Nature Interpretation’s Role in Environmental Sustainability - Blog 10
I truly feel like this past semester has flown by. Last blog already? I cannot believe it. This class has taught me so much, let alone these new weekly topics and posts surrounding nature interpretation. Truthfully, when I first entered this class I really had little to no idea of what nature interpretation truly meant. Although, now I can truthfully say I, in my own way, am a nature interpreter; especially a developing one. We all are. From interpreting our roles/relationships to our privileges, to art, to dissecting quotes, to music, and TO our own interests, ALL surrounding nature. My knowledge has grown enormously which has now allowed me to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of these topics surrounding what nature has to offer, and reflect my own knowledge to educate others. I am positive there is still an abundance more that is unknown and I have yet to learn.
My personal ethic as a nature interpreter
As a developing nature interpreter, I believe my personal ethic has grown during this process which is gaining and presenting accurate knowledge. Therefore, being professional in my research and being sensitive to cultural misunderstandings is something I have conceded is important in this role. As I present and teach others I want to do it with integrity, and concisely. Beck et al. 2019 stated it is vital to exclusively use well-documented sources, as a well-inform people who will value and appreciate their resources to formulate and exclaim better decisions. Regarding this, the past posts and unit topic materials provided, I have gained a greater understanding of the importance of integrity, reflecting to educate others with pride.
What beliefs do I bring?
It is easy to say that I have an abundance of beliefs towards nature interpretation. I believe the importance of impacting one person at a time. I believe in the importance of inspiring others to understand and reflect my own or others knowledge. I believe in the importance of not just offering one continuous element, but educating many elements in nature; as nature is so diverse. I believe in accuracy and presuming up-to-date knowledge. Ultimately, I believe in impacting others with the importance of nature and biodiversity entirely; how it affects our lives as humans every single day.
What responsibilities do I have?
I hold several responsibilities as a nature interpreter. Here are 3 I ought are the most important ones:
First: I will ensure all learning styles of any individual I may cross is met. Whether visual, audio, reading/writing, or kinesthetics. It is important to convey information in a way suitable and understandable to others to effectively pass on past, present or future information. Regardless of their ethnicity, race or gender. Zero exclusivity tolerance, and inclusivity to all importantly.
Secondly: I will educate with integrity and accuracy. I will not assume information, I will hold truthful facts and knowledge regarding the specifics. As an interpreter, it’s critical to anticipate any misunderstandings that may arise and adapt it so that the original facts are communicated as efficiently as possible. Whether the knowledge is passed from me or from others, accuracy is important to impact.
Thirdly: I will always be enthusiastic and engaging. If individuals are not engaged, the transmitted information will not be cared for, held value, or passed on. For me this is easy to hold considering when I am passionate about any topic, I want to ensure or inform others how fascinating, important or educating it is. If others don’t see the passion in you, others won’t want to hold the same passion.
My suitable approaches
To me, my most suitable approaches for being an interpreter would be incorporating visuals and technology. These are forms in which I am most comfortable and common with using. In many ways I am able to effectively describe or teach certain things, and I feel as if nature could be one of them.
Visuals, nowadays, are very common. Many people like to see pictures and/or videos when someone is teaching them a topic. Therefore, my effectiveness with providing accuracy when seeing a visual for myself is a great way for me to show my interest and want others to be inspired as well. Pictures and videos also tend to grab individuals’ engagement.
Technology, on the other hand, can be similar in many ways but also have its differences. It offers the same aspect of visuals, but also even more. In this generation, technology is overtaking almost everything. Nature can be taught through live streams of species or landscapes, brochures, current living habitats, apps etc. This is also a great way to engage individuals within learning topics considering when individuals can learn from their phone or laptops with present visuals, being intrigued occurs and passion drives.
I have had a blast reading your thoughts and opinions, and also reflecting my own. I truly have learned so much from this course, and I am so very thankful I got the opportunity to take it. I hope you all continue diving deeper into nature as I will be, and I hope that nature can bring you light and positivity into your lives like it does for me.
References
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Van Haren Publishing.
Hey there, great blog post!
I wanted to respond specifically about your section about responsibilities. This section was a part of your post that I really agreed and connected with. I also think it’s important to make sure you meet everyone's needs when communicating and as an interpreter its our responsibility to have the tools to interpret for everyone. I agree that its very important that everyone gets the opportunity to learn and be exposed to nature no matter their circumstances. I really liked your second responsibility as well and think its very important that we as interpreters know all the facts and don't spread incorrect info to people. This is important because wee should be expecting that our audience is going to take the information we give them and spread it like wildfire to everybody they know, so we need to get the facts right or else we will just end up making ourselves and others look like fools and invalidate the real important aspects we are trying to point out. I agree with you about technology being a great way to engage people with interpretation, especially during these times when we aren't able to be face to face.
Great post,

















