Last BLOG
As I think about everything I've learned in this course about becoming a nature interpreter, I realize it's changed me a lot. It's not just academically but ethically and personally. It's also about how I see my role in talking about and protecting the environment. It's made me really think about how I can take all this classroom learning and use it out in the real world.
First up, I absolutely love nature. That's the big reason I'm doing this class. I've always been amazed by the outdoors, and this course has made me want to share that amazement with others even more. Like from the textbook by Beck, Cable et al, (2018) mentioned, sharing what you're passionate about can really make a difference. It's not just about dumping facts on people; it's about making them see why nature is so awesome. I want to get people as excited about saving the planet as I am.
Another big thing I've learned is how important it is to make sure everyone feels welcome in nature. The outdoors should be for everyone, no matter what challenges they might face getting out there. We talked a lot about making sure things are accessible for everyone, whether that means having braille for people who can't see well or making sure paths are wheelchair friendly. Nature doesn't leave anyone out, and neither should we. I strongly believe that nature isn't just for the few. It's for everyone, no matter their background or abilities. This means I've got to think creatively to make sure everyone can join in
I also realized that learning about nature is never done. The world is always changing, and there's always something new to discover. I want to keep exploring and finding out new things, and I want to help others do the same. It's like what Rodenburg (2019) said: being curious and always ready to learn more is super important.
After taking this class it makes me feel like it's my job to make sure that when I share nature, I do it in a way that everyone can enjoy. This means thinking about different people's needs and making sure they are welcomed and accessible to all. Beyond just pointing out cool plants or animals, I see it as my responsibility to educate people about the challenges our environment faces and inspire them to be part of the solution. It's about stirring up a sense of wonder and a desire to make a positive impact.
I've also spent a lot of time thinking about how different people connect with nature. Some might like to learn by doing things with their hands, while others might enjoy listening to music inspired by nature or looking at nature art. Stories or history about a place can also make it come alive in a new way for people.
While nature is all about disconnecting from screens, I think technology can be a great tool if used wisely. Things like apps for identifying flora and fauna, or podcasts about nature (which could provide loads of insights by the way!), can enhance the outdoor experience without taking away from the magic of being in the moment.
Building upon that, creating and hosting a podcast as a nature interpreter opened up a whole new world of insights for me, way more than I expected. It wasn't just about sharing cool facts about nature or talking about the outdoors; it became a journey of discovery, connection, and learning that went both ways, between me, my guests, and my listeners.
For me, as an individual diving into the world of nature interpretation, finding approaches that resonate with my personality and strengths is crucial. A strategy that feels most suitable for me is definitely getting hands on, I love doing things where everyone can actually touch and see stuff up close. Imagine going on a walk and being able to touch the leaves, smell the flowers, or even spot animal tracks. It's like making everyone feel like they're part of the adventure, not just watching from the sidelines.
In a nutshell, my journey as a nature interpreter is guided by my love for the natural world, a commitment to inclusivity and education, and a belief in the power of hands-on learning and storytelling. My mom, who recently passed, always used to say “get outside today”. I will hold on to that saying forever, and definitely do that.
References:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC.
Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. Environmental Literacy. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300.
Cheers!!! -Virginia
Hey there!
Thank you for sharing your final thoughts on nature interpretation! Your reflections on your evolving role as a nature interpreter are reflective of the significant influence this course has had on your development as a person and as an eager student.
I resonated with your comment about how this course taught you that when you share nature, you do it in a way that everyone can enjoy. I think that truly was a key point in this course, emphasizing that being an interpreter is really about using your own knowledge to help others learn and create their own opinions. This makes it different then a more traditional education role in the sense that we aren't there to push certain views on our audience, but rather act as a lens to help guide their own thoughts (Beck et al., 2018).
In a way, being a nature interpreter is like being someone's sunset. Just as we learned in the textbook that sunsets are the pinnacle of authenticity in the natural world, nature interpreters aim to provide authentic and heartfelt experiences (Beck et al., 2018). Sunsets are truly amazing, real, and heartfelt. Every evening as the day comes to an end, the sky changes into a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a unique once-in-a-lifetime view that inspires those who get to see it. Similarly, nature interpreters are a means to inspire amazement and awe in their audience. We act as guides, reminding people of the beauty and magnificence of the natural world. And this may not be in the sense of the actual words that we share with people but more so in the way that we deliver them and allow them to find their own beauty in what we say. This sense of awe can have a significant impact on their well-being by fostering greater creativity, perspective, and awareness of the world (Beck et al., 2018). Just as a sunset tends to leave us speechless, nature interpretation seeks to leave a lasting impression, sparking curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.
As interpreters, if we can make someone see the beauty in things (that may not be as nice as sunsets), we have succeeded. By helping others see the beauty in even the most overlooked aspects of nature, we promote a deeper appreciation for the world around us. Whether it's the intricate patterns of a spider's web or the hidden microbiome on a dead tree, every interaction with nature has the potential to spark curiosity and awe. After everything we have learned, my goal going forward is to illuminate these often-overlooked wonders, revealing the beauty and complexity of the natural world in a way that resonates with others - This is what this class did for me.
Through this lens, every moment spent in nature becomes an opportunity for discovery and connection, resulting in an amazing sense of belonging in nature.
Beck, L., Cable, T.T., and Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing.



















