Olivia Leach

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Disclaimer

This blog was created for ENVS*3000 W24, 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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ethics as an interpreter

As I embark on my journey as a nature interpreter, I find myself being guided by mainly my personal beliefs and responsibilities. This ethical base is a compass that leads me towards more understanding and appreciation.

One of my personal beliefs lies in the interconnectedness of life forms and our ecosystems. I view nature as a vital part of our existence as it is and deserves respect for its beauty, importance and abilities and should thus not be seen as separate from humanity. This belief fuels my passion for being a nature interpreter as I strive to convey interconnectedness to others.

Another huge contributor to my personal ethics is the responsibility I feel towards both the natural world and the people I engage with as an interpreter. I find myself to be a mediator between these two and thus it is my responsibility to bridge the gap between us humans and the rest of the beautiful natural world. Along with this role comes the duty to inspire and install a sense of wonder. Through fostering a deeper connection to nature in these individuals I can empower them to become advocates for environmental conservation and sustainability as well and spread awareness.

 Through fulfilling my responsibilities of being a nature interpreter, there are a few approaches that reflect my personal ethics. First, prioritizing authenticity in my interactions with the audience and natural world is a top priority as I strive to ensure the information being presented is accurate and clear so that everyone is able to understand and acknowledge the importance and complexity of our ecological systems.

I also embrace a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to nature interpretation through insights from ecology and history. This is because I have taken a variety of history in the environment and animals in history courses as well as a field ecology course that helped me connect to nature on an even deeper level and sharing these insights with others will help resonate on a more intellectual and emotional level.

Lastly, I am committed to ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy nature. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of nature regardless of their background or circumstances is my top priority. 

As I continue to develop as a nature interpreter it is also important that I learn and grow with it and am mindful of the evolving nature and am open to new ideas, perspectives and experiences that challenge and deepen my understanding of the environment. My main goal is to inspire others to discover, reflect and act towards a more harmonious relationship with our natural world.

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Hey there!

I really enjoyed reading your post this week, and I thought we had similar ideas on ethics and personal goals regarding nature interpretation moving forward. I think your views on helping everyone enjoy nature and what you share are so important and relatively simple; they involve some planning and extra thought. You can start by talking to your group, reading comments on websites and finding out why people want to be there and why sometimes they cannot attend or feel excluded (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 7). In my post, I mention ways to include people who are of different races and different physical abilities, such as blind or in a wheelchair. You can have video streams, brail pamphlets or accessible walkways and building entrances to make sure as many people as possible are getting your message. 

I also related to the aspect of including history in your interpretation work. While I have not taken many courses like you, I have recently begun to enjoy it and am certainly interested in learning more about it and how to incorporate it into my program. As our textbook mentions, history puts life into things; it helps form a guide for the present (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 15). You can learn so much about the present by looking into the past. History, especially when local, can make people feel a sense of place; it makes the spot more meaningful as they develop the knowledge of the whole story and can appreciate what the area has gone through to become what it is today. I think history is under-used, so I am excited to see like-minded individuals who want to share the benefits of history through nature interpretation!

Overall, excellent post and good luck in the future!

References:

Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

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Final Blog: Beliefs of a Nature Interpreter

Hey everyone, welcome back! This will be my final blog post and I just wanted to take a quick second to thank everyone for reading my thoughts and ideas and I wanted to say it was a wonderful time! I really enjoyed seeing all your opinions about my thoughts and I hope to see them one last time in this post! Stay strong, protect the natural world around you, and keep exploring! As always I hope you enjoy my thoughts and pictures.

Nature is such an important part of everyone's life, and must be preserved at all costs. However, to some nature is more than just an escape. It’s a calling. I believe that every little thing in nature is worth saving, protecting, and maintaining its beauty. In the class content it said, “we can create nature-rich communities where kids feel a deep and abiding love for the living systems that we are all immersed in” (Hooykaas, 2024), and this quote really stuck with me because I believe that every person in this world should be given the ability to establish their own special bond with the natural world around them. I believe the preservation of nature should be of the utmost importance because if the natural world changes too much there may not be any of the same things that we hold dear left to explore, and without it so many people would be left confused and unsure where to wander. I believe it is also extremely important to teach others, especially the younger generations how very important it is to maintain the beauty of what can occur when humans do not manipulate the environment. I also believe it is important to not interfere with natural occurrences that you might stumble across no matter how disturbing, awkward, or sad it may be. For example, last summer I came across many different animals doing various things from water snakes mating to a garter snake eating to a family of beavers building a damn under a dock, of course I tried to take pictures if I could, but not a chance would I get too close or startle the animals due to the slightest chance of it messing with their routine.

This is a collage of a few things I’ve witnessed while out exploring nature. Top left is a shaggy mane mushroom, top right is a member of the beaver family that was creating a dam, bottom left is a garter snake attempting to eat an earthworm, and the bottom right is a very large wolf spider that was just hanging around.

Being an nature interpreter is a role that must help others explore aspects of nature that they wouldn’t have thought to look at. Nature interpreting is so much more than simply a job. As I said before it’s a calling, a passion, a craving for exploration, and bringing what is unknown into the light for other people to be in the know. Nature interpreters have some of the largest responsibilities for the future. They hold the responsibility of being storytellers for future generations. They won’t just say facts about nature because that is not what gets people, more importantly kids, interested in the natural world. Kids are interested in video games and have simulations of nature, however, it is the responsibility of nature interpreters to tell exciting and eccentric stories that get them wanting and willing to go out and experience it for themselves (Boeckel, 2015). It is also the responsibility of the interpreter to be well-prepared, insightful, and communicate efficiently and in an appropriate manner depending on the audience that they are attending to. It is also the responsibility of the interpreter to, while telling the stories, make sure that everyone who is listening knows how important even the smallest thing in an ecosystem is all the way down to the small twig/branch the kids may want to pick up and play with. 

This was a location that we visited called Overhanging point (name is kinda self explanatory) during a guided hike. This was carved out by glacial ice movement.

As an individual it may seem difficult at times to think that what you say has an impact on the overall scheme of things, but there are many things that one person can do that can change and pull so many more people in. As it says in the textbook, find a way to articulate your ideas and points in a relevant, creative, and caring manner because that is what draws the attention of others (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). There are many ways to engage groups of people, and some effective ways are: holding interactive presentations for specific topics, creating a podcast that can appeal to younger and older audiences with many games such as guess the bird call, or guess that animal by the description, guided hikes are also a good tool to pique the interest of the more outdoorsy type of person, and sometimes even simple blogs like this one is an effective tool for getting ideas across to a very significant amount of different people. I know from personal experience that the two most effective ways to reach me with different information is an interactive presentation, or a guided hike. These two speak to me the most because I find them the most useful for engaging people. Guided hikes are a very nice way of exploring the wilderness because not only do you get to be out in nature, but you are able to hear the backstories of all the caves, rock formations, or anything that you may come across during the hike. However, each person has a different way of engaging with nature.

That’s all I have on my mind for now, and I hope everyone enjoyed my thoughts this time, and I hope you have all enjoyed my previous posts too! I had a wonderful time sharing my opinions and thoughts over the past months. I am looking forward to everyone's replies and ideas of their own. 

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

Boeckel, J.v. (2015). At the heart of art and earth: an exploration of practices in arts-based environmental education. Envir. Edu. Research. 21 (5), 801-802. https://doi-org.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/10.1080/13504622.2014.959474

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 10: Nature Interpretation’s Role in Environmental Sustainability. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640024/View.

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Hey there!

I really enjoyed your post, and it saddens me that this is the end. It is inspiring to hear how you will incorporate what we have learned this semester into your future nature-interpreting life. I love that you talk about preserving nature and teaching people to maintain it is beauty. I think this can be done through inspiring a love of nature in people. Reading everyone’s posts, you will see many people got into nature as children. This spark of enjoyment in children often carries throughout life, creating an overall appreciation for it (Rodenburg, 2019). Love for nature gives people motivation to work to preserve it and appreciate its beauty without ruining it, like you mention, interrupting animals being animals even if it is disturbing, sad or awkward. 

In addition, I also liked how you discussed engagement, as this keeps people interested in what you are interpreting. If people are not engaged, they will not actually learn from the message you are trying to share. A huge part of engagement is knowing your audience and taking the time to understand them, whether through researching or talking to groups beforehand (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). I like the examples you list, such as podcasts, games and hikes and how they may appeal to different groups. This also incorporates removing barriers, as an older audience member who may not be able to get outdoors for a hike can still learn by listening to an audio file. 

Overall, it was an excellent post and great work this semester! Good luck in the future!

References:

Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

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Unit 10 (Final) Post

As we approach the end of the semester, it feels nice to take an opportunity to reflect on all that we have learned about both nature interpretation and ourselves throughout the duration of this course. The concept of nature interpretation, which once felt quite abstract, is something which I now feel much more comfortable discussing, as I now understand that it is one of the reasons I so greatly enjoy talking about the environment and science to others.

The thing that has always stood out to me when having nature interpreted for me, or when interpreting nature myself, is the feeling of awe, getting a renewed sense of wonder about the world and all of its inhabitants. I love the experience of learning things that make me feel as if my understanding of the world has become even just a bit clearer, discovering more and more about how interconnected each natural occurrence and process truly is.

When I engage in nature interpretation, whether it be making posts on social media or simply speaking to people, my primary motivation is to ignite that feeling of wonder in them, not only because it is a wonderful feeling, but also because I know it deepens one's reverence for the natural world. Like stated by Beck et al., "by gaining more knowledge about the cultural or natural resources of an area, [one's visit] becomes more meaningful", and I think encouraging the development of people's connection to the planet is currently more important than ever (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 42).

In the modern day, people have become increasingly disconnected from nature, both physically and mentally. It is a common sentiment for people to have that climate change is not an important issue to them as, "they will be dead when it happens", and aside from this simply being untrue, it saddens me to realize how little attachment some people feel towards our planet and the animals which live upon it. An important aspect in interpreting nature for me is to help inspire people to connect with nature, to show them that there is something to care about, not just for future generations or other species, but for themselves too.

I believe that feeling of awe is a great catalyst in developing a respect for nature and its beauty, as who could listen to the stories of how the animals in a fossil ended up immortalized there, to listen to the strong waves crashing against a rocky shore, or to see a vast forested mountainscape without feeling as if there is something there worth protecting. It is my hope, and I believe also my responsibility, to encourage people to feel a sense of wonder towards nature, and to help them understand why some people feel that it is so important to protect it.

"One of the key features of interpretation is to promote stewardship of our cultural and natural resources", says Beck et al., and I do believe this to be true, as it is one of my goals to encourage stewardship and conservation efforts with my nature interpretation (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 96). I hope that with technology, we can work on encouraging interconnectedness, to share the beauty of nature with others and to inspire change, rather than letting it continue to drive us apart from each other and the natural world.

Reference

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

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Hi there!

I really liked reading your post and hearing about how you have grown throughout this semester. I, too, was unfamiliar with nature interpretation before this course and was confused as to what it even was. However, throughout the course, I have developed an appreciation for this subject and feel excited about how I can integrate it into my life in the future. 

I love that you discuss the feeling of awe. Not only does this phenomenon excite me and further propel me to learn more, but it can also lead people to be more cooperative (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 21). This is exciting and important for solving issues that involve cooperation and people being more kind, ethical and generous, such as the issue of climate change. Changing the world requires people to work together for a purpose, not selfishly. Your commitment to inspiring people and making them feel awe is an important aspect of nature interpretation! 

I also like how you emphasize working together and creating an interconnected community. At the end of the day, we share a world, and I think nature is a constant that people can relate to. People can work as a team to protect species, stop deforestation, and reduce global warming, among many others. To think this can happen through inspiring joy in people and sparking a feeling of awe by looking at a mountain range, animals interacting, waterfalls or vast seas of grass is exciting and, like you, inspires me to do a better job in my future highlighting these awe-inspiring moments in nature. 

Thank you for the excellent posts this semester, and good luck in the future!

References:

Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

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Final Blog

Throughout this course, I have developed not only as a person but also as a nature interpreter, and as I continue to change into a nature interpreter in whatever form that may take, I want to bring a few personal ethics with me. The first ethic is that I want my love and passion for nature always to be evident. Interpreting often involves sharing facts and telling history, which is highly informative. If done correctly and with good interpretation in mind, it should also connect with people and boost their view of the world through a sharing of passion (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). It is also vital for me to carry the love of nature and work to have others fall in love with nature the same way I did. I believe love for something initiates learning, solving problems, and protecting fundamental issues in a changing world with many environmental and ecological challenges. Love is also where many children begin to learn; they develop a love for nature and then grow to learn more about complex concepts and ideas (Rodenburg, 2019). Lastly, I want to ensure that I continue to learn and encourage others to continue to learn. There is endless knowledge to be had, and I want to encourage people to realize that it is never too late to stop learning. 

As I work towards becoming an experienced nature interpreter, I want to bring a few beliefs with me, beginning with the fact that everyone wants to learn and sometimes just needs more help. Many people have barriers such as being too busy, physical or mental ailments or lack of financial ability (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Despite barriers, everyone can participate in nature interpretation and continue to learn more about the world around us. I also believe in sparking joy with participants. Making people fall in love with nature is the key to handling more significant issues such as climate change. 

Being a nature interpreter involves many responsibilities ranging from the goals of interpretation and spreading a message to ensuring inclusion for everyone. Along with many responsibilities, I think a few take the cake for importance, and I would like to focus on these. The most important responsibility is creating an inclusive environment that is supportive of learning for everyone. You can have a fantastic message and interpretive performance, but if not everyone can see or experience it, then there is no point. A critical aspect of this is accessibility. If someone is blind, I have to ensure they have components they can participate in, such as having brail pamphlets or information boards; if someone is in a wheelchair, I need to provide either an accessible, safe walk or, if that is not possible provide an online component offering the same experience (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6; Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). It is also important for me to include people of all ethnicities and races, whether through hiring a diverse team of individuals or being aware of different individuals with differing beliefs on religion, history or politics (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). It is also crucial to get to know my group before beginning to interpret (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Talk to them, hear their perspectives and change my program depending on the discussion (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Understanding the people you are interpreting is key to sharing your message with them. My last key responsibility involves creating an effective interpretation program. I have to be able to pick out unique features of a place, relate them to the common person and create a bigger picture and sense of place through an enjoyable, organized method (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5; Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 1). Ensuring that the entire story is shared by including history is essential to avoid only relaying parts of the pieces (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). Overall, there are many responsibilities when interpreting. However, the most important thing to me is getting to know the people with whom you share your message to tell a story effectively. 

Everyone is different, which makes nature interpretation fun because everyone brings different experiences, passions and abilities. When it comes to interpreting, I will be sure to include as many multiple intelligences as possible to try to reach all learners. However, I have a few that I think I would be best at, and those are bodily-kinesthetic, naturalistic and musical. I learn the best through these types, and I feel I can relate to learners who are similar to me. Using hands-on experiences out in nature is an easy way of teaching because this is how I learn. The same goes for musicals, as I remember lyrics and sounds well. I can use music to connect audience members to what I am interpreting. I also feel that I can connect with people very well. I have always been more of an introvert who would rather sit back and watch other people than be the one in the spotlight. This gives me an advantage when getting to know the audience, like what they are interested in, their barriers or why they are there. I can then tailor my interpretation to suit the audience best, allowing them to get the most out of the program (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6).  Another approach that I would be effective at using is art. I have always connected with art and have been creative growing up. Art is used to help convey messages, remember facts, and set tones (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 10). By using pieces of nature to make art, using art mediums to draw or recreate nature, or using music, I can effectively interpret and add more to a program. One last approach I want to use, as I think it suits me, is using history to change perspectives and give a place more meaning (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 15). I never used to be interested in history and thought it was boring; however, I have recently begun to change my opinion, and I see the value in it being used. I want to share this newfound passion with people and use history to create and tell a complete story about a place. I want them to imagine the place in it is past and understand how it has changed to where it is now and why that change has been important. This could be incredibly important when discussing topics such as climate change, where landscape changes can be seen through things like glaciers receding. 

Nature interpretation will look different for everyone as we bring unique perspectives, assets and passion to the field. I want to know how you think nature interpretation will be incorporated into your life in the future. 

References:

Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. Environmental Literacy. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300.

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The Enchanting World of Bioluminescence!

Hi friends!!

Welcome back to another week of blogging… I can’t believe this is the 9th week of blogging! Time really does fly. 

Today I am going to introduce you all to the captivating and mesmorizing world of Bioluminescence! I remember learning about this in a documentary after seeing photos online of bioluminescent beaches and it is one of the most fascinating phenomenons ever! 

To begin, picture this: a moonless night, the ocean gently lapping at the shore, and suddenly, the water bursts into a mesmerizing display of ethereal blue-green light. This is not a scene from a sci-fi movie; it's the magical world of bioluminescence! Bioluminescence is the ability of living organisms to produce light and can be encountered in summer evenings from the flickering lights of fireflies, or in the depths of the ocean from bacteria and sharks (NOAA, 2017). 

What truly sets bioluminescence apart is its sheer beauty and versatility. From attracting mates, luring in prey, communicating with fellow organisms or warding off predators, bioluminescence serves a variety of purposes in the natural world (National Geographic, n.d). For example, the vampire squid uses this as a defensive behaviour as instead of ejecting dark ink to defend against predators, they instead eject sticky bioluminescent mucus which can confuse and delay predators (National Geographic, n.d). Additionally, another really cool theory is that some biologists theorize that some species who are not bioluminescent themselves, take advantage of species that are. For example, a sperm whale might surround itself with bioluminescent plankton in order to eat fish who are the planktons predators as their glowing alerts the whale that fish are nearby (National Geographic, n.d). It is so fascinating to me how the language of light can work in such enticing ways. 

So, the next time you find yourself under the starry night sky or lurking out into the ocean, remember the hidden world of bioluminescense that lies just beyond our sight. It’s a good reminder that even in the darkest corners of the Earth, there is still light to be seen, illuminating the beauty of the world around us.

To end this blog, I wanted to leave you with a question to ponder... in what ways can we draw inspiration from nature's ability to illuminate even the darkest of places within our own lives? What is the hidden symbolism here?

Thanks for reading and looking forward to hearing back!!!

Natalie

Works Cited

NOAA. (2017). What is bioluminescence? National Ocean Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/biolum.html

National Geographic. (n.d). Bioluminescence is light emitted by living things through chemical reactions in their bodies. National Geographic Education. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/bioluminescence/

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Response 2:

Hey there! Wow, this was such a fantastic blog post this week. I am not an expert on bioluminescence, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post about it! I wish there was more; I have so many more questions. What other species use bioluminescence? How is the light created? Why does bioluminescence have so many purposes? What was the evolutionary path here? 

I think my multitude of questions shows how great of a job you did at inspiring learning and drawing in the reader. You used passion, facts and examples to paint a wonderful picture in my head and teach me something new (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). I also like how you summarized your post by making it relatable to something we have all experienced. Not everyone has been in the ocean next to a sperm whale, but everyone knows the stars in the night sky. Next time I see a star, I will be reminded of bioluminescence just because of one simple comparison.  This relation to people is vital for making information stick and avoiding having it lost on them (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 10). 

To answer your question, I think it is important to remember that no matter how dark of a time you are in, there are always hints of light; you just have to look for it. In a deep, dark ocean where no sunlight penetrates and blind creatures live, there is still evidence of light through bioluminescence. I also think this can hint at looking for light in non-typical or usual ways. Like how the typical source of light (sun) is gone in the deep ocean, there is a non-conventional light source. This can apply to life in that sometimes you have to look for different ways to find light. 

Such a great post and I loved your thought-provoking question!

References: 

Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

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Unveiling the Underwater Symphony: The Marvels of Coral Reef Symbiosis🐠

Hey fellow nature lovers! Today, I'm thrilled to share with you one of the most extraordinary marvels of the natural world that never fails to fill me with wonder: the intricate dance of symbiosis in coral reefs.

Imagine plunging beneath the surface of the ocean, into a vibrant underwater world teeming with life. Here, nestled among the coral colonies, exists a delicate balance of cooperation and mutual benefit that has evolved over millions of years (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024; NOAA, n.d.)

At the heart of this underwater paradise are the corals themselves, tiny organisms that build intricate calcium carbonate skeletons, forming the backbone of the reef ecosystem (Lippsett, 2018). But what truly sets coral reefs apart is their mutualistic relationship with algae known as zooxanthellae (NOAA, n.d.). You can catch a glimpse of these symbiotic organisms in the image below:

Direct photograph link: https://www.tetiaroasociety.org/biosphere-tetiaroa/zooxanthellae :)

These microscopic algae live safely within the tissues of the coral, harnessing the power of sunlight to photosynthesize and produce energy (NOAA, n.d.). In return, they provide the coral with essential nutrients like glucose, helping to fuel their growth and survival (NOAA, n.d.). It's a partnership so vital that without it, coral reefs as we know them would cease to exist (NOAA, n.d.).

But the wonders of symbiosis don't stop there. Coral reefs are also home to a dazzling array of marine life, from colourful fish and graceful sea turtles to elusive lobsters and enchanting seahorses (NOAA, 2024). Each species plays a unique role in the reef ecosystem, contributing to its resilience and diversity.

What's truly remarkable about coral reefs is their ability to adapt and thrive in some of the most challenging environments on Earth (Harvey et al., 2018). From the crystal-clear waters of the tropics to the murky depths of the deep sea, corals have evolved a remarkable array of shapes, sizes, and colours to ✨ thrive and survive ✨ (Harvey et al., 2018).

But perhaps the most exciting aspect of coral reef interpretation lies in its potential to inspire action and conservation (NOAA, 2024). As we continue to explore and understand these underwater wonders, we uncover not only the secrets of the ocean but also the urgent need to protect and preserve it for future generations (NOAA, 2024).

Direct photograph link: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/whitsunday/reef-protest-surprises-mp/news-story/c8ba89c08b93307b13bb913ae7ac3894 :)

Imagine a future where every person, young and old, feels a deep connection to the ocean and understands the vital role that coral reefs play in sustaining life on Earth. A future where conservation efforts are driven not only by scientific research but also by a shared sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and complexity of the natural world. This embodies the "bright future of interpretation" Beck et al. (2018, p. 457) envisioned – a future where every discovery, every moment of awe, fuels our passion for understanding and protecting the wonders of the natural world.

So, the next time you find yourself daydreaming about the ocean, take a moment to marvel at the intricate dance of symbiosis unfolding beneath the waves. And remember, the wonders of nature are all around us, just waiting to be discovered and appreciated! Until next time :)

Madison B.

References:

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

Harvey, B. J., Nash, K. L., Blanchard, J. L., & Edwards, D. P. (2018). Ecosystem‐based management of coral reefs under climate change. Ecology and Evolution, 8(12), 6354–6368. https://doi.org/10.1002%2Fece3.4146

Lippsett, L. (2018, November 12). How Do Corals Build Their Skeletons? Oceanus. https://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/feature/how-do-corals-build-their-skeletons/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). Zooxanthellae … What's That?. National Ocean Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/coral02_zooxanthellae.html#:~:text=The%20corals%20and%20these%20special,the%20coral%20to%20remove%20wastes.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2024, January 18). What species live in and around coral reefs?. National Ocean Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_species.html#:~:text=Millions%20of%20species%20live%20in%20and%20around%20coral%20reefs&text=Fish%2C%20corals%2C%20lobsters%2C%20clams,thousands%20of%20years%20of%20history.

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Hey there! I loved reading your post this week; your passion for coral reefs is extremely evident. It pours out of your post! You touched on many critical aspects of effective interpretation, which helped make your post effective and engaging. I like that you began using imagination to breathe life into your story and facts and help paint a picture in my head (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). As I mentioned, your evident passion also helped to make me feel passionate about what you were teaching (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5)! 

You also included a connection to citizens in science; however, I would be interested in learning about specific programs that exist for people to participate in to help conserve coral reefs (Merenlender et al., 2016). 

I learned about coral reefs during my schooling; however, I am no expert and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about them through your post. While conservation efforts are not only driven by science but are an amazing thought for the future, I find the entire ecosystem alone also gives me a sense of awe. There is something breathtaking about the perfect balance and intricacy of it. Interestingly, the experience of awe is said to increase curiosity, wonder, and creativity, and your post did just that (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 21). I want to explore and learn more, and being a painter, I immediately started thinking of painting ideas using coral reefs :). 

References: 

Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

Merenlender, A. M., Crall, A. W., Drill, S., Prysby, M. & Ballard, H. (2016). Evaluating environmental education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs. Conservation Biology 30(6), 1255-1265. https://doi-org.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/10.1111/cobi.12737. 

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Unit 9: Nature is amazing

When I think about the most exciting thing about nature, my brain creates a whirlwind of thoughts and facts, most of which I have learned throughout my university career. However, the most amazing thing to me is not something I learned in a classroom; I have experienced it through living it and talking to others. The most amazing thing I know about nature is the natural healing aspect of it. Mentally and physically, nature can be used to heal. How many people feel 10x better after a walk outside? How many take medicine that is made from plants? How many people use nature to reduce anxiety or stress? I know I do. Simply being out in nature provides so many mental benefits, such as reduced anxiety and depression, clearer thinking, boosted serotonin and many more. It can even increase creativity, purpose and curiosity through something called awe (Beck et al., Chapter 21). When individuals witness something awe-inspiring, such as a gorgeous landscape, they are changed positively to think outwardly and be more generous and cooperative (Beck et al., Chapter 21). It is fascinating to me how many benefits being outside in nature can have and how easily it is overlooked by people. 

This is a photo taken in Algonquin Park. To some, this may not seem awe-inspiring; however, having experienced this location at this time was incredible. The airfield where this photo was taken is almost completely covered in wild blueberries; the expanse was insane! I have never seen so many blueberries in my life. Not to mention this location is routinely burnt with controlled fires to maintain the open field. When this photo was taken, it was extremely hot and humid, but a very fast-approaching thunderstorm was moving in with its cold air. Feeling the temperature shift and seeing the storm getting closer was wild. The power of nature is incredibly awe-inspiring. Following this, I turned this photo into a drawing, the photo sparking my creativity. 

Another aspect of healing that nature can have that many individuals do not realize is physical healing. I learned through a talk that spending time under pine trees and breathing in the chemicals that pine needles produce can have anti-cancerous effects, which is incredible. Along the same lines, forest air can improve our immune systems (Li, 2010). How amazing is it that a simple walk in the forest makes you less likely to get sick? It is also well-known in the medical community that plants can treat illnesses of all types. Many pharmaceutical companies still use plants or synthetic versions of plants to create drugs that help health complications. Off the top of my head, I can think of a few botanicals used for various ailments. St. John’s Wart is used to reduce mental health issues, oil of oregano is used to heal sore throats, and ashwanganda is used to relieve stress and anxiety. There are so many more, maybe some of you use some that you can comment about?  

There are many facts about nature and so much to learn. However, I feel it is often overlooked how versatile nature is regarding the body's natural healing. Investigating nature can fix or help with so many issues in our lives. That, to me, is the most amazing thing. Can you think of examples of nature's ability to heal? 

References:

Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018. 

Li, Q. (2010) Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environ Health Prev Med. 15(1):9-17. doi: 10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3.

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Unit 07: Interpreting Nature through Music

Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music? As a follow-up, what song takes you immediately back to a natural landscape? What is the context?

The paper “The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music” by Gray et al. (2001) is a good source to utilize for the first question in this week's prompt. The authors answer the first question, “where is music in nature”, by explaining that music is created by other species, such as whales and birds. They write that whales and birds demonstrate musical language and expression. Both use musical sounds to communicate and bond within and across species. Humpback whale songs are similar to human music in the tone and timbre of the notes they sing. Whales are capable of singing a range of seven octaves and repeat and build on their material in the same way human composers do. Similarly, when birds compose songs they often use similar pitch relationships, rhythmic variations, musical arrangements, and combinations of notes as human composers. Birds also use instruments — some birds hold a stick with their foot and drum on a log as part of a courtship ritual. The authors suggest that because whale, bird and human music have so much in common (even though our evolutionary intersect is traced back to 60 million years ago), music may have come before humans — that rather than inventing it, we may have come to discover it through nature.  

To answer the second part of the question, “where is nature in music”, the article by Virpi Sahi (2011) entitled “Folk Music as a Tool of Expressing the Spiritual Values of Nature” provides a good explanation, using folk music as an example. According to Sahi, music can help us realize and experience the beauty, goodness and sacredness of nature. As music evokes emotion, the beauty of nature can be realized through lyrics expressing sacred human-nature relations. For example, folk music has been used as a tool to spread awareness of nature’s powers and our spiritual connection to it. Additionally, music about nature can transfer knowledge and wisdom about the ways humans once lived symbiotically with nature. Such lessons regarding connection and cooperation are ones we should bring into the modern day. Songs about nature can help strengthen our spiritual connections to it through the emotions we feel about it. 

A song that brings me back to nature is “Take Me Home Country Roads” by John Denver. When I hear this song I am brought back to one particular moment in time. When I was in high school, I went on a one-week camping trip with my class. “Take Me Home Country Roads” was the class’s favoured song this week — we would play it all the time. This trip was the first longer camping experience I had had, so I associate this song with discovering my relationship with nature. The vibe of the song and the memories that go along with it immediately take me back to the natural landscape. I’m curious if anyone else will write about this song. 

References:

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

Sahi, V. (2011). Folk Music as a Tool of Expressing the Spiritual Values of Nature. Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of Europe, 2, 129

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Hey there! Wonderful post this week! I like how you effectively summarized the paper “The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music” by Gray et al. (2001). Before reading this paper, I hadn’t thought of music in nature, especially in the composition, patterns, and octaves of whale songs or birds using a stick to hit a log for courtship. I now see that music is everywhere in nature, with every species creating its own tune. I love that idea of music in courtship, as this reminds me of serenades that people will participate in to entice a woman. This example furthers the connection between human and natural music, showing little difference between the two. It emphasizes that we likely adopted the way of music through nature and natural instinct rather than we created it. 

I like how you talk about folk music, as this is a new perspective. I wasn’t aware of the use of folk music to spread awareness of nature’s power and our spiritual connection to it, but when I think about listening to folk music, it makes me feel this way. While Hozier is not a folk artist alone, his music contains hints of folk. I want to sit in the sun on the edge of the woods whenever I listen to artists like Hozier, The Lumineers or Mumford & Sons. This type of music makes your connection to nature feel incredibly strong. Reading and discussing nature in music makes me realize how it is involved in many ways, from simple landscape descriptions to chirping sounds in the background of songs to deepening a feeling of connection to nature. 

References:

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

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07: The Most Captivating Composer

Hi all!

We have had a short break in conversation, but I am back today to discuss the role of music in nature and where we can find it. One of my favourite aspects of spending time emersed in the natural world is pausing to hear all the elements surrounding me and my senses. When you become still, the world continues to move around you, and you can appreciate the smallest details. Music serves a social, emotional, cultural, and cognitive purpose that can connect us to each other and to nature regardless of socioeconomic status or other potential barriers (Hookyaas, 2024). The period in which music is produced provides context into the state of the world at that time and provides the listener with context (Beck et al., 2018). Often music is a vessel that indirectly informs us of the world without the need for a lecture or reading (Beck et at., 2018). The compilation of sounds can connect all our senses and encourage us to feel something that has been left unsaid.

So where is music in nature?

Some of the greatest musicians and conductors rely on a diverse set of instruments to convey emotion through their sounds. The orchestra that nature has assembled relies upon various components and species to produce a symphony. The waves that crash upon the beach and exposed rock at impressive speeds are the percussion. They provide a base line for the remaining components to layer themselves upon. The wind provides a soft but noticeable melody with powerful acoustics as it whisks amongst the brush and trees that line the beach front. At dusk, you may hear the rustling of small creatures, scurrying about to return to their burrows providing depth to the ensemble. 

I am most familiar with music in nature and have always been an observant listener, however nature in music is something I am not as familiar with. In an interview that I once watched with Finneas, Billie Ellish’s brother and co-collaborator, he explained his producing technique. He discussed his efforts to be a mindful creator and explained he often sources his beats and sounds from the world around him (Youtube, 2020). An example of this is the funky beat in the song “Bad Guy” which is part of a traffic light in Australia (Youtube, 2020). Creators such as Finneas are innovative and are exceptional interpreters of the world around them. In several Jay-Z songs such as “No Church in the Wild”, animal sounds are used for stylist purposes and make for easily identifiable songs (Jay-Z, 2011). Mainstream radio stations that play these songs are providing a platform for subtle nature interpretations. I intend to delve deeper into true nature songs and listen to how creative some songwriters are.

To wrap up my thoughts today, music makes us feel. Many of us turn to music in times of sorrow or when we need a pick me up while getting ready to play a game. Music can transform any space it enters and create an ambience that cannot be ignored. It is also the purest form of nostalgia. A personal example is the song “Home,” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, 2009). It is my camping trip anthem. Within the first few seconds, I am transported back to hikes under the hot sun, diving into the cold lake, and early morning wakeups. It is a song that represents the outdoors, family, and is ever-present in some of my fondest memories. I have included it if you are unfamiliar and in my slightly biased opinion, I think it is a must add to your summertime playlists! 

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world: Chapter 10 Arts in interpretation. Sagamore Venture.

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 7: Nature interpretation through music. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640018/View

Jay-Z & West, K. (2011). No church in the wild [Song]. On Watch the throne [Album]. Def Jam Records.

Sharpe, E., & the Magnetic Zeros. (2009). Home [Song]. On Up from below [Album]. Vagrant label.

YouTube. (2020, February 4). Finneas reveals everyday sounds hidden in “Bury a friend” and “Bad guy.” YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-zeJRjP6xA 

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Hey there! I liked reading your post this week! I've enjoyed hearing everyone describe music in nature and all the aspects of nature that make music and melodies. It shows the vast amount of music in our world if you just stop to listen. I like that you mention non-animal sounds like waves crashing at the beach or wind through trees. It's as if every aspect of nature is an instrument waiting to be played, even the trees. 

I appreciate your take on nature in music, as this is more challenging to unpack than music in nature, in my opinion. It is interesting to learn how different producers use natural sounds to create beats for music. I had no idea this was a thing! Natural music was there first, and we have adopted it in our lives just like these producers. 

It is fascinating to see how people have very similar memories in nature but such a variety of songs that spark that memory. Music does wonders for the cognitive mind by making associations, remembering messages or moments and painting pictures in one's head, whether that be from memory or description in the song (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 10). Using music in interpretation can be essential to convey messages (Knudson et al., 2018, Chapter 10). This week's discussion shows how important of a role music plays in our lives and what it does for associations and memories, key things to remember when interpreting. For example, using familiar songs like Jay-Z's music to say, "If you have heard this song, you will recognize this animal sound," helps describe and teach about an animal. Whenever that person tries to remember, they can think of the song or vice versa; when they hear it, they will be taken back to the message you discussed.

References:

Beck, L. Cable, T. T. & Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

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Unit 7: Music in nature, Nature in music

Music surrounds us, it's everywhere. We listen to music when we drive, go for walks, study or cook. There are many types of music, like classical or pop, but some are less common or thought of, such as birds or whales singing. Before this unit, I hadn't put much thought into how there is music in nature. 

What even is music? When I think of music, I think of an arrangement of sounds used as a form of self-expression. In this unit, we defined music as sound patterns varying in pitch and time produced for emotional, social, cultural and cognitive purposes (Gray et al., 2001). This definition proves how versatile music is and how many uses it can have. 

I want to dive deeper into how music and nature are interconnected. I want to discuss where music is in nature and where nature is in music. 

Music is everywhere in nature, from animals singing and communicating to the sound of wind through windchimes. It is simple for me to hear music in nature in the form of birds. I have studied bird calls and songs in some courses throughout my undergrad and analyzed their differences to help ID different species. However, I know how easy it is to tune out these sounds in our busy world, with the sounds of cars driving by honking the horn and trucks reversing. If you have ever gone to a remote location and sat and listened, you would agree it is impossible to ignore and drown out the natural music that fills your ears—the changing songs from season to season and from hour to hour. As I write this, I think about the hot summer with cicadas humming their tune. I remember the sounds of birds singing at 5 am while spring peepers and crickets fill the night with their tune. All together, creating a symphony of sounds. Each piece of nature creates its tune and rhythm just as an orchestra or band would with a guitarist and drummer. All are capable of making their own distinct music. When played in harmony, it creates its song and its music. The music that fills your ears when you sit in that remote spot just listening. It is said that those who live amongst nature have a more comprehensive range of sounds than those who live in industrialized societies (Gray et al., 2001). The distinction between these two examples demonstrates this effectively. 

It is clear that music is everywhere in nature, but where is nature in music? My interpretation of this is varied. Nature is in music through song and lyrics. I have discussed this in a past post where The Tragically Hip often writes about Canada's landscape and paints a picture of the beauty and nature. There is also the example of Yoiks, an oral tradition of the Sami where they repeat nonsense syllables about an aspect of nature. This places nature into music; however, I think this can have more meaning. My other interpretation is that nature is what creates the music. Without nature, music would not exist. The animals with specialized structures to make sounds, repeated rhymes, and sound patterns wouldn't exist. Nature is vital in music.

As a follow-up, I wanted to talk about my experience with music and nature. The song Bobcagon by The Tragically Hip immediately takes me back to the cottage. I imagine a dock on the water surrounded by trees. This association is from hearing it played at cottages while growing up! It's a beautiful song if you haven't heard it before!  

This Picture was taken in Algonquin and shows what I imagine when hearing this song.

References:

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

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The integrity of history

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

This quote is challenging to analyze, but this leads to various ways to interpret it. The first half of the quote discusses how there is importance in persevering integrity, and when trying to maintain integrity, we must use our knowledge, memory and ancient things to do so. I believe that this means that history holds integrity and this is why history is studied and remembered through time. When interpreting history there are two main challenges that can occur. 

One challenge is accuracy. Any historical interpretation must be presented with respect and with professional integrity to ensure that the listeners are presented with the truth (Beck et al., 2018). This is easier said than done, as there are a lot of factors that can influence the truth. For example, different local cultures may have contradicting interpretations of past events. Your geography and location can also influence how you interpret a historical event. Another challenge with historical interpretation is that it is dynamic and always changing. All of these challenges influence how accurately we interpret history, which in return, can influence the integrity of the history itself (Beck et al., 2018). 

Another challenge to historical interpretation is authenticity. Authenticity is extremely important to interpreters as it provides a sense of realism. Gilmore and Pine (2007) did a study that found that consumers want the real thing. Whether this is a painting in a museum, or a perceived artifact. Having the real thing makes a difference in how we interpret history (Beck et al., 2018). Consumers might lose integrity in history if there is no authenticity. Therefore, authenticity creates a challenge with how one may interpret history.

The second part of this quote discusses how history debunks the belief that the past doesn't live on, and in thinking this, you believe that a train station only existed for the time the train was at it. This part of the quote resonates with me as I believe that it is trying to say we must learn from the past. I believe that the best type of learning comes from our past mistakes, and the mistakes of others. Part of the reason history is studied is to not repeat the mistakes of the past. I think that history interpretation ties in well with this part of the quote as it involves the retelling of stories to an audience, provoking the thoughts of others while trying to be inspiring and meaningful (Beck et al., 2018). That is how history is best shared, through meaningful stories that grab the attention of others. I think that relates well to nature interpretation as a lot of the same principles apply. To interpret well, you must be relatable, thought provoking and meaningful. They also intertwine as “every natural site contains a history, and every historical site has a natural resource” (Beck et al., 2018). 

I want to end this blog on an abstract question. What do you think would happen if the integrity of history fell apart?

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

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Hey there,

I liked reading your blog this week; I thought you did an excellent job unpacking the quote. I loved that you focused on the two main challenges when interpreting history because people often disregard how challenging it can be to interpret something from the past. It can be difficult to remain accurate because there are so many differing views and sides of the story and even misinformation (Beck et al., 2018). I wanted to answer your question regarding what would happen if the integrity of history fell apart. This can have many meanings, but I imagine we would be stuck continuously with no development. Things would be repeated, and we would not be able to improve. If history were fragmented, we would be unable to look into the past and learn from mistakes or improve, even with recent history and development. We live in an age where things are advancing quickly, and we are constantly building on what we know. However, if we could look back to years ago, we could not develop some vaccines; science and technology likely would stall as there would be no theories to build upon, and we would be stuck relearning the same things. Even things such as religion would likely be different as most religions involve stories from the past. It would be an unfortunate and broken life without having history. Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory” comes to mind as this is what I feel Earth would feel like. Clocks have no importance or meaning because, on a bigger scale, history is time, so without the integrity of history, one could leap that there would almost be no time. This painting feels uncomfortable to me, and that is how I imagine a world without the integrity of history. 

References:

Knudson, Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

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Blog 6: How safe are you at work?(Historical interpretation)

In this week’s blog prompt, we were tasked with unpacking the quote:

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

Collecting and fixing the broken historical artifact helps discover the knowledge that accompanies the artifact.

I believe that Edward wants to express that historical artifacts and evidence of the past by themselves have no value. However, by collecting these often degraded and broken parts, we can discover a story, lost knowledge, or memory of the past. He also uses a train simile to explain that one cannot ignore the past just because it has already happened. It usually teaches us a lesson that helped us improve to the present. Edward’s use of simile, a figurative language, is like what Alan Leftridge talked about when discussing ‘Interpretive Titles and Leads’ in the assigned reading, chapter 14 of the textbook. This helps the reader better visualize and relate the meaning behind Edward’s statement as most people have ridden a train, allowing them to easily visualize and understand.

Relating this quote back to interpretating history, Edward mentions how learning about past helps discover lost knowledge or warnings. This was also mentioned in this week’s second assigned reading, chapter 15 of the textbook, “Another reason to interpret history is to remember. To remember not only the happy stories of our past, but also the tragic ones”. The textbook goes on to mention historic conflicts and events, but I want to relate this to work safety and OSHA.

There is a common saying in the workforce especially centered around manual labour and heavy equipment: “All safety regulations are written in blood”. This saying wants to drive home the message that all work safety regulations and rules that workers find annoying only exist due to a worker in the past getting seriously hurt by a workplace incident causing preventative measures to be made afterwards. While working daily, it is important to follow safety regulations and rules as YOU might be the next OSHA case that rules are written about to prevent serious injury.

By observing the preventative rules, watching recreated incident videos, and reading case files, a working can paint a picture and gain knowledge of the incident that happened in the past that they can prevent now. This is in my opinion exactly what Edward Hyams was talking about in his quote but in a different circumstance compared to my interpretation.

As someone who has worked in many different warehouses and distribution centers, I am fairly comfortable working around loud heavy machinery and forklifts moving around with their horns blaring. Safety is always important in warehouses as the employers do not want to get sued however, safety incidents still occur. One of the biggest safety rules is always wearing high-visibility clothing in the facility so people operating heavy machinery can notice the employee easily. However, all employees are given the same high-visibility clothing so after a period of time, employees unconsciously start tuning out the high-visibility clothing as they become used to them. This is why the saying “All safety regulations are written in blood” resonates with me, as I believe high visibility acclimatization is going to lead to an incident that will create a new OSHA law sooner rather than later.

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Hey there,

I loved reading your post this week and enjoyed your personalized creative spin on the quote, making it relevant to yourself and the world. Many people ignore safety and are quick to overlook its importance. Growing up, I often disregarded the workplace videos they would show us in school or did not recognize the importance of WHMIS, especially when I was just reading and regurgitating the information. You are 100% right in that rules are made because something in the past happened. This is not something people think of when looking at rules. People regard them as unnecessary or dumb without thinking about the likely horrific accident that led to that rule. Using history as a tool to learn and improve the future is vital, and I appreciate that you connected this to Edward’s quote, as I agree that this was the message he was trying to share. I think that regarding interpretation, not just acknowledging the past and making a rule is enough. Using reenactments to portray the past can be very beneficial in emphasizing the rule's importance. While reading about WHIMIS and the threats of chemicals, it never made me feel worried (very wrong; I realize this now, but hey, I was young). Videos with people reacting to a workplace hazard or retelling an injury story always made me uneasy. It added emotions, making me connect to the importance of the rule. By reenacting through stories or dramatizations, you can create life-changing perspectives (Beck et al., 2018) regarding workplace dangers and potentially increase adherence to rules and regulations. Overall, you wrote a fascinating and creative blog this week! I thoroughly enjoyed the brainwave it took me on :)

References:

Knudson, Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

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Unit 6: Nature Interpretation through History

Wow! What a quote! I felt connected to this quote after learning more about interpretation's role in history. What jumped out at me was the emphasis on the importance of history. I like that it emphasizes that you need all parts of life, past and present, to maintain integrity. I believe many people are quick to dismiss history, myself included. I have heard and said claims such as “history is boring” and “why does it matter,” but the older I get, the more I recognize its importance. In order to tell a whole story, you need the past. It is naive to think that the only thing that matters is here right now, this minute. I felt this quote acknowledges this point with the comparison to a railway station, and how to ignore the past is like the station ceasing to exist once we are past it. Anyone can acknowledge that this is untrue and that the station is still there; it is just ourselves that have moved past. Many moments in life helped shape where we are now, and they do not simply disappear just because we have progressed through time. You can follow that “track” back and end up at all those moments again. 

History makes places more meaningful (Beck et al., 2018). It adds to a place's quality of life and economic development (Beck et al., 2018). Learning the entire story of a place can change a person's view about where they live, making the place better or having them feel a sense of pride. It allows an individual to feel more connected to the place they are. An example that comes to mind is my recent trip to Godrich. If you were not aware, this town on Lake Heron's coast was flattened by a tornado that came in off the water in 2011. Walking around the town and reading signs about the tornado and the recovery rebuilding process made me feel incredibly connected to this location. I felt the emotion and imagined the challenges to rebuild to what it is now. I understood why the trees were small, and everything seemed new. This is a small example, but it portrays how the integrity of time and the inclusion of historical events help to create a sense of place. 

This is a photo of Godrich and the salt mine in the top right. The tornado came in off this coast and flattened the entire city centre. Google it for some crazy photos! As you can see, many of these trees are young and small as they regrow. 

In the quote, they mention that the maintenance of integrity involves knowledge and a memory of ancient things. This reminds me of an essential point in our textbook about interpreting history effectively and accurately: You must research (Beck et al., 2018)—using various sources like primary sources and oral historians to gain an accurate, in-depth understanding of the past. It is one thing to acknowledge history and the past but another to understand and ensure the information is accurate to the time. 

This quote does an excellent job of summarizing the importance of understanding history and how there is merit to understanding the transition through time.

References:

Knudson, Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018. 

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05: Science and Nature Interpretation.

Hi everyone! Since this week's unit was about science, I’ll be talking about how I think science fits into nature interpretation! As someone who loves both nature and science, I find that the connection between these two subjects is interesting. Nature interpretation isn't just about taking a walk through the woods; it's about looking into all of the layers of the natural world to understand its inner workings. That's also exactly what science aims to do - explore the mysteries of nature through observation and analysis. So, when we engage in nature interpretation, we're essentially applying scientific principles in real-time. 

Both science and nature interpretation thrive on curiosity and inquiry. We're constantly asking questions about the world around us and seeking answers through exploration and investigation. Whether it's wondering why certain plants thrive in specific environments or how animal behaviour adapts to changing seasons, most of the time we're engaging in scientific inquiry during nature interpretation. 

Furthermore, both fields are deeply rooted in a quest for understanding the bigger picture. Science provides us with knowledge about ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental dynamics. Nature interpretation takes this knowledge and translates it into accessible, engaging experiences for people of all backgrounds to engage with. By connecting scientific concepts with fun experiences in nature, we can bridge the gap between theory and practice, creating a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our planet. 

Nature interpretation also serves as a tool for environmental literacy, empowering people to become informed advocates for conservation and sustainability - something that is much needed today. By integrating scientific concepts such as climate change, habitat loss, and species conservation into interpretive programs, we can give people the knowledge and skills they need to address pressing environmental challenges. 

Lastly, nature interpretation is inherently interdisciplinary, using insights from various fields such as biology, ecology, anthropology, and geology. This interdisciplinary approach creates a very diverse understanding of the natural world. It also highlights the connectedness of different fields and creates a comprehensive perspective for us to view our world. 

Overall, nature interpretation and science are a dynamic duo, working together to deepen our understanding of the natural world and inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for its beauty and complexity. So, next time you're out exploring nature, take a moment to appreciate the science happening all around you! It's a reminder that even the simplest of experiences can hold great insights into the workings of our planet.

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Hey there! I enjoyed reading and connected with your post this week! When you are in the sciences and are trained to look at things with a specific lens and have different knowledge than many people around us, it is easy to forget that others do not have the same thinking we do. Science is essential in understanding how the world works, primarily regarding nature, and can help us protect our environment. However, if you speak like scientists, the general public will likely not follow, understand/see the importance of what the scientists are saying. This is why nature interpretation is so important, as you discuss. One reason I love Citizen in Science is that it is a hands-on way of teaching people through science about nature. Many people learn by being hands-on or kinesthetic learning, so going out and finding species and taking photos may be more valuable than simply listening to a talk (Beck et al., 2018). I also like that you touch on the interdisciplinary aspects, as everyone has their place in nature interpretation. I even think of occupations/knowledge outside of science, such as artists or photographers, that can portray nature through art (Beck et al., 2018). They can work with scientists to capture the right message, highlight key points, and express it to individuals more effectively and inclusively. Overall, nature interpretation is so important, and I love that everyone has a role to play!

References

Knudson, Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018. 

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Discovering Citizen Science

I have mentioned in previous blog posts that one of the best decisions I have made in the last 5 years was to get involved in my local mycological society. Foray NL is a not for profit collaborative group that involves folks from a variety of backgrounds including mycologists, lichenologists, indigenous partners, students and citizen scientists. All of these people get together once a year to collect, analyze, identify, photograph, and catalogue mushroom and lichen species from across Newfoundland. Each year new species are discovered, species that have never been collected before or in some cases never been identified before. There are so many different kinds of mushrooms and lichens. Lichen identification by Foray NL has helped to play a part in conservation efforts here in Newfoundland. It makes me feel like we are making a small but meaningful difference in the world.  It is truly fascinating that despite the tens of thousands of specimens collected over the 20 years Foray NL has been active, we still have only grazed the surface of biological variety. This element of discovery really ignited a curiosity in me that has led to a new career path, and has helped me discover a joy in continued studies as an adult (such as this course!) 

Citizen science is about asking questions and observing. Check out this mushroom house party! What kind of music do you think they are listening to?

In 2019 when I attended my first Foray NL three day event. I was initially a bit nervous, but interested in learning more about mushrooms as an amateur forager. It fascinated me to discover that there are edible food sources wherever we go. Knowing what to eat was just a matter of researching a bit more about plant and fungi biology. As a forager I wanted to know what else I could eat aside from the wild berries, Labrador tea, and plethora of edible backyard weeds. I wanted to dive head first into the woods and talk to the people that knew about wild food sources, and how not to die while eating mushrooms. What I didn’t expect was a welcoming, interesting community of people who were maybe a bit eccentric, but incredibly knowledgeable, funny, caring and ready to take on the world on mushroom at a time. I don’t remember what I was expecting, but when I stepped into the “mush-room” I was blown away. The “mush-room” is a large makeshift laboratory where all the species of mushrooms that have been collected over the weekend are laid out for identification on tables. There were piles of books for identification, a photography booth, microscopes, dehydrators and tables and tables of unique fungi and lichens. The variety was astounding to someone who really only knew about wild chanterelles. I went past each specimen taking in their names, features and examining their qualities. I observed their spores on microscope slides, witnessed bio-luminescence in the photo room, and along the way learned so much from each person I spoke with. It was fun, and I helped to contribute to the collection, my role even had a name - citizen scientist. This slow building of knowledge has been incredibly rewarding and the yearly event is something I continue to look forward to. My hope is that by sharing my story other folks will reach out to similar organizations and seek out the knowledge that lingers there. You too can be a citizen scientist!

Folks at Foray NL learning about how to identify mushrooms.

The "Mush-Room" identification tables at Foray NL

One specimen of identified mushrooms on the table.

A bolete! From the tables, 2023.

Science! Is for everyone!

My favourite part, prepping and eating a foraged fungi feast for everyone at Foray NL to enjoy after a day in the woods collecting specimens.

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Hey there! I loved reading your post and hearing from someone participating in a citizen in science program! You demonstrate how these programs can boost learning about our ecosystem and build confidence (Wals et al., 2014). You specifically mentioned how you approached this because you wanted to learn more about foraging so as not to die while eating mushrooms (that is never good), and you discussed being nervous when first starting. People are often nervous when starting unfamiliar and new things! I love hearing how you have built confidence and how this program has taught you so much and encouraged you to continue learning, which is precisely the idea. I also want to highlight your video of the mushroom house party, so cute! I like that you tied this image to music, which can help boost interpretation. I feel like they are listening to some groovy tunes. Tying this imagery to music will help me remember these little fungi! Our textbook discusses how music can help us remember messages and get facts, emotions, words, and imagery in our heads (Beck et al., 2018). Fungi are hard to identify; hence, you discover many new ones. However, creating fun ways, such as imagining them dancing to music, helps people to look closer into how they are growing or their shape. When I saw the video, without thinking, I began analyzing the fungi, trying to think of how I would move like them when listening to a certain kind of music, and that helped me choose—overall, creating an effective way to remember!

References:

Knudson, Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018. 

Wals, A., Brody, M. J., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence between science and environmental education. Science, 344(6184), 583–584. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1250515 

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Unit 5: Citizens in Science

Having a major based in biology, I have been immersed in science and become familiar with naturalist groups and their critical roles in furthering science. I think of Bird Canada and similar organizations that use apps like Inaturalist or Merlin to gather data. The collected data is mostly from volunteers going out and recording animals, plants and other interesting aspects of nature. Some of these apps/programs have specific studies in which people must adhere to strict regulations on collecting data. I found it interesting to read that in California and Virginia, the majority of volunteers for naturalist groups are over the age of 50, women and have average incomes over $50,000 (Merenlender et al., 2016). After interviewing underrepresented groups, they discovered that most people who do not participate in citizen science programs say they need more time (Merenlender et al., 2016). People need to work/focus on their careers, so they do not have the time to volunteer for such programs (Merenlender et al., 2016). I resonate with this as despite citizens in science programs being presented to me often, I do not have the time to participate. Those over 50 are likely retired or close to retirement with kids moved out. They have more time to explore their interests and learn about nature. They also have more time to give back to the community through volunteering. I know many older individuals who have recently begun exploring interests in various natural aspects, whether birding or gardening. With mainly students surrounding me, I know very few who volunteer. Those who do it usually do it to explore career options further. 

Many people need to be aware of these programs and become interested in/ see their importance. Before university, I was surprised to find out that these programs existed. I only learned about them in my third year of undergrad. Getting more of the public aware of the ease of volunteering for programs and showing it does not necessarily require much time would increase the number of people participating, even showing children so that they can encourage their parents to participate. 

Citizen science is fundamental in helping the population learn about environmental issues (Wals et al., 2014). It can help participants increase their knowledge of the ecosystem around them and feel more confident within their natural environment (Merenlender et al., 2016). An emerging form of education that could increase inquiry-based, social, and disciplinary learning involves citizen science, science education and environmental education (Wals et al., 2014). This form of “whole-school approaches,” such as edible gardens, could be beneficial in encouraging varying groups to participate in citizen science. It would involve kids; their parents would be likely to help, as well as members of the community, restaurants and even the local government (Wals et al., 2014). Increasing awareness for these types of programs and starting participation young will help kids develop a love for nature and encourage more involvement from the middle-aged population of all genders. How would you encourage more participation in citizen science programs? Do you have experience participating in them? 

References:

Merenlender, A. M., Crall, A., Drill, S. L., Prysby, M. D., & Ballard, H. L. (2016). Evaluating environmental education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs. Conservation Biology, 30(6), 1255–1265. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12737 

Wals, A., Brody, M. J., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence between science and environmental education. Science, 344(6184), 583–584. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1250515