Makayla Frendo

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Blog 10

As someone who loves to travel, experiencing new natural landscapes has always been a source of deep inspiration for me. There’s something incredibly powerful about being in a new place and connecting with nature on a personal level. I don’t just want to see a new place; I want to learn about it, feel its essence, and understand how it fits into the larger picture of the world. Traveling allows me to immerse myself in the environment, to walk through forests, hike mountains, or sit by rivers while learning the rich stories that come with these places. This deep connection with nature is something I want to share with others when I become a nature interpreter. Just as I find peace, joy, and understanding when I am in new natural spaces, I hope to guide others in developing their own connections to nature, helping them not only see the beauty around them but also appreciate its complexity and significance.

Nature interpretation is more than just showing people beautiful landscapes. It’s about creating a sense of understanding and connection that goes beyond the surface level. When I travel, I am always looking for ways to deepen my understanding of the places I visit. I want to know about the landscape, of course, but I also want to understand the cultural and historical contexts of the land. I want to hear the stories about the people who lived there before and the ways in which the environment has shaped their lives. Nature is not a neutral or passive entity; it is deeply tied to history, and that history can be rich and layered. I believe that as a nature interpreter, I have a responsibility to share not just the beauty of the land but also its complex and sometimes difficult history.

I think an important part of nature interpretation is telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. For example, if a park or natural area was once home to Indigenous communities who were displaced or whose land was taken, I believe it’s crucial to share that story. It may be painful for some to hear, but it’s an essential part of the history of that land, and without acknowledging it, we miss out on a full understanding of the area’s significance. Similarly, if a particular area has suffered from human impact, whether through deforestation, pollution, or other forms of environmental degradation, it’s important to talk about these issues openly. I don’t think it’s enough to simply paint nature as something pristine and untouched; nature has always been shaped by human interaction, and that needs to be part of the conversation. It’s essential to communicate these difficult truths in an honest and respectful way, without sugarcoating or ignoring the history that has shaped the land. Only through acknowledging these complexities can we begin to understand the present and move toward creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.

As a nature interpreter, I believe I have a responsibility to make sure that the information I share is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or learning style. People learn in different ways, and I think it’s important to tailor my approach to meet the needs of diverse audiences. For some, visual aids like maps, photos, and diagrams might be the most effective way to convey information. Others may prefer to engage with the environment directly through hands-on activities or guided hikes, where they can ask questions and explore the land in a more interactive way. Storytelling is another powerful tool, sharing narratives about the land, its history, and the animals and plants that inhabit it can be an incredibly engaging way to connect with people. I believe that nature interpretation should be a dynamic and adaptable experience, where people can choose the type of learning that suits them best while still gaining a deeper understanding of the environment.

The goal is to make the information I share not only educational but also emotionally resonant. It’s one thing to give people facts, but it’s another thing to help them feel something for the land and its history. Nature is not just a collection of trees, animals, and rocks; it’s an interconnected system that holds stories and memories. When I interpret nature, I want people to leave with a sense of awe and respect for the environment, feeling that they’ve experienced something meaningful. Whether it’s through an interactive program, a powerful story, or a chance to reflect on the significance of the land, my aim is to create experiences that help people connect on an emotional level.

Accessibility is a critical part of my approach to nature interpretation as well. It’s important that everyone, regardless of their background or level of experience with nature, feels welcome and able to engage. This means not only ensuring that the language I use is clear and simple but also offering different formats for learning. Some people may need more time to absorb information, while others may prefer to dive right in. By offering a variety of learning options, I can ensure that my interpretation is inclusive and meaningful to as many people as possible. I want to make sure that everyone who wants to participate feels that they can learn something, whether it’s through a visual aid, a personal interaction, or a hands-on activity.

Through my own travels, I’ve learned that nature holds a special place in the hearts of people around the world. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what language you speak; there’s something universally powerful about being in the presence of a wild landscape. I want to bring this sense of connection and respect for nature to others, helping them feel that same sense of awe and reverence that I experience when I visit new places. The way we connect with nature, whether through learning, exploring, or reflecting, is a deeply personal experience, and as a nature interpreter, I hope to guide others in finding their own connections to the natural world. By sharing the full story, embracing different learning styles, and making the information accessible to everyone, I aim to inspire people to not only appreciate nature but also feel a sense of responsibility to protect and preserve it.

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Blog week 9

One of my favorite things about nature is walking through a forest and realizing that everything around me is connected. From the trees to the tiny bugs, everything has a role, and it all works together in ways that are pretty amazing. The coolest part is that nothing stands alone. The trees and plants rely on the soil, which is full of fungi, bacteria, and insects, all helping break down dead material and keep the ecosystem healthy. The trees give back by producing oxygen and offering shelter to animals. Animals, in turn, spread seeds or pollinate plants, helping the cycle continue. It’s like every part of nature is part of an invisible web, working together to keep everything balanced. A fun fact that I learned recently is that some trees can actually "talk" to each other through the soil. They do this by sending chemical signals through their roots and the mycorrhizal fungi network, warning nearby trees about pests or diseases! Which is super cool! It’s amazing to think about how everything, no matter how small, is connected. This balance is what keeps nature running smoothly. The more I learn about it, the more I realize how each part plays an important role. That’s what makes nature so special to me. It’s not just a collection of trees and animals, it's a whole system where everything is linked. And that’s why walking through nature feels so special and it’s a constant reminder of how everything in the world is interconnected. Nature’s connectedness is similar to how humans rely on each other to survive and thrive. In a forest, everything works together to keep the ecosystem healthy. If one part is disrupted, it affects everything else. This reminds me of how we are as humans. We depend on one another for resources, support, and cooperation. When we work together, we can accomplish more and stay strong. Just like a forest relies on all its parts to function, humans need connections with others to be healthy and successful. Our well-being is tied to how well we support and work with each other.

Here's a photo that I feel artistically shows the interconnectedness of nature!

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Blog 7

Music and nature go hand in hand in so many ways. Whenever I step outside, I’m struck by the variety of sounds around me, the birds singing, leaves rustling, and water flowing in nearby streams. This natural soundtrack helps me feel more connected to the world and reminds me to appreciate my surroundings. Even animals use music to communicate, whether it’s whales singing to each other or birds chirping to signal their presence. These natural sounds create a sense of community among animals, similar to how we use music to connect with others. We listen to music to celebrate, unwind, and escape from the stress of everyday life. In our lives, we often incorporate elements of nature into music. Instruments made from natural materials, like maracas and conch shells, bring a unique sound that connects us to the earth. Music videos often feature beautiful landscapes, with visuals of oceans or  forests enhancing the overall experience.

A song that brings all of this to mind for me is "Maine" by Noah Kahan. When I hear it, I instantly visualize the scenery of Lions Valley Park in Oakville, where I enjoy long walks. The calming melodies and lyrics capture the peaceful vibe of that park and always make my time outdoors so much more enjoyable. As I walk the trails, I can hear the birds and feel the wind rustling through the trees, making the experience even more meaningful and makes me think about all the little animals that are among me and how many creatures share the environment with me. Listening to "Maine" encourages me to stop and appreciate what’s around me. I find myself thinking about how grateful I am to have the privilege to experience the beautiful nature of Ontario and how it provides me an outlet to relax. Music definitely allows me to connect to nature more and it is truly a reminder of how nature can help us relax and feel grounded.Reflecting on the connection between music and nature has made me realize how important they are to my well-being. Songs like "Maine" enhance my experiences outdoors and deepen my appreciation for the world around me.

A photo of Lions Valley Park!

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blog 6

Edward Hyams, in The Gifts of Interpretation, explains that just because something is old doesn’t make it important. What really matters is integrity and how all parts of something fit together. To keep that integrity we need memory, which connects the past, present, and future. Hyams encourages us to see time as connected, where understanding the past helps us appreciate the present and plan for the future.

He uses the example of a train station to explain his point. Thinking the past is “over” is like believing a train station stops existing as soon as we leave it. In reality, the past still influences the present, even if we’ve moved on and it's no longer in front of us. Ignoring it disconnects us from the full story of how we got here and how things came to be.

But Hyams also says we shouldn’t value the past just because it’s old there's so much more to the stories and events that came before the present. The past is important when it helps us understand the present and future. This is especially true in nature. Forests, rivers, and ecosystems have long histories that affect how they look and function today. Many natural changes and evolutions have been made to the landscapes we see today. Understanding these histories can help us appreciate and protect them better.

Overall, Hyams reminds us that to fully understand and preserve the world around us, we need to honor the role of the past in shaping the present. By remembering where we came from, we can move forward with more purpose and awareness.

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Blog 5 - The Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights has always been a dream of mine, and it’s right up there in the top three spots on my bucket list. Recently, I had the chance to see them in Southern Ontario, but unfortunately, I fell asleep and missed the show. The next day, as I scrolled through social media, I felt sadness wash over me when I saw friends posting pictures of the beautiful lights they could see from their backyard. Their vibrant greens and purples against the night sky made me feel like I had really missed out on something special. While I know you can catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights here, I can’t help but feel that seeing them in Ontario wouldn’t capture the full experience. I often imagine what it would be like to stand under the lights in a more remote place, far from city lights and noise. I believe that witnessing the auroras in the Arctic would be an even bigger experience, making it more magical. That's why I'm considering traveling to Iceland for my next adventure. The idea of seeing the Northern Lights while surrounded by Iceland’s amazing landscapes is incredibly exciting. The mix of breathtaking scenery and the chance to see the lights is hard to resist. Plus, Iceland has so much to offer besides the auroras, like its hot springs and unique culture, making it a great travel destination. I have many things on my bucket list that involve travel, and seeing the Northern Lights is one of the top experiences I really want to have. Even though I missed my chance this time, I'm determined to make it happen in the future. I can only imagine how thrilling it would be to finally see the lights and have that moment in my memory. Until then, I’ll keep working my way towards my next adventure and hope that one day I can say I’ve seen the Northern Lights in all their beauty.

The northern lights visible in Ontario!!

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Blog 4

Capturing nature through photography has become an essential part of my life. From an early age, I’ve been drawn to the outdoors and have found immense joy in using my camera to document the beauty of nature. While my photographs may not fully convey the natural vibrant colors or the intricate details, the act of photographing allows me to truly appreciate our world and its beauty. Each picture represents a moment that I want to share, connecting others to the natural landscapes I encounter.

During my travels to Costa Rica, the beauty of the jungle was overwhelming. The vibrant greenery, the diverse wildlife, and the intricate patterns of nature all around me. What I loved most was being able to capture those moments on camera, knowing that I could revisit that beauty long after I left. Photography allows me to pause and take in the details, and later, looking at those photos, I can continue to enjoy the richness of the landscape and relive the wonder I felt in that moment. It's as though photography extends the life of the beauty I witnessed, giving me and those who see my photos the chance to experience it again and again.

The same is true for the stunning mountains of Banff. Being surrounded by peaks and crystal-clear lakes is amazing, and with my camera, I can preserve that experience. When I look back at photos of Banff, it’s not just the scenery I remember but the feeling of being there. Photography allows me to hold onto that beauty, to appreciate it more deeply, and to share it with others, inspiring them to seek out these landscapes for themselves.

The concept of “the gift of beauty,” highlighted in our textbook, also resonates with me. It emphasizes the importance of capturing fleeting moments in nature and sharing them with others. I enjoy finding the perfect scene, taking a photo, and then sharing that moment with friends and family.

Recently, I learned about the Group of Seven through the readings, and their work has truly inspired me. They portrayed Canadian landscapes in ways that told compelling stories about our nation. While my photography may not have the same historical significance, it allows me to express my connection to nature and promote appreciation for the environment.

Ultimately, photography is my form of art, helping me feel more connected to the world. I aspire for my work to share the gift of beauty with others, inviting them to see the world through my lens and motivating them to explore the remarkable beauty that nature has to offer.

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Unit 3 Blog Post!

What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation?

Hey everyone, 

I truly appreciate the seriousness of this week's unit. Discussing serious topics such as privilege is an important part of the learning process and it is what makes us better people and stewards of the world. If we avoid discussing serious topics, we will never learn the importance of them and the ability to respect and understand different experiences. Therefore, I'm glad we are discussing this topic this week! 

I would define privilege as advantages granted to individuals or groups that can make their experience in life much easier in comparison to others. This privilege is usually based on their life circumstances. It can also be described as the experience of being relatively better off than someone else. Race, class, gender, sexuality, geographical location, socioeconomic status, ability, religion and education are all examples of different privileges. It is important to recognize these types of privileges as it can help us understand these often invisible advantages and how others may face obstacles or discrimination in their daily lives. Having privilege can often open up more doors in one's life such as access to more opportunities, social acceptance, reduced barriers, and many more invisible benefits. With this, it is important to recognize the existence of such privileges so that we may address systemic inequalities that exist in society. 

I also consider many experiences in life to be a privilege. The privilege to access outdoor spaces, the privilege to travel, the privilege to experience these times with friends and families. There are many more experiential privileges that not everyone has the ability or opportunity to experience. I think back to some of my own experiences in nature. I recognize that I have been able to drive to Northern Ontario Parks and spend more than a week in beautiful natural spaces. Connecting with the environment. This week's topic has made me recognize that these experiences I have had are a great privilege and not everyone may have the same opportunity to do such things. It is something I hold so close to me, and it made me think about ways I could help nature be more accessible to everyone. 

Privilege definitely has a significant role in nature interpretation. Privilege can be a deciding factor in who has access to natural spaces and nature interpretive programs. As nature interpreters, it is part of our role to be able to reach as many people as possible. Thinking back to this week's reading of Chapter 7, I really like how the chapter expresses the importance of getting to know your audience and I definitely agree that this is an important role of being a nature interpreter. It is important to know what ages make up our audience to be able to tailor to different attention spans and stages of cognitive development. Different ages also have different interests and it's important to bring something to the table for everyone. Sometimes you may encounter a group with multiple age ranges, therefore as a good interpreter this means being prepared to have topics and/or activities that cater to each age range. I appreciate the textbooks' detail on providing different principles to apply to programs for different ages. For example, adding an aspect of adventure, exploration and imagination for children or adding in schedules for early morning/daytime programs for seniors who often cannot attend late night programs. The textbook provides ample examples of how to connect with many different age groups and this is a great resource for learning nature interpreters.

In nature interpretation, privilege can also represent people's access to natural spaces. Not everyone has access to large natural spaces near them, or the ability to travel to these spaces, therefore this can shape whether someone experiences nature regularly, which impacts their connection to it. People who visit parks also come from many diverse backgrounds and life experiences and as interpreters it is important to recognize this. People from marginalized groups might feel unwelcome or overlooked when participating in programs that interpret natures because of past discrimination and exclusion. In contrast, privileged groups often don't face the same challenges when participating in these programs. As nature interpreters, it is our job to make all people feel welcomed and comfortable to be part of our programs and experience. 

These are all part of why I think learning this week's topic is super important! Going forward as a nature interpreter, i'm glad resources such as our textbook exist as it offers many great examples and solutions on how we can tailor our nature interpretation to everyone!

Thanks everyone:)

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I really enjoyed reading your post! You’re so right—talking about privilege is important, not just for understanding others but also for helping us become better stewards of the environment. I love how you pointed out that privilege isn’t just about money or social status, but also things like access to nature and the ability to spend time in outdoor spaces. That really stood out to me because it's something we might not always realize is a privilege.

Your experiences traveling to Northern Ontario parks sound amazing, and I can totally relate to how special those moments can be. Not everyone has the chance to do that, and it’s great that you’re thinking about how we can make nature more accessible for everyone. It’s easy to forget how much of a privilege it is to just be in nature, especially when it’s right in your backyard or you have the resources to travel.

I also agree with what you said about tailoring nature interpretation programs to different ages and backgrounds. Privilege definitely affects how people interact with these programs, and it’s on us to make sure everyone feels included and comfortable, no matter their background. The example from Chapter 7 about knowing your audience and adapting to different age groups really ties in perfectly with that. It’s a great reminder that inclusivity is key to what we do!

All in all, I think you made some great points about how privilege affects both access to nature and nature interpretation. It’s so important to think about how we can make these spaces more welcoming for everyone!

[mfrendo1]

I really appreciate your thoughtful response regarding the importance of discussing privilege in nature interpretation. Recognizing privilege allows us to understand the invisible barriers others face when accessing natural spaces. Like you, I’ve begun reflecting on how my experiences in nature, such as traveling to parks and spending time outdoors, are privileges not everyone can enjoy. I resonate with your reflection on the privilege of being able to travel to Northern Ontario Parks and spend extended time in beautiful natural settings, as this fosters a deep connection with the environment—something not everyone has the opportunity to experience. Your point about reaching diverse audiences as interpreters is crucial; understanding different backgrounds and life experiences will help us create more inclusive and welcoming spaces, ensuring that everyone feels connected to nature. I also appreciate your emphasis on knowing our audience and tailoring programs to different age groups. The examples you mentioned from the textbook, like incorporating adventure and exploration for children or scheduling programs that accommodate seniors, are thoughtful strategies that can engage diverse participants, making sure everyone feels welcomed and comfortable.

Thanks for sharing!

[mfrendo1]

Blog 3

Privilege, in my view, is an unearned advantage that some individuals have due to factors like race, class, or family background. It’s not something we choose, but it shapes how we move through the world. Growing up as a white, middle-class female in Canada, I’ve had access to resources and opportunities that I sometimes took for granted. Access to good education, healthcare, and nature. It wasn’t until recently that I started to reflect on how this privilege influences my relationship with the natural world, and how it shapes my approach to nature interpretation.

Before taking this course, I didn’t give much thought to how privilege plays a role in how we interpret nature. I’ve always been able to take walks in parks, go on hikes, or visit conservation areas without considering that not everyone has this same access. When I think about my experiences with nature, it’s easy to trace how much of that was facilitated by my privilege. I grew up in a family that could afford to take me on trips to national parks, and I was always encouraged to spend time outdoors. This created a strong sense of place for me in nature, but it also blinded me to the fact that not everyone gets these same opportunities.

A turning point for me was realizing that, for some people, access to nature is limited by socioeconomic barriers. I’ve seen this firsthand when visiting neighbourhoods with fewer green spaces or traveling to areas where environmental education isn’t readily available. For people from marginalized or lower-income communities, transportation, cost of entry, and a lack of safe, nearby green spaces can be significant barriers to enjoying the outdoors. As a result, their connection to nature may be limited, and their opportunities to engage with environmental education restricted.  My privilege allows me the time and resources to engage with nature deeply, something that not everyone can do. As I move forward learning about nature interpretation, I want to be mindful of these differences, creating experiences that are inclusive and accessible to all. Recognizing my privilege is the first step in ensuring that everyone has the chance to connect with and learn from nature, regardless of their background.

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Unit 02 Blog Post

Through my summer job as a naturalist in Algonquin Park, I have experience with nature interpretation, and I love my job so much I could probably just describe what I do as my “ideal role”. I will integrate my personal experience into what I would qualify as important considerations and skills for the environmental interpreter to have.

As an environmental interpreter, I think that where you are most effective is in nature. Actively interpreting the environment in which you stand is something that sets that sort of experience apart from just “another” lecture. While there are a variety of different ways to interpret—I have given many slide talks, theatre presentations, videos, and indoor children’s programs—there is nothing that can replace showing people something underfoot (tangibles!) Where you find this nature is not so important. While I work in a large provincial park, there are also stories to be found in a small urban woodlot. It is all about perspective, and the interpreter can tell universal stories wherever they may go.

In that regard, an important skill for the interpreter is the ability to think outside of the box. They must be creative in the way that they approach situations—this could make or break an interpretive experience. For example, if one were to look at a forest, they would notice that it is composed of different tree species. The interpreter could tackle this in several ways—but not all would be effective. You could simply go through the different tree species and tell a few facts about each of them, or you could frame it as a mystery that needs to be solved. Why are these trees in the forest? What could have happened here in this landscape? Suddenly it transforms a walk where the audience is passively listening into one where they are actively engaged. I think it is clear which method would leave a lasting impact.

Another valuable skill for interpreters to have is an adeptness for public speaking. This is something that may be natural for some, but certainly not all. It is a learned skill, and many interpreters have had to work on it over time. The technical details of public speaking are not something to be ignored and can truly make or break a program.

A skill that is less about actual interpretation, but I have found very applicable in my work is adaptability. Unexpected things happen during programs, and the interpreter needs to handle these with grace. These sorts of situations could range from inclement weather, technical difficulties, to even being able to incorporate impromptu interpretive experiences.

The list is endless for what may be important as an interpreter, but I will leave it with one last thing. People often get hung up on having a knowledge base. Knowledge is an asset, but not a necessity. You can always learn things as you need them. When asked about what is required to become an interpreter, my answer every time is “passion”. This is perhaps the most important trait. If you love what you do, this will show in your interpretation and will (hopefully) translate to your audience. Be careful with your expectations though: interpretation is not about making your audience passionate about the things you are—it is about inspiring your audience in such a way that they may find and pursue their own passions. THAT is what makes an exceptional interpreter.

There are a thousand-and-one stories to be told about this landscape—you just have to find them.

[mfrendo1]

I really enjoyed reading your blog post! It’s clear that your job as a naturalist in Algonquin Park has given you valuable insights into what makes for effective environmental interpretation. I completely agree that being in nature and showing people tangible elements of the environment creates a more engaging experience than any indoor lecture could provide. You mentioned creativity and thinking outside the box and I think those are definitely important skills to use in nature interpretation. Framing a topic as a mystery to solve can definitely make a lasting impression and encourage active participation. I also appreciate your thoughts on public speaking, it’s such an important skill. Adaptability is another crucial skill you highlighted, and I think it’s great that you acknowledge the unpredictable nature of working outdoors. Your point about passion being the core of effective interpretation resonates with me. Inspiring others to find their own interests in nature is such a meaningful goal.

Thanks for sharing!

[mfrendo1]

Blog Post 2

When I picture my ideal job as an environmental interpreter, I imagine myself guiding people through a forest, helping them see the environment in a whole new light. During my past few summers working in forestry conservation, I spent a lot of time outdoors and really grew to appreciate what the forest has to offer. That experience made me realize how much I enjoy being in nature and more importantly, how much I want to share what I’ve learned with others. In this role, I’d combine my background in forestry with my love of teaching to lead hikes, host workshops, and explain how everything in the forest connects, from the trees to the wildlife. 

Workshops would be a big part of what I do, teaching practical skills like tree identification and sustainable forestry practices. But I’d also want to make these experiences memorable by including stories and folklore, helping people relate to the forest on a more personal level. I would want people to leave with more than just facts but rather to feel connected to the landscape in a way that sticks with them.

I’ve come to understand that people learn in different ways, and it’s important to cater to those diverse learning styles. Some people are hands-on learners, others absorb information by listening or observing. My goal would be to create programs that cater to those different learning styles using visual aids, storytelling, or interactive activities, so no matter how someone experiences the material, they walk away feeling like they truly understood something new. 

I see myself working in a place like a national park or a community forest reserve, somewhere that attracts a range of visitors, from families to nature enthusiasts such as parts of western Canada.

Communication would be a skill important to my role. I’d need to explain potentially complex concepts in a way that’s clear and engaging. My previous work in forestry conservation would provide a solid foundation of knowledge, but I’d also make sure to stay creative with how I present it.

Empathy and patience would also be a very important skill. People come with different levels of understanding and interest in the environment, and it would be my job to make sure everyone feels included and takes away something valuable from the experience. 

Ultimately, it’s not just about sharing facts, it’s about helping people connect with their surroundings. By showing the beauty and importance of our forests, I hope to inspire a greater appreciation for conservation. Every hike, workshop, or chat would help build a community that values and protects these ecosystems.

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Unit 01: Nature to Me and Finding a Sense of Place

For as long as I can remember, I have been camping with my family. My relationship with nature started superficial- summertime, campfires, plastic utensils, bug spray. My father has been visiting Algonquin Park since he was a young boy, and it soon became part of my childhood too. While it started as being excited by a tent for the first time, my time in Algonquin Park with my father as I grew older became much more substantial. 

Over time, Algonquin Park has become a staple in my family- even indirectly. My father would take my brother portaging into the park in the early parts of May, and as an eight-year-old girl, I was just thrilled to have a house with no boys. In short, the place was special to us in more ways than one. 

In the summer of 2023, my relationship with nature changed very deeply. After the loss of my older brother, the person my father had shared a campsite with for so many years, I knew it was challenging for him to return to this place he loved. My father and I decided to camp in the interior of Lake Opeongo two summers ago- just a short few days. In the days leading up to our trip, I worried about living up to the exception of who he recently shared this place with. Despite my concerns, it was perfect.

 It poured rain almost the whole time… serious downpour. However, on the second day, after eating a warm meal he cooked me on a small, green portable stove by the fire, the sun peaked through. As we sat and watched the sun set over our canoe, we talked. We talked for hours- about everything. It was as if all the chaos from not only the downpour but also our lives given our recent loss, all came to a halt. All to be heard was the loons on the water, the crackling of the fire, and two best friends talking. 

It was the first time that I was truly able to appreciate the forcefield that nature provided. Nobody around, no service, no electronics. It was simply the natural world holding my father and me in the palm of its hand and giving us an escape to connect.

It was in that moment, that my father offered me a sense of place. He didn’t sit there and explain how wonderful the site was or how important it was to get our food high up in the tree. He simply sat there and shared it with me. It was then that I finally started to understand the beauty of being there in the natural world. I also couldn't help but think of how many others before me had also experienced this overwhelming peace there- a sense of community with all the people who have been before.

Despite coming to the park for years, it wasn’t until then that I felt a switch flip. My father has given me the gift of finding peace in nature and I could not be more grateful to have connected with it through him.

I look forward to deepening this newfound connection with the natural world and hopefully helping others do so as well through my own experiences.

[mfrendo1]

Wow, this is an amazing post. Your story about how your relationship with nature evolved through your time at Algonquin Park is incredibly touching. It’s amazing how a place can change from just a fun family tradition to something so deeply meaningful, especially after a significant loss. The way you describe that camping trip with your father—how the rain and the quiet moments around the fire helped you both connect and heal—is really powerful. It’s like nature itself created a special space for you to find peace and comfort together. I also love how you mention that your father didn’t need to explain the beauty of the place or the practical aspects of camping. Instead, he just shared the experience with you, which made it all the more special. It’s clear that this trip gave you a new perspective on how nature can be an environment of support during tough times. It’s great to hear that you’re looking forward to deepening your connection with nature and helping others find that same sense of peace. Your experience at Algonquin Park has given you a unique and valuable understanding of how nature can be a source of comfort and connection, and it’s wonderful that you want to share that with others. Thanks for sharing such a personal and meaningful story.

[mfrendo1]

Blog post 1

Growing up, I was lucky enough to live in a space where nature was always front and center. Whether I was playing in my grandfather’s garden or spending long weekends camping with my family, the outdoors was my happy place. My dad, who studied forestry, made sure to share his passion for nature with us. He’d point out different types of clouds, identify trees, and teach us about the little things we might not notice otherwise. Thanks to him, I developed a love for nature and all its hidden surprises.

As I got older, my relationship with nature evolved. I wanted to see what other parts of the world had to offer beyond Ontario’s landscapes. So, I began to travel and experienced some amazing adventures. Most recently, I traveled to Paris and backpacked through Italy and Greece. The Amalfi Coast and Lake Como blew me away with their stunning mountains, and Greece’s clever way of dealing with the heat by painting buildings and streets white was fascinating.

Hiking has always been a way for me to feel close to nature. In the past couple of years, I’ve hiked in Costa Rica and Banff, Alberta, and both experiences were incredible.

Costa Rica, being so close to the equator, is bursting with wildlife. Hiking through rainforests, seeing volcanoes, waterfalls, and dense jungle forests was an amazing experience. It really broadened my understanding of what nature is and how different countries appreciate their land It was also amazing that there was always free fruit hanging from the trees!

On the other hand, hiking in Banff made me appreciate my own country even more. The Canadian Rockies with their amazing mountains and wildlife felt like a whole new world. It was like I was rediscovering my home and reconnecting with the wild beauty of Canada.

Looking back, I realize that my dad’s love for nature and those early camping trips laid the groundwork for my evolving relationship with the outdoors. My dad gave me a sense of place by showing me that trees and plants are far more significant than I initially realized. He helped me see that every landscape I encounter has been here long before me and has been experienced by many people over the decades and even centuries. Nature has become an endless adventure for me, a place where I always find peace and joy. Whether I’m exploring new countries or revisiting old favourite trails, the forest remains a place where I feel connected to nature.

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This blog was created for ENVS 3000, 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.