Nature Interpretation with Nicole!

An interpretive blog in fulfillment of ENVS 3000

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Nature Interpretation's Role in Environmental Sustainability

Hi everyone,

Wow, how time flies! I cannot believe that I am writing my last blog post for this semester. It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you over the course of this semester. I have enjoyed reading all your thoughts and opinions through each blog post.

I will admit when I enrolled in this course I did not fully understand what it meant to be a nature interpreter. Now that we have reached the final unit, I can confidentially say that not only am I well-informed on what nature interpretation is, I was able to discover who I am as a nature interpreter.

These weekly blog posts have provided me with the opportunity to take the time to reflect on who I am as a nature interpreter. Through these reflections I was able to come to a better understanding of what this title means to me. I have realized that my role of a nature interpreter consists of helping others better understand the significant part that the earth plays into their lives and ways that we can show our gratitude by looking after it. My main goal as a nature interpreter is to help people deepen their own relationships with nature and get them excited in doing so.

This course has taught me so much about nature interpretation and the responsibilities associated as such. From this, I have been able to construct my own personal ethics related to being a nature interpreter.

First, I would say my own personal ethics go hand in hand with being a nature interpreter. I value being fair, understanding, accepting, kind, respectful, welcoming, compassionate, considerate, and caring to all forms of life. These attributes are important in both my personal life and in my role as a nature interpreter.

Also, my personal ethic as a nature interpreter values inclusivity. As a nature interpreter, it is my responsibility to provide my audience with an enjoyable experience while being accommodating to everyone.

Earlier in the semester, when I first wrote about what type of nature interpreter I am, I talked about how I would prioritize incorporating a wide range of multiple intelligence activities that cater to the different learning styles (Beck et al., 2018). As the semester progressed, I learned how necessary it is to accommodate to the various learning styles and circumstances so my nature interpretation can be useful and accessible for everyone. The textbook mentions some characteristics of being an effective nature interpreter, such as being a good speaker and being able to adapt to the needs of their audience (Beck et al., 2018). I further considered strategies for implementing this. Some examples of ideas I have thought of included providing hands on activities for tactile learners, offering pamphlets and YouTube demonstration videos for visual learners and to incorporate Q&A sections during presentations for auditory learners.

Specifically, I found the group podcast was an educational experience for both myself and our viewers. I believe that participating in the group podcast assignment significantly helped me improve as a nature interpreter as I was able to execute my acquired skills and knowledge. As a tactile learner this project was a great educational tool for me. This assignment taught me so much about engaging in nature interpretation through hands on activity, that I believe I would not have been able to grasp as well had it been through just reading the textbook.

Although we faced a few challenges during the recording process, I am grateful to have been granted this amazing opportunity for learning and advancing my skills as a nature interpreter. I was able to practice and improve my public speaking, pronunciation and overall nature interpretation skills. Additionally, our group had to come up with ideas for keeping our audience interested, entertained and attentive. To keep the podcast upbeat and entertaining for our younger listeners, we implemented our creativity using jokes and music. We also made sure to write our script using simple language so that our listeners can easily follow along and understand, as suggested in the textbook (Beck et al., 2018).

I am glad to have had the privilege of being able to access the recording studio and utilize its tools for producing our group podcast. This granted opportunity was a new and fascinating way to help build on our levels of experience and capabilities.

As discussed previously in the semester, education and its resources are a privilege, which unfortunately are not accessible to everyone around the world. The textbook mentions that there are a variety of possible barriers that can prevent someone from being able to participate in nature interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). As a nature interpreter it is my responsibility to take these barriers into consideration so that I can come up with ways for anyone to fairly engage in nature interpretation.

Nature interpreters serve an honourable role in educating others and advocating for the environment and the living beings within it who are unable to advocate for themselves.

Overall, I truly enjoyed learning about every topic that this course offered me. I must say I feel quite prideful in my development as a nature interpreter over the course of the semester. I am grateful to have been able to have taken this course as I feel that it has helped me build my relationship with nature. Often, life gets in the way, and it is easy to lose touch with things that bring you joy and peace, and I believe that this course has been successful in strengthening my connection with nature. I will continue to implement all I have learned from this course in my daily life.

Wishing you all the best of luck with your future endeavours! Take care.

P. S. Please don't forget to take time to un-plug tomorrow at 8:30 PM for Earth Hour!!

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 Cidalia,

Great post! Hearing about your growth and development as a nature interpreter over the semester was awesome! I believe your personal ethics as a nature interpreter, which values inclusivity, respect, and compassion, are essential attributes to possess in this field. It is great that you have also learned the importance of accommodating different learning styles and circumstances in your nature interpretation. The group podcast assignment seemed like a great opportunity for you to practice and improve your skills as a nature interpreter, and it is impressive that you were able to incorporate creativity and keep the content engaging for your audience. Lastly, It is also great to hear that this course has helped you strengthen your connection with nature and that you plan to continue implementing what you have learned daily. Overall, it sounds like you have had a fulfilling and informative experience in this course, and I wish you all the best in as your interpretation journey unfolds!

P.S. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos with the class! While each reader interprets them differently, I believe they did a great job of showing the audience the importance of taking the time to appreciate nature and the small details that make it so captivating - these photos serve as a visual representation of what the course aims to teach!

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Unit 10 :) 🦋☘️🐢

The past semester along with the blog posts have taught me alot about being an interpreter in nature, specifically. The blog post prompts in particular have made me unlock the level in my brain regarding how I view nature, and how it has impacted me in my life. I have learned a lot about myself, but as an interpreter, I would say that I believe in respecting nature and what it has given us as people. Now, I know that may sound so generic that anyone can say it easily because we all love nature ( hopefully), but as mentioned in my earlier blog posts, it's not about liking it or not, but appreciating the actual beauty and this gift we have that a lot of people look down upon. The past blog prompts have made me delve even deeper into the idea of being a nature interpreter, because this can be done in so many ways, from music to art, and more.

I personally have never had a great connection with nature growing up, because I enjoyed the comfort of staying in, away from the scalding heat or extreme cold temperatures. I would see people outside going for walks in any temperature, and it would shock me why people would put themselves out like that. I would be in awe, but growing up my perspectives about nature kept changing, and eventually led me to my current program. My parents are one strong pillar behind my enthusiasm and role in the nature interpretation part of my life, because they would always encourage us to go out in nature, and appreciate and love what god has given us. From a small walk, to a far away trip to a beautiful ocean, any of this made my parents make it a teaching experience because they would tell us about the small things within what we saw outside. The plants that we would see would make my parents teach us about them, like herbal remedies, and how some plants could be used medically. I slowly have begun since then to appreciate what we have in the outside world, even though it is being damaged. By damage, I mean climate change, and this is something that has been on the radar for so long because it is getting worse by the moment.

My favourite place to visit in the summer with my parents is the beach. It has opened so many learning opportunities for me, because it grew my love for nature even more! (NatGeo)

I see my role as an interpreter is to appreciate nature and love it, and to take care of it as if it were our own home. I believe that every leaf, blade of grass, rock, is to be appreciated, and respected because it is what builds the earth, and makes it a home for other animals that we also need to respect and care for when the opportunity comes. I see it my responsibility to get other people to love and respect the outside world. It is not something to run away from or pass and not care about, but something to respect.  There are a variety of ways to help encourage oneself and others on how to love and appreciate nature, and make it feel like your own home rather than something boring. This has been showcased through the blog post prompts we have had, like through art and music. My favorite one was music, because nature being incorporated in sounds and rhythm is something very interesting to me. It can make one appreciate the naturalistic sounds more when you hear it in famous singers' songs. It can make one realize that nature can be that beautiful that is being used in some famous songs with millions and millions of views. This is one way nature can be loved and appreciated more in my opinion. What's great about these prompts we have had over the semester is that it can open more doors in one's mind and knowledge about the deeper side of things, like nature in this situation. It is so much more than what we see, it's delving more deeply, and understanding it from an artistic or creative lens almost.

The approaches that are the most suitable for me as an individual when it comes to nature interpretation is getting people together to appreciate what we have in the outside world and the environment, and to make them appreciate nature as much as I do or other people that share their love for nature. I obviously am not referring to a forceful way, but in a nice way where someone can learn something. This can be like joining community center programs like helping clean up a certain place in your neighborhood. Another example is a program to plant plants around your city, and this can be something for all ages. Having youth based programs or getting togethers are a great way to appreciate and love nature, and in a fun way because that's how it's supposed to be. Overall, there are just so many ways one can imagine in order to connect, appreciate, respect, nature and make it as their own. I have learned so much in this course, especially the blog prompts allowed me to do, and I never thought there was so much more to nature and outside world in a critically thinking manner.

Good luck everyone with your future endeavours :) 🦋🌊

Beach. Education. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/beach/ 

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Hi Fatima, 

Great post! It is wonderful to hear that you gained a deeper appreciation for nature this past semester! Firstly, I completely agree with your perspective on the blog prompts for this semester. Exploring nature through new lenses helped me bring a new perspective to my journey as an interpreter as well. As you mentioned, some examples include art and music, which can help us see the beauty in the patterns and colours of plants and animals while highlighting human activities' environmental impact. I believe connecting to these ideas can attract a different audience and inspire people to take action to protect and preserve nature as they develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature. The textbook discusses time and time again that interpretive experiences can help people expand and help aid them in being stewards of the land (Beck et al., 2018). 

It is wonderful to hear that your parents have played such an important role in your appreciation and love for nature! Like you, I believe children need to be exposed to the great outdoors and learn about the surrounding plants and animals. Understanding the significance of preserving the environment is also crucial, especially as we face the threat of climate change. Based on your post, It's heartening to see that you have developed a deep appreciation for the environment and a desire to protect it. Everyone needs to take action in whatever way they can to help protect our planet. Lastly, I really enjoyed your ideas for community-based programs that promote appreciation and care for the environment are great ways to get others involved and interested in nature. Creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature in meaningful, enjoyable ways is essential. Thank you for sharing your insights and ideas, and I wish you all the best as your interpretation journey unfolds!

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

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Unit 10: Who was I? Who Have I Become?

When I was growing up, I tended to strive for perfection. I am a firm believer that practice makes perfect. For example, I recall struggling with fractions as a child; to fix it, my solution was redundant. I practiced solving arithmetics over and over until I gained a proper understanding of them. Since then, I have learned that repetition and immense practice are effective strategies for improving specific areas, such as learning math concepts or driving. Through this course, I have learned that repetition does not serve as a one size fits all solution, especially as it pertains to the natural world. I have discovered that I prefer using deductive reasoning to interpret nature. One way of doing this is starting with the broad dilemma at hand and breaking that down into smaller steps. This tactic is beneficial because it allows for a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the underlying mechanisms that shape our world (Beck et al., 2018). When applying this approach to nature interpretation, I use it on a case-by-case basis. The process can sometimes be tedious and challenging because relationships we see in nature are symbiotic. However, improvement tends to come in small positive steps, and by examing our experiences, we can provide better service to our listeners in the future (Beck et al., 2018). 

To be Respectful...

As a nature interpreter, I always lead with a profound respect for the natural world and all its living creatures. We must all be mindful and share accountability for the impact that we, as humans, can have on the environment. We must work as a collective to promote sustainable practices that benefit our planet.

To be Honest...

When conducting research about a topic, nature interpreters should always strive to provide accurate and honest information to the public. They should avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting facts and be honest about any biases or limitations in their findings. This is important because attempts at causing mass hysteria can backfire and instead promote desensitizing or helplessness surrounding the issue. 

To Include...

Nature interpreters should ensure that the programs and resources they develop are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or abilities. They should also strive to be inclusive and welcoming to people of all cultures and identities. Inclusivity is the only way to ensure that we are consistent with our message beyond the borders of our own country.Peggy McIntosh discusses some of these ideas in her article White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, as she outlines how the daily effects of white privilege. McIntosh's article provides excellent insight into ways we can broaden our experiences. She states, "Stop passing down racist prejudices to your children. Expose them to differences early on" (McIntosh, 1989). Learning about the role that privilege plays in nature interpretation is vital if we as a society want to change people's experiences and we want our future generations to infiltrate and modify the institutions and organizations in which they will work and lead.

To Learn...

Our planet is constantly evolving, which means we must too. There are a plethora of mysteries in the natural world, which scientists are still trying to solve by uncovering new evidence. Nature interpreters should be committed to life-long learning and professional development in order to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field.

The image above is an artistic representation by a 3-D Artist titled “One World…The Circle of Life”. The visual represents a strong conviction in the human spirit. We are all part of the same circle of life, regardless of where we come from or what we do.

As I was reflecting upon my responsibilities as a nature interpreter, a statement from the professor's notes particularly resonated with me, "Use your education wisely. Use your privilege cautiously. And know that someone may be looking to you as their mentor" (Hookyas, 2023). Education is a powerful tool that should be used for the betterment of oneself and others, and it is essential to use the knowledge gained through education responsibly and ethically. This can include being aware of one's privileges and using them to help others rather than to further one's interests at the expense of others. It is also essential to recognize that mentoring is a two-way street, and the mentor can learn just as much from the mentee as the mentee can learn from the mentor. Even though my role is currently a student, it reminded me that I had dedicated my time to broadening my knowledge and accumulating essential information I could share with others.

I am a 4th-year landscape architecture student passionate about planning, designing, managing, and nurturing built and natural environments. Circling back to my first post, I talked about my developing relationship with nature, and one of the thoughts I shared discusses how my post-secondary education has driven me to examine nature much differently than I did as a child, as I now look at it through the lens of a designer. As a child, I could admire the beauty of a flower and appreciate nature, but that is where it ended. Now that I am older with a trained eye, I try to understand what I am looking at and how to preserve it. I search for the species of the plant and seek out what conditions it thrives in and which ones hinder its growth. Taking this curious and compassionate approach takes me one step further than simple appreciation. My current mindset is focused on preservation and sustainability so that others can share these incredible moments in nature. 

The evaluation process is a tool to guide my interpretation journey as I close the chapter on my university education and move into the working world. Over this last semester, I found great success in reflecting upon my experiences and adjusting them for future implementation. With the help of evaluation, interpreters can "put a value on their work and astutely improve it" (Beck et al., 2018). In summary, using education wisely, being cautious with one's privileges, and being a positive influence as a mentor are all essential aspects of personal and professional growth as a nature interpreter. Furthermore, I will always strive to possess a more well-rounded perspective as the world continues to shift. By embracing these principles, I can positively impact myself and those around me.

Photo References:

One World…The Circle of Life | Fazzino

The Las Vegas strip in 3D printed on aluminum in three variations: color, black & white, electric blue.

References:

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

Hookyas, A. (2023). Unit 10: Nature Interpretation's Role in Environmental Sustainability. ENVS 3000: Nature Intepretation, University of Guelph

McIntosh, P. (1989). White privilege: Unpacking the invisible Knapsack. Peace and Freedom, pp. 10–12.

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Unit 9: Sunlight and Flowers

As I complete my biological science degree here at Guelph, I often catch myself looking for the human impact on any given topic. In the case of nature, I quickly was able to put the thought of sunny days and flowers and associate it with happy memories, so the question here Is why? The most amazing thing about nature to me is how it can make you feel. Waking up to the sun shining bright and the birds chirping outside your window is the best feeling (As I am writing this, I am sitting on my couch in the sun, summer is almost here!).

If the sun is out, my mood instantly improves. The science behind hormones in the case of flowers and sunlight is something I find fascinating. Studies have found that the amount of time that strong sunlight is present and how quickly it is produced affects the rate at which the brain produces serotonin (Lambert et al. 2002). I see serotonin as the messenger that helps the body decide its mood, overall bowel and appetite health and how much a person sleeps. Overall, the takeaway point here is that the more sunlight, the happier people seem to be (Lambert et al., 2002). From my personal experience, I believe that the number of people suffering from seasonal depression has increased since the pandemic. Having a lower mood in the winters and in situations like COVID-19 where you are trapped in one environment (something as simple as getting your daily coffee from your favourite coffee spot became impossible at the height of the pandemic) that you do not feel your best at, is unfortunately becoming “normal”.

The picture above is one I took of my orchids last week and my favourite part is the little sparkles in the petals!

In terms of flowers, you can experience satisfaction, joy, and motivation thanks to dopamine. A group of 147 women were given a “gift” which ended up being flowers (Haviland-Jones, 2018). The immediate reactions to receiving flowers as their gifts were polite, true and excited smiles (Haviland-Jones, 2018). Just the slightest glance at nature can make a person happier! We use flowers in our lives as a symbol at occasions from birth to death. This can be anything from attending a wedding, to visiting a sick loved one in a hospital. I never really thought about how flowers are so versatile. Now that I am thinking about it, I do buy flowers for others very often, how about you?

This was just a little bit of my opinion and some studies I found on flowers and sunlight. There is so much more that can be discovered on nature. I would love to hear what the most amazing thing you know about nature is!

References

Haviland-Jones, J. (2018). Rutgers: Flowers Improve Emotional Health. About Flowers: Society of American Florists. https://safnow.org/aboutflowers/quick-links/health-benefits-research/emotional-impact-of-flowers-study/

Lambert, G. W., Reid, C., Kaye, D. M., Jennings, G. L., & Esler, M. D. (2002). Effect of sunlight and season on serotonin turnover in the brain. The Lancet, 360(9348), 1840-1842.

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Hi Maneet,

I enjoyed reading your perspective on this week's blog post on the best thing about nature. Your point about seasonal depression was interesting, as the pandemic contributed to feelings of depression and anxiety, particularly during the winter months when there is less daylight and opportunities for outdoor activities. I definitely believe that incorporating exposure to natural environments into our daily lives can positively impact our mental health and happiness!

Similarly, nature connects with us profoundly and evokes solid emotions, especially via sunrises. From a scientific standpoint, watching the sunrise can positively affect our health and well-being. Exposure to sunlight, particularly in the morning, can help regulate our circadian rhythm and improve our sleep quality. Nature has the power to rejuvenate our spirits and energize our minds. It is no wonder that spending time in nature is often recommended to improve our overall well-being. Lastly, to answer your question, I love buying flowers! While giving or receiving flowers may seem small, they significantly impact someone's day and speaking personally; they bring joy into my everyday life.

Great post! And looking forward to reading more :)

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Unit 9: The Best Thing About Nature is the Natural Landscape itself!

Hi readers! I hope you've enjoyed my thoughts over the last few months as I've developed my skills as a nature interpreter. When thinking about this week's prompt, there are so many amazing things about nature, but as a landscape architecture student, it's no surprise that I find the best thing about nature is the landscape itself! The natural landscape is truly awe-inspiring in its grandeur and diversity. From towering mountains and deep canyons to vast oceans and sprawling deserts, nature offers us a never-ending array of stunning landscapes that can take our breath away.

During the first year of my undergrad, I was required to take a BLA class called "History of Cultural Form," where we explored the historical roots of landscape design, emphasizing the influence of past works on the current practice in the profession. This class taught me that the most minor details could be breathtakingly beautiful when looking at the complexity and diversity of the natural world. For example, one of the most enchanting landscapes I've come across is The Wave. The Wave is a sandstone rock formation in the Coyote Buttes North area of Arizona's Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Here are a few fun facts to mention:

The Wave is made up of Navajo sandstone, formed around 190 million years ago due to wind and water erosion during the Jurassic period

The colours of The Wave change depending on the time of day and the sun's angle. It can range from deep reds and oranges to shades of pink and white.

Access to The Wave is highly restricted, with only 60 people visiting daily. Permits are required and are obtained through a lottery system.

As a landscape architect in the making, I find that the Wave offers a unique and visually stunning terrain that presents an excellent opportunity to observe and appreciate the beauty and intricacy of nature. Natural landscapes are always in a state of flux, constantly reshaping themselves in response to the forces around them (Brits, 2020). The sandstone formations and wavy patterns offer interesting geometric shapes, and the ever-changing colours provide a wide range of tones and hues to study and draw inspiration. Additionally, one of the most amazing things about the natural landscape is how climate and secular influences can shape it! This week's readings discussed examples of nature studies and how we can build upon our current systems to help the next generation of interpreters (Beck et al.,2018). Connecting back to The Wave, interpretation can go beyond simple signage and plaques, as this landscape offers guided tours and hikes to allow people to immerse themselves in nature to have a more meaningful encounter with the natural world (Beck et al.,2018). However, more can be done to engage with tourists and younger audiences; for example, it can serve as an educational precedent due to geological processes and ever-changing rock formation. Also, Its natural patterns and textures can be used in the urban context for designers!

All in all, the natural landscapes of our planet offer us endless opportunities for adventure, discovery, and inspiration. Whether you have visited it or not, readers, I'm curious to know - which located around the world captures your fascination? I am interested in chatting about nature and hope to learn about everyone's favourite spaces and understand why they find them captivating :)

References:

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

Brits, L., The nature of flux. TOAST. (2020). Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://ca.toa.st/blogs/magazine/the-nature-of-flux-by-louisa-thomsen-brits 

Coyote Buttes and the Wave. The Wave - Coyote Buttes North Permit and Hiking Information, Images, and Maps. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.thewave.info/ 

Photo References:

The Wave by Justin Reznick - Getty Images https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/landmarks-monuments/bureau-of-land-management-could-allow-more-visitors-at-the-wave-rock-formation

Classic Wave shot - Arizona Bucket List: The Wave, AZ Horseshoe Bend - https://horseshoebend.com/arizona-bucket-list-wave-az/

Tourists in The Wave - Dreamland Tours https://dreamlandtours.net/day-tours/paria-canyon-vermilion-cliffs/the-wave-tour/

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Bonus Post! Unit 8: The Experiential Learning Cycle

Hi readers! 

While we don't have a blog prompt to reflect upon this week, I found the content captivating and wanted to share my thoughts! I find technology can intersect with interpretation in a number of ways, enhancing the visitor experience and enabling interpreters to deliver information and engage with visitors in new and innovative ways. That being said, I found the unit quite engaging, which led me to write this post and upload a bonus blog post this week :)

The Experiential Learning Cycle

Kolb's experiential learning cycle is a well-known model in education and has been cited in numerous academic publications. Processing is a critical component of the learning cycle. It is essential to give learners adequate time and space to reflect on their experiences and make sense of the information they have acquired. Kolb's experiential learning cycle emphasizes the importance of reflection and processing in the learning process. According to Kolb, learning is a continuous cycle that involves concrete experiences, thinking, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation (Kolb, 2005).

How can we apply this thinking in Nature Interpretation?

By providing learners with opportunities to reflect on their experiences, we enable them to make meaning from those experiences and integrate them into their existing knowledge and understanding. In addition to facilitating reflection and processing, creating a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages learners to engage in an open and honest dialogue is essential. Facilitating learning involves more than just delivering content or activities. It requires creating an environment that supports learning, providing opportunities for reflection and processing, and fostering community and collaboration among learners.

This week's textbook reading on evaluating interpretation discussed why we, as interpreters, should use evaluation. To keep it brief, evaluating an interpretive program's effectiveness is essential for ensuring it meets its client's needs and provides high-quality service (Beck et al., 2018). This evaluation should be systematic, fair, and purposeful, considering the program's strengths and weaknesses (Beck et al., 2018). By conducting a thorough evaluation, individuals and institutions can identify areas for improvement and make changes that will ultimately lead to a better experience for their interpretive customers. This can include improving the program's content, adjusting the delivery methods, or addressing any other issues hindering the program's effectiveness (Beck et al., 2018). Ultimately, purposeful evaluation can help uplift individual interpreters and the institution, leading to better service and more satisfied customers. 

Another example that Kolb's teachings discuss is that debriefing or "reflecting" on group facilitation is essential to improving one's skills as a nature interpreter. Debriefing allows you to reflect on the group's dynamics, evaluate the effectiveness of your facilitation strategies, and identify areas for improvement (Kolb, 2005). By engaging in the debrief process, you can gain valuable insights into supporting and engaging your audience and refining your facilitation style to align better with your group's needs. Another effective debriefing technique is to use open-ended questions to encourage participants to reflect on their experiences. Examples of these types of questions include "What did you learn from this activity?", "How did you feel during the session?" and "What surprised you about the experience?" By asking these types of questions, you can help participants to engage in deeper reflection and identify critical insights from their experience. Overall, technology can be a powerful tool for interpreters, enabling them to deliver content innovatively and engage with visitors more personally and meaningfully. In addition to debriefing with your group, engaging in personal reflection and seeking feedback from colleagues and mentors is essential. By regularly engaging in the debriefing process and seeking feedback, you can continue to develop and improve your skills as a nature interpreter!

References:

Kolb's Learning Cycle Infographic

https://images.app.goo.gl/PgVffBKiywebSEZ9

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

Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A. (2005). Learning styles and learning spaces: Enhancing experiential learning in higher education. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 4(2), 193-212.

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UNIT 07

I was personally quite excited about this week's blog post! Music is a huge part of everyday life and I love how universal it is. No matter your culture or background, music is a way for people to bond and display their own unique musical tastes. It is said that every known human culture has music and that music can be defined as patterns of sound varying in pitch and time produced for emotional, social, cultural, and cognitive purposes (Gray et al., 2001). I like to look at music as patterns of sound because I think that oftentimes music is only perceived as the music we hear on the radio. However, there is much more to music than the latest pop songs. 

Not only is music a great way for people to interact, but it's also an amazing way to interact with nature. If you were to go on a walk right now, you would be surrounded by various sounds that display the music of nature. The sound of rain, the wind howling, birds chirping, frogs croaking, all of these sounds can be perceived as natural music. It’s unfortunate that people who live close to nature perceive a wider range of sounds than those of us living in industrialized societies (Gray et al., 2001). This reduces the chance for most people to hear and appreciate the sounds that nature produces.

I personally love listening to rain noises and nature sounds while I’m studying. I find these types of sounds to be really calming and help me listen to something without losing focus on my work. I also think it is important to note how these sounds come into play in regards to the music that we listen to on the radio. Radios are important tools used to reach lots of people at a given time, and are able to influence culture (Beck et al., 2018 (pg. 175)). 

Interestingly, the tone and timbre of many whale notes are similar to human musical sounds (Gray et al., 2001). The famous whistle tone definitely originated from animals and the way they are able to carry notes is very similar to that of humans. Also, similarly to humans, not all bird sounds emanate from the vocal tract - some are produced with “instruments” such as special feather structures, others by the bird pounding on an object with a “preferred” resonance (Gray et al., 2001). It is interesting to read about this seeing the similarities between humans and animals in terms of music. This reiterates the fact that music is universal and can be enjoyed by all species on earth. 

A song that reminds me of a special time in nature is The Nights by Avicii. Anytime I hear this song, I’m brought back to 2018 when I went to Italy for a summer course. I went through a school program and was able to travel with my friends and meet a bunch of new people. As the trip was coming to an end, this song was played on repeat in the bus and on the beach as we were all getting ready to say goodbye to one another. This song will forever remind me of the beauty of Italy and the amazing people I shared that time with. 

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

Gray, Patricia M., et al. "The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music." Science, vol. 291, no. 5501, 5 Jan. 2001, p. 52. Gale Academic OneFile

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Hi Victoria!

I enjoyed reading your post on our prompt this week! I really resonated with you when you mentioned listening to rain noises and nature sounds when studying, I do it too! Many people find nature sounds and rain noises calming and helpful for concentration. In fact, research suggests that listening to natural sounds can positively impact our well-being, reducing stress and improving our mood. It's fascinating how sound can have such a powerful effect on our mental state and productivity. If you haven't already, try listening to instrumental or ambient music, which can also be great for studying and concentration.

I enjoyed your connection between humans and animals through music; that's a fascinating observation! It's true that some animal vocalizations, such as whale songs and bird calls, have complex patterns and rhythms that are reminiscent of human music. Some researchers have even suggested that a universal "grammar" of music may be shared across cultures and species. It's worth noting, however, that while there are certainly similarities between human and animal vocalizations, there are also significant differences. For example, while some bird songs may be musical in nature, they are often used for communication and territorial displays rather than for aesthetic enjoyment. Great post! And looking forward to reading more :)

Alvarsson, J. J., Wiens, S., & Nilsson, M. E. (2010). Stress recovery during exposure to nature sound and environmental noise. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(3), 1036-1046.

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Unit 7: Music is all around Us!

Hey there, scientists! This week we're talking about understanding the co-existence of music and nature. Many natural sounds, such as birdsong, the rustling of leaves, the roar of a waterfall, and the crashing of waves, can be considered forms of music. Indigenous cultures all over the world have long recognized the musical qualities of nature and have incorporated them into their music-making traditions. This week's course content discussed how it's essential to acknowledge and incorporate Indigenous perspectives and cultural practices into environmental planning and management, as they offer a unique and valuable perspective on ecological health. By recognizing the interdependence between humans and the environment, and the spiritual significance of nature, Indigenous cultures can offer insights into sustainable practices and a deep understanding of the natural world. When presenting information, it is essential to consider and incorporate these perspectives into the narrative. Doing so can create a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of environmental health, including Western science and Indigenous knowledge.

Likewise, nature can be found in music through various means. Throughout history, nature has inspired composers and incorporated its sounds and rhythms into their music. For example, classical composers such as Vivaldi and Beethoven wrote pieces inspired by the seasons and the natural world. For example, Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" is split into different movements and published concerti with accompanying poems (possibly written by Vivaldi himself) that explain what it was about those seasons his music intended to evoke.

In this way, music can create a connection to nature and enhance our appreciation and understanding of it. Modern composers continue to explore and incorporate nature's sounds and rhythms in their works. For example, I resonate with the song "Earth Song" by Michael Jackson. The song is known for its powerful lyrics and music video, which convey a message of environmentalism and raise awareness about the destruction of nature caused by human activities. The powerful chorus of "Earth Song," with its repeated refrain of "What about us?" and soaring vocals, can create a sense of urgency and a call to action. The song's instrumental interludes, featuring natural sounds such as bird chirps and the rustling of leaves, can also create a sense of connection to the natural world.

The song's lyrics describe the beauty of the natural world and the devastation caused by pollution, deforestation, and other forms of environmental degradation. Jackson sings, "What about sunrise? What about rain? What about all the things that you said we were to gain? What about killing fields? Is there a time? What about all the things that you said was yours and mine? Did you ever stop to notice all the blood we've shed before? Did you ever stop to notice this crying Earth, these weeping shores?"The music video for "Earth Song" further emphasizes the song's message, depicting scenes of natural disasters, deforestation, and animal cruelty. The theme aimed to raise awareness about the urgent need for environmental protection and personally inspired me to take action to preserve the natural world, highlighting the deep connection between human beings and nature and the importance of protecting our planet for future generations. All in all, music can evoke memories of past experiences or places, creating a nostalgic connection with a particular landscape and can be a powerful tool for enhancing our relationship with the environment and our emotional experiences.

References:

Cohen, N. S. (2015, December 2). How landscape music evokes the natural world. New Music USA. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://newmusicusa.org/nmbx/how-landscape-music-evokes-the-natural-world/ 

Musical storms, real and metaphorical, are often a composer’s calling card says Malcolm Hayes, who guides us through some of the most vivid

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Moving Forward in my Field

This blog post being a blank canvas is daunting - but I knew immediately I wanted to write about the thing on my mind the most these days, which is what my plans are for the future.

Throughout my time in my program I have often thought about what I will be doing after I complete my bachelor's degree. I'm in a bachelor of science in environmental science, with my major being in ecology. It is hard to think about my path following my degree as my parents are quite adamant they would like me to pursue a masters degree. While a masters degree is a great path to take - it is quite the undertaking, and even though I am already in my fourth year, I am still unsure its for me.

I've been looking for work/volunteer opportunities in my field very often since the end of my first year, and very little of it has worked out, unfortunately. I am only now working towards my full drivers license, which has limited my job opportunities significantly when searching on Experience Guelph in the past. I did work one co-op work term at the beginning of my third year however, and it was a great experience. My parents were kind enough to assist me with travelling when necessary, although I was mainly remote. Since then I have continued my search hoping for more experience as I know it would be very beneficial.

I do think a masters degree is a great option, and might be the most comfortable since I would still be a student, which is all I have known for as long as I can remember - job searching and ending school seems much scarier at this point in my life. I have made friends at my current job and through school, so this change would alter much more than just my status as a student.

I am optimistic for the future, I believe no matter which path I choose I will figure out how to enjoy and better myself. I suppose I just need to accept these upcoming changes and keep my head up as I search for my next opportunity.

On a less serious note, look how cool this picture I took in my botany lab is;

We were looking at the different tissues in plants and we did a cross section of celery. This is a close-up of a vascular bundle, the round dark circle is the xylem, and the light purple around it is the phloem. I think it's cool because it looks like a cartoon spaceship.

Anyways thanks to anyone who read through this post, It was mainly for me to unload a little stress, and I think it helped a little. I am looking forward to the future, and classes like this make me excited about school and the environmental sciences as a whole.

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Hi Thomas!

I just wanted to say I enjoyed reading your post on our open blog prompt this week. When reflecting upon your experiences, I admire how passionate you are about your degree; that is a great attitude to have! Being optimistic and having a growth mindset can make a big difference in your life. Unknown plans for the future can be scary but also bring new opportunities and experiences. By keeping an open mind and focusing on personal growth, you will tackle any challenges that come your way and make the most of the changes you are facing. You mentioned how your parents are pretty headstrong about a master's degree. From personal experience, it can be challenging to navigate conflicting expectations, especially when they come from loved ones. It is important to remember that, ultimately, the decision about your future should be yours.

If you are unsure about pursuing a master's degree, it may be helpful to consider your goals and interests and what you hope to achieve in your career. It is also helpful to have an open and honest conversation with your parents about your thoughts and concerns. By sharing your perspective, you can work together to find a solution that works for everyone. It is also important to remember that taking your time and figuring things out is okay. You do not have to have everything figured out right away, and sometimes it takes time to find the right path. Trust yourself and your abilities, and stay focused on your goals. You will get there in the end. Good luck!

Great post! And looking forward to reading more :)

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Unit 5: The W5H of Interpretation

This week's topic allowed me to dive deep into interpretation to understand its origins and how we can apply its principles to our everyday lives. While most of my readers already have experience with nature interpretation, my hopes are that this topic will be a helpful refresher and enable us to broaden our perspectives and learn new abilities that will enable us to become better interpreters capable of delivering compelling content. That being said, I'm eager to dedicate this week's blog to unpacking this topic and providing a step-by-step crash course on interpretation. 

What: is Interpretation?

According to Dr. Sam Ham, "Interpretation is an approach to communication...it involves translating the technical language of a natural science or related field into terms and ideas that people who are not scientists can readily understand" (Ham, 1992). Interpretation is about engaging with guests and conveying narratives inspired by the interactions between people and places. It is all about meaning and making comprehension easier. Excellent interpreters may show many points of view and a few steps include:

You should be able to recognise and address opposing viewpoints on the tales you offer.

Be able to demonstrate respect for your audience's range of perspectives and beliefs.

Where: can we find Interpreters?

Interpreters are now employed in many locations, including parks, museums, zoos, adventure tour guiding firms, and cruise ships, to mention a few. Interpreters, no matter where they work, have the same goal: to connect visitors with the resource. This week's topics discussed how interpretation could be found in media sources such as podcasting. Podcasting can be an excellent resource for all age groups to engage in how environmental understanding plays a role in conservation and sustainability and communicating interpretive experiences. 

Why: is it important? 

The value of interpretation on natural sites in enhancing the visitor experience and potentially reducing visitor impacts have been widely accepted. Its importance, in part, lies in its ability to entertain, educate and inform but, perhaps more importantly, to inspire visitors about the beauty, complexity and fragility of this natural world around us.

How: Can we become better Interpreters? 

Being able to link what you are saying to the visitor in a way they can grasp. One of the most critical components of interpretation is relevance. According to Dr. Ham, relevance has two essential characteristics (Ham, 1992)

Be meaningful: the information you offer must be contextualized so the audience can grasp what they already know.

Be personal: you must connect the info to something the audience cares about, not just knows about.

Now that we have learned more about the craft of interpretation, we can use these tools to become more well-rounded and comprehensive interpreters in the future! Reflecting on Unit 2 and expecting to become teaching learners, we must remember that environmental interpreters can be considered educators. However, I believe they are also storytellers who can convey an understanding and interest in the natural environment to a divergence of demographics. Now a question for the audience, how do you think your relationship with learning about interpretation has evolved this semester? How has this course helped shape your individualized perspective?

References:

Ham, Sam. (1992). Environmental Interpretation: A Practical Guide for People With Big Ideas and Small Budgets. Golden, CO: North American Press.

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Art and Nature Interpretation

The most frequent way that I interpret nature through art is through music. This tends to be through descriptive lyrics painting a scene. One of my favourites is from the song Cowboy Take Me Away by the Chicks which says “I said, I wanna touch the earth / I wanna break it in my hands / I wanna grow something wild and unruly / I wanna sleep on the hard ground (The Chicks, 1999).” These lyrics evoke the scene of a field of wildflowers, and I can picture myself lying in the middle of the field crumbling dirt in my hands. I find that by interpreting nature through music, I can be transported to places I have never been. 

As mentioned in the textbook, art evokes emotion, and the best interpreters can get into the hearts of their audience (Beck et al., 2018). As such, interpreting nature through art can be an important experience for anyone seeking to participate in a nature interpretation program or looking to connect with nature. When you interpret art, you are seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, through their interpretation. This can aid in connecting with or interpreting nature as the artist may have connected with a small aspect of nature that the audience would have typically overlooked. 

Art forms such as theatre, dancing, and music can be beneficial for interpretation for children and adults with attention deficit disorders as it provides a more engaging or interesting method of education (Beck et al., 2018). The engaging nature of these arts can help prevent individuals from getting bored, which can be beneficial as it makes nature interpretation more accessible for individuals that would struggle to learn through other methods. 

There is no correct way to view a piece of art; how one views it depends on how one interprets the piece. As well, art is accessible to everyone, from paintings to more engaging forms like dance and theatre. As such, art should be open to everyone to interpret nature through, you do not have to be an experienced nature interpreter to use art to interpret nature. 

The “gift of beauty” is a principle of interpretation that encourages interpretation to open the audience’s eyes to the beauty of nature around them, lead to the experience of a spiritual effect, and encourage preservation (Beck et al., 2018). Art is an excellent way to connect with nature in this way. Since there are so many different forms of art, there is something for almost everyone. In my own life, I interpret the gift of beauty as the feeling I get when I feel the desire to photograph a location so that I can look back on the photo and show others. When I feel compelled to take a photo, I feel a connection to the location and hope that it will be preserved for others to see in the future. I have attached one of these photos that I took many years ago in the Kawartha Lakes area! The I was inspired by the beauty of the leaves beginning to change.

My favourite ways to interpret nature are through music and photographs. What about you?

Sources

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

The Chicks. (1999). Cowboy take me away [Song]. On Fly [Album]. Monument.

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Hi there!

I enjoyed reading about your perspective on interpreting art and nature. You're experience interpreting nature through music was compelling and made me reflect on how specific lyrics make you feel mesmerized and transported to a different place. I appreciate nature through photography, and it's a fantastic way to connect with the natural world. Art can play a significant role in nature interpretation by providing a unique perspective in allowing people to connect with nature in new and meaningful ways. For me, photography of the landscape can help people understand the diversity and fragility of the natural world, even if they cannot experience it firsthand.

One of my favourite paintings too look is is Shades of Blue by Charlotte Gibbs

As you mentioned, art evokes emotion (no matter what form it depicts), and colour can emotionally impact art. Blue is undoubtedly a prevalent colour in landscape photography, as it is the colour of the sky and water. Blue has a calming effect on people because we tend to associate blue with trust, strength and purity, as in the ocean. The emotion I feel when looking at this painting is peace, due to the horizontal lines of the waves emphasizing the tranquillity of the scene above. Similarly, like your desire to take a photo when feeling connected with a space because you want to preserve a connection with a special place or moment in time. It puts into perspective how art can be so influential and evoke a wide range of emotions and thoughts in people.

Great post! And looking forward to reading more :)

[dralh]

Disclaimer

This blog was created for __________, 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 4: The Beauty of the Natural World

Artists have unique ways of perceiving and representing the natural world, and their work can be seen as a personal expression of their experiences and perceptions of nature. The "gift of beauty" is often used to refer to the idea that a character has the power to evoke feelings of awe and wonder in those who observe it. Art can be seen as a way to capture and preserve these experiences, allowing others to see and appreciate the beauty of the natural world through the artist's perspective.

Visual art plays a significant role in nature interpretation by providing a unique perspective on the natural world and allowing people to connect with nature in new and meaningful ways. For example, I experience this through nature photography and time spent outdoors. Photography of the landscape can help people understand the diversity and fragility of the natural world, even if they cannot experience it firsthand.

This week's readings explored how "the gift of beauty" can provide a range of benefits for people in terms of physical, mental, and social well-being (Beck et al., 2018). In terms of physical well-being, nature offers opportunities for people to exercise and engage in outdoor activities, providing a sense of calm and tranquillity, and spending time outside can foster a sense of social connectedness and community.

Lastly, interpretation plays a big part in art and allows the audience to see through their own lens to bring their own experiences and perspectives to work. Furthermore, it can also help raise awareness about environmental issues and the importance of conservation and provide a platform for artists to communicate their vision for a more sustainable and equitable future. By combining creativity with education and advocacy, art can play an essential role in shaping public attitudes towards nature and inspiring people to take action to protect the natural world. As a nature interpreter, it is necessary to have enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others and a passion for the natural environment and conservation in your back pocket. I believe that the key is to find an approach that resonates with your audience and helps them appreciate and understand the beauty of the natural world. Overall, while art may not be the only way to perceive nature, it can be a powerful tool for interpretation. 

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed). Sagamore Venture.

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Recognizing Privilege

Privilege to me means having an advantage because things were handled to them as opposed to earning them. When looking at this in terms of nature interpretation, some people might have more opportunities in the field then others. Experiences with nature could be due to their parents through where they lived or if the family did outdoor activities altogether. Therefore, one could have had all these experiences growing up but there are some people who don’t grow up that way and they have to fund their connection with nature on their own. Someone who is privileged may not have to worry about facing barriers such as race, religion, gender etc. and can go about their journey of nature interpretation without a worry. 

I consider myself to be privileged because thanks to my parents, I was able to experience nature at a young age through my home and my experiences that they paid for. I loved spending time outside through camping and horseback riding. Horseback riding was a way for me to get out in the outdoors and enjoy nature in a fun way. This is an extracurricular activity that I did for a few years as a kid and I enjoyed it, rain or shine. It is a very expensive activity to get into and I am fortunate to have been able to do so. My parents funded these activities for me and it is not something that I had to work towards by myself. Besides my experiences with nature, I am privileged that I do not experience any boundaries to what I want to do. I did not fully understand and appreciate this luxury when I was younger. Now that I am older, I am appreciative of the opportunities that I had and can see that this is not the case for everyone. All these little adventures created the relationships I have today. 

Another major privilege that I have today is through me attending university. I never had to worry about how I can financially afford an education or if I can even get an education. Through attending university, I am able to broaden my relationship with nature through taking classes like this one that challenge me to look deeper into what nature has to offer. An education is not a luxury for everyone and I am grateful for the opportunity I have. With my education, I can work towards providing a life for myself without reliance on my parents and earn the future experiences that are soon to come. Yet I have my parents to thank for giving me a leg up. 

Everyone should be able to experience nature, regardless of barriers they may face. Nature can provide so much peace and is a great connection to form. Although I wish for this to happen, the concept of privilege will never go away. Through recognizing the privilege that we experience, we can come up with ways to help others overcome these barriers they are faced with. 

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Hi there!

I enjoyed reading about your perspective on your experience of horseback riding and recognizing privilege. For example, someone who has grown up in an urban area may have had different opportunities to engage with nature than someone who grew up in a rural area and, as a result, may have less knowledge and experience in the field of nature interpretation. Acknowledging and addressing these disparities is essential, as they can limit diversity and inclusivity in the field and affect the perspectives and approaches represented in nature interpretation.

I agree with your perspective when you say that nature can be a source of peace and a way to connect with others. However, it is not secret that privilege is a pervasive issue in many fields, including nature interpretation. While it is not possible to eliminate privilege, it is possible to work towards reducing its impact and increasing accessibility and inclusivity through environmental interpretation. By acknowledging and addressing the impact of privilege, we as interpreters can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive field that allows all people to benefit from the peace and connection that nature can provide.

Great post! And looking forward to reading more :)

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Unit 3: Environmental Privilege! Is it Real?

While the definition varies from person to person, privilege can be defined as disproportionate benefits or access afforded to specific groups of people due to their membership in a social group. Privilege may be granted based on various social identities, including race, gender, religion, financial class, sexuality, age, educational level, and environmental factors. 

Environmental privilege refers to the capacity of privileged groups to preserve environmental amenities for themselves while denying them to less privileged groups. For example, for many people living in wealthy countries, their environmental privilege can look like the following list of privileges:

Using as much tap water as I choose for my daily activities, such as bathing and cooking, without thinking about it.

Eating fruits and vegetables that are not grown in my region.

Controlling the temperature of my home for my comfort.

Accessing beautiful views of nature where I live, work, or play.

This week's readings on risk versus reward shed light on recognizing privilege's role in gaining access to environmental interpreting and reflecting on our individualized relationship with privilege. A way to do this is by "unpacking our invisible backpacks" and reflecting upon our attributes and opportunities that have been given that others may not have.

After much thought, here is my unpack:

I am a straight Indian female, a child of immigrants, middle class, highly educated, speak both English and Hindi, and come from a nuclear family. I possess Canadian citizenship, which has allowed me to travel and attend/pay for university. Growing up, I was privileged to travel and see the world. However, our social identities influence our social location and inform the benefits we have when travelling. Some examples include passport, language and accessibility privileges (Keena et al., 2022). Our values and habits at home influence how we go overseas. Begin by comprehending how your identity influences how you navigate around your hometown, city, nation, and so on. The internal work comes first, followed by the exterior work.

Peggy McIntosh discusses some of these ideas in her article White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, as she outlines how the daily effects of white privilege (which she herself experiences) are not something her African American peers can count on (McIntosh, 1989). I found her guide on addressing the problem quite effective, particularly the section where she provides "a new method" to acknowledge and examine our society's stereotypes about people of colour and how to admit, listen and educate yourself on racist prejudice (McIntosh, 1989). Environmental privilege is a consequence of class and racial privilege concerning access to the overall environment, influencing the social and economic realm. Consequently, this significantly impacts how we value the environment as interpreters and learners. Learning about the role that privilege plays in nature interpretation is vital if we as a society want to change people's experiences and we want our future generations to infiltrate and modify the institutions and organizations in which they will work and lead. McIntosh's article provides excellent insight into ways we can broaden our experiences. For example, "Stop passing down racist prejudices to your children. Expose them to differences early on" (McIntosh, 1989). When we reflect on our privileges and unpack our invisible backpacks, we can see how they can be unique and, even more importantly, that we have the responsibility as nature interpreters to measure the impacts of actions while interpreting. 

References:

Keena, Sojourner, Krista, Erica, Daphna, Kay, & Dawn. (2022, July 3). Travel privilege to know about and why. Sojournies. https://sojournies.com/travel-privilege/ 

McIntosh, P. (1989). White privilege: Unpacking the invisible Knapsack. Peace and Freedom, pp. 10–12.

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Unit 02: Teaching Learners

Environmental interpreters have roles in how people relate to and understand the environment. While pondering on my ideal role as a nature interpreter, I was confused as I have always considered a career in environmental science and biology as separate. However, after thinking of the blog prompt, I realized that does not have to be the case. Therefore, my ideal role as an environmental interpreter is to show people the importance of environmental conservation through the lens of a biologist. While fulfilling this role, I will use my biology knowledge to protect and teach about nature; I have continually learned to love and enjoy. I hope to reach a variety of audiences while in this role, but most importantly, those wondering how the environment truly benefits us. Some people don't see any value in protecting something that "doesn't benefit them." Therefore, using biology and different studies to show how the environment positively affects aspects of the quality of life of humans will allow these people to understand the plight of environmental conservation. I look to share the health and biological pros of simply spending time outside.

Being an environmental interpreter, I would be in the position of teaching people. While trying to teach someone, it is crucial to consider the different styles and abilities present within a group. As an auditory learner, it is easier to take notes as someone speaks to retain the information taught. However, that is not the case for everyone therefore, it is important to include visual aids and hands-on activities in learning settings. Integrating some format of each learning style allows for a more inclusive and productive learning experience, leading to a greater understanding of the material. Our textbook states, "an interpreter must use creative imagination to help others understand and enjoy their cultural and natural environments"(Beck et al. 2018). Paying attention to ensure that all learning types are represented and enjoyable for the learners is the most crucial part of being an environmental interpreter.

The responsibility of an interpreter is to help others understand their environments; to achieve this there are skills that it entails. Firstly, I believe this role requires patience. Working with different learning styles and levels can be frustrating; one must be patient, letting learners move at their own pace. Secondly, an interpreter must be understanding. Understanding that everyone grows to appreciate nature differently and may not always agree with your interpretation, but that is the beauty of learning. Finally, it is vital to love the environment and feel that preserving it is an important task for which we are all responsible.

There is no specific location where I would take up this role. I want to travel the world to teach people how the environment benefits us and our health. I wouldn't only remain in Canada because protecting our environment is not specific to one country or region.

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

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Hi Jaaziah,

I enjoyed your perspective on this week's blog post about environmental interpretation. I appreciate that (as an auditory learner) you still stressed the importance of teaching through distinct methods, i.e. including visual aids and hands-on activities in learning settings. As a teacher, it is essential to guarantee that all forms of learning are represented and entertaining for the students. Everyone develops to enjoy nature differently and may not always agree with your stance, but as you said, that is the beauty of learning. You mentioned how humans don't tend to see the value in things that don't benefit them; however, your approach to educating them by teaching them about the health benefits, for ex. Cultivating greater openness, creativity, connection, generosity, and resilience would be a great way to bridge the two ideas. Lastly, I enjoyed your intention of saying that there wasn't a specific location where you would ideally work and would try to travel and educate people worldwide! You sound very passionate about teaching people about the importance of the natural environment through a biologist's lens. A new perspective like this would inspire people in a way that hasn't been done before.

Great post! And looking forward to reading more :)

[dralh]

Disclaimer

This blog was created for __________, 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.