to feel connected to the natural world in ways that resonate and stay with them.

Looking to the future, I am aware of the challenges that come with being an environmental interpreter. Issues like climate change and habitat loss can feel overwhelming, but I believe that small interactions can have a lasting impact. It is important to build stewardship through small, positive experiences (Beck et al., 2018). As an interpreter, I may not be able to solve these large-scale problems alone, but I can play a role in inspiring others to care for the natural world. No matter how brief, each interaction can potentially plant a seed of environmental awareness. By building connections with nature, I hope to contribute to a broader understanding of conservation that can eventually make a difference. My aim is to create meaningful experiences that resonate deeply, leaving lasting impressions that stay with people well beyond their time.

For me, the “so what” of this work is about more than just facts and figures; it’s about helping people build their own relationship with the world around them. I want to inspire a sense of awe and respect, to create those quiet, impactful moments that stay with someone long after they’ve left the trail or the nature center. My hope is that by sharing my own love for nature, I can help others find their own reasons to care for and protect it, leaving an impact that lasts, much like the way a canoe trip stays with you long after you've returned home.

Literature Cited

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

[mangomandy]

Hi Anna, I really like the way you mentioned how our textbook described and explained the common feeling of grounding and connecting with nature. It's something I aligned with throughout your entire blog and even mentioned within mine. I'm glad you had that canoeing trip, being out in the water in such a setting will always give me that same almost indescribable feeling you mention. I also had a similar experience, which in the moment sparked my interest in sea life since I was hyper-focused on nature shows like Wild Kratts and had already many of their aquatic life episodes; but due to these shows, there were moments 11-year-old me thought a swordfish would swim up to me while swimming in the ocean.

I also liked when you mentioned how interpretation is more than facts but also connections, I feel as though that is often how I've felt about nature interpretations but never thought about how to put it in words. Nature itself can be considered millions of connections occurring and interacting with one another and finding the beauty in involving ourselves within those connections can make us feel more bonded to earth, its animals and each other.

I completely agree with your views about curiosity and storytelling and both are great attributes to have as a nature interpreter to continue growing along your journey but to also inspire others to not be afraid about letting the inner child be freely curious and approach the world with a fresh set of eyes. Great post!

[mangomandy]

Unit 10

As I develop as a nature interpreter, my ethics are based on the values my family taught me throughout my upbringing, what is morally right and wrong, lessons I've learned from life experiences, and courses I've taken involving religion, cultures, and the environment (such as this one).

Two things my parents have always been persistent in teaching me (regarding nature) were to always live in the present and enjoy your journey towards the future every day because you'll never get that time back, and never litter and never allow others around you to feel comfortable in doing so. My parents were the first of their family to immigrate out of Venezuela and into Canada because they were aware of the declining state of their government and wanted to ensure a safe future filled with infinite possibilities for their children and themselves. They often tell me stories from their childhood, and what it was like to live constantly surrounded by nature and see firsthand natural phenomena that aren't possible to see often in Ontario. Hearing about their experiences and the poverty surrounding Venezuela at the time helped me realize at a very young age, that life is what you make of it, and the actions following your interpretations of your life will determine your experience. Although my parents didn't have the accessibility as children to buy new toys every so often or didn't have the trendiest brands of fashion, they never once made those factors influence their view of their quality of life. Anytime they got the opportunity to travel with their families to the States on vacation or got any luxury out of the ordinary, they never once compared it to anything else and were always simply grateful and present for the moment.

One of my personal favourite photos of my family and me while visiting some cousins who had just moved to Montreal.

Being a highly observant person, I've always noticed people's attitudes in different and similar situations; comparing these unconnected people and their interpretation and perspective of where they are in life, I saw that the biggest factors to their happiness and emotional well-being were having a positive attitude and determination. As I've been growing, these two attributes have been my main lead through life and it has allowed me to grow better time-management skills to have a better work-life balance which I struggled with, during the early transition from high school to university life. The key to beginning habit stacking (a term I learned about on a TikTok video about uni life tips) was developing an early morning routine and staying relatively consistent. I found this trick perfect for me as I already had routines in place every morning and night, such as my face routine, that I could stack other habits on top of it. If you've read any of my past blogs, you'll know by now I like to interpret many things in my life through a more spiritual perspective; I've always felt that you can set the tone for the day with the energy you approach it, but being that I can sometimes wake up moody if I didn't get enough sleep, I found it hard to wake up between 7-8 am and get a productive start out of my day. After speaking with my mom about it, she reminded me about changing my "I have to" perspective into a "I get to" view. So, rather than waking up in the morning and immediately reminding myself about all the responsibilities I'd need to get done that day, I took those early moments of waking up to express and feel gratitude for a couple of minutes as I pushed myself out of bed. To be completely transparent, my first couple of attempts didn't work out as planned, but once I was determined to spend time with nature for at least a total of 45 minutes a day and incorporate my walking meditations during it, it became a set routine; I had completely underestimated the long term benefits and how much more productive, relaxed, and focused I would be throughout the day. Having this set routine of waking up and immediately going for a brisk walk while listening to a gratitude meditation, then after the simple sounds of nature and its early morning quietness, allows me to stop and take a pause in my day to myself to be consciously present, grateful and aware to not take things for granted and every day is a gift. Additionally, as mentioned, this morning routine completely changed my energy throughout my days, making me feel more spiritually grounded and connected to nature and its inhabitants; I also found myself much less stressed, more patient, and looking forward to my mornings.

Photo of my parents while the 3 of us were on our daily summer morning bike rides.

As for the second key lesson about having a strong stance on keeping our earth clean and not littering it, I feel the message ran deeper than expected for me personally. Since I had always felt a connection to nature and animals, those were the types of shows I enjoyed watching on a children's channel called TVOKids such as Zoboomafoo and Wild Kratts which added to the passion for recognizing our responsibility in caring for the environment even if it seems many don't. For my parents, the littering issue in the cities was a complete culture shock to them and they had never seen something so irresponsible be so normalized. But even after moving from Toronto to Mississauga to Oakville to then Stoney Creek throughout the years of our upbringing, they noticed that this wasn't just a "teen" problem, it was a problem with many people losing sight of how bad it is for the environment and selfishly not caring about everyone's due diligence in keeping our areas and the animals clean and safe. I would often walk my dog through many grassy areas and parks that had soccer fields, water park areas, swings, etc. but every time I would I'd feel stressed and worried, making sure he wouldn't step on broken glass, pick up and eat garbage thrown, or even get too close to general litter. I'd often mention it to my dad and the next day my entire family would go out to pick up and clean up the trash around the neighbourhood for around 3 hours. Of course, being sometimes a moody teenager at the time, I didn't appreciate the lesson my parents were trying to teach us, I found it unfair that others could mindlessly throw their trash just for us to voluntarily pick it up for them. But as I've grown, I've realized the message of putting action and change into something that is making you unhappy, standing up completely for what you want and believe in, as well as hopefully inspiring others to do the same, being the trailblazers.

[smenvs3000f24]

Unit 9 Blog #1

If you were anything like me as a kid, I bet you spent some time flipping over rocks and logs to discover tiny animals hidden beneath. Maybe you found salamanders, worms, and beetles, maybe something even more exciting for a young mind investigating nature for the first time. I can almost guarantee that something you found while doing this was a hectic, bustling colony of ants. I know when this used to happen to me, I would jump backwards, startled and somewhat unsettled by the squirming pile of tiny bugs, but as I became accustomed to this sight, I would notice how organized these insects seemed to be, gathering up the larvae and eggs and marching them into the tunnels to remove them from this newly exposed section of their home. After a while, I began to have an appreciation for these tiny workers.

As a group that is often overlooked and found to be more of a nuisance than anything else, ants aren’t usually the target of discussions promoting insects, although I hope some of this perspective can be changed eventually. It is much easier to sell a crowd on what we call the “charismatic megafauna” of insects. Things like praying mantises, monarch butterflies, and the large and colourful beetles of the world are easier to convince people to care about than flies, ants, or biting and stinging insects that people are predisposed to dislike. I believe that this could go into a deeper discussion about how we place more value on things that are more visually appealing or clearly benefit us, but that is another topic.

I’m going to delve into a couple of aspects of ant life that many people wouldn’t know about in hopes of instilling that just because these creatures are tiny and may be seen as a nuisance to us, they have been evolving and living their own complex lifestyles for such a long time, and deserve at the minimum respect (because despite my endearment for these little insects, I know this isn’t realistic to expect from others). I bet you never would’ve guessed that ants engage in agriculture! Some ant species keep other insects as livestock in the same way we keep cows. A group that can often be found in these livestock roles are Hemipterans, common name “true bugs”, funnily enough. Aphids are one example of Hemipterans often kept as livestock, and ants will feed them, take honeydew they produce for their own food (much like us milking cows), and even cull their population for protein when it is large enough. Other ant species are known to keep gardens of fungus or plants, some even going to the extent of producing herbicides to maintain these gardens and co-evolving with the gardened plant species.

Ants are so complex, and I truly encourage anyone interested to look into them more, and for everyone, perhaps consider why it is that we value those “charismatic megafauna” insects more than smaller, less visually appealing ones.

[mangomandy]

Hi there, I really enjoyed reading such a fresh and well-written perspective on ants and changing my views from a pesky ordinary insect to a more artistic appreciation for these interesting workers while also educating everyone on something that's often overlooked yet can play an important role in agriculture. It's really interesting to see how aesthetics can impact our views on what's important and what can be undermined. I will admit, that when I was much younger, I often had an uneasy feeling about ants, not because of their lack of colour (since I also had an intense fear of caterpillars and butterflies), but because I had heard many stories of fire ants and generalized what I had heard onto every ant I'd see; it's interesting to see that occurs very often in society with insects and misinformation in many areas overall. But everything changed when I watched the movie Ant Bully and saw a different and respectable perspective of how the ants work together and their ability to work together to build and do incredible things for their size. Reflecting now on my initial reaction to ants and how quickly it changed when I felt I understood them better and was no longer scared of being bit, is quite interesting when relating the effects the media and fear can have on us, especially as children when we don't know any better. Overall great post, it was very thought-provoking and has so much potential to start a conversation on how a lack of knowledge mixed in with unappealing aesthetics influence some views of the world and living species.

[mangomandy]

Unit 9: Nature has superpowers!

My interpretation of one of the most amazing things I know about nature may not be very surprising or as astonishing as the Relámpago del Catatumbo (Venezuela's everlasting lightning storm) previously mentioned in past blogs, but, it is something that has played a very spiritual role in my life through years of interpretation. As someone who's generally a little anxious yet thrives in high-pressure work environments, I sometimes feel overwhelmed when using stress as a motivator, and taking a break to relax and breathe is essential. During these moments, I often gravitate towards two things, my family and dense forest trails with tall old trees. This reaction is likely due to my upbringing and having some of my favourite and happiest moments camping with my family or, overall being with them in nature consistently.  

Photo of me hugging a tree while on a hike with my friend in Dundas, Ontario.    Throughout my childhood, trees were one my favourite pieces of nature, and their history of living for centuries (and much longer) inspired my young mind to interpret them with a magical view of wisdom and strength for withstanding so much (natural disasters, tornados, etc.) for so long. Also possibly influenced by The Lorax movie, I recognized at a very young age how trees are a central part of nature and how important of a habitat they are for many creatures in the wild. This mindset led to always observing them very closely, appreciating their details and trying to see what living things I could spot (secretly hoping maybe one day I’d find fairies like in the Tinker Bell movies). As I grew up, I found incredible peace and happiness in the grounding feeling while enjoying laying underneath them either reading a book, doing homework, or having a picnic with my friends and family. Later on in life, I became much more spiritual and discovered forest therapy and “forest bathing” through yoga clubs and communities. After some research, I found out that this practice originated in Japan and there are plenty of research articles and books on how effective nature is in reducing our blood pressure/stresses and even how viewing nature can affect our recovery from surgery. Suddenly, it all made sense why I was so drawn to being surrounded by these specific plants and my fascination with trees continued even to this day.    

Photo of a friend and I painting under a tree while having a picnic a year ago in a local Stoney Creek park.

I always also thought it was interesting the connection I had to trees from a young age, which often spiritually represent family, patience, nostalgia, and the passage of time; things I had always felt towards trees yet had no idea about officially; it makes me wonder if that was a natural intuitional connection I had made. So, to sum it up, the most amazing thing I know about nature is how essential trees are for not only nature but for our own mental and physical health as well as spiritual growth. 

PS: While writing this blog, I did some investigating and research to be able to provide certain articles on forest bathing, etc., and during this, I came across an interesting book I plan on buying and reading soon related to this topic. The book is called "Between Earth and Sky: Our Intimate connections to Trees" by Nalini Nadkarni, and I thought I'd link it here in case anyone else was interested in the topic and the connections the author makes to trees and our daily lives!

[lsenvs3000f24-deactivated202412]

Blog Unit 07

I never really thought much about the relationship between music and nature until taking this course. Two weeks ago in my blog prompt, I talked about how I can only study if I play a specific nature podcast. That’s when I realized that the two are interconnected. When out in nature, without even realizing it there’s a soundtrack all around you. The sounds of birds chirping, the wind blowing through the trees and the flow of water creates a backdrop that influences how we interpret that space. These sounds can also tell us a lot about the state of an ecosystem. The absence of a bird chirping for someone who takes walks on a certain path everyday could indicate that the species has left the are or an environmental change has affected it’s habitat.

Ben Mirin uses bird sounds to create music, he shows us how music and nature can be integrated to inspire people to connect more deeply with nature. He uses technology with the sounds of nature to tell a story about the world around us to evoke emotions and feelings that words may not be able to do. Songs have the power to set a mood and even motivate action to protect our land. Music doesn’t always have to be literal with lyrics, the simple sounds of the environment opens a door for interpretation that's not just about information but about experience and emotion. 

Music has the ability to bring people back to a moment or place, what makes this even better is that everyone will have a different interpretation of it making the experience more personal. This is also why I think nature sounds are used in yoga and meditation practices. When I used to do yoga, we would lay down quietly at the beginning and end of every practice and listen to the sounds on the speaker which would normally play the sounds of nature or water fountain. Everyone laying on the floor including myself would tune into the natural world and picture almost our own natural space personal to us to help ground us and make us feel more connected. 

Although this is a very basic song, whenever I hear “Riptide” by Vance Joy it immediately takes me back to the eighth grade all over again when me and my friends would go to lots of parks and beaches with our families and have late nights and do campfires. The upbeat rhythm reminds me of sunny days and laughing with my friend without a care in the world. It a song that captures the easy adventurous feeling of summertime and spending time outside where life is light and happy. 

Music and nature should be intertwined to enhance interpretation which will give us new ways to engage, educate and inspire action towards the environment. 

[mangomandy]

Hi Layal, 

I really resonated with your blog post this week and noticed we both have similar interpretations of this prompt and how nature and music can relate. Like you, I also tend to use nature music and sounds while I'm studying; I find that unlike with music that has lyrics, I can hear my thoughts and feel grounded as I'm reading content. I'm pretty sure our feeling of relaxation while hearing natural sounds has some relation to our ancestors and their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and stuck with us throughout evolution, definitely something you’ve given me thought to research on! I remember reading somewhere that when a bird-filled area has gone silent, it usually means there’s danger ahead (like a predator), and that's nature’s way of signalling warnings. 

I liked your point on how Ben Mirin uses nature sounds and his reasoning behind them as it explains a point I had in my blog but couldn’t find the words to put in like with your example. I think some of the most heart-stringing music has little to no lyrics leaving room for interpretation and depth which I think nature has a completely authentic and automatic way of doing so.

Additionally, I love that you brought in yoga as a strong point! I practice it often and didn't think to include it in my blog, even though within the practice we use nature’s music consistently to meditate and ground ourselves into what we are doing. I also resonated with your experience within the practice; one of my favourite parts of doing yoga is the ritual of sitting down for the first couple of minutes, meditating and stepping away from daily stress to be present in the moment. I'm a part of the UofG yoga and meditation club, and even sitting in a room and feeling the energy while everyone's meditating and enjoying the practice with the sounds of birds and water flowing is such a blissful part; if you ever wanted to join I highly recommend following the Instagram!

Overall I really enjoyed your blog and felt as though it was almost a mirrored experience of mine with so much in common, while still igniting some different perspectives, thank you!

[mangomandy]

Nature in Music

Music is everywhere in nature. It can appear as birds singing their songs, animals making noises when searching for insects or food, or even the peacefulness of streams as they flow rapidly, crashing into small rocks or boulders. I'd even consider the winds and how they move the leaf's music, and the crisp crunch of them on the ground in autumn. Music is also often used in nature to communicate a sense of partnership or socially such as with birds, whales, dolphins, etc. In the minds of animals, music tends to bring them together as a community, which I think is a reflection of how humans often incorporate music into our lives as well. Not only do we traditionally bring music into our lives to connect and celebrate, but we also use it to relax, ground ourselves, and destress from the daily challenges we may face. In doing so, throughout centuries we have found many ways to bring nature to music by making traditional instruments with specific materials for authenticity and uniqueness in sounds such as maracas, conches, and ancient Greek pipes.

Other ways we can find nature in music today are through visuals, aesthetics, and natural sounds, like the waves crashing on the beach in songs and music videos. One that immediately comes to mind is a Spanish song that my family and I have been repeatedly playing, Karol G's "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido." Nature is incorporated into this video to set the tone for their environment, which appears to be a karaoke bar by the beach, living carefree and escaping from any worries (at least that is what feeling sparks up for me when thinking about the beach). Nature is something most people can relate to and can trigger emotions and specific feelings, whether it's the calming effects of hearing the waves at the beach, the warm feeling of a white Christmas, or even the sadness of the rain as it mimics tears falling on the side of a car window. 

A song and memory which I will forever cherish for bringing me a sense of strong community within nature and playing a role in inspiring my journey to be more mindful and grateful for nature, is one called Jellyfish that I learned with my eighth-grade class while on a school trip at Camp Brebeuf. This trip was three days and two nights long, and although it wasn't a driving factor of my relationship with nature, it was an affirmation of my love for it, and it opened my eyes to see how a simple campfire and singing silly songs around it can form stronger connections and even start new ones with people you never would have expected to get along with. The Jellyfish song was the last song out of many we sang on our last night there, and after having the past days filled with team building and group activities like rock climbing, manhunt, scavenger hunts, mindfulness group walks, etc., this song made me realize how close I had become with others that I had barely spoken to in the past years. At this point in my life, at 14, I had always had a feeling that nature and music brought people together through a different bond than they would in an environment such as school, work, or sports. I had seen examples of such through movies, history books, and my own experiences, but this had been the first time I was emotionally mature enough to understand that it was happening in the moment, and that feeling of being grateful and present as I was looking around and doing all the silly follow-along movements with my classmates to the song, is a magical one that I'll never forget.

Music is everywhere in nature. It can appear as birds singing their songs, animals making noises when searching for insects or food, or even the peacefulness of streams as they flow rapidly, crashing into small rocks or boulders. I'd even consider the winds and how they move the leaf's music, and the crisp crunch of them on the ground in autumn. Music is also often used in nature to communicate a sense of partnership or socially such as with birds, whales, dolphins, etc. In the minds of animals, music tends to bring them together as a community, which I think is a reflection of how humans often incorporate music into our lives as well. Not only do we traditionally bring music into our lives to connect and celebrate, but we also use it to relax, ground ourselves, and destress from the daily challenges we may face. In doing so, throughout centuries we have found many ways to bring nature to music by making traditional instruments with specific materials for authenticity and uniqueness in sounds such as maracas, conches, and ancient Greek pipes.

Other ways we can find nature in music today are through visuals, aesthetics, and natural sounds, like the waves crashing on the beach in songs and music videos. One that immediately comes to mind is a Spanish song that my family and I have been repeatedly playing, Karol G's "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido." Nature is incorporated into this video to set the tone for their environment, which appears to be a karaoke bar by the beach, living carefree and escaping from any worries (at least that is what feeling sparks up for me when thinking about the beach). Nature is something most people can relate to and can trigger emotions and specific feelings, whether it's the calming effects of hearing the waves at the beach, the warm feeling of a white Christmas, or even the sadness of the rain as it mimics tears falling on the side of a car window. 

A song and memory which I will forever cherish for bringing me a sense of strong community within nature and playing a role in inspiring my journey to be more mindful and grateful for nature, is one called Jellyfish that I learned with my eighth-grade class while on a school trip at Camp Brebeuf. This trip was three days and two nights long, and although it wasn't a driving factor of my relationship with nature, it was an affirmation of my love for it, and it opened my eyes to see how a simple campfire and singing silly songs around it can form stronger connections and even start new ones with people you never would have expected to get along with. The Jellyfish song was the last song out of many we sang on our last night there, and after having the past days filled with team building and group activities like rock climbing, manhunt, scavenger hunts, mindfulness group walks, etc., this song made me realize how close I had become with others that I had barely spoken to in the past years. At this point in my life, at 14, I had always had a feeling that nature and music brought people together through a different bond than they would in an environment such as school, work, or sports. I had seen examples of such through movies, history books, and my own experiences, but this had been the first time I was emotionally mature enough to understand that it was happening in the moment, and that feeling of being grateful and present as I was looking around and doing all the silly follow-along movements with my classmates to the song, is a magical one that I'll never forget.

[amenvs3000fall]

Blog 6-amenvs3000fall

Edward Hyams’ quote in The Gifts of Interpretation reminds us that the past is never really gone. The past is always influencing the present, even in easy that we can't really see. Edward states that while there’s no special value in something just because it’s old, there is value in integrity. Integrity means keeping things whole, and that includes acknowledging the past as part of that wholeness. Hyams compares this to thinking a train station only exists while your train is passing through it, which seems absurd when you think about it. The station is still there before and after your journey, just like the past is still with us, even when we’re not thinking about it.

The National Park Service highlights that historical interpretation helps people feel connected to a place and its history. By sharing stories about the past, we help others see how those stories continue to shape the present. This idea of connection ties back to Hyams’ point about integrity and keeping the past, present, and future connected is what gives our understanding of the world meaning. History helps us make sense of the world, it can inspire, educate, and even caution us. When it comes to nature, history is essential for understanding how landscapes, ecosystems, and communities have changed over time.

In the context of environmental interpretation, history adds depth to the stories we tell. Think about the signs you see at national parks or historical landmarks. By understanding the history of a landscape or community, we get a fuller picture of why it matters today. But we also have to ask ourselves: Whose stories are we telling? Are we including all voices, or are we leaving out important parts of the past?

At the end of the day, Hyams is reminding us that the past is always part of the bigger picture. We can’t just leave it behind as though it’s irrelevant. In both nature and history, everything is interconnected, and our job as interpreters is to make sure those connections stay alive. By telling the stories of the past, we help shape the future and keep the whole story intact.

[mangomandy]

Hey there! I liked reading your insight on this week's blog prompt, which included the quote from Edward Hyman. I completely agree with your point that the past always impacts the present and the future, and I even mentioned that in my own blog post! I also noted your point on how the concept of believing the train station hadn't existed until you got there and wouldn't exist after is completely foolish and lacks logical sense. This quote can easily relate to nature in the sense that understanding the history of environmental space, as you said, can connect people through admiration, empathy, and wisdom in sharing experiences of interpretation.

I also thought your stance on history adding depth to stories is very accurate when we're learning about why people in the past did certain things in their daily lives and helps our understanding of why the Indigenous had such a direct and spiritual relationship with nature and repair some cultural damage. Their story of cultural genocide makes me wonder how many more parts of the true story from the past around the world are still missing because of the lack of integrity and respect for ancient things...

[mangomandy]

Nature's Role in the Past, Present, and Future: Unit 6

I've often heard in my life the expression, "History tends to repeat itself," and I've always believed this quote to be true when people aren't well informed about history. For example, we saw countries and regions downplaying the initial spread of COVID-19 in 2020, and not taking action by closing borders or ensuring mask mandates early on when we had access to know what happened the last time a deadly virus spread in 1918 with the Influenza pandemic. We should/could have been slightly more prepared and cautious to avoid seeing as many cases, and the lengthy duration we spent dealing with this virus. This example can relate very well to the quote by Edward Hyams in chapter 7 of The Gifts of Interpretation, "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it." To think and act as if the past is completely gone and will never relate to our future is foolish. The future is unpredictable, and no event has a complete zero percent chance of occurring again or in a different format. We could have used the information on Influenza to help educate the public on the importance of mask mandates and even introduced them earlier. Additionally, aside from giving us the knowledge to prepare and prevent tragic events from occurring, the past can also provide us with a comparative analysis. This can be used in various areas of life, such as to compare what society's mental health was like at a certain time to now or to compare humans' impact on nature with deforestation and climate change. The past is a very useful tool to aid in experiencing a better future as we learn from our mistakes, however, in terms of nature interpretation, I feel as though society has just recently hoped on board the train, recognizing the station didn't appear out of thin air when they got on. Unfortunately, in the past generations, history within natural places (or overall really) was emphasized after colonization and hid parts of it to change the narrative, and to spread fear and hate. Of course in this, there was no integrity or respect for ancient things, traditions or people who lived in the lands harmoniously before them. Luckily, as society has developed since then, we have become more aware of tragic pasts, and empathetic, and have begun recognizing the cruciality of a sense of individuality within cultural traditions, embracing differences and learning from them.

This graph from NASA shows global surface temperature flux compared to the long-term average from 1951 to 1980. showing a key takeaway being the last decade was the warmest we have experienced on record, increasing at an exponentially high rate.

Although we have continuously been working toward a more modern and open way of living in society by uplifting what was previously hidden and hated, there is still much work to do and learn from the past when it comes to climate change. We are consistently seeing record-breaking increases in global surface temperatures, and increasingly dangerous storms strongly due to the effects of the burning of fossil fuels, yet not enough action is being taken nor is enough attention being put on it. In the past decade or two, there have been multiple protests, news articles, and even interviews of environmental scientists pleading for change, yet many argue selfishly that since the severe inhabitable effects of climate change won't affect our lives at this moment (which it is), it is not to be pressing issue; and this is a prime example of society thinking the worlds only purpose is for humans to survive, completely disregarding what was before us and what will be after, assuming the train station didn't exist or matter until we got there and won't matter once we leave.

For sources, check out the hyperlinks! :)

[sgenvs3000f24]

Unit 5 Blog Post

A significant portion of environmental education (EE) research seems to focus on bridging the gaps that hinder participation among underserved communities. Based on the article “Convergence between science and environmental education”, most individuals who engage in citizen science (CS) tend to be white, over 50 years old, middle class, well-educated, and typically females. To encourage more diverse audiences to participate in CS, it was suggested that “the focus should be on engaging [...] rather than compensation, to avoid restricting participation to upper-middle-class members of society who make up the traditional volunteer pool” (Merenlender et al., 2016). Although this line of thinking may work theoretically, I believe this solution is inadequate and overly simplistic about real world challenges. 

Like we discussed in previous units, access to environmental awareness and participation is somewhat of a privilege. There are many people who wish to take part in CS, but they simply do not have the time and/or money to set aside for it. A few times in the course readings, it was mentioned that ethnic and lower-income households were the hardest to include in nature programs. Although the readings presented reasonable causes for their lack of participation,  I believe the core issue was overlooked: environmental participation does not pay the bills. Coming from an ethnic and lower-income household myself, I found the proposition of “engage rather than compensate” to be ridiculous. There seems to be a disconnect between Merenlender et al. and the demographics they were seeking to understand. If a goal of EE is to increase participation/inclusion of underserved communities, there needs to be greater emphasis on empowering these communities to make the programs more attractive. Instead of fixating on questions like…

-What factors inhibit ethnic and lower-income communities from participating in nature programs? How come most CS participants are white females with college degrees?  

We need to go directly to the communities we are researching and ask them….

-What will encourage you to participate in nature programs? How can we make it easier and more comfortable for you? 

With the first set of questions, I am sure you could feel an undertone of “us vs them”. Depending on where you lie in the socioeconomic spectrum, one or both of those questions might’ve made you slightly uncomfortable. Again, I can come from a lower-income and ethnic household, and reading all the reasons why my community cannot do something leaves me with a feeling of stagnation. When someone gives you reasons why you cannot do something, you feel it is not worth trying. You feel much more optimistic about trying something when you hear…

    “Hey, I know you have these limitations to why you can’t do this specific thing, but we really want you to participate. What do YOU think we can do to help you out here? We will do our best to provide you with resources that can help you.” 

Let’s lead with optimism and not encourage rhetoric of division by highlighting that certain groups can do something, while others can’t.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't—you're right."

This quote by Henry Ford perfectly sums up how focusing on limitations can stunt progress and can sometimes be self-fulfilling. If nature programs can change their outreach strategies to underserved communities by emphasizing opportunities rather than limitations, it can be transformative for the CS space!

Reference:

Merenlender, Adina M., et al. (2016). Evaluating environmental education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs. Conservation Biology 30.6 : 1255-1265.

[mangomandy]

Hi there! I really appreciated your post and thought this topic isn't often discussed very openly. I am a first-generation Canadian coming from immigrant parents who fled Venezuela before government corruption got to the point where it is now; because of these unfortunate events, I do not have the privilege to pursue my interest in nature and environmental education as a career, because as you said, it does not pay the bills, and I would like my lifestyle in the future to be a bit more financially secure than what jobs in that field could potentially offer. I completely agree with you when you mentioned the way they're approaching inclusivity in this occupation is completely wrong, and I feel as though my French immersion elementary school had a better method of this; their way of collecting feedback from their teachings was by asking their graduates now in high school, their thoughts on if they felt well prepared for high school level french courses, similar to what you've suggested these professionals should do. It makes me wonder, do you think this lack of empathy and thoughtfulness is because the target demographic is of lower income, possibly prioritizing potential donations and the extra money they would make by encouraging those of different socioeconomic status? Overall good job expressing these ideas and truths clearly and engagingly!

[mangomandy]

Unit 5: Education's impact on climate change and nature interpretation

Given that this week there is no prompt, something that has always been very relevant to me and recently has been an important matter of discussion, especially with many political elections and discussions around, has been climate change.

In this course, as nature lovers, we've spoken about the conservation of nature, privilege within nature, and how we have built our relationship with it throughout the years. These discussions have been very insightful and have allowed me to have deeper and more frequent thoughts about our world and how we treat our environment; it has even encouraged me to stay more up-to-date with current climate change issues and concerns, especially within politics as political leaders have some of the most prominent effects on what we do as a society (in regards to carbon emissions of the country and policies) to combat this serious issue. A couple of weeks ago, I was scrolling on TikTok and stumbled upon a live stream, broadcasting the US presidential debate, and stayed to watch as I was curious about what either party had to say about their plan on climate change. After watching, I was completely shocked to hear Donald Trump and many others for that matter, claim climate change is "a hoax" and the lack of detail for both parties' plans on reducing the burning of fossil fuels. Additionally, a few more weeks after that, I decided to tune into the US vice-presidential debate as well and was disappointed once again with the absence of clear set plans of action and the amount of misinformation people were believing from these political leaders in general.

Another driver for my recent passion for climate change advocacy is that this semester, I'm taking a course on the topic (ENVS 3010), and so far, we've been taught an incredible amount of information that I had slightly heard of before, but never truly understood the emphasis on. Within this information, we were taught about the critical actions we must take now to protect all living species 50-70 years from now before it's too late (here is a link to a user-friendly PDF to learn a bit more about predicting the Earth's future climate based on the actions we take today!).

This is all to say that although a couple of months ago, if you had asked me if I knew a lot about climate change, I would've said I knew enough about it, but these courses have unexpectedly become very introspective for what I considered to have been "knowing enough" about our world and it's declining safety. I began reflecting on my ignorance in not doing research on my own out of curiosity or thirst for knowledge; then, my professor made a point in class, sharing with us potential ways to attain the best outcome out of the damage that has already been on to our environment, education. I began to question if my experience was something possibly many others experienced without having courses such as these to open their eyes. I've noticed simply through talking to others and asking their views on such topics (through social media and in-person), that the lack of knowledge in regards to this is a much larger gap than we often would like to think and many may think selfishly, as they don't believe they (or humans overall) will be alive long enough to see the effects and dangers of global warming. That's why, to do my part as a "nature interpreter" and help preserve our environment, I will be doing more research to be able to hopefully provide much more accessible manners of information about what power others have to make an impact and the facts about what's happening to our planet, all through engaging TikToks, social media posts, and maybe in the future my own podcast!

Sources:

CoastAdapt. (n.d.). What are the RCPs? https://coastadapt.com.au/sites/default/files/infographics/15-117-NCCARFINFOGRAPHICS-01-UPLOADED-WEB%2827Feb%29.pdf

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McDonald, J. (2024, September 9). Trump Clings to Inaccurate Climate Change Talking Points - FactCheck.org. FactCheck.org. https://www.factcheck.org/2024/09/trump-clings-to-inaccurate-climate-change-talking-points/

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PBS NewsHour. (2024). WATCH: Harris and Trump face question about climate change in debate | ABC Presidential Debate [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoycdE1G0C0

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PBS NewsHour. (2024). WATCH: Harris and Trump face question about climate change in debate | ABC Presidential Debate [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoycdE1G0C0

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Sarnoff, L. (2024, October 3). Hurricane Helene brought climate change to Walz-Vance VP debate, but was it enough? ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-helene-brought-climate-change-walz-vance-vp/story?id=114438058

[amenvs3000f24]

Unit 04: Nature Interpretation through Art

Methods of interpretation vary for everyone depending on various factors such as background knowledge, values, and interests. Interpretation through art depends on what one’s personal definition of art may be, and some may find it difficult to approach nature with art in mind. In my opinion, to interpret through art is to mold your perception through emotional and intellectual value, while also allowing it to be changed and influenced by the imagination of yourself and others. This specific change is important in the realm of art, since it is a type of interpretation in its own right. For example, if a group is given a landscape to paint, each painting will turn out different; be it different artistic style, different scenes, different colours, etc.

Relating art to natural heritage and global citizenship requires historical/cultural context, as well as an openness for inspiration and education to be added to already-established perspectives. In one of my other classes, we have placed great emphasis on interpreting environmental sustainability from varying perspectives, one being those of indigenous peoples. The artistic perspectives we have delved into take all kinds of forms, varying from art, to music, to poetry. Bruce King’s Moment in Flight is an example of nature interpretation that not only paints a beautiful portrait, but also emphasizes the cultural perspective of how plants and animals came to Earth from a different point of view. These instances are important to consider as they not only broaden our horizons but also uplift an inclusive approach.

Interpreting the gift of beauty is entirely subjective and does not require extensive artistic knowledge to perform. As mentioned in our reading, when interpretating nature it is important to consider heritage, cultures, and communities among the natural environments we find ourselves upon. The gift of beauty is one thing that can be translated across any language and culture, especially in nature. Considering this, we can promote the discussion of important topics regarding climate change. To see a beautiful scene in nature decline over time sends a message stronger than any statistic we read; we are witnessing the beauty of nature diminish right before our eyes!

Hahn’s concept of Social Declines of Modern Youth made me think about how we are affected by how the world around us changes. Specifically, his concept of declining memory, imagination and compassion. This can be related to the interpretation of natural beauty in our society by diminishing the respect we have for natural resources and their intrinsic value for not only practical use, but also personal enjoyment. Without memory, we cannot consider the drastic changes the world around us has experienced and fail to see through the bustle of our daily lives. Without imagination, we cannot interpret the artistic value of scenes we come across in nature. Finally, lack of compassion destroys the value of land’s history, as well as concern for the future of said land.

[mangomandy]

Hello Amelia, I liked and resonated with your definition of interpretation through art; we had similar views on this, but it was exciting to see the differences in how we expressed it. I also enjoyed how you mentioned the fundaments of art interpretation, moulding perspective through emotional and intellectual value, as interpretation requires the ability to look past the face value of the simplistically our subconscious. You must be able to open your mind to receive countless possibilities for thoughts and emotions you may experience when observing. I think you made a great point bringing up how the Indigenous artistically interpret nature while also still emphasizing the importance of sustainability in their culture. Additionally, I like how you brought in the concerning rate of climate change our environment is experiencing; it should be a top priority to focus on, and I've always thought that seeing how little the Indigenous waste should be an example of what we as a society should be inspired by and attempt to honour as well.

The point you made about Han's concepts was a crucial one, as it is evident by the lack of general care in the world for others, whether that be compassion for civilians affected by war or even compassion for the planet and how we continuously harm it every day. I believe social media has a strong influence on the three declining concepts you mentioned; since the constant use of it leaves your mind completely distracted from the real world and desensitizes you to impactful information. It is essentially a tool for information dump, pouring too much for our brains, which haven't adapted to receiving in the past evolutionary years. If you hadn't brought up Han's concepts, I wouldn't have truly considered how much of our society has found comfort in being distracted and allowing these declines to continue without action or a warning advertising what's happening as we have new evolutionary advancements within technology and social media almost monthly. We should start questioning more often how much we consume, and reflect on the balance between that and being present in what's happening to our earth.

[mangomandy]

Unit 4: Nature interpretation through art

For as long as I can remember, I've always appreciated the beauty of our world and overall had a more artistic and observant view of the world. On road trips with my family to our trailer, for the entire three to four hours, I would look outside my window to the sky and with whatever clouds there were, I would imagine what shape they closely resembled and would create intricate stories based on the movement of the clouds, any other shapes it took on and the other clouds around it (which would take on side character roles or help the plot thicken). Lucky for me, I have very patient parents who always pushed me to share my creativity, so throughout the whole car ride, I'd share what I was interpreting from the clouds with the entire car. As mentioned in Chapter 5 of our textbook (page 90), Interpreters also help their audience gain new perspectives or a new view and understanding of something they hadn't given much thought to before; I feel like slowly in my life, I've been developing this skill naturally, this being the first memory of it. I've always loved to look at nature from an artistic and creative point of view, and as I've grown into a more spiritual/religious appreciation of the world, as mentioned in my first blog, it's given me much more profound gratitude and mindfulness. In addition to this, being a biology major and having much experience being in nature and observing it from both a scientific and artistic view allows me to "find patterns within apparent chaos." as mentioned in the same chapter and page of our textbook, to be able to interpret nature through art.

The way I interpret the "Gift of Beauty," is a way of introducing mindfulness and higher awareness to an audience. When we don't see the beauty in nature and its small intricacies, like organisms and ecosystems, which make it a whole, we ignore them and often forget about them. Additionally, in our society today, the world is built to constantly distract you from being in the present moment. Stressors, such as social media, financial issues, jobs and school/school work, are all things that often take up a majority of our time and thoughts, and we become swept up in everything else that we forget to acknowledge many gifts in life, one being nature and its psychological powers.

To have available areas of nature you can visit is a gift in itself, as you can always rely on the stillness of the forest or the tranquillity of hearing the sounds of the river to take a moment and do nothing but observe the beauty of how nature works as one. For those who don't understand how to be present with nature and mindful of the space they're in, this may seem boring, but once mastering this skill, you can use it to its full advantage to reduce levels of stress and increase gratitude and happiness (Alexandros Argyriadis et al., 2024). Keeping all of this in mind, I believe a good interpreter has the gift to present the beauty of nature in such a manner that allows their audience to understand this message, yet be able to conclude it on their own to truly feel spiritually uplifted and want to fight for the preservation of these spaces overall.

References:

Argyriadis, A., Kopanakis, E., Koutras, P., Louvaris, K., Mammi, A.-Z., Psychogiou, M., Katsarou, D., Vieira, I., Drakopoulou, O., & Argyriadii, A. (2024). The impact of outdoor in nature mindfulness on the mental well-being of children and adolescents. A mental health and cross-cultural approach. Materia socio-medica. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10999151/#:~:text=MINDFULNESS%20IN%20NATURE,improved%20cognitive%20functioning%20(20).

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

[sacenvs3000f24]

Unit 03 - The Big P: Privilege

Using the Cambridge University (2024) online dictionary as the base, my working definition of privilege is that it refers to: an inherent advantage held by a group of people, based on their financial or social capital in today’s unequal society – including factors such as gender, race, sexuality, age, education, religion, language and physical/mental ability.

I believe that it’s crucial to consider the differences between our own privileges as nature interpreters/teachers, and that of our audience/learners. This week’s reading exemplifies the importance of aiming for a “multicultural education” which prioritizes an inclusive and authentic curriculum, process, and context with the aim of challenging forms of societal discrimination in education settings (Gallavan, 2005). This multicultural education goal begins first and foremost with those doing the teaching, and as environmental interpreters this means identifying our own privileges in addition to educating ourselves on the cultural and historical context of the very environment we hope to interpret to our audience. For instance, Canada lies on top of Indigenous land, with many of our national and provincial parks being places whose environments were directly shaped by this complex (and often shameful) shared history. It’s crucial to tell the stories of the many unique Indigenous and/or First Nations people’s and groups who existed and lived on this land long before us, allowing us to help fight against the erasure of their cultural practices and history.

Additionally, there are many accessibility barriers caused by differences in privilege which result in minority populations having comparatively lower park attendance and participation in interpretive programs (Beck et al., 2018, p. 133). These include cultural, communication, and economic barriers – with the latter being a factor that even I (as a white, educated, able-bodied individual) can personally relate to, it’s difficult to develop a deep connection with nature when you don’t have the money to physically visit national/provincial parks even if you want to (Beck et al., 2018, p. 133)! With many of the goals of effective nature interpretation aiming to reach as many people as possible in order to spread awareness of sustainability and conservation efforts, we want to be able to connect with and reach as many people as possible. As it currently stands, there’s plenty of opportunity to reach these often-overlooked minority audiences if nature educators adopt approaches that are mindful of existing differences in privilege. Some potential adaptations include expanding park signage and maps to accommodate multiple spoken languages and expanding advertising for programs offering free bus travel options leaving from urban areas. My mom recently told me that she stumbled upon one of these bus services offering free daytrips to Algonquin Park, and we were both shocked since we’ve lived in Toronto our entire lives, and this is the first time we’ve ever heard of something like this! With global political conflicts causing Canada to become even more ethnically diverse in recent years, expanding accessibility and outreach for minorities should be a focus for the next generation of interpreters.

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

Cambridge University. (2024). Meaning of “Privilege” in English. Cambridge University Press & Assessment. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/privilege.  

Gallavan, N. P. (2005). Helping teachers unpack their “invisible knapsacks”. Caddo Gap Press. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=guel77241&id=GALE%7CA137921591&v=2.1&it=r&sid=AONE&asid=9fe2f151.  

[mangomandy]

Hey Sophie!

To start, I have to say your blog was written incredibly well and articulated in a manner which was both very informative with the extra research you had done, clear and intriguing!

I completely agree with your post about identifying one's privileges to help others, thinking about their situations, and determining what steps could then be taken to aid them. More specifically, I enjoyed reading your point on the importance of the interpreters knowing and being educated on various cultural and historical facts about the environment they're presenting; in which (as I wrote in my blog), access to a higher quality education in this field is a privilege in itself. Additionally, I believe teaching others multicultural facts about certain plants, areas, and practices related to nature that the First Nations used or even how other cultures use them could be a step forward in reducing xenophobia and embracing diversity.

Furthermore, I found that we both made very similar points in our blogs to emphasize that economic barriers play a prominent role in privilege and nature interpretation. In my post, I mentioned a trip I recently went on to Panama and my experience within local areas and the immense amount of littering in natural areas. After some research, I found out that not only does 40% of the population live in poverty, but they also have an education system with many flaws, which likely plays a role in the poor conditions of those areas and the lack of education for interpretation in respecting the lands and the animals inhabiting it (Reilly,2017).

I also really appreciated your ideas to accommodate signs and maps for those interested in experiencing nature but unfortunately might not have the privilege to have a translator at hand; I remember the countless times I've been on hikes with elderly family members who only spoke Spanish, had minimal experiences with phones, and having to translate many historical signs interpreting the significance of the areas (which was somewhat of a challenge with my then limited vocabulary at seven years old).

Overall, I enjoyed your insights and perspective on how privilege can be involved in nature interpretation, and I hope to read more of your blogs and ideas!

Source:

Reilly, J. (2020, July 17). Rich country, poor people: Life on the rural Panamanian coast - ICWA. Institute of Current World Affairs. https://www.icwa.org/rich-country-poor-people-panama/

[mangomandy]

Unit 3 Blog Post: Privilege and its Role Within Nature Interpretation

Privilege, in terms of my working definition of it, is an advantage or immunity that can be exclusive to groups or individuals depending on the degree of it. Sometimes, privilege isn't simply assigned to individuals or groups due to physicality; it can also pertain to the state of mind and even decisions (regardless of whether made before or after your birth). Privilege can be pictured as an umbrella given to everyone at birth, but the type of umbrella and its quality depends on physical and mental factors such as your race, health/body functions and mental health. Additionally, the condition of everyone's umbrella depends on your parents and the decisions they made until you were born. Eventually, it will also depend on your own choices in life. An umbrella works well for this hypothetical example because, like privilege, an umbrella is a tool in life that can help and protect you. In this case, it can protect people from getting wet and possibly sick or even help avoid skin damage from the sun on warmer days. Another great use of one's umbrella is to share it and help those who unfortunately were not handed the same cards in life.

Focusing more on nature interpretation, before beginning this course, if you had asked me if I thought privilege played a role in nature interpretation, I wouldn't have given it too much thought and said no. But after reading the blogs and textbook chapters from the past weeks, as well as the unit lessons we've done so far, I've had a more open mind in seeing all the different perspectives of nature interpretation and how each person experiences it. After analyzing my past experiences with nature, recalling my visits to other countries and cities, plus thinking about my education and the extensive knowledge I've gained, all confirmed for me that privilege does play a great role in nature interpretation. As I was reflecting on many blogs from the first unit, many people (including me) mentioned that their families or parents were the ones who offered them a sense of place within nature. Having a close, healthy relationship with those they love and being able to take time off of work and afford to go on many nature trips to share their love for nature through knowledge and guidance is a privilege.

An image I took while on my vacation in Panama, on our way to a boat tour.

Additionally, while I was in Panama this summer visiting family, one of the first things I noticed while travelling around in different neighbourhoods with varying socioeconomic backgrounds, was the difference between available, well-kept green areas. In Costa Del Este (a neighbourhood in Panama City) where my uncle and cousins live, there are large green areas, each having a different specific use for soccer, football, track, biking, hiking, and large parks with beautiful fountains; most of it felt familiar and reminded me of home and the trails I had been on before to some extent. However, this was not the case when we drove by poorer neighbourhoods; many more small houses were occupying the area, and I saw little to no green areas or parks. Even when visiting the local markets in these neighbourhoods, I noticed a lot of litter and thrown garbage down the road in the trees and flowing down rivers; my dad had even spotted a floating fridge getting carried away by the current. This particular visit stuck with me and made me question the injustice of it all leading me to do some research on Panama's state of poverty and education in which I found out that its education is ranked 83 of 144 of the world's worst (Reilly, 2017). Even though there isn't a specific correct way to interpret nature, I strongly believe that it is a privilege in our society to receive enough education and guidance (regardless of whether from an institution or a reputable person) to be able to interpret nature from an outlook of respect and admiration; rather than not thinking twice about how one's trash affects the world.

Once arriving back in Canada, I really took in how privileged I am to live in an area and country with so much greenery and public spaces to be with nature. It also made me realize what a luxury it is to have free time to spend in nature and learn from it rather than having to use that time to work to provide for your family and yourself.

Source:

Reilly, J. (2020, July 17). Rich country, poor people: Life on the rural Panamanian coast - ICWA. Institute of Current World Affairs. https://www.icwa.org/rich-country-poor-people-panama/

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Unit 02 - My Ideal Role of an Environmental Interpreter

The thought of having a role as an environmental interpreter is interesting to me as it creates a blend of different skills in education, passion for nature, and communication. The role of an environmental interpreter is one that can help develop a connection between people and their natural world, where they previously might not have thought about these connections.

As an environmental interpreter, I would love to work in provincial parks, conservation areas, or wildlife centres. It is in settings like these that I think roles in environmental interpretation can excel, as nature and education mostly tend to go hand in hand within these areas.

Through my work within conservation areas in the Niagara region, although not my main role, I have had some experience in environmental interpretation and teaching others about the nature around them. I have hosted interactive events, led guided hikes, and delivered nature education programs to groups and schools within different communities through my work. Nonetheless I am thankful to have these experiences and they will definitely help me solidify my ideal role as an environmental interpreter.

One of the trails at the conservation area where I used to lead guided hikes.

My ideal role of environmental interpreter would definitely be either in a national park or within wildlife rescue centres. I would love to focus on sustainability techniques and conservation efforts with an aim to inspire others to create personal goals in their part in protecting the environment. In this role, either at a national park or within wildlife centres, I would strive to cater to different people and learning styles so that I am sure I am delivering an educational and memorable learning experience to everyone. My focus would be to make learning in environmental science exciting and engaging. With attention to the learning style and engagement of everyone, I would also break down more complex environmental concepts into more tangible information and build on my teaching from there. I think an environmental interpreter role in national parks or wildlife centres would provide endless opportunities for learning techniques, resources, and opportunities.

I think an environmental interpreter is definitely an important position to be in, as it is important to educate and bring awareness of environmental topics to people who may be distant to the natural world around them.

Along with this role, I think it is important to acknowledge the skills required to ensure an ideal presentation and educational experience. From my past work experiences, I found that some skills required to ensure my ideal role in environment interpretation were strong communication skills, knowledge of the environmental topic you are presenting, awareness of your audience, and also empathy. I believe that knowing these skills and utilizing them would definitely help create a better atmosphere for the audience and the interpreter.

All in all, in an ideal role, I would foster a sense of environmental stewardship in my audience, as well as connect people to nature and bring a deeper appreciation for the ecosystems around us and the planet.

Alexandra

[mangomandy]

Hi Alexandra! I enjoyed reading your blog very much, and I feel like we have many similarities with our ideal role of being a nature interpreter. You and I both expressed within our blogs how much we value the importance of showing others new perspectives on how they can ground themselves and build a relationship with the nature around us. Although in my blog, I wrote more about a spiritual and mind-clearing experience I would love to provide to my learners, I still understand the great importance of teaching others about conservation and sustainability; it's still shocking to see and hear about the number of people who still don't understand the cruciality of the situation. That's why I admired your reading your perspective of your ideal nature interpretation job and the emphasis you made on changing people's perspectives by educating them and then connecting them to their environment; I think this would be a very effective method to begin introducing the seriousness of this topic while still maintaining people interested and interactive.

I also think your past work experiences are very interesting and I can imagine the impact they must've had on your connection and interpretations of nature. I have also worked as a camp counsellor in the past (for around two years) but that job was more focused on the campers having a fun summer; rather than educating them on their experience in their environment. Which, like you, I’ve come to realize I enjoy this type of work better. Overall, your involvement with guided hikes and providing nature education programs are responsibilities I hope to contribute to possibly in future summer jobs. I'm glad you had those great opportunities to solidify your relationship with nature and continue to pursue its conservation by connecting with others!

Amanda

[mangomandy]

Unit 2: Teaching Learners

A photo I took while on our group hike during my school trip in grade 12 at Mount Mary.

My ideal role as an environmental interpreter would entail hiking along trails by waterfalls or any moving bodies of water while teaching others to be present, and appreciative, and to understand the importance of conserving green areas everywhere. To accomplish this, I would teach useful skills such as walking meditations, outdoor yoga and simply the importance of not littering because unfortunately, near my neighbourhood there is consistently litter on most trails. I feel as though there was much more emphasis on being taught not to litter in my early years of elementary school than it is now for the younger generation. I could envision this role at a camp/retreat, far enough from civilization to not hear the sounds of the city but close enough to make the trip there more accessible locally. I've been on two school trips in which I was in this exact environment, accompanied by a camp counsellor or retreat guide interpreting and leading mindful walks and adventures around the campgrounds. The memories from these trips will forever stick with me in gratitude for the experience and respect for nature's ability to bring very different people together. Some skills I would need to learn for this to be implemented would be how to teach yoga properly because (although I know some positions and have taught some family members) the last thing I would want on these trips would be for someone to get injured. Another useful tool to develop would be more knowledge on studies proving how nature can positively affect our psychological well-being and then finding ways to incorporate it into an activity or make all the info generally more accessible and interesting to a more casual demographic.

Picture of a waterfall I took while on a school trip during our Mount Mary Retreat in Ancaster Ontario.

Through this week's unit 2 readings and the learning style quiz, I discovered that my learning preference between auditory, visual, and tactile is split almost equally between all three. With this ideal position as a nature interpreter wanting to bring different people together, I can use my ways of learning to empathize, connect, and help others understand my teachings in a safe, judgment-free and welcoming environment for all. A model execution of this goal, influenced by my experience on school camp trips with a personal twist, would include a day filled with activities such as morning outdoor yoga as a check-in to how the participants' bodies and minds feel going into the day, then a social hike towards a stream, lake, or waterfall, encouraging everyone to get to know each other, while also giving the group some history and fun facts about the grounds. Once reaching the destination, I would tell everyone to form small groups to go on a mindful, quiet walk, adventuring the parameters of the area and coming back with at least three things they saw, heard, or felt that they admired or were grateful for, to share with everyone. After this, I would host a mindfulness circle simply bringing awareness to nature, how we should respect it, and how integrating more of it into your life could result in positive outcomes such as feeling less stressed and more connected and grounded. Then, by the end of the day, I would lead another mindful yoga session, having everyone pitch in on how they felt after the day was over compared to the beginning of it. Finally, I would finish it all with a short, interactive lecture, speaking on the effects of littering and what exactly it affects. Additionally, I would share resources such as YouTube videos or Spotify podcasts that I love to use to guide me in daily gratitude, yoga, and even walking meditations. Through this example of my ideal nature interpreter routine, I could reach my goal of educating and connecting people through appreciating nature.