My Personal Ethics as a Nature Interpreter
Hello, my name is Danielle! Once again, I am a third-year biology student and someone who really loves admiring nature. This is my very last blog, and a reflection on how taking this course has evolved my personal ethics as a nature interpreter. Relating what I have learnt from this class to reflect on myself, sharing my beliefs, the responsibilities I hold, and lastly what interpretive approaches fit me best.
As mentioned in a previous blog, nature is it sown creator and I just admire and reflect on it!
My Beliefs that I bring to Interpretation:
Firstly, I believe that nature can invoke new emotions within us but also past emotions in us. Showing us not just its beauty but allowing us to keep it with us as nostalgic mamoties. My memories of my friends and I recently rolling down a grassy hill reminded me of my childhood, teaching me that nature not only speaks to our minds but our feelings as well.
“Interpretation is revelation, not instruction”
Secondly, whether there is something so “simple” as a tree, a certain trail or an loon, everything in nature has a story, and I believe that interpretation is the way to bring these stories to life. Telling stories, according to Beck and Cable say, turns cold facts into warm understandings.
As mentioned in my previous blogs I love the aurora borealis but have never had the chance to see it. In the case of everything having a story behind it read this relatively short article on the legends for the northern lights. -> https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/legends-of-the-northern-lights/
Lastly, I believe that nature is for everyone, although roles such as privilege play a role, as a community we should work towards everyone having the same access to nature interpretation. It’s true that not everyone grows up with access to parks or outdoor spaces. However interpretation should respect cultural differences and reduce these barriers and allow room for various stories from everyone.
Here is a link to a website that believe sin promoting diversity in outdoor spaces, allowing individuals who have been historically marginalized and silenced to have access to the outdoors! Check it out!! -> https://www.diversifyoutdoors.com/
The Responsibilities that I have:
Interpretation should be fun, however r at the same time everyone has a job to do. Yes, we are here to enjoy nature, but we should also protect it at the same time. This can be done by helping other fall in love with nature! If people care for something they will take better care of it.
Here are some small things you can incorporate into your life to protect nature -> https://www.nps.gov/idp/interp/101/Interp101%20Course%20Workbook.pdf
Next, we all have the right to have our own opinions so respect everyone’s journeys. Interpretation should never feel forced, allowing it to be genuine will allow the person to have genuine though and care. When it comes to showing my friends and family to certain experiences, I enjoy I never try to force them, it’s never an enjoyable experience for either of us that way anyways.
Lastly, I want to share accurate and ethical stories, by teaching the scientific background of stories along with acknowledging indigenous history or other important backgrounds.
Speaking of here is a link to learn more about indigenous history of Canada, we often hear land acknowledgments but do you really know why? Find out -> http://rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013778/1607903934135
The Approaches That Work for Me
Most times I find myself using something called flow learning. This being a 4 part interpretive flow, and it starts with playing, which build attention, deepens you into the experience, and end with you sharing your experiences.
Definitely try it yourself/ learn more about it -> https://www.sharingnature.com/flow-learning.html#:~:text=Flow%20Learning%20creates%20an%20accelerating,us%20from%20the%20natural%20world.
Or here is a summary on how it works:
Awaken your joy (normally done via playing/something fun) – example: scavenger hunts
Focus your attention – close your eye sand really submerge yourself, try to list your 5 senses (what you feel, see, hear, smell and possibly taste!)
Direct experience – explore somewhere, maybe a forest or a beach and journal what you see (your 5 sense again)
Share this inspiration – share possibly via Tumblr with these blogs!!
Additionally, I believe that art is a way to express one’s interpretation of beauty (also as mentioned in class a dthe textbook). We don’t do this to define nature but rather to reflect on it and its beauty and the history that it holds. I encourage others to try this themselves. Whether you’re sitting at a park or on a walk, just bring a sketchbook with you, you never know when you’ll be inspired.
Want help starting an art journal? https://artfulhaven.com/how-to-start-an-art-journal/
This is an old picture; however, I had brought mt sketchbook to the park to find new inspiration.
Lastly when It comes to planning things I try to incorporate/ keep in mind the “golden” formula T.O.R.E.
Thematic – I try to focus and remember one clear takeaway/message that ties everything that I learnt or observed together.
Organized – when sharing what I’ve learnt I try to make sure what I am saying makes sense
Relevant – also making sure that what I say connects to the person I am talking to, making it meaningful to them so they can connect as well.
Enjoyable – making it an enjoyable experience ensures that they will remember it!
Helps me share my excitement with others, allowing them to hopefully not only share that same excitement but learn something as well!!
In conclusion, nature interpretation doesn’t start with you, nor does it end with you. Therefore, it is very important to find and incorporate different methods when trying to teach others about nature. This not only helps others learn, but allows you to gain insight into how others think as well, furthering your knowledge an deepening how you interpret nature!
National Park Service. (n.d.). Tilden’s six principles of interpretation. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/interpretation/tilden-s-six-principles.htm