My reflection on the beginnings of becoming a nature interpreter
Over the last few weeks of this course, I have been introduced to the multifaceted world of nature interpretation. To my surprise, it was not just focused on science, but it was very relevant from the arts perspective, which aligns with my personal goals for becoming an interpreter. I would love to operate within the intersectionality of where arts and science overlap, continuing the trend of bringing in fresh approaches to interpretation. After all, my takeaway from this course is that nature interpretation is about sparking curiosity, and igniting change and an appreciation for the world. As we come to the end of this course, I have reflected on the beliefs, responsibilities, and goals that will continue to guide my practice.
The overarching theme and core belief of my practice will be based on the value of nature. As humans, we are a mere part of the massive, mysterious system, and I strongly believe that it is so important for people to be able to access nature, as it is a part of us. This means I will try my hardest to help address and deconstruct the barriers that people may face to connect with nature, and create interpretive programs that are accessible. As Beck et al. talked about the many forms of privilege, I think it is important to be able to understand my privileges, and move forward with an open mind to continue learning (2018).
Another way I would like to address providing more accessible forms of nature interpretation is to strengthen my relationship with the community. Being able to collaborate with others will help me understand what kinds of programs may be needed, and how best to offer them. Being able to provide interpretations on online platforms provides a way to reach more people, and hopefully still provide the similar adoration for whatever the topic may be on.
This leads me into my next belief, which are the health benefits that nature offers. From my personal anecdotal experience, when I spend time in nature, I feel so much better afterwards, and I would love to share that experience with other people. There is lots of research that is showing the benefits of spending time in nature, which can take many forms such as physical activity, nature journaling, guided observational walks (Sharma-Brymer et al., 2025). However, I would also like to practice the indigenous practice of reciprocity, understanding that our relationship and connectedness with nature is a two way street. If there are so many benefits that nature can provide us, I would like to explore how we as people can provide and give back to nature.
The last core beliefs that I would like to bring forward is the ability to embrace the multitude of perspectives, values, and forms of which we can exchange knowledge with each other. There are many ways the we can learn (Beck et al., 2018), and a strength I would like to build on is being able to share my knowledge in many different formats to accommodate and appeal to as many people as possible. As an artist and scientist, there are so many beautiful ways to provide ‘alternative’ interpretive programs whether that is through nature art, music, performance, embodying the senses, and the list goes on. I would love to incorporate my passion for the experimental into my nature interpretive programs.
Furthermore, it is also my belief that as an aspiring nature interpreter, it is important to provide a safe space for people to share and exchange their knowledge with each other. Afterall, museums have the space to be able to do this via hosting events, which can create bonds in communities, provide opportunities for people to expand their perspectives on the world, and maybe even grow appreciation for something new (Beck et al., 2018). I would love the opportunity to work as an interpreter in a museum, and help create that needed space to be leaders in the community for social change.
As a whole, I am realising that wanting to be an interpreter can mean taking on more than I may realistically be able to handle all in one go. I recognize that it is a learning journey, and an important part of that is being able to pause, take a step back at the work or programs that I have created, and reflect. Beck et al., provided some great ways to also go about reflecting, and improving on the interpretive journey, whether that was though self or peer evaluation, visitor feedback, or even qualitative and quantitative measures (2018). The responsibility of holding myself accountable for my actions is a necessary ability to be able to grow as an interpreter. I have to accept that I will make mistakes, but understand that these points are important to become a better person.
Overall, the best approach I can take right now to becoming the best interpreter is to be the best person I can be in my everyday life. There are so many amazing ways to connect with people, and create opportunities and share your moments of awe in nature with others. For me, this could look like sharing my art, or when I go for a hike say hello to people and maybe start a conversation and share something cool that I saw in the area. Being the best interpreter I can be also looks like continuing my learning journey, and pledging to also expand my knowledge, while simultaneously practicing critical thinking.
Most of all though, I long to share my love and passion for the world with others, with the hopes that they can feel a similar way. It is a special skill to be able to spark curiosity in someone else, and it is my hope that I can inspire people to love this amazing world, and join me in helping advocate for its protection, respect, and health. I would love to start practicing my skills with my friends and family when I move back home. My younger sisters could definitely use some encouragement to take a technology break, and we could explore the park near our house. By aiming to help foster a deeper connection with nature, as a nature interpreter, I can inspire individuals to live more sustainably, to protect the planet's biodiversity, and to create a more just and equitable world for all. I am eager to be a great interpreter one day, and I will do so by going on a continuous journey of learning, sharing, and inspiring others.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage : for a better world. Sagamore Venture.
Sharma-Brymer, V., Brymer, E., & Loynes, C. (2025). Collective action for health and wellbeing benefits from human-nature relationships. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 25(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2025.2452696