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Blog 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?

Hey! For our final blog post, we were asked to write about our personal ethic as we develop as nature interpreters.

I’m currently in my final year of university, and I’m beginning to look for jobs. And for the first time in my life, I’m looking for career jobs, instead of part-time of summer positions. So needless to say I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what jobs I ideally want, what jobs I’m willing to do, and what jobs I’m not willing to do. Our course readings for this week mentioned a fear of a desk job being a potential motivating factor for pursuing a career related to environmental interpretation. That one did admittedly resonate with me a bit. My last job was more or less of a desk job, where I worked as a research assistant in a lab. And even though, on paper, it was closer to what I want to do as a career, I didn’t enjoy it very much. I missed working in the service industry, I missed the high-energy, social atmosphere, I missed getting to work with my hands and see the results right in front of me. Spending most of my working hours not only indoors, but in a dim lab staring at a laptop just made me irritable. So I’d love to find a job in the sciences that’s more hands-on and active, but I’ve realized I’d happily move away from research if I can’t find a job in that field that lets me move around.

Every week or so I get an email from the university describing job opportunities. It hasn’t been very useful in finding jobs, but it sure has been useful in helping me figure out exactly what place/companies/fields I am not willing to work for. There’s always plenty of decently paying opportunities working for mega-corporations like PepsiCo, and the like, as well as their countless subsidiaries. I know now that I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I worked for a place like that. I would much rather go just about anywhere else, including back to the service industry. I might have a less prestigious career, but I care about having a job that I enjoy doing and that I see as important. During my last job, it was difficult to get up and go to the lab in the morning when I couldn’t really see the effects and importance of the research that was being done. I know that whatever I end up doing, it needs to be relatively active, and even better if I get to spend time outdoors as part of it. As long as I’m still able to spend my free time outside, that much is negotiable.

I wanted to go into more details about my beliefs/motivations/self-assigned responsibilities. First, the rather apparent role of nature in mental health and our current culture around it. Not that I have enough space to go into all of my thoughts on that, but I’d like to include a few of them here. One, on mental health being treated like an individual problem, when it really should be recognized as a systemic one. Even if people admit that it’s systemic, the “solutions” and treatments that are currently popular tend to be highly individual. Take mood-regulating medication, go to eternal therapy, isolate yourself from others in the name of self-improvement. In general, mental health has been both commercialized and capitalized upon. Like I mentioned, I don’t have the adequate space to go through my thoughts on the systemic causes of mental lack-of-wellness. But as I’m sure many of us are aware, spending time outside and spending time with other people (or even both at the same time!) have been shown time and time again to be beneficial to human well-being. Honestly, I don’t think we need more research in that area. We already know, and as much as I like numbers, more statistics aren’t going to save us.

So for me personally, all that means that I don’t want to have a job that drags down the health of other people, or my own. I would love to have a job that helps remove some of the barriers that have been put up between nature and people, which I don’t think should belong in different categories in the first place. But an important caveat for me is that I don’t want my career to be a constant fight. I’m quite tired of war analogies. There’s less of a point in destroying something if there’s nothing better to work towards. I don’t want to dedicate my life to fighting climate change, because I’ll make myself miserable and make everyone around me a little less happy. That’s not to say I don’t care, but I do think that a bunch of sad and lonely people aren’t going to bring about much positive change. Like the video with David Suzuki and Richard Louv mentioned (I think it was Richard Louv who mentioned it), it’s hard to make change if people don’t have any sort of positive idea of a future to look forwards to.

So to summarize as neatly as I can: If I end up doing something related to nature interpretation, I want it to get people excited and help people feel more connected to the world around them.

Picture: One of the Arboretum gardens after a snowstorm

On the same note as working towards something rather than solely working against, I have a book recommendation for anyone looking for a sci-fi story with a positive outlook: Monk and Robot by Becky Chambers (and its sequel)

Thanks for reading!

mcenvs3000f23

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your personal ethics as you develop as a nature interpreter. Your reflection on your values, beliefs, and work goals gave me insight into the factors that influence your career path.

It's admirable that you are reflecting on the kind of job that fulfills you and is consistent with your values. It's understandable that you're afraid of a desk job, and it's encouraging to see how dedicated you are to locating a position that lets you be involved and hands-on. The fact that you realized you were missing the vibrant, social environment and the observable outcomes of your work emphasizes how crucial personal fulfillment is to a profession.

Your ability to differentiate between career prospects and dedication to work for companies that share your beliefs is demonstrated by your choice to avoid positions with huge companies such as PepsiCo. Selecting a feeling of purpose and professional fulfillment above prestige is a brave and moral choice that shows how committed you are to finding meaningful employment.

I like how you looked at the relationship between mental health and nature. It's interesting to consider mental wellness from your systemic rather than personal point of view. The importance of well-being is noticeable in your observation of the commercialization and capitalization of mental health in contrast to the proof in science demonstrating the positives of spending time outside and socializing outside.

It's wonderful that you want a career that breaks down boundaries between people and the environment and improves people's mental health. The idea that your work should not be an ongoing struggle aligns with the understanding that long-term development requires a positive outlook. The rejection of wartime analogies in favour of crafting an uplifting and motivating story shows an integrated and equitable strategy for tackling environmental issues.

It's a great objective that you place such focus on using nature interpretation to thrill people and make them feel more connected to the environment around them. The idea that cultivating pleasant feelings and relationships might act as a trigger for transformation seems fascinating and hopeful. Your position is consistent with the idea that encouraging people to take care of the environment entails providing a compelling picture of a sustainable and peaceful future in addition to bringing attention to the problems.

It's a great objective that you place such focus on using nature interpretation to fascinate people and make them feel more connected to the environment around them. This is something I also resonate with, sharing my passion of nature with others and seeing them enjoy it is a very rewarding feeling. The idea that nurturing enjoyable feelings and relationships might act as a trigger for transformation seems fascinating and hopeful. Your position is consistent with the idea that encouraging people to take care of the environment entails providing a compelling picture of a sustainable and peaceful future in addition to bringing attention to the problems.

Thanks again for sharing your ideas on this topic, your blog was enlightening to read.

All the best,

Morgan

rgenvs3000f23

Blog 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?

Hey! For our final blog post, we were asked to write about our personal ethic as we develop as nature interpreters.

So to summarize as neatly as I can: If I end up doing something related to nature interpretation, I want it to get people excited and help people feel more connected to the world around them.

Picture: One of the Arboretum gardens after a snowstorm

Thanks for reading!

mfenvs3000f23

Small actions, big outcomes! Environment as a frequent classroom topic!

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?

This is my final blog post and you likely do not know who I am, but if you are interested, I invite you to delve into Madeline Fantin’s interpretive ethics, values, and ideas for the future.

To start, what beliefs do I bring? I am a wildlife biology and conservation student; therefore, the vast majority of my courses have looked through a scientific lens (western science that is). Perhaps the reason I chose my program is due to possibly my most core belief, that individuals have the power and influence necessary to make a real difference. This is why I became a vegetarian even though my entirely Italian family thinks I’m bonkers, I think one person cutting their carbon emissions is a worthwhile effort. Are billionaires flying their private jets around for unsatisfactory reasons and investing in all kinds of large corporations who dump pollution directly into our environment? Yes of course, and don’t get me wrong, I think part of the fight towards a healthy planet is holding the extremely wealthy accountable. Perhaps they are hoping we will put all the blame on ourselves so that we ignore their insurmountable consumption. However, we are consumers too and where possible, we can choose where to put our money and how to live our lives to a certain extent. I believe that however small, the average citizen’s fight against climate change is valuable and necessary. In conversations I have had with the people in my life, I have learned that many people become unmotivated by the “all or nothing” mindset. For example, I frequently hear people say that they “could never go without meat all the time.” So don’t! Have meatless Mondays! Have meatless weekends! Go pescatarian! Go meatless biweekly! There are unlimited combinations of schedules that could provide a more reasonable expectation. The effort doesn’t need to be “perfect” to be worth something. This can be applied to many environmental actions. In most places in Ontario, it wouldn’t be reasonable to ask people to use public transport or bike as a main form of transportation. Most cities don’t have great public transport, and most people live a long, long bike ride away from their place of work. However just because you cannot bike to work doesn’t mean you can’t ever trade the car for your bike. Maybe there’s a friend you often visit just on the other side of the neighborhood, and maybe you usually drive to them, but when the weather is ideal and if you are able, the bike could work! Many “imperfect” actions are better than no action at all I promise!!!! There is no shame in not being the perfect environmentalist all the time, it is near impossible in the society we have created.

I also believe that there is something to be gained from spending time in nature, for anyone. Whether that is a chance to gather thoughts, get some exercise, some vitamin D, you name it. I don’t think it needs to be picturesque either. Sometimes connecting with nature looks like sitting on the curb outside your east campus townhouse because the sun has reappeared after some days of gloom. Sometimes you will have the energy to head to the arboretum, but when you don’t, taking a sunny break on the curb is better than skipping the outdoors all together. Again, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

I believe it is never too late to get started! Everyone, no matter the age or circumstance, should feel like they have a place in the world of nature interpretation and the outdoors. Having not grown up in an outdoor adventure family doesn’t mean you can’t have any outdoor adventures! On that point, outdoor adventures are whatever you make them. They need not be a costly trip to the other side of the continent. Someone with the right mindset could gain more from an hour by the local creek, than someone with the wrong mindset on their trip to Mount Kilimanjaro.

What responsibilities do I have? Well, there are the obvious ones such as to deliver the program I have advertised, inform guests about risk, manage and prevent dangers, present accurate information, check my bias and privilege, to be fun and engaging, and for guests to leave feeling like they have benefitted in some way. Other more specific responsibilities I believe depend on the approach…

So what approaches are the most suitable for me? Well, it is my goal to get into teaching in high school classrooms. This is not the type of environment we have spent the last few months discussing, but nonetheless I think there is a ton of relevant overlap. Nature interpretation could take place in the classroom, or the school yard. There may also be opportunity for class trips where students could be exposed to new ways of learning or new environments.

When relevant to the content, I would aim to stimulate interest and conversation about the environment and environmental issues happening around the world, as they relate to us in Canada and otherwise. I probably plan on living in Canada, and therefore will need to create programs suitable for all 4 seasons. This could mean the same topic modified with each passing season, different topics in each season, or a combination. I am excited to take advantage of the variance each season brings. I think many topics in the high school curriculum could benefit from an environmental lense, and I would look to make connections throughout where possible.

I would look to encourage active learning and participation through mediums the students may be interested in, just like we talked about all the different mediums of nature interpretation. If I’m teaching grade 9 or 10 science, then this class is still required of them, and many may only be there by necessity. They might not want to be there or have particular interest in the content, which is ok, and I would need to navigate how to still make sure they get what they are meant to, even if they never develop excitement about it.

To revisit responsibilities, as a teacher I must provide a classroom environment conducive to learning, where everyone feels comfortable, valued, and that students look forward to attending each day.

For my final blog post outro (☹), I will say that climate doomism is very contagious and easy to get wrapped up in. I think one of the most important things we can do as nature interpreters is spark hope for change. You never know who is looking to you when they are feeling discouraged about the state of the world, and how you can provide them motivation to keep fighting the good fight!

mcenvs3000f23

Hi there,

I would like to thank you for sharing your insightful ideas in this last blog post and congratulate you on reaching this important turning point in your trip. Your statements demonstrate your constant commitment to wildlife biology and conservation, which has not only influenced your academic career but has grown to be a driving force in your life.

I could relate to your thoughts about acting even when something isn't ideal. It's a novel and realistic strategy that allows people to make a significant contribution while acknowledging the complexity of environmental issues. You offer a useful manual for anyone looking to make a good impact on the environment by presenting environmental initiatives as doable stages and highlighting the idea that even little steps are better than none at all.

This kind of thinking, which promotes inclusion and divides the sometimes difficult task of addressing climate change into manageable tasks, strikes a deep chord.

I like how you emphasize the importance of making personal decisions, like becoming a vegetarian and, where possible, using sustainable transportation. It's important to remember that individual choices lead to communal change, as demonstrated by your recognition that everyone can make a contribution, no matter how big or little. It's a call to action that goes beyond accepted social standards, urging individuals to make decisions that are consistent with their values—even if it means defying expectations from family members.

Your welcoming viewpoint on appreciating nature is uplifting and freeing. Eliminating the idea that it needs to be an all-or-nothing experience makes room for a variety of ways to express your relationship with the surroundings.

Age, background, and situation are all irrelevant when it comes to the compelling message that it's never too late to explore the outdoors. Your claim that there is a place for everyone in the natural world is evidence of the equal and universal nature of the universe. It illustrates the concept that everyone may enjoy nature, regardless of background or level of expertise in outdoor activities.

It's admirable and bold of you to envision nature interpretation in high school courses. As you correctly point out, education is a major factor in determining attitudes and actions. The curriculum's inclusion of environmental themes, which are seasonal adaptations, shows a progressive attitude that acknowledges the dynamic and ever-changing character of our planet.

By pointing out that climate doomsday is contagious, you bring attention to a crucial component of the present environmental conversation. It is an important reminder that, as nature interpreters, we not only provide knowledge but also inspire and raise others, as seen by your appeal to ignite hope for change. Your focus on building hope is a light of optimism at a time when worries about the state of the world may be overwhelming.

Finally, your final blog article summarizes not only your own experience but also acts as a roadmap and source of motivation for others tracing their own routes in the fields of animal biology, conservation, and nature interpretation. We appreciate you sharing with us your thoughts, goals, and a portion of your environmental philosophy.

Thanks so much for sharing,

Morgan

My personal ethics as a nature interpreter

As I've studied more in this program, my personal ethics have also grown as a nature interpreter. I didn't have the same strong ethical beliefs going into this class as I have now. My values and obligations towards nature have been rediscovered as a result of taking this course. I did have personal ethics about nature before taking environmental science classes and learning about nature interpretation, but they are more stronger and more varied now. My environmental ethics were very much what you may have heard before this class; I didn't litter and I was concerned about recycling, but now they go far deeper. Even while I still think those things are significant, my knowledge has grown to include a greater comprehension of how humans affect the environment.

While advancing my nature education, I have grown more conscious of the ethics of accessibility and inclusivity in the environment and in nature education. Many more people will become aware of their effects if environmental education is made more widely available. In communities where there may be a lack of natural knowledge, nature interpretation ought to gain more traction. Everyone should also get the chance to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the natural world.

As a nature interpreter, I also think it's critical to provide accurate, fact-based information. The public is assisted by interpreters in understanding the scientific and financial foundations of resource management (Beck et al., 2018, p.12). As interpreters of nature, it is our duty to stay up to date on scientific and practical issues pertaining to the natural world. As a nature interpreter, my ethics have developed to place a high priority on sharing what I know about the natural world. I had no idea how crucial it is to educate people about nature interpretation and the reasons why protecting it is so vital until I took this class. In my opinion, encouraging conservation and environmentally friendly behaviours is crucial to protecting ecosystems, and biodiversity, and minimizing the effects of human activity on the environment. One of the most exquisite things that nature has to offer is biodiversity.

Additionally, because of the special connections among species, the diversity of plant and animal life would diminish the wonder and allure of the natural world. By protecting them, we can extend the lifespan of the distinct and varied ecosystems. Ecosystems depend on biodiversity in order to function, despite their own diversity. We depend on ecosystems for clean water, air, and pollution control as well as climate regulation. Not only are they necessary for survival, but they are also a crucial first step toward establishing a connection with your surroundings. Human-caused carbon footprints have harmed the ecosystem. Some people may not be aware of their carbon footprint or the influence that humans have on the environment if they had little environmental education or were not raised in an atmosphere that emphasized preservation and conservation. That's why educating others about nature and how to perceive it is one of my personal ethics.

It is our responsibility as nature interpreters to encourage the moral preservation of the natural world while also encouraging people to have a personal connection with it. This is a crucial duty because nature interpreters should promote respect for the natural world in order to motivate conservation efforts and moral behaviour in relation to the environment. If someone is motivated to take the time to enjoy the outdoors, they could come to respect sustainability and conservation as well. As interpreters of nature, it is also our duty to adjust to changing requirements and learning methods. We need to be adaptable and change with research and education. Our knowledge and methods may need to change when new insights into sustainability and nature are discovered.

There are many useful methods for interpreting nature that might be used to encourage people in the future to cherish nature. Children love to utilize their imaginations and are frequently entertained by stories; they also enjoy believing that a forest is magical. Anybody, but especially kids, can be inspired to be creative when they hear stories told aloud in the outdoors. Engaging in hands-on activities is another captivating approach to encourage someone to get inspired and involved with nature. Approaching nature interpretation as a return to childhood is another way you can inspire children to become involved with nature. Whether you take a child on an adventure with friends and show them the pileated woodpecker, or you give them the tools they need to make healthy decisions, when on a hike with friends. Or something else, you are offering a spark to be fanned and developed (Hookyas, 2023). My parents encouraged me to explore with nature and utilize my imagination when I was little. Playing in the mud, the trees, or the creek was one of my favourite ways to pass the time when I was a child growing up in a house surrounded by forests. There were so many levels to the forest to discover, and I frequently figured out a method to mark my favourite locations with groups of sticks and pebbles so I could find them again. This did, in fact, ignite a spark in me that motivated me to mature and pursue my education in nature. This is why I relate to the perception of nature as a return to childhood.

I still cherish my ethics and views of how to perceive nature while I pursue my studies. As I go through life, I want to keep learning and encouraging others to get outside and discover why so many people work to preserve the environment. We are really fortunate to live in Canada, where there is an abundance of wildlife. We are fortunate to have a wide range of natural characteristics, including different kinds of fauna and the northern lights. Along with this obligation is the maintenance and protection of our ecosystems. I am passionate about ensuring that nature is recognized and conserved because I have this luxury. The interpretation of nature is a field that benefits from a diversity of viewpoints and methods. This means that everyone may find inspiration in their own unique facet of nature, and that there is no right or wrong way to spend time in nature. By selecting approaches that are in line with variety, interpreters help to create more harmonious and long-lasting connections between humans and the environment.

lfenvs3000f23-deactivated202405

Blog post 9

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

The first thing that came to my mind was the adaptability of fishes (specifically freshwater fish such as goldfish, in particular) but I already explained/rambled about that in a previous blog so I will talk about something else I guess. *sigh*

I don't know about you, but whenever I'm in a bad or low mood, going for a walk outside always seems to help. Something about seeing critters going about their daily lives - like a squirrel curiously scavenging around, or a chubby turtle dove perched on a branch - brings me joy. Sometimes I like to think they're a sign from my loved ones who have passed. What amazes me about nature is the positive effect it has on humans, both physically and chemically in the body and mind. We're actually chemically hardwired to reap benefits from looking at greenery and nature scenes! Many different studies have shown that spending time out in nature (e.g., taking a walk in a forest) has not only positive mental health benefits such as improved mood, but physical benefits such as reduced blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels as well! Nature apparently also has the ability to soothe/distract us from pain and help us concentrate on tasks better! I've attached some of my favourite nature photos from my last camping trip for your own personal stress relief!

Hope this blog helped you feel more zen, and happy sunday :-) Thanks for reading, have a good week!

Source: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20nature%20not%20only,health%20researchers%20Stamatakis%20and%20Mitchell.

mcenvs3000f23

Hi Lauren,

I resonated with your discussion on how therapeutic nature is. It is truly remarkable how a simple walk can completely change my mood and well-being. I also love to observe the squirrels and turtle doves outdoors. Watching the squirrels on campus is just heartwarming, I love seeing them chase each other. Nature indeed has a special way of bringing us joy.

I also enjoyed reading your opinion on the chemical and physical benefits of being in nature. Our bodies respond positively to being in natural surroundings. I loved how you touched on that different studies have done spending time outside has mental health, mood, and physical benefits. This is something I experience personally, being outside and going for a run can completely change a bad day into a good day for me. Even just seeing a bird come to my bird feeder can bring a smile to my face.

Your camping trip sounded like a fantastic time! Natural landscapes have such a calming effect that can decrease stress levels. The beauty of the outdoors brings us to a miniature stress-relieving retreat. Nature has a great ability to distract us from the stresses of everyday life and rejuvenate us. Thank you for sharing these glimpses into your outdoor adventures, and your opinions on the joy nature brings us. Your blog was very interesting to read.

Wishing you many more joyful moments in nature,

Morgan

lfenvs3000f23-deactivated202405

Blog post 9

Hope this blog helped you feel more zen, and happy sunday :-) Thanks for reading, have a good week!

Source: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20nature%20not%20only,health%20researchers%20Stamatakis%20and%20Mitchell.

My Amazing Experience With Coral Reefs

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

The most amazing thing I learned about nature, I learned on a snorkelling trip in St Maarten. I had the incredible opportunity to learn about coral reefs and ocean life while on a snorkelling trip with my family. Coral has a unique way of reproducing and interesting symbiotic relationships that left me forever fascinated by the ecosystems they contribute to.

St Maarten is a Dutch/ French Island in the Caribbean Sea; it is surrounded by oceans with gorgeous white sand and blue turquoise waters. My family and I went to Cupecoy Beach and gathered our snorkelling gear before going out on a boat to the coral reefs. During our snorkelling trip, I saw an incredible variety of angelfish, kois, platies, and cichlids. I also got the privilege to see a variety of different coral species like the star coral, staghorn coral, and elkhorn coral. Seeing the different structures and designs of corals was amazing. On my snorkelling trip, the guide told us a little bit about how coral reefs form and pointed out some of the stages of it forming. This was one of the most amazing things I had ever seen. Coral reefs form when free-swimming coral larvae attach to the rocks or hard surfaces on the edges of the islands. They can form extremely fast because some corals can grow together in groups and make colonies. Also, because corals are alive, after it dies it leaves a skeleton. Polyps live on the skeletons and over the years they become the main structural component of a coral reef (Rowan, 2002). Having the opportunity to see the coral reefs and have a professional point out the life cycle was an inspiring experience. This got me interested more in learning about ocean life and nature.

Another amazing thing I got to learn about nature is the symbiotic relationships between coral and algae. Symbiotic relationships are mutually beneficial relationships between two species. Coral has a symbiotic relationship with an algae species called zooxanthellae. These algae live in the coral's tissues, the coral provides zooxanthellae with a protected environment that the algae use for photosynthesis (Rowan, 2002). In return, the algae offer the coral with nutrients through its photosynthesis process (Rowan, 2002). The algae produce oxygen, glucose and glycerol during the photosynthesis process, these are essential for the coral. Also, zooxanthellae give coral vibrant colours! Chlorophyll is responsible for the pigment involved in photosynthesis because chlorophyll absorbs light (Jones, 1997). I found this so fascinating because it shows the diversity and evolution of species. When we think about species interacting, we often think of the food chain, but over time species have found a way to help each other along the way. Symbiotic relationships increase diversity and the function of an ecosystem by incorporating their useful skills to help each other.

Overall, the most amazing thing I know about nature is the unique way that coral contributes to our ecosystems. They have a unique way of reproducing that allows them to quickly turn into gorgeous coral reefs. They also have a unique symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae that allows them to mutually benefit each other and generate the stunning colours of the coral.

References:

Jones, R. (1997). Changes in zooxanthellar densities and chlorophyll concentrations in corals during and after a bleaching event. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 158, 51–59. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps158051

Rowan, R. (1998). Review—diversity and ecology of zooxanthellae on coral reefs. Journal of Phycology, 34(3), 407–417. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8817.1998.340407.x

bmenvs3000f23

Natural Healers: Music and Nature - Blog 7

Music and nature, to me, are both artistic and beautiful. The sounds of nature, such as trees blowing in the winds, waves crashing along the shore, and birds chirping, are just some of the sounds that replicate music in nature. Pairing both nature and music together can have therapeutic effects, and I often find myself sitting or walking in nature with headphones on when I have a long or challenging day, but I also enjoy doing this when I am having a great day! No matter what, nature and music are intertwined and benefit one’s mental health.

Scientifically music has been proven to have therapeutic properties and has been proven to help heal disorders, including cerebral palsy and brain injuries, all by interacting with and stimulating our brains (Trimble and Hesdorffer, 2017). Similarly, nature has also been scientifically proven to improve our mental health. Spending time in nature and absorbing the beautiful sounds that nature creates has led to improved brain activity and ability, has aided in sleep, and influences more physical activity (Jimenez et al., 2021). I would completely agree with these studies, as a run or walk in nature with rhythmic music is so motivating and invigorating!

To dive into the music world, nature in music is prevalent in many songs, and one of the most well-known songs related to nature is “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Armstrong interprets nature by describing “trees of green, and clouds of white,” and with his descriptions, he mentions how wonderful our world is from a natural aspect. Music, in my opinion, is another method of storytelling that allows for history and science to be passed down, as well as cultural aspects! Songs related to nature can describe to people around the world what their environments look like, which can take a positive or a negative route. On a more negative yet necessary note, Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” uses music to convey the issues with the world, ranging from violence in the form of wars to violence against the environment. He explains that animals, like elephants and whales, and plants, such as flowering fields, are struggling and crying out to us due to the destruction we have caused. Music can tell positive and negative stories about nature, share history, connect to our emotional sides, and heal our mental health. Nature can also tell stories, benefit our mental health, and create music itself!

I am constantly listening to music and music from various genres! There is music for every mood that I am in, and it can help explain the emotions I feel. Some of my best memories of music are when I listen outside in the summer, lying on the beach in the sun! I often long of those times, especially in the cold winter months. Other memories include listening to music on long drives while I admire the beautiful fall colours on the side of the road.

Music and nature have significantly impacted my life and are most definitely intertwined! I am excited to read about everyone’s experiences with nature and music.

References

Jimenez, M. P., DeVille, N. V., Elliott, E. G., Schiff, J. E., Wilt, G. E., Hart, J. E., James, P. (2021). Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(9), 4790. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094790

Trimble, M., Hesdorffer, D. (2017). Music and the brain: the neuroscience of music and musical appreciation. BJPsych international, 14(2), 28–31. https://doi.org/10.1192/s2056474000001720

mcenvs3000f23

Hi Brigette,

I agree that there is a strong relationship between music and the natural world. There is a certain beauty to both of these components that has a healing impact on our health. It was really interesting to read the comparison you made between the sounds of nature and music. When we spend time outside, we have the privilege of listening to nature's symphony of sounds, which includes the sound of rustling leaves, breaking waves, and birdsong. When we take the time to be in nature and enjoy its sounds, we have a relaxing influence. When we need it, music and nature combine to create a soothing atmosphere.

It was interesting what you said about how music and environment may be healing. The remarkable manner in which music stimulates and heals the brain gives hope to those who are coping with a variety of illnesses. When you discussed narrative, you also brought up an intriguing feature of music. As you mentioned, music is a worldwide language that cuts over national boundaries and cultural barriers. It may tackle significant subjects and narrate emotionally charged stories. Through ecosystems, habitats, and landscapes, nature narrates stories. These tales have a way of making us feel more a part of our surroundings and expanding our perspective on the world.

Nature and music have an unbreakable connection, and they both greatly enhance our lives. I appreciate you taking the time to write this blog. I enjoyed reading your thoughts, and your post was very well done!

Morgan

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

Nature and music have an obvious connection, if you have ever had trouble falling asleep, I am sure you would have come across nature sounds when looking for soothing music to listen to. The rustling leaves, flowing water and singing birds make nature the perfect environment to get inspired by nature. In my eyes, music is nature through the sounds that we hear when we spend time in nature. Nature is in music through the inspiration composers have taken from nature and incorporated into the music we have today. We even find music in thunderstorms and noises we associate with the seasons. I know I have found myself safe inside finding the noise of the thunderstorms smoothing when I fall asleep. When I hear music with piano, light rain and birds chirping I would associate it with spring, or the noise of a campfire burning with violins would remind me of winter. Music can capture emotions and make it into a sensory experience, something about the way a song sounds can capture emotions from the scenery of mountains to beaches.

Additionally, nature can be used as a metaphor in music. Sometimes nature is used as a comparison to the human experience, where forests symbolize mystery and meadows signify peace. I often hear the metaphor of a storm being a rough part of someone's path. Humans often feel a connection to nature and artists would have those same experiences. They are able to make this common experience into a song that many people would relate to since we so often feel emotionally connected when we are around the sounds of nature.

Also, Nature is often used to make instruments. Recently on my vacation in Mexico, I saw a local salesperson selling conch shells. These are the big spiral-shaped shells that can be found in the ocean. When you blow into the shell it makes a loud musical note, the pitch can be manipulated based on the technique you use when blowing air into the shell. When I saw the blog prompt this week I immediately thought of these shells because they are an instrumental gift from nature, that we can make music with. Nature also gives us music in many other different ways, like drums from tree trunks, bamboo flutes, sea pods as rattles and the hollow tubes of rain sticks. It is clear, without nature, there would not have been the inspiration for many of the instruments we have today.

The song “The A Team" by Ed Sheeran reminds me of being in the Muskoka’s on a hot summer night. My friends and I were at summer camp together and snuck away from the group to lie down on the back of a boat by the water and watch the stars before leaving the camp the next day. As we looked at the stars, I remember this song playing. The guitar in this song reminds me of a campfire guitar song that I would have heard at this camp. The deceptiveness in the lyrics reminds me of the summer ending and fall beginning when he references the place face white lips and light being gone.

Is there a certain genre of music that reminds you of nature more than others?

madenvs3000f23

Blog post 6

The thing I mostly take from this quote is the part where it say’s that something only exists as we pass through it. Although I don’t think dwelling on our own past is a wise choice, to completely forget the past won’t help anyone. For example, if we simply ignored the history of discovery of the origin of species we wouldn’t know half the things we do now, or another way to look at it is that we would simply be rediscovering the same thing over and over again without making any new progress. We use history to build on it and learn from, without it we wouldn’t be where we are today. The past is, as said, spread through time and it’s our job to not only interpret the part we are in now but to look at the past and interpret it as well.

To be a good nature interpreter, we must know the history behind what we are interpreting. If we don’t know the history of what we are interpreting, we won’t even know half the story. For example, if we are out on a hike and start discussing the different species of birds we might see, it’s important to think back to Darwin’s finches. Although Darwin’s finches are located in the Galapagos islands, the basis of what he discovered is applicable to many species around the world. To think about how these birds all became different species originating from the same bird and adapting to their environment is an important piece of knowledge to have. It can help us understand why some birds we see here might have different shaped beaks, or why they are certain colours and have certain sounds they make. When we think about the discovery of these species and what made them different species to begin with, this can help us identify birds that may look similar now by differentiating minor features like their beak shape.

This is just a small example of how important history is for us to hold onto and build on. We need the past to move forward and learn from.

Darwin’s finches. Galapagos Conservation Trust. (2023, July 4). https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/species/darwins-finches/

mcenvs3000f23

Hi Maddy,

I appreciate you sharing your opinions; it was fascinating to read how you interpreted this quote. I find it very interesting how unique the quote is, and how we can interpret it all differently and still be correct. The idea that the past is stretched out throughout time and that it is our obligation to understand and learn from it coincides wonderfully with your focus on the necessity of not concentrating on the past but then not ignoring it either. I concur that history provides a solid foundation for development. You use Darwin's finches as an illustration to show how recent scientific advancements continue to influence how we perceive the natural world. I appreciated how you said how history may provide us with perspective and understanding about variety and previous ways of existence. We get the information and context necessary to comprehend the diversity of living forms, even in parts of the world where we do not currently reside, by appreciating the work of scientists. Nature interpretation requires a thorough understanding of the historical context of the species under discussion. Understanding the ancestry of a species aids in our comprehension of animal behaviour and the reasons behind their appearance. Your blog introduced me to the idea that history is more than simply an artifact from the past; rather, it is a resource that we can use to learn about ourselves and apply to the future. Well done on your blog; I really appreciated how you made the connection to Darwin finches.

Thanks again for sharing,

Morgan

Week 6 Blog

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.

The value of protecting historic objects immediately comes to me when I read this quote. History may teach us a lot, and we can keep in mind historical knowledge by examining ancient objects and learning about our history. By preserving historical objects, we can keep the memories of the past alive and avoid making the same mistakes again in the future. The fact that mankind has a shared memory is also special, being able to have a common understanding of what we learn from our past connects people in a community. To me, accepting integrity means accepting the lessons that may be learned from the past. Additionally, this connects to how we can learn from science’s mistake of misunderstanding global warming, in the past we believed many errors and misconceptions.

When we think about the past we can learn from the successes and errors of ancient scientists, this will also help advance our scientific understanding today. For example, in the past scientists believed that oil consumption had no effect on global warming. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that scientists conducted research that began to concern them about the impact greenhouse gas emission has on the earth's climate. Now over the past decade, human-induced climate change has become overwhelming. We now have impacted our climate terribly and have a shared duty to help maintain what we can.

The act of preserving historical objects and knowledge aligns with the discussion of integrity in the quote. By keeping traditions maintained we keep the memory of ancient artifacts alive. Additionally, the concept of avoiding mistakes from the past is consistent with learning from our errors and the influence we had on climate change. By incorporating the lessons from the past into the present, we may ensure the "keeping together of the parts of any whole" by studying history. Our understanding changes with time, as seen by the previous scientific inaccuracy over the contribution of oil usage to global warming. The quotation emphasizes the relevance of conserving historical information as well as the value of correcting our understanding and learning from our past misunderstandings. For us to keep our integrity, this is essential. We must learn from our mistakes and continue to evolve our understanding has we gain more information.

The statement suggests that, like a train station, our history retains an ongoing presence after we have passed through it. Dismissing the past means ignoring the information it contains. We ensure that our life lessons continue to lead us into the future by preserving the integrity of our knowledge across time, whether it is via the preservation of historical artifacts or through scientific understanding.

egenvs3000f23

Blog 5!

Hello all! Since this week is uprompted I thought I would write this post about my experience with nature while living in another country for study abroad!

This past summer I had the chance to go to Grenoble, France. Grenoble is a city in the valley of three mountain ranges. It is phenomenally beautiful! Being in the bowl of these mountains, the city had a really interesting relationship to the outdoors, people lived there and would travel from all over France and Europe to come to this outdoors hub. In the winter the city offers amazing skiing, and in the summer offers outstanding hiking and biking.

What amazed me the most about this place was the infrastructure surrounding access to the outdoors. There were reuse gear stores where people could pick up hiking equipment, shoes, bike repairs, clothes, you name it all for an affordable price. Outdoors gear thrift stores! Not only was equipment accessible but there were city buses, a part of the normal fare, that would take passengers up into the mountains on a shuttle bus. Myself and friends used this to our advantage and were able to do many amazing hikes and escape the city cheaply and with little to no effort. Without this transport none of us would have been able to enjoy the mountains and small towns near the city as they would otherwise have been only accessible by car. Bikes were also everywhere!! There were bike stands and on them hundreds of bikes, everywhere you looked there was someone biking or bikes lining the streets. This is not a rare sight in Europe but it was on an extreme in this city due to the outdoors incentive, as well as the challenges posed by air pollution. Since the city is in the mountain valley the geography prevents airflow and results in the city having one of the worst air pollution indexes of France. As a result there is an emphasis on getting cars off the street and people out of the city into nature to take a break from the air pollution.

There is also a gondola that leaves from the downtown. It is cheaply priced to make it accessible to all as well as to give citizens who cannot hike the opportunity to get up to the views the mountains provide. At the top of the gondola there is an old fort and some hiking trails with nature and historical/cultural interpretation on them. These signs talk about the formation of the mountain ranges and the battles that have been fought there. It was an amazing form of interpretation because not only was it nature but the history of the human experience of nature within it. In Grenoble there was a big emphasis on community. People would buy and shop local, hang out in parks, spend time in the mountains, and at the top of this Gondola there would be events for the public run with the amazing view.

It was interesting to gain this perspective and to be able to think about it in the context of this course. Nature interpretation happens naturally when urban infrastructure prioritizes it.

Here are some photos!

Thanks for reading :)

mcenvs3000f23

Hi,

I enjoyed reading your blog. Your time in France sounds great, and it sounds as though you connected with nature and the people there. Due to the city's location in a valley between mountain ranges, the surrounding scenery must have been breathtaking! Being in the middle of these massive mountains must be a wonderful memory, in my opinion. As someone who enjoys skiing, I can appreciate the environment mountains have to offer. I liked how you mentioned your experience using public transportation; it's a terrific way to cut down on traffic and pollution. For those who cannot drive, it is equally crucial to provide accessible tourist attractions. Also, it's amazing that they included the gondola ride from the city to the mountains so that people who are physically unable to hike can still take in the scenery and interact with the environment. Observing how highly valued biking is in other parts of the world must have had an impact. We should use this transportation tool around here more frequently because it is so useful and generates a greater appreciation for nature's scenery. I am sure it is wonderful biking there while having access to such breathtaking views. I am sure that the locals felt a strong feeling of community as a result of the nature around them. Promoting outdoor activities creates a community where individuals may interact spontaneously and share a love of nature. Your experiences are an example of how nature interpretation unites people and demonstrates how a love of nature is something that many people truly share. Thank you for sharing, your blog was very well done.

Morgan

Nature In Mexico- Blog 5

I had the opportunity to experience Cancun, Mexico's distinctive natural beauty over the Thanksgiving holiday. Along the hotel strip, my family and I stayed at a resort with a breathtaking ocean view. Throughout my visit, I came across unusual species along the beaches, which piqued my curiosity because the biodiversity in Mexico differs greatly from that in Ontario.

The resort where we were staying had a turtle reserve on the beach to guarantee the safety of the turtle eggs hatching. Cancun's authorities became aware of the turtles' vulnerabilities and launched conservation efforts to watch over and safeguard their nests. In Mexico, the beaches are full of sandy shorelines that make the ideal nesting grounds for the many turtle species. To safeguard the regions of the beaches where turtles lay their eggs, some of them were gated off. You can approach the fence's side and look at the turtles' nests there. Each nest included a sign identifying the species, the number of eggs, the day the eggs were set, and the anticipated hatching date. Even though I missed the nesting process, I learned about it while I was there. The tradition of female turtles going back to the beaches where they were hatched to lay eggs is preserved by their excellent sense of navigation. Then they create enormous holes, lay their eggs within, and then cover the openings to conceal the nest. When the turtles hatch, they come out of the nest and head for the ocean, following the moonlight as they do so. This family excursion was made even more memorable by learning that the hotel district in Cancun serves as a haven for these amazing aquatic creatures. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to take part in this unique natural activity.

I also studied the intricate and intriguing subject of palm tree reproduction during this holiday. The reproduction of palm trees varies depending on the species, but in Cancun, there are male and female varieties. The majority of these palm trees go through a flowering period during which the male palm trees produce tiny flowers that release pollen, which is then carried to the female palm trees by the wind. The female trees are the ones that generate coconuts; palm tree seeds found in coconuts are what allow the trees to reproduce. Additionally, the hard outer shell of the coconut makes it possible for people to disperse them along many different shores, which explains the widespread distribution of palm trees.

During my time in Mexico, I was fortunate to see a wide range of natural phenomena. Like sea turtles, palm trees in Mexico are a component of a stunning ecosystem that I recently had the pleasure of visiting. My curiosity about nature was further piqued by seeing the turtle sanctuary and admiring the trees that lined the lovely beach. Experiencing this time in Mexico made me realize how fortunate we are to have such a diverse range of wildlife in the world and how much more there is to see outside of our region.

bmenvs3000f23

Nature IS Art - Blog 4

Art interpretation takes many forms, such as photography, visual art, dance, theatre, music, and poems, to name a few. As such, nature interpreters can vary; nature interpreters can be students, children, seniors, and more. Anyone can interpret nature through art, and that interpretation can range from detailed accounts and interpretations of nature to simplified interpretations of nature that can allow for further observations to occur through collaboration with other like-minded people or through research.

My preferred method of art and nature interpretation is photography. I often find myself drawn to nature's beauty. While I love to live in the moment and retain memories through my own eyes, I also enjoy snapping a photograph to be reminded of the lovely times I experienced in nature in the future. Sunsets, water, plants, and insects always catch my eye through a lens, and I love sharing my images with others to allow for interpretation to happen and to inspire others to get outdoors and capture photos of their own. Viewing nature media motivates me to seek outdoor adventures, and this method of nature and art interpretation has encouraged me to book a trip to the Adirondacks in Upstate New York to experience the magic of the mountains firsthand!

Figure 1. Fall scenery at Rock Dunder. Photographed by: Brigette Matthias.

Emotion is a significant aspect that art in its many forms can portray, which highlights its powerful ability to spread information to an audience. Cultural and historical data has also been passed down through art and can cause the audience to feel deep emotions. Information about various cultures and historical events has been passed on by mouth but also by visual art found in nature (Beck et al., 2018). While in Peru, I observed petroglyphs on mountains, which likely explained stories of what occurred in the past in that area or within Andean culture. Written excerpts spread knowledge from times of slavery or other significant historical events by the people who had to experience those painful moments (Beck et al., 2018). Art from these time frames can allow future generations to gain knowledge about the past and motivate them to avoid repeating these events in the future.

I was unfamiliar with nature interpretation through theatre performances before reading our textbook. It was intriguing to learn about the use of theatre performances to discuss and educate the audience about complex topics related to nature (Beck et al., 2018). I recall watching musicals as a child and remember grasping the play's theme, singing the play's music weeks after the performance, and overall enjoying the atmosphere. I was moved by this method of art, and I would be even more moved to view a performance focused on the environmental catastrophes we are experiencing today. Theatre provides an emotional experience not only for the audience but also for the performers/interpreters.

Art can be a method of communication between nature and audiences and can occur in many forms. Enjoyment, shock, appreciation, and understanding are only a few of the feelings I instantly think of when considering nature interpretation through art. Visual arts and photography are my preferred methods to interpret nature through art! What art styles appeal to you the most, and why?

References

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

mcenvs3000f23

Hi Brigette,

I agree that there are various ways to understand art, and they all link people to nature in different ways. I can understand your choice for using photography to interpret nature because you can use it to capture the beauty of anything, including sunsets, plants, and animals. These images are significant because they record moments you can recall and encourage people to value nature. Art does a great job of expressing feelings and important ideas. As you said, art may serve as a vehicle for the dissemination of historical information. Nature-based art, such as cave paintings, may narrate tales of civilizations that existed before our own and link the past to the present. I also enjoyed reading about your time in Peru and how it connected you to Andean culture.

You also brought up the idea of interpreting nature via the medium of theatre, which is an intriguing angle I hadn't considered before. However, through a fun and interesting presentation, theatre does in fact have a special power to teach the audience. I can see a theatrical performance grabbing the audience's attention while presenting significant concerns like climate change. There are many various ways to perceive art, and each way gives a unique viewpoint on our natural world. Whether nature is shown in a painting, a drawing, a performance, or a sculpture, it has the ability to raise awareness of significant concerns. Additionally, expressing nature using art serves as a reminder of the relevance and beauty of the environment around us. Painting is the art form that appeals to me; I like blending colours to tell a story about natural scenery. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading your blog

Morgan

Art in Nature & The Gift of Beauty

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

Nature is captured in art in multiple different forms. Everyone's interpretation of nature through art is unique, and artists have expressed their perspectives on nature using a range of representational techniques and media. Nature depicted in art may take on vastly various appearances depending on the setting and the artist. I have interpreted art in a variety of ways throughout my life. I like to paint as a pastime, and this has involved nature in various ways, from painting nature portraits to putting leaves and other natural materials into my artwork. We may not be aware of it, yet nature is frequently depicted in art; examples include still life paintings, photography, wildlife portraits, landscape portraiture, and animal graphics. Artwork captures a moment in a singular image or picture, often to appreciate the beauty in something. My artwork varies from more abstract and allegorical pieces to realistic acrylic paintings of nature. Aside from painting, I frequently find myself utilizing photography to capture a moment in nature. I appreciate the beauty of nature by taking photographs of the birds that visit my feeder while I am out in nature. I also commonly find myself taking photos of beautiful sunsets and full moons in the sky.

Often represented in art, is the gift of beauty nature gives us. When I think of the meaning of the gift of beauty, I think of how nature has inspired many humans with its colours, shapes, patterns, and diverse forms. I believe the gift of beauty is the emotionally and visually captivating experiences nature provides us with. Often artists are captured by nature's beauty and communicate their fascination with nature through their artwork. The gift of beauty may also be seen as the connection that people have with nature, as well as our responsibility as stewards of the environment. The view that nature provides us with has a certain aspect of beauty that draws people to it. Birdsong inspires music, sunsets inspire art, and animals inspire sculpture. These natural wonders are gifts to us. In order to explain the inspiration and gift of beauty that nature affords us, nature is frequently likened to art. We are fortunate to have a wide range of hues, sounds, and landscapes to discover, which also provides an opportunity for an emotional connection between people and their surroundings. I have experienced nature's beauty in many different ways, from skiing and enjoying the mountains and snow to going to the beach and enjoying the sun and sand. I often go for walks and purposely spend time in beautiful scenery to appreciate the nature around us. Nature captivates us and inspires awe, which draws people to discover more of it and be more enchanted by its beauty.

As I continue to be grateful for the sights that nature has given us, I also contemplate our responsibility as humans to protect the natural resources that have been given to us. The stunning appearance of nature is evidence of the amazing gift we have been given as humans, something that requires us to value, safeguard, and preserve the beauty that it provides to us.

shenvs3000f23

Blog post 2

Blog Prompt:

Describe your ideal role of environmental interpreter. What might it entail? Where might it be? What skills might you need? (Keep these all-in mind as you begin to work on your assignments – tailor these to that ideal job!)

My ideal role as an environmental interpreter would be one that aligns with my personality and life style. Due to this I believe I would be very happy with a park services role, particularly, a conservation officer. I have worked at a local conservation area before, and really enjoyed it. One of the aspects that made it great was many of the people visiting were from cities, often with younger children. It was amazing to see the wonder on their faces and how excited they were when they got to experience nature. I often received many questions from both parents and younger people about various topics. These including why is something the way it is, how does something do this, and my personal story, to name a few. Sharing with them my knowledge in an environment that they are already extremely intrigued about, made it that much more impactful. Sharing my story with nature, and recommending other areas to explore more, hopefully helped them to explore their curiosity even further . I believe as a conservation officer, I would be able to further my knowledge about the environment. Specifically, on conservation of animals, habitat, and animal behaviour, all of which I am very passionate about. In addition to this, as a conservation officer, you are in a position of seniority. This gives a unique opportunity to have the attention of park goers and have your opinions valued. As a result, a great responsibility is taken on, one that I would like to take on and do my best at utilizing to educate anyone I can.

My ideal location for this job would be a park anywhere farther north. Whether that be in Ontario or another province. The previous park I worked at, although enjoyable, was very close to town and was more of a trailer park, than a natural area. I would love to work in a park that is secluded and as natural as possible. This would provide a multitude of learning opportunities and make it much easier for anyone who has questions, to form those questions. Being immersed in an area is the best and fastest way to learn. I can equate this to some courses I have had. In certain courses, we are simply given data and told to analyze it. With this approach, it is often hard as we are separate from the process and not able to pose questions ourselves. Contrary to this, in courses where I get to go into the field and collect data in the forest myself, I learn much more. I was there to physically do it and was immersed. Questions came to mind and the data made much more sense.

I will need a multitude of skills for this role as an interpreter. Skills mentioned before such as knowledge on conservation of animals, habitat, and animal behaviour. I am constantly learning about these topics and will continue to. It will make it much easier as well when working everyday in this environment to learn quicker. However, the most important skill for this job is communication. I can have all the knowledge in the world, but it is useless unless I can effectively pass it on to people I am speaking with. I would look at my role as a mentor to people wanting to learn, not someone in power or a lecturer. Due to this, being able to convey my knowledge in an effective way is crucial.

mcenvs3000f23

Hi there I loved reading your discussion post; your viewpoint on the function that privilege plays in the natural world was quite interesting. I appreciated reading about how you were raised in a natural setting; I have no doubt that this has inspired your current interest in nature. I also concur that your upbringing in the outdoors served as a foundation for your current understanding of nature. I also concur that comprehending possible differences and being familiar with nature are crucial for an accurate assessment of nature. When teaching about nature interpretation, it's crucial to have strong communication skills and to avoid making assumptions about the expertise of the students.

The expense and time commitment were intriguing topics to address, and I really liked reading about your camping adventures. Your plan to reach out to groups and people who can't have these experiences struck me as a good idea. It was exciting to read about your desire to work in a remote park in northern Canada because it corresponds with your own experiences as a child spending time in nature and seems to be a love of yours. It was intriguing to see how you acknowledged the potential for a small audience and a lack of diversity. I appreciated how you recognized looking into alternative methods of communication and travelling to isolated areas to meet those who might not have the resources to do so. I also liked your idea of virtual experiences to overcome geographic barriers, that is a very creative solution. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this blog prompt, it was quite fascinating to read. Great work!

How Privilege Affects Nature Interpretation

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

A privilege is a specific right, benefit, or immunity that is solely granted to a certain individual or group. While this is a relatively straightforward definition of privilege, personally I would add that privilege usually stems from a certain social, cultural or financial advantage. These social, cultural, or economic advantages may provide a person with more possibilities in terms of interpreting nature. Regarding the understanding of nature, I enjoy luxury. Living close to protected areas and hiking paths allows me to enjoy nature on my own schedule. I also have the fortunate opportunity to go to a school that promotes and instructs nature interpretation, giving me the chance to enroll in this course and deepen my understanding of the subject.

A person's advantage that would provide them more access to the natural world is referred to as privilege in the context of nature interpretation. The availability of these advantages frequently depends on a person's social, cultural, or economic circumstances. A person with a higher status could have better employment or educational options, which might provide them more access to the outdoors. As a result of having better access to worthwhile opportunities, experience, and contacts, people with more education and experience are more likely to be hired for a nature interpretation position, which might lead to further development and increased access to the natural world. Additionally, having access to resources like technology, equipment, and green areas is made possible by possessing financial privilege. To effectively explore nature, one must invest in expensive and elusive equipment. When my family tried to go snowshoeing, I recall that not only were the snowshoes pricey, but they were also hard to come by. A person with access to these resources would be more privileged in their capacity to get employment and have access to resources for nature interpretation. Another privilege related to environmental interpretation is the capacity, resources, and cash to take part in programs of nature interpretation and to buy tools for doing fieldwork in the natural world.

In terms of nature interpretation, another benefit is having access to nature where you live. Some lower-income neighbourhoods lack the resources to fund parks and natural areas. In terms of accessibility to nature, having a place where money is invested in parks and nature reserves is a privilege. Additionally, having access to clean air and water is frequently associated with socioeconomic status related to higher income places. Being surrounded by nature produces clean air and water. Having the means to draw a diverse range of wildlife is a privilege, along with having access to and funding for green places in your neighbourhood. Ecosystems' ability to provide clean water, manage pests, and pollinate flowers depends on biodiversity.

These are only a few examples of how privilege affects how we see nature, and they serve as a poignant reminder of how fortunate we are to live in an area rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. This is not only a luxury, but it also enhances our quality of life and is educational.

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