Sara Steel

[dnenvs3000w22]

Final blog post #1: My beliefs and tools as a nature interpreter

For the final week of blog posts, I would like to take the chance to deeply reflect on what I have learned and how I can give back to my community, once I have graduated. I believe that as an environmental interpreter, I have the responsibility to teach, to inspire, to learn and to grow. In order to perform all these duties in an effective manner, I need to establish a set of beliefs that I need to follow:

Teach effectively by incorporating many styles of learning, do not settle with just the bare minimum (i.e: only giving out factual information like what a plain textbook already has, a nature interpreter is a person, not an audiobook).

When it comes to inspiring people, effective communication is an absolute necessity. This can only be done if I understand the topic, do my research, and communicate with audiences with a passion.

Always stay humble. Being able to own up to one’s mistakes is the most effective way to learn and mature from one’s faults. Besides teaching, it is very important to keep an open mind and open ears to listen, no matter who my audience is. There is always something they know that I do not.

Planning and design is important before embarking on any journey. However, keep in mind that there isn’t any perfect plan for every situation. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to handle any challenges in the most calm manner as possible.

Working in this field means I need to do my best to encourage participation and collaborative efforts (Knudsen and Seidler, 2013). This translates to giving my audience the opportunity to touch, feel, and smell nature, that way they get to experience nature to the full extent. This directly ties into the naturalistic intelligence that Howard Gardner suggested in 2011 (Beck et al., 2018). Even though it is the latest to be added to the list of learning style intelligences, I personally think it is the most relevant way to connect with nature on a deeper physical and spiritual level.

A useful tool that I can use to effectively communicate with my audience is probably my sense of humor. I have always been afraid of boring everybody whenever I talk, therefore, over time I learned how to level up my linguistic intelligence (Beck et al., 2018). However, it is important to keep in mind that there is an extent to the use of humor. Too much would just make the audience question the seriousness of the issue or the subject that I am trying to interpret, and will likely backfire on me as an interpreter.

Finally, we are living in an era where information and technology is only one click away. I think we should maximize this to their fullest potential. The textbook suggested that as interpreters, we do not need to be afraid of technologies as distractions, but rather, we can turn them into a tool by smoothly incorporating it into the ways we teach (Beck et al., 2018).

For now, that is where I am going to end this blog. I will see you all in the follow-up blog some time this week! Thanks for tuning in!

Duong (Robin) Nguyen.

References

Knudsen, M. A., Seidler, P. H. (2013). Nature interpretation for children and young people in the Nordic countries. Nordic Council of Ministers. DOI: 10.6027/TN2013-534

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

[ssenvs3000w22]

Hey Robin!

I really enjoyed your post this week!

Isn’t it neat that we now have knowledge (or at least more of the knowledge) that enables us to effectively connect with others and share with them the value of nature? Understanding the different ways that people learn as well as the different ways that people can interpret nature (music, art, history) will allow us to convey the value behind conserving nature.

You mention effective communication as something necessary for inspiring people. I also think that that is a crucial tool. A lot of information can be mistaken with poor communication, which can disengage and confuse your audience.

Staying humble is also a very important tool. Understanding that everyone brings unique values to the table is important, and also, using mistakes as a learning opportunity rather than an error encourages participation and removes the fear of failure that may reside in your audience.

I, too, believe that technology can be a valuable tool to facilitate nature interpretation. But I think we must be careful and make sure that technology does not replace the outdoor aspect of nature education. So much can be learned from simply being outside, things that cannot be replicated by technology. Therefore, technology should be used as a tool to enhance education rather than a replacement.

[cnenvs3000w22]

Final blog post

As a nature interpreter I thought that one of my main ethics would be to put the environment above all. However, the world is not black and white as I thought. What might be taught to be environmentally good, could be the complete opposite.

Take environmentally friendly items. Things become unsustainable by the process of how it’s made, how they get put into landfills, and how effective it really is. All these effects and more, decided the fate of what is considered to be good for the Earth. It gets even more complicated when you try to implement these things into a society that has a variety of people that cannot adapt fast or are unable to adapt. I have a privilege to be able to wash my reusable items without concerns about my disability affecting me. It is a privilege to even be able to buy such items. So while I want to preach to use reusable straws and such, sometimes it is not that simple.

The same can go for my personal ethic as a nature interpreter. I believe that we should do everything we can in order to protect the environment but we cannot ignore that there is always going to be a contrasting argument to take into consideration. One person is not entirely right and there is scientific evidence to prove both sides. I want to ensure that that perspective is taken into account when trying to tell others what is happening in nature.

Throughout this year I have learned about the different aspects of nature that I have not even thought about. Things like history or how it can relate to artistic themes such as music and art, are all concepts I failed to acknowledge for a long time. If I did it would be something as simple as “oh yeah nature is pretty like art. People like to take inspiration from it.” Nothing more.

Forcing myself to look deeper into a concept was what made me realize that there are more ways to give information. People may not understand the scientific background but they can still learn about the world around them through these different methods. I want to value the environment because I understand that we need it in a certain condition in order to survive. Others want to value it because it is beautiful. It’s their source of calmness and what makes them thrive. Something that people can use to relate to others from across the world. Even if someone had not experienced snow they know that it is white and cold. A simple idea that can be used to convey thoughts. Nature is powerful like that. It can be straighword with facts but up to anyone to interrupt as they please.

That is to show as well that I am not anyone important when it comes to expressing my thoughts. I do have a formal background in environmental but that does not mean anything to a child. To them, they view nature as something outside to enjoy. Not study in a book. What is a book about the cells diving in a leaf to a person who cannot see that with their naked eye? In contrast to that my background is not as intense as others out there. I still have not found a field of nature that I want to dedicate my life to like other scientists that to them I have no place to tell them what to think. I do not have a right to tell someone else to change their point of view. If someone wants to look at a leaf purely for the colour, and I want to study it, there should be no difference in the fact we both care for our surroundings. Using that connection is how I want to blend it all together. Taking both informational and creative sides together to make the best of both worlds.

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. Whether a person with a blank slate, an artist or a scientist, I take it upon myself to show that there is more to the world than what is written in a textbook. How I look at something compared to another is different. That does not mean that it is wrong or that one is better. Only different. Delivering that idea is how I want to be portrayed as a nature interrupter.

[ssenvs3000w22]

Hey!

Great post!

I really liked your point about how caring for the environment is a privilege. And I think that as someone with this privilege, it is important to do our part in being environmental stewards. However, I think another issue that sort of falls into this topic is greenwashing. With sustainability becoming “trendy”, many companies are rushing to implement sustainable practices. But what it is is just marketing to cover up environmentally harmful businesses. Unfortunately, not everyone has the resources available to make environmentally-friendly choices, which is entirely understandable. However, those who can make eco-conscious decisions and turn a blind eye to the harm that their decision is causing would benefit from a class like this, where the value of nature and conservation is discussed in many ways.

You raised another good point about how there are always two sides to an argument. By only focusing on one side, not only are you blocking out important information that could better inform your thoughts, but you are saying no to learning. For example, when thinking about the environment and policies, it is important to look at all of the evidence because even if a decision benefits the environment, it could be causing significant economic harm and counterproductive.

It is so true that everyone sees and values the environment in different ways. And it is very important to recognize that everyone has a right to their own opinion, even if it is a=one you may disagree with. It can be tricky to honour people’s opinions that differ from yours, especially on what you care deeply about. But it is important to remember that you do not have the right to dictate what other people think.

This class has shown me that there are many ways to connect with nature, like art, music and history. I now have a much more thorough understanding of what nature means and how to share my love of nature with people.

[ssenvs3000w22]

What I’ve learned – Last Discussion Post

I enrolled in nature interpretation because I am a nature lover and am frequently outdoors, so the course description aligned with my interests. Also, ENVS 3000 counted as a restricted elective for my program, environmental science. I wasn't sure what to expect regarding the materials we would be covering and the related assignments; I assumed it would consist of many readings, but other than that, I had no expectations. I learned a lot of new and interesting things about nature and myself. Each unit brought a new way to look at nature, which further enhanced my admiration and knowledge surrounding the outdoors. Because so many different topics have been covered over the last few months, I have decided that the best way to share my takeaways from the course would be to review each unit individually. This way, I can cover everything that I got out of each subject covered and do so in an organized way that should avoid any overlap or confusion. Unit 1 Unit one gave me my first introduction to nature interpretation as a discipline. Before, when I thought of nature interpretation, I just assumed it was something that everyone subconsciously did when outdoors; I now know there is much more to nature interpretation than that. I never before made the connection between education and interpretation, now two things I group together. Unit one explained what nature interpretation is, and what came as a surprise to me is how broad this discipline is. This point became increasingly evident throughout the course as we looked at nature interpretation and how it relates to many different topics, like music, history, and art. Unit 2 Unit 2 taught me about the different types of learners that exist. I discovered that I was 50% tactile learner, 30% auditory learner, and 20% visual learner. This did not come as a surprise to me. Growing up (and still today), I was very active and had high energy, and I always had to be doing something. I would skip the instructions and dive right in anything that required instructions—always learning by doing. Knowing the type of learner that I am is very useful. I can adjust my study strategies and learning environments to make them more conducive to focusing and absorbing information. Education is linked with nature interpretation, and as an interpreter, it is imperative to recognize and connect with people of all different learning styles. For example, it is important to be able to explain something visually equally well as provide a demonstration of what you just described. In chapter 5 of "Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For A Better World" Beck et al. (2018) explain that the primary job of an interpreter is to help people comprehend the world around them, cultures that exist(ed) alongside their own, and how their existence can influence how humans live in this world. This passage highlights the importance t=of an interpreter being able to communicate effectively with their audience. When it comes to my morals associated with nature, I hold the environment and wildlife in very high regard and do my best to make my lifestyle choices have as small an impact on the environment as possible. Something that has come up a few times throughout this course is environmental stewardship, a very important role today. Unit 3 Chapter 7 of "Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For A Better World", Beck et al. (2018) go into detail about the many ways nature can be made more accessible to people. Something from this chapter that stood out to me was a review done by Pease (2015) on interpretation and underserved audiences. The review highlighted barriers faced by individuals which discouraged park visitation, such as:

- Economic barriers - Cultural barriers - Communication barriers - Lack of knowledge - Fear

Unit 3 also touched on privilege and access to outdoor recreation. My privilege can be demonstrated in my surprise to learn of the prevalence of all of these barriers. I was surprised to learn of this since these are barriers that I never had to face. All people should have equal and easy access to nature, and as I discussed in my unit 3 blog post, lots can be done to change this.

Over reading week, I was fortunate to go skiing out west with my family. This class has made me even more aware of my privilege and I was very grateful to have this opportunity. Unit 4 Unit 4 focused on risks associated with nature. My biggest takeaway from this unit is the importance of planning ahead. So many problems can be avoided by proper planning and preparation. Unit 4 mentions that accidents that happen outdoors are usually caused by a chain of decisions and events, all building up to one significant fallout. I would consider myself a risk-averse person; I plan for things and rarely leave something to the last minute, especially when it concerns a situation with big consequences. Unit 5 I see nature through a scientific lens because of my academic background in environmental science. Wals et al. (2014) talk about the importance of allowing people to develop their own ability to think critically, creatively, and ethically when evaluating environmental situations, make sound decisions pertaining to those situations, and build the capacity and commitment to act individually and collectively for environmental sustainability (source). This point speaks to the importance and prevalence of science in nature interpretation, specifically, valuing ecosystems to ensure they function well.

Here’s a picture of a twig I took as part of a tree-identification project. This demonstrates how education is often combined with nature interpretation.

Unit 6 The primary takeaway from unit 6 was how much value there is in history. As covered in unit 6's blog post, all of our knowledge today stems from the past. Therefore, to better understand where we came from and how we evolved, the interpretation of ancient things is crucial.

Unit 7 Every nature interpreter is unique. Their interpretation style is influenced by their upbringing, surroundings, and more. Music provides a platform to express people's ideas through art. A lot of music draws inspiration from nature in sounds, motifs, and lyrics. However, there is also music made by nature. This is in the form of wind, rain, animals and more. Something I learned from this unit is just how closely the two subjects, nature and music, where and how music is a great way to experience nature. Unit 8 My main takeaway from unit 8 is that both pros and cons come along with the advancement of technology as it relates to nature interpretation. Technology can be advantageous because it allows people to enhance their exposure to nature through music, podcasts, etc. However, it also creates a disconnect between society and the natural world. Before technology, kids would resort to the outdoors for entertainment. This time spent outdoors had health benefits (exercise, creativity, social...). Today, it is easier to turn on the tv or scroll through social media with technology. The lesser time people spend outside, the bigger the gap between nature and society becomes. And this can lead to people undervaluing nature. Unit 9 Something that I still wonder is how much other people value nature. It would be inaccurate to assume that everyone feels the same way as I do because people have opinions of their own that extrinsic factors have shaped. However, I can use tactics learned in this course to promote nature appreciation to encourage people's appreciation for the outdoors.

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

Pease,  J.  L.  (2015).  Parks  and  underserved  audiences:  An  annotated  literature  review.  Journal of Interpretation Research, 20(1),11–56.

Wals, A. E., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence between science and environmental education. Science, 344(6184), 583-584.

[robynwhaleyy]

Insect or Bird?

It was very hard for me to pick just one amazing thing I know about nature. But I decided to go with one of my favorite insects that got me interested in entomology. This insect is actually often mistaken for a bird, and given its name it is very understandable. Before scrolling to read the rest of this blog, try and take a guess what this insect may be. Here are some hints:

Belongs to the order Lepidoptera and Family Sphingidae

Feeds on the nectar of flowers

Emits a humming sound when it flies

So, is it a bird? Is it a bug? Whatever it is, this wing-beating creature is sure to cause you to do a double take! Meet the hummingbird moth.

In the Us and Canada they are commonly referred to as Hummingbird Moths and Clearwing Moths. Whereas in Britain they are referred to as Bee Hawkmoths. There are 23 known species within the Hermaris genus. 4 of these species are found in North America. The most familiar ones are the Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) and the Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe)

Unlike most moths, the hummingbird moth is day flying enjoying common vetch flowers (Vicia sativa) or bee balms (Monarada). They are often mistaken for hummingbirds or sometimes bumble-bees because of their plump bodies, rapid flight and hummingbird-like hovering abilities. These moths also emit a hummingbird-like hum when in flight. This humming sound is created by its rapid wing movement. They can remain suspended in the air in front of a flower while they uncurl their long tongues and insert them in flowers to sip their nectar. Instead of a beak like a hummingbird, it has a long tongue-like proboscis that rolls out of its coiled tube to reach the nectar deep inside flowers. Its tongue is about double the length of the moth’s body. These moths have a rapid wingbeat up to 70 beats per second, enabling it to fly up to 12 mph.  Their bodies range in length from 2-2.5 inches long and are covered in hair that resembles feathers, with white, rust or brown markings. Their wingspan ranges from 2-6 inches depending on the species.

When looking for pictures of this amazing species I came across this very informative video by Mark Frasier. I believe this video is a great example of the use of media in nature interpretation. Fraiser proved to be a fantastic interpreter by using illustrative media to reveal an environmental species through original content and firsthand experience (Beck et al., 2018). I believe the future of interpretation really relies on the use of technology such as YouTube videos and blogs such as this one. Technology is becoming more and more available and accessible allowing for more citizen engagement in science (Beck et al., 2018). But it is important to take a break from technology to experience nature first hand because it is not only beneficial for your mental help but also makes you a better interpreter.

References Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage. Van Haren Publishing.

Marshall, S. A. (2017). Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity (Second ed.). Richmond Hill, Ontario: Firefly Books.

[ssenvs3000w22]

Hey Robyn! I really enjoyed reading your post this week; I had never heard of the hummingbird moth before! 

I had no idea that some moths were diurnal. I assumed they were all nocturnal, so that was very cool to learn. You raise a good point about how the future of nature interpretation and our world is becoming increasingly digitalized. People can access various forms of nature through podcasts, blogs, movies, etc. 

I am more the type of person who prefers to enjoy nature by being outdoors. Still, I can definitely see how technology increases access to nature interpretation for those who are not as keen to engage in outside activities. Also, for those like me who enjoy physically being in nature, technology allows people to enhance their experiences with nature. For example, I can throw a podcast on while walking and get double the nature experience. After reading your blog post and watching the video, I learned many new things without leaving my room, both forms of digitalized nature education. 

Although some aspects of digitalizing nature are significant, it walks a thin line between creating an even more substantial divide between the natural world and society. For example, suppose there becomes less of a need for people to physically be in nature to interpret it and gather knowledge. In that case, people will be less inclined to explore the outdoors. However, people should still acknowledge its value so long as technology does not dilute society's appreciation and value of nature!

On another note, I thought I'd share what I found most interesting about the youtube video!

I never knew that hummingbirds evolved to be a smaller size to take advantage of nectar harvesting

I never knew that some types of moths were diurnal

The hummingbird moth benefits from mimicking a bird because predators are less likely to attack a bird than an insect

Personally, I am a big fan of solitary bees! I think they are overlooked because all of the attention goes to honeybees when in fact, solitary bees are equally if not more effective pollinators!

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge on insects!

~ Sara

[ssenvs3000w22]

Brussels sprouts!

Okay, so this may not be the coolest thing I know about nature. Still, since spring is here, I love to garden, and how Russell sprouts grow is actually pretty neat; I decided to write about it!

Agriculture is a foundational part of society, dating back to the Neolithic Revolution around 13 000 years ago. Its arrival changed how the human species lived (Dow et al. 2009). The emergence of agriculture shifted human populations from hunter-gatherers towards settlement and farming lifestyles (Dow et al. 2009). Obviously, this change had significant cultural impacts. This includes hierarchies, inequality, warfare, and eventually establishing cities, states, formal education until we finally formed a modernized society (Dow et al. 2009).

Once agriculture had been integrated with society, populations began to grow, followed by economic growth (McEvedy & Jones, 1978). Basically, all of that is to say that the emergence of agriculture changed how humans saw the earth. Less work went into collecting food, and nature started to be seen as a commodity that fulfilled human needs.

Here is a picture of a fully matured Brussels sprout plant ready to be harvested

Now, back to a very underrated vegetable! Brussel sprouts (or Brassica oleracea) are a part of the Brassicaceae family, like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and many more delicious veggies (Simpson & Ogorzaly, 2014). Brussels sprouts originated around 5000 years ago from the Mediterranean region, south-western Europe, and southern England, UK (Simpson & Ogorzaly, 2014). The plant grows best in cooler climates and is adept at colder temperatures. This is because of the plant's sturdiness, providing protection from external conditions, but it can also persist in warmer temperatures (Simpson & Ogorzaly, 2014).

The most interesting thing about Brussels sprouts is how they grow! They start as a seed and can take up to four months to reach a stage where they can be harvested (Simpson & Ogorzaly, 2014). They grow in height before producing any sprout, reaching two to three feet (Simpson & Ogorzaly, 2014)! Once they have reached their full height, they begin to produce individual sprouts. The units grow in the leaf axil or joint and start from closest to the ground and extend upwards. The Brussels sprouts are harvested as individual units. Once the first harvest is complete, a second one typically follows so that you may harvest once more.

Here is an image of Brussels sprout plants just starting to emerge from the ground and develop height.

I think that Brussels sprouts are a really neat plant that serves many purposes and are well designed! They are steady, nutritious, resilient, and grow in large numbers. Brussels sprouts represent resiliency, a characteristic that is becoming increasingly crucial for nature in the face of climate change.

Here is a video that goes over all of the steps of growing the vegetable!

Many things that grow in nature may not look edible at first glance, but something that I think often gets overlooked is that plants are not growing to please and serve humans; they are growing for their own needs. Brussels sprouts didn't decide to be a fibrous nutrient-packed vegetable so that humans could get their daily nutritional requirement. They grew this way to survive in a range of climates and be a good competitor and resilient to pests in the wild. There is a massive disconnect between the wild and natural world and our society. This disconnect has been talked about throughout the textbook. This week's assigned reading also speaks to how this disconnect has affected younger generations because the amount of time that kids get to spend outside is decreasing. This decreases people's experience, knowledge and ultimately, appreciation for the natural world. Another thing overlooked is just how dependent our lives are on functioning ecosystems. Without the provisioning services provided by nature, major things we take for granted every day, like food security and shelter, would cease to exist. This week's textbook reading talks about how experiences of awe stimulate various emotions like wonder and curiosity (Beck et al. 2018). Being surrounded by plants in nature can create awe in people. This experience is incredibly valuable because it forces a natural connection with the environment. Those sensations are you interpreting what you are seeing without even realizing it.

Yes, this post was about an underrated vegetable. Still, that underrated vegetable is more than just an item on a plate. It represents nature's ability to adapt to various environments in the sturdiness of its leaves and how cool it is that plants can do such things!

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). The Bright Future of Interpretation. In Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For A Better World. (pp. 472). Sagamore Venture.

Dow, G. K., Reed, C. G., & Olewiler, N. (2009). Climate reversals and the transition to agriculture. Journal of Economic Growth, 14(1), 27-53.

McEvedy, C., & Jones, R. (1978). Atlas of world population history. New York, NY: Penguin Books Ltd.

Simpson, B.B. & Ogorzaly, M.C. (2014). Foods from Stems and Leaves. In Plants in Our World: Economic Botony Fourth Edition (pp. 173-182). McGraw-Hill Education.

[bbenvs3000w22]

Nature in music and vice versa.

Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music?

Trying to answer and brainstorm for this blog prompt led to me going for a walk today.

And I just simply listened.

The gusts of winds had me thinking of how they can produce music themselves. Either with breezes passing through a windchime clinking the small metal beams together to produce a tune or when gusts of wind encounter tight crevasses between trees and their branches creating harmonies and whistles.

Going on the walk allowed me to reconnect with nature almost again as I go through a cycle of perhaps not experiencing its full beauty during all of the seasons.

Yet as the days go by and the snow melts, I find myself waking up to the birds chirping outside my window – which is a way better alarm than the one on my phone.

It is almost like nature is warming up its lungs from the frost and singing to tell us spring is coming.

I especially enjoyed the video of how Ben Mirin was able to take clips of creeks and cracks from nature that may sometimes go unnoticed or underpraised and made it into something beautiful that we can all enjoy. It makes you sit back and reflect on how amazing nature is and the sounds and enjoyment we can gain from it.

Back in grade 8, I remember how our music teacher would make us listen to songs. Our heads down, eyes closed, lights off, and just simply listen and think about how it made us feel or imagine. This one particular piece by Rimsky Korsakov called the “Flight of the Bumblebee” stuck out to me. Not just because it is an amazing piece of art and I cannot wrap my head around how the orchestra can play it so fast.

But because when listening I was envisioning these little bumblebees busy working in a radiant field of flowers passing on pollen to the next lucky blossom. This piece had a way of making me appreciate the tireless work of their colonies buzzing around, supporting our ecosystem.

So with that, thank you bees and thank you Rimsky.

When thinking of songs that bring me back to nature landscapes, I think of my outdoor education trip and the video my teacher made us for at the end of the semester. It was filled with little snippets of us canoeing, hiking, and laughing around the campfire. The song in the montage was “Sleep on the floor” by the Lumineers. It brings this feeling of simplicity and how we can just enjoy ourselves in the little things like laying under the stars, where there is no light to pollute the sky.

In the video, it cut to all of us around the fire singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. A classic tune that talks about the beauty of the landscapes that we pass, and the places that we belong to.

That’s all from me for today, what are your favourite campfire songs to sing or play?

[ssenvs3000w22]

Hey Brooke! I really enjoyed reading your post this week! We shared a lot of similar thoughts and I especially appreciated your take on nature preparing for spring and warming its lungs!

You and I both came to the same conclusion regarding nature producing music itself. Even as I write this, I can listen to the wind outside and appreciate its noise. Art/music is very subjective so there are so many different ways that people can interpret the noises made in nature as well as their significance.

Im not sure about you, but I cannot wait for spring to arrive. I definitely prefer hearing birds in the morning over the sun not rising until 8am. 

When writing this week’s post, I too thought of Flight of the Bumblebee. Incorporating nature into music has more meaning to it than simply  drawing from inspiration. It spreads awareness of things occurring in the natural world, things that are often overlooked.

Also, I love the song sleep on the floor, and as far as campfire songs go, I like anything that everyone can sing along to :)

~~ Sara

[ssenvs3000w22]

Music and Nature

I think that music can mean many different things to people. For some, it is used as an outlet and a way of expressing their thoughts and desires. To others, music is entertainment and used to trigger a release of serotonin, bringing them joy. Music can also be spiritual, social, or educational. Music is a vast concept, and it can mean many different things depending on who you are.

I was brought up learning to play the piano. I struggled a lot with reading music, and as a result, my music career ended pretty early in my life. My dad grew up playing the trumpet, piano, and guitar, and although it was only done as a hobby, he would bring out his trumpet every so often and play (the piano and guitar were heard much more frequently around the house). Although I never picked up an instrument (unless you count just barely playing the piano), my sister was inspired by my dad and decided to give the trumpet ago. She played in the high school band and jazz band a few years before deciding that rugby was more her style. She'll often sing and play the guitar with my dad, especially around bonfires at cottages. Their go-to songs are Cherry Wine by Hozier and Wagon Wheel. Although I never successfully played an instrument, I still get a lot out of listening to music and being in an atmosphere where music brings people together. Alright, this tangent about my exposure to music is done! Now to answer the prompt for this week… Because I do not have the most extensive knowledge of music, I did some digging on the internet about composers who take inspiration from nature and put it into their work. I stumbled onto a blog post written by a composer that said, "In my experience, as a performing musician and especially as a composer, it is almost impossible not to draw some inspiration from the sounds of the natural world. The sheer diversity and beauty I find almost endless in its variety, from the rustle of autumn leaves to the vast catalogue of bird song." (Wildridge, 2019) I think that this quote says a lot about nature's influence on music. We are exposed to nature's music every day, whether it's the sound of birds chirping or wind blowing through trees. There are many naturally occurring patterns in nature; ocean tides, lunar cycle, weather and its seasons. There are also patterns in music, like melodies. The two concepts, nature and music, actually have a lot in common, and it makes sense that one draws from the other since it (nature) existed first. Several pieces of classical music have nature ingrained in the name. Flight of the Bumblebee by Rimsky Korsakov, La Mer by Claude Debussy, Raindrop by Chopin. All of these pieces pull inspiration from nature. Debussy pulls inspiration from memories of spending time near the sea, and Korsakov draws direct inspiration from the sounds made by bumblebees when flying. Looking at more modern pieces of music, artists like John Denver and Jack Johnson are notorious for their songs about nature and conservation (songs like earth day every day, the three R's, constellations, and sunshine on my shoulders). These songs all talk about how nature makes you feel and the importance of nature conservation. I would say that nature is everywhere in music. Although nature's presence in music depends on the artist and what inspires them, so many sounds and emotions used in music composition stem from nature, making nature an integral part of the music. Earlier, I mentioned how we are exposed to nature's music regularly. Weather, animals, and plants all create noises we encounter when outside. For example, sounds of rain and wind can be melodic and birds chirping back and forth. Whether we realize it or not, music is a huge part of our lives because we encounter it in many different forms, and it carries various meanings. For example, wind noises allow you to interpret the weather, and the melodies of songs offer insight into the brain of its composer. When thinking about what takes me back to a natural landscape, a few songs come to mind. First is Wheat Kings by the Tragically Hip. My dad is a huge hip fan and would always play their songs on the guitar around a campfire. This one always stuck out to me, and now anytime I hear it, it immediately takes me back to campfires in the summer by a lake. Another song that brings me into nature is All That and More by Rainbow Kitten Surprise. I listened to this song on repeat when walking my dogs, and now, whenever I hear it, I immediately feel like I should be running through the forest with my dogs. Wildridge, J. (September, 2019). 5 Pieces of Classical Music Inspired by the Sounds of Nature. CMUSE. https://www.cmuse.org/classical-music-inspired-by-the-sounds-of-nature/

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Blog Post 6 - History and Interpretation

“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.”

(Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)

When attempting to deconstruct the above quote I think it is important to recognize that it is meant to be interpreted, leading to many possible conclusions on the meaning. The ambiguousness of the wordplay lends to the author’s favour, allowing personal connections to relate with the writing. In my mind, the ultimate objective of this quote is to emphasize the importance of interpretation of history and how interpreters can weave stories out of the past. Unravelling the quote itself provides insight into why an interpreter should see the significance of history.

Breaking down the first component of the quote, I believe the author is alluding to the power of interpretation. Without interpretation a relic is just that, a relic. A relic or an old structure by itself is not particularly worth discussing. However, how the owners of the relic treated it or what they did with the relic can be fascinating and important, even relative to modern times. Exploring the how or why something is the way it is can provide stories from a bygone era, giving interpreters a look into the past. By investigating the integrity of something from the past, interpreters can construct a vision of life from that point in time. The ability to extrapolate history like this is an incredible tool that is essential in educational purposes. Recreating authentic experiences from history can translate memories and feelings to audiences despite living however many years later.

The second part of the quote relates to how the perception of time is often skewed, and that the events of the past intertwine with the ongoings of today. It is very easy to think that the happenings of the past are in the past, never to be revisited again. I am guilty of such thinking. Nevertheless, what happened in history influences every aspect of living in the present and even though a critical event may have happened a long time ago we still feel the reverberations. Being able to understand where we are in the grand scheme of things allows us to place ourselves on a point in the relative scale of time and human history. In doing so we can learn from mistakes of the past and realize what steps we need to take to accomplish our future goals.

So, what can we takeaway from this quote? First and foremost, this quote is an excellent example of interpretive writing. The author pulls out all different types of meanings from a wide variety of individuals, the evidence of this being our separate ways to unpack the quote in our blogs. Additionally, interpreters have an important role in contextualizing via the events of the past. Accurately depicting and learning from history may be imperative for learning about something in the present. Finally, using a narrative based in the past is an efficient way to interpret as it can drum up strong emotions and personal connections.

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Hiya! Thanks for sharing your interpretation of this week's blog prompt, I really enjoyed reading your post.

You make a very good point about how everyone will reach their own conclusion when reading this quote. And this idea extends beyond just this one piece of writing. That’s the beauty of interpretation! People’s own backgrounds and points of view influence how they see the world.

I too think that the meaning behind the quote alludes to the importance of the stories and knowledge behind ancient things. Alone, an ancient artifact is really just an object, but when you then look into its history, stories as well as knowledge of all sorts is unveiled.

Education requires information from the past because that is how knowledge is formulated. That is, through stories and past learning experiences recorded in things like scripture or ancient art.

I really enjoyed reading your interpretation of the second part of the quote. I hadn’t thought of it in that way, but after reading your description, I completely agree with your take on it. Being able to place ourselves on a timeline and put into perspective all events that have taken place before our time enables us to learn from past mistakes and evolve to a better functioning society capable, as you say, of accomplishing future goals.

~ Sara

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Nature interpretation throughout history

The quote says that ancient things have no merit. However, I read the quote as an argument that disproves the opening sentence. The quote then says that there is merit in integrity, but I will go on to argue that this sentence loops back to discredit the first. 

Now to begin the argument. Reading this quote makes it very clear that there is, in fact, merit in ancient things. Firstly, we are told that there is merit in integrity. There is most definitely integrity in the maintenance of ancient artifacts. The past is significant; It carries the knowledge and evidence for how humans and the earth around us have evolved to what we are today. Ancient things have stories that enlighten us on ways of the past. Things like past social behaviours can be interpreted from ancient things.

It is important to remember and understand past events to learn from mistakes made. For example, if we did not have artifacts informing us of the discrimination that occurred (continues to happen today), the evolution towards a more accepting society would be far slower. Alarming stories of the past and the critical historical moments that kickstarted progress wouldn’t be shared. Those moments in time must be remembered to inspire future generations to do better and achieve more than past people.

Ancient things provide cultural knowledge. Ancient rituals can be interpreted from the artwork of the past. There is most definitely integrity in these things, directly related to how society functions today. We would be an incredibly monotonous and under evolved society without evidence of the past.

Therefore, because there is merit in integrity and there is integrity in ancient things, we can conclude that there is, in fact, merit in ancient things. However, I think that the meaning behind this quote extends beyond the question of merit. What is meant by this quote is the importance of stories and how items carry stories. Stories and the history wrapped around objects are where the true merit and integrity lie; information builds school curriculums that inform global relations. They dictate how the world functions. Therefore, although the things themselves may appear simplistic or solely aesthetic, the stories they have and events they’ve lived through hold so much information. This is because the information is so tightly ingrained in society today.

Although there may not be merit in ancient things, there is merit in keeping things together. Therefore, there is both merit and integrity in preserving ancient things because the items contain knowledge of the past and memories. So to act, think, or feel as though the past is done with is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which a train just passed only existed at that moment the train was passing.

Ancient artifacts, like stone arrangements found in Australia, provide valuable information on activities that went in in the past. Further, local ethnography interprets how certain stone arrangements worked as symbolic cultural artifacts. Artifacts tell stories that have information on a different time, and there is merit to this because it enabled us to evolve into what we are today.

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What I've been thinking about - Growing up

When I saw this week’s blog didn’t have a prompt, my first instinct was to text my roommate to complain about it; “how am I supposed to know what to write about if there is no guidance!?” But before I hit send, I realized that’s what I will write about this week - Growing up and the absence of guidance as we enter adulthood.

People say that moving away for university is when you are truly on your own for the first time; you don’t live with your parents (finally haha), you are in charge of your own meals and health, your school work is all on you because no one is nagging you to do it all the time, and frankly if you don’t no one is checking up on you to see why you didn’t submit an assignment on time. As a third year student, I have lived away from home for the majority of the last 3 years, and it definitely has its pros and cons. Pro number one, I have my own room while I’m in Guelph and don’t have anyone telling me that I need to go to bed (I share a room with my sister at home and this is a regular occurrence). Con number one on the other hand, I miss home cooked meals. My specialties in the kitchen include grilled cheese and peanut butter toast, that’s about it! Being an adult on my own now though, it is important that I am fueling my body with good nutrients to keep my brain sharp in school and my body healthy to fight off unwanted…viruses, for example…, but as a person who is a picky eater, I don’t eat as many vegetables as I probably should, which my mom would tell me all the time if I were home.

Moving away from my horrendous eating habits, another thing that has been on my mind related to growing up is stress. With midterms coming up and graduation starting to come into view, I have found myself in a constant state of stress. I am fortunate though to have roommates that can help me through the dark when I see no light, and my mom just a FaceTime call away when I need her. Not everyone is this fortunate and have to work through the dark times on their own. If I ever feel like I am going through something alone, or am simply not ready to talk about it out loud yet, here are a some ways I get through it:

Going for a walk - this is a great way to free my mind and get myself out of my room. Oxygen is also great for your brain after a long “grind session” during midterm season

Cry - although it sounds counterintuitive, I find putting on a sad movie and crying everything out can be a good release, maybe not the most healthy way to deal with it, but it works for me

Take a shower - I know personally when I get in a depressive mood, I tend to stay in bed for as long as days at a time, so jumping in the shower just to rejuvenate myself and cleanse not only my body, but my mind is a way out of the dark

Music - sometimes the most simple things can cheer you up, so for me it is music; whether it is listening to my vinyls, or pulling my guitar out, music is something that has always spoken to me in a way that nothing or no one else ever could.

Reading/self care - I have one spot in my room dedicated to reading, it’s just cozy and warm and a great place to get lost in a good book. Self-care, in any form, is important for your mental health. This can include any of the above listed things, as well as doing your skincare routine, doing your makeup/hair, or even just getting dressed and out of your pjs can be positive actions taken to improve your days

Left: my vinyl set up, with some of my favourites from my collection on display; Right: my cozy reading nook

When it comes to stress and anxiety, I am no expert, but part of growing up is being able to work through the hard times on your own. This post kind of got a little out of control, but I’ll end by saying, once we are on our own, every decision we make (or don’t make) without guidance from parents or teachers or friends has set us on the path we’re on now, and although the journey may be hard, the final destination will be worth it.

This magazine-book type thing helped me through a lot, great tips and tricks for improving mental health inside

Cheers!

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Hey Chloe!

Thanks for sharing :) I really enjoyed reading your post this week, it was very real and honest. I feel like adulthood can at times be glamourized but in reality, it is terrifying. Everything is up to you, and although this is part of growing up and becoming independent, a lot of stress comes along with it.

I am now in my fourth year and have lived away from home for all but 1 year (stupid covid) of that time. I can definitely relate to being grateful for a support system. Tough times are always made easier with support. Further, what helps me stay out of low moods is keeping busy. Having friends to do activities with keeps my mood high. I play a number of sports, one of which being ringette (it’s kind of like hockey but with more rules) and when covid first hit, that was taken away from me. Now, being back in Guelph and able to participate in sports, my well being has been much more consistent and happy. Im not sure where I’d be today without my friends or teammates.

Walks have become a part of my daily routine, it is so important to take study breaks throughout the day, and what better way to do that then put on some good tunes or a podcast and go explore nature! I have made a habit out of getting completely lost in preservation park (I am very directionally challenged).

I love your little reading nook in your room, it looks super cozy!  What are some of your favourite books/music? 

      ~ Sara

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What I've been thinking about lately? Bikepacking!

I have biked my entire life but only started getting into cycling as a sport in the last six years. Growing up in Ottawa, I was very close to Gatineau Park, home to some fantastic terrain for road biking. My parents got me a road bike in high school, and from there on, I would join them on long rides or go solo when they were busy. One of the things I love so much about cycling is that I can just get up and go. There is no real need to drive anywhere to bike because I can just leave from my doorstep. 

My dad and I are currently planning an 800km bikepacking trip; the route is called the Log Driver's Waltz. For those of you who aren't familiar with bikepacking, it is basically camping, but you bring all of your gear on your bikes and cycle from site to site, riding long distances during the day.

Here's a picture of what our bike setup will look like. This is just an image I pulled off of google because my gear is back in Ottawa. We'll be riding on gravel bikes with three gear bags on each bike, one of which will be the tent sitting between the handlebars on one of the bikes. All of our equipment for the week will be carried on the bike to eliminate the need for backpacks. This will make for a much more comfortable ride.

This will be my first time bikepacking, and I could not be more excited. The route starts off in Ottawa and continues up into the Ottawa valley and then Quebec. The entire loop is 800km, and we are planning to ride around 120km each day to finish in under seven days. Because we are camping out along the way, all of our gear must come with us on the bike, including a tent, sleep system, clothes, and food. This makes packing light and having lightweight gear essential.

Here is the map of the route. It is a loop and allows us to take off from our doorstep. There are plenty of campsites, gas stations, and cafes along the way. We will also have access to running water at some of these sites, so there is not a lot of safety risk associated with this trip.

I am excited to take my interest in biking to this next level. One of the reasons I love road cycling so much is because I get to be outdoors, exploring new parts of nature for the duration of the ride. With bikepacking, I get to take this even further by camping out and immersing myself in the outdoors.

We plan to leave for this trip in early May once the snow has fully melted from the ground and nighttime temperatures reach a comfortable level. Unfortunately, it can be pretty rainy this time of year, so I must be prepared to endure uncomfortable conditions, like riding in wet bike shorts. 

As I've said before in previous blog posts, a lot of my exposure to nature comes from sports or physical activity. On this trip, I will gain new experiences which will enhance my appreciation for the outdoors. Furthermore, my dad and I will be able to exchange stories about our own experiences with nature, showing me how he interprets nature. This class has taught me that people interpret nature differently, and many variables play into that. It will be interesting to see how my and my dad's ideas differ. 

Here's a picture of my sister and I mountain biking at our cottage and then a picture of my mom and I cycling in Gatineau. My dad and I will pass both of these places on our trip!

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Art and Nature

Welcome back to my blog! This week, we’re discussing how nature is interpreted through art and exploring what the gift of beauty means to me. 

Art is in the eye of the beholder, much like nature, so although I may not be an artistic person the way of drawing or painting, I perform art, in a sense, each time I am out in nature and take the time to observe my surroundings. The textbook speaks of art in a literal sense. It talks of how storytelling can portray historical information about nature or how music can help listeners remember past experiences or share their own experiences with the audience. Although I may not actively perform art to an audience, art finds other ways to apply to me as it relates to nature interpretation. Beck (2018) states that “interpretation is an art, using artistic forms and methods while drawing on all of science” (p. 223). This quote relates to me because it illustrates that you do not need to create something physical to interpret nature through art. There are many ways that I interpret nature through art without even realizing it. Reading, watching a show, or listening to music are all forms of art from which you can interpret nature. Getting lost in a story where a character is wandering through the woods allows you to enter that world and experience, second hand, what the character is experiencing. Art and nature share a few commonalities in how they are interpreted; both are subjective. No two people will have the same thoughts when looking at the same thing, be that a mountainscape or renaissance architecture. This is because their own experiences and thoughts dictate how they interpret what they see. Using art to enhance people’s experience and understanding of nature is impactful because art exists in so many forms and reaches people in various ways. Although I may not physically create art, I interpret nature through art regularly which increases my appreciation for nature. The gift of beauty is felt differently from person to person. I interpret and experience the gift of beauty every time I am out in nature. Seeing how an ecosystem functions, with its many interconnections and processes, shows me the value of preserving it to uphold its function. I am happiest in nature, and because of this, it encourages me to preserve it so that I and others can continue to enjoy its beauty into the future. The feelings that people experience when in nature motivate them to explore further and see the value in preservation. Therefore, the gift of beauty provides people with a reason to preserve nature. Overall, I would say that the main way that I interpret nature from art and experience its gift of beauty is through seeing plants and the other parts of nature as art itself. However, to better match the definition of art, I would say that I primarily experience the gift of beauty through reading and vicariously living through the stories that people tell. One can argue that nature is art, and if millions of dollars go into preserving historical artwork, why shouldn’t the same (or way more) effort go into preserving the art that is alive?  

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Hey Sara!

I enjoyed reading your post. I liked the point you made that we interpret nature through art without even realizing it. You mentioned reading, watching a show or listening to music as art forms through which we can interpret nature. I never really considered that, but it makes sense that we interpret art through these various mediums. I remember watching the Lord of the Rings films as a child and being amazed by the scenery and landscape as it was filmed in New Zealand. I’ve wanted to visit New Zealand ever since, because I was inadvertently interpreting and appreciating nature through this art form (a movie). What tv show, movie, piece of music, book or any other art form in particular brought you closer to nature and gave you the “gift of beauty” through interpretation? 

I loved the point you made about preserving nature due to the gift of beauty. You also reiterated this point later on when you equated nature with art and called for its preservation. I totally agree with this sentiment, because I feel like the reason some people aren’t really that connected to the issue of climate change and other issues related to the environment, is because they don’t find any value in preserving nature. Some people are just so disconnected from their surroundings and the natural environment, that they dont realise the implications of not preserving what we have. Interpreters of nature have an important task in promoting an appreciation of nature through various forms of media, art and tangible experiences. A great example of an individual who does this is David Attenborough, an English broadcaster who has made countless documentaries capturing the beauty and even horrors of nature. Through his documentary series Planet Earth, he’s given many individuals a new appreciation for nature. If you love nature and haven’t watched it already, I would recommended that you watch this series, I think its on netflix and perhaps even youtube. 

~ Aasna 

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Hey Aasna! Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post.

My favourite book that brought me close to nature is called The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens. It was an easy read with great characters and tells the story of a group of hikers getting lost on a mountain. There’s also a show that my friend introduced me to called Reel Rock (done by redbull) all about rock climbing and the incredible things that you can do with nature if you put your mind to it. 

It is so disappointing that people don't see the value in preserving nature. I like your point about how interpreters have the important task of promoting its protection and raising awareness of the significance of preserving nature. 

Also, I love planet earth. I like to think of myself as someone who knows a lot about nature and the environment, and watching that series made me realize how little I actually knew.

I really enjoyed reading your response!

~ Sara

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Blog 4: The art of nature

Art based on nature can take on so many forms with various purposes. Examples include drawing, painting, photography, music, sculptures, books, movies and more. This can be done because nature is such a vast subject that encompasses many things. Art is a gift that can show us the intricacy and beauty of the natural world from different perspectives. Although, interpreting the gift of beauty will look different for every person. One piece of art might be overlooked by someone, while the next person could be encapsulated by it. Everyone’s idea of what they find beautiful is unique to them, therefore their means of interpreting the gift of beauty is also unique. Whether an interpreter is a nature guide or an artist, their goal is the same: to help people appreciate the beauty of their surroundings and to instil in them the necessity of conserving it (Beck et.al. 2018).

My primary art source to interpret nature and its gift of beauty is photography. While I am by no means a “photographer”, wherever I go outside I’m always capturing the moment or the view and sharing it with others. Interpreting nature through art, such as photography, enhances my connection with the environment, and that connection extends to others when I share it. I love seeing the other photos people put in their blogs as it always makes me want to go to those locations. If you’re responding to this post, please share one of your favourite nature photos you’ve taken and your connection to it, i’m genuinely interested!

This photo is a favourite of mine, hence why its my profile picture, and captures a Monarch I raised from an egg on one of the flowering plants in my backyard.

When I think of interpreting nature through art the first person that comes to mind is my Grandma. I mentioned her in a previous blog as being one of the people who gave me my “sense of place”. She loves to paint natural landscapes ranging from realistic to abstract and is very talented.

I got her to send me one of her more recent paintings for this class. While you can tell there are two bare trees in the centre, the rest of the painting is more abstract and seems to be telling the story of this scene. I didn’t ask her why it looks this way because I think the intention is for the viewer to interpret it on their own. What do you think its meaning or story is? The beauty of art is that the same image can connect and mean something different to every person. 

This unit also mentioned the group of seven, who were amazing at capturing nature on a canvas. I’ve been to a few of the places they stood when they made some of their iconic paintings, such as Parry Sound and Georgian Bay. Their artwork attracted international attention and captured the beauty of Canada in a unique way. By sharing their work they have subsequently inspired many others to pursue art or take an interest in it.

This is a painting done by my Grandma as well that mimics one of her favourites done by Tom Thomson. Whether we are creating art in nature, or nature in art, we are connecting to something much deeper than what words can share.

Reilly

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Hey Reilly!

Thanks for your post and for sharing those pictures! I really enjoyed reading your blog this week.

You talk about how art allows for nature to be interpreted through different perspectives, which is important and part of the beauty in art. However, interpretation is so subjective, and one thing may be significant to someone and insignificant to someone else; it all depends on who you are.

You raise a great point about how interpreters have the same goal, be that nature or art. This highlights the similarities between the two subjects. Art and nature can be seen as the same but are also two separate entities. Art is something you create, drawing inspiration from the natural world.

Sharing your photos with others is a great way to increase people's awareness and appreciation for nature. Also, I really enjoyed your story and image of the monarch. It is sad to hear about the declines in butterfly populations due to climate change. Perhaps if more people cared about nature and were able to experience nature for art, there would be a stronger drive to mitigate these consequences.

The artwork done by your grandma is lovely and really captures nature's essence. My primary art source and its gift of beauty would be through stories and books. In no way am I artistic, but I do experience nature vicariously through books or even just listen to a friend talk about their recent adventures.

Here is one of my favourite photos I took in nature:

A few years back, my family took a trip to Costa Rica and ran into some massive and gorgeous trees on one of our hikes. I'm an environmental science major very interested in biodiversity and ecosystem function, so to see a species-rich ecosystem with trees of this measure was really special.

Here's another photo that means a lot to me:

A close friend of mine has a cottage on a fjord in Norway, and I was lucky enough to be invited a couple of times. This photo was taken on a fjord, and it is just a mussel with baby starfish living on its outer surface. The image illustrates how gentle and co-dependent nature can be and also reminds me of Norway (probably my favourite out of the places I've visited this far).

~ Sara

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Art and Nature

Welcome back to my blog! This week, we’re discussing how nature is interpreted through art and exploring what the gift of beauty means to me. 

Art is in the eye of the beholder, much like nature, so although I may not be an artistic person the way of drawing or painting, I perform art, in a sense, each time I am out in nature and take the time to observe my surroundings. The textbook speaks of art in a literal sense. It talks of how storytelling can portray historical information about nature or how music can help listeners remember past experiences or share their own experiences with the audience. Although I may not actively perform art to an audience, art finds other ways to apply to me as it relates to nature interpretation. Beck (2018) states that "interpretation is an art, using artistic forms and methods while drawing on all of science" (p. 223). This quote relates to me because it illustrates that you do not need to create something physical to interpret nature through art. There are many ways that I interpret nature through art without even realizing it. Reading, watching a show, or listening to music are all forms of art from which you can interpret nature. Getting lost in a story where a character is wandering through the woods allows you to enter that world and experience, second hand, what the character is experiencing. Art and nature share a few commonalities in how they are interpreted; both are subjective. No two people will have the same thoughts when looking at the same thing, be that a mountainscape or renaissance architecture. This is because their own experiences and thoughts dictate how they interpret what they see. Using art to enhance people's experience and understanding of nature is impactful because art exists in so many forms and reaches people in various ways. Although I may not physically create art, I interpret nature through art regularly which increases my appreciation for nature. The gift of beauty is felt differently from person to person. I interpret and experience the gift of beauty every time I am out in nature. Seeing how an ecosystem functions, with its many interconnections and processes, shows me the value of preserving it to uphold its function. I am happiest in nature, and because of this, it encourages me to preserve it so that I and others can continue to enjoy its beauty into the future. The feelings that people experience when in nature motivate them to explore further and see the value in preservation. Therefore, the gift of beauty provides people with a reason to preserve nature. Overall, I would say that the main way that I interpret nature from art and experience its gift of beauty is through seeing plants and the other parts of nature as art itself. However, to better match the definition of art, I would say that I primarily experience the gift of beauty through reading and vicariously living through the stories that people tell. One can argue that nature is art, and if millions of dollars go into preserving historical artwork, why shouldn't the same (or way more) effort go into preserving the art that is alive?  

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Privilege in nature interpretation

I would define privilege as something you get, not earn and is specific to a particular group of people; it is discriminatory. You do not work to words getting privilege because it cannot be achieved. Privilege is a black and white concept in that it either benefits you or doesn’t, and the deciding factor for what side of you fall on is out of your control.

Privilege plays a massive role in nature interpretation. The textbook does an excellent job of detailing how privilege influences people’s access, knowledge, understanding, and overall experience with nature. In Canada, the two national languages are English and French. However, many other languages are used within the country, not to mention the millions of tourists that Canadian national parks receive every year. Unfortunately, there is a poor representation of languages other than French and English on park signs, brochures, and other informational resources. This limitation makes it very difficult for visitors that speak other languages to access nature sites and plan activities. This language privilege extends beyond signs and information. Not many parks offer guided tours in foreign languages, preventing non-native speakers from enjoying nature in Canada. Roberts (2001) suggests that parks should have a park ranger acting as a liaison for foreign language speakers.

The reading also brings up a point about fear, in that minority groups have increased fear surrounding outdoor activities because of discrimination or getting lost and being unable to read signs or communicate with other people. This fear is something I, a white, middle-class, English-speaking person, would not need to think twice about and goes to show how privilege works as an invisible backpack, providing me tools that others may not receive.

Many outdoor activities are expensive and not accessible to everyone economically—especially activities like skiing or guided tours with additional expenses beyond access to the site. Skiing requires a vehicle, equipment (both gear and warm clothing), lift passes and those are just the basics. Guided tours are expensive as well because you must pay for park access as well as a guide, that in some cases, may not even speak your language. Exploring nature can become very expensive. Living in Guelph, with lots of public parks and conservation areas, is a privilege that not all cities provide.

The reading talks about privilege in a physical sense, a privilege that I have taken for granted. For example, many national parks are not accessible to people of different abilities. On the other hand, it is a huge privilege to easily participate in activities like hiking or rock climbing because not everyone has the physical ability to do so.

Overall, privilege plays a massive role in nature interpretation in many different ways. I think that a lot can be done to improve outdoor activities to make them more accessible to people and ensure that all people, regardless of background, feel included and safe. Nature should spark excitement and adventure in people rather than fear. If national parks could better represent different cultures on signs, offer a better selection of languages for guided tours, and have a variety of adventures available to suit different physical abilities, it would improve the accessibility of nature interpretation.

Chapter 7: Serving Diverse Audiences. In Beck, L. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. (pp. 127-158).  J. J. Bannon & P. Bannon. 

Roberts,  N.  S.  (2001).  Attitudes,  perceptions,  experiences  across  cultures:  Case  study  of  Rocky  Mountain  National  Park.  In  Proceedings  National  Interpreters  Workshop,NAI,Des Moines, IA

[gmenvs3000w22]

Privilege and Nature Interpretation

I have many privileges in my invisible backpack that have provided me with opportunities involving nature that others don’t have as easily accessible to them. For example, I grew up in a white middle class family with parents who were willing to take me on various outdoor trips. This allowed me to discover my love of nature and some of my favourite activities like hiking and cross-country skiing. Without my family being able to take me to these places, it would have been much harder to discover my love for nature. I was also able to afford to go to University through money from my grandmother which led to me getting outdoor co-op placements and the opportunity to explore nature further. These jobs allowed me to buy myself a car, which allowed me to explore further. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities that I’ve gotten and recognize that my privilege has put me in the position I am in today. My working definition of privilege is when someone has an advantage over others for opportunities without having to work for this advantage.

I think that privilege plays a big role in nature interpretation. Being able to experience nature interpretation is often a privilege. Often nature interpreters work in parks in the wilderness which are farther from urban centres meaning not every person is able to get there. Generally, families with more money are the ones able to learn from nature interpreters such as wilderness guides. I also think that people from different levels of privilege come into nature differently. For example, someone from a family like mine knows camping basics and general safety in the outdoors, and overall feels relatively safe. Whereas someone who didn’t have the same opportunities as me growing up may not feel as safe in the outdoors simply because they haven’t had the same opportunities.

One of my own experiences comes to mind when thinking about privilege and nature interpretation. I went on a backpacking trip with two of my friends in the Adirondacks. I have had plenty of experience hiking the Adirondack Mountains, but this was the first time either of my friends had been. They both grew up experiencing the outdoors in middle class families but were both from Toronto and had never experienced hiking up mountains. Myself being from Ottawa, I lived closer and therefore had that opportunity many times. I did not think about how they would do on the hikes, because I simply assumed they knew what it would be like. But, once we started, I realized that this was a first for them. We were all fine, but it was probably the first time I thought about how your upbringing can impact your relationship with nature. At the time, I didn’t think about calling it privilege but I suppose it is. Privilege isn’t just about money, but there are so many other factors, like location. My friends had other advantages from growing up in Toronto, but on this trip, growing up where I did was my privilege.

[ssenvs3000w22]

Hi Georgia!

Thanks for your post; it was well-written and insightful.

We share many similarities in our background (I am also from Ottawa), and I was lucky to have parents keen on taking my sister and me on trips and outdoor activities. Being able to experience nature in different ways throughout my life is a privilege I'll always be grateful for.

Your working definition of privilege reflects that you can't control it as it is given to you without working for it. It is important to realize that just because my invisible backpack is bigger than someone else by no way means is that I am more deserving of the opportunity (privilege ≠ deserving). It will be interesting to see everyone's definition of privilege since everyone comes from different background.

You bring up an excellent point about prior knowledge and experience with the outdoors being a privilege. However, outdoor activities like camping can be a terrifying experience for someone with no experience or understanding of the demands of the activity.

Overall, I think that privilege takes many different forms, and I am sure that there have been many instances where my privilege has given me an advantage without me realizing it. Enjoying nature without giving it a second thought should be something more people experience. Improvements to national parks can mitigate language barriers and create a more inclusive environment. Taking your friends hiking provided them with information that was added to their backpacks. Knowledge is valuable and should be made easily accessible to everyone.

~ Sara

[jmenvs3000w22]

Ideal interpretor role

Hello ENVS folks!

When I think of environmental interpretation, I like to think of something that lights up my eyes when I speak of it, something that makes me smile and fills me with passion. And personally, that spark lies in the mountains. When I envision teachings that happen in natural settings, I see it as an opportunity to teach respect and safety. On a mountain, regardless of the season, there are always dangers to be aware of but the community that seek these places have complete utter respect for the magic and beauty that these wild places breathe. Things such as rockfall, avalanches, the other climbers around you posing risks, sun/wind/rain exposure, trees, the list goes on and on. And with this, come the proper gear and equipment to get you safely across these passages. Knowing what to bring and how to use equipment are not only a necessity, they can save your life. On a mountain, anything goes and staying warm is a matter of life and death if you are really heading out for a longer trip in the backcountry, especially in winter. 

At the whole heart of this teaching experience, there is certainly communication, but the dominating learning styles really gravitate towards visual and kinesthetic learning. You are ultimately looking and trying out your gear, feeling it out and seeing how it works, and having a total body presence in the mountains. Which is a really special thing, that on its own, this environment sets a stage for everyone. Being in the mountains is having a lot of fun with your friends, talking and laughing and sharing experiences, as well as awareness of risk and moving through painful things together. Doesn’t sound the most appealing maybe, but it is one of the best things out there in my opinion. Right now, I am on a different path from becoming a backcountry or mountain guide– and this requires years or vigorous training because at the end of the day, you are responsible for the lives you are taking out onto the mountain. But maybe to a lesser scale, with friends who have their own experience, I see myself out there with them, all interpreting and appreciating our surroundings, together!

Below the treeline, I also find myself fascinated with the trees, plants, fungi and little communities that run in and alongside beautiful crystal streams. The book I am reading right now is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a professor and ecologist as well as at her heart an indigenous teacher. Her book has really spoken to me, and through her words she has communicated her world to mine, painting my imagination with her descriptions. I could also envision myself in this role of a teacher of plants and ecosystem ecology and communities and the necessary reciprocity that humans (should) have with nature. And the essence of her book is that things are cyclical, and respect to earth should be unanimous and we should always take only what is ours, nothing more and nothing less. And most of all, that we should always give back. This is something that as an interpreter, I could envision in a forest explaining the connectivity of all the systems and how it relates back to us, with the hopes that it spreads more awareness to people about how we can treat our planet better.

[ssenvs3000w22]

What a lovely post! Not to mention the stunning pictures that come with it!

When reading your post, your passion and admiration for the outdoors really shine through (a true mountain gal :) ). The importance of safety and education when it comes to higher-risk outdoor activities such as climbing or backcountry skiing is so important, and as you said, the need for good quality and appropriate gear is not an optional investment.

I think that the pandemic forced a spotlight on the importance of outdoor activity in people's everyday life, and as a result, there is a need for those types of educators and guides. You do an excellent job of illustrating the risk associated with outdoor adventure. However, I think that the risks associated with outdoor activities are often overlooked; people can get carried away in the actual activity (sightseeing, picture taking...) and forget that nature has a mind of its own and some natural events can't be foreseen.

You may be on a different path than becoming a backcountry or mountain guide, but that is always something that you can come back to. Even just sharing your knowledge and experience with others positively impacts their understanding of nature. And hey, teaching people about plants and respecting them isn't too far from a backcountry guide (maybe that's a bit of a stretch).

Overall, I really enjoyed reading your post, and I look forward to reading your future discussions!

~ Sara