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izzy's playlists!
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@mpsenvs3000f23
This blog was created for ENVS3000, 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.
Hello everyone,
I hope you are all enjoying our last few days of the beautiful autumn weather – certainly my favourite season, so I’ll be sad to see it go!
I am not much of a musically inclined person, I never even learned how to read music in school! Nonetheless, I absolutely love listening to music, if you are anything like me, I have about a million different playlists for various moods, ‘vibes’, and activities on my Spotify. My family is in Vancouver, so I spend a good amount of time in the mountains, and I always find myself listening to ‘folky’ and rock songs that embody the whole “granola-girl” aesthetic whenever I am out there (I find it funny how I rarely listen to that playlist when I’m in Ontario). In my opinion, nature interpretation is all about gaining an appreciation for nature and being fully present and in tune with it. Listening to the music of the trees blowing in the wind, birds chirping, and the crunching of leaves beneath your feet is probably the best kind of music for being present and one with nature. Still, if I had to pick a genre of music that spoke to me most while outdoors – or elicited a feeling of being fully present – it would have to be contemporary classical music. The absence of lyrics allows my mind to take in all the beauty around me. The calming melody of the classical instruments kindles the sense of “presentness” that I find so important about being outdoors – and in any aspect of life. In the same way photos and social media can push for immediate interpretation (as stated in the textbook), I would argue that music has the ability to transport you to another realm of awareness and presence, one where you can tune out some of your incessant thoughts that consume your day, and one that can evoke feeling and emotion. I think it’s super cool that we humans aren’t the only species who communicate through music, for example, think of whales or birds, even insects have the ability to feel rhythm! There is a reason music can induce great emotion and memory, it is ingrained in our history as a species and we wouldn’t have it if it weren’t for nature and our great ancestors evolving animal vocalization into the sounds of music we hear today. If I had to pick some songs that transport me to a space where I can be fully immersed in nature – sticking with my contemporary classical genre – the following are what I would recommend:
Sunken Dreams by Alban Claudin & Esther Abrami
Minerva by Akira Kosemura
Avril 14th by Aphex Twin, Daniel Hope, Jacques Ammon, Christoph Anacker, Jane Berthe, and Kaiser Quartett
I look forward to hearing what you have to say about this week's prompt because I sort of struggled with it haha!
All the best,
Olivia
Hi Olivia, I really enjoyed reading your post this week! It's so interesting how our setting can completely change our mood, how we perceive the world, and the music that we listen to. I agree that music can transport you to another realm entirely. The music we listen to has such a visceral impact on our mindset. It really channels our innermost emotions and can be used as a powerful tool for self expression. I find it so interesting that insects can feel rhythm! I wonder why they evolved with this trait, it sounds like a very fascinating topic. It really shows that even the smallest of lifeforms have some connection to rhythm, sound, even music. I am always curious when looking at studies on how animals react to music and I have always wondered how they perceive it, whether it influences their own emotions. I sometimes even wonder what my cat thinks when I'm playing music in my room. I haven't heard of any of the songs you listed, but I'll definitely look into everyone's song recommendations this week. I do love Aphex Twin, he has such a unique sound and even though I don't usually like that genre of music, I find myself listening to him pretty often. I think that a lot of this has to do with what you were saying about instrumental music; although lyrics are beautiful to listen to and interpret, there is something very beautiful about instrumental music that can speak to so many emotions so clearly even without words. I look forward to reading your future posts!
Blog 7
For this week’s blog prompt, There are countless examples of nature being used in music as metaphors to express the full extent of human emotion. There is something inherently empowering about the creative expression of strong emotions that are nearly overwhelming. Music is one of these creative outlets to express these feelings and what better metaphor to use than natural forces? Whether expressing a sense of disorientation as being adrift at sea, or comparing rage to a thunderstorm, nature offers itself as a versatile muse for expression. For instance, in the song “The Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix, wind is used metaphorically to invoke a sense of longing and melancholy.
Music in nature is an entirely different conversation and one that many tend to overlook. The obvious sources are animal calls such as birdsongs, whales singing, or frogs croaking. While these are beautiful examples of music found in nature, I feel that there are many other examples of music in nature that often go unrecognized. For instance, when I was younger, my family would go camping in northern Minnesota on Lake Superior and I recall finding the rhythm of waves crashing on the shore a soothing type of “music” I would fall asleep to almost as if it were a lullaby. The ambiance of a thunderstorm is another example of music in nature that many people don’t consider. Another example of music and nature being intertwined that comes to mind when considering this prompt is the paleolithic bone flute. One of the world’s oldest musical instruments discovered is a vulture-bone flute found in Europe (Owen, 2021). This piece of history emphasizes the inherent connection between nature and music. The oldest known instrument being created from bone is powerfully symbolic of this connection. Nature has always been used to inspire and create music, from the very first known instruments.
The song that takes me back to a natural landscape is In A Week by Hozier featuring Karen Crowley. This song describes two lovers lying in the hills together to pass away. The ethereal atmosphere of the song lulls the listener while the lyrics convey darker themes such as insects feasting upon flesh and the corpses rotting into the ground. Although the analysis of this song vary between different perspectives, I have always listened to it as a song about the cycle of life, death, and decay. However, it does not instill fear of death and decay, rather it intertwines these concepts with the lovers and in doing so, romanticizes this cycle. The lyric “So long, we’d become the flowers//I’d be home with you,” describes the process of slowly rotting into the ground as a return journey home. The romanticization of dying and decaying beside a lover is a gentle cover for the harsh and lonely process of death. I personally view death as a symbol of change and cycles within song lyrics or writing. Although it is undeniably tragic, it is also strangely comforting; the repeated cycle that brings us all to an equal fate is a beautiful concept to write into song. The concept of dying beside a loved one, as in this song, is a bittersweet tribute to this cycle that claims everyone.
Owen, J. (2021, May 3). Bone flute is oldest instrument, study says. Culture. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/bone-flute-is-oldest-instrument--study-says?loggedin=true&rnd=1698417984649
Blog post 6
The thing I mostly take from this quote is the part where it say’s that something only exists as we pass through it. Although I don’t think dwelling on our own past is a wise choice, to completely forget the past won’t help anyone. For example, if we simply ignored the history of discovery of the origin of species we wouldn’t know half the things we do now, or another way to look at it is that we would simply be rediscovering the same thing over and over again without making any new progress. We use history to build on it and learn from, without it we wouldn’t be where we are today. The past is, as said, spread through time and it’s our job to not only interpret the part we are in now but to look at the past and interpret it as well.
To be a good nature interpreter, we must know the history behind what we are interpreting. If we don’t know the history of what we are interpreting, we won’t even know half the story. For example, if we are out on a hike and start discussing the different species of birds we might see, it’s important to think back to Darwin’s finches. Although Darwin’s finches are located in the Galapagos islands, the basis of what he discovered is applicable to many species around the world. To think about how these birds all became different species originating from the same bird and adapting to their environment is an important piece of knowledge to have. It can help us understand why some birds we see here might have different shaped beaks, or why they are certain colours and have certain sounds they make. When we think about the discovery of these species and what made them different species to begin with, this can help us identify birds that may look similar now by differentiating minor features like their beak shape.
This is just a small example of how important history is for us to hold onto and build on. We need the past to move forward and learn from.
Darwin’s finches. Galapagos Conservation Trust. (2023, July 4). https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/species/darwins-finches/
Hi, I really enjoyed reading your perspective on this quote! The quote was so abstract and left so much up to interpretation, but this makes it far more interesting to read the different responses and ways in which everyone interpreted it. I appreciated how your perspective focused on an almost solely scientific viewpoint, emphasizing how knowledge will inform us of natural history. This is crucial for nature interpretation, of course. I personally saw this quote through the lens of a historian more than a naturalist. When the author stated "integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole," I imagined how history is comprised of so many different parts and voices and how integrity must entail sharing all of these perspectives. I think there is no correct answer on how to interpret this quote, and it would be most beneficial to take into account all perspectives offered here. I am curious to know what you thought of the train analogy; I did not personally resonate with this analogy, but I would love to hear someone else's thoughts on it and maybe change my mind. Personally, I found that this analogy would've better communicated the author's message if he had either chosen a different metaphor, or simply expanded on what he was trying to communicate. My issues with the quote were mostly that it was not the most easily accessible to the general audience and that nature interpretation should be thought provoking, but also more communicative.
Blog 6
The author provides a vague definition of integrity here, only leaving clues to their concept of the word. In particular, the phrase “the parts of any whole” leaves much room for interpretation. I assume that the author was alluding to nature interpretation in the historical context; there are so many parts and perspectives to any historical account, and it is crucial to question which parts are being emphasized and why. When researching historical events, it is necessary to examine the perspectives and stories being told through a critical lens. In this context, the author views integrity as sharing all of these perspectives and parts of the story. This is particularly important as so much of history is told from the perspective of the victor. An interpreter must be conscious of this and understand their responsibility as story teller. Truthfully, while I felt that the train analogy was creative, I did not feel that it was effective. To compare a historical event to a train leaving the station, still existing in space, is inaccurate and does not do the rippling effects of an event justice. I think a better analogy would be to compare the event to a person throwing a stone into a lake; even after the initial throwing of the stone is done, the ripples from the stone will be seen across the water after the stone has sank beneath the surface. The ripples will fade over time, but until then, they will remain as a reminder of the throw.
To be completely transparent, while I understood the intended message of this quote, but I did not appreciate the delivery of this message. Nature interpretation emphasizes accessibility, understanding the audience, and being a true story teller. It took several times reading over this quote for me to fully grasp what the author was attempting to communicate, and many people simply will not take the time to do this. It’s very easy to get lost in the artistic forms of writing, but in the case of nature interpretation your point must be clear enough that people will take the time to listen and understand. A general audience won’t appreciate feeling spoken down to, nor will they be as open to a message if it is delivered in a format that is not easily accessible to them. There is a fine balance between expressing yourself artistically through writing and still ensuring that you preserve the important components of your intended message. The analogy using the train as a symbol of past events might have been stronger if the author had simply emphasized the importance of historical events in terms of systems of oppression still in place today as a result of events that happened hundreds of years ago. Although the train analogy loosely works, it is far more powerful to connect messages to current issues to create emotional connection and investment. The author certainly has a powerful message to share, but in my personal opinion, it would better serve them to spread this message in a less abstract, convoluted manner.
Unit 05: Free Write
I will be honest, I struggle to write any piece of work without any prompt or question. I suppose the first thing that comes to mind is my recent trip to Algonquin Park.
As a British student, driving through Canada was amazing. It made me fully realise how ridiculously big this country is, but also stunning in terms of its nature and small towns in between the long roads.
Arriving at Algonquin Park, the surroundings were great to see. The lake outside our motel and the autumn trees complemented each other excellently. Despite the continuous rain we had on the trip, this does not take away from the fantastic views that we experienced. I am aware though that the scenery would have been even better without the rain as the visibility would have been higher, but I still greatly appreciated it. I felt this was only a preview of what beautiful landscapes are out there. I am excited to see a white Christmas in North America as this is very rare in the south of London.
I have often been asked what are my favourite countries, climates and landscapes I have witnessed. I have always said snowy mountains like in Norway, or coastal cliffs in Croatia or Spain, but I think Canada's lakes and highlands will rise up there when I visit more places here.
I am interested to know what other people's favourite trips have been over the years.
I loved hearing your perspective as a British student on Canada's natural beauty! I think that so many people underestimate the vast range of beautiful landscapes that Canada has to offer. I would love to hear you expand on your experiences in the other countries like Norway or Croatia, particularly on the unique aspects of nature and wildlife you must have witnessed there. I hope that your first Canadian winter is a positive experience. My personal favourite trip was to Grand Marais, Minnesota. I grew up in Minnesota and my family and I would go camping in Grand Marais every summer. It is a beautiful, tiny town on Lake Superior and the local wildlife is breathtaking. I remember very distinctly one summer when my family and I went for a hike and saw a family of black bears. Needless to say, we kept a safe distance and quietly turned back but it was an incredible experience. We would also visit Palisade head, a cliff on Lake Superior, where we would often see a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, plant life, and even deer. These early experiences had an extremely positive impact on my view of nature and definitely inspired my choice of wildlife biology for my program. Did your experiences travelling impact your choice in program? I would love to hear more of your thoughts and experiences.
Blog 5
This week, I am especially grateful for my cat, Lilo. She is just over a year old and still quite small for her age. She is incredibly shy around other people, often running underneath my bed when I invite friends into my room, but when I’m home alone, she’s full of energy and constantly begs for attention. I grew up with cats, but had never considered adopting one of my own when I moved out until I found Lilo as a stray. Ironically enough, she was found as an unwelcome guest on a wildlife sanctuary I was volunteering at. The staff was not pleased to have a kitten ready to unleash her newfound hunting skills on the birds they had just rehabilitated. However, the minute I brought her home, she was welcome in my life. The mental benefits of having an animal are widely discussed as a general topic, but everyone’s specific relationship to their own pet is different. During the busier parts of my semester especially, I find myself feeling increasingly burned out and frustrated by everything. Between work, school, and a busy social life, I often feel that the world is constantly demanding things from me. However, when I come home to Lilo, her only demands are that I spend time with her and care for her. She is excited to see me regardless of whether I’m in a good mood or a bad one. It’s refreshing to experience this type of love when I so often feel that many aspects of my life are transactional, demanding my time, energy, and emotional labour.
I believe that the biggest part of what makes living with animals so beneficial for mental health is this unconditional, uncomplicated love. There is an inherent understanding between me and my cat; no words are said and yet I understand what she wants perfectly. The way people learn to communicate with their pets despite no common language is quite touching; the understanding and special attention we give to our animals is something I don’t experience in any other aspect of my life. I have plenty of people and activities I enjoy, but there is an undeniable bond between pet and human that I am incredibly grateful for. The mutual understanding between animal and human is a fascinating phenomenon, and it has certainly been a heavy influence on my own relationship with nature and even with wildlife. I feel that having this strong bond with my cat and having learned to pay attention to the ways in which she expresses her needs aided me in my job this summer, where I was working with wildlife. Domesticated animals are quite different from wild animals, of course, but the same attention to body language and determination to understand these cues helped me better understand the wildlife I was working with. My experiences both with wildlife and domesticated animals have shaped my relationship with animals and with nature, as well as encouraging me to reimagine how I communicate.
Blog 4
prompt: Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”? (Your readings – specifically Chapter 5 of the textbook – will be helpful for this!)
Nature is something that is often difficult to describe in words. It brings to us a complexity that sparks emotions and feelings. There have been countless times where I, and I am sure others, have felt this way. Whether its an awe inspiring sunset or an animal in its natural habitat. Even something simple that has a great meaning to you, like a special creek or fishing hole. Art allows for a snapshot of these events that are often better at portraying how they made you feel, than words.
Art to me can be anything, from pictures, sculptures, paintings, and music. I have always consumed art, whether it be consciously or unconsciously. From my friends posting photos of nature online, to seeing paintings in my local museum and family members houses. I always understood, on the surface, what the purpose of these works of art were, however, never that in depth. This is something I have been actively trying to work on. If a work of art catches my eye, I will not only appreciate the vain beauty of it, but try to go deeper. Why was this created? What do the elements of the piece mean? Is there anything excluded from the piece, why? When you are critical in viewing art, you begin to see a story. You feel as though you are in the shoes of the creator of that piece. It is truly an amazing experience to be able to appreciate the moment that inspired the artist so much to want to capture it. This is a skill I am still working on, and will be forever as there are endless ways to look at and interpret art. That is what makes it so great, anyone, at any age can appreciate it in their own way and interpret the gift of beauty.
I have found that the one method of art that always intrigued me the most was music. Ever since I was younger, I have been in touch with the lyrics of songs and appreciated the story telling more than anything. This is why it is my favourite form of art. In just a three minute clip, someone can tell you a story about an event in their life. The instrumentals add to it as well. They can inspire emotions based on what the person is singing about and add a layer to that story that makes you feel as they did. With high upbeat tones making you feel happy or excited, as they were. To slow and drawn out instrumentals bringing sadness, longing, or defeat. There is an element of music that touches so many senses at once to provide a completely immersive experience of art.
Art can often seem as something that is exclusive. That is is something for the rich or more experienced to own and appreciate. However, what makes art so great is anyone can interpret it. This is why is it so important in regards to nature. Not everyone can see in person the great phenomena and beauty of it. However, especially with technology, it makes it easier than ever to view any piece of art. This allows a unique opportunity for anyone to experience a snapshot of events in nature that they likely never would have. it Allows anyone to build an appreciation for the gift of beauty that is nature.
I really enjoyed reading your post! Your writing indicates that you have a very open-minded and versatile approach to the art world. I love how you included art forms that many people overlook when discussing the connection between art and nature, such as sculpting or music. Music is an especially interesting art form to connect to nature interpretation, one that I myself had overlooked when writing for this post. I would love to hear more of your ideas on how music can be used to create a connection to nature, or if you have any musicians or songs in mind that accomplish this. The story telling aspect of artwork that you brought up is incredibly important to interpretation; it can build a sense of place and create a stronger connection to the natural world. It is truly the artist’s responsibility of how they tell the story of a place and what emotions they seek to portray. An understanding of the historical context of a place is crucial to a good interpreter and artist. Artwork truly does bring a story and a narrative to a larger audience who, as you pointed out, may not be able to experience these places themselves. It sounds like you are a passionate observer of the art world, analyzing different pieces and meanings. However, I am curious to know if you have ever found yourself in the position of the artist trying to tell the story of a place and if so, how would you describe your own experience trying to create a sense of place through artwork?
Blog 4
There are many roles to play in the interpretation of nature through art. Throughout my life I have found myself in the role of curator, artist, and observer. Although many people do not realize it, they may often find themselves in the role of curator in their everyday life. Curating requires keeping and presenting collections of art, or other materials, and I have curated my own unique collection of artworks and decoration for my space. My bedroom is my safe haven and I have adorned it with images of beautiful landscapes, as well as vines and plants. I use nature as a comfort in my room, and the presentation is meant to evoke a sense of peace. The plants and rocks that I use as decoration draw a bridge between nature and art, combining the two and inspiring conversation between these objects. Some of the artwork on my walls is my own work, and much of it depicts natural landscapes or animals. The natural landscapes I paint are particularly important to my own interpretation of nature; they are places significant to me, such as the forest where I grew up camping. I love explaining the stories behind the artwork to friends and family who visit, and providing a sense of place behind the painting. Finally, I act as an observer in my everyday life, viewing nature through an artist’s lens. I see the shapes and patterns and colours and it sparks a creative desire to express and interpret the natural beauty through my artwork.
I do not interpret nature itself to be the “gift of beauty”. To refer to natural beauty as a gift implies that it was given to us and that we are entitled to it. Rather, I interpret the ability to perceive and appreciate these natural wonders as the gift. Interpreting nature through art is a prime example of exercising this gift. The creation, curation, and observation of art are three separate, yet intertwined, aspects of this gift. The creation of art allows for powerful self-expression and display of emotion. Through art, we are able to expand our vision of the natural world and express the profound emotions that nature provokes. The observation of art allows the viewer a glimpse into the artist’s vision. The viewer is able to live vicariously through the artist’s labour, evoking the emotions the artist experienced in reference to natural beauty. This may drastically alter the viewer’s own perception of nature, particularly if they are viewing a depiction of a place they have never visited themselves. It is both the artist’s privilege and burden to create a sense of place for their audience. Curation is, in itself, an art form. The careful selection and arrangement of artworks requires a deeper understanding of the artwork and its subject. A curator, like the artist themselves, must execute their vision for an audience and conceptualize a space in which the viewer will able to experience this vision. When nature is interpreted through art, it will require a curator with an inherent appreciation for natural beauty to create this space for the audience.
Blog 3
Privilege in my mind is an advantage one group has over another. Whether it be an individual or a community, privilege is everywhere. I am privileged in many ways, I live in a beautiful village abundant with nature, I am in university getting an education, even just having my laptop to do my schoolwork on is a privilege that I recognize I have. These are all things that I am lucky enough to have that others might not and its sometimes easy to forget that we carry these advantages in life and take them for granted.
After doing some reading of our textbook I learned a lot about why people don’t necessarily attend nature interpreter events, reasons ranging from lack of knowledge of the event to barriers (including cultural and language as well as physical). While the lack of knowledge can be remedied with more advertising at locations (national parks and such) barriers are more likely caused due to privilege. For example, even visiting a national park can cost for a day trip and to camp and participate in other activities costs more as well. To be able to get there you need a vehicle and equipment if you intend to camp which adds more expenses as well as needing time off work to go in the first place potentially losing income to go. Although all of this is hypothetical for most of us, for some it is the difference between going and not going. Going and not going could be the difference for kids having experiences that could spark something in them for their future.
Going back to my previous blog post, I could see myself doing interpretation for children and being able to potentially give kids who might otherwise not get the chance an opportunity to get out and experience nature in the way I can. Being able to give someone that is a privilege in its own. That I could share my experience and knowledge with someone who might not otherwise get a chance to learn about it is a huge privilege that I am grateful to have.
Adapting programs to the audience would be a huge part of interpretation. Recognizing that someone doesn’t come from the same walk of life as you is so important and being able to interact the someone without making them feel lesser of themselves is a big part of being a nature interpreter in my opinion.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, I really enjoyed reading your post! I completely agree with your points on how many nature interpretation events may not be accessible to those without adequate resources, such as money or a vehicle. It is not always obvious to people who take these resources for granted that they are an enormous privilege. Providing the opportunity to participate in these programs to kids who would not otherwise be able to has a lot of potential to make positive change within a community. Inspiring people to have a passion for nature from a young age is crucial for conservation efforts. I'm sure there are existing programs that try to meet this goal and it would be interesting to see how they adapt these programs to reach their specific audience. Your point on not making your audience feel lesser of themselves is very important; building a strong connection with an audience requires respect and understanding for everyone involved. Without this connection, sharing knowledge between yourself and your audience will be impossible. I would be very interested to hear some of your own thoughts and ideas on exactly how to tailor programs to an audience that does not normally have access to these programs. For instance, if your audience was a group of kids who did not have much experience with the outdoors or learning about nature, how would you make the content engaging and accessible?
Blog 3
There are many types of privilege that exist in our current societal systems. Regardless of the type of privilege, they all grant advantages to certain groups of people, and are built by systems of oppression that have typically been in place for a significant portion of a country’s history. On the surface, nature interpretation may appear to be a profession independent of the complex dynamics that accompany privilege, it actually has a very complicated and important relationship with privilege. One’s relationship with nature typically forms from a young age and people with the privilege of wealth will inevitably have certain opportunities to connect with nature. This can include privileges such as having a house with a backyard, owning a cottage on a lake, having the opportunity to partake in outdoor activities such as skiing or hiking, and many other assets. However, this runs the risk of building a relationship with nature in which it is viewed as a luxury for our own entertainment. Although the wealthy may have access to these luxurious parts of nature, this does not necessarily indicate a higher quality relationship to nature. The privileges I have experienced have had an impact on my own professional journey and relationship with nature interpretation. For instance, I was able to do an internship this summer that was barely paid. Since I have family members who support me and ensure that my basic needs are met, I could afford to do this internship over the summer despite not making any money. There are plenty of other incredibly qualified candidates who would be deprived of this opportunity because they would need to be paid. Furthermore, being English speaking white woman will unfortunately give me an unfair advantage when entering the job market. This is another way in which privilege is present in nature interpretation; if people with privilege are more likely to be hired for jobs, then more nature interpreters will come from this background of privilege.
Since connecting to an audience of various backgrounds is an essential component of nature interpretation, it may pose problems when the speaker is only speaking from a privileged background and risks overlooking other perspectives. It is crucial for a nature interpreter to both acknowledge their own privilege and commit to educating themselves on these issues, especially issues that they have not had to face themselves, in order to properly connect with an audience. A nature interpreter must constantly remind themselves of who their audience is and how to best reach them. Making nature interpretation accessible for people of all backgrounds is crucial, especially as overlooking other perspectives will eliminate the opportunities to learn from different cultures and practices. This can have a measurable impact on conservation efforts and environmental change; combined knowledge is more powerful than a singular, narrow worldview. Nature interpretation is interactive; it’s an opportunity to share knowledge both from the speaker and the audience and this will only be feasible if the speaker has self awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of their perspective and an openness to other perspectives. If the worldview of a nature interpreter is narrowed down to their own life experiences, they will be unable to connect with the majority of their audience and this will result in them essentially failing in their role as an interpreter.
Blog #2
Prompt: Describe your ideal role of environmental interpreter. What might it entail? Where might it be? What skills might you need?
Hello again everyone! Hope you’ve all been enjoying your classes so far this semester.
I think my ideal role of environmental interpreter would definitely have to take place in some kind of forest. I think my favourite place would be in any forest at all but the boreal forests would be my first choice because I love that ecosystem and the fauna and flora that live there. I'm a very tactile learner and enjoy learning by doing and being in the field. For my role of interpreter I would definitely take people out in the field so that they could see the forest up close and take a look at the smaller things that are harder to see from just photos like moss. Did you know that moss covers up to 97% of the surface in boreal forests! Seeing all the small things in that ecosystem that can be so easily overlooked make the boreal forests seem like a completely new place. To accomplish this my interpretation would entail being there in person so that everyone can hopefully experience the same thing I did when learning about all the little processes that happen at that small scale and be as intrigued as I was to start learning more. I think I would like my role as an interpreter to be more passive, not talking the whole time but mostly leading them through the ecosystem and let them experience it themselves and mostly answering the questions that come to their heads. I think the reason I would do it this way is because its similar to the way that I learned to appreciate nature and would like the people I’m with to feel how I felt as a kid, full of wonder and curiosity to learn more. It also makes me feel much more connected to nature and makes it easier to interpret the ecosystem if I actually stand in it surrounded by all its plants and animals. As for skills required for my plan to be successful I would definitely need to learn how to better ID mosses or lichens (Which I already want to start learning) as well as learning and better understanding larger scale processes that take place in the boreal forest because I think learning and interpreting the reason that these processes occur might help me as well as others better understand the ecosystem and feel more comfortable in it, plus it is one of if not the largest ecosystem in the world so I think it's just as important to learn about the larger scale processes that take place as it is to learn about what happens at the centimetre and metre scale in the ecosystem. So overall my role as interpreter would be to show people first hand the smaller processes that happen in the ecosystem while also discussing about how they relate or contribute to larger scale processes so that hopefully the people i'm interpreting for can better understanding their surroundings while also feeling more connected to them.
Thank you for sharing, I really enjoyed reading your post! It's clear already that you have a passion for this particular ecosystem and that you are eager to share this passion with others. It is so easy for people to become distracted by the larger ecosystem processes that they overlook the fascinating world of the smaller ecosystem processes. I'm sure the process of developing those extra skills you mentioned, such as moss identification, will be a rewarding experience and offer further insights into this ecosystem. Tapping into the curiosity and desire to learn that you experienced in childhood would be a wonderful way to start on your journey to becoming a nature interpreter. Having the ability to share this curiosity and eagerness with others would be an incredibly valuable skill for an interpreter. I also found your idea of being a more "passive" interpreter really interesting. I think that many people assume that a guide for a place, whether a historical monument or a hiking trail, should be constantly sharing facts and talking the entire time. However, being a more passive interpreter would probably give people the space they need to quietly form their own thoughts and opinions as you guide them. This would enrich their experience and provide a unique opportunity for people to leave with their own impression of the place that they were able to form on their own, with your help.
Blog Post 2
An environmental interpreter is a broad label that applies to many different professions. My previous experience with wildlife rehabilitation has inspired me to view this career from the perspective of a nature interpreter. Wildlife rehabilitation only reaches its potential for positive environmental impact when nature interpretation is utilized as a tool to foster a more harmonious relationship between the environment and the general public. This can be achieved through the public outreach aspect of wildlife rehabilitation. I witnessed this firsthand when I volunteered at Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center; I observed Brian Salt, the founder and director of this clinic, utilize “animal ambassadors” to reach the public and foster a more positive perspective on wildlife. Brian Salt is a phenomenal example of a nature interpreter; he is highly regarded in the local community and his efforts have made measurable change in public attitudes towards local wildlife, encouraging peaceful coexistence between people and animals. These experiences have shaped my ideal role as an environmental interpreter into a similar role as Brian Salt; in addition to treating the animals in the clinic, he acts as a mentor for young staff members looking to further their experience with wildlife, and inspires people through his outreach programs. Many of the urban wildlife species admitted to the clinic, such as skunks or raccoons, are regarded as backyard pests by the general public. This places an increased importance on wildlife rehabilitation centers and their role in mediating public relations with animals. I would be honoured to play a similar role as Brian in the future, and through studying his program and his teaching style, there are certain skills that stand out as particularly useful. A foundational skill of environmental interpretation is public speaking. Public speaking for interpretation goes beyond sharing facts about the animals; you must be aware of your specific audience, how to connect to them, and how to give your topic emotional significance. Furthermore, it is crucial to understand how to address public concerns in a way that de-escalates the situation and fosters an environment of trust. This is particularly important in the context of wildlife rehabilitation, as some consider this practice controversial. There may be legitimate concerns being raised about public health and safety and it is important to validate these concerns while finding creative solutions that are respectful to both persons and animal involved. The audience must also feel a personal and emotional connection to the subject or place being interpreted. Within the context of wildlife rehabilitation, “animal ambassadors” such as Brian Salt’s raptors can appeal to the emotions of the audience and create that sense of connection. The emotional signifiance of wildlife rehabilitation goes far beyond the success stories of animals released back into the wild; there is also a real impact on the community and the relationship between the public and wildlife. These skills will be valuable at any wildlife rehabilitation clinic with opportunity for public outreach. Wildlife rehabilitation centers offer so much more than the treatment of wildlife; they offer opportunities for young people to get involved with the work either as staff or volunteers, as well as educational programs to teach people about wildlife and bring new perspectives. The importance of these programs should not be underestimated as they can have a measurable impact on a community.
Blog 1: My Relationship With Nature and Sense of Place Within it
Week 1 Prompt: Describe your current relationship with nature. How has this developed/evolved? Who offered you “a sense of place,” as described in our textbook?
I grew up amongst the rolling hills, creeks forests and farms of Caledon Ontario. Since I was young I have always felt connected to nature, and I account this largely to the setting in which I grew up. Instead of street names, malls, houses, shops and recreation centers, my neighborhood was instead conservation areas, farms and undeveloped land. My friends and I would go for long bike rides and hikes and play in the woods growing up. I think this is where my current relationship with nature has had its roots. As time went on I became busy, I trained 22hrs a week as a competitive swimmer, went to a highschool in the city and eventually made my way to the university of guelph. Nature and my time in it got further away. I missed it and have since realized the profound impact it has on my well being, so I started to find my way back. I got into triathlons after quitting swimming and started to trail run and bike. To me there is no greater feeling of freedom than moving through outdoor space, particularly one of nature, running and biking re introduced this to me. I then had the chance to work at a mountain top tea house in Banff where I lived without electricity and amenities for a summer. I truly felt I knew the place. By the time I left, I could name every mountain, valley, river, identify countless trees, birds, plants and, having just completed a geomorphology course, understand the topography of the landscape. The friendships I made that summer were unmeasurable in their meaning, and I would say these came about from the full immersion in time, place and nature as well as from the lack of modern distractions and amenities. The level of understanding I gained for that place really intensified my relationship with nature. The following summer I worked as a park ranger in Terrace British Columbia, we worked 8 days on and 6 days off. During our shifts we would do a combination of backcountry maintenance, public outreach and communication as well as ecological monitoring. Spending days camping in the backcountry at first was scary to me. I feared the large wildlife, moose, bears, cougars etc. However by the end of the summer that fear was replaced by respect, understanding and a sense of security and belonging. To be able to walk through the old growth rainforest, see endangered species, learn cultural histories, and understand the ecology and relationships between species of plants, animals and fungi was eye opening. I feel more at risk in cities and suburbs than I ever have in the great outdoors. When doing public outreach I got to address people's concerns and curiosities about the parks I was working in. There were so many people who had no clue about bear safety or the vital role of predators in our ecosystems. Being able to help explain ecosystems and their importance, as well as, how to take safety precautions to enjoy the outdoors without fear and instead respect, further evolved my relationship with nature and my sense of place in it. On a different note, I have always had a fear of death, I myself am not religious, and it was in my immersion with nature that I found a healthy peace and respect for it instead. To respond to who offered me a sense of place, I would say it was all the people who helped to shape my understanding of nature as well as those who provided me with the opportunities to explore on my own; there are a lot of people and places that deserve credit. My family when I was young, those I met in the jobs I worked, and the opportunities that came my way present a brief summary.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, they sound incredibly life changing! I love how you described your journey building the meaningful connection you now have to the natural world and how this journey was not always a linear path. It is so easy to get lost in the fast paced university life and find yourself losing touch with the most important parts of yourself. However it’s inspiring to hear how you managed to re-build that valuable connection with nature through your hobbies and work. I can somewhat relate to your experience as a park ranger since I worked on wildlife sanctuary this summer, also in very rustic conditions, with a very intense working schedule. In particular, I found that my own journey paralleled yours, especially in terms of transitioning from a place of fear to respect. Many people I’ve spoken to have seemed curious as to why anyone would voluntarily seek out these types of jobs but, as you pointed out, these experiences transform people and their relationship to nature as well as building a true sense of place. It sounds like you were able to absorb so much valuable knowledge as well as to create a sense of place for others. Your job sounds like it was a great deal of responsibility in terms of educating people on the natural world. These are such incredible skills to build and I would love to hear more about your job and experiences with nature, particularly any interesting anecdotes you have to share from your summer.
Blog Post 1
I grew up in the quiet suburbs of Minnesota where everyone spent their weekends and summers at their cottage partaking in any number of outdoor sports. It was simply an expectation that family vacations involved nature to some extent, which is hardly surprising considering that Minnesota is renowned for its natural beauty. This instilled in me a sense of comfort with nature from a young age. Even during tornado season when every so often the sound of sirens would send us into our basements, we separated this experience from our scenic vacations
This summer my relationship to nature swiftly evolved into something far more complex. I spent my summer at a wildlife sanctuary for a wildlife rehabilitation internship living in a small trailer that sat at an unforgiving temperature of 35 degrees. Each day I witnessed what the animals perceived to be the fight for their life as I tried to help them and they, in turn, tried to inflict as much damage as possible. Their brutality and desperation invoked an image of a scene in the wilderness where death by combat was simply a fact of life. Nature was swiftly established in my mind as an unforgiving, inescapable arena whose participants were trapped in the fight for their life. However, it was a lightning strike that truly established my newfound relationship with the great outdoors. I was with my coworkers in the resource center, a cabin with glassless windows, when a thunderstorm hit. My coworker was filming the storm when lightning struck so close that we all felt the electricity in the air. Later, while rewatching the video, we saw the image of lightning branching across the sky, causing a small fire in the treeline. If we had been outside, we would’ve risked injury or death by an event so swift that our human senses would have been unable to warn us. My account will never be able to articulate the primal fear we all felt in that moment, nor can I even quite recall the feeling now, just the lingering sense of newfound vulnerability. This helpless feeling evolved to form a newfound respect and sense of humility in the face of an uncontrollable force.
From a young age, my father offered me a unique perspective on the natural world and a sense of place. My father grew up in a small town in Maine and his family spent summers on a rustic campsite. Through his stories I learned every detail of a place I had never laid eyes on and yet it was a place my mind wandered to often. I heard about surprise encounters with wildlife, how his tent felt like home despite the cold nights, and how packing up at the end of the summer often filled him with a lingering nostalgia, knowing that his time there was as measured as his childhood. His narrative was so raw and powerful that I did not need to step foot outside of my own home to find a sense of place within this tiny campsite in rural Maine. A true sense of place transcends physical and chronological boundaries and my father expertly worked around this to allow his children to experience such an important piece of his past.
