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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.
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Final blog
Prompt: Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?
Hello everyone, I can't believe it's already the last blog for the semester. I know I said it last blog but this semester flew by for me. I initially joined this course because I wanted to look at nature through a different lens than just science and this class helped me with that a lot. By reading through the units and reading other peoples blogs I was able to look at nature through other perspectives than just my own and I think that gave me a lot of insight into different ways to look at nature. As I develop as a nature interpreter my ethics have changed slightly throughout the course. When I joined this class I believed that nature should be conserved but it was only because of ecological reasons and protecting the environment, and those were my ethics when I joined the course. Over the course I came to realise that conserving nature has more benefits than just scientifically. There are cultural benefits, historical benefits, mental health benefits and even musical benefits that nature brings. Looking at my ethics now after I’ve developed a little as a nature interpreter, I want to conserve them even more. However there are now so many more reasons I want to preserve them. I want to preserve the culture that nature brings, the history that it can show, the mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature, and the beautiful music that nature is capable of creating. As a nature interpreter I believe that before anything else nature deserves our respect. When we are outside or when I am interpreting for a group of people I will ask them to respect whatever ecosystem we find ourselves in. That includes staying on the path so that the younger and fragile vegetation does not get disturbed by us, or not pulling up plants or pulling moss off a tree or rock. Nature has been around a lot longer than us and its the same with whatever ecosystem we are in. I also believe that when we are back in nature we should embrace our inner child, like what was talked about in this unit. We should look at nature with wonderment and curiosity while still giving the respect it deserves and try to leave the system how it was when we entered, no littering or pulling up plants and disturbing the area. My beliefs as a nature interpreter also reflect my ethics as I’ve developed the skill. I believe that while interpreting nature I should always keep in mind and take into account multiple perspectives. While it is still difficult for me to look at nature from a bunch of different perspectives I believe that it is worth the effort to try and interpret through a cultural, historical, or a musical lens.
Hi there,
Loved reading your last blog post, and I still can't believe the semester is almost over. Your perceptive exploration of nature from historical, cultural, and musical viewpoints demonstrates how well you comprehend the natural world. By embracing these many points of view, you become more than just a nature admirer, but a real nature interpreter. We have the ability to instill an attitude of accountability and care for the environment by means of voices such as yours. In a society that has become more detached from its natural foundations, art serves as a reminder of the profound interplay between nature and human culture. Seeing someone acknowledge the complex relationship humans have with the environment is energizing.
It is admirable that you are dedicated to encouraging cooperation between humans and the environment. Knowing that there are people like you actively working to preserve the beauty of our world for future generations is reassuring. Your overall approach to embracing and protecting nature inspires others. Continue your outstanding work of promoting a closer relationship between people and the natural environment. Best wishes for continuing success in your activities, and have a wonderful remainder of the semester!
Last Blog Post
Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?
Hello everyone, can't believe this is our last blog post, time really flew by! I've really enjoyed seeing everyone's thoughts every week, and I've definitely learnt a lot about everyone as well! This is a really interesting blog post prompt, and I've made my post very detailed, so get ready!
Looking back at one of my first blog prompts, I can see how much progress I've made in learning what it means to be a natural interpreter. My knowledge has changed as a result of the journey, and it has also strengthened my bond with nature. Nonetheless, I have a strong desire to work as a nature interpreter; I want to be a tour guide that takes people on adventures throughout different ecosystems across the globe. The idea of sharing these experiences with other tourists makes me feel really fulfilled. Taking on the position of narrator and acting as a representative of the amazing marvels that our world is home to will undoubtedly be a very fulfilling experience.
My main objective as an interpreter is to enlighten and motivate people about the topics that I find fascinating. By doing this, I hope to shed light on the complex environmental factors that influence the surrounding biomes in addition to offering useful and insightful information. This purpose not only informs but also cultivates a deep understanding and appreciation for the complexity of life that surrounds us. My efforts are driven by motivation. My goal is to pique people's interest and inspire them to discover the wonders of the natural world. By spreading my enthusiasm, I want to encourage a community that actively engages with and cares for the environment by instilling a sense of responsibility.
My personal ethic as a nature interpreter is deeply rooted in my desire to convey to others my enthusiasm for the environment and develop in them a sense of wonder and responsibility. In my opinion, encouraging people to have a relationship with nature is essential to supporting sustainable practices and conservation. I see myself promoting responsible behaviour and emphasizing the value of environmentally conscious travel and conservation. I think it's important to spread the word that all of our acts have an influence on communities and the environment, no matter how minor. In terms of responsibilities, my main objective is to make people deeply aware of their surroundings and to instill in them a sense of wonder and awareness. My commitment is to inspire people to cultivate deep connections with the natural world by highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and conservation.
Nonetheless, I think it might be difficult as a nature interpreter to strike a balance between offering informative material and engaging experiences. Considering that entertainment may be a potent technique for grabbing people's attention, the issue comes from the desire to draw in and involve a larger audience. However, there are a number of ethical issues at stake when amusement overrides instructional value. Although there's an intrinsic fascination with nature, there's a chance that certain elements of it may be sensationalized or dramatized for entertainment value. This may result in a distorted view of the natural world, emphasizing dramatic details over a comprehensive comprehension. As a nature interpreter, my professional identity is profoundly influenced by the environment, which inspires me to promote constructive change and build relationships with like-minded individuals. My approach includes not only displaying the beauty of various settings but also educating and raising awareness about the necessity of environmental stewardship. My goal is to inspire people to take responsibility for the environment and take action to safeguard it by acting as a catalyst for change, as I mentioned previously and to raise awareness of environmental issues among the largest number of people through tours and informational lectures. My greatest sense of fulfillment in this position ultimately stems from the chance to motivate others. I want to be able to support group efforts to cultivate an awareness of and reverence for the natural world's beauty. In summary, my holistic approach to conservation considers not just the biological components of conservation but also the social and cultural factors.
By combining these components, I hope to promote a legacy of care for coming generations and help humans and the natural world live in harmony and sustainability. My experiences in the ENVS*3010 class, in particular, benefited my journey toward refining and deepening my environmental ethics, responsibilities, and approaches. My awareness of sustainability, environmental challenges, and the complex interactions between human activity and the natural world were all examined by this course. Essentially, the knowledge I acquired from ENVS*3010 has shaped my professional identity and influenced how I advocate for environmental stewardship and connect with others. In addition to increasing my knowledge, this course has fueled my desire to motivate positive change. I am appreciative of this class's transformational influence on my career as a nature interpreter, which has strengthened my resolve to advance the peaceful coexistence of humans and the natural world. As I dive deeper into the specifics of being a nature interpreter, my daily goal is to gain more insight. Upon contemplation of the deep significance included in my position, I consistently improve my morals and responsibilities. These ideas will inevitably become dynamic, and I look forward to accepting this evolution with flexibility and an open mind.
To ensure that I am knowledgeable about the changing dynamics of this subject, I continue to study in the field of nature interpretation. My goal has always been to cultivate a mentality that encourages both ongoing curiosity and personal growth.
Have a great rest of the semester everyone, hope all of your upcoming assignments and exams go well and I can’t wait to read your last blog posts!
Unit 10 Blog
Prompt: Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?
Last blog post! Crazy to think that this semester is already almost over. I feel like these blog posts have been a good tool to supplement the learning that we did in the course. I've really enjoyed reading everyone's perspectives week by week, and definitely learned a thing or two by doing so.
As someone who's deep in the environmental sciences and seeks to pursue a career in this field, I feel as though I have strong personal ethics. In this line of work, you need to have strong convictions as environmental issues are deeply nuanced and are not as black-and-white as some other disciplines may be. From an ecological point of view, I truly believe that everything is connected and that everything has consequences if things go off-kilter. Even if we can't see it with our naked eye, I can assure you that the implications of anthropogenic changes can ripple through ecological relationships on an individual, population, community, and ecosystem scale.
I really dislike human-centric thinking in which changes in the environment don't matter unless they affect us, whether that be morally, economically, or politically. We as humans have to advocate for things that can't voice their opinions. I don't think that people realize how complex nature really is unless they strive for a career in the environmental sciences. I think the public school curriculum does a disservice in this regard, as they put more emphasis on fields with more profitability. It's surprising to me how out of touch some people are with their environment. I know people who can't identify native Ontario flora and fauna, which is essential to forming a connection with your environment. A mutual friend of mine hasn't even been to the Arboretum up until very recently in his 4 years of undergrad.
I also believe that at its core, environmental education should have no barriers. Children who grew up in urban environments deserve to experience nature at its peak-- not between cracks in sidewalks or confined in a concrete prison. Western science has been and still is dominated by cis-white men who have a very distinct view of what this looks like within an environmental context. We need to encourage other demographics to participate in academia to fill in knowledge gaps that may have not even been realized. In the same vein, I think that understanding Canada's colonial history is vital when considering knowledge gaps. Many Indigenous people are stewards of the environment, participating in guardianship programs to keep biodiversity intact. They also have a breadth of knowledge about the environment since time immemorial. Creating safe and equal opportunities in the name of conserving our planet is essential. I cannot stress that enough.
As I mentioned in previous blog posts over the weeks, I worked this summer as a camp counselor at a farm. I was the only counselor who had a background in environmental science despite camp programming being heavily focused on agriculture and nature. When working there, I often felt as though it was my duty to instill environmental education in the children. I wanted them to be inspired just like I was at their age with science. I frequently brought in my own resources (books, crystals, fossils) to show the campers and to ignite this curiosity.
Touching on the subject of accessibility again, I find that this is a big issue with scholarly journal articles. Personally, I don't think science should be put behind a paywall. Everyone has a right to understand the world around us. I also realize that most academics don't have a say in the monetary aspect of their papers and that the problem lies with the publisher. I'm probably approaching this with some naivety or ignorance due to my lack of knowledge of actually being in that world but, I still feel like my argument holds some merit. Today, so many people are still climate change deniers. When approaching this problem, I definitely think that open-access papers can help with this. People fear what they don't understand.
As a side note, I think that how science is presented in the journal articles itself should be rethought. I'm in a lab and fieldwork course right now where we're basically going through the motions of writing our own research paper. We were heavily discouraged from using synonyms, or really any interesting language. As an academic, I understand why this is. You have to be objective in order to clearly communicate the purpose of your paper. However, as a writer, this frustrates me. You could argue that journal articles are a tool of interpretation itself. Then, shouldn't we approach the methodology of writing papers differently? People whose brains are not wired for science might not even seek out articles about things they're unsure about because of the language barrier. Most people do not have the privilege of attending higher education and have to resort to media outlets that create outrageous/fear-mongering headlines in a subpar attempt at interpretation? Why does there need to be this middleman who profits from falsities and has their own biases?
Everything I've discussed in this blog post are beliefs I hold close to my heart. Without them, I don't think I'd be much of an ecologist or for that matter, a nature interpreter. I don't think we should conform to the way things have always been or approach the climate crisis with apathy. Things have to change. And the only way this can happen is through modes of interpretation. I think this post is a culmination of everything I bring to the table as an interpreter but that doesn't mean I'm right. That's the beauty of interpretation as well, there are always ways to improve, and there are always new perspectives or experiences that should contribute to the conversation.
Wow, your blog post's extent of information really amazes me! Reading it has given me a lot of understanding, and your thoughts have been really informative. Since I share your enthusiasm for pursuing a career in environmental sciences, it inspires me greatly. I completely agree with your dedication to raising awareness of environmental issues and utilizing our voices to change the world.
I completely concur with your views, emphasizing the need to develop a relationship with the world around us. It's disheartening to see how some people never seem to adjust to their environment. I know individuals who find it difficult to recognize native plants and animals in Ontario, ignoring the crucial connection between learning about our local ecosystems and developing a sincere relationship with the natural world.
Your post has reinforced the idea that knowledge and awareness are essential steps towards good change, inspiring me to further investigate and appreciate the subtleties of my own world. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm; individuals like you motivate constructive action in the field of environmental preservation!
Have a great rest of the semester and keep pursuing this interest in nature because it will be beneficial for everyone around you!
Unit 9: Interpret (through this blog) the most amazing thing you know about nature – get us excited. This is your blog – you audience isn’t out in the field with you so bring the field to your armchair reader.
Hmmm, there are so many ways a person could run with this prompt. Choosing my direction for this one was hard! In this blog post we are going to take a look at combining scientific views, with those of arts and indigenous ecological knowledge. The most amazing things about nature are clear when we view it from as many perspectives as possible simultaneously.
To illustrate this blog we will consider asters and goldenrod, their beauty and why they grow together. The aster is a deep purpley blue flower, and goldenrod a bright yellow almost gold appearing flower.
I’m going to start off by talking about art. Colour theory explains why certain colours look good together. We also need to remember that colour is just light in its different wavelengths interacting with chemical matter around us. The presentation of colour in nature or at least our and other animals' perceptions of it serves purpose. This purpose is to create a world as diverse as possible. By having different colours grouped and perceived in different patterns the diversity and possible niches for life to exist expands greatly. The way colours present themselves is art, but its also ecological! By the yellow and purple flowers growing together, different pollinators are attracted, different fungi are spread, and different nutrients are absorbed and released into the soil. This gross understatement of reciprocal interactions portrays the spiritual and artful complexity of scientific nature. Music can be found in nature as we discussed in our earlier weeks. Music is mathematical, oscillations and frequencies, music is emotional, music is cultural.
With this all being said, let's further explore the science of this phenomena. The Fibonacci Sequence, is a mathematical sequence where the next number is found by adding the two numbers before it. For example 0+1=1, then 1+1 = 2, then 1+2 +3, then 2+3=5 and so on. When squares are made with these widths, a spiral forms. The Fibonnaci numbers converge to create the golden ratio. These patterns can be found everywhere in nature!! Plants and flowers grow in patterns that fit this spiral as it maximizes space and the ability for plants to absorb light from the sun! It also explains the number of petals. The ratio can be found in the pattern of shells and in animals as well! Artists frequently use this ratio to compose their art in aesthetically appealing ways. By far the most amazing thing about nature is its complexities and connections with everything, even those which seem unrelated. Science can be emotional, and spiritual, something that the western scientific method does not like to traditionally recognize.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge can be defined as a cumulative body of knowledge, practice and belief that evolves by accumulating TEK, firsthand and handed down through generations of traditional songs, stories, beliefs and lessons. Among indigenous communities science is not strictly objective. It is spiritual. We are a part of the natural world, and are subject to natural law. Humans are not above nature but are a part of it. Time is cyclical rather than linear and our actions are a part of reciprocal relationships. Science lets us zoom into what we cannot observe and Traditional ecological knowledge can connect it to a human's place in the natural world. We are not removed from science, we are not removed from nature, we are not removed from art, we are simultaneously all these things.
If people can view nature and life in this simply complex place of interconnection, everything becomes limitlessly beautiful. If we are effected into affecting the world around us, well then our actions and thoughts come back around to ourselves and the larger system. We should all take care of ourselves and everything around us. Especially one another and the natural world.
This is to me the most amazing thing about nature it's all a system. It is everything. Learning to see it in as many ways as possible simultaneously puts me at a loss for words.
Hi there!
Wow, I have to say this blog post was very wholesome! You really went into detail and made it easy for me to understand! The concept that our actions and thoughts can profoundly influence the world around us is an undeniable truth. This emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the impact our decisions can have. When we nurture our environment, it reciprocates that care, nurturing us in return.
As someone who has never studied colour theory deeply, I appreciated reading your insights. You've eloquently highlighted the profound interconnectedness of science and art in our understanding of nature. The intricate patterns and relationships within ecosystems resemble a masterpiece, possessing their own unique aesthetics and symphonies. This perspective beautifully illuminates the elegance of ecological science, allowing us to unravel the intricate tapestry of life and gain a deep appreciation for the complex and often harmonious interactions between different elements. Your discussion on the fusion of colour theory with art and music also reminds me of our previous blog post a few weeks ago, which delved into this fascinating topic. You definitely covered some amazing facts about nature.
You did a great job with this post, it was very educational!
Blog Post 9
Interpret (through this blog) the most amazing thing you know about nature – get us excited. This is your blog – your audience isn’t out in the field with you so bring the field to your armchair reader.
Hello everyone, hope you had a great weekend and that your podcasts went well!
I really enjoy learning about nature, and one fascinating fact I'd like to share in this blog relates to plants! Did you know that scientists estimate there are over 400,000 species of plants on Earth, with at least half of them being edible for humans? It's mind-boggling to think that we potentially have access to around 300,000 plant species that we could consume. However, the reality is quite different. Our food choices are not solely based on taste and nutritional value; in fact, many of our most important crops are shockingly high in pollutants. Because of their hazardous qualities, several of these crops might even be prohibited from being consumed by humans if they were introduced today.
I distinctly remember the shock I felt when I first discovered this information. In a world with such an incredible diversity of plant life, I couldn't even name five plant species that I regularly eat. This revelation prompted me to dive deeper into the topic. What I found was both enlightening and practical: being edible doesn't necessarily mean something is "eatable." Many of these lesser-known edible plants either taste terrible, require specialized skills to prepare, or are so challenging to cultivate that they would cost a fortune to maintain.
I'm genuinely interested in hearing your thoughts on this subject. Have you ever come across this surprising fact before? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments. If you'd like to read more about this topic, you can check out the article I'm referring to by following this link:
From Roman toilet gods to fat hen, good stories abound in this book about why we eat only particular plants
I also recently learned a fact when it comes to studying the medicinal potential of plants. It's quite surprising that only a tiny fraction of plant species have been looked into for their healing properties. Particularly the rainforest holds a wealth of possible treatments for both modern and historical medical conditions. There's still so much we don't know, and this untapped resource might hold the answers to major medical breakthroughs. I had to work on an assignment about this, and it made me realize that scientists should absolutely keep digging into plant research. Time and time again, they've shown us that these remedies can be incredibly beneficial for our health. So, it's a no-brainer that we should continue exploring the incredible world of plants for our well-being. If you have any home plant remedies that are medicinal, please let me know! Have a great week everyone.
Blog post 7
Music is in nature in so many ways. Through the sound of a river flowing or birds calling, there are many places that music can be found in nature. I love waking up in the summer with my window open to the sound of birds chirping. It’s like waking up to a personal alarm clock that gently wakes you up. I also love when I’m on vacation and can hear the calls from tropical birds and the crazy sounds the bugs make throughout the day, it’s a unique song that blends all the sounds together. They are sounds that you would think would clash together in your ears but somehow, they play in an almost harmony with one another presenting as music to my ears. Another great natural sound is that of whales calling. Their deep almost mournful cries echoing through the ocean plays a tune that reflects differently to everyone. Although I interpret their songs as a peaceful almost sad song, I know they have many calls for different purposes and someone else might interpret it in a more positive way than me. Sometimes when I can’t sleep I will listen to whale calls to calm myself and bring me to a place where my mind is resting, I find they have that capability for me.
Finding nature in music is a tougher one to tackle. As mentioned in some of the reading, sounds from nature can be used in songs as background noise and almost as an instrumental effect. But I think finding nature in music comes more from a personal memory. Like being out on a hike and getting this feeling of comfort, that you are safe and happy, then getting that same feeling through a song. Association is, in my opinion, a large part of finding nature in music. Whether it be through a memory or through a shared feeling. Many people might have certain songs that they really associate with nature whether it be a campfire song or simply a song they listened to on a picnic one day.
A song that always reminds me of nature and of a beautiful landscape is the sound of music. As one of my favourite movies, I have always dreamed of visiting the rolling hills of Austria as Julie Andrews does in the beginning of the movie. There are some lines from the song in particular that really just bring nature and music together so beautifully. For example, ‘To laugh like a brook as it trips, and falls over stones on its way’ you can almost hear the sound of water tumbling over stones and when she is singing it in the movie it brings this piece to the song that just makes it that much better. The first line of the song ‘the hill are alive with the sound of music’ just carries this message that nature and music can be together in harmony.
Hello!
Waking up in the morning to birds chirping is so much more relaxing than an iPhone alarm. There's a certain tranquillity in the natural symphony of birdsong that technology can't quite replicate. I definitely agree with you. These natural sounds of animals bring a calming feeling and have such harmony. It's amazing how nature's symphony can soothe our souls and remind us of the beauty of the world around us. A melody like this never gets old. It's a beautiful reminder of the harmony that exists in the world around us.
I definitely agree that association is a main source of finding nature in music. Reminiscing about a core childhood memory always takes me back to a specific song. It's incredible how a melody can instantly transport you to a different time and place, evoking the emotions and sensations tied to that memory.
I have yet to watch "The Sound of Music," but by the way you describe it, it seems like the perfect movie that connects both nature and music together. It's amazing how the arts, like film and music, can intertwine to create a powerful and emotional experience. I'll have to add it to my must-watch list. Thank you for the recommendation!
Blog Post 7
Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music?
As a follow-up (focus on the above two before you tackle this one), what song takes you immediately back to a natural landscape? What is the context? Share it with us – I would imagine many of these ideas may have similar underpinnings of a campfire, roadtrip, backpacking journey, etc.!
Hello everyone! I love this blog prompt for week seven, it's a combination of two of my favourite passions: music and nature!
I have always had a deep love for both music and the natural world, and their complementary relationship has always provided me with endless inspiration. The soothing sound of running water, the whispers of the wind, and the melodies produced by nature's animals are all closely connected. On the other hand, the magical beauty of nature is frequently reflected in the creations of the musical world. Because music has such an amazing ability to convey the essence of nature, the link between nature and music is a source of inspiration for both musicians and artists. One song in particular that easily transports me to a place is "I Follow Rivers". I have a special place in my heart for this song since I can identify with its melodies on an emotional level. When I was younger, I would always replay this song, either on a hike with my friends or on a road trip with my family. Surprisingly, while I'm outside, I frequently prefer to listen to nature's noises rather than music. The way birds start their morning chorus, with their chirps, and the leaves gently swaying and rustling in the breeze. I really believe Mother Nature herself is conducting a captivating symphony for us through these natural sounds. And this symphony has the incredible ability to create a peaceful ambiance. These natural sounds hold a unique power that can transport individuals into a different realm in the world around with an intensity that's truly transformative. Music, in all its forms, has a way of capturing the spirit of nature. Music artists often seem to draw inspiration from the very spirit of nature when creating their works. Whether it's in the subtle background melody or the overall composition, there's a sense of familiarity, like echoes of the sounds we hear when we're outdoors. I'll sum up by saying that I can never describe the deep ways that music and the environment enhance my life. Both domains take me to a state of amazement, inspiration, and are also both domains that have shaped me as a person. Listening to music and embracing the soothing sounds of nature is vital to me because it offers a mental escape and a heartfelt connection to the world's beauty, providing solace and inspiration in the midst of life.
I have attached a link to the song I mentioned that I would always replay when hiking or when on a road trip! Let me know what song you enjoy listening to when going for a walk or just while being outside.
Blog 6
Prompt: unpack “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.”
Hey everyone! This week's prompt is about unpacking the quote above. I think for this week's blog I’m going to go through the quote step by step to unpack it as easily as possible. The first part of the quote “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” is something I agree with as we learned this week about interpretation through history, its interpretation that brings life in and meaning to “ancient things'' and the quote says that integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole and I think that also applies to history. Through our interpretation of history we keep together the parts of history and attempt to keep it whole. The next portion of the quote “and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things.” What I think the quote is saying hear is that if parts of history are scattered through time or lost, then it is through interpretation of history that we can attempt to put the pieces together. Because we interpret history it allows us to remember the stories, the knowledge, memories and keep the stories of ancient things intact and breathe life into them. The last part of this quote “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.” talks about how if don't care to think about history or don't care to interpret it is like saying all that happened in the past doesn't matter. If no one thinks about or attempts to interpret history it's like it never happened at all. Or whatever did happen only happened then, and it doesn't matter what really happened. I agree with what the quote is saying overall, that something being ancient or old isn't what makes it interesting. What makes an ancient thing interesting is found through the interpretation of that location, when you interpret the history of something you look at its community, its culture and the stories about what happened there. Through interpreting all these things we can give meaning to history. The same goes with interpreting nature as well, the landscapes we interpret won't always look the same, as the world changes it could be destroyed for housing or it could be burned down in a fire. If we don't interpret the landscapes and attach stories, cultures, and memories to the landscape it’ll be just like the quote said, the landscape would be like the railway station, it only existed while we were there. I think the quote has a lot of meaning attached to it, especially around the importance of interpreting history and the things attached to it so that the history of a place stays meaningful even after it's gone.
Wow! I appreciate how you've broken it down step by step, and I agree with your interpretations. This quote is also so well connected to interpreting nature, which I really appreciate.
Ancient things don't have anything particularly special but keeping the integrity of them is very important. It doesn't matter how old something is, it matters how we interpret it and keep it whole over time. This is especially true in history, as we patch together shards to preserve the memories and stories. It has more to do with the histories, cultures, and memories that go along with it than it does with age. This also holds true for the natural world because changing landscape. Without interpretation and purpose, they are as short-term as a single railway stop. This remark serves as a reminder of the importance of interpretation, memory, and storytelling in maintaining the relevance and significance of history and nature. It serves as a wonderful reminder of our responsibility to tell stories about and interpret the past and our surroundings. I truly like how this quote is so well-connected to understanding nature.
Blog Post 6
Happy week 6 everyone!
Having read this quote by Edward Hyams for the first time, I admit that I was puzzled by it. It wasn't one of those quotes that immediately makes sense, but it sure got me thinking. After reading it over and over I think I understand it. Here's what I think is the main idea: Hyams is telling us that the worth of ancient things doesn't just depend on how old they are, but on how they fit into the bigger picture of our history. In other words, it's not about age; it's about contribution. When the train departs, the station's history does not end. You don't just remember one instant; you remember the sum of countless visitors, the workers, and the station's role in bridging places and people. In Hyams's argument, age itself is without intrinsic merit; it is unrelated to antiquity's value. Instead, the integrity of our species' collective passage through time is what matters most. In order to maintain our history as a whole and continuous thing, we must preserve the interwoven elements that make it up. It is important for us to know ancient things and to remember them, not just because they were ancient, but because they were significant to the moulding of our culture
So in conclusion, I believe Hyams is telling us to appreciate and remember the past. Preserving the integrity of our entire historical journey is more important than protecting old artifacts or cultural traditions. Even in our fast-paced world, the past still plays a vital role in the story we're still writing. Our roots matter, and the knowledge from the past continues to shape who we are today and who we'll become in the future. This quote is a reminder of how important it is to recognize the historical significance of places and objects. It's a reminder that, like a train station that stands strong even after the train departs, the past isn't truly finished; it keeps on influencing and shaping our present and future.
My favourite line is “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”, it's such a unique way of emphasizing how we can sometimes have a self-centered and limited view of the past.
Please let me know what you found of this quote and if you have a different interpretation :)
Blog 5
Although I am finding it interesting to learn about different aspects of nature interpretation and being able to talk about them through our blogs, doing a blog post on what we are thinking about is just what I need this time of the semester! As we have all been getting through midterms and making our way through the semester, I have personally spent the last week trying to enjoy the last of the warm weather before the cold front comes in. Last week I was swimming in the river near my house on the days that were 25+ degrees and this week I am getting out my hats and scarves because the wind is so chilly!
For this blog post I am going to take the opportunity to talk a bit more about where I live and my favourite animal, turtles! Bear with my thoughts as I try to reign them in through this blog post! If you have read my first blog post, you probably already know how much I love my little slice of heaven called Eden Mills. I am always happy to brag about our town and I feel that it fits so well with this course that I have to talk about it! Currently I volunteer through RARE with turtle conservation in my village. Ideally after graduating, I would love to continue to work in turtle conservation (preferably somewhere warm and on the ocean) as they are a species that is so highly impacted by humans, whether it be through garbage dumped in the ocean or what we see more locally of turtles being hit by cars as we build roads through their wetlands.
When I’m out either waiting for the baby turtles to hatch or waiting for a turtle to finish laying her eggs people will often stop and ask me why I do it. A valid question as I’m sometimes waiting for hours on end! It gives me the opportunity to talk about turtles and why I care so much and hopefully it inspires them to care as well! I feel that this course will really help me when I’m in a situation like that again where I get to interpret the life of turtles to someone who has taken the time to ask me about it. For example, even if I release 100 babies safely in a wetland in the appropriate place (muddy shallow water with lots of coverage, babies spread out so they are not too close together in case a heron comes along), there is a very low chance that any of them will make it to sexual maturity. Although all this information might not be as interesting to others as it is to me, something that can usually get people interested is the release of baby turtles! Being able to find something that can grab the audience’s attention then gives us the opportunity to share this other information with them.
I've attached some pictures of the babies I got to participate in releasing this year! I hope you enjoy!
Hello there!
I'm glad you got to enjoy the warm weather last week. As for this week, it is definitely starting to feel more like fall. The changing seasons always bring a unique charm.
I find it so interesting and fascinating to learn about your turtle journey. The photos you attached definitely captured my attention! Turtles are amazing creatures, but they are highly impacted by human activities. Whether it's the garbage dumped in the ocean or the more local issue of turtles being hit by cars as we build roads through their wetlands, their struggle is real.
It's great to hear that turtles are your passion, and that you enjoy your volunteer opportunity. I admire your dedication to this cause. I'm curious, is there a specific reason why you started working with them? What sparked your interest, and how has your journey with turtles unfolded? It's such an important cause, and I'd love to hear more about your personal motivation and experiences in this field.
Your insights into conservation efforts and success stories could shed light on the potential for positive change in the world of turtle conservation.
Have a great rest of the week!!
Blog Post 5
Hello everyone! Hope your Thanksgiving break was enjoyable and you spent time outside or doing something you enjoyed!
Since this is a week with a free blog prompt, I wanted to provide a summary of the past four weeks regarding our blog prompts. Starting from week 1, I had the opportunity to delve into my childhood and discuss my deep connection with nature. I explored the concept of "a sense of place" and how it has become an ongoing journey in my life. I want to emphasize the role my family played in nurturing my love for the outdoors, as their support allowed me to cultivate this passion. Discovering a sense of place within nature has evolved into a lasting and significant part of my life, something I reflected on during the Thanksgiving break while spending quality time outside.
In week 2, I demonstrated my constant commitment to the environment and connecting with my readers. Sharing my interest and interacting with a group of people that cherish the same things as I do was an eye-opening experience. Week 3 brought its own set of difficulties. I investigated the complex issue of privilege, realizing that its meaning varies greatly from person to person. We all have various ideas and viewpoints on what privilege means in our life. In that post, I decided to focus on privilege in the context of nature interpretation, particularly the privilege of having access to more land. This topic shed light on disparities in environmental access and usage. As for last week, it was undoubtedly my favorite blog prompt. I had the opportunity to explore the world of art. To me, art is a profound expression of beauty, both in aesthetics and its ability to convey stories and emotions. I focused on painting, which is an art form I hold in high respect. My own passion for drawing enabled me to appreciate the importance of art in storytelling, and I had an enjoyable experience of sharing these insights with other students.
The process of writing these blog prompts has been enormously fulfilling, not just in terms of communicating my views, but also in cultivating a feeling of community and connection. It's encouraging to know that my writings have resonated with people who share similar interests and passions. As I contemplate upcoming blog postings, I am enthusiastic about the variety of themes and concepts that will be covered. I wish to continue on this path of self-expression and connection since it not only deepens my personal understanding but also adds to a greater conversation about the issues that are important to me. Thank you for reading my blog post!
Have a great rest of the week everyone!
BLOG PROMPT: Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”? (Your readings – specifically Chapter 5 of the textbook – will be helpful for this!)
Hello all, I hope you’ve gotten a chance to get outside and enjoy the sun!
Typically, when I think of ‘art’, my mind always goes to paintings and such – which I personally don’t have much of an appeal for, or in the least, not the eye for. But if we take a look at what art really encapsulates and consists of (because it’s certainly more than just paintings), I have forever been drawn to photography and film.
What captivates me most about it is the power a single photograph or film can hold. Photographs can open people’s eyes to things they didn’t know existed or was a problem, or even simply display the beauty of whatever their subject may be. I can think of many instances where photographs and films have changed federal policies, raised thousands of dollars, brought awareness, and captured the hearts of millions. Displaying and highlighting the interconnectedness of us all, we bring people together to take fastidious care of our world and our fellow beings. Just one of many examples, ‘The Terror of War’ (aka., ‘Napalm Girl’) (pictured below), has become a defining photo of the war in Vietnam. The image was seen around the world and had become a symbol for anti-war and American occupation in Vietnam. Or even think of documentaries such as Blackfish, the film that changed the face of an entire industry; opening viewers’ eyes up to the cruelties of animal entertainment companies such as Marine Land and SeaWorld. Following the release of the incredibly moving documentary Blackfish, SeaWorld saw an 84% decrease in income and lost thousands upon thousands of attendees. Protestors took to the streets of Canada and demanded that displaying dolphins, whales, and porpoises be made illegal, resulting in a federal bill to be passed that banned the use of these marine animals for entertainment purposes.
By informing audiences of controversial topics, climate disasters, ethical dilemmas, war-torn countries, species extinctions, and even just the world around them, we can provoke thought and meaning-making to all viewers and audiences. Art of all kinds has the potential to elicit an emotional response to the interpreter’s subject. Opening the hearts and minds of audiences through illustrating our beautiful planet and the marvel of human resilience, we can create radical change and unite people across the globe.
Enjoy the sunshine people!
Talk soon,
Olivia
The Terror of War or Napalm Girl (photograph by Nick Ut - June 8th, 1972)
Ut, N. (2016). Napalm Girl. Times. photograph, Trang Bang. Retrieved October 2, 2023, from https://time.com/4485344/napalm-girl-war-photo-facebook/.
Soderberg, A. (2021, December 13). The continuous impact of ’blackfish. Medium. https://medium.com/@annika_soderberg/the-continuous-impact-of-blackfish-303eb5a20526#:~:text=In%20the%20year%20following%20Blackfish%27s,the%20impact%20of%20the%20documentary.
Hi Olivia!
I enjoyed reading your blog and how much you are captivated by the art of photography. The image you provided of ‘The Terror of War’ represented contentious issues while encouraging viewers and audiences to reflect and make sense of them. Since it deepens the meaning of photos, engages viewers on a deeper level, and fosters critical thinking and creativity, art interpretation is crucial in photography, as you indicated. I mostly discussed painting as art on my blog, but after reading yours, I realized that there is one key distinction between the two (painting vs. photography): creativity and observation. With painting, the artist can make up imaginative realms or abstract ideas, using imagination and creativity to materialize their thoughts. Taking pictures of scenes, people, or objects as they are in the real world is the goal of photography. While photographers might be inventive in their composition and post-processing, the initial focal point is usually something seen in real life. In summary, your focus on photography attracts the world's genuine moments, making it a crucial and engaging medium in the field of art.
After reading your blog I have a better understanding of the dynamics of photography, and I'm eager to learn more about it. I appreciate your inspirational ideas.
Blog Post 4
Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”? (Your readings – specifically Chapter 5 of the textbook – will be helpful for this!)
Art can be interpreted differently by each person based on their own sense of "the gift of beauty". In my case, I have unique interpretations and perspectives on art. To me, art and the gift of beauty are appreciated for their aesthetics and looks as well as for their ability to tell stories.
Sculptures, paintings, and photos can all be considered art. The aesthetics of a piece of art are what first catches my eye when viewing it. At first, I enjoy observing art, taking in the shapes, colours, lines, and textures because they fascinate me and have a way of providing feelings and sparking a sense of delight and curiosity. The aesthetic attractiveness of an art piece can be an experience in and of itself, providing enjoyment for the eyes and soul.
I've always been fascinated with art, and on my first trip to the Louvre in Paris, I was especially taken to Eugène Delacroix's masterpiece "Liberty Leading the People." I just couldn't believe that a picture from the 1800s could be so detailed and carry so much history and meaning. I will make sure to include a photo of this painting so you can view it for its aesthetic and potentially recognize the history and story behind it!
My observation is that after admiring a work of art for a few seconds or minutes, I try to grasp its meaning by way of storytelling. My appreciation of art is enriched by the depth that this storytelling component brings, turning a lovely composition into a meaningful and stimulating experience. Art may help convey the gift of beauty by depicting how nature interacts with us, the wonders and mysteries it provides, or the compelling need to conserve it. We can interpret art in a way that is particular to each of us and open to interpretation in order to discover the message behind it. According to my perception, art acts as a link between the creator's original expression and the viewer's particular viewpoint. It enables us to connect with the beauty that the artist sees and get a look into their spirit. Consequently, art allows us to include our own experiences and recollections so that each interaction with art becomes a very personal and constantly changing journey. So to answer the initial question as to who I am labelled as when it comes to interpreting art, I am a curious soul looking to understand the meaning behind art. I continue to learn skills just by observing and staying curious. This ability to find significance and beauty in our own manner is what makes art such a valuable and lasting gift to society.
Hope you are all enjoying this sunny week!
Prompt 3: The role of privilege in nature interpretation.
What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation? Please include your working definition of privilege.
I believe that privilege has a major role to play in nature interpretation, but before that is discussed, I believe that it is important to explain my definition of privilege. The formal definition of privilege is “a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group”. I believe that my definition of privilege is nearly identical to this one, while I would add that for most of the people who have privilege, they remain unaware of it, as in today’s society, privilege is deeply ingrained.
Now that we have my working definition of privilege, we can discuss the various roles it plays in nature interpretation. One being the access to natural spaces, one of the most significant ways privilege affects nature interpretation. People living in urban areas such as Toronto have limited green spaces and limited diversity among the flaura and fauna that they are able to identify and see, while someone even such as myself, who grew up just outside of Orillia, Ontario, has a much greater access to green spaces and diversity of living organisms and environments. Furthermore, those with a higher economic status are able to have better nature interpretation due to the access to cars and vehicles to reliably transport them to said landscapes. Also, they can pay the entry fees and day passes to certain landmarks or provincial parks that others might not be able to afford.
Another way that privilege plays a role in nature interpretation is access to jobs in environmental fields or outdoor locations. I am very privileged to be so close to a provincial park and to be able to work maintenance at said provincial park. This means that I am spending 40 hours a week at minimum in nature and have access to a provincial park where one of the main goals ins species diversity and environment rehabilitation. The same cannot be said about others. Some people have to work indoors, at desks, in cities, in factories, in order to live, while I get the opportunity to work in the place that I do.
Finally, privilege plays a major role in environmental awareness. Those that have access to the education and literature may have a larger understanding of the environment and ecological issues. Those that are able to take courses, afford books, or even have a major in an environmental science or nature specific course load may have a greater knowledge of certain things in nature then others.
While these are not all of the issues that privilege has on nature interpretation, I do believe that these are some of the major ones, and it is important for everybody to recognize the privilege they have, whether it be in nature interpretation or in all facets of their lives.
Hi @ksevn3000f23!
I completely agree with your definition of privilege and your major points. When I lived in downtown Toronto, I realized how limited green spaces were in the area. Even though I was surrounded by so many parks in a major city, I still felt very isolated because it was extremely difficult to have access to them. Whether it was transport or price, privilege definitely comes in handy when having access, I realized at an early age. Now that I'm in Guelph, I find great comfort in simply walking around campus and visiting the Arboretum. Unfortunately, the majority of jobs require working indoors in an office, which often means missing out on the natural surroundings. However, it's essential to consider that some individuals might prefer indoor work, particularly when considering factors like weather and personal comfort. I'm totally on board with your last point about education and being eco-conscious. It's easy to overlook how lucky we are to have access to a good education. Education gives us the smarts to care for the environment. Finally, adding to your last point, environmental issues affect us all, and being eco-aware isn't just a personal benefit, it is something we should all feel responsible for.
Thanks for sharing this post and have a great rest of the week!
Blog Post 3
What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation? Please include your working definition of privilege.
Hello everyone! Hope you are having a great week.
To me, privilege refers to the advantages and benefits that people receive as a result of their social standing. Privilege exists in every aspect of life, including nature interpretation. The recognition of privilege can make nature interpretation essential to topics such as environmental justice to protecting the natural world. I'm going to address two situations where privilege significantly affects how individuals perceive nature.
Firstly, environmental awareness is a source of privilege in nature interpretation. A person's privilege can have a big impact on how much environmental engagement and mindfulness they display. Those with more privilege usually have the time and money to actively advocate for the environment or lead sustainable lives. The ability to buy eco-friendly goods or even participate in eco activities may additionally be a direct outcome of one's economic advantage. On the other hand, the less fortunate may find it challenging to prioritize such eco-friendly habits due to a lack of time or financial resources.
Secondly, I believe that having access to landscapes is influenced by privilege. Higher socioeconomic groups usually have the resources and free time to discover the natural world, wilderness areas, or reside in areas with lots of open space. Individuals who are fortunate enough to live in or visit these areas can automatically learn about the natural world and its ecosystems. In this way, these individuals are able to become more environmentally aware and open minded. However, people from less fortunate backgrounds might only have restricted access, primarily as a result of financial constraints and not having the opportunity to live around green areas.
Since I mentioned two instances of privilege in nature interpretation, I think it is also important to note that we are in the process of making nature interpretation more inclusive regardless of someone's background, so they can access and appreciate the natural environment in a more equitable and inclusive manner. For example, individuals could be offered opportunities to learn more about nature through geographically diverse programs, either online or in person. By discovering new ways to be more inclusive, applying these tactics, and cultivating an inclusive culture, nature interpretation can become more equitable and accessible for individuals. As a result, people will develop a deeper and more general understanding of the natural environment through nature interpretation. Finally, it becomes clear that acknowledging and resolving privilege is not only an issue of fairness but also a crucial step in creating a more inclusive and sustainable connection with nature.
I hope everyone has a great rest of the week and I look forward to reading about what you think of this topic.
Unit 2 Blog
Prompt: Describe your ideal role of environmental interpreter. What might it entail? Where might it be? What skills might you need?
This summer I had the opportunity to work at a hobby farm as a camp counselor for children between the ages of 5-12 years old. Seeing as this was my first experience working with children, there was a definite learning curve with how I wanted to engage the campers through aspects of the farm and the general environment. A lot of the programming of the camp involved interaction with different farm animals, gardening, and agriculture. One of my main goals while working there was to create "a sense of place" within the children while also fostering inspiration to pursue an interest in the natural sciences.
While reflecting on my time at the farm, there are some things that I would do differently if presented with the opportunity to do it all over again. I think first and foremost, the ideal environmental interpreter would be extremely knowledgeable about the cultural and biological heritage of the site. One of my regrets is not knowing enough about gardening to garner meaningful engagement during the allocated time set aside for that activity. Additionally, most of my coworkers did not come from a science-related background which I think provided a little bit of a disservice since they lacked knowledge of basic ecological concepts as they weren't covered in training. Passion for the environment and learning shouldn't be overlooked. Despite the job sometimes being very stressful, I knew that as a camp counselor, it wasn't always about me. I was responsible for facilitating the learning and curiosity of the natural world to campers who may not have been exposed to wildlife. I remember distinctly that some of the children were unable to properly identify the farm animals, which was shocking as it always seemed to be second nature to me.
I also think knowing your audience is a huge factor to consider as an environmental interpreter. During the 12 weeks of camp, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of age groups and noticed that they responded differently to activities. I think this correlates to what was said in the textbook in that children grasp concepts at different stages of their lives. Being able to consider this and then subsequently create specific programming for them is key. While the information shouldn't differ based on cognitive capabilities, instead it should be tailored to better support whichever stage of learning a person may be at.
Interpreters should be open to answering questions as well, to encourage engagement and critical thinking. Not only must they be easily approachable, but provide opportunities for this. Many times while we were with the animals, I would get a plethora of questions about them. Even though the questions were sometimes silly or repetitive, I tried my best to give genuine answers as they were coming from a place of sincerity.
I thought I would include some pictures from the farm as my experience there really underpins the learning I'm doing within this course :)
Hi @czenvs3000f23!
Thanks for sharing blog post 2! I really enjoyed reading your post and the pictures you uploaded were lovely! It's clear that your 12-week camp counsellor experience was a transformative journey, both personally and academically. As an environmental student, being able to immerse yourself in farm life, gardening, and agriculture must have been incredibly fulfilling. It's hands-on experiences like these that truly shape our understanding of the environment and its intricacies.
I definitely agree with your statement that interpreters should be open to answering all types of questions; it is really important to be open-minded because these questions are coming from all different age groups. By encouraging questions from all age groups, interpreters can create an environment where people of different generations can interact and learn from each other. It's incredible how engaging with diverse audiences can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and foster meaningful connections.
I loved reading about how after you came back from the hobby farm as a camp counsellor, you realized that you might have changed things a bit, such as knowing more about the heritage of the site. I really do believe that enhancing geographical knowledge of various areas would prove to be highly advantageous. Exploring the historical and cultural context of a place can truly enrich the interpretive experience and make it even more meaningful for visitors. Keep up the great work in your environmental studies journey, as your dedication is sure to inspire many others along the way!
