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Disclaimer

This blog was created for Serena Causton, 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 Power of Teamwork (Unit 9)

You see it everywhere: outside, on the sidewalk, tiny little ants walk in a line, carrying breadcrumbs back to their nest. Bees buzz around the flowers, intent on gathering nectar to take back to their hive. You even see it in the skyscrapers rising up into the clouds, the organized roads and streets that take you where you want to go, and the people you collaborate with every day to get things done.

(Video: bees bustling around on a hive. Taken by Serena Causton)

(Photo: Toronto skyline as sunset against clouds. Taken by Sequoia Death)

The most amazing thing that nature has to offer is teamwork. Species of all shapes and sizes work together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Humans create technology, spaceships, medicine, buildings, and more, together. Bees create hives they fill with honey. Ants create a network of tunnels to house the colony. Species everywhere create a system; a system that functions independently of the individuals that created it (Meadows, 2008). If one individual is lost, the system remains.

Monarch butterflies even use transgenerational teamwork; one generation begins the migration south to find somewhere warm to overwinter. Then the next generation is born in the south, and makes the return journey north (US Forest Service, 2024). This journey is guided by instinctive genetic patterns.

Unfortunately, it’s easy for humans to overlook the importance of these connections within a system when we get lost in the technology created by it (Beck et al., 2018; pg 468). Nicolas Carr (2014) warns that

“the mounting evidence of an erosion of skills, a dulling of perceptions, and a slowing of reactions should give us all pause.”

Interspecies cooperation is everywhere in nature, from ants to bees to birds to dolphins to elephants; this quality, preserved through millions of years of evolution, is clearly essential. These skills that we are losing, the skills of empathy, connection, and agency, were cultivated in our species for a reason; throughout our evolutionary history, these skills have made us stronger, better, and better adapted to survival.

What happens to us if we lose these skills?

Are we devolving? We as a society need to take proactive, intentional measures to connect with each other and strengthen our bonds.

As nature interpreters, we can strengthen these skills in ourselves and in others through promoting and supporting nature connection. Through nature, we can inspire awe, and awe can inspire action (Beck et al., 2018; pg 472). By being in nature we can also reduce reliance and dependence on technology, which can reduce the distractions that prevent people from connecting with each other, nature, and themselves.

Next time you go outside, whether in the city or in a forest, in a suburb or next to the ocean, think about everything you see around you. The birds you hear calling to each other from the trees. The squirrels running up and down the trunks, working hard to scavenge for acorns. The worms in the ground that filter soil and nutrients, turning chemicals into compounds that plants can eat. The plants that take up carbon dioxide and release oxygen for us to breathe.

(Photo: Centennial Park at sunset in 2018. Taken by Serena Causton). In this photo, the moss was disrupted on the right hand side by a mother duck and her ducklings swimming across the pond.

If you’re in an urban environment, think about the number of people who worked hard to mix and pour cement for the sidewalk. The people who measured and remeasured and mixed and remixed ratios until they found the perfect combination to even make cement. Think about the architects that designed the buildings you see, the mathematicians and engineers that made it possible, the construction workers that operated the equipment and machinery to build it, the transport workers who travelled across the country with materials to build.

(Photo: A night market in Osaka, 2024. Taken by Serena Causton)

Think about all these things that contribute to the system that makes life possible, whether it be natural or human-made. What role do you play in the system? Do you like your role?

What do you want to do to contribute to the system?

References:

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

Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in systems (Illustrated edition). Chelsea Green Publishing.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE. (2024). Monarch Butterfly Migration and Overwintering. Www.fs.usda.gov.https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/migration/index.shtml

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Hi Serena,

I really enjoyed reading your post, and I admire the profound way you captured the interconnectedness of nature and human society. The way you described teamwork as "the most amazing thing nature has to offer" feels incredibly true and essential. From ants to bees to humans in cities, your examples beautifully illustrate how collective effort is a fundamental force that sustains life.

Your reflection on the skills we risk losing—empathy, connection, and agency—struck me deeply. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, it's easy to become distanced from the very connections that have helped humanity thrive. I agree that fostering nature connection can help restore these essential skills. There’s something powerful about observing the intricate cooperation in an ecosystem—a reminder that individual contributions matter, no matter how small.

I especially appreciated your question: What do you want to do to contribute to the system? This is such an important reminder that we all have agency in shaping the world around us. For me, I believe my contribution lies in caring for and loving others while striving to be the best version of myself. This reflection is often overwhelming and jarring—questioning who I am, what I represent, and how those qualities impact the people and world around me. Yet, in those moments of self-reflection, I remind myself that I am someone who actively works to appreciate myself for who I am. That sense of self-acceptance, in turn, radiates outward—influencing how I connect with the people I love, those I care for, and even the natural world. Embracing this role brings a sense of purpose and reminds me that kindness, both inward and outward, contributes to the broader system in meaningful ways.

Thank you for your insightful words. You've encouraged me to reflect on how I can better contribute to the web of connections that sustains us all!

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Hi Gil,

Thank you for your kind words and meaningful reflection to my question! I agree with you that living authentically and caring for others is the best way to contribute to the system. I agree that when someone truly practices self-love, it shows and radiates outward, in turn inspiring others to practice self-love as well. Kindness towards all benefits everyone! It's like a positive feedback loop of good feelings.

All the best,

Serena

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Unit 10 - Environmental Sustainability and My Personal Ethic as a Nature Interpreter

For the final blog post of the semester, and of my entire undergraduate journey, I find myself incredibly grateful for this thought-provoking and deeply important prompt. It has provided me with an opportunity to reflect not just on this course, but on my entire four-year experience in Wildlife Biology & Conservation, and on the path ahead in my future career.

The video featuring David Suzuki and Richard Louv at the Art Gallery of Ontario, discussing how to reconnect with nature, was especially impactful. It deepened my understanding of my own relationship with the natural world and provided valuable insights that helped me address the prompts for this blog.

My Personal Ethic as I Develop as a Nature Interpreter

In their discussion, David Suzuki and Richard Louv spoke extensively about the relationship between children and nature, emphasizing how it has changed over the years. Suzuki shared memories of finding solace and inspiration in what he described as a "magical" swamp near his childhood home in London, Ontario. That special place has since been replaced by a shopping mall. He posed a powerful question: “I just wonder about our children and where they find the kind of inspiration that I did when I was a boy.”

Louv, referencing his book The Nature Principle, stated, “The more high-tech our lives become, the more nature we need.” This resonates deeply in an era where parents are frequently criticized for allowing children too much screen time. But Louv challenges this criticism by asking, “Then they would do what?” Modern neighborhoods often lack natural spaces where children can safely explore, and an overblown fear of strangers, fueled by over-dramatized media coverage, has led to parents sheltering their kids more than ever. As a result, many children today are missing out on the unstructured outdoor experiences that previous generations took for granted.

This issue is personal for me. My parents often reminisce about spending entire days outdoors, playing and exploring freely with their friends, only returning home when the streetlights came on. In contrast, my own childhood was far more restricted. I was rarely allowed to venture down the street alone, even with a phone for safety.

Louv emphasizes that environmentalists must remain focused on their responsibility to future generations. Children are the future policymakers, leaders, and stewards of our planet. If they grow up disconnected from nature, we risk further diminishing the priority given to environmental conservation.

Should it be access to a backyard garden, a walk, a trip to the beach, we need to make more of an effort to get kids out of the house, out from behind their screens, and outside, where they can connect with nature. It's not only important for their own health, but also for the future of society.

This realization defines my personal ethic as a nature interpreter. I see it as my responsibility to bridge the growing gap between children and the natural world. My role will involve creating meaningful experiences that foster a deep appreciation for nature in young minds. Beyond that, I hope to inspire parents to reconnect with the environment as well. To remind them of their own childhood adventures in nature and encourage them to pass those experiences on to their children.

Once you have the privilege of truly experiencing nature, developing a passion for it comes naturally. Today, the real challenge come in carving out time in our busy lives to venture out and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the natural world. And I think that's where we, as nature interpreters, come in to help.

The Beliefs I Bring

At my core, my beliefs have always been deeply rooted in nature. As human beings, we are biological creatures, yet we have become largely disconnected from the natural world that once defined our existence. Our planet is facing an environmental crisis, with countless species at risk, and I firmly believe that conservation should be one of our highest priorities.

In today’s scary political state, where environmental concerns often take a back seat to economic and political agendas, it is more important than ever to remain firm in our commitment to conservation. As environmentalists, we must continue to advocate for the protection of our natural world and inspire others to do the same.

What Can I Do?

This summer, I am happy to say that I will be working as a Nature Interpreter at African Lion Safari. I will be working with the parrot department, not only caring for the birds, but also informing guests about some of the most endangered groups of birds.

The path forward requires education, engagement, and action. Through my work as a nature interpreter, I hope to instill a sense of wonder and responsibility in the next generation. By helping people form personal connections with nature, we can form a society that values and prioritizes environmental stewardship.

Looking back on my undergraduate journey, I feel an immense sense of purpose. The lessons I have learned, the experiences I have gained, and the values I hold close will guide me as I step into my future career. I am eager to contribute to conservation efforts, to educate and inspire, and to help shape a world where nature is not just an afterthought but a fundamental part of our lives.

As I conclude this final blog post, I carry with me the knowledge that reconnecting with nature is not just a personal journey but a collective responsibility. It is a responsibility I am ready to embrace, and one that I hope to share with others for years to come.

A big thank you to the professor of this course, Amanda Hooykaas. This course has allowed for so much reflection, realization, and lessons about how to connect others with nature, that I will surely take with me throughout my career.

I hope that reading these blog posts allowed for as much personal reflection as they did for me writing them.

I am eager to hear from my classmates: What was the biggest takeaway from this course?

References

African Lion Safari. (n.d.). Parrots. Retrieved on March 19, 2025 from https://lionsafari.com/programmes/parrots/

Suzuki, D., & Louv, R. (2012, July 20). David Suzuki and Richard Louv at AGO [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5DI1Ffdl6Y

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Dear Rachel,

I really enjoyed reading your final blog post! You made some great points and your words really resonated with me. ‘Once you have the privilege of truly experiencing nature, developing a passion for it comes naturally.’ I love this sentiment! I wholeheartedly agree.

It’s interesting to hear you talk about your own childhood, so restricted, as I believe many people our age grew up that way. I find it interesting that you mentioned that as kids, your parents just had to come home when the streetlights turned on, as that was my rule growing up! My parents are boomers and raised me with a boomer mentality; I went wherever I wanted when I wanted, exploring freely, and as long as I was home shortly after dark, they didn’t worry.

However, growing up I could often feel this divide between my peers and I. It was hard to be spontaneous with my friends, to go out whenever we pleased, because they had to ask their parents weeks or months in advance.

I think the freedom I had when I was young taught me valuable skills; oftentimes I would get lost, and I didn’t have a phone, so I’d have to figure out how to get home on my own. I remember my parents once asked me to be home by 8. I didn’t have a phone, and it was summer, and I was a kid. How was I supposed to know when 8 was? I remember at the time thinking that 8 o’clock sounded like the most arbitrary metric imaginable. They might as well have told me to come home when the fridge restarts its ice-making cycle.

If they had told me to come home when the crickets started chirping, that would have made perfect sense to me.

I have some friends who lead backcountry canoe trips for camps in the north, and they tell me that in the past, kids on the trips weren’t allowed to know the time. Nowadays, however, the rule has changed and counselors have to tell the kids the time if they ask because not knowing causes too much anxiety.

I think this is what we lose when we keep children inside, away from strangers and dangers and fun; we lose that carefree stage of life, where nothing matters except having fun with your friends and exploring the neighbourhood that is your world. Childhood is wonderful in that it’s free from adult responsibilities. When we bog children down with fears, worries, time commitments, and too much structure, we deprive them of the most precious part of childhood. In my opinion, it's almost criminal the amount of structure we impose on children. Louv (2005) states something similar:

“Excessive fear can transform a person and modify behavior permanently; it can change the very structure of the brain. The same can happen to a whole culture. What will it be like for children to grow up in socially and environmentally controlled environments – condominiums and planned developments and covenant controlled housing developments surrounded with walls, gates, and surveillance systems, where covenants prevent families from planting gardens? One wonders how the children growing up in this culture of control will define freedom when they are adults.” (Louv, 2005, p129)

When we restrict children's freedom, we define their expectations for the rest of their lives. These children will grow into adults who don’t know how to explore, how to innovate, how to take risks. The realization that nature connection helps build essential life skills was my biggest takeaway from this course.

To that extent, I agree with your goal of conservation as a nature interpreter. People cannot enjoy and appreciate unaltered natural spaces if they don’t exist! I’m excited for you to start your incredible opportunity working as a nature interpreter at the African Lion Safari! That sounds incredible. You are definitely embracing your responsibility to connect with nature! I have a question, though. If you were raised the way many of us were, unable to go outside freely, how do you think that affected you? How do you think that impacted your connection to nature? How did you form a strong connection with nature despite that?

Thanks for a great read!

All the best,

Serena

References: Louv, R. Last Child. In The Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder; Algonquin Books: Chapel Hill, NC, USA, 2005.

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Unit 10: Nature Interpretation's Role in Environmental Sustainability

Throughout this course, we have touched on many things such as privilege, accessibility, learning types and more. All these things have helped me grow as a nature interpreter in so many ways. As a daughter of immigrants, I grew up in a household where my parents worked their very best to provide me with a better life than they had. I am very fortunate to have grown up in a country where I could go on hikes, learn about nature in school and watch birds and animals in my backyard. I had the opportunity to turn on a television, watch the Discovery Channel, and see and learn about amazing animals and wonderful ecosystems all around the world. I was able to go to places like the ROM and other museums that showcased dinosaur bones or paintings of wild landscapes that had me immersed. I distinctly remember a school trip in which we went to a high school known for its performing arts and watched a dramatic play about Shakespeare, a midsummer night's dream and many scenes took place in a forest.

Art in this way shaped my understanding of nature interpretation at a very young age. Now, after taking this course, I learned that art can help others connect to nature too, as it can help them relive memories of them in the wild through dance or song, or learn about nature through visual and performing arts (Chapter 10: Arts in Interpretation, pg. 229). My tour guides during my summers in Madagascar would use storytelling as a way to explain the things we saw and in a way, that is how I first learned to appreciate nature beyond just observation. Storytelling made the environment come alive, it gave animals' personalities, landscapes their own histories, and ecosystems a sense of interconnectedness. They would often share their own experience and interactions that they had and it would leave me feeling excited to go back out into the forest every single day, no matter how tired I was. One story in particular struck a chord with me. The story tells of a king who drowned himself in a lake to avoid capture by his enemies. This act made the lake sacred, and as a result, hunting crocodiles there became strictly forbidden. Today, the once-endangered Nile crocodile population has rebounded, along with native turtles and fish, all thriving under the lake's protected status.

Picture taken of a baby Nile Crocodile in Lake Ravolobe as my tour guide told me the story of why this lake is Sacred.

Experiences such as these have shaped my ethics as a nature interpreter. I believe that nature interpretation is not just about facts and figures but about fostering an emotional and personal connection to the natural world. My experiences as a child have shaped my perception and love for nature and now as I have learned ways to help others too connect to nature, my ethics and beliefs revolve strongly around accessibility and privilege. Somehow we have turned nature into a commodity, and many people around the world cannot access it. Whether through scientific communication that bars people due to education or through the assimilation of various Indigenous cultures, we have forced the disconnection of nature onto many, many people. As a nature interpreter, I believe it is my responsibility to break down these barriers and create opportunities for people to reconnect with the natural world. Nature is not something to be owned, bought, or restricted to those with the means to experience it. It is a shared resource, a fundamental part of human existence, and something that everyone should have the opportunity to engage with, regardless of their background, education, or socioeconomic status.

One of the biggest challenges we face is the way nature has been framed within academic and institutional spaces. Scientific language, while valuable, can often alienate those without formal education in the field (Unit 5: Nature Interpretation Through Science. By simplifying concepts, using storytelling, and incorporating diverse cultural perspectives, we can make nature interpretation more inclusive and engaging. Creative writing has always been a passion of mine and since coming to the University of Guelph, I have found it to be a powerful tool to connect science and academics to the public. I am currently immersed in op-ed writers such as Naomi Klime or authors such as Dr. Kerrian McGoogan who are using their skills in writing to interpret to a much, much broader audience than academia could ever reach.

Dr. Kerriann McGoogan's book, Chasing Lemurs is one of my favourite creative non fiction books and is a very important one due to the biodiversity crisis Madagascar is currently facing.

Through their writing, they make pressing issues relatable, accessible, and urgent, ensuring that knowledge is not reserved for the few but shared with the many. This approach is most suitable for me as I find reading about others' experiences with nature often helps me connect to them as well. Writing the script for my podcast also helped me realize my love for writing can be a powerful tool and a bridge between people and the natural world. Through storytelling, I can make complex environmental issues more accessible, weaving together personal experiences, scientific insights, and cultural narratives to create a deeper sense of connection. Moving forward, I plan to integrate writing into my work as a nature interpreter, using it as a tool to reach those who might not otherwise engage with environmental topics. Whether through personal essays, advocacy pieces, or podcast storytelling, I want my words to not only inform but also evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and inspire change.

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

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Dear Anik,

I really enjoyed reading your post.

I agree with you that nature interpretation extends beyond what can be assessed and includes fostering a personal and emotional connection. I find that academia often devalues qualities that are difficult to quantitatively assess. Perhaps because these intangible qualities are difficult to measure and study, they are understudied, and because they are understudied they are undervalued. This is true for ecosystem services, at least - for cultural ecosystem services, the least tangible of the four types of ecosystem services, it is difficult to quantify the benefits and therefore they are undervalued in research and policy (Daniel et al., 2012).

For this reason, I wholeheartedly agree with you that nature interpretation can better engage with audiences through incorporating diverse perspectives and cultures. Nature interpretation and art, in my opinion, can actually reach a realm that science and quantitative research cannot; it can connect with our emotional selves and foster intimacy and shared experiences (Fish et al., 2016). To that extent, I also love creative writing! Thank you for the book recommendations. What kind of stories do you write? I am hoping to write a book one day and as I plan the story, I find that a lot of key emotional events are tied to a natural symbol. I didn’t intend this, but I guess it just goes to show that nature is important to me and holds emotional significance; I hope if others read my story, the natural themes within it can help foster an emotional connection to nature within them, too. Do you find yourself unintentionally using natural symbols or places in your writing?

Thanks for a great read with your post! If you write any stories or essays I’d love to read them!

All the best,

Serena

References:

Daniel, T.C., Muhar, A., Arnberger, A., Aznar, O., Boyd, J.W., Chan, K.M., Costanza, R., Elmqvist, T., Flint, C.G., Gobster, P.H. and Grêt-Regamey, A., 2012. Contributions of cultural services to the ecosystem services agenda. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(23), pp.8812-8819.

Fish, R., Church, A. and Winter, M., 2016. Conceptualising cultural ecosystem services: A novel framework for research and critical engagement. Ecosystem Services, 21, pp.208-217.

Bogged Down by Beauty: The Appeal of Unaltered Nature (Unit 10)

My family has a cottage in Georgian Bay, a small A-frame wooden cabin that I consider home. The cottage lies within a little cove, with the open waters of Lake Huron are somewhere far past the woods behind the property.

Last summer, I went for a ride in a small seaplane - or lake-plane, in this case - over the Bay; I saw everything I had seen before, the cabin, the island in front of it, the trees and the cove - from an entirely new perspective.

From the sky, I could see the entire expanse of woodsy wetlands that kept the cove isolated from the Bay. I could see ribbons of marsh cutting through each outcropping of rock, the wavy dark and light bands of gneiss visible even from high above. I could see everything, including a small little lake nestled right in-between the cove and the sea, surrounded by forest, invisible to anyone on the ground but impossible to ignore from above. I looked back towards the cabin. From this height, I could cover the distance from the cabin to the lake with just my thumb.

How long would it take to get there on foot? I wondered.

Photo description: Georgian Bay, the view from above. Photo taken by Serena Causton.

I made it my mission to find out. Later that summer, I enlisted two of my friends to come with me on a backpacking adventure through the forest to find the lake. We planned to spend one day getting there, and one day getting to the other side of the cove, coming out on the open waters of Georgian Bay, where my dad would come pick us up (thanks, dad).

The backpacking trip quickly turned into a bushwhacking trip - there was no trail, so we relied on a compass, a map, and a GPS. Before this trip, I had never realized how many barriers a trail removed; we spent most of our time getting hit in the face by branches and cobwebs, and stepping in deceptively muddy patches of earth. At one point, we had to backtrack at least a kilometer because we cornered ourselves in an inlet surrounded by bog on all sides. At another point, we actually had to cross the bog - we held our backpacks on our heads, and trudged through the murky, waist-deep waters, carefully looking ahead and not down to maintain willfully ignorant of any leeches.

Photo description: Into the bush we go! Photo taken by Serena Causton.

Photo description: Two friend wondering how to cross a bog at the edge of a cliff. Photo taken by Sequoia Death.

Photo description: Serena Causton walking across a bog with her backpack on her head. Photo taken by Julia Rose Sharpp.

Though we struggled at times, and wanted to give up, this trip brought us all a little closer to nature: physically, of course, but also mentally - how often do you find yourself waist-deep in a bog? How often do you stumble across bear tracks, or deer holes, or dried-up streams and creeks? How often do you find yourself miles away from anything man-made, completely isolated in unaltered nature?

No, seriously. When was the last time you were, at the very least, a kilometer away from anything man-made?

When's the last time you were surrounded by exclusively nature?

Within the last month

Within the last year

Never!

Voting ended onMar 30, 2025

Stumbling through the undiscovered forest, so clearly not meant for us, with inconveniently placed bogs, hills that unexpectedly dropped off into treacherous cliffs, and branches that held us back at every turn, gave me a newfound appreciation for nature, for its systems and intricacies and landscapes that exist wholly for themselves.

There’s a famous philosophical question:

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"

When I was out in the woods, where no one had ever been, I learned that, for me, the answer is yes. Yes because the beauty in nature does not need to be observed to be beautiful. If we observe it, and recognize its beauty through observation, then we are merely making note of something that exists on a level independent from us, a level unrelated to our mere observation.

I believe in the intrinsic value of nature. I believe that a natural place is special and valuable even if no one goes there, and even if no one even knows it’s there. Even if intelligent life on Earth never evolved, I would still believe that the landscapes and natural terrain of Earth is valuable (though, if that were the case, I wouldn’t be around to believe anything).

If nature is something wonderful and awe-inspiring all on its own, and not just wonderful and awe-inspiring because we choose to perceive it that way, then it becomes our responsibility to ourselves to connect with nature and experience the joys and wonders of doing so. If bog behind my cabin is beautiful, independent of me, then in order to fulfill my own sense of purpose and experience all that life has to offer, it becomes my duty to go there.

I owe it to myself.

We owe it to ourselves.

Beck et al. (2018) presents a similar sentiment in Interpreting Natural Heritage. In Chapter 5 'Guiding Principles of Interpretation' states that an interpreter must give the gift of a spark by relating the subject (nature) to the lives of the people in the audience, they must give the gift of beauty by instilling the ability and desire to sense beauty in nature and experience spiritual uplift.

As a nature interpreter, it is my job to become the bridge through which others can know the beauty of nature. I cannot tell my audience what to believe, how to experience nature, or why they should care. All I can do is provide the opportunity that lets them experience nature for themselves (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 1, p. 11).

Photo description: Bridge from 'The Bridge to Teribithia' (Csupó, 2007).

I try to do that by planning trips like the bushwhacking one last summer, or through my research project that examines barriers to access for cultural ecosystem services. I have learned through this course that interpretive efforts can take place formally or informally, almost anywhere (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 21, p. 460). This knowledge renewed my efforts to share nature with others in whatever way I can - I don’t have to set up a formal trip, or plan something elaborate with a theme and a goal and an itinerary. I can simply say to a friend, “Hey, do you want to go look at that stream with me?”

I also write on my blog (my other blog) so that even the most inaccessible places I end up in can still be known and appreciated. I love creative writing, and after taking this course, I try to incorporate philosophies of nature interpretation into my writing. In the textbook Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage by Beck et al. (2018), ‘Chapter 14: Interpretation and the Written Word’ helped me improve my writing by providing helpful tips for every step of the process - for example, in the revision phase, the textbook quotes Zinsser (2006) to advise that:

“The essence of writing is rewriting” - Zinsser (2006)

This helped me revalue the importance of editing. Now, even for this blog, I often write my post, leave it, and come back a few days later to reread it and make sure I like it. Oftentimes, just taking a few days gives me clarity to move on to the editing process.

Hi! I'm a Canadian traveller and environmental scientist, here to share my adventures!

Photo description: My other (better) blog.

When nature inspires me, or enlightens me, I try to share that gift with others in whatever way I can. In this technology-driven age, the journey to appreciating nature is like crossing the waist-deep bog (Louv, 2012). I try to use fallen logs to build bridges behind me where I can, and leave helpful notes on how to cross when I can’t, so that whoever comes after me can use my connection as the foundation to build their own. As interpreter Kohl (2017) suggested,

“While we interpreters cannot provide amazing experiences to our audiences, we can pull a thousand different levers, many invisible, to coax them toward creating their own transformative, unforgettable, and amazing experiences" (Kohl 2017)

My friends and I eventually found the inland lake, which was big enough to have a little island in the middle, but small enough that we could swim across it (which we did). The water was warm and shallow, and filled with little sunfish that had no fear - we used our Crocs to catch a few before they wised up. We set up camp for the night on a flat rock beside the water, and ate soup as the sun went down. That night, we laid out all our clothes to dry - they never did, but the attempt was made. When the sky was dark, we looked at the stars and wondered what was going on up there.

Photo description: The inland lake. Trees went right up until the edge. I guess at most lakes I visit, the trees have been cleared away from the edge so we can see the view. Not at this one. Photo taken by Serena Causton.

Photo description: The lake from the other side, where we set up camp. Photo taken by Serena Causton.

An eerie call startled us out of sleep in the middle of the night, and we all stayed awake to listen; after a while we decided it was a loon drifting across the lake. The stars were brighter than I had ever seen before; it was just us and them. And the loon.

That trip brought me closer to my friends, to myself, and to nature - closer to finding joy in my life, closer to living a life that is meaningful. To think that one weekend in the bush can do all that! Maslow (1962) describes this concept of "peak experiences," intense moments of joy and fulfillment, suggests that these experiences are indicators of self-actualization and can lead to greater creativity, spontaneity, and a sense of unity with oneself and the world.

If it’s my responsibility to seek out meaningful experiences like that one, then it is also my responsibility to share meaningful experiences when I find them. I challenge all of you to go somewhere completely isolated from all evidence of humanity - just walk off the trail and trek through the woods until you can’t see anything but trees anymore. I promise you - you’ll find more than trees.

References:

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

Csupó, G. (2007). Bridge to Terabithia. Walt Disney Pictures. https://archive.org/details/Bridge_To_Terabithia

Kohl, J. (2017). Beyond the Interpreter’s Words Experiences Erupt from the Visitor’s Entire Context. Global Heritage Consortium.

Louv, R. (2012). The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age. Algonquin Books Of Chapel Hill.

Maslow, A. (1962). Lessons from the peak experiences. Journal ofHumanistic Psychology, 2(1), 9–18.

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Week 9 post

Unit 9: Sense-Making of Nature Interpretation

Prompt: The most amazing thing you know about nature!

Personally, I don’t have any fun facts when it comes to Nature, I always wished I was better at things like that! BUT for me, the most amazing thing about nature is its interconnectedness! Everything is connected in some way, shape, or form, every ecosystem relies upon one another, as well as the species those ecosystems contain. We overlook how cool that really is because the world of nature has balance, and we must remember that it needs to be preserved! We rely on nature’s feedback loops every day, yet we hardly notice them.

Let’s walk through it:

Imagine you are walking through a dense forest. The first thing you might notice is the tall tress or the immediate noises you hear, such as the chirping birds and small forest animals. However, just bellow your feet lies an invisible active network at work, a complex and intricate system of relationships and feedback loops that keep nature in balance. From the even smallest bacteria in the soil that can only be seen under a microscope to the largest animal at the top of the food chain, everything in nature is connected in more ways than we often realize. These connections help shape the world around us, and because they are so constant and reliable, we often don’t think twice about protecting, observing, or focusing our time towards helping keep this balance that nature needs.

Now, looking closer into the connection:

Example of a single tree: A single tree alone can already provide for multiple species and feedback systems. Starting at the base, we have its roots, which then form partnerships with fungi, which from there provide essential nutrients in exchange for sugars. At the other end of the tree, we have the leaves absorbing carbon dioxide and participating in photosynthesis. Regulate the climate. There are species using every aspect and element the tree has to offer: birds nest in its branches, while insects feed on its bark, creating a miniature world of interactions. Even at the end of their life, trees are still providing because they will eventually fall, fungi and microbes break it down, returning nutrients to the soil and fueling the next generation of growth. This cycle repeats endlessly with many different types of trees and species, feeding back into the system and ensuring the continuity and connectivity of life. But because these processes happen silently without being heightened by humans and without our intervention, we rarely stop to think about how fragile they are.

We must remember to not take anything for granted in the world of nature because you never know how that aspect may be tied to something bigger! Just remember there's always a bigger picture :) !

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Hi Kate,

Wow, I really enjoyed reading your blog post this week.

The interconnectedness of nature is super interesting to think about. The more you really think about how connected everything is, the more fascinating it really gets. I remember when I was younger just learning about the food web freaked me out. If that really fascinated me, you can imagine how intriguing it is to me when I’m learning about symbiotic relationships, for example.

When you wrote “We rely on nature’s feedback loops every day, yet we hardly notice them,” it really sparked something in my mind. I really appreciated this because I feel like sometimes people don’t really think about the ripple effects their actions may have on the environment, since everything is so connected.

Your example of the tree to show how interconnected different species truly can be had me really intrigued, because it reminded me of something I read while creating a podcast with my group for this ENVS 3000 course. I read that pine trees can release chemicals called terpenes, and they can actually be released into the atmosphere by trees in warm weather, and may have a role in “cloud seeding” (helps to induce precipitation) (Peñuelas, 2003). This precipitation, of course, has an impact on the entire area, creating a total change from a dry environment to a wet one. Also, the clouds created before the precipitation could cool down the area, which would also change the behaviour of organisms in the area!! Super cool how everything is connected.

Anyways, I wish you a great week.

Take care,

Kattrina

Reference:

Peñuelas, J. (2003). BVOCs: Plant Defense Against Climate Warming? Trends in Plant Science, 8(3), 105–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1360-1385(03)00008-6

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Unit 9

Considering this week’s blog prompt is to share our most amazing thing we know about nature, I have a few interesting things I’d like to talk about! As I have spoken about it before, it is no secret that I am fascinated by the ocean. For its vastness, but also its ability to sustain life in ways we are only beginning to understand.

My first amazing nature fact is that phytoplankton (the microscopic plants floating near the surface of the ocean) generate at least half of Earth’s oxygen! Every second breath we take is made possible by these tiny, unassuming organisms. Despite their size, they are the backbone of the marine food web, fuelling everything from the smallest zoo plankton to the blue whale.

My next wonder of nature is the scientific concept of bioluminescence, a natural wonder so breathtaking it looks like magic. Some organisms, like the firefly squid or deep-sea anglerfish, produce their own light in the darkness of the ocean’s depths. Others, like certain types of algae, glow in response to movement, creating a shimmering blue-green trail when waves break or a body moves through the water. I have never seen it myself, but to witness it firsthand would be an otherworldly experience.

Another fascinating mystery of the ocean lies in its depths. The hadal zone, named after Hades (the Greek god of the underworld), is a region of perpetual darkness, extreme pressure and freezing temperatures. Yet life thrives even here. Strange creatures like the ghostly dumbo octopus or the transparent sea cucumber navigate these waters, proving that life is adaptable even in the most extreme conditions. We know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the bottom of the ocean, and that thought alone fills me with curiosity about what else might be lurking in the abyss.

Lastly, an aspect of the ocean that I find the most incredible is language. Whales, dolphins and even fish communicate in ways that we are only beginning to understand. Humpback whales sing songs that can travel for miles, while dolphins use complex clicks and whistles to communicate with one another. Some fish even use colour changes and body movements to send signals. This underwater symphony is a constant conversation, one that reveals that ocean as not just a body of water, but a living, breathing entity.

Beyond its mesmerizing beauty, the ocean is the great regulator of life on Earth. It absorbs carbon dioxide, influences weather patterns and regulates temperatures. Without the ocean’s careful balance, life as we know it would not exist. We often think of the ocean as distant, separate from our daily lives. But the reality is, it touches everything, from the air we breathe to the climate we depend on. It is the great connector of life on Earth, yet it remains one of the least explored frontiers. To me, that is what makes it so amazing.

References

Admin. (2024, September 23). Curious colourations: Bioluminescence, fluorescence and iridescence. Perry Institute for Marine Science. https://www.perryinstitute.org/curious-colourations-bioluminescence-fluorescence-and-iridescence/

The Power of Teamwork (Unit 9)

(Video: bees bustling around on a hive. Taken by Serena Causton)

(Photo: Toronto skyline as sunset against clouds. Taken by Sequoia Death)

“the mounting evidence of an erosion of skills, a dulling of perceptions, and a slowing of reactions should give us all pause.”

What happens to us if we lose these skills?

Are we devolving? We as a society need to take proactive, intentional measures to connect with each other and strengthen our bonds.

(Photo: Centennial Park at sunset in 2018. Taken by Serena Causton). In this photo, the moss was disrupted on the right hand side by a mother duck and her ducklings swimming across the pond.

(Photo: A night market in Osaka, 2024. Taken by Serena Causton)

Think about all these things that contribute to the system that makes life possible, whether it be natural or human-made. What role do you play in the system? Do you like your role?

What do you want to do to contribute to the system?

References:

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

Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in systems (Illustrated edition). Chelsea Green Publishing.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE. (2024). Monarch Butterfly Migration and Overwintering. Www.fs.usda.gov.https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/migration/index.shtml

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Nature Interpretation Through Music

Hi everyone,

I hope you had a great reading week, and welcome back to my blog. Today I’m going to look at the connections of music with nature.

Music in nature is everywhere. I’ll take you to a nice summer day by the pool. As soon as I step out into the backyard, I can hear the birds chirping to each other. I hear beetles buzzing away, and the rustling of leaves with the wind. Though all different, these sounds are like nature’s perfect harmony to me. Humans are not the only musical composers of the world.

In fact, after reading an article (referenced below) by Gray et al., (2001), I’ve learned that human music and animal music are not too far off! One thing that was super fascinating to me was the humpback whale’s choice of using similar musical intervals between notes as humans. Mariah Carey (according to Wikipedia) has a five-octave vocal range. The average human vocal range is between 3 ⅓ octaves. Humpbacks can sing over at least SEVEN octaves; However, they choose to use similar musical scales as us (Gray et al., 2001).

(Click the hyperlinks to read more)^

What’s also cool is that whales make rhymes too, just like we do. The “repeating refrains” in their songs form rhymes, and may be to help them remember stuff the same way we use rhyming for (Gray et al., 2001).

So, music is really everywhere is nature, but where is nature in music? As best said by Gray et al., (2001), “ambient sound is a central component of natural habitats”. On first thought, ambient sounds may not feel like music to you, just noises. But as the textbook says (though not in the context of natural sounds), people need to get “intellectually and emotionally involved with the message” for its interpretation (Beck et al., 2018, p. 166).

It’s important to realize that the same way the act of singing or playing a note on an instrument has its own characterizations (note, volume, timbre, etc.) so do these ambient sounds. So why would that not be considered music? Nature gives us a perfect harmony - the harmony of life.

Music has always been a key component in my life. I find that when I hear a certain song, I am taken back to the exact time and place I was at when I had heard it for the first time. Everything is associated with a song for me - moments, people, movies, and so on. Thinking in the context of nature, and a natural landscape, one very sweet specific memory comes to my mind.

Last summer, I took a little road trip from my hometown to Guelph to grab some things from my house in Guelph. My grandparents had been wanting to see Guelph, since they’d never been, so they came along for the ride.

On the way back, driving on the 401, there was an area with a lot of green grass. My grandma couldn’t put her finger on it but she kept saying there was a song that talked about the “green, green grass,” and we could not figure it out for a while. Finally it came to her - “Green Green Grass Of Home” by Tom Jones. Immediately we put the song on, and I’d never heard both of my grandparents singing so loud. They seemed so happy to hear a song that really took them back. It was so cute. Just thinking back to this fills me with so much love. This road trip really brought me closer to them through music, all thanks to that wonderful green grass out of the window.

I put this song on pretty often when I miss home and I miss my grandparents. It gives me that warm fuzzy feeling and makes me feel closer to them.

Do you have any songs that make you feel a little homesick? Or maybe a song that helps you when you do feel homesick?

I would love to hear all about it.

Anyways, music was naturally given to all of us. It’s everywhere when we go outside. It’s how we communicate with each other - it's a universal language that requires no words. It’s in every culture. It helps us to celebrate, to grieve, to connect, and to enjoy life and its beauty.

Music is in nature, and nature is in music.

Thanks for reading :)

Kattrina

References

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

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/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8

Music in the Air (Unit #7)

I remember when I first climbed a mountain. After 12 painstaking hours wondering when I would reach the end, I finally emerged through a cluster of bushes to see a wide open sky all around me. In the distance, other peaks stood stoically. The little details of thousands of trees, millions of leaves, painted the other mountains green. Small dots of clouds hovered in and around the peaks. A hawk flew by, swooping down and around, looking for something to eat.

Images description: Mountains in Nantou, Taiwan. Taken by Serena Causton

When I looked out at the view and everything nature had created, I was awestruck. The beauty of nature and everything it had created was more apparent than ever, in that moment, and even as an observer, I felt that I was a part of it, a part of the interactions and connections and collaborations that made such a scene possible.

Years later, I went to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra to listen to Rachmaninoff’s Symphony 2. The rising swell of the melody, the background notes adding accents and emphasis, and the warmth of the chords that underpinned it all swept me off my feet in just the same way. I was in awe at the beautiful collaboration between individuals, coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. I felt honoured to be part of the experience as a listener.

Image description: Visiting the symphony. Photo source: Serena Causton, 2024

I speak more about this phenomenon in the Toronto Star article linked below.

It all started when student Serena Causton attended a Toronto Symphony Orchestra performance at Roy Thomson Hall by herself.

Music and nature come together in that both express harmony, harmony in their togetherness. Their dependency on the other components of the system, interlocking with such complexity that they can never be unravelled, is what creates the beautiful whole.

“You think that because you understand “one” that you must therefore understand “two” because one and one make two. But you forget that you must also understand “and”. - Sufi teaching story (Meadows, 2008)

This principle of togetherness, discovered through music, has helped form human communities, as well (Sahi, 2011). Every human culture has music (Gray, 2001). One could say culture and music are inseparable; one cannot form without the other. Music helps us understand the "and" that connects us to others.

But music is not exclusive to humans; many other species sing, make sounds, and create harmony in nature through music. Whales, for example, use rhythms and phrases similar to those of human-created music (Gray, 2001). Birds, of course, sing to their partners, and even sometimes use tools like sticks to create music (Gray, 2001). Wolves howl to each other, in a tonal, eerie way that is quite musical.

As humans, we sometimes believe ourselves to be the inventors of natural phenomena simply because we don’t recognize its presence in other species. But this isn’t true. So where is music in nature? Music is nature. Music is a part of all of our natures, an intrinsic component of existing, not as an individual, but as species shaped and formed by millennia of natural processes that came before us. When we realize that and accept this, music becomes even more meaningful, even more important, because we know it is essential; it is as much a part of us and our survival as a species as eyes, as opposable thumbs. Music is as much a factor in our evolutionary success as anything else.

How does music impact your life? How does music bring you closer to others? Have you ever met a friend through a shared love of music? Go listen to your favourite song, and buy that concert ticket to see your favourite artist, or go to the symphony with a friend. Celebrate that music is essential! Celebrate that through celebrating and appreciating music, you are celebrating the survival and evolution of humanity!

References:

Gray, Patricia M., et al. "The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music." Science, vol. 291, no. 5501, 5 Jan. 2001, p. 52. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025. Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in systems (Illustrated edition). Chelsea Green Publishing. Sahi, V. (2011). Using folk traditional music to communicate the sacredness of nature in Finland. Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of Europe [Workshop Proceedings #322]. , 129–132.

Not directly referenced but used to create an engaging blog post (advice: Don’t be boring). Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture.

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Blog #6: Nature Interpretation through History

Hi everyone,

This week, we’re taking a different approach by exploring a quote by Edward Hyams:

"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."

Unpacking this quote

This quote highlights the significance of history not just as a collection of past events but as a crucial foundation for integrity in the present and future. Hyams suggests that something is not valuable simply because it is "ancient." Instead, the value lies in integrity. The second part deeply resonates with me, suggesting that progress does not require us to forget the past. Rather, history should be acknowledged as an essential part of our identity. The metaphor of a railway station effectively illustrates this idea. Just because our train has passed through, it doesn't stop existing after we have gone through it. Similarly, past life events do not just disappear as time moves forward. Understanding history allows us to make choices that help shape our future. By remembering our past, we can reflect on our mistakes, one of the most powerful tools of self-growth.

Nature Interpretation through History

"It nurtures the development of a personal identity as individuals hear inspiring or thought-provoking stories of the past, and it forms values to guide living in the present."

Nature and history are deeply interconnected. Natural history has been about creating a story based on evidence. This perspective highlights how human activities such as development, climate change, and shifts in land use continue to shape and transform natural spaces over time. By interpreting and sharing the histories of these places, we highlight the importance of awareness and responsibility in preserving these spaces for future generations.

“We use history as a tool for reflection and comprehension. When we listen to stories of the past we seek a better future.”

(Beck et al, Chaper 15, Inerpreting History)

Transformation of the Muir Glacier in Alaska

Time Square New York City

These photos reinforce the idea the our past shapes the present and the future.

Natural History in Education

Natural history should be integrated into the school curriculum, as it is essential for students to understand our environment and its changes over time. As someone with a background in the sciences, I've observed that many classes overlook the significance of natural history.

I find it quite interesting to explore what Canada looked like before the construction of our schools, homes, and cities!

A new interactive map allows users to compare current and historical photos of mountains in B.C. and Alberta, showing effects of climate cha

Toronto, ON 1929

Thanks for reading! Biona❄️🌸🏕

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

On the Meaning of Reading (Unit 6)

We read everyday. You’re reading this right now. This morning, you woke up, and read something on your phone, whether it was a text from a friend, a social media post, a news article, or something else. Then you went to school, where you read words on lecture slides or pages from a textbook.

Reading is everywhere, so much so that we don’t think about it. However, what surprised me when reading the textbook chapters was the level of effort and planning that goes into much of what we read. The rules, the indices, the carefully curated suggestions and step-by-step programs for effective writing. The realization that someone carefully considered and chose all those words I just read on a day-to-day basis without a second thought.

This revelation has me reconsidering my own writing. Leftridge (2006) makes the excellent point that ‘it’s good to have goals in your interpretive writing’. Having a clear, defined goal will make your writing impactful and help your story resonate with your audience.

I also found the tips from William Zinsser (2006), who advises writers to keep sentences short and simple, use positive phrases, be specific, use active voice, and generally just try to be as clear and concise as possible. Zinsser said, “The essence of writing is rewrit-ing”, and I believe these tips can be extremely helpful for writers in the editing stage. Initially, just write what you want to write. Then, revise it until you are confident your words say what you want to say. - Serena 2025

Overall, though, I think the most important advice given in Chapter 14 of Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage is Zinsser (2006)’s fundamental rule to be yourself when writing. Have the courage and confidence to be authentic. Expanding on this rule, Tilden states, “Whatever is written without enthusiasm, will be read without interest”. If you are true to yourself, you will write about what interests you, and that is your best bet at keeping your audience engaged. Authors have repeated variations of this sentiment through the years:

"You don't write because you want to say something; you write because you have something to say." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

If we consider writing as a record of human history, then authenticity becomes paramount. What are we recording if not the authentic voices of past people? What would we know about the tenacity of the human spirit, about love, about living, if great writers throughout time had not experienced these things and been brave enough to express themselves? To express oneself authentically is a form of integrity. As Edward Hyams said in Chapter 7 of The Gift of Interpretation, “There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity”.

Hymes goes on to describe integrity as a presentation of all the parts of a whole, to recognize the past as part of the whole, part of the process that shapes what stands today. If we choose to ignore the past or selectively focus on only what we want to see, we lose our integrity. We must acknowledge and understand our history and everything that led us here in order to understand and appreciate ourselves, on an individual and on a societal level.

That is why, in writing, we must write with purpose. We must write with intention. We must write with authenticity. We must preserve our true selves in the written word, our experiences and lessons learned, in order to guide future generations and uphold a clear image of the past. This is important now more than ever, in my opinion, as we go through tumultuous times on a social and political level.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Leftridge, A. (2006). Interpretive Writing. Rowman & Littlefield.

Zinsser, W. (2006). On Writing Well. Harper Paperbacks.

12 Quotes on Writing by F. Scott Fitzgerald. (2021). Writinganalytics.co. https://www.writinganalytics.co/quotes/author/f-scott-fitzgerald/

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I Think it is Time for me to Delete TikTok.

Hello! Welcome back to my blog. Something that has taken over my mind recently is the effects TikTok has on all aspects of my life.

As most people know, TikTok is an app that provides short-form content perfectly tailored to every user’s individual niche interests. It is extremely easy to fall into a trance for hours doom scrolling on TikTok, and I am left to think, what are the impacts of consuming this volume of short form content?

I have been on TikTok on and off for about 5 years, and I have noticed a distinct difference in my ability to pay attention. Sometimes I catch myself scrolling during movies due to boredom. I find it more and more difficult to sit peacefully with my thoughts, I almost always have the urge to pick up my phone and scroll social media. Due to this deficit in attention, I find it harder to be mindful in the moment, I think that my brain is so used to constant stimulation that now it takes active effort to pause and be present with my thoughts.

TikTok has also cut into time that could be dedicated towards hobbies that I love to do such as painting or reading books. I find that now I am so used to the instant gratification of picking up my phone, that the idea of setting up my space to paint seems like a huge daunting task. Why would I spend the time and effort painting when I can just scroll on TikTok and experience the same spikes in dopamine? I realize that this thought process is bad for my overall well-being, but TikTok addiction has rewired my brain. I am sure TikTok has also impacted my performance when it comes to academics, lots of time that could be dedicated towards my studies sometimes gets allocated to TikTok scrolling.

Although TikTok can be harmful to some people (such as myself) if used responsibly, and in moderation, it can have some benefits. Some of the benefits I have acquired thanks to TikTok is a bunch of random facts and information about topics I am interested in. It has also connected me to influencers and comedians that produce content on other formats such as YouTube and podcasts. TikTok also provides many people with a sense of community, this is especially relevant to those who have uncommon interests, it can connect you with like-minded individuals.

Overall, I think it is time I part ways with TikTok. TikTok has provided me with endless laughs and useless tidbits of information, and I will miss it. Some individuals can use it responsibly, but I don’t think I am one of those people.

Question for the reader: Do you think the joy of using TikTok outweighs the possible negative impacts it has on your life?

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The Power of Social Media in Shaping Fashion Trends

Social media has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, and fashion is no exception. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest actively shape and accelerate fashion trends, with every few scrolls revealing new styles, aesthetics, and outfit inspirations. Every year, social media users collectively decide what fashion trends are "in" and "out," often without questioning the deeper implications of this rapid trend cycle. While social media has made fashion more accessible, it has also created a culture where individuality in style is fading.

Fashion is an essential aspect of personal identity. It is one of the few ways people can visually express themselves, showcasing their personality, creativity, and unique sense of style. However, with social media dictating trends at an incredibly fast pace, the individuality that once defined fashion is becoming increasingly rare. Instead of using fashion as a medium for self-expression, many individuals feel pressured to conform to whatever is deemed popular at the moment. This pressure has led to a growing uniformity in fashion, where people feel obligated to follow trends rather than explore their own personal style.

Fashion trends are now changing at an almost overwhelming pace. A clear example is the shift from baggy jeans to skinny jeans. Throughout 2024, oversized, baggy denim was the dominant trend. Many people, myself included, embraced this style for its comfort, effortless appeal, and alignment with the overall aesthetic of the year. However, as 2025 begins, social media has already declared skinny jeans fashionable again. This sudden reversal highlights the influence of online personalities and fashion creators in shaping what is considered stylish, often without any reasoning beyond the cyclical nature of trends.

This constant turnover of styles pressures consumers to frequently update their wardrobes, fueling excessive consumption and raising concerns about sustainability. The question remains: do people genuinely prefer these shifts, or are they simply following trends to fit in?

Another significant social media-driven fashion shift was the transition from the Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic to the "old money" look. In 2024, many influencers popularized the minimalist, chic, and practical style associated with Scandinavian fashion. This included trench coats, oversized sweaters, tailored trousers or baggy jeans, and white sneakers. This aesthetic was everywhere on social media, influencing countless people to adopt it. However, when Sofia Richie gained traction on TikTok, the "old money" aesthetic began to overshadow the Scandinavian style. This included well-fitted blazers, dress shirts, skirts or dresses, and loafers. This shift demonstrates how rapidly social media can determine what is perceived as stylish, often disregarding individual preference in favour of the latest trend.

Two photos showcasing the contrast between Scandinavian fashion and the "old money" style.

While social media has undeniably made fashion more accessible, it has also led to a culture where individuality is often sacrificed due to conformity. The rapid cycling of trends pressures individuals to constantly change their wardrobes, discouraging personal style exploration. Fashion should be about self-expression, not just about following what social media deems acceptable at any given moment. Rather than blindly adhering to every new trend, we should strive to wear what truly resonates with us, regardless of whether it aligns with mainstream fashion.

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Hi Meghan,

I really appreciate you talking about this, because it has been a huge topic of conversation among my friends lately!

I too have such a high value for fashion as a form of self-expression. Just thinking about walking in a crowded room, most people aren’t going to have the chance to even speak. In a sense, however, we can communicate with each other via our own self-expression through fashion.

Fashion can bring so many people together. Whether it’s a unique statement piece that starts up a new conversation, or a simple “I love your top” comment that starts a whole friendship.

I too definitely loved the baggy jeans trend, and I remember last year how social media had absolutely declared the skinny jeans “out”. I always ask myself how on earth these things happen, and how somehow I usually agree with them? Am I just conforming to what everyone else thinks? Are the influencers influencing me too, or do I really just like and agree with the current trends?

I like that you mentioned how individuality is falling with the rise of platforms like TikTok and high accessibility to what fashion trends are in and out. We are constantly seeing what the new trend is, whether we genuinely like it or not, and if what we wear based on personal preference isn’t what is on social media, it's “out of style”.

Individuality and self-expression is so important. I am turning 22 soon, and I am truly just starting to discover who I am. Fashion is a big part of that for me so I am going to try to blur out the external influences and focus on what I truly like.

I really resonated with your post and look forward to reading more.

Kattrina

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Education is Everything: Nature Interpretation Though Science

Nature Interpretation through Science

After completing this week’s readings, my thoughts lie with how crucial it is that we develop proper education for others for the good of society. Education is so powerful in general. In the same sense, a lack of education can be very detrimental. We see a lack of education more than ever nowadays with the quick spread of information on the internet.

In the age where we have social media at our fingertips, it is so easy for fake news to spread quickly. If you take 5 minutes to scroll on any social media, whether it's TikTok or Instagram, and so on, you will likely be flooded with several opinions on many different matters, whether you were looking for them or not. So, now more than ever, especially regarding the current state of the environment, it is important that we spread the word to others on basic scientific and media literacy, and how to fact check what they are hearing.

There are many current environmental issues, whether global or local to a specific region, that are crucial for a general population to understand so a change can be made! For many of you, climate change may be what comes to mind. As we know, climate change affects everyone, and we live in a time where we need scientific knowledge to collaborate with “citizen science” as referred to by Wals et al. (2014). According to Wals et al., “citizen science” refers to “community-based local monitoring of changes in the environment using simple data acquisition devices and communication tools” (2014). Ultimately citizen science can foster an engagement between the public and science in terms of environmental issues, and collaboration between the public and local/global scientists. In this way, we can translate crucial scientific knowledge and ensure community accessibility and understanding of environmental science to take action in the form of environmental stewardship.

I am so thankful for my scientific education and ability to read and understand articles, or hear a fact and be able to look for backed up articles and trusted sources to confirm it. I know this is not the case for everybody. Environmental education and scientific education must be able to work in tandem in an accessible and public-friendly manner, and this has been proven to be effective in helping society learn about addressing "sustainability challenges” (Wals et al., 2014).

There are many steps that can be taken in enhancing the integration of environmental and scientific education, including educated, trusted people taking to social media to describe how we can truly trust science. For me personally, learning about the scientific method helped me learn to trust science a lot, as well as truly respect the hard work that scientists and researchers put into their careers.

Nature interpreters, as nature experts, have the power to bridge the science-environmental education gap, and promote important discussions in the public. Of course, interpretation programs should be fun and engaging, but since the interpreters and the programs themselves have the privilege of connecting with the audience, the messages they choose to send can be very powerful and deep.

Research was done in California and Virginia, where they examined two regional naturalist programs, to get a sense of how participants took action in their communities and demonstrate environmental stewardship (Merenlender et al., 2016). As a result, it was found the participants in the programs generally “increased their content knowledge about ecosystems, had greater confidence in conserving them, and continued to engage as citizen scientists after completing the program” (Merenlender et al., 2016). This is great, and shows that passion and participation in educational programs can really inspire people to help change the world for the better.

Everyone has the power to be environmentally responsible. Some people just may not have the education to spark that passion for science and the environment. Interpreters can play a huge role in this where they may inspire and educate the public in a way that helps them understand and feel passionate towards the environment. It would change the way they interpret the nature around them, knowing more important context about the environment backed by science, and knowing how to trust science. Knowledge is everything!

Something that really impacted me was hearing about the “Climate Clock,” which you can learn more about by clicking this link: https://climateclock.world/

This clock encourages us to act in time to limit global warming and reach “zero emissions”. I encourage you to check it out.

Was there any moment/something you learned that really sparked your passion for science and the environment?

Let me know,

Kattrina

References

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/10.1111/cobi.12737

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

We Can't Teach Someone Who Isn't There (Unit 5)

When I was in elementary school, my teacher took us all to the computer lab. We were told to read articles from a specific website, and then write a report on our findings. What did we learn?

The articles revolved around history we had just been taught, though many of the details were somewhat different from what we knew. “Napoleon used his skills as a military leader to form strong alliances across France and Western Europe,” a passage read. “He spent hours on the phone negotiating deals and establishing partnerships. In his free time, he collected Rolex watches.”

My fourth-grade peers and I whispered hesitantly back and forth. Were phones around in the 1800’s? We didn’t think so. And Rolex watches? Dubious. Still, this was an official historical site. We were just fourth-graders. And our teacher had told us to use this site. So our reports looked something like this:

The information found on this website could be useful for someone who wants to learn history. I learned that Napoleon was a strong leader. There may or may not be some wrong information. For example Napoleon probably didn’t have a phone. I don’t think he did.

At the end of class our teacher read one report aloud. This student had unceremoniously bashed the information on the site as blatantly wrong, and they were praised for it. This was the point of the assignment, we learned; don’t trust everything you read on the internet. Think for yourself.

Critical thinking skills are an essential tenet of many things, including environmental education. These skills are the foundation that allows one to make their own decisions, and then take action on those decisions (Wals et al, 2014).

However, I think we’re missing a crucial component. It’s easy to realize Napoleon didn’t have a phone and therefore the information on that website is false. It’s another thing to come to terms with the realization that human activities are driving climate change. Accepting this as true is scary and uncomfortable. Many people get stuck at this step. Then, choosing to act on this realization greatly impacts one’s quality of life. Many more people get stuck on this step. They may think, ‘I am just one person. How can I help solve such a global problem?’

I believe citizen science programs can help people develop their sense of agency and affirm that they have the power to help nature. However, it can be hard to get people engaged. Merenlender et al. (2016) discusses some of the barriers to volunteering for naturalist programs, including time constraints, lack of interest, or lack of knowledge and opportunity.

In the modern world, there are so many different wants to spend your free time, so many companies and apps vying for your attention, that going out into nature often gets passed up. If we want to encourage connection with nature and environmental education, we have to face the fact that for many, the outdoors just can’t compete with games and online entertainment.

However, people stuck inside on their phones are the ones who need the outdoors the most. We don’t want to preach to the choir. That’s why I believe in the power of apps like iNaturalist and Pokemon Go as an innovative albeit unconventional way to get people out in nature. If TikTok and Instagram are using psychological techniques to keep people engaged, in order to compete we need to use the same psychological techniques to get people outside.

The CEO of Duolingo, Luis von Ahn, said something similar; over the years, the gamification of Duolingo is essential because ‘engagement is the key. Simply showing up is the cornerstone of actually making progress with language learning. You can’t teach someone who isn’t there’ (Patel, 2024).

If we want to keep people engaged with environmental efforts, we need to use similar strategies as environmental educators. We can't teach someone who isn't there.

What do you think? Do you agree?

References:

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/10.1111/cobi.12737

Patel, N. (2024, October 14). Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn on AI, gamification, and the power of freemium. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/24267841/luis-von-ahn-duolingo-owl-language-learning-gamification-generative-ai-android-decoderWals, A. E. J., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education. Science, 344(6184), 583–584. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1250515

jkenvs3000w25

Interpretative Blog #1

I share a unique relationship with nature that has changed over the course of my twenty years of life. Over time my relationship with nature has deepened and my understanding of nature has broadened. When comparing my adult views of nature to my adolescent views of nature, I have gathered that with age my appreciation for nature has grown.

For instance, I previously remember despising the winter season because it brought forth bitter cold weather which I would have to brave on my walks to school in the morning. However, in my adult life I have come to appreciate the winter season. In particular, I have developed an appreciation for snow. Snow is incredibly fascinating to me because it is in and of itself water but possesses the capability to absorb sound. Despite the business of cities, this is why it is especially “quiet” during a snowstorm.

The observations I have made in nature through exploration have enabled me to apply my knowledge of scientific concepts. More specifically, I have been able to apply concepts such as ecology, evolution and climate change to observations I have made in nature.

The textbook references “a sense of place” which refers to the thoughts and feelings that an individual possesses towards a specific landscape. These thoughts and feelings are multidimensional and influenced by an array of distinctive factors. These factors might involve personal experiences, cultural significance and/or spiritual significance among other factors.

The earliest memory I have of “a sense of place” is my cottage in the Haliburton Highlands of Ontario. The rocky landscape and dark grey lake which the cottage is situated upon is especially important to me.

As mentioned above “a sense of place” can be influenced by personal experiences. As the interpreter, my personal memories of playing with my cousins helped me to interpret this landscape as home. My “sense of place” was also influenced by historical significance as my family has owned this property for four generations; making this landscape incredibly significant to my family.

Additionally, the cottage has spiritual significance which has contributed to its “sense of place” within my experience as the interpreter. My grandmother believes that the lonesome loon which cruises by our cottage in the summer months is her late brother that has been reincarnated. This type of thinking has led me to believe that my ancestors, although no longer alive, are still close to me.

Oftentimes when people reference “nature” a specific landscape comes to mind. Although nature does include the landscape, it is important to remember that nature also includes the abiotic and biotic elements that interact within that landscape.

Through my understanding of scientific concepts, my interactions with nature and interpretations of natural concepts have evolved. I am now much more connected with nature than I have ever been in my entire life. I hope to continue to nourish my unique relationship with nature.

Through writing this blog I am curious to know if one’s “sense of place” can change throughout the lifetime? Additionally, I wonder if my sense of place will change as I continue to age?

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