Nature Interpretation Blog @poojanpatel - Tumblr Blog

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dralh

Disclaimer (please pin an edited version to the top of your blog)

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.

poojanpatel

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

THE MOST AMAZING THING ABOUT NATURE!!

The most amazing thing about nature! This is a tough blog to write about. The nature is vast, much more than we make it out to be. One can look into the golden ratio, or PI, the wonders that bees have on our lives, or the formation of our landmasses. All of these things are amazing, to the point, it may take one their entire life to fully grasp its content. The most amazing in my perspective is sentient life. The ability to ponder, think, reflect, analyze, and innovate, is very unique. The occurrence of human life on the planet itself is a phenomenon. We as humans are one of the weakest when born, but control exponentially as we grow. A rare, occurrence in the process of life in nature. There is no other life form (known to us), that has the same capabilities as humans, homosapiens. Noting that thoughts in this commentary are exclusive to my mind, with references to others' ideologies, you may fully disagree with my perspective on nature. “Self-perception theory proposes that as individuals participate in a particular behavior, they develop an explanation for their behavior from observing and evaluating themselves, their beliefs, and their feelings” (Beck et al., 2018).

As humans, we live to survive with necessities, then adapt for convenience and later, simplify social ideologies, a cycle that repeats itself over and over again. Moreover, our ability to develop cognitive abilities separate (or unique to each human) is CRAZY. Two people living in the same environment can have drastically different perspectives on any given situation, how cool is that? Additionally, creating various cultural diversities (not unique to humans only), generating a wide range of social structures, and specifying different ways of living, and life. These create a genetic difference in our future generation, giving them inherent qualities like empathy and compassion, which differentiate among all individuals. Our ability to craft and innovate technology to understand our surroundings is also a unique quality limited to sentient, specifically humans. The need to experience different scenarios that assemble our lives is unique for our species. I think interpretation is a big component of our lives, which many also do not realize. “People practice healthy lifestyles at interpretive sites through available programs and facilities. Healthy individuals make up a healthy society. Furthermore, interpretation provides knowledge and experiences for democratic decision-making, helps people to identify with their land and culture, and provides an ethical sense of place” (Beck et al., 2018).

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

Nature Interpretation through Music

"It is said that every known human culture has music. Music has been defined as patterns of sound varying in pitch and time produced for emotional, social, cultural, and cognitive purposes. Is music-making in humans defined by our genes? Do other species show musical language and expression? If they do, what kinds of behavior invoke musicmaking in these animals? Is there evidence in the animal kingdom for the ability to create and recreate a musical language with established musical sounds? How are musical sounds used to communicate within and between species? Do musical sounds in nature reveal a profound bond between all living things?" (Gray et al. 2001). This passage will guide the blog post for today. In the 21st century, music is one of the most relevant industries. It has evolved to cater to the times of the people. Music is instrumental in reinforcing a thought, or a message. Likewise, some 1000 years ago, music was as valuable as today. How so? Things crafted today could not be crafted back then, what was the purpose of music then? Music was a tool for "interpretive principles to advance deeper and more meaningful messages"(Hyams 2015). It is this reason music is so valued so much.

Some of the first types of musical notes (produced by humans) were that of communication, which advanced to tribal dances, and music to manifest strength, life, death, etc... Music is something that invokes our mind to create a new sensation of belonging. Having gone to a concert, you feel the energy generated by music. Nature is prudent in music, it was what guided our sense of composition. Sitting in the middle of the forest hearing the poplar leaves hitting each other on a nice sunny afternoon, is so relaxing, one feels relieved of all stresses. The chirp of birds in the meadow morning is mimicked by our ringtones, to emulate the calm morning sensation. Nature and music are intertwined. Nature is best represented in movies, the realistic notes of nature are serene. Likewise, in the song Counting Crows - Big Yellow Taxi, the importance of retaining our natural environment is remarkably crafted. It crafts "going beyond any return" robustly. Such a song represents Nature, an image of Nature seen in music. There really is no need to talk about music in nature. Every part of this immaculate planet is a representation of the beauty of music in nature. The communication of individual species to the clashing of water on the boulders along a beach, Music, and representation to perfection, creates a picturesque setting for us.

References

Gray, P. Krause, B. Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C. & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science. 291. 52-54.

Hyams, E. (2015). Chapter 8. In interpreting to the Masses. Sagamore Publishing.

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Unit 5: Free Week - Animals and Nature

I wasn't super sure what to write without a prompt, so I decided to write about something I really enjoy learning and talking about: animals!

I'm in my last year of Zoology, and over the years of study (and over the years of nature documentaries and tv shows!) I learned that animals and nature coexist in a way that I feel lucky to study. They both dictate the state of the other, and the crazy balance they live in is amazing, and something that should be more appreciated.

From ecological relationships (like predator-prey relationships, or symbiotic relationships), to nature management (like pollination and decomposition), to adapting to live with each other, animals provide key services for nature, and in return, get shelter, habitat stability, food, and water. When considering conservation efforts, these two usually have to be thought about in tandem, because heavy change in one tends to affect the other.

Human involvement has put an unforeseen strain on this balance. Human activities, like deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction, has disrupted the balance between animals and nature. Personally, this is an area I feel really strongly about, it really upsets me. Delicate balances thrown out of whack because of the effects humans bring to the table, and yet, taking responsibility and making an effort is difficult for a lot of people to admit. It's hard to think on such a grand scale, so I always think about my neighborhood, or my favourite place, and how that would be affected in the future if nothing changes. I feel like a smaller scale approach works better to visualize impacts, then you can move on to the large scale stuff later!

That's my take of the week, tell me your favourite areas, and how animals and nature make it that special place for you!

poojanpatel

I totally agree with you! The disequilibrium between Nature and Animals is tragic! All immensely due to human activities. The biggest of these is for resources. I feel as though in the hunt for abundance of resources, we have crippled the animal kingdom. The rate at which we have been responsible for endangered species is horrific. The world has seen a rate of 1000x extinction rate than, naturally occurring, and humans are mainly responsible!

Moreover, these changes to animal habitats are happening at a municipal level, where conservation land may be reallocated (as surplus land) to generate more financial incentives. A personal example is the Niska Lands located in the southwest of Guelph. A part of this land is being reallocated to build more residential homes. There has been heavy public opposition to this, as the lands house 100s if not 1000s of species, which may be negatively affected by this change.

I feel that there should be less incentive amongst municipal planning to at least reallocate conservation land to residential. The need to prioritize our natural world is urgently needed!

How Does Science Enhance our Understanding of the Natural World?

With the rise of technological advancements, society has become more rational, and the ability to think with reasoning is prevailing more. These advances have been due to the steadfast efforts of our scientists, who have discovered and invented much for the betterment of society. These processes have enabled us to capture our surroundings and understand the functionality of many essential things.

Through science, we can observe the patterns, relationships, and trends in our natural world in more depth. These observations are a way for us to hypothesize and theorize, enabling us to create ways to unravel the complex underlying natural phenomenon.

However, as explained by Arjen et al. (2014), science education is primarily focused on knowledge and skills. The want for knowledge and to understand our surroundings have led to the unfathomable advances within the past century. The lack of emphasize on values, which ultimately change the behaviou to better understand the natural world are seen. There has been limited if not scarce integration of these two ideologies within our society.

Combining the both, the battle against creating a sustainable world would more favourable. The “whole-school approaches” are much needed to create ecoschool, that blends learning with (an as important factor;) community engagement (Arjen et al. 2014).

Personally, I think that during the last decade, specifically during the pandemic, this school of thought was very evident. The combination of science education and enviromental education was seen. We started by implementing vaccines, which ultimately allowed for us to view the natural world around us differently. Water bodies were cleaner, tourist took a new turn, the importance of keeping a healthy environment was noted was a vast population. These tragic times attached many to create a emotional bond with natural environment. The logic-based personalities found an slight combination emotion too (Theresa et al., 2024).

The perspective on the importance of the natural world was noted. The need and urgency to keep our environment as pristine as possible. This was due to the large-scale studies that were being conducted around the world (which was in lockdown), a perfect opportunity. The generated motivation was immense! I feel that a reason-based approach is good, even great, but a reason-based approach with gratification will enable us to better adapt to our incoming problems of the natural world. Our science will ultimately need compassion to fulfill our demands.

Theresa M. Vander Woude, Bret R. Shaw, Karen S. Oberhauser, Misgivings about Environmental Outreach as a Barrier in a Neighborhood Opinion Leader Campaign, Society & Natural Resources, 10.1080/08941920.2024.2310247, (1-21), (2024).

Arjen E. J. Wals et al. ,Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education.Science344,583-584(2014).DOI:10.1126/science.1250515

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Who are you to interpret nature through art?

Art can be a very powerful tool for many purposes, specifically with regards to nature interpretation. We discussed a little bit within the course content how art can evoke heavy emotions as well as be analyzed intellectually. I believe that these are two of the main tools that we can use to interpret nature with regards to art. However, there is a lengthy list of other lenses in which we can view art through; including a historical context, aesthetics, culturally, etc.

As an individual who enjoys an artistic approach to nature interpretation, finding joy in activities such as photography, I believe that the question of who are we to interpret nature can be applied broadly. For example we can be individuals looking at pictures of nature scenes for aesthetic purposes. I typically analyze art and interpret nature through an educational perspective, being an environmental science student. I’m very lucky that I’ve been exposed to a lot of environmental art and I believe that combining what I’ve learned about nature and being able to apply that to some of my personal hobbies, such as photography, provides me a unique experience and way to observe art and interpret nature.

Additionally, I believe that how anyone is able to interpret art is through developing and making personal connections. It's really interesting that even when looking at the exact same physical piece of art, individuals can form unique ideas and opinions on the same piece.

Furthermore, with regards to interpreting the gift of beauty, this involves the perception individuals have of the world and what's around them, with specific regards to nature. This isn't just necessarily targeted towards visual beauty and esthetics, but instead goes deeper and challenges individuals morally. We’re confronted with the obligation to look at nature as a resource and have a responsibility to take care of the world around us (Beck et al., 2018, p. 85).

For me personally, the idea of interpreting nature through art and the gift of beauty go hand in hand. We can examine artistic nature pieces and use our interpretations of those pieces to develop our knowledge of the world around us. This ties into the gift of beauty as not all nature pieces have to be aesthetically pleasing. We can look both at pieces of artwork and the natural world around us and think about more than just beauty, we can think deeper, developing more unique ideas and experiences with each piece and each time we examine nature as a whole.

An example of this is the pictures/posters that I have in my room. These are photographs that I took while visiting lake louise and camping in algonquin park. I took these pictures and have displayed them not only because the scenery is beautiful, but because I also have a connection to the times within these photos. Looking at these pictures reminds me of how much I enjoy disconnecting and being a part of nature. I’m inspired to go outside, discover new plants, recycle, etc. I believe that this is an example of how we look at nature, specifically within art pieces, and gather more than just visual aesthetics.

References

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

poojanpatel

Nice pictures! I agree with you that there is always a given probability that individuals will assert some sort of subjectivity with preconceptions of art. Personal experiences are key, they create emotions that are lasting. I think many forget the backpack that is given to them in the medium of education as you point out. We are being exposed very differently than a majority of people who are deprived of the privelegies that we have. We always need to take into factor the different diverse lenses that are evident in art interpretation. For you, the picture of Lake Louise is a time of affection; However, to an individual in a droughted part of Africa, it may be an opportunity to want to achieve. This is the Gift of beauty, it goes beyond just visual aesthetics but dives deeper into the moral consideration of individuals. Creates a sense of belonging and attachment which is unique to everyone. The transformative power, as you outlined is immense when catered to correctly. The possibility to experience deeper connections, and broadening the understanding that one has of nature is the essence of interpretation.

Art and Nature Interpretation ;)

Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”?

Art has been one of the best ways to reveal history. Paintings revealed in the rock art of Lascaux are regarded as some of the most famous cave paintings. They reveal the history of the time, the local food chain by which people survived as well as what was worshipped. The thought of gratefulness was observed through these paintings. Nature is viewed uniquely by each individual. It is an expression of oneself in its environment. Likewise, art is an expression. To speak is art, to walk is art, to eat is art, and to live is art. The way in which we conduct ourselves daily is art. Unbeknownst to us, we are cognitively observing our surrounding and reacting (expressing) ourselves appropriately as form of art. For example, going on a hike. Once you, for the first time ever reach the summit of the mountain, the exit of the cave, or the apex of the river, you feel an “out of self” moment. As if you left your body to experience this moment. You decide to take a photo, or do a quick sketch, or write in your journal, inspired to create a song, etc... The action conducted after such an experience is interpreting nature, as art. We are but mere blobs of mass, but the difference that we have is the ability to record, take note of, establish, innovate and progressive, through free-will. Nature is not just the forest! It is the beauty in which we are established. But we are limited by our own preconceptions of what interpretation is. “The arts are a medium for the gentle awakening of the unconscious good people and we desperately need more unconscious good people becoming conscious” (Beck and Cable, 2010).

Moving on to more physical terms, “Rather than just ‘interpreting a painting’ or ‘speculating on the painter’s intentions,’ the art interpreters seek to communicate a broader range of relationships of time, place, character, and relevance of the subjects (or abstract patterns) to the modern viewer” (Beck et al. 2019). The goal of interpreters now, should be to manifest the emotion by which the art was created. Through this emotion one can a sense of affection towards the art; to what the art is trying to portray. The gift of beauty is unique, as it revolves around spiritual upliftment and resource preservation. The goal of an interpreter is ultimately to bring a positive idea exchange. Using all the means that they have an interpreter has to create an experience that is out of the possibility of an individual, something that will bring new perspectives yet to be explored, or a sense of duty to protect what is bestowed upon one. This is the ultimate gift. To create a sense of belonging with one's surroundings, achieve a form of self-realization, and to establishes new ideologies in one’s mind. Ones that will spiritually uplift the person. Understanding the head start that they have on others and emptying that backpack for a greater cause.

Beck, L., & Cable, T. (2010). Interpretive perspectives: A collection of essays on interpret-ing nature and culture. Fort Collins, CO: National Association for Interpretation.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.

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Privilege

Privilege refers to the advantages and opportunities given to only a particular individual or group of individuals. I think that there are various ways in which privilege can play a role in nature interpretation. This is because there are various different types of privilege.

The key role that privilege can play in nature interpretation is impacting an individual’s access to and participation in natural spaces. This can be due to educational privilege, cultural privilege, economic privilege, or even time privilege, among others.

Those with educational privilege may approach nature interpretation with a more informed foundation, resulting in a better, well-informed understanding. Their more knowledgeable understanding can make it easier for them to engage in interpretation in a meaningful way, making the experience more rewarding all around.

Similarly, cultural privilege could influence people's views and relationships to the cultural aspects of nature interpretation by shaping their perceptions and connections to their heritage or culture. However, this factor may also introduce potential biases and assumptions rooted in the individual's specific cultural understanding, providing the ‘advantage’ to those with different cultural ties to the specific area.

Those with economic privilege may have greater access to parks, reserves, or other natural locations. Additionally, this privilege could lead to greater educational privilege in turn due to the greater opportunities that those of higher economic privilege can often attain.

Lastly, time privilege refers to the advantage that individuals with more free time or flexible schedules have over those who have less time. This could be due to various commitments such as a job, caregiving responsibilities, or any other time-consuming obligations. In nature interpretation, time privilege can influence how individuals participate in and benefit from interpretive programs and activities.

Privilege can also influence an individual's level of environmental awareness and advocacy. Individuals who have the luxury of time and funds may become more involved in conservation activities, environmental advocacy, and/or sustainability practices. In contrast, individuals facing economic hardships may be distracted by urgent worries, making it difficult to prioritize environmental issues. This could also be apparent in regards to education. Those with greater education would likely be more inclined to advocate for environmental stewardship as they may better grasp the science behind it.

However, it should be addressed that this post uses a lot of assumptions which may not be the case in every situation. Where something may seem like an obvious privilege to one person, it may be the opposite for another. I think that there are so many ways in which we can interpret everything and, because of that, it can be really hard to give definitive answers to such complex questions.

In summary, privilege, whether educational, cultural, economic, or time-related, has significant effects on an individual's experiences and interactions with nature interpretation. While having any of these privileges is not something to be embarrassed about or regret, recognizing them and their dynamics in nature interpretation is critical to producing inclusive and accessible programs that appeal to a varying audience. This helps to establish a more fair and lasting relationship between individuals and the natural world.

poojanpatel

Great Post Michela!

There were some very neat topics within your analyses of how our cognition of privileges is affected by Nature Interpretation. In addition, I think highlighting how privilege may impact individuals' access to and engagement with natural spaces is a very important part of how society is structured. As you demonstrate, privilege can influence Nature Interpretation experiences in a variety of ways depending on educational, cultural, economic, and time forms. It is key to really dig deeper into these topics to understand oneself, to introspect, and then produce a plan to implement the retrospective actions. I think one key takeaway from your blog is the need to accept our current social situation. To really understand our position on the current state of world affairs and how they impact us individually. Our past actions may have been something we may not have been proud of, but our plan to better our future actions for our privileges should be accepted. As the percentage of the global population increases I think that these moral values and social questions will continue to arise and mold into a greater education topic in the future. Our interactions amongst the different facets of our lives should be reflective of our privileges. Great Blog!

What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation?

Privileges; are given sets of actions to be continued or performed by an individual as a notion of socioeconomic status, concerning the prevalence of wealth, power, or prestige.

I think privileges (Ps) are earned, though we may call some "silver spoons" or ones who have been adopted into privileges. These sets of actions differ amongst each individual. Someone of a lower socio-economic may think it a privilege to ride a bicycle, that individual may awe at the sight of a motorbike, and so on ... car, chauffeur, luxury car, etc. There is no set of defined privileges from the perspective of the individual; however, analyzing the entirety of society, it is generally considered a privilege to be born in a developed country. One where the basic life necessities are fulfilled.

The factors that interpreters should focus on revolting these Ps are that of

Acknowledging their individual position in society whilst introspecting and further retrospection its effects on others

Knowing that every individual is not the same. Differences in intellect, education, race, language as well as physical form take place in a complex web of formation

To be privileged is neither an honor nor a dishonor. Treating others with the same positive attitude should be the primary course of action when conversing. When people say "I am honored to be there" is nothing but a testament to their prior efforts and penance.

To be privileged is to be born a human; and have a consciousness that allows us to evolve (not only physically), ponder, reflect, analyze, and implement. The ability to have free will over our actions (not being constrained to our instincts only). Nature is but a medium for us to connect with one another. "Reduc[ing] cultural barriers by personally “inviting, including, involving” [any] populations" is a sound justification to dissolve societal privileges gained through nothing but negative attributions of the higher socio-economic class. Our goal should be the unification of all regardless of their background. Tall task I must say; However, not impossible. Creating cultural bonds with appropriate moral and beliefs is one way to reduce set privileges.

Following the above list, our actions should not differ among people who are disabled, of different races, socio-economic statuses, cultures, etc... The ability to see past that and connect with others is the role of an interpreter. The realization that prestige, power, and status are not a limitation to interact with others is a start. Our society is heavily revolved around this school of thought, maybe due to the tremendous influence of the Romans or the Greeks. We are always looking to climb higher in society for a better lifestyle of material gains. We must dissolve this thought and move past it to connect each individual to one another through our interpretation.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.

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My ideal role of environmental interpreter

My Ideal role of environmental interpreter would be something to do with insect identification and systematics! I find a learn more and retain much more information when I can learn by experience and actually physically hold and visualize something rather than just talking about it. What’s so great about insect systematics is that it’s so multifaceted and incorporates so many learning styles, including kinesthetic learning. Insects are so abundant and almost everywhere so gaining knowledge about this subject is great because it’s something you can see and apply everyday if you wanted to. I think personally I would love to teach some kind field systematic entomology course where people could go out and collect and insect, identify its distinct characteristics and how it might be related to insect species. I think a large reason for me wanting to do this is not only my love of insects but also a desire to help destigmatize insects ( I really want to dismantle that notion of creepy crawlys :( ), and help others understanding the importance of them for ecosystems.

This Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is super important because it’s a really great pollinator!

I think this would entail me presenting some kind of lecture component at the beginning, going over the basics like what is systematic entomology, what insects might be present in an area, why are the defining features of each order, etc.… You could do this in a classroom setting or in field too. Lecture components could also tie into visual components because diagrams are super helpful for furthering understanding. You could give these out as pamphlets or booklets. What’s also nice is that this could be taught almost anywhere since insects are so abundant. You could teach it in the Arboretum or somewhere along the coast of Thailand and still find so so so many different insects in each environment!

I think for this I’d need good communication skills since I’m presenting and teaching information. I think I’d also have to be charismatic to help with engagement and that de-stigmatization piece. Also I think critical thinking and problem solving skills are also super essential since I can sometimes be really difficult to identify species.

poojanpatel

Hey Emma,

I thoroughly enjoyed your blog, specifically removing the notion of insects = creepy/gross. Every organism has a function, be it to innovate or develop like humans or to sit around and eat bamboo sticks like Pandas. Similarly, your input on how insects' importance to ecosystems should be highlighted and destigmatized is valid and appropriate in our modern Way of Life, where we actively cower behind the face of a screen, limiting our functionality towards a developed Way of Living. Connecting one to nature is essential as it brings the perspective of interconnectedness among one another. To be educated by nature is one of the most precious moments in one's life. Likewise, your idea of educating one through various different modes of presentation can help one indulge in the concepts (being taught) in depth, creating a lasting effect. One that is much needed in our digital world. I also agree on the skills required to pursue such a daunting task, critical thinking is key as it will enable you to not only articulate yourself better but also ponder upon the perspective of others deeply.

Thanks, hope you enjoyed =)

Environmental Interpreter

My ideal role as an environmental interpreter or an entrepreneur (EI/EE) would be that of a Landscape Architect (LA). Many people misunderstand the true meaning of LAs, many think it has to do with only maintaining land-scapes; grasses, parks, gardens, etc. But it is a much more broad of field than that. To describe an LA very briefly, is someone who is striving to bridge nature, the built world, and human perception. Interpretation as described in Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World by Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, and Douglas M. Knudson, means "interpreters produce, direct and act in the greatest shows on earth" a platform that helps or bring " meaning to people about cultural and natural heritage." The importance of Landscape Architecture as a method to reactivate feelings, as well as to re-experience the psychological welcoming that natural diversity provides, is completely integrated into its design vision.

This role is not limited to a specific place; However, personal preferences are always welcomed. In a modern state of society, one cannot truly be local to one area, but given the opportunity, I would explore my options to exhibit the meaning of nature and cultural perception to the dwellers in developing countries, or areas of developed countries that lack the infrastructure to experience the importance of nature. Specific locations include the rural part of Gujarat, India (my birth state), and coastal countries like Malaysia, and the Philippines, which are hindered by the wrath of nature, rather than the beauty. Also dabbling in urban design in populated cities, such as Rome, Mumbai, Rio, and Bangkok.

Skills needed would not be limited to ones listed; as one is always growing and is never truly finished developing internally. Some include the importance of accepting the various different forms of culture their are globally and their individual connection to the nature. People have developed differently in various parts of the world, and understanding that ideologies differ is the fist step that one should have as a EI or EE. Another one is that of Gratefulness. You cannot connect someone to a culture and nature without yourself first believing in the importance of these facets within our lives. Being grateful enables one to view the world in a blissful manner, limiting unnecessary feuds with may be encountered through ha difference of mind. Some specific skills may include the ability to management time efficiently, engage with the community, having a deep passion for conservation, as well as communication skills to interpret others POV. Limited by a word limit I cannot delve further, but am happy to reply to any comments =).

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.

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Romania: A Sense of Place...

Nature plays a huge role in my life and not just because I am studying Zoology. Nature relaxes me on my hardest days, clears my mind, and truly allows me to appreciate life and its beauties. I make an effort to connect with nature in various ways such as daily walks, planning nature excursions whether close or far, watching nature documentaries, browsing the natural/organics aisle in grocery stores… I love seeing what the natural world has to offer. Through having knowledge about the planet that contributes so positively to my life, I have implemented sustainable practices in my daily life such as using beeswax wrap in my kitchen, wool dryer balls as fabric softeners, and using an electric composter which is great for my mom’s garden. I’ll link the products below!

As stated in Chapter 1 of Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World, “By explaining the resource management policies and problems, interpreters often persuade visitors to behave in ways that prevent resource destruction and deterioration” (Beck et al., 2018). I related to this greatly as it was through learning about our planet that I implemented these products into my life as a thank you for all that the planet has done for me.

I was born in Canada but I spent majority of my summers in Romania growing up. Both my parents are from there and we would go visit family, but honestly my parents were visiting for family, I was visiting for the animals. The stray kittens in the bushes at my grandma’s apartment that she would take care of, the bunnies at the farm behind the old age home my grandma was living in, the chickens at my dad’s best friend’s house. These were the best memories of my childhood and these experiences definitely played a role in developing my love for animals.

These experiences, although so long ago, offered me a sense of place, going way beyond physical features and leaving me with a long-lasting connection to nature that is still with me today and that I am certain will be with me forever. I am actually going back to Romania this summer and I’m looking forward to seeing how the sense of place feels now that I am older. I will keep you guys updated!

But for now… here are some cute pictures of the little kitties my grandma feeds still to this day!

Links to the products:

Beeswax Wrap

Wool Dryer Balls

Electric Composter

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing.

poojanpatel

B1_Reply_W24

Hi Victoria, amazing blog. I liked your input on the links to the products. Nature as you said is much greater than just a physical realm that we exist with. It is a sense of belonging if not attachment which transverse the feelings towards what we get from it. I agree with the quote that you provided from the textbook. We most prominently need sustainable practices, but beyond that an outlook which creates a oneness (as you mentioned) with nature. Treating it as something you can emotionally attach yourself to, will enable you to care, nurture, and ultimately salvation for nature as a whole. Practices will change with an emotional bond of affection, I think this is the first and foremost step to creating a more sustainable environment for all. I hope that your trip to Romania will reinforce your views on Nature, if not expand them. Also, the kitties are adorable!! I feel it is essential for one to understand how things that we interact with, be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Nonetheless, what are your views on our formation of bonds with nature? Do you think that it is a natural part of who we are, or is it shaped by our culture? Furthermore, how do you think that different views of this question see our responsibilities in caring for the environment?

My sense of place B1_W24

Hello, I am Poojan, currently in my last semester at UofG for Landscape Architecture. This is one of the many blog posts that will focus on how I interpret nature and its elements. I hope that with the addition of these posts, I can better orient and explain my understanding of the rock with live on.

Like many relationships, my relationship with Nature wasn't really established until I understood what nature truly was, very recently. As you rarely think about "How things are" and focus more on "Why things are". We question everything but rarely grasp the outcome or answers that we receive. As a kid, I always wondered why the sky was blue. I was told it was due to light refracting (which I mistook for reflecting) and lived on. In my head, the ocean is blue so the sky is blue was the conclusion. Much later I figured out what refracting meant. Nonetheless, the point is that my sense of place in nature is as such, always evolving in understanding or debunking misunderstanding.

Like a stream of water that over time turns into an ever-winding river, nature for me has been as such. First, starting off slowly, trickling down a slope to now turning a clashing and weaving, expanding, etc. Nature is more than just the outdoors which many limit their imagination to (like I also had). For me, it is a source of empowerment. As someone who grew up in a Vedic philosophical family. My connections to Nature varied from the norm, since childhood. Sun = SurajDada (Sun Grandfather), Moon = ChandaMama (Moon Uncle), etc... These at a young age allowed me to build a relationship with Nature from a Gaia perspective. An organism. Something that I can relate to like my family. Something to be able to express feelings towards, and be grateful for.

My current relationship with nature is that of gratefulness. My sense of place originates from the teaching of my parents and predecessors whose penance has allowed me to not view Nature as a separate entity, but rather as a part of me, an extension of my thoughts that can be filled with emotion, one that is selfless (that which is seen in families). To the water in my tap, which comes and quenches my thirst, the food that is passed on from the hands of the farmer to the locals at a grocery store and into my belly all the way to the creation/formation of the roads, trails, trees, plants, animals, species that I interact with. A bond that when looked creates a web of interconnectedness (one of which I am a part of); a sense of belonging to someone or something. Knowing that I am attached to the work of something more than myself. That is my current sense of place, which may evolve or stay stagnant, depending on the thoughts of my ever-expanding river of knowledge.

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