Nature and Me: A Self-Proclaimed Professional Tree Hugger

Hi! My name is Marcus and this is my blog for a course at UofG, Nature Interpertation.

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DISCLAIMER

This blog was created for Marcus Morabito (ENVS*3000 W25), University of Guelph. 

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph. 

The University of Guelph is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by this blog.

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Unit 10 - Final Blog Post

Prompt: Describe your ethics 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?  

Introduction

As this is mine and our class's final blog post week, I would like to start by saying I've learned so much through not only the course but all of my peers! Reading the weekly blogs was so fun and presented a different way of learning new things, especially with the freedom of the prompts it was always so fascinating to see what directions people took it in. That being said let’s get into this week's prompt!

My Ethics

When starting this course, I was not sure what kind of interpreter I wanted to be or what that truly meant. However, now I can confidently say I'm starting to find my way in this new skill of environmental interpretation, learning as I go, of course! I find ethics such a complex and interesting topic as comes from a philosophy minor it is something often discussed. What I believe is important and what I bring to interpretation is trying to open our eyes past what we are currently seeing in the media and focus on our planet! The current political state of North America is very messy, and with a potential upcoming spring federal election for Canada approaching it is now time to speak up about our climate goals. The Green Party in Canada only holds two seats, one in BC and one here in Ontario. Smaller parties are often overshadowed and with everything currently happening… who is surprised? That is why I think we as interpreters need to ensure to represent the overshadowed topics and unrepresented parties who stand with the environment because it often feels like these topics are left in the rearview mirror.

*Feel free to read up about what the Green Party supports!

                Plans – Green Party Of Canada

In Chapter 5 of the textbook, there is a section called “promoting perception”. In this section, they discuss how in the end interpreters are helping people perceive the world that surrounds them more realistically and truthfully (Beck, Cable and Knudson, 2018). This relates to my ethics well because I believe so strongly we are often taking nature for granted due to the lack of discussion surrounding important environmental topics.

TED Talk

Bjorn Lomborg: Global priorities bigger than climate change | TED Talk

                This TED Talk is titled “Global Priorities Bigger than Climate Change”, the video is about 17 minutes but it is just a good way to show, and help understand how complicated decision-making is and just shows how complex ethics is because we all may have different ‘priorities’. The overall point of the talk is to show how much goes into decision-making and outweighs the pros and cons. People do not know this, and it allows for a false understanding of how the world truly runs. If you have time, I suggest watching it because it presents a transparent and honest message of some of the hard realities.

                *Also an interesting note on the video is it was made in 2005, but even 20 years later now in 2025 the same ideas still apply and we still see this in our everyday world.

My approaches

Chousing just a certain number of approaches can be so difficult because as we have seen all semester throughout the course the multiple different ways we can interpret nature! However, I find education a great way to share my interpretations of nature with others. Education feels most effective to me as it can be modified to best suit different age levels, understanding levels and so much more. Another important factor of education that must not be forgotten is the accessibility of this education; therefore education should not be limited to school settings, bringing it into public settings such as library programs, summer camps, television segments, and books/ cartoons… the possibilities are endless. My approaches need to be something that can be shared, I want to ensure messages stick and people keep talking about what I must say/show/interpret/promote… which leads us into responsibilities.

My responsibilities

As an interpreter what makes me feel good or makes me feel like I did my part is when I feel I have truly spread a message. I feel as a nature interpreter it is one point to ensure they understand the message you are sharing but it is another thing to see they are promoting/sharing your message! I want to see that the topic stuck around in their minds, I want to see them share with friends and family. Most importantly I want to open as many eyes as I can to a bigger picture. I feel it is the responsibility of nature interpreters to help people take a step back and allow the world to care about nature as we do! We also have a responsibility to guide upcoming generations, to ensure that nature interpretation never ends. Assuring we remember to accommodate towards the different abilities and comforts of the groups we are guiding, it is important to remember you are responsible for how the message comes across, I know I need to make sure things sound as they should!

Conclusion

Overall, there is still a lot for me to learn as an interpreter, but I believe we all bring something different to the table and that is important and necessary. Sharing our ethics and skills we bring can bring like-minded people together and help further connections and friendships. I hope we all continue our interpretation skills in the future! I hope to see real change for our planet!

References:

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

Lomborg, B. (2005). Global priorities are bigger than climate change. Bjorn Lomborg: Global priorities bigger than climate change | TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/bjorn_lomborg_global_priorities_bigger_than_climate_change?referrer=playlist-the_big_picture&autoplay=true  

Our plan. Green Party Of Canada. (n.d.). https://www.greenparty.ca/en/our-plan

Party standings in the House of Commons - Members of Parliament - House of Commons of Canada. (n.d.). https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/party-standings?view=chart  

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Hi Kate,

I really liked how you mentioned that it’s hard to just pick a few approaches because there are so many ways to share as an interpreter of nature, and there are so many different factors to think about. It’s one of the things that makes interpretation such an exciting and dynamic field. I think your choice of education is wonderful! It’s so versatile and can really reach a wide range of people. I think that’s what makes it so impactful, education can be tailored to so many different people and experiences. Its ability to be accessible to many, respecting diversity of experiences and building community that might not otherwise exist. Like you mentioned education should go beyond classrooms but shared in more ways, whether it’s through school programs, library events, or even TV and books. The possibilities really are endless, and it’s amazing to think about all the ways we can share the knowledge, encourage curiosity and reflect on nature.

I also enjoyed your perspective of your own personal ethics. I think for me sometimes I see it as having to look at the bigger picture, especially as nature is not delineated and there are little boundaries in nature. There’s so much that often gets overlooked, and it’s so important to focus on those underrepresented topics, like you mentioned with the Green Party. It really ties into what the textbook talks about, how we help people perceive the world around them more truthfully (Beck et al., 2018). It’s about providing the space for people to find their connection to nature and building that sense of community with the natural world,  opening people’s eyes to what’s going on in the world and helping them understand the bigger, sometimes uncomfortable, truths.

The TED talk you mentioned was also really interesting! Even though it was made in 2005, it’s crazy how relevant it still is today. It’s a great reminder of how complicated decision-making is and how much we need to keep talking about these issues to really make a change.

Overall, I think you’ve nailed the importance of interpreting nature in a way that sticks with people and gets them thinking long after the conversation ends. It’s all about sharing ideas, inspiring others, and helping them see things from a different perspective.

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Prompt 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 continue my journey to becoming a nature interpreter, I’ve come to realize how deeply intertwined my personal values and ethics are with the practice itself. At its core, nature interpretation is about creating a deeper connection between humans and the natural world. I believe that a good interpreter not only conveys information but also creates a sense of stewardship for the environment. I believe that everything has a story, and these stories can help us build empathy and understanding. As Beck et al. (2018) mentions, nature interpretation isn’t just about passing on knowledge but engaging audiences in a way that fosters curiosity and a deeper connection (Beck et al., 2018, p. 83). Knowledge should be shared in ways that encourage active engagement and critical thinking, allowing people to view the world through a different lens. I want to help others to see and appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things.

A key belief I bring into this field is that sustainability and conservation should be at the heart of nature interpretation. It is not enough to simply share facts, but to inspire action is important. Our work as interpreters has the potential to influence behaviors and attitudes toward the environment, and as Beck et al. (2018) discusses, interpretation should be a tool for inspiring positive change (Beck et al., 2018. This belief is what drives me to inspire and encourage others to take responsibility for the environment.

As a nature interpreter, I am tasked with being a bridge between the audience and the environment, which requires honesty, clarity, and care in how I present information. One responsibility I hold dear is the duty to respect both the audience and the natural spaces in which I work. It’s essential to take in account the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and learning styles, ensuring that my messages resonate with everyone, no matter their prior experience with nature. Beck et al. (2018) emphasizes the importance of meeting audiences where they are, understanding the cultural and educational backgrounds they bring to the table (Beck et al., 2018). Another important responsibility is ensuring the accuracy of the information I share. Nature is complex, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of oversimplifying or romanticizing certain aspects. I strive to present a truthful, balanced view of the natural world, while avoiding misleading or overly sensationalized portrayals. As the textbook highlights, we must ensure that the information we share is scientifically accurate and presented in a way that engages our audience without distorting the facts (Beck et al., 2018). Additionally, I have the responsibility to stay up-to-date with current ecological research, as the scientific understanding of the natural world is always evolving.

Lastly, I must acknowledge my responsibility to model ethical behavior. This includes demonstrating sustainable practices and encouraging others to adopt them. From respecting wildlife to minimizing human impact on ecosystems, my actions as an interpreter should reflect the values I hope to instill in others. By modeling responsible behavior, I can help visitors understand that caring for nature is not just a message to be heard but a way of living. As Beck et al. (2018) suggests, interpreters should exemplify the behaviors they want to see in their audiences, as we are the living examples of the principles we preach (Beck et al., 2018).

As an individual, I feel that I am best suited to a storytelling approach. Nature, to me, is most engaging when experienced as part of a narrative. I believe stories create emotional connections, and when people feel emotionally connected to something, they are more likely to act on behalf of its preservation. By sharing personal experiences and stories from the field, I can make the natural world more relatable, tangible, and memorable. Beck et al. (2018) highlights the value of storytelling in interpretation, stating that stories create a lasting impact by making abstract concepts more accessible and engaging (Beck et al., 2018). This is especially important when conveying complex environmental issues to audiences that might not have a background in science.

I also find that a hands-on, experiential approach resonates with me. Rather than simply talking about nature, I want to help people experience it for themselves. Whether through interactive activities, guided hikes, or fieldwork, I believe that people learn best when they are immersed in the environment.

Additionally, I am drawn to collaborative learning. Nature interpretation, in my view, is not a one-way street. I aim to foster an environment where people feel safe to ask questions, express curiosity, and share their own observations. In this way, I learn as much from my audience as they do from me.

As I move forward in this field, I plan to continue refining my approach to nature interpretation. I’ll remain mindful of the balance between knowledge, ethics, and personal connection that I bring to my work. I believe that by remaining open, curious, and committed to sustainability, I can not only share my love for nature but also inspire others to forge their own meaningful connections with the natural world. And in doing so, fostering a deeper sense of responsibility for its future.

References:

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

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I really liked what you shared about the deep connection between personal values and nature interpretation, it has been a big theme mentioned throughout the course. It’s something that really stood out to me as well on my journey to becoming an interpreter. I enjoyed that you mentioned that nature interpretation isn’t just about conveying facts, it’s about creating those emotional connections that help people understand the world and your place in it. I like to sum this up by saying it is about a finding a sense of community.  When we can tell a story that brings nature to life, it opens a space for people to see themselves as part of it, rather than separate from it. You  mentioned the power of storytelling, which is truly underrated sometimes, it is such a great way to make complex ideas more relatable. When people connect with a story, they often feel something, resulting in them to reflect on their role or inspired to act.

I also really resonate with your belief that sustainability and conservation should be at the heart of what we do. As you mentioned, our role as interpreters goes beyond just teaching, nature interpreters have the ability to encourage people to think about their actions and how they interact the world. I think that responsibility to provide access and acknowledge differences is one of the most important aspects of a nature interpreter. And I like how you brought up the need to stay up to date with current ecological research, specially on a local scale, and using other knowledge systems like indigenous knowledge systems. Nature is always evolving, and so should our understanding of it.

Additionally, your approach to meeting people where they are and making sure your message resonates with diverse backgrounds really stood out to me too. It’s so important to respect the different perspectives people bring to the table and to make sure your information is accessible. As interpreters, I think it is important to refrain from being a preacher but a provide an inclusive space for education. It’s a responsibility we all share to show by example how to care for the environment.

I also love how you’ve embraced a hands-on, experiential approach to interpretation. I agree that people often connect more deeply with nature when they can experience it firsthand, rather than just hearing about it. I think the combination of storytelling and getting people out into nature is such a powerful way to make the message stick.

Overall, your reflections really resonated with me, and I’m excited to continue refining my own approach to interpretation with the same focus on sustainability, connection, and shared learning. I think by staying open, curious, and committed to our responsibilities as interpreters, we can all help others build those deeper, meaningful connections with the natural world.

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My finals thoughts!

My personal ethic stems from what has motivated me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, which is a deep-rooted fascination and respect to the natural world. As discussed in my first blog post, when explaining how I found my sense of place, this was taught to me from my parent and Nonna. My upbringing has influenced my interpretive style, aligning with the importance of personal connections to nature (Beck et al., 2018). They always taught me to be thankful for my experiences in nature and to take time to think about my different senses. Practicing this, allowed me to recognize the feelings elicited when emersed and giving gratitude to nature. These moments created space to become enamored by the environment and ecology, spending lots of time on my own as a kid exploring the big big world, or what seemed big to a 10 year old, my backyard, protected woods nearby and my Nonna’s cottage. Chapter 3 of the textbook dives into how experiential learning in nature helps develop a profound sense of care and responsibility (Beck et al., 2018). Additionality, I was taught to respect these places, but I was also taught to respect other’s home, and yes that includes every home, from a rabbit’s burrow to a neighbour’s house. This taught me to put value to natural spaces not just for my own use but for potential use for any living things. Little did I know I was being taught to the ethical responsibility of nature interpreters to respect the interconnectedness of nature, for all life forms and ecosystems (Beck et al., 2018). As a kid I did not understand the scope to which I view nature now.  It took many years of experiences to get to the point I am at today, which is always changing and growing. For example, a recent experience that change the way I interact with nature was a guest lecture from Elder Theodore Flamand from Wiikwemkoong unceded territory. In this lecture he stated how he used to get in trouble with the elders because he was always thinking with his head, not thinking with his spirit. He explained that he did not fully understand what they were saying but eventually he came to understand that we connect with nature with our spirit, you can feel it when you connect with something else’s spirit. For this same class I am tasked with creating an insect collection, while in preservation park I was sitting on a log trying to pick away at deadwood when a firefly walked over to me touched my finger, posed for a picture and walked away. The reason I didn’t collect it was because when thinking with my spirit it did not feel right.

              This moment made me think about how my personal ethics have evolved every day, like water eroding rock. My ethics stem from fascination and respect but they take form in respecting the diversity of experiences, acknowledging perspectives, community building and integrity. Respecting the diversity of experiences main goal is to respect diversity in any form and any way. Whether it be racially, financially, disabilities, gender, or anything else, taking the time to respect that there are varying experiences in the world and these experiences impact the way people interact in the world is important. For example, the lecture from Elder Theodore Flamand spoke about his indigenous heritage, showing how he interprets nature, and the influence stories and lessons passed on by the elders have on his view.  Beck et al. (2018), highlight the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge, spirituality and cultural understanding in interpretation. No two stories are the same, it is important to listen to individuals and avoid generalizations. Generalizations remove individualization and thus can remove someone’s experiences and ignore differing perspectives. Acknowledging different perspectives aims to prevent assumptions and have open dialogue, whether in agreement or not. It also allows to see how past experiences can manifest in worldviews and specifically one’s view on nature. These are important for anyone to build connections, with others and when helping someone connect with nature. This builds community, not just to other people but to the land and all the living things, as it allows one to reflect on their role/ position in nature, aligning with the sense if care and responsibility from learning in nature (Beck et al., 2018). Personally, building community is one of my biggest responsibilities as an interpreter, to create an inclusive and accessible space. To do this we must address physical and social barriers, Chapter 8 of the textbook focuses on the importance of accessibility in nature interpretation and the responsibility of interpreters to remove barriers for all individuals, ensuring that everyone can engage with nature regardless of physical or social limitations (Beck et al., 2018). Adjusting the spaces we occupy such as making wheelchair accessible trials in parks and/or doing virtual walkthroughs for those who cannot find the time to get physically in nature, can be great ways to do this. No matter the way we are addressing barriers to nature, it is important to keep the integrity of what are interpreting. This responsibility as nature interpreters to keep the integrity of nature goes beyond highlighting how nature is for all and used by all. It means to go deeper, looking at how nature has changed and the different living things that have lived as the soil shifted through time. It reminds us to get all sides of a story, not just the most popular or the most known, making us as nature interpreters reflect on the various perspectives. It reminds us of that nature just simply is, a system of systems working intertwined with one another, allowing me to see the complexity of the interconnectedness and provide a nuance interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). Keeping integrity in nature interpretation to me, is seeing nature in the present, the past and the future but also identifying the causes and effects in the ongoing systems we interpret and that does not need human perspective to have value.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Routledge.

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The Most Amazing Thing About Nature

Hello everyone! Welcome back to my blog. This week I will be writing about one of my favourite places nature has to offer, the lake. 

Nature has so many beautiful gifts to offer, from breath taking views to peace and tranquility, there are so many aspects to be thankful for. In my opinion, the lake is one of the most amazing things nature has to offer. 

I was lucky enough to grow up in Kawartha Lakes, a region known for its stunning landscapes, and of course, its breathtaking lakes. Some of my best memories were created spending time by the water with my friends and family. Being near the water keeps me grounded and appreciative of what the world has to offer.  I have created so many meaningful memories I associate with being on the water. Playing hockey with my younger brother on the frozen lake in the winter, swimming with my friends, or just sitting on the dock soaking up the sun, all these memories created on the lake make it extremely sentimental and important to me. 

                  My mom owns a restaurant on the lake called The Pantry Shelf, I spent so much of my life working and spending time at her store. I have such a meaningful connection to that restaurant, I learned and grew so much as a person working for my mom, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to work and learn at my mom’s restaurant. Any time I have a moment to myself during a shift, I find myself staring out the window admiring the lake, reminiscing on all the amazing things I have gotten to experience in life. 

                  I think the most amazing thing about the lake is its ability to bring peace. Life can be so chaotic and unpredictable but being by the water has a way of melting all the stress away. Something about the cool breeze, gentle ripples in the water, and waves crashing on the shore provides a strong sense of tranquility. The lake for me is like natures therapy session. Anytime I am feeling overwhelmed, I go to the lake to clear my head. Just sitting on the dock with my toes in the water, or just staring into the water, I always leave feeling mentally refreshed. So many people are drawn to the water, it heals, it soothes, it reminds us to slow down and breathe. 

                  For me, the lake is more than just a beautiful place, it’s a time capsule for all the amazing memories I have made and everything I am thankful for. It is a place to find peace, to reconnect, and to simply exist. And that, to me, is the most amazing thing nature has to offer. 

Thank you for reading my blog post this week! Please feel free to share any memories that you have associated with the lake, I would love to hear about them. 

-Kenzie 

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I really enjoyed reading your perspective on lakes and you captured their beauty perfectly. The way you describe the lake as a source of peace and a space to ground you, resonates with me. I can almost feel the cool breeze and hear the soundscape and gentle ripples you mentioned.

Your connection to The Pantry Shelf sounds like it has added such a unique perspective to your connection to lakes and in general. I find it really interesting how you write about the lake almost being a who instead of a what.

Nature and especially water can be very therapeutic, there is something about the soundscape and the feeling of water that makes things better. There is something universally calming about water. Your reflections encourage us all to take a moment to reconnect with these natural spaces and find time to visit a lake.

Thank you for sharing this again. It’s a beautiful reminder to appreciate the tranquil spaces around us and the memories we create there.

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Most Fascinating Thing About Nature

An activity in the very beginning of one of my courses in my fourth year reminded me of a foundational aspect of ecology and nature. We were tasked to identify a system in nature and create a flow chart detailing the direction of energy. When I was tasked, I was overwhelmed by all the possibilities, I settled on one system that I found very interesting, whale falls. I settled on this system after exploring youtube’s vast number of educational videos on nature. Learning about the complexities of this system engraved the importance of systematic approaches.

Whale falls are when a whale carcass drops to the deepest depths of the ocean floor. This is a huge phenomenon for the life that lives in darkness because there are no plants and little food availability for the organisms at this depth. The main source of food comes from detritus, typically small pieces of organic matter suspended in the water. When a whale fall occurs, it provides a rare and extraordinary food source, which unfolds in stages. During the scavenger stage, large organisms like sharks and hagfish consume the soft tissues of the whale. After this, the enrichment opportunist stage begins, as smaller creatures such as worms, snails, and crustaceans feed on the remaining organic material on and around the bones. Finally, in the sulfophilic stage, bacteria break down the whale bones, producing hydrogen sulfide that supports unique chemosynthetic communities. This final stage can last for decades, creating an oasis of life in the deep sea. This process is astonishing, the ability to sustain life for years from one carcass falling. It is small scale version to show the circle of life, the loss of any majestic whale life is upsetting but it is beautiful that it can one can bring so much to life.

Making a flow chart of this reveled one of the most fascinating things in nature, that no matter the conditions, no matter what or where or when, everything is apart of a system. This is simple concept in theory, but it can be a lot more complex depending on the scale in which it is applied. Since then I have always remembered that task, permanently changing my perspective and to this day remains to be the coolest thing about nature. That everything, everywhere is a reaction to something else reacting to something else. The constant loop of the world reminds me of my place in systems and keeps more accountable for my actions and the reactions they can influence.

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Blog 7: Nature and Music

My first thought seeing the topic this week as nature and music before even reading through this week’s material, was “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. I could quote the entire song for its lyrics about the beauty of nature, however, my favourite is “I see skies of blue, and clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night.” This verse makes me want to wake up early, watch the sunrise, and listen to birds chirp on a hot summer morning. I think we can all agree that the song makes you feel something and it’s usually a good feeling. 

After reading through the course material, I realized I got ahead of myself and did the post backward, however, I am going to stick with it. I started thinking about how natural sounds within nature make their song and that importance in Indigenous culture that is discussed in this week’s material. Music is used to reflect their relationship with nature and communicate with the fallen. Their music consists of both natural sounds wind, water, and animals, along with sounds from their traditional musical instruments like flutes and drums. 

I am from Cornwall, Ontario, which is on traditional Mohawk land with a reservation. In high school, our history teacher took us to the reserve to witness a pow-wow as our current topic in class was Indigenous schools and Canadian Indigenous history. The day consisted of watching dances, listening to traditional songs being sung, and touring the tables of information and cultural gifts. I can’t thank my teacher enough for the field trip because it really took history off the paper for me. The motto of the Akwesasne Powwow is “Where the best drummers, dancers and artisans of the region come together”, and that really was the truth. 

Recognizing the value of Indigenous perspectives as interpreters helps us expand our understand traditional knowledge, rather than what we already know. We should be embracing storytelling, music, and Indigenous learning to make environmental education more immersive and meaningful rather than seeing nature as something to study from a distance.

In terms of nature in music, I can definitely agree with the prompt that music is associated with hot summer days around a campfire or on a road trip. My favourite music to listen to while hiking, camping, or just sitting outside watching the currents on the lake, is “The Lumineers”. Pretty much any of their songs from “The Lumineers” and “Cleopatra” album are on repeat in the summer! Their folky-rock vibe with the guitar and piano sound really just makes me think of walking through a forest with a huge backpack while wearing ugly hiking shoes. This post is really making me miss summer and I would love to hear how you guys connect nature and music!

Nature is full of natural sounds like crunching leaves, waves crashing onto rocks, birds chirping in the morning, and crickets chirping at night. It is so fascinating to me how different areas and landscapes have their own soundtrack. I’m sure sometimes we don’t even realize but no matter where you are, nature is playing a song designed perfectly for what you are looking at. Really makes me want to stop and look around more often.

Here is a link to the Lumineers Spotify {I'm sure you already listen to them (: https://open.spotify.com/artist/16oZKvXb6WkQlVAjwo2Wbg?si=PEtgG8EkRnSTbnEGz_a3Kg

The link for the Akwesasne Mohawk Powwow

Akwesasne Powwow | Where the best drummers, dancers & artisans of the region come together!

On the shores by the beautiful St. Lawrence River, visitors can enjoy a two day event with good music, good food and good company. The Akwes

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I completely agree, Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” is a timeless, especially the lyrics you mentioned,  “I see skies of blue, and clouds of white,” evoke a peaceful, almost sacred connection to the world around us. It’s a song and the way it is sung is phenomenal.

I really appreciated that you took time to highlight indigenous music and its connection with nature and their ancestors, it was insightful to read. The blending of natural sounds like wind and water with traditional instruments such as flutes and drums truly has the ability to make some encapsulating music. Your experience attending a pow-wow at the Akwesasne reservation sounds unforgettable and nice to see that it left such a strong impact on your worldview. Witnessing the dances and songs firsthand seems as if it brought history to life in such an engaging way. Also, thank you for sharing the link!!

Furthermore, I find it interesting to think on  how different areas have their own soundtrack, it is a nice reminder to pause and truly listen. I especially struggle with this when walking sometimes, I typically am so deep in thought I do not listen around me, or I have my headphones on, so I am not engaging with the natural sounds around me enough. I have had to remind myself to pause and talk those moments to listen, absorb the sound, and the full moment, not just hear it.

I also love your mention of The Lumineers as a summer soundtrack. If you like them and the folky rock vibe they got going on, I think that you would appreciate The Backseat Lovers, my personally favourite band.

Thank you for sharing such a meaningful reflection on music in nature!

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Does nature make music?

This week we were tasked to dive deeper into the connection between, nature and art, specifically with a lens on the role music plays nature and the role nature plays in music.

Personally,  I find the two hard to uncouple as it is a way that I connect to nature. Similar to my previous thoughts on art and nature, music has the ability to capture the feelings elicited by nature’s wonder, A certain advantage to using music to interpret nature, it is easier to experience other aspects of nature while listening to music. For example, when hanging out in my backyard ill listen to music, when this is coupled with laying in the grass, looking at the sky and feeling a gust of wind, it creates an immersive experience where all the different sensations while listening to music can amplify emotional responses elicited, altering the way nature is interpreted. I think it is important to note that the emotional response can vary depending on the emotional tone of the music but nevertheless coupled with nature, it is amplified. Beck et al. (2018) pointed out, while material possessions may lose their value over time, real-life experiences like these only grow more meaningful.

Additionally, I see music in nature everywhere, not everything may be a song, but everything has a beat and a rhythm. Probably, the most evident example of music in nature for most people are bird songs. Additionally, whether they know it or not, most people have probably heard cicadas, frogs croaking, crickets chirping and maybe even heard the loudest penis for its size in nature tapping against the abdomen of the water boatmen. These forms of communication are a necessity for these organisms, that can create a beautiful harmonizing sound scape with flowing water or branches and leaves in the breeze. Experiencing the world to the beat of these sounds dancing together, where the rhythm can dictate the movement of your body both physically and mentally. Music allows for some very beautiful moments in nature, but depending on the interpreter’s perspective these moments can also be very scary or anxiety inducing. Personally, one the most calming moments to me, is putting my ear to pet’s (my cat) or persons heartbeat, or against a tree listening to the movement of water behind the bark. These sounds remind me about the movement of energy and the importance of being true to your own rhythm. I think what is so beautiful about the heartbeats, is that they do not need to be heard to feel the musical ability, you can feel the strength of the beat. Which examples like that make music and natures relationship accessible to people hard of hearing.

That being said it is easy to put any sounds captured into music, music production can take any naturally occurring sound and use it to make music. Gray et al. (2001), mentions how “natural sounds” fill our world, these have been recorded and documented for years

Lyrics can describe artists experience in nature. One of the earliest memories for me was watching the circle of life from the lion king, that’s when I first realized that music can be used to depict nature. One song that currently transports me to a state of mind in nature is Silhouette by The Backseat Lovers. This song is primarily instrumental, and the 6-minute song immediately brings me through an emotional journey of running through the woods.

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage : for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of  Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8 

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Prompt 6: Unpack the following quote...

There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it. — Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation

The first sentence of this quote suggests that integrity means keeping things whole and that we should preserve the integrity of ancient things. This includes maintaining a connection with our past. One way to achieve this is by utilizing our knowledge of heritage, as it serves as the bridge connecting the past, present, and future (Beck et al., 2018). If we wish to uphold the integrity that Hyams encourages, we must actively engage with history—by discussing it, documenting it, and continuously learning from it. Our past serves as a window into our future (Beck et al., 2018), and in order to shape that future for the better, we must first understand where we have been.

When applying this idea to nature interpretation, one crucial way to connect with the past is by studying how ecosystems evolve over time. Understanding the history of a species, landscape, or ecosystem is key to developing effective conservation efforts. By analyzing past environmental changes, human impacts, and species adaptations, we can make informed decisions to protect biodiversity and ecological integrity.

I’ve emphasized the importance of learning history, but how can we actively do so? One great way is by visiting museums! One of my favourite museums is the Royal Ontario Museum, which features sections on natural history, art, and culture. A bonus for students—on Tuesdays, full-time college and university students receive free admission! Other ways to engage with history include enrolling in history courses, reading historical accounts or books, watching informative programs on TV or YouTube, and exploring history-related blog posts (as long as the sources are reliable!).

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The Royal Ontario Museum offers diverse exhibitions spanning ancient civilizations, natural history, and contemporary art.

Hyams’ quote also highlights the importance of keeping history "whole." This is crucial because, too often, history is presented in a fragmented or biased manner, particularly in formal education systems. There is a tendency to frame historical narratives in ways that favour certain groups while downplaying or erasing the experiences of others. As Winston Churchill famously said, “History is written by the victors.” A clear example of this is how the historical (and ongoing) mistreatment of Indigenous Peoples by the Canadian government is frequently minimized or overlooked. Many people find it uncomfortable to confront these realities, especially when they reveal past atrocities.

This ties into the second part of Hyams’ quote, which uses the metaphor of a train station to illustrate that just because we have moved on, it does not mean the past ceases to exist. Some argue that history is irrelevant—that the past is the past, and learning about it now is unnecessary. To that, I reference another quote by Churchill: “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Historically marginalized communities are often told to forget their oppression and to “move on.” However, moving on without acknowledgment and accountability only creates an opportunity for these injustices to be repeated. If we truly wish to build a better future, we must first be willing to learn from and reckon with our past.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing.

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Hi Michelle,

What a delightful, insightful blog post! Thank you for sharing. I particularly enjoyed how you broke down the quote by Edward Hyams and added ways to incorporate this perspective into nature interpretation. Also, thanks for letting me know about the ROM being free on Tuesdays. By the way, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is free for students.

I wanted to spotlight some points you mentioned about actively incorporating and practicing this viewpoint. Visiting museums is such a beneficial activity, which sometimes gets forgotten about. Especially if you need general information on a variety of topics or want a starting point for your own research. I think it is important to connect two of your points: sometimes the information presented, even at places like museums, might favour one perspective, typically the winner’s side, as you mentioned in Winston Churchill's quote. Therefore, it is ideal to do additional research on the varying perspectives of historical events, particularly those related to colonization.

Hopefully, after researching more and actively searching for the whole story in history, we can place accountability where needed and understand the systems at play. I believe it is imperative to learn about systems because it makes people look at the whole picture and all of the moving parts that may either be ignored or analyzed from a static point of view, not understanding plastic or how dynamic something may be. For example, whales travel long distances, consume lots of resources, and play a pivotal role in oceanic ecosystems when they are alive. But when they die, they may be even more important. When a whale carcass falls to the bottom of the ocean, it supports a whole ecosystem, providing high levels of resources to nutrient-poor depths. In this scenario, whales are a dynamic part of many systems or cycles in varying marine habitats.

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Integrity in Nature Interpretation

This week we were tasked with unpacking a quote by Edwards Hyams from 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.” (Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation).

Edward Hymas is stating that just because something is ancient or old or any synonym for something before an audience’s time, does not mean that it has worth. If you were to think of any rock you come across walking down the street, it is not of value because it older than any human on earth, rather its chemical composition, its geographical history and ecological importance is where its value most likely stems from. Intrinsic value comes from understanding the broader understanding of something of things, past and present and sometimes even future. Which is what the next part of the quote was referring to, essentially, intrinsic value comes form integrity. Where in order to have integrity as a nature interpreter, storyteller you must tell stories that hold integrity themselves. They should capture a wider scope than a glimpse of one part of the story or hold more than only one glimpse of one moment in time. In the quote, it simplifies the concept saying that not maintaining integrity is like believing that something only exists while you are present. I believe that the quote is fancy way of saying, egocentrism is bad, and that a lot of the wonderful, beautiful things come from sense of community, and community thrives best with roots that go deeper than just one person, group of people, and moment of time.  This is important to nature interpretation, because it reminds us of the need to have integrity in the stories that are told, to include everything that makes the place, subjects or people

Organizations like the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC) and the National Park Service for the United States seem to be good role models for the perspective shared from the quote. The ICSC aims to utilize landmarks to inspire public engagement, bridging the past and present to envision and cultivate a more just and humane future, here is the link to their website Home - Sites of Conscience. While the National Park Service continues to try and focus on maintaining integrity of parks, by sharing multiple stories and perspectives to their park’s history. Here is an old video that was shared with us in class: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/tZ9DM-MoTXA.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing.

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Blog Prompt 5

This past week, I read an article in the news of farmers suing their governments for failing to act on climate change. This approach in Switzerland has now become a trend, claiming for damages and championing for change as a result of the climate crisis that many tend to put on the back burner. This prompted me to think of nature interpretation through a legal lens. In the first few pages of out textbook, the mission of interpretation is discussed, with aims to developing a citizenry informed and experienced in our natural and cultural heritage. Helping the population to gain direct, in-depth familiarity with its life support system, the environment. Nature interpretation cannot occur without the preservation of nature, and I was thinking that a form of nature interpretation could be considered its defense in the court of law. In this sense, lawsuits, litigants, and those defending the rights of nature, employ the importance of nature preservation. The significance of nature and the environment and aim to not only share this significance but ensure that it lives on, continuing to flourish and to be enjoyed by everyone. This is something I find particularly interesting as I am in both Biology and Political Science. I think there has been a recurring theme of governments failing to address climate change and concerns for our land. Many governments in fact, support the exploitation of land and resources that continuously benefit the few while harming the masses. The Canadian government continues to make claims to land that belongs to Indigenous communities for its continued exploitation to support the capitalistic needs of society in its overconsumption. In this specific case, the changing climate in the agricultural sphere will yield far less crops, in a world where food insecurity is already an issue, we need to be able to defend our land. Ironically, as the article highlighted, agriculture is exempt from regulations on environmental protection as a result of its importance. How is it so important to the point that it is unprotected? There are so many climate change goals that countries are ‘striving’ to achieve and failing so miserably to do so. I can’t help but foolishly ask why? And who is enforcing these goals? I know the answers, and it is because economic gains are more valuable than the hand that feeds us and earth that homes us. Not to get too distracted and to burrow down in climate change rant, in this process I truly understood how pervasive nature interpretation is, because nature is what unites us all. That is one of the unique aspects to nature interpretation that I have come to notice in these last few weeks of being in this course, nature interpretation, in a sense, is up to interpretation. It is malleable and can be applied to so many different sectors in life. Environmental lawyers are integral to transmitting the importance of not only the value of nature and the environment but also in defending this value from those who seek to exploit it. I have linked the article if you're interested in reading it!

Some questions to think about: are there any unique modes of nature interpretation you have come across in your everyday life since beginning this course?

Why do you think climate change is such a difficult topic to have addressed?

Why farmers are beginning to take their government to court over climate change

How a Swiss lawsuit is recasting agriculture’s role in climate policy.

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the legal lens of nature interpretation and its role in tackling climate change.

The movement of Swiss farmers suing their governments for not acting on climate change is not a form of nature interpretation I was aware of, where legal action underscores the importance of environmental preservation. I found it highly informative that you linked how this aligns with the mission of fostering an informed citizenry, as highlighted in our textbook.

The added viewpoint from your political science background makes for unique perspective on these issues. It is very disheartening that government time and time again choose to prioritize economic gains over environmental sustainability, often to the detriment of our natural resources. Especially as the environmental sustainability is a form of economic sustainability or longevity, as you are not limited by non-renewable natural resources. The exploitation of Indigenous lands for greed and the exemption of agriculture from environmental regulations, despite its critical role, highlight systemic issues that need addressing. We should not be driven by short-term economic incentives, that do not have long term solutions, this underscores the need for a shift in values and priorities.

This course has highlighted the versatility of nature interpretation, your post included, and its application across various sectors. Environmental lawyers can aid in the preservation of nature, defending the intrinsic value of nature against exploitation.

Thank you again for sparking this thought-provoking discussion, before your post I would not have coupled the law and nature interpretation.

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Water is Nature too!

When thinking of nature, especially in more landlocked areas, water and its intricate ecosystems often aren’t the first things that come to mind. This is why I thought for this week’s blog post I would speak about the importance of water in nature, connecting it to various aspects of our course content. While for many, bodies of water are the nature they engage with most frequently, this isn't always the case. The proximity of a lake or the ocean offers unique opportunities to interact with nature, and even in their absence, there's much to uncover and appreciate about water in our surroundings.

Personally, my interactions with bodies of water occur when walking alongside a riverside in a forest, letting its natural flow guide me. Bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans can serve, as excellent landmarks, aiding in navigation through dense habitats or challenging terrains. The consistent flow of water in rivers and streams can act as a natural compass. Additionally, water serves as a significant mode of transportation, facilitating the movement of people and goods on both regional and global scales. For example, on a regional level, water transportation has long been essential for Indigenous communities of Turtle Island. These waterways providing essential transportation, allowing for seasonal migrations, hunting, and fishing (1). Additionally, canoe journeys often hold spiritual importance, serving as a connection to ancestors and the natural world (2). These routes allowed for the sharing of stories, knowledge, and cultural practices, strengthening social bonds among different Indigenous groups (2). According to the Native Women’s Association of Canada, water is a source of life, it is medicine. Globally, water remains a vital transportation route for countries economies, supporting international trade.

That being said the opportunity to interpret bodies water and their interactions with landscapes, fauna and flora does not need to happen in the water. One case study that highlights the interaction of water and its surrounding ecosystem is the story of how wolves shape rivers. In Yellowstone National Park, the eradication of the wolf population by colonizers led to an overpopulation of elk, which in turn overgrazed the vegetation in riparian zones. Without this vegetation, rivers began to meander more, riverbanks were collapsing and the rivers become shallower. This example illustrates how interconnected water is with other elements of the ecosystem. Here is a YouTube video you can watch to dive deeper into this example, https://youtu.be/VEeVv7Sx4X4.

Lastly, it's essential to recognize the need to make exploring, learning about, and enjoying bodies of water more accessible. Physical and financial barriers often inhibit people's ability to engage with water environments. While it can be costly to make recreational water spaces more inclusive, it's a necessary investment. Simple solutions like beach mats have proven to make beaches more wheelchair-friendly, highlighting the importance of accessibility in fostering a connection with nature.

In conclusion, water is an integral part of nature, influencing landscapes, ecosystems, and human activities. By understanding and appreciating its role, we can form a deeper connection with the nature, regardless of our proximity to bodies of water. This emphasis on accessibility ensures that everyone can explore and learn from the diverse and dynamic environments that water creates.

References

Birchbark Canoe | The Canadian Encyclopedia

The Canoe: A symbol of resilience, resurgence, and nationhood for Indigenous peoples

Water is a Source of Life| Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC)

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Picture Perfect Moment

Nature can create strong emotional responses in people, joy, fear, calm, anxious, and the list goes on, but this is part of the magnitude nature has on people. There are many reasons why these emotions can be brought up when thinking about nature, maybe someone is scared because nature is not something you have had the access to prior, or curious because of all the complex interactions that are going on, or in disbelief because the way light shines through the sugar maple trees and makes the water sparkle is so beautiful its hard to process. No matter the emotion they are strong and very powerful for many, me included. These emotions allow the interpreter to be immersed in not only the tangible aspect of nature but the personal intangible emotions.

A phenomenon that describes natures’ ability to emotionally move people is known as the “gift of beauty”, which is when nature influences a sense of inspiration, awe and wonder in humans. I have felt this moment many, many times when exploring nature for myself. For me it is a full body experience, feeling like every part of my body is completely relaxed while being hypersensitive to any sensations, like the sun, rain, wind, etc against my skin. These moments vary in their expression but are the only way in words I can explain the emotional journey they create. I usually always take a picture to try and make the moment last longer but unfortunately it is not the same thing for me. This is why art plays an integral part of interpreting nature because it aims to make a tangible product of the intangible emotions that nature can elicit in the body. It aims to mimic the moment, in my personal experience, aims to capture a glimpse of the subject’s history. It can share someone’s perspective and experience when interpreting nature, this allows for others to connect or reflect on their own experience that may differ. Beck et al. (2018),  mention to interpret nature effectively through art there must be a sense of value and interconnection with that in which you are interpreting. What is beautiful about this aspect, is that there is no uniform perspective amongst all interpreters which creates discussion and art can be used as a tool to put on the lens of someone else. From this we can continue to learn from nature by learning from other experiences with nature. Which personally I think is a needed and wquite cool concept.  

Art is not confined to a specific type or style, which makes it an excellent tool for interpreting nature. It is accessible to many people and can resonate with diverse audiences despite any barriers they might face when experiencing nature firsthand. Through art, individuals can connect with the natural world and reflect on their own experiences, creating a shared sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing

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Blog Post 03: Privilege in Nature Interpretation

You may recall my first blog post, titled My Relationship with Nature. In this post, I discussed how my relationship with nature was formed through my hometown and what was accessible to me. I talked about how I was able to have a positive relationship with nature because I had the privilege to be connected to it, being surrounded by it, and having experiences brought to me. And while that remains true, after completing this unit and reading Chapter 7 of Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World, I realized my understanding of privilege only scratched the surface. Prior, I understood privilege to be defined as what you are given in life, and the opportunities that are handed to you. However, I now understand that it goes much deeper than that. My working definition of privilege now includes the understanding that privilege is not just about having something others do not, but how some have set advantages to even have access to those opportunities, and they did not do anything themselves to earn that. The Youtube video Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race really helped me understand this. I encourage everyone to take 5 minutes out of their day to watch it. 

Now, how does this apply to nature interpretation, and our future roles as interpreters? Well, as interpreters, we strive to be able to share our craft, tell our story, and get people involved. In order to do this, we must recognize the privilege that comes with visitors actually participating. One main reason visitors do not participate is not because they do not want to, but because they can’t (Beck et al, 2018). In order to eliminate this in the future, our roles as interpreters can include the following: include bilingual interpreters, provide transportation, personally inviting minority groups, have information in various languages and forms, having diversity among staff, having sites developed to different group sizes, having an AODA compliant site, and having programs and activities at various times for all ages (Beck et al, 2018). I can also apply these guidelines specifically to my own future role as an interpreter when designing these sites. Throughout my landscape architecture degree, we have learned the importance of following AODA requirements, how we can ensure our design is accessible, and putting them into practice. As someone who is classified as disabled myself, I have first hand seen the benefits of doing so. I also have had the ability to write a thesis and work on my final capstone project about redesigning urban spaces inspired by nature to tackle environmental injustice. Doing that research taught me a lot about the privilege of access to nature. By applying said research with integration of the guidelines listed above, I can ensure that I am using my skills as an interpreter to confirm I am assessing risks, reflecting on myself, and understanding who my audience will be. This will allow me to do everything I can to see, understand, address, and prevent barriers. 

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

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Hi Kayla,

Great post! It was amazing to see you truly reflect and engage with the course content. Relating back to your first post was very powerful. Reflecting on the content, so far, the course has reinforced past thought processes shown in media or mentioned in previous classes. Just as you mentioned when referring to your understanding of privilege, it has been very nice to expand my definitions and understanding. I remember watching that YouTube video in my high school leadership class—it was truly an eye-opener and something I subconsciously refer to.

I really appreciate the information you've provided on following the AODA requirements and the importance emphasized in your landscape architecture degree courses. It is nice to hear the emphasis placed on meeting AODA standards in learning spaces. Even reading your blog, I can see how strongly you believe in this work. I liked when you mentioned assessing risks, reflecting on yourself, and understanding your audience. Wishing you the best of luck in your future endeavors. I aspire to be as passionate and dedicated to making nature interpretation accessible to everyone, despite any lack of circumstantial privilege that has created barriers for individuals, in my future careers.

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Does privilege exist in nature??

Privilege refers to an advantage granted to certain individuals over others. It can be broken down into two categories: circumstances (inherent to a person’s background, such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and physical abilities)and achievements (stem from personal efforts and accomplishments, such as education, professional skills, or career achievements). It is important to note that achievement privileges are often seen as earned, but are frequently influenced by circumstantial privileges. A person’s ability to attain educational or career success may be facilitated by prior advantages, like financial stability or a strong family support system, which may not be available to everyone.

In this unit we learned of a helpful way to understand privilege through the analogy of an invisible knapsack by Peggy McIntosh, explored in a paper by Gallavan (2005). It suggests that each person carries an invisible knapsack where the more privilege one has the more it is filled with tools, resources, and advantages that make it easier to navigate life’s challenges. Individuals with privilege often have backpacks full of items like access to education, financial resources, or supportive relationships, which help them overcome obstacles.  In contrast, those without privilege may carry an empty or less-equipped backpack, making challenges harder to overcome. This illustrates how privilege influences one’s ability to achieve their goals and be more resilient to obstacles that come their way.

Language is common example of privilege. English being my first language in an English-dominated society is a form of privilege, as it provides quicker access to education, employment, and social opportunities. English as a second language, on the other hand, may face significant barriers in accessing the same resources, demonstrating how even small advantages like language proficiency can impact one’s ability to succeed. These privileges can play a major role in dictating opportunities and the rate at which one achieves them.

In nature interpretation, recognizing privilege helps in crafting inclusive and effective communication. Beck et al. (2018) point out that barriers such as economic (entry cost, transpiration, lodging, etc.), cultural (preferences related to values), knowledge (not knowing where to go or what), language, and fear (of wildlife, getting lost, safety concerns) challenges often prevent minority groups from engaging with outdoor activities. Addressing these barriers, by understanding the diverse experiences of visitors, helps create more accessible outdoor spaces for everyone (Beck et al., 2018). One way to mitigate this is by providing more representation so individuals may feel welcome in natural spaces as a lack of visible diversity or inclusivity in staff and programming can be another barrier (Beck et al., 2018). In addition, these barriers should be prevalent to scale in which they are trying to be overcome, privileges can range depending on if you are looking globally or locally. This is important so the programming can be effective to the individuals it is trying to support.

As someone who comes from a semi outdoorsy family in Canada, I have not really had many obstacles come my way when it comes to getting to experience nature growing up. Additionally, I had the privilege of living near a protected forest in secluded area with distinct paths and no one on them, so while wondering this forest as a kid I was filled with wonder and curiosity, not inhibited by worry or fear. This forest was free for me to access, I did not need to pay lodging or food and was able to visit as much as I wanted, this was a part of me growing up and an big privilege.

In sum, recognizing privilege in nature is essential for creating more equitable opportunities and inclusive environments where all individuals, regardless of background, can interact with nature.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing

Gallavan, N. P. (2005). Helping teachers unpack their "invisible knapsacks". Multicultural Education, 13(1), 36.

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Blog Post 02: My Ideal Role as an Environmental Interpreter

My whole life I wanted to be an environmental interpreter. The funny thing is, I only recently discovered the word itself. However, the skills and qualities an interpreter possesses are how I have always envisioned my career path. As I explained in my previous blog post, I pursued a degree in landscape architecture because I wanted to have a positive impact on my environment. To expand on this, I have always felt an extreme connection to nature. I wanted to be able to design and influence spaces that bring people close to their environments, too. I wanted others to experience the joy and peace I feel when I am in outdoor spaces that allow me to engage with my surroundings. In order to do this, I must communicate. Communicate with myself, with those I am working with, with the environment, and most importantly, those I am trying to teach and tell a story to. I also have developed my artistic and creativity skills through my degree, that I can utilize as a way to translate and communicate to the public. 

While landscape architects can work on a wide range of projects such as streetscapes, stormwater management, and residential design, my ideal role would be designing educational landscapes. There is a quote in the book Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For A Better World, by George Hartzog, that really related to me, and why I want to design educational spaces. It reads “We who have spent our lives working in and for the parks should not expect other people to possess an instinctive knowledge of park values... A sensitive enjoyment and understanding of national parks does not come naturally to most persons” (Beck et al, 2018). It was not until reading this that I actually realized not everyone has a connection or understanding of our natural world. However, I can design them so that they can be understood by all different people in different ways. This allows for people to learn in the way that works best for them, but also engage with other learning styles as well. As a future designer of educational landscapes, I can develop parks, gardens, community green spaces and more, in urban areas, schools, natural areas and cultural and heritage institutions. I can cater to auditory learners by incorporating outdoor lectures, guided tours of spaces, and natural features that produce soundscapes such as flowing water and the sound of birds chirping. For visual learners, I would design spaces with diagrams and illustrations, explaining the context of the area they are in, why it is important, and how it benefits them as well as the environment. For tactile learners, I would design spaces to actively engage them. This could include plant walls, interactive water features, and pathways throughout the sites that can be interacted with. The beauty of being an environmental interpreter in this manner is that it can be anywhere in the world. Designing these spaces and sites provides me with the ability to educate and inform anyone, anywhere. 

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

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Great blog, thanks for sharing, Kayla! It's funny I guess I also dreamed of becoming an environmental interpreter but only learned the term recently too. It's something I've been working towards as well. While our career paths differ—yours in landscape architecture and mine in ecology research—we've probably shared many of the same classes and experiences that have deepened our connection to nature and brought us closer to our goals. Though I haven’t explored landscape architecture directly, I think I can relate to it through some childhood experiences. I loved creating homes for wildlife in my backyard, even if the animals didn’t always use them. I built birdhouses, nests, and small burrow holes for rodents like mice or bunnies, hoping to provide them with a safe place before winter. More recently, I've applied this same ‘landscape architecture’ perspective to creating a comfortable terrarium / aquarium for my lizard and fish, that allows them to express themselves (mainly my bearded dragon as he likes to rearrange his space). It’s incredibly rewarding to watch these creatures find their safe spaces. From my understanding,  I believe landscape architecture is fundamental because it allows people to create meaningful community spaces. These spaces need to be accessible to all, and incorporating nature into architecture is a wonderful way to help people connect with the outdoors, especially those who can’t always access wilderness areas. Especially from your description it can bring the beauty and tranquility of nature to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. I really noticed it in your mention of including different learning styles and the importance of this, like tactile and auditory, in your design ideas. The examples you shared, such as plant walls, contextual diagrams, and natural soundscapes, are fantastic ways to engage people and deepen their connection to the environment. I’ve always believed learning should be immersive, and your suggestions really resonate with that. They help people understand the significance of the spaces they occupy and foster a deeper appreciation for nature.

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Who am I as an environmental interpreter??

As an environmental interpreter, my dream role would be to create spaces where people can cultivate a deep sense of place and community. I envision this through various hands-on, physical approaches that not only connect people to nature but also invite them to become stewards of the earth. These immersive experiences are incredibly important to me, as they help forge spiritual connections that shape my worldview. Activities like hugging trees to express gratitude, foraging for craft supplies or food, hiking, and gardening are some of the experiences that strongly resonate with me. With my 'feet on the ground' and 'hands in the dirt' is where I find my true calling. I believe that by engaging people in these meaningful activities, we can nurture a greater appreciation for the natural world and encourage sustainable practices. My goal is to create a space where individuals feel connected to the environment, thus including it in their definition of community.

As an ecology student, I’m passionate about combining science and spirituality in regard to the  environment. Environmental interpreters play a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific research and the general public, making the natural world more relatable and meaningful. Thus, my role as an environmental interpreter would ideally include making gatekept  scientific concepts and literature more accessible and engaging for the public.  Most importantly to be a successful environmental interpreter, it is important to me that experiences can be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or financial barriers. This could mean offering nature talks on paved paths in parks or providing elevated gardening surfaces for those with mobility challenges. It is also essential to incorporate different learning styles to ensure that everyone can get the most out of these experiences. By creating inclusive and diverse opportunities, we can engage a wider audience and hone deeper connections with nature.

This week’s readings highlighted how interpreters play a crucial role in transforming complex environmental ideas into relatable stories that spark curiosity and foster connections with nature. Whether working in parks, museums, or online, their goal is to inspire a deeper appreciation for the environment and encourage critical thinking. This ultimately supports conservation efforts by motivating individuals to become stewards and find their sense of place in nature . My vision as an environmental interpreter is to create immersive and interactive experiences that cultivate a sense of wonder and responsibility towards the environment. By engaging people in activities like tree hugging, foraging, hiking, and gardening, we can help them develop a personal connection to nature. These experiences not only educate but also inspire individuals to become advocates for sustainability.