Nature Interpretation

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Blog 10: Reflecting as an interpreter

Throughout this course, it’s been amazing to read all the different backgrounds each person brings from all over the world, that each brought us here, writing these blogs. I think it goes to show how strongly nature can really bring people together. Whether you’re in a science major or not we all feel some sort of bond with the outdoors we’d like to extend to others. In a month I’ll be graduating with a degree in Environmental Biology and I’m excited to see where it will take me. I think the writing and personal reflecting I’ve done throughout this course will surely help me in the future. I believe that the ethics and beliefs a person carries with them constantly evolve throughout life the more you learn, which has happened even to me during this last semester.

First off, I really enjoyed watching the video of David Susuki and Richard Louv discussing the importance of connecting with nature. A takeaway from the video is that it’s important to remember that nature can be found even in the most urban areas. We don’t have to travel to national or provincial parks to believe we are more connected than other people, it all depends on your perception of what’s around you. They said to think of what you can do in your own yard and neighborhood to appreciate what’s there. This could be starting your own little garden or collecting indoor plants, putting out bird seed or attracting pollinators etc. Even in a concrete jungle there are always ways to connect.

This is a picture of the greenhouse thats actually on uog campus attached the the Bovey Building! I’ve gone here many times this semester just to take in the beauty of all the plants. Its open to anyone I highly recommend taking a look if you havent.

This is another spot affiliated with uog on college ave across from the arboretum. The trial gardens in the summer and early fall are a beautiful place to see the colours of nature. 

I believe that nature truly has healing abilities and that everyone should have access to it. Studies have shown that spending just 20 minutes outside in nature can decrease stress hormones (Loria, 2019). This can range from a variety of things like a walk to just tending to your garden or plants (I think this is why I accumulated so many house plants during covid lockdowns). Nature can heal both mentally and physically by improving sleep, reducing depression, cardiovascular disease and obesity (Loria, 2019). I’ve become aware though that not everyone has the privilege to access nature for many reasons. I am very grateful for the fact I grew up with easy access to fun outdoor experiences, but I will agree it created a sort of ignorance to those with the opposite. Thats why its important as an interpreter to consider this. Each person brings along a personal set of experiences, interests, knowledge, ability and personality (Beck et al., 2018). I think to be a successful interpreter this must be acknowledged on the job, and to treat everyone the same regardless of past experiences.

I also believe that we should leave nature just as pristine as when we found it.

“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” -Robin Wall Kimmerer

I think this is also a responsibility we have as a nature interpreter. While nature is there for us to enjoy, it is also there for the next people. This is why many parks have the “leave no trace principle” when camping or being a tourist. Interpretation involves the individual seeing the beauty or understanding the significance of the resource (Beck et al., 2018). Understanding the significance of all nature’s resources means we must develop a sustainable relationship in order to properly respect them. From a consumer level in our lives this can mean only buying essentials at the grocery store to reduce extra waste, and living a less materialistic life. As I’ve gotten older I’ve learned the importance of only buying what I really need, as everything requires energy and resources to produce. Being a good interpreter means practicing what you preach on or off the job.

The approaches that are most suitable to me as an interpreter would be through art or technology, since both of these can come in so many different forms. With digital advances, interpretation occurs via websites, blogs and social media among other technologies” (Beck et al., 2018), and has become a much easier way to interpret information across large scales. As I mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, my favorite way of sharing nature is through photography, which is a combination of both technology and art. This is a way of sharing to people that may have physical, temporal or economic barriers that may prevent them from ever seeing what’s in the photos. I’ve learned and remembered more from watching online nature documentaries and photos than I have from what’s around me. Although, there is a dark side to technology that pulls us away from nature. As mentioned in the notes, children spend more time inside on their devices than they used to in the past. Richard Louv mentioned that the more high tech our lives become the more nature we need. Using technology to connect with each other and nature is a way we can utilize it in a positive way. As interpreters, we have the responsibility to use these tools in a way that is enthusiastic and engaging. Not only this, but we must consider that everyone learns different ways, so using these to adhere to visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners creates the most successful approach.

Thanks to everyone I’ve connected with through these blogs!

-Reilly

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing

Loria, K. (2019). The Healing Power of Nature. Consumer Reports. Retrieved March 24, 2022, from https://www.consumerreports.org/health-wellness/healing-power-nature-outdoors/

[akenvs3000w22]

Hello Reilly!

Thank you for sharing this post as well as all of your previous contributions! I could not agree more that spending time outdoors or around nature is beneficial to our well-being, physical health and mental health. From this, it’s important that we preserve nature so we can not only enjoy it, but also benefit from its resources, as sustainably as we can of course! This is certainly a responsibility for us interpreters, and it’s important we set a good example in order to trailblaze a way for future environmentalists and interpreters. As you also mentioned, being conscious about what we consume is another great way to set a good example.

I also found it interesting when you discussed how impactful technology has been when interpreting nature in your life. I absolutely agree that technology has taught me the majority of what I know about nature, however I would like to challenge this by asking would interpretation via technology have had the same impact if you hadn’t been previously exposed to real-life nature? Technology is a very powerful tool to use for nature interpretation, however I believe that first-hand experiences will always be more impactful and more likely to change our perception of things. When you think of the most amazing feats of nature that you’ve seen, how many have been in person and how many through technology? I know for me the vast majority are real-life experience. However, I must admit that this is thanks to the privileges I’ve had that allowed me to access so much nature in my life, and technology is great for bringing nature to those who may not be able to access it.

Overall, I really enjoyed your post and it got me thinking a lot about how effective technology really is when it comes to nature interpretation. You appear to have a lot of passion for nature interpretation and I hope you continue to spread this passion with others. Thank you for all of your posts this semester, and wish you all the best with your future endeavors!

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I really liked your final post! Before I never thought about how I can support others in nature, but I will also be mindful of attending more events in the future. I also think there is a lot to learn from how other interpreters engage and teach their audience, and that these opportunities allow us to learn how to teach. I’ve always liked the idea of being outside when interpreting nature. While it is very important to have multiple methods of interpretation for when we can’t make it out for a long hike, I also feel most connected and immersed when I am able to use all my senses to interpret the nature around me. As you touched on about accessibility, many people are not able to get out into nature, whether that means not being able to go for a hike due to a physical disability or not being able to afford to drive out to a nice trail outside of the city. So it is so important, more than I realized before this course, to have many methods of interpretation so that everyone can have access

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Who I Am as an Interpreter?

My name is Katie Schankula, and I am a 21-year-old girl who grew up in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. I am attending the University of Guelph because I have the privilege to do so. Because I grew up in a country that allows me to do so, with a family that supported me, and access to a high school education. I was able to go camping as a child, I had clean lakes to swim in, and Ontario Parks to hike through. That is my backpack, and I now see how much privilege it holds (Gallavan, 2005). I now more thoroughly understand the privilege I have and have an uttermost respect for the people who are underserved (Beck et al., 2018). I will not let my privilege of having access to an education and the ability to understand interpretation go to waste. That is my promise to my fellow classmates, my professors, and the people I interact with every day.

When Richard Louv suggested that no matter what your motivation is to do this job, you have a responsibility to future generations, this really sunk in for me. It emphasizes the idea that we may all come from different backgrounds as interpreters, we have different reasonings for taking this class, and different interests, but in the end, we share a common passion. And that passion runs so deep that it brings us all together and connects a diverse group of people with one common goal, to share our love of nature with others.

My responsibility as an interpreter is to do exactly that, to share my love of nature with others. Because I had the privilege to obtain a university degree from an environmental program that is well recognized, I have a role to share that knowledge with the public. Even if I do not obtain a career strictly as a nature interpreter or in that field, I have a responsibility to connect people to nature through the scientific education I have obtained. I now have the tools in my pocket to be able to take heavy material and create a fun and engaging program for all audiences. I recognize that some people do not have the access to provincial parks or the means of travel to attend a guided hike. For them, I will use communication and word of mouth to spread my stories. I will listen to other’s stories and help keep the art of storytelling alive. As Beck et al. (2018) mentions, storytelling is able to encapsulate entire cultures. It is inexpensive and just as effective, as even younger audiences can appreciate a good story.

I had the privilege of obtaining many certifications such as white-water canoe training, basic canoe training, wilderness first aid, basic CPR and first aid, and a pleasure craft operators’ card. I know the trade-offs between risk and reward, and I am responsible to ensure that I am encouraging safe behaviour in the environment for both the person and the ecosystem (Beck et al., 2018).

What do I believe? I believe that no matter the age, no matter the ethnicity, beliefs, or background, everyone has the right to enjoy nature. I think people are quick to picture children as enjoying nature, playing in a puddle, or getting covered in the mud. But why shouldn’t and adult be able to do that too? I want to create an atmosphere around interpretation that makes everyone feel comfortable being themselves and connecting to nature in whatever way that makes them happiest. I want to provide people with the tools to do so. That could be helping someone identify a bird call, or simply pointing out where to look for dragonflies.

I am an able-bodied person who is passionate about the outdoors and has worked as a nature interpreter in the past at Marten River Provincial Park. When I approach nature interpretation, I think I would personally be better suited in an outdoor setting. I don’t necessarily mean in a structured sit-down lesson, or a pre-determined game. This could be as simple as suggesting going for a hike with a friend when I am bored. I have learnt that interpretation can be found in everything. There are people that are better at engaging groups in more of a classroom setting, and people that are better at creating podcasts, but I am better suited outside being exposed to the sounds and beauty around me. I am sure lots of people feel this way, and I would be capable of running a program indoors or online, but my element is outside. And there is nothing wrong with accepting where your strengths lie.

If there is one thing I could work on as an interpreter, it is supporting fellow interpreters. Attending interpretation events at the university, or seeking community held events. Although interpreters are trying to create a sense of community with the public, I think it is also important to create that sense of community with each other. Because as I mentioned, as well as Richard Louv, we all have the same responsibility and together, we can create an even larger community.

I want to take a moment to thank the teaching staff at the University of Guelph and for the ENVS*3000 “Nature Interpretation” course for providing me with the tools and the education to spread my knowledge to others. And thank you to my classmates who interacted with my posts and started creating that sense of community between interpreters. To have the ability to interact with so many other people with the same passions as me has been awesome and I have learnt so much from you all! I hope to keep spreading your stories and inspiring others to do the same!

Best of luck moving forward to you all!

-       Katie Schankula

One last photo of my trip to Hawaii! Go explore what Earth has to offer! 

References 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Van Haren Publishing.

Gallavan, N. P. (2005). Helping teachers unpack their “invisible knapsacks.” Multicultural Education (San Francisco, Calif.), 13(1), 36–36. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A137921591/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=9fe2f151

[smgmenvs3000w22]

Hi Katie!

I was really impressed reading your final blog post. It was not only very well written, but you made some very insightful points. You also come across as very confident in your passion for nature interpretation, and how you are going to carry the lessons you have learned with you as you navigate the nature interpretation world. I never thought about how I can support other nature interpreters, but I will also be mindful of attending more events in the future. I also think there is a lot to learn from how other interpreters engage and teach their audience, and that these opportunities allow us to learn how to teach. I also can very much relate to your point about wanting to be outside when interpreting nature. While it is very important to have multiple methods of interpretation for when we can’t make it out for a long hike, I also feel most connected and immersed when I am able to use all my senses to interpret the nature around me. But as you touched on about accessibility, many people are not able to get out into nature, whether that means not being able to go for a hike due to a physical disability or not being able to afford to drive out to a nice trail outside of the city. So it is so important, more than I realized before this course, to have many methods of interpretation so that everyone can have access.

Well done this week and I wish you well in your future of nature interpretation!

-Serena

[sdeenvs3000w22]

I really enjoyed reading your post and agree that everybody has a different journey and holds a different relationship with nature. You mentioned there are different ways to interpret and present nature, whether it be through music or blogs. As interpreters, we instill a love for nature in as many people as possible, and we use many tools to do so. We can reach a wider audience by ensuring that our presentations are accessible and that we communicate the full story behind the materials we interpret by featuring diverse voices. “It is our role as interpreters to encourage our audiences to care about the topics we teach just as much as we do, passion is a key part of being an interpreter” (Beck et al., 2018).

[sdeenvs3000w22]

The Last Blog #10

As a nature interpreter, I think one of the main ethics is to put the environment first which can be difficult because everyone has a different perspective on nature. What some people might think is environmentally sustainable others might think there are better options. A great quote is from Jacob Rodenburg “I’m trying hard not to get discouraged. Being an environmental educator in today’s world feels like you are asked to stop a rushing river armed only with a teaspoon”. In a sense, this is very true as a lot of people have different priorities on their minds such as money or power, and when educating these people on the importance of the environment it can be very unmotivational. “think like a wise scholar but communicate in the language of the people” (Beck et al, 2018 p. 130). Educated nature lovers to scientists have to help clear misconceptions that can arise. Scientific research can be difficult to read or understand if you are not an expert. People that want to make a difference should realize that communication is very important and relevant scientific articles need to be understandable to the general public. One person is not entirely right and there is scientific evidence to prove both sides. I have to ensure that perspective is taken into account when trying to tell others what is happening in nature.

For my beliefs and responsibilities, I feel that it is in my interest to want to make a difference to better the world. With my undergraduate in Environmental Science, I’ve found a different perspective on nature and one where I appreciate the raw beauty and power of it. I really enjoyed watching the video of David Suzuki and Richard Louv discussing the importance of connecting with nature and as an individual, I want to approach my interpretation of nature less on scientific facts and more on how it makes people feel. In the end, there is little that we can do to convince people without emotional attachment to a subject. That the amount of scientists out there is nothing compared to anyone that can walk outside and appreciate the environment. By using things like art and music, and knowing where I stand in this world, I hope to be able to deliver what I know in a way that can work with anyone. I would love to specialize in making an entertaining and critical interpretation of the realities that can be observed in a natural and social area. My job is to interest others regarding nature and connecting with nature. I have to understand that everyone has a different style of learning and be able to adapt to account for the majority of the population. I’ve always loved being in the water and I’m not sure what my exact role would be but something to do with oceans. I find the oceans very interesting and spending my time in the water for hours as a surfer I really want to make sure we keep our oceans clean. 4 Ocean is a recycling company that takes garbage plastics from the ocean and turns it into recycled wristbands. I spend time in the summer doing beach cleans-up and would love to be able to make a larger scale difference like 4 Ocean. 

I believe no living thing should be the victim of our selfish needs. I know nature is a harsh place, but there is a balance. With people and overexploitation, there is no balance. We just take and take, leaving those who don’t have a say to suffer. Personally, growing up being interested in our planted and taking studies in this field I’ve definitely developed/evolved and realize that all of us need to develop a strong relationship with nature in order to make it a better place. Although individually some of us already have that viewpoint and do there part, everybody needs to be doing the same or the environment we live in today will not be the same in the future. 

As an interpreter, you want to inspire others to connect with the beauty of nature. This goes further than themselves and to the surroundings in a spiritual way. “Art is such a unique way of interpreting nature; it goes beyond speech and uses a range of techniques, such as paintings, photographs, and music to convey information that words alone cannot (Beck et al., 2018)”. This is a great quote and really speaks volumes about how your art is a useful aspect in seeing different perspectives in nature.

Developing a connection that is bigger than yourself, your experiences, and your values. Instead, coming to the realization that we are all connected through nature. As humans, we are part of nature and part of the life cycle that continues to develop over time. 

I appreciate all of my fellow classmates taking the time to read my post and hope you found it inspiring as well.

As this is the last post, I want to thank everyone for their lovely posts through these weeks and wish you all the best in the future!

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

Elliott, P., Dueck, C., & Rodenburg, J. (2020). Activating teacher candidates in community-wide environmental education: The Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship Project. Canadian Journal of Environmental Education (CJEE), 23(1), 85-101.

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Nazaré: A surfers paradise...

My father was born and raised in the town of Nazaré, which is located in the heart of Portugal. Many others refer to it as “sufferers paradise,” which is a more accurate description. I’ve been going to Nazaré, Portugal, for as long as I can remember. The area is well-known for its massive waves, which are both distinctive and unpredictable. As a matter of fact, it has been the site of multiple Guinness World Records, including the greatest wave ever surfed and the largest wave ever surfed by a woman. The summer is normally the best time to visit, however the biggest waves have been observed during the winter season, between October and March.

Surfers from all over the globe are always present, and the number of tourists is increasing. Thousands of people have already spent the season of enormous waves at Nazaré, and if there are waves, they will surf, which is also beneficial for visitors since it gives them a better sense about how big the waves are. In addition, there are several Surging Challenges that take place in Nazaré. One of these competitions is the World Surf League Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge.

You may be wondering if my dad surfs, and the short answer is no. He claims to have attempted it as a child, but that the danger was just too great, particularly on the enormous waves of Praia do Norte, often known as North Beach. Regardless, he and his friends would always gather by the Nazaré lighthouse to watch the waves. Even though he wasn’t surfing himself, he explains that, as a lover of the water, he was awestruck by the sea’s immense power. “I was amazed every single time I watched,” he says. It is, without a doubt, the place where the Atlantic Ocean demonstrates its full might! Nature is a beautiful thing.

I’ve also never tried surfing, but if I did, I don’t believe I’d do it on North Beach since it’s too dangerous. To be quite honest, it can even get a little frightening to watch the surfers. Even though they are professional and skilled, the waves may be quite hazardous. Maya Gabeira drowned in Nazaré in 2013 and was resuscitated on the beach (Lock, 2021). Following this, the Nazaré Surf Rescue Organization was formed in order to avoid worst-case situations from occurring (Lock, 2021). Since the accident in 2013, Maya has returned to Nazaré and, in 2020, she set a new female world record for the largest wave ridden in  Portugal. 

Nazaré is definitely an experience of awe. Awe-inspiring experiences, according to the textbook, generate wonder, curiosity, perspective, purpose, and creativity (Beck et al., 2018).  The textbook suggests that Keltner describes awe as, “elicited especially by nature, art, and impressive individuals or feats,” (Beck et al., 2018). At times, just being at a park or museum and absorbing the experience is sufficient, with no need for interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). The same may be true of Nazaré; even without explanation, the waves evoke a reaction. I hope that one of you reading this, have the opportunity to visit Nazaré, Portugal. If you’ve gone, I’d love to hear about your experience!

Keep reading

[swenvs30002022]

Your blog post was really interesting to read and the video you included is just mesmerizing and terrifying at the same time. Water has always scared me. Don’t get me wrong it is beautiful, like breathtakingly beautiful but I don’t know how to swim. I am 20 and it is kind of embarrassing to admit this, but I never learned to swim so I have always had this fear of water. Of course, with waves that big I don’t think anyone would be able to swim which makes it even scarier. I commend and really admire the people brave enough to surf in these waters. Nature is really beautiful but at the same time it can be terrifying. It would still be an amazing opportunity to be able to witness these waves in person. It definitely would be an awe-inspiring experience for anyone who has witnessed it and those kinds of experiences stick with you forever. It is important to remain curious about the world around you even as you grow up. A lot of us lose our wanderlust as we age but I think in order to appreciate nature in its entirety it is important to always be curious and to explore nature. I hope to be able to visit Nazaré, Portugal someday!!

[sdeenvs3000w22]

Hi, I really enjoyed reading your post as I have been surfing for 12 years now and would love to go to Nazare one day to see these surfers ride 100ft waves. I personally would never do big wave surfing as I think you have to be a little crazy to be able to do it. The biggest waves I have surfed are 9ft and anything bigger then that I really get to scared to paddle out. That’s so cool that your dad was born and raised there and it makes me very jealous. I know that Nazare might be to big to ever want to get into surfing but I know Portugal has tons of other breaks along the coast not to far from Nazare where you could pick up surfing at a younger age. Nazare generates such big waves due to the Nazare underwater canyon. Once the swell hits the canyon the water is uplifted and breaks on the shore as it can’t support it's weight anymore. I’m actually trying to plan a trip to Portugal this fall as I’ve always wanted to go and hope a good swell comes when I’m there not only for when I’m surfing so that I can see professional surfers at Nazare.    

[sdeenvs3000w22]

Unit 9, The Beauty of Lakes and Oceans

This week's blog I’m going to discuss how beautiful the oceans and lakes are. Nature is so neat so it was difficult to just talk about one thing. In my first blog I talked about how I’ve always really appreciated the Great Lakes as it’s where I started surfing. Growing up I always loved the water as I ultimately want to live walking distance to a body of water. I find it as a form of meditation where I can let my mind go free. 70 percent of the earth's surface is covered by water and remember that's just the surface. Just Picture how deep the oceans are and how little we have explored. The unique life that exists in the absence of light and ocean currents is fascinating and often inspiring. Perhaps what draws me the most to the depths is how little humanity knows and understands about it. Despite the oceans covering the vast majority of the planet’s surface, about 80% of our waters are unexplored. That statistic becomes even more pronounced when considering the cold and unforgiving depths that humans cannot reach without special equipment to protect from the immense pressure. I find the patterns, power and distributions of waves extremely interesting and would love to learn more about them. As a surfer I’m constantly following wave surf reports reading swells for oceans as ocean waves are dependent on the gravitational pull of the moon and sun similar to tidal waves. Tides play a vital role in the natural world, and they can have a significant impact on many ecological activities and systems. Lakes are too small for gravitational pull and are only dependent on wind direction and wind speed to generate waves. They are strongest in colder temperatures as the cool air sits lower on the water allowing the strong winds to push the water. The textbook suggests that Keltner describes awe as, “elicited especially by nature, art, and impressive individuals or feats,” (Beck et al., 2018). Every time I look at the Great Lakes about to paddle out after a big storm I’m always in awe and just the sheer power that can be created.

 I believe it is extremely important to use interpretation as a tool to educate yourself and others about the historical and natural significance of a location (Beck et al., 2018). A significant location I would love to educate others on is that fact that we are able to surf on the Great Lakes and I think everyone should try surfing as it’s a great way to connect with nature and at least for me it becomes addicting. The beauty of the surroundings provide a spiritual uplift and encourage resource preservation (Beck et al., 2018).  

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

Hall, D. (2018, April). The deep sea. Smithsonian Institution. https://ocean.si.edu/ecosystems/deep-sea/deep-sea

[kpmbenvs3000w22]

Nature and Music

Music is all around us, we are lucky enough to be able to experience the place in which true music has originated, which is the lovely music we can listen to in nature. From the birds calling, to the wind blowing through the trees, and so on! These parts of nature have always been my favourite, from listening to a certain bird call and learning what each call means, and just enjoying them call to and from, but I do have to say for me, when a big gust of wind hits a tree just the right way so all the leaves dance and make that’s lovely ‘woosh’ sound has got to be the best part of natures song. 

One of the many forest with the best leaves to hear the wind through

 My mom has been feeding the birds that live behind my house for years now, and her favourite (its up there for me as well, has got to be the Baltimore Oriole. They have some of the most beautiful colouring you will ever see but they also have such a lovely song. Learning that our music has a lot of parallels to the songs of a bird makes a lot of sense, because that would be the place a lot of us heard it first (especially in the past) and with how much rhythm there is to a birds song (Gray et al. 2001.)

Baltimore Oriole in my Backyard

 I think that there is a lot of nature within the music we write as well. I know there are many different people who actually go out into nature and record their own sounds of nature to incorporate into their own music (Courselink 2022). A lot of classical music was either inspired by bird songs, they would copy the notes they heard the birds sing and integrate them within their music, using them for melodies and certain harmonies as well (Gray et al) There are also many different musicians who use the power of nature to inspire their own songs as well, sitting in the middle of the forest, listening to waves etc to strike inspiration. Something else I think is awesome with the music in nature is how diverse it is. The bird species here in North America may have very different songs than those in Europe, the wind in the trees may even sounds different due to the difference in trees. All of these things are amazing and wonderful all on their own, but thankfully due to technology, many of us have been able to listen to our musical nature from around the world without ever needing to leave the country (Beck 2018). This is something that has brought us so much opportunity, as now I can listen to the sounds of the waves from anywhere in the world even when nowhere close to an ocean, but it will never be able to replace the real thing. We have many ways to dupe you into thinking what you are hearing or seeing is real, which is amazing, but it is still a virtual reality, and nowhere near what sounds and songs you can hear nature make in real reality (Beck 2018).

A song I would say brings me back to nature is Mr. Brightside by The Killers, it is a song that reminds me of camping with my friends or even driving/riding through the forest, it brings me to a time of peace and tranquility I love to be in.

References

Beck, L., Cable, T., & Knudson, D. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage. Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC.

Courselink (2022)  Nature Interpretation through History, ENVS*3000

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 6 Mar. 2022.

[bbenvs3000w22]

Hi Katherine!

I really enjoyed reading your post this week! We had pretty similar thoughts, you and I both talked about enjoying the whistling noises from trees and how they can produce these interesting harmonies. I too love listening to birds chirping, especially in the spring because it means warmer weather is coming. I really liked how you included a photo of the Baltimore Oriole, I don’t think I have ever seen one in person but their colours are amazing and I bet their tweets and chirps are as well!

Super cool note on how classical composers would use bird sounds for melodies, I did not know that! I also like your take on how we can utilize technology to share experiences of music in nature with others around the world. This is an amazing tool that will allow nature interpreters to capitalize on reaching larger audiences while enabling listeners to still have a fully immersive experience. That reminds me of how I use a sleeping app that plays wave sounds, which allows me to fall asleep peacefully.

Lastly, I love that Mr. Brightside reminds you of camping, I too have a few songs that remind me of hanging out around the campfire.

Nice post!

- Brooke

[sdeenvs3000w22]

Hi Katherine, really liked your post this week as it is very interesting that musicians sometimes get inspiration from nature. It’s amazing to really think about how many sources in nature provides sound and music and how many little factors play a role in the sound. Technology is an amazing tool that can provide music from a waterfall in Hawaii and make you believe that you are actually there. 

Music in nature has the ability to change our emotion and mood from the terrifying sound of lighting to the peacefulness that comes from a slowing moving river. Mr. Brightside by The Killers is a favourite of mine too as I always find myself listening to it when I am outside as it’s very relaxing. I found it interesting that almost everybody’s blog talked about the noise of birds in nature as it is the first thing that usually comes to mind when associating  music in nature.

-Stan           

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Blog 7

When I think of where music is in nature, I think of animals. Birds communicating with each other and trying to attract mating partners. Many birds have their own distinctive calls by which other birds can distinguish them. Whales do a similar thing but their frequency changes between the species, many individuals also have their own calls. Another animal that uses sound are rattlesnakes as they shake their tails to ward off predators or attract and distract prey. There is a connection between emotions and nature people feel connected to the natural world in some way. When artists are writing music, they use this connection so that audiences can relate to the piece. Music often leans on themes to explain contrasting emotions. I think not only can music be used to teach about the environment but also that nature can be used to help us express ourselves through music. I think human beings are destroying the earth even though we love the earth. There are so many artificial things on the earth that are contributing to global warming and some people on don’t value the earth as much as they value items and money. People have priority for there wants and needs rather then the priority of making our planet a better place. What a Wonderful World is a song by Louis Armstrong and is from the late 1960s. This song is extremely popular, the beautiful song describes scenes in nature. Question is nature more beautiful than things made or created by humanity? The seven wonders in the world makes you think how this place even real. I live in Niagara on the Lake and one of the seven wonders of the world being 15min drive from Me. I remember seeing the falls for the first time as kid and being amazed by the beauty and power. The sound the falls makes is remarkable from water falling down from 50m crashing on the Niagara River below. You can hear water flowing in the river with white rapids. Humans create beautiful things from skyscrapers to cars, but the beauty of nature is unmatched. I went to whistler last week for skiing and the beauty of those mountains were amazing. I found my self on the ski lift just admiring them and feeling like time was slowing down. Another form of music in nature is the sounds you here around you all the time when you go outside. Just walking to campus, you here branches moving in the wind, squirrels climbing up trees, birds flying by and chirping.  

 GrrlScientist. (2016). Music as a gateway to nature. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2016/09/21/music-as-a-gateway-to-nature/?sh=3c325d549e74

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Blog #5

Nature through science is very important but there is definitely a language barrier at times from scientist to general pubic. A great quote to help explain this is “think like a wise scholar but communicate in the language of the people” (Beck et al, 2018 p. 130). Educated nature lovers to scientist have to help clear misconceptions that can arise. Scientific research can be difficult to read or understand if you are not an expert. People that want to make a difference should realize that communication is very important and relevant scientific articles need to be understandable to the general public.  

Art and science can be used politically, so using it to talk about climate change and how to better the environment is a common occurrence. Science is used politically and emotionally in nature; I think using science for nature interpretation is essential. “The way people perceive things is impacted by their emotions, needs and experiences” (Johns & Saks, 2019)

I’ve always loved science because it could explain how and why something worked in that order. You appreciate something a lot more when you understand it. Science allows us to understand nature which can be dangerous. Misinformation can spread from the news and social media talking about covid and the protests going on in Ottawa right now. These dangers come from people reading articles that they do not understand or is not well-sourced or peer-reviewed and do not come from a government site. Instead, they come from a fellow citizen that heard it from somewhere else with unclear agendas.

The gift of revelation is “revealing deeper meaning and truth” (Beck et. al., 2018). The gift of wholeness is the presentation of “a complete theme or thesis” (Beck et. al., 2018). These two gifts of interpretation work together to create the previously mentioned deeper appreciation. Things that are not true usually are missing information, just like manipulated news that will spread like wildfire.

Washington talks about how the feathers make the bird and enable them to fly thus giving them freedom. He says how birds are similar to us in the aspect of building homes to making relationships. Great example of nature through science is the ability of Long Tailed Widowbirds to change their body morphology for mating, how this trait has evolved to the enable the bird to reproduce through evolution. Birds are extremely beneficial to us and nature; cleaning up rodents where we wouldn’t have to use chemicals and helping with pollination. Our human impact is not helping them from hunting, habitat loss from deforestation, poisoning, power lines and wind turbines killing them to overall climate change. My passion for nature as grown as I’ve gotten older and understand that we can help preserve these species. A great tool they have developed to help conservation practices is citizen scientists which allows general pubic to interpret their opinions and help scientist to gather data of sorts of organisms.    

Beck, L. Cable, T.  Knudson, D. (2018). p 130 Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For a Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC. ISBN 978-1-57167-865-2

essenden, M. (2016, May 10). The science behind nature’s patterns. Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved from: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/science-behind-natures-patterns-180959033/

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Introduction

Hello nature lovers, my name is Stanley Elltoft and I’m currently in my third year in Environmental Science at the University of Guelph.

Disclaimer

This blog was created for ENVS 3000, 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

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BLOG 4

When looking at the blog prompt I put some heavy thought into the following question: Who are you to interpret nature through art? This is an important question to reflect upon.  Firstly, how does art become an interpretation of nature? Art has the power to mimic nature by visually replicating objects we see in nature as they appear in real life. Another question to ask is do we need to have qualifications to interpret art, such as a university degree? I believe that anyone can interpret art regardless of their qualifications. When considering how I interpret art as an individual, that is a complicated question. I think art has the power to let your imagination run free and create beautiful images and stories. Art and nature are both very similar as the way they are interpreted are left in the hands of the interpreter. 

Speaking honestly, I have never had the most artistic eye and have never been good at actually making art. Although I do not have the most talent in this area I do enjoy it quite a lot. There are many ways different styles of art that I enjoy such as photography, painting, music and cinema. When I am in nature I enjoy taking pictures to capture its beauty. When I look back at my pictures I feel the emotions I felt at that time and relive the memories I had. 

(Estero Island, Florida (2017). Whenever I look at this image it reminds me of the memories I had on this trip and the fun times I had on the beach with my cousins. I remember feeling complete relaxation as I looked at this sunset. This just goes to show the power of photography!)

In my opinion, art plays a very important role in nature interpretation and should be incorporated more into programs. Firstly, many visitors may find it fun to participate in activities that include art. For example, incorporating crafts in a children’s program will likely stimulate their minds and help them take an interest in what is being presented to them. In addition, art has the power to resonate in our minds and help visitors truly take value in nature.  As the textbook highlighted; a dance, song, image or drama is likely to be more interesting than dense information. 

To quote the textbook: “The gift of beauty comes from the principle that interpretation should instill in people the ability and desire to sense the beauty in their surroundings (Beck et al., 2019).” This inspires people to connect with the beauty of nature spiritually, developing a connection that is bigger than yourself. It is so powerful that it can motivate resource preservation, making people more likely to protect the world we live in. The gift of beauty can also relate to nature interpretation through art. A visual representation of nature is another way visitors can feel and desire the beauty of nature. Art helps to visualize meaning associated with a place and can even tell a story. 

I am looking forward to reading about everyone else’s interpretation of the gift of beauty!

Beck, L., Cable, T., & Knudson, D. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage. Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC.

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Hi!

Great post this week. The photo you shared is very beautiful. It’s amazing how the peace of that sunset translates straight to the photo’s viewers. 

I loved what you mentioned about art interpretation not requiring a degree or other qualifications. There is no right or wrong way to view art. I think that the job of an artist is to document a feeling and impart that feeling to their audience through their work. Art connects us with nature, regardless of its quality, by allowing us to experience nature through someone else’s lens.

I agree fully that art has a very important and often overlooked place in nature interpretation. Nature interpreters must work to strike balance between fact and art in their programs. I find that I retain information better when it is delivered in conjunction with imagery. Therefore, I think that nature’s gift of beauty is better realized when art is used a medium to deepen one’s understanding of the world around them. It’s powerful to me that nature’s gift of beauty goes beyond what we can see. Yes, it is aesthetically beautiful, but it is also beautifully intricate and complex. Nature’s superficial beauty is what attracts us to learn more about these processes. And, once we are sufficiently awestruck, the natural next step is to preserve this beauty, as you stated in your post.

Looking forward to reading more of your work!

Annika

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Hi,

I really enjoyed reading your blog this week! I agree that when you look back at pictures you have taken you feel the emotions and relive the memory of when you were there. I would describe myself as artistically challenged when it comes to drawing and any type of painting, but I do love to take pictures of landscape and nature. To all the countries I have visited I always try to take as many pictures as possible of the different topography and culture. I also agree that  incorporating crafts in a children’s program will likely stimulate their minds and help them take an interest in what is being presented to them. Art allows people to see different perspectives and can help people really appreciate the value of nature. Art is such a unique way of interpreting nature; it goes beyond speech and uses a range of techniques, such as paintings, photographs, and music to convey information that words alone cannot (Beck et al., 2018)”. Highlighting that art can be more exciting then from words on a screen. The gift of beauty is to inspire others to connect with the beauty of nature. This goes further then themselves and to the surroundings in a spiritual way. Developing a connection that is bigger than yourself, your experiences, and your values. Instead, coming to the realization that we are all connected through nature. As humans we are part of nature and part of the life cycle that continues to develop overtime    

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Nature Through Art

Nature through art is interesting as there are many different forms from photorealism to abstraction. Art can sometimes convey information that words can’t making it an amazing tool to express the beauty of many aspects in nature. As an interpreter of nature, we have to create positive environments to allow others to experience a feeling of hope based on sharing the past and present beauties of nature. I would describe myself as artistically challenged when it comes to drawing and any type of painting, but I do love to take pictures of landscape and nature as when I look back at the picture it almost makes me feel like I’m there again bringing back memories. To all the countries I have visited I always try to take as many pictures as possible of the different topography and culture. “Art is such a unique way of interpreting nature; it goes beyond speech and uses a range of techniques, such as paintings, photographs, and music to convey information that words alone cannot (Beck et al., 2018)”. This is a great quote and really speaks volume about how your art is a useful aspect in seeing different perspectives in nature.

According to Hahn, the Social Declines of Modern Youth, if I had to add one for today it would be the decline in care caused by the increased time of devices and social. This whole emerging tech savvy world distracts us and disconnects us from others, but this also overlaps with the rest of them. Fitness, memory and imagination and self discipline are all affected by the increase of screentime. Nature through art can be enjoyed by everyone and could help us to communicate and care more. Maybe this is the answer to distract our younger generation from screens and social media??  

The gift of beauty is to inspire others to connect with the beauty of nature. This goes further then themselves and to the surroundings in a spiritual way. Developing a connection that is bigger than yourself, your experiences, and your values. Instead, coming to the realization that we are all connected through nature. As humans we are part of nature and part of the life cycle that continues to develop overtime.

Nature interpretation through art involves artistic visual representation of nature as it’s a perfect way that an interpreter can give their audience the gift of beauty. Through art we can channel the meanings associated with a place and its elements from plants, bodies of water, rocks, and animals. The gift of beauty inspires resource preservation and conservation motivating us to protect this beautiful world for our future generations.

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Privilege's Within Nature

The idea of privilege has always been a confusing concept for me. When talking about privileges, whether you have lots or none, it is always a tense topic. Nobody wants to admit they have gotten somewhere in their lives on the merit of their parents, and not from their own ingenious (As if it is bad that your parents have cared about your well-being and tried to give you the best? Maybe it’s more of a defence mechanism for the guilt over the actions of our ancestors?). Nobody wants to admit they haven’t had any privileges growing up either though (feeling embarrassed their parents haven’t been able to give them a lot or for where they live, for example). Privilege is a big part of nature interpretation, since some people aren’t born with access to natural spaces and others are, it is a big factor of how someone views and interprets nature. My definition of privilege is, an advantage you are born with, of which you benefit from throughout your lifetime.

I have grown up hearing how lucky I am to be native. How lucky I am to have my schooling and benefits paid for. How lucky I am to have a status card, identifying me as an “Indian within the meaning of the Indian Act, chapter 27, Statutes of Canada (1985).” which it actually quotes on my card and means I pay 5% of taxes, off-reserve, instead of 13% (like it’s a privilege having to present my card and wait at checkout while I get comments from the cashier like ‘oh your card is expired, I can’t accept it’ because suddenly that makes me not native anymore?). On-reserve, we don’t have taxes which is another thing I am extremely ‘lucky’ for because who doesn’t love an economy run off white people travelling to the reserve to buy gas and cigarettes without tax. When I think about being called ‘lucky’ for all these privileges imposed on my people, I think of the genocide and oppression my people went through to be given these things and how I would do anything, including rejecting the ‘privileges’, because they in NO WAY make up for what we have lost and the pain we feel today.

However, when I ignore all the things white people have told me I’m lucky for, I actually do feel lucky to be native. I feel lucky to have had the privilege to walk into the forest whenever I want when I was growing up which gave me the opinions and ideas I have now, and I love who I am now. I am also lucky to have a people and culture, no matter how disconnected I feel from it, since my great grandparents were in residential schools and had their spirit’s broken... I feel honoured to represent my people in my everyday life and take that role seriously since I know when I step off the reserve, others will take my words and actions into consideration as they form opinions and talk to others about my people.

My parents weren’t super well off, but they had enough money to provide me with opportunities growing up and, in this world, it is very fortunate to have your schooling paid for, so I grew up with things that other kids didn’t have. Privileges that I always felt I should be grateful for having in this world, but this isn’t the world I wanted to live in. I wanted to live in a world where my people were proud and were not weighed down by generations of oppression. Where I could find indigenous children whose parents treated them well, and taught, and loved them because they would all have healthy minds, that were not tainted by grief or resentment towards the world, their broken parents, and everybody else.

Privilege is a weird topic for me. It is a hard word to define because people use it in different ways. Privileges you think other people have might not actually be a privilege for them. In fact, it could be the very Bain of their existence, and things we consider privileges for ourselves might seem foreign and incomprehensible to others. In my case, being connected to nature is one of the biggest privileges I have but I am considerate of those who feel no connection with nature and realize that fear or wariness of nature is a very real thing for some. Some people love the idea of being apart of something bigger than themselves, but others can feel intimidated/afraid by this feeling as well.

I hope all of you can step into your opposition’s shoes and try and consider their point of views as you would take account of your own. This is the first step into truly seeing nature for all that it is. Taking the time to think about how other beings could feel just like we do is important in being able to consider yourself as a part of nature. To think about yourself as if you were an Earth worm or something humans typically think as less than ourselves opens our minds and eyes to the actual condition of our world, gaining different perspectives. Perspectives that we can use to navigate nature. So, this week find a little bit of time every day (maybe during your morning coffee) just to imagine yourself as a different species. This will take some of the risk and fear out of the idea of wandering out into nature, as you will slowly start to consider yourself as part of it.

I’m a raccoon. I wake up in my home, it’s about dusk now but the sun is setting fast. I live in a simple two-story burrow I found in a tree, right next to the clearing with the human house beside it. The added room gives me lots of space for my babies. Thinking of which, I should probably get them ready to go get some food. The humans will empty their garbage out soon so looks like leftovers for breakfast. Today I should teach them how to open the garbage themselves, so they are learning how to fend for themselves when they leave the den. They need to learn how to hide from the humans as well and not to make too much noise when they are digging through it. I will make sure they are ready. Should I look for food in the forest first? No, why waste time when the garbage is right there, and I still need to go get water and look for another mate today as well. Not to mention, needing time to get me and my babies across the road safely to get to the water source. No, we will just look through the garbage and then I’ll have more time later to play and groom them before bed. Yes, that is a much better plan.

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Hi Davana,

I really enjoyed reading your post!

I totally agree that it is hard to admit that one has privilege. Honestly, I feel weird about it sometimes, especially being black and coming from an immigrant family. It seems foreign to me to admit. I think that is why it is equally important to be self-aware. Personally I think it helps me be even prouder of the things my family has accomplished as well as realize the things I am truly lucky to have. Being self-aware lets me be respectively open to other perspectives. Even some that aren’t human.

Interestingly enough your point about imaging yourself as another species is actually what really helped me learn to appreciate and not fear nature as a child. Even to this day I connect to certain animals which reminds me of my role as a steward to land, to care for things beyond humans. It is important to remember we are all apart of a shared world and its a point I am glad you brought up! Crazy enough I keep seeing certain animals which over the years made me look into my ancestry and connect more to nature. I’m fortunate enough to have had people help me figure out the spiritual side of that. I think that is my reason for having such passion about understanding nature. I really appreciate hearing your side to this topic. I also appreciate how freely you are speaking and letting us in on your thoughts. I'm glad I have the privilege to have discussions with people and hear their point of view.

- Tamia N.

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I really enjoyed reading your post and totally agree about the point that it can be hard that “Nobody wants to admit they have gotten somewhere in their lives on the merit of their parents, and not from their own ingenious (As if it is bad that your parents have cared about your well-being and tried to give you the best? Maybe it’s more of a defence mechanism for the guilt over the actions of our ancestors?). Nobody wants to admit they haven’t had any privileges growing up either though (feeling embarrassed their parents haven’t been able to give them a lot or for where they live”. It can can be difficult to feel guilty about having privilege if it’s from your parents working hard and wanting a better life for you. privilege may not be earned but will still be received. There are different kinds of privilege from financial, ethnicity, knowledge, location, health and even just having support. A great metaphor of privilege is the video of the $100 race where everyone lines up but once all of these advantages have been acknowledged you realize how unfair the race is and that life is not an equal playing field. 

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Blog 3

Privilege is an advantage ultimately granted or available to a particular person. This privilege may not be earned but will still be received. There are different kinds of privilege from financial, ethnicity, knowledge, location, health and even just having support. A great metaphor of privilege is the video of the $100 race where everyone lines up but once all of these advantages have been acknowledged you realize how unfair the race is and that life is not an equal playing field.

When unpacking my invisible bag pack, I realize I have many privileges that I was born with, and these privileges have enabled me to earn even more. Being a straight white male growing up in upper middle class with both parents in home. Having the ability to grow up and not think of money being an issue as my parents worked has given me the opportunities that many other people may not experience. Growing up playing sports and now currently in university where I don’t have to worry finically which helps me focus more on school is an unfair advantage itself. There are tons of privilege that occur with your relationship and experience with nature. Growing up getting to travel with my parents to all different types of countries being able to surf in different oceans and getting up close with marine life. To going to zoos and provincial parks and experiencing animals at a different level. To even the benefits of having access to internet and the knowledge you can gain from this source. I am extremely fortunate for my life and the opportunities and privilege I was born with and understand that not everyone is in the same boat. When doing the reading the author brought up some great points on how to prompt inclusivity; Beck et al. (2018),

1. Reducing economic barriers by providing transportation to those unable to travel to natural history sites

2. Reducing cultural barriers by “inviting, including, involving” minorities

3. Reducing communication barriers through strategic communication using varied languages and media

 Another part of privilege is smaller audiences and the barriers faced by minorities that prevent them from visiting interpretation facilities. Race and ethnicity are a privilege and can help get rid of the stress associated with vising places. Beck et al. (2018) mentions, there needs to be some form of training or exposure to multiculturalism for an interpreter to be able to emotionally connect and understand their audience.

Just because I may not be able to know what it’s like to be in someone else shoes who is not as privileged doesn’t mean I can’t, or others make a difference. It’s important to educate ourselves and others on these topics and issues. We must understand the impacts of our actions while understanding what others have to go through. Introducing environmental opportunities to everyone no matter their race, ethnicity, or fortune.

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Blog #2

As an environmental interpreter I would specialize in making an entertaining and critical interpretation of the realities that can be observed in a natural and social area. My job is to interest others regarding nature and connecting with nature. I have to understand that everyone has a different style of learning and be able to adapt to account for the majority of the population. I’ve always loved being in the water and I’m not sure what my exact role would be but something to do with oceans or any body of water. 

Whether it would be conservation related or just educating people through in person teaching. I love public speaking as I’m extroverted and would find it exciting to educate to help people be more aware and gain knowledge. I think I could find comfort especially if it’s something I’m passionate about. I could see myself working at a conservation area or a provincial national park anywhere in North America learning and sharing hopefully with bodies of water. Being an environmental interpreter will influence my interests and hobbies by introducing all aspects of nature in different and fun ways. Ultimately the goal would be to pass on that impact to the next generation which will be paying it forward. 

I think it is incredibly important to educate the public about the importance of conserving biodiversity. More often people just hear save the environment, or we need to look after our bodies of water without an explanation of why it’s so important. I think that I would do well in a position of getting people to want to care by having them see it first-hand. I would definitely need to gain some skills to be capable of educating the public as I know a little bit form my classes and from my relationship with nature in my last blog. I think visual representation is a good tool to use as it helps the audience understand the topics you’re talking about better. Tactile/kinesthetic is the best learning style in my opinion as learning with experience helps the audience see a different perspective by going on an active exploration

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My Relationship with Nature

My relationship with nature has been developing from a very young age, as I grew up in the country and in a family where nature and wildlife were a fundamental part of our daily lives. I attended a sort-of preschool in the country where we were outside most of the day; having swimming lessons in a nearby creek, going for hikes, climbing trees, harvesting berries, having campfires, etc. My parents were always very involved with nature as well, making sure that we learned from a young age to appreciate nature and offering us “a sense of place” in the environment that surrounded us. This involved them taking us on backcountry camping trips as well as to our cottage on a quiet lake up near Parry Sound every summer. These places had no electricity, and therefore, we had to find entertainment in the wilderness that surrounded us rather than from TV or video games. My family’s love for nature was not limited to the terrestrial environment, so we became certified scuba divers. I am lucky to have many fond memories of trips to Tobermory and the Caribbean to explore the world underwater.

My mother’s career as a veterinarian meant animals were always and continue to be a large part of her life, and this passion spilled over into the lives of my other family members as well. We often had turtles in tubs in the laundry room (yes, snapping turtles too!) that she was in the process of repairing broken shells or treating other injuries in the early years of establishing the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre (now a part of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre). Other injured wildlife was also brought to her to stabilize before they were sent to a wildlife rehabilitation facility, so growing up I had the chance to meet many animals including birds, chipmunks, porcupines, raccoons, fawns, and even an orphaned baby bear.

It was from these up-close interactions and seeing how my mother valued wildlife that I was taught the importance of preserving our wildlife and treating animals with empathy. This appreciation was not limited to “cute” animals; we loved snakes, bats, and other wildlife that we are often taught to fear as children. The initiatives she took and involved me in instilled in me a sense of responsibility for our environment and a profound respect for nature. My father also made a point of teaching us the beauty of the outside world by taking us on mountain biking excursions and establishing traditions around our favourite places to hike.

As an adult, my relationship with nature has remained strong despite living in the city of Guelph and keeping busy with school. I established a long-lasting relationship with nature during my formative years, finding myself so deeply rooted that nature is comforting to me and is what I seek when I feel disconnected from myself. It grounds me and brings back my inner peace in times of stress. My love for my dog has also motivated me to get out into nature more often because she enjoys it so much, and it is much more fun to get on the water or go for a hike when you have a dog to do it with!

[sdeenvs3000w22]

I found your post very enjoyable to read! That must have been so cool growing up and getting to experience so many different animals especially a baby bear. Living in that environment must have given you a different perspective with animals and enable you to appreciate wildlife so much more. 

I’ve always wanted to go scuba diving and I bet it took a lot of hours to become certified. Being able to be that close with sea turtles while in the water is awesome I’ve had to change to be up close with dolphins, sea lions and even sharks from surfing in Fl and Tofino but sea turtles is definitely on my bucket list. 

That’s good that you find your relationship with nature has remained strong through living in Guelph as I've found mine drifting apart and it’s something I need to put more work into.    

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Blog #1

I would say I have a strong relationship with nature as I am a consumer from it’s goods it provides and using it for recreational purpose. My major is Environmental Science so the majority of my classes are to do with nature and as humans how we degrade the environment. Growing up I was always an outdoor children weather playing sports in my background to going on hikes and even surfing the Great Lakes since I was 12. Surfing the lakes has really made me appreciate nature and what it can offer. My viewpoint on keeping the water cleaner has definitely changed once I took up the sport as your in the water for hours and realize how beautiful these lake are and want to keep it that way. I’ve done multiple beach cleanups with the surfing community and every year we grow grass on the upper shoreline as we want this environment to continue to stay healthy. Furthermore I live in a remote small farm town my whole life in Niagara on the Lake, constantly seeing wildlife around me and a grape farm on my backyard. With school now being online I realize how much I miss just walking to class and seeing nature first hand from tress blowing in the wind to squirrels on campus. I find myself able to enjoy nature a lot more in the summer and think I need to make more time through my classes to go on hikes to get out of my house. I’ve always loved nature and want to help out the environment and make it a better place from recycling properly to eliminating my carbon footprint but what are other steps do we need to take that can help with the negative impact we have?   

Growing up being interested with our planted and taking studies in this field I’ve definitely developed/evolved and realize that all of us need to develop a strong relationship with nature in order to make it a better place. Although individually some of us already have that viewpoint and do there part, everybody needs to be doing the same or the environment we live in today will not be the same in the future. 

 I would say my mother offered my a “sense of place”, growing up my mother always loved nature and has a huge heart for animals. It taught me that we aren’t the only creatures here and our degradation has serious consequences on others. From taking me on hikes to watching tons of programs on the nature network.       

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Nature Interpretation