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DISCLAIMER
This blog was created for ENVS3000 Winter 2024, University of Guelph.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph.
The University of Guelph is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by this blog.
Guiding Ethics and Beliefs as a Nature Interpreter
Through this course, I have delved deeper into the world of interpretation. Thank you for joining me as I shared my growing knowledge of nature interpretation. In this last blog post, I will share how this course has shaped my ethics as a nature interpreter and the beliefs that will guide me to be a trustworthy interpreter who can inspire people to see the beauty of nature.
As I continue to develop as a nature interpreter, one of my guiding principles will be respect. Good interpreters must show their audience respect. As an interpreter, I will see the moral worth of all visitors (Beck et al., 2019). I will continue to respect the beliefs of others even if they don't necessarily align with my values.
I will understand that everyone has a different background with nature and environmental sustainability. Not everyone has had the privilege to grow up immersed in nature like myself. It would be unreasonable to think people who have had little outdoor experience should feel connected to nature. It is my responsibility to recognize my privilege and work to help make the outdoors accessible to underserved populations.
I will consider the reasons people seek out interpretation and will strive to provide everyone with a positive experience. I will also respect when people come to different conclusions than what I may have intended. As an interpreter, it isn’t my job to tell the audience what conclusions they should come to. My job is to guide people to find their own conclusions.
Here is a picture I took of the Uxbridge Brook in my home town last summer.
Not only will I respect the audience I interpret to. I will also respect the environment and the traditional lands I interpret by sharing accurate and authentic information. My responsibility as an interpreter is to share true information about natural heritage sites and environmental themes.
It is my job to know the geological history and ecological diversity of life found at the natural heritage site. Visitors must be able to trust that I am knowledgeable and can provide them with accurate information.
Additionally, as an interpreter, I must be able to share the authentic and accurate cultural history of natural heritage sites. To be a credible interpreter I must work with Indigenous people to ensure I share their truth accurately and respectfully.
This is a picture I took of an aquatic plant growing on Six Mile Lake in Muskoka.
Nature interpretation must be more than just showing people a beautiful natural landscape or conducting fun outdoor games and activities. Nature interpretation helps visitors see the authentic and whole story of a natural or cultural heritage site. It is through entertaining, educational, inspiring, and accurate stories that interpreters can bring greater meaning to natural landscapes. Interpretation would be meaningless if it did not provide the audience with true information that they can use to build emotional and intellectual connections (Beck et al., 2019).
Integrity will be a leading focus of mine that will guide me as an interpreter. Not only will I maintain integrity through providing true, accurate and authentic interpretive programs. I will also maintain integrity as an interpreter by striving to grow and share my love for the environment. As a nature interpreter, I must appreciate the beauty of nature in my daily life. I will accomplish this by taking environmentally positive actions and taking time to see the beauty in our natural world. Interpretation would be meaningless if the person providing these experiences did not have a deep love and respect for the land and those who call it home.
Here is a picture of an insect that I landed on my finger at the Etobicoke Outdoor Education Center.
Another belief that guides me as an interpreter is that everything in nature has intrinsic value. Intrinsic value is a mindset that means nature has value independent of humans (Rea & Munns, 2017). For example, through an intrinsic lens, a tree has value for simply existing and not because it provides humans with oxygen or lumber. As an interpreter, I would share my perspective that nature has its own value. I would do this not to change the way people value nature but to open people's eyes to a new perspective of nature. Interpretation programs should reach all audiences. Not everyone will connect with this type of thinking, so I must provide multiple points of view so people can draw their own conclusions. Some people may appreciate nature for what it does for humans. I can also relate to this as my love of nature stems from how it makes me feel.
This is a picture I took on a beach in Nova Scotia.
Environmental sustainability is one of my core values. I will continue to share my enthusiasm for the environment and stewardship with my audience. I will do everything in my power to provide audiences with interpretive programs that share the truth and beauty of a natural heritage site to provide people with emotional connections to nature.
Moving forward as a nature interpreter, it will be important that the interpretive programs I am a part of focus on giving people a greater appreciation of nature and environmental stewardship. It is my responsibility to provide visitors with positive interpretive experiences outdoors that build both emotional and intellectual connections (Beck et al., 2019). As highlighted throughout this course, positive experiences in nature are key to providing people with a deeper appreciation for nature. The appreciation people come to have for nature motivates people to find ways to sustain the earth's resources.
I took this picture of a beautiful sunset at my cottage on Six Mile Lake.
My job as a nature interpreter is to do more than just share information with my audience. It is my job to inspire people to think critically about nature. By showing an audience the beauty of nature, I can get people to care about the environment. As an interpreter, I will use a multidisciplinary approach that utilizes art, history, and science to share the earth's beauty (Beck et al., 2019). This could include guided biodiversity hikes, nature journaling, telling stories about the land and the people who call it home, and sharing art that captures the beauty of nature and other activities. Once I get people interested in what the earth has to offer, I will introduce topics of conservation effects, sustainability, climate change and ways people can get involved.
Here is a picture I took last summer of a honey bee worker foraging.
Nature interpretation is an opportunity to get people interested in environmental protection. It is essential to inform people about human's role in environmental issues. However, I have to share these topics in a way that creates meaningful and hopeful experiences. When addressing environmental issues, I will focus on the positive and get people excited about how society can become more connected to the environment. This could involve sharing positive advances in conservation efforts, habitat restoration, environmental policies and citizen science initiatives people can join.
I took this picture of a tiny frog balancing on a plant stem in my backyard.
The lessons learnt through this course will be vital as I interpret nature through my environmental science program, as a scientist or interpreter in a park. I will continue to use respect and integrity as guiding values to provide meaningful interpretive programs. I will use my knowledge and personal love of the environment to share the beauty of nature. As an interpreter, I will make it my mission to give people deeper emotional and intellectual connections to the natural world.
This is a picture I took of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.
References
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Rea, A. W., & Munns, W. R. (2017). The value of nature: Economic, intrinsic, or both? Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 13(5), 953–955. https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.1924
Hello! I enjoyed reading your post and seeing all the cool pictures you've taken! I can’t believe this is the last blog post this semester, the time just flew by. I especially like the picture with the frog on the stem. Frogs are easily one of my favourite animals for sure. I totally agree with you about the necessity of respect in the field of nature interpretation (and all fields really, but talking about this course here). The participants and learners must be respected as they learn, grow and experience nature for themselves. As well, nature must be respected. Safety must be taught to the participants, as well as respect for the environment. In regards to the creation of such materials and information, intellectual integrity is paramount. I also totally agree with the statement and belief that nature has intrinsic value as well as well as recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability. I think they both go hand in hand, you must believe that something is important and has value to want to fight to preserve it. Especially nowadays, when species biodiversity has been threatened so much. Conservation is so crucial for future generations to be aware of.
Have a great summer!
Victoria
Last BLOG
As I think about everything I've learned in this course about becoming a nature interpreter, I realize it's changed me a lot. It's not just academically but ethically and personally. It's also about how I see my role in talking about and protecting the environment. It's made me really think about how I can take all this classroom learning and use it out in the real world.
First up, I absolutely love nature. That's the big reason I'm doing this class. I've always been amazed by the outdoors, and this course has made me want to share that amazement with others even more. Like from the textbook by Beck, Cable et al, (2018) mentioned, sharing what you're passionate about can really make a difference. It's not just about dumping facts on people; it's about making them see why nature is so awesome. I want to get people as excited about saving the planet as I am.
Another big thing I've learned is how important it is to make sure everyone feels welcome in nature. The outdoors should be for everyone, no matter what challenges they might face getting out there. We talked a lot about making sure things are accessible for everyone, whether that means having braille for people who can't see well or making sure paths are wheelchair friendly. Nature doesn't leave anyone out, and neither should we. I strongly believe that nature isn't just for the few. It's for everyone, no matter their background or abilities. This means I've got to think creatively to make sure everyone can join in
I also realized that learning about nature is never done. The world is always changing, and there's always something new to discover. I want to keep exploring and finding out new things, and I want to help others do the same. It's like what Rodenburg (2019) said: being curious and always ready to learn more is super important.
After taking this class it makes me feel like it's my job to make sure that when I share nature, I do it in a way that everyone can enjoy. This means thinking about different people's needs and making sure they are welcomed and accessible to all. Beyond just pointing out cool plants or animals, I see it as my responsibility to educate people about the challenges our environment faces and inspire them to be part of the solution. It's about stirring up a sense of wonder and a desire to make a positive impact.
I've also spent a lot of time thinking about how different people connect with nature. Some might like to learn by doing things with their hands, while others might enjoy listening to music inspired by nature or looking at nature art. Stories or history about a place can also make it come alive in a new way for people.
While nature is all about disconnecting from screens, I think technology can be a great tool if used wisely. Things like apps for identifying flora and fauna, or podcasts about nature (which could provide loads of insights by the way!), can enhance the outdoor experience without taking away from the magic of being in the moment.
Building upon that, creating and hosting a podcast as a nature interpreter opened up a whole new world of insights for me, way more than I expected. It wasn't just about sharing cool facts about nature or talking about the outdoors; it became a journey of discovery, connection, and learning that went both ways, between me, my guests, and my listeners.
For me, as an individual diving into the world of nature interpretation, finding approaches that resonate with my personality and strengths is crucial. A strategy that feels most suitable for me is definitely getting hands on, I love doing things where everyone can actually touch and see stuff up close. Imagine going on a walk and being able to touch the leaves, smell the flowers, or even spot animal tracks. It's like making everyone feel like they're part of the adventure, not just watching from the sidelines.
In a nutshell, my journey as a nature interpreter is guided by my love for the natural world, a commitment to inclusivity and education, and a belief in the power of hands-on learning and storytelling. My mom, who recently passed, always used to say “get outside today”. I will hold on to that saying forever, and definitely do that.
References:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC.
Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. Environmental Literacy. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300.
Cheers!!! -Virginia
Hello!
I enjoyed reading your post and your reflections about this semester! Can't believe it's almost over already. I definitely agree with you that throughout this semester, I’ve found myself thinking about nature more, but in a different way then normal. It’s been more focused on what myself experience has been with nature, and how can I share that with others. I totally agree that sharing information with people is rarely about just dumping information on them, but it's about sharing your passion for nature with them. I really enjoyed your perspective on nature interpretation and how it can be used. Technology, music, art, poetry and experiences can definitely all be used to share, explain and educate people about nature. I also completely agree about making sure that people feel welcome. In this class I’ve definitely continued to learn that everyone’s backgrounds and perspectives differ. Everyone should feel welcome participating in and learning about the outdoors. I think a really big part of this is proving a judgement free space where people are free to ask questions, and be a beginner. I love what you said, “nature doesn’t leave anybody out and neither should we”. This definitely articulates what I’ve tried to say in the past and failed. Everyone is welcome, regardless of skill, education or previous experience.
Hope the semester went well for you, and that your summer is fun!
Victoria
Wrapping up the Semester
This is my final blog post of the semester! Hard to believe that time has gone by so quickly and the school year is almost over. This week we are supposed to talk about and develop our personal ethics as a nature interpreter. It is definitely not a straightforward question to answer, at least not to me. As expressed in my previous posts, I value nature and the outdoors, but articulating the specificity of why has been more challenging. Throughout the semester, it has gotten easier to reflect on my experiences and why they are of value to me. Still, translating those experiences to others can be difficult. When reflecting on this prompt, it seemed best to break up the prompt and answer the questions individually.
To refresh, what is nature interpretation?
Well, nature interpretation is used to educate, inspire and inform people about nature (Beck et al., 2019). It helps the audience understand and feel connected to nature and the outdoors through various formats like conservation areas, museums etc (Beck et al., 2019). It can take various formats like podcasts, media and guided tours (Beck et al., 2019). Most importantly, nature interpreters bring meaning to the audience (Beck et al., 2019). What do I believe about nature interpretation?
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature, and be educated in a way that they desire. People learn in many different ways, and by creating different experiences that suit different learning styles, people will be able to relate and glean more from the visit (Beck et al., 2019). I believe that children and teenagers need to be exposed to nature in those various formats, and taught how to engage in nature safely. Studies have shown that risk taking in the early years of child evellopment can help them develop resilience, risk management skills, and self confidence (“Risky play”, n.d.). By empowering children and teenagers to explore nature with supervision, we can support them developing crucial life skills.
I believe that humans need to learn how experience nature without leaving a footprint or mark behind. Encouraging people to get outside is important yes, but we must also attempt to instill a sense of respect for nature as well. Littering, inappropriate usage of fire, and other harmful activities can leave a mark on the outdoors that is difficult to reverse. Nature interpretation plays a crucial role in instilling that respect into the audience. Nature is not something that we merely take from and use, but something that we participate in.
Finally, I believe that these beliefs centre around a few core values, such as respecting the environment, equal opportunity, and individually tailored education and support. I believe that if people understand the “why” behind the important of biodiversity and nature in relationship to humans wellbeing, that the fight to protect nature would be just a little bit easier (“New research shows”, 2022). These are some of my core values behind nature interpretation.
Moving on to the next aspect of this prompt, what responsibilities do I have in this role? I think this question ties directly into the previous question. The responsibilities that I have are born out of what I believe is important or my core values. That being said, many larger scale responsibilities are not achievable by a single person. For example, I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature, but it is not within my power to actually make that happen. If I am working in a role that requires nature interpretation, then I am responsible for making it as accessible as possible for all different age groups and people groups. I am responsible for being welcoming. I am responsible for designing the material and experience to suit different learning styles, not relying on one particular method to communicate and get my point across. I am responsible for being honest, communicative, kind, and welcoming in any area that I am in.
There are many things that I may not be able to control in this arena such as social, political and financial issues. People do not want to attend nature interpretation programs for all sorts of reasons such as lack of awareness, barriers related to lifestage like schedule timing and lack of financial resources (Beck et al., 2019). So while I would obviously to solve these big picture problems in my future workforce, it may not be possible. I can instead focus on changes I can make within my job role such as ensuring programs are accessible, welcoming, entertaining and respectful of nature and the audience alike.
Moving on to the final aspect of this weeks prompt, what approaches or teaching styles would be suit myself?
Honestly, I’m not one hundred percent sure. My best guess would be an approach that allows me to work with smaller groups of people. I am definitely more introverted than not, and I struggle with crowds and loud noises. Working with large groups of people in loud busy areas would not be suitable for me which rules out places like amusement parks and big class sizes. I think being a tour guide would be a lot of fun as it would allow me to work with smaller groups of people, and use an interactive approach to nature interpretation. Ideally that would include verbal instruction as well as visual and kinetic interpretation. I think it could be really fun to either work at a museum or as a tour guide at a conservation park. Well, that’s all for this week. Hope everyone has an amazing summer!
Victoria
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
CBC/Radio Canada. (n.d.). Risky play for children: Why we should let kids go outside and then get out of the way. CBCnews. https://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/features/risky-play-for-children-why-we-should-let-kids-go-outside-and-then-get-out#:~:text=Risky%20play%20in%20early%20childhood,the%20risk%20of%20injury%2C%20too.
New research shows link between nature conservation and human wellbeing. University of Minnesota. (2022, November 28). https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/new-research-shows-link-between-nature-conservation-and-human-wellbeing
Unit 9: Understanding the Interconnectedness of Nature
Nature is a complex system that holds countless different organisms within its boundaries. At first glance, it may seem challenging to grasp that each organism influences one another. Yet, from the smallest microorganism to the fiercest predator, every organism plays a critical role in maintaining the complex balance of ecosystems. Unfortunately, anthropomorphism often dictates the types of species that receive more attention and conservation efforts from humans. Anthropomorphism is humans' tendency to attribute human-like qualities to animals, especially those that resemble us or demonstrate behaviours we identify as familiar or charming (Mota-Roja et al., 2021). For example, larger animals can evoke a sense of awe, while attractive animals may evoke feelings of empathy and connection. However, despite the size of an organism or its perceived significance, every organism plays a vital role in the interconnectedness of an ecosystem. In this blog post, I will be discussing the importance of every organism in an ecosystem and exploring their interactions to define the reliance and stability found in nature.
Ecosystems are complex networks of interactions between living organisms and their physical environments (Bogers, Sims & West, 2019). At the centre of every ecosystem lies a web of interconnected relationships where plants, animals, and microorganisms co-exist, depending on one another for survival. Chantal van Ham (2018) discusses this concept in her article "In the Spirit of Nature, Everything Is Connected." She outlines how soil is a perfect example of the interconnectedness of nature. Within soil, organic matter like decomposed plant and animal remains holds more carbon than plants and the atmosphere combined. Additionally, soil is the home of countless organisms. It's shocking to realize that just a single teaspoon of healthy soil may hold more organisms (bacteria and fungi) than individuals on Earth (Natural Resources Conservation Service, n.d.). Although improving it could address numerous ongoing challenges in related fields, soil management receives little to no attention (van Ham, 2018).
I believe it's important we start looking at conservation from an ecosystem-level approach. Most past and present efforts to preserve biological diversity have focused on a species, a subspecies, or a population (Franklin, 1993). While addressing visual concerns at the species level can be effective, the underlying issue causing the species' impact often remains unnoticed and unresolved. Additionally, a species-level approach can be costly and timely; there are simply too many species to manage every species at risk effectively. An ecosystem-level conservation approach considers the interactions between numerous species within an ecosystem. Trying to preserve the entire ecosystem helps protect not just one species but all the species that depend on that ecosystem for survival. Healthy ecosystems are stable, dynamic and resilient. By conserving an ecosystem, we also increase their resilience to future environmental changes. This resilience will be essential in the coming years for protection against factors such as climate change and invasive species. Overall, by recognizing the interconnectedness of nature, we can better manage the complex challenges facing species and ensure their continued health and resilience for future generations.
References:
Mota-Rojas, D., Mariti, C., Zdeinert, A., Riggio, G., Mora-Medina, P., Del Mar Reyes, A., Gazzano, A., Domínguez-Oliva, A., Lezama-García, K., José-Pérez, N., & Hernández-Ávalos, I. (2021). Anthropomorphism and Its Adverse Effects on the Distress and Welfare of Companion Animals. Animals: MDPI, 11(11), 3263. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113263
Bogers, M., Sims, J., & West, J. (2019). What Is an Ecosystem? Incorporating 25 Years of Ecosystem Research. Academy of Management Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3437014
van Ham, C. (2018). In the spirit of nature, everything is connected. IUCN's EU Programme Manager for Nature Based Solutions.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (n.d.). Healthy Soils Are full of life. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/Healthy-Soils-Are-full-of-life.pdf
Franklin, J. F. (1993). Preserving Biodiversity: Species, Ecosystems, or Landscapes? Ecological Applications, 3(2), 202–205. https://doi.org/10.2307/1941820
Hello!
I really enjoyed reading your post! I've never heard the official definition of anthropomorphism before. When you think about it, though, it's definitely very common. I absolutely attribute different human-like traits to animals for sure. I really liked how you touched upon soil as an example of interconnectedness in nature. I feel like soil is overlooked when we think about "nature" and the "outdoors". Don't get me wrong; plants, animals, and landscapes are all beautiful and really cool, but I feel like soil is so underrated. This past summer I ended up taking ENVS2060 or Soil Science in summer school. While it definitely ended up being harder than I thought it would be, I really enjoyed learning about soil. It was crazy to see just how complicated, complex and essential soil is to animals, plants, agriculture and humans. I also totally agree about the need to take a more ecosystem-based approach to conservation management and protection! Right now, one of the biggest threats to species that are at risk is the loss of habitat and urbanization. Even just focusing on protecting habitat would make such a huge difference in helping species at risk. Great post! Have a good week :)
Victoria
Frogs
This week, we were given the instruction to interpret something that we think is really amazing in Nature. I thought that it would be much easier to narrow it down, but to be honest, I’ve probably restarted this post at least three times with different ideas! That being said, if you can believe it, I finally decided and for this weeks blog post, we’re gonna look at an absolutely awesome frog that lives in Southern Ontario. Why? Because frogs are awesome. Introducing… the Spring Peeper. Spring Peepers are classified as treefrogs, and have a little x on their back (“Spring Peeper”, 2014). They are usually a beige green color (“Spring Peeper”, 2014). They are pretty small, and usually do not grow larger than 1.5 inches (“Spring Peeper”, 2014). They also have an adorable and very recognizable call!
Spring Peepers live all across North America, but are concentrated in eastern North America (“Spring Peeper”, 2014). They live in six provinces, including Ontario and have a range that extends as far as Florida southward (“Spring Peeper”, 2014). Thair habitat consists of woodland ponds, brushy growth or woodlands, but they can basically live anywhere, as long as there is water (“Spring Peeper”, 2014). For my family, Spring Peepers always signalled the beginning of spring, as they are one of the first frogs that sing! I distinctly remember growing up when my dad would be driving and he would randomly pull over next to a pond and make us all listen for the Spring Peepers. I don’t know how to actually imbed the call of a spring peeper, but I will add a link to a recording at the bottom of the post.
Unfortunately, this frog has started to disappear because of urbanization and habitat loss (“Spring Peeper”, 2014). If you are interested in learning more about either this frog, or other amphibians in Southern Ontario, there are some really interesting websites and videos on the internet! You can find them at almost any pond. I was going for a walk the other day, and I saw a few of them! Unfortunately (or fortunately) for them, they disappeared before I could try to take a photo of them, but they were absolutely adorable.
Here are some more facts about frogs in general: there are 13 types of frogs in Ontario (Parks, 2022). They are classified as amphibians, so they are cold-blooded, have permeable skin and reproduce when they are in water (Parks, 2022). Female frogs lay their eggs in the water, and the male frog will fertilize them (Parks, 2022). This is known as external fertilization (Parks, 2022). So next time you go for a walk or see a pond, take a look and see if you can identify a Spring Peeper! There is a clip of a Spring Peepers call at https://www.naturewatch.ca/frogwatch/spring-peeper/. Just scroll down about halfway through the page, and you’ll hear it!
Citations
Parks, A. O. (2022, October 31). Are you friends with frogs?. Parks Blog. https://www.ontarioparks.ca/parksblog/creatures-of-the-night-frogs-toads/
Spring Peeper. FrogWatch. (2014, November 14). https://www.naturewatch.ca/frogwatch/spring-peeper/
Unit 7: Music in nature, Nature in music
Music surrounds us, it's everywhere. We listen to music when we drive, go for walks, study or cook. There are many types of music, like classical or pop, but some are less common or thought of, such as birds or whales singing. Before this unit, I hadn't put much thought into how there is music in nature.
What even is music? When I think of music, I think of an arrangement of sounds used as a form of self-expression. In this unit, we defined music as sound patterns varying in pitch and time produced for emotional, social, cultural and cognitive purposes (Gray et al., 2001). This definition proves how versatile music is and how many uses it can have.
I want to dive deeper into how music and nature are interconnected. I want to discuss where music is in nature and where nature is in music.
Music is everywhere in nature, from animals singing and communicating to the sound of wind through windchimes. It is simple for me to hear music in nature in the form of birds. I have studied bird calls and songs in some courses throughout my undergrad and analyzed their differences to help ID different species. However, I know how easy it is to tune out these sounds in our busy world, with the sounds of cars driving by honking the horn and trucks reversing. If you have ever gone to a remote location and sat and listened, you would agree it is impossible to ignore and drown out the natural music that fills your ears—the changing songs from season to season and from hour to hour. As I write this, I think about the hot summer with cicadas humming their tune. I remember the sounds of birds singing at 5 am while spring peepers and crickets fill the night with their tune. All together, creating a symphony of sounds. Each piece of nature creates its tune and rhythm just as an orchestra or band would with a guitarist and drummer. All are capable of making their own distinct music. When played in harmony, it creates its song and its music. The music that fills your ears when you sit in that remote spot just listening. It is said that those who live amongst nature have a more comprehensive range of sounds than those who live in industrialized societies (Gray et al., 2001). The distinction between these two examples demonstrates this effectively.
It is clear that music is everywhere in nature, but where is nature in music? My interpretation of this is varied. Nature is in music through song and lyrics. I have discussed this in a past post where The Tragically Hip often writes about Canada's landscape and paints a picture of the beauty and nature. There is also the example of Yoiks, an oral tradition of the Sami where they repeat nonsense syllables about an aspect of nature. This places nature into music; however, I think this can have more meaning. My other interpretation is that nature is what creates the music. Without nature, music would not exist. The animals with specialized structures to make sounds, repeated rhymes, and sound patterns wouldn't exist. Nature is vital in music.
As a follow-up, I wanted to talk about my experience with music and nature. The song Bobcagon by The Tragically Hip immediately takes me back to the cottage. I imagine a dock on the water surrounded by trees. This association is from hearing it played at cottages while growing up! It's a beautiful song if you haven't heard it before!
This Picture was taken in Algonquin and shows what I imagine when hearing this song.
References:
Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52. https://link-gale-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8
Hello!
I really enjoyed reading your description of what music in nature can sound like. I totally agree that sometimes we are not quiet enough to hear the music in nature, with people and talking and other sounds being so much louder. I didn’t know that living closer to nature would help you understand and comprehend more sounds! When you really think about it, it definitely makes sense, especially since industrial areas are much louder, and the sounds are significantly more uniform in nature. I find that when being in nature, I really appreciate the “silence,” so to speak. The sounds that are present are muted and subtle and less over-stimulating than the hustle and bustle of industrial areas.
Reading about nature interpretation through music has been very interesting. While I definitely associated different genres of music (folk and indie) with different outdoor activities, I almost associate nature with silence more than music. I definitely still listen to music while hiking or just going for a walk, but the times when I’ve been able to really appreciate nature have all been when I wasn’t listening to music. Anyway, that was a little bit of a tangent. Nature definitely has its own sound, one that is much more soothing than traditional music, in my opinion. I haven’t heard that song before, but I will definitely listen to it!
Victoria
Unit 7: Music in nature, Nature in music
Music surrounds us, it's everywhere. We listen to music when we drive, go for walks, study or cook. There are many types of music, like classical or pop, but some are less common or thought of, such as birds or whales singing. Before this unit, I hadn't put much thought into how there is music in nature.
What even is music? When I think of music, I think of an arrangement of sounds used as a form of self-expression. In this unit, we defined music as sound patterns varying in pitch and time produced for emotional, social, cultural and cognitive purposes (Gray et al., 2001). This definition proves how versatile music is and how many uses it can have.
I want to dive deeper into how music and nature are interconnected. I want to discuss where music is in nature and where nature is in music.
Music is everywhere in nature, from animals singing and communicating to the sound of wind through windchimes. It is simple for me to hear music in nature in the form of birds. I have studied bird calls and songs in some courses throughout my undergrad and analyzed their differences to help ID different species. However, I know how easy it is to tune out these sounds in our busy world, with the sounds of cars driving by honking the horn and trucks reversing. If you have ever gone to a remote location and sat and listened, you would agree it is impossible to ignore and drown out the natural music that fills your ears—the changing songs from season to season and from hour to hour. As I write this, I think about the hot summer with cicadas humming their tune. I remember the sounds of birds singing at 5 am while spring peepers and crickets fill the night with their tune. All together, creating a symphony of sounds. Each piece of nature creates its tune and rhythm just as an orchestra or band would with a guitarist and drummer. All are capable of making their own distinct music. When played in harmony, it creates its song and its music. The music that fills your ears when you sit in that remote spot just listening. It is said that those who live amongst nature have a more comprehensive range of sounds than those who live in industrialized societies (Gray et al., 2001). The distinction between these two examples demonstrates this effectively.
It is clear that music is everywhere in nature, but where is nature in music? My interpretation of this is varied. Nature is in music through song and lyrics. I have discussed this in a past post where The Tragically Hip often writes about Canada's landscape and paints a picture of the beauty and nature. There is also the example of Yoiks, an oral tradition of the Sami where they repeat nonsense syllables about an aspect of nature. This places nature into music; however, I think this can have more meaning. My other interpretation is that nature is what creates the music. Without nature, music would not exist. The animals with specialized structures to make sounds, repeated rhymes, and sound patterns wouldn't exist. Nature is vital in music.
As a follow-up, I wanted to talk about my experience with music and nature. The song Bobcagon by The Tragically Hip immediately takes me back to the cottage. I imagine a dock on the water surrounded by trees. This association is from hearing it played at cottages while growing up! It's a beautiful song if you haven't heard it before!
This Picture was taken in Algonquin and shows what I imagine when hearing this song.
References:
Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52. https://link-gale-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8
Coming Home
The relationship between music and nature is a well-known one in my mind. When I think of that connection, I think of bird songs, the crackling sounds of a bonfire, the sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the water crashing on the rocks. Music is found so easily and so quickly in nature. Finding nature in music is another subject. I definitely see and hear the connection in some folk, indie, classical, and country music. Partially because those genres tend to lyrically focus on some form of nature or partaking in outdoor activities. I associate these genres with hiking, camping, road-tripping or just being outdoors in general. I have found some songs that specifically mention various locations or landmarks. Outside of kid's songs, I don’t know any that explicitly educate people on nature-related things (animals, plants, weather). I love it when artists incorporate nature into the story of the song and create an emotional connection.
Music, as well as other forms of social media, can reach a whole new demographic of people in nature interpretation (Beck et al., 2019). I think of Instagram specifically (bear with me). Music can change how we respond to what we see around us, and it changes how something can be perceived by the audience (Beck et al., 2019). When scrolling (something I’m trying to do a lot less of this year), oftentimes, cute videos of ducks or a really pretty landscape will show up. And more times than not, the reel is set to a song. The videos are usually stunning, but it's the music that moves me. Even if it’s not mentioning specific species or describing how photosynthesis works.
Music plays a big role in connecting people to the scenery they see and prompting an emotional response (Beck et al., 2019). A video of a beautiful mountain with Crazy Frog playing in the background will not have a massive impact on me (no disrespect to crazy frog). But classical music or indie music that creates a connection with nature? Absolutely. A quote in our readings these weeks poses the question, “Do musical sounds in nature reveal a profound bond between all living things?” (Gray et al., 2001). To this question, I would absolutely say yes.
One artist that I really like is “gavn!”! He has a few songs (trees talk, south dakota, and hit the dirt” that I definitely associated with autumn hiking and camping. As well, Dancing in the Dawn (Jake Scott) and Coming Home (Oregon) (Mat Kearney) are connected in my mind to summer hiking and road trips. Interestingly enough, I don’t really connect canoe trips with music. I find when I’m going on a canoe trip, I don’t usually want to listen to music, and I’d rather listen to the “music” of nature. Sometimes I connect music to nature through songs I hear, and other times, I’d rather hear what nature has to say instead.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Gray, P. Krause, B. Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C. & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science. 291. 52-54.
The Importance of Interpreting Nature Through History
Hey everyone, welcome back. This week I will be dissecting a quote from Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of 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
Hymns wrote an inspiring and thought provoking quote that challenges our ingrained views of past events, knowledge, and teachings of our natural landscape. Hyams starts by saying there is no particularly merit in ancient things, and how I interpret this is that the tangible elements of “ancient things” is what really has no merit, but the reason these things still stand and hold value after tens of thousands of years is what one could call, as Eward Hyams refers to, integrity. I think what he is alluding to is the relevance between integrity and perseverance. If something is persevered, whether tangible or intangible, it holds memories, and those memories can then be passed down and taught through multiple generations, increasing its integrity. This thought can be backed up from our textbook as well, Beck & Cable, 2011 allude that one of the main goals in interpreting nature’s history is the act of remembering; as keeping memories alive is the true meaning of interpreting history (Beck et al., 2011). This is what I believe Edward Hyams references, how physical ancient things serve no other purpose than to pass down knowledge (integrity) to the next generation.
The second part of his first sentence then talks about the importance of parts of a whole, where I think he aims to highlight the importance between interconnected processes, whether that being the simplest example of sunlight = food for green plants or a more personal example for us humans, food = survival. The latter cannot be achieved prior to the existence of the former, and the same could be said for appreciating the integrity of ancient things; one cannot appreciate said things if they were not preserved and cared for in the first place.
He finishes the quote by challenging our moral views and obligations to consciously integrate the knowledge we’ve gained from our past to better ourselves in the future; to keep our stories alive (Hooykaas, 2024). For a more modern example, take fossil fuels; we can acknowledge that our advancement in technologies would not have advanced without the utilization and processing of fossil fuels, but within the same breathe, we must understand that we have new technologies such as solar, nuclear, or geothermal energies that can perform just as or even more efficient than fossil fuels, and at half the price of our environment. In keeping with Hyam's thoughts, we must not forget where we came from, but we must also acknowledge the destruction it took for us as humans to get us to where we are today. We must find integrity through the inspiration and preservation of the stories and lives of past survivors, whether that be humans, ecosystems, or flora and fauna.
References:
Beck, L., & Ted T. Cable. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world - ebook. Sagamore. https://sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-for-a-better-world-2
Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 06: Nature Interpretation through History. [Lecture notes]. ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation. University of Guelph.
Hello!
I really enjoyed reading your post. I really liked your take on the value of ancient things, especially how preservation can play such a huge role in how ancient things are perceived in the future. It really drives the point home that ancient things are not valuable just because they are ancient. It's the stories and memories and history they carry that help us understand the past and comprehend the present. The point you made ties nicely into this week's readings on how nature interpretation can occur through and alongside historical interpretation.
I thought your "unpacking," so to speak, of this quote was really thoughtful and nuanced. I enjoyed how you broke it down piece by piece and gave your thoughts on what the author was trying to portray. I thought his thoughts on integrity in interpretation were really interesting, especially how integrity relates to connecting pieces of the past and present. It seems as if he's saying that nature interpreters have a moral obligation to reference and integrate things in the past with the world we live in today. That we are obligated to present the full picture, and not just the train station when we are in it. I admittedly struggled to fully grasp the message the author was portraying, but after reading your thoughts on it, it actually makes a lot more sense!
Victoria
The Importance of Interpreting Nature Through History
Hey everyone, welcome back. This week I will be dissecting a quote from Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of 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
Hymns wrote an inspiring and thought provoking quote that challenges our ingrained views of past events, knowledge, and teachings of our natural landscape. Hyams starts by saying there is no particularly merit in ancient things, and how I interpret this is that the tangible elements of “ancient things” is what really has no merit, but the reason these things still stand and hold value after tens of thousands of years is what one could call, as Eward Hyams refers to, integrity. I think what he is alluding to is the relevance between integrity and perseverance. If something is persevered, whether tangible or intangible, it holds memories, and those memories can then be passed down and taught through multiple generations, increasing its integrity. This thought can be backed up from our textbook as well, Beck & Cable, 2011 allude that one of the main goals in interpreting nature’s history is the act of remembering; as keeping memories alive is the true meaning of interpreting history (Beck et al., 2011). This is what I believe Edward Hyams references, how physical ancient things serve no other purpose than to pass down knowledge (integrity) to the next generation.
The second part of his first sentence then talks about the importance of parts of a whole, where I think he aims to highlight the importance between interconnected processes, whether that being the simplest example of sunlight = food for green plants or a more personal example for us humans, food = survival. The latter cannot be achieved prior to the existence of the former, and the same could be said for appreciating the integrity of ancient things; one cannot appreciate said things if they were not preserved and cared for in the first place.
He finishes the quote by challenging our moral views and obligations to consciously integrate the knowledge we’ve gained from our past to better ourselves in the future; to keep our stories alive (Hooykaas, 2024). For a more modern example, take fossil fuels; we can acknowledge that our advancement in technologies would not have advanced without the utilization and processing of fossil fuels, but within the same breathe, we must understand that we have new technologies such as solar, nuclear, or geothermal energies that can perform just as or even more efficient than fossil fuels, and at half the price of our environment. In keeping with Hyam's thoughts, we must not forget where we came from, but we must also acknowledge the destruction it took for us as humans to get us to where we are today. We must find integrity through the inspiration and preservation of the stories and lives of past survivors, whether that be humans, ecosystems, or flora and fauna.
References:
Beck, L., & Ted T. Cable. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world - ebook. Sagamore. https://sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-for-a-better-world-2
Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 06: Nature Interpretation through History. [Lecture notes]. ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation. University of Guelph.
History and Nature
“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)
This quote is a really interesting quote. It definitely took a while for me to get a grasp on what was being said, but I think I understand portions of it. It seems as if he is trying to express the reasons behind why history is important. The first section caught me quite off guard in the sense that it seemed as if he was speaking against interpreting nature through history. But, upon further reflection, it seems like he is promoting it. Ancient things, through the sole power of being ancient, may not have much value in nature interpretation (Beck et al., 2019). Sure, it is always helpful to expand our knowledge of the past, but we need to interpret ancient things and connect them to nature for there to be any meaning or integrity involved. It is what we learn from the past that matters. Interpreting history in the context of nature can help bring together communities and help people learn from the past (Beck et al., 2019). As a nature interpreter, drawing attention to history just to say, “This happened” or “Someone did this” does not extend the audience's knowledge of nature beyond mere facts that can be googled.
In interpreting history, nature interpreters need to strive for accurate and well-documented information (Beck et al., 2019). If by seeking to interpret nature through the lens of history, we hope to bring together communities, hear stories, remember the past and keep memories alive (Beck et al., 2019), then it is of utmost importance that the information shared is reliable. This seems to be a core point in the quote above, that integrity is key to nature interpretation and history.
I found his description of integrity quite interesting. It seems like he is stating that there is a moral component to investigating history and using the knowledge of the past to further our understanding today. We need to acknowledge and investigate history to accurately and honestly describe nature today. Otherwise, we are ignoring the realities of yesterday because we were not personally involved.
All of that being said, I really struggled to fully understand this quote. It is fascinating, but the full meaning seems slightly out of my grasp.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
05: Tips and Tricks on Tree Identification
This week, we have learned that when interpreting nature through a scientific lens, it is not always necessary to name species, as sometimes it is not what an audience wants (Hooykaas, 2024). While I completely agree with this, one instance where my curiosity has been fulfilled by naming species is through tree identification. With the opportunity of an open prompt this week, I have decided to share my knowledge on how to identify some common tree species based on the leaves. If you have read some of my other posts, you may know I spent the summer of 2023 as a tree stewardess and forest researcher, where I learned the information below.
Sugar Maple
Some of us may have a general understanding of what the maple tree species look like because of the Canadian flag: the leaf on the flag is a sugar maple! Sugar maple leaves have five medium sized lobes, with relatively smooth edges connecting each point. The sap from this tree makes maple syrup!
Silver Maple
The silver maple also generally has five lobes (sometimes seven), however they are separated with deep and sharp spaces. The back of a silver maple leaf will have a whitish hue.
Norway Maple
As with the silver maple, the Norway maple also has five to seven lobes, however each lobe is much wider. Another way to identify the Norway maple is the milky white liquid that excretes from the stem of a leaf.
English Oak
The English oak has approximately five lobes (sometimes more) on each half of the leaf. The lobes are rounded and generally start smaller near the stem of the leaf and grow larger.
Colorado Blue Spruce
The easiest way to identify a Colorado blue spruce is by looking for a tree with a bluish/grayish tint to it. The needles on this tree are coated with a bluish powder – if you think you have found a Colorado blue spruce, try picking a needle and rubbing it between your fingers – the ‘powder’ should come off, removing the blue colour.
White Pine
The needles on a white pine will cluster together in groups of five straight and flexible bunches. This tree is relatively soft to the touch in comparison to other pine trees.
I hope you have learned a little bit about how to identify some of the common tree species in Ontario. I invite you to try and identify some of the tree species described the next time you go outside – you will most likely only be able to identify the Colorado blue spruce or the white pine at this time, as the other trees will have lost their leaves.
Please feel free to share some of your favourite tree species and why; the way they smell, the shape of the leaves, the way they change colours in the fall, etc! Mine has got to be the ‘little leaf Linden’ for no particular reason (my last name totally isn't Linden).
Thanks for tuning in,
Kiera Linden
References
Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 05: Nature Interpretation through Science [Course notes]. University of Guelph Courselink.
Hi Kiera!
I really enjoyed your post and the walkthrough of identifying different tree species! Your job as a tree stewardess sounds really fascinating! How did you realize you enjoyed this type of work? Admittedly, I'm not fully sure what type of work it entails, but it sounds very interesting. While my knowledge and ability to actively recall identification steps have definitely faded over the years, I grew up identifying different flowers, shrubs and trees with my dad, who studied environmental biology. We'd go out into a forest near my house or even just in our background with a field manual and try to identify all the different little plants or flowers we saw. I used to absolutely love the process of figuring out which species is which, especially if it seems like a bit of a challenge. These days, I guess it's almost easier to use an app to figure it out. I've definitely tried to use a couple, although I'm partial to a good old-fashioned paper identification guide myself.
In terms of favourite trees, I really love willow trees (I used to have one in my backyard), and I also love pine trees! Willow trees are just beautiful, and pine trees smell absolutely amazing, especially in the winter. Though it's not a tree, I also love lilac bushes. They are so beautiful, and smell amazing when the bush is blossoming.
Victoria
Nature and Mental Health
This week, we were not assigned any particular prompt or subject to discuss. Hopefully, my thoughts will not be too scattered and will be easy to understand! This week, I wanted to talk about the role of nature in health. As a disclaimer, I do not believe by any means that nature is a cure for mental illness, but I want to reflect on the role it has played in my life, both related to mental health and also living a balanced, active lifestyle. Growing up, as I’ve mentioned in many of my posts, I spent quite a bit of time outdoors. Encouraged by my parents, teachers, and friends, I developed a love of science and nature. Yet, it wasn’t until I began high school that nature played a little bit of a different role in my life.
Life changed and brought new stresses along the way. My family moved, and that also brought with it excitement and stress. It was around that time that I started going for walks. Now, I lived in the suburbs, and as such, the scenery wasn’t the most stunning scenery I’d ever seen. But I lived by an old abandoned golf course and a little trail a couple of houses down that had a quiet river. I would just tell my parents I was going for a walk (after I’d reassured them ten times that I had my phone, I would be back in exactly 35 minutes, and I would stay away from strange men), and off I’d go.
Now, why am I reflecting on walking in the suburbs? It’s certainly a peculiar thing to focus on in a nature interpretation course. But it was during these walks that I discovered something many people have already discovered: being out in nature is incredibly calming. I began to take more walks when I was stressed, tired or just needed some time to think about absolutely nothing. It became a daily routine and one I still practice. Sometimes, I think I fall into the trap that my enjoyment of nature must culminate in a big trip or climbing a mountain (still on my bucket list, I’ll admit). But the daily enjoyment of the outdoors, even if it’s a 20-minute walk in between classes, has innumerable benefits (Beck et al., 2019). It has been shown in the scientific literature that exposure to nature in various forms can decrease anxiety and improve cognitive function, blood pressure, sleep and other health markers (Jimenez et al., 2021).
Ideally, encouraging others to spend time outdoors would not be solely focused on the health benefits, but I would love to see more and hear more stories about people who have experienced improved health. For me, I’ve found that going for walks outside in nature helps me process daily life, relieves stress to an extent, gets me active, and helps me sleep better. Is it the only reason I spend time outdoors? Absolutely not. Is it a useful tool in improving my daily health? One hundred percent.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
Jimenez, M. P., DeVille, N. V., Elliott, E. G., Schiff, J. E., Wilt, G. E., Hart, J. E., & James, P. (2021). Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: a Review of the Evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9), 4790. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094790
Understand Nature Through Art
Nature interpretation is a fascinating subject. On the one hand, it is something that has been studied, tested and honed into a craft that one must learn, and yet, on the other hand, it is something that (when referencing artistic expression) can come quite naturally to different people in different ways. For me, I am not a creative person, at least not in the traditionally artistic sense. I am not good at painting or drawing, and I can’t sing, or dance. When I’ve tried to describe scenes, monuments or experiences to people, it seems as if my words fall flat and don’t accurately represent what I’ve seen and experienced. That’s by no means to say that nature cannot be interpreted through these mediums; they absolutely can. I myself have experienced and been touched by other people’s interpretation of “the gift of beauty” (Beck et al., 2019).
That being said, as an avid nature lover, I would never want to leave people with an underwhelming perception of the outdoors because of my inability to express what I want to express. I have found when I want to convey something of substance to people, that photography is the best way to do so. It certainly requires skill and practice and is not something that everyone enjoys. It’s not always something I choose to do, especially when I am attempting to be more present and less connected to screens. But I have found that taking photos of nature enables it to speak for itself. I have a say in how the subject is portrayed with editing, positioning and such, but I am not the focal point of the story. In a sense, I can’t mess it up with my lack of artistic talent.
Interpretation through art can take many forms, as mentioned above, art, theatrical performances, storytelling, music, dance etc (Beck et al., 2019). This week’s readings have certainly presented an interesting conundrum to me. How can someone who is not artistic, interpret nature through artistic mediums without assigning a meaning to the work of art? Perhaps being a nature interpreter means acting as a facilitator between the artists, nature and the audience. However, the artists themselves act as a connection between their preferred medium and the audience. I have enough friends and family members who are quite talented in various mediums, like poetry, music and such, to know that they do not appreciate being told what their work means. If that holds true for the broader community, then I wonder if the role of the nature interpreter is simply to facilitate and provide space and art. To let the audience come to their own conclusion, with some guidance and direction given. To equip and teach the audience how to interpret nature for themselves. Anyway, this week’s prompt stood out to me and definitely prompted some pondering. If anyone has any thoughts, I’d love to hear them! Have a great week, everyone!
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.
04: Interpreting Nature Through Art.
As a student with an appreciation for art and nature, I find myself constantly drawn to both of these two elements. Nature, with its intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and the sense of tranquility it has, can serve as a source of inspiration for many artistic endeavors. I see interpreting nature through art as a way to connect with the world around me.
I think that interpreting nature through art can be seen as a sort of “dialogue” between the artist and the natural world. It is a way for someone to engage with the environment on a deeper level, and capture not only what is seen but also the emotions and connections that come with it. Art can be used as a language for someone to convey their appreciation for the natural world.
I've played around with various art forms like painting, sketching, or photography. Photography has been my favourite form of interpreting nature through art, and even though I haven’t done it in a while, it really allowed me to connect to nature. Each way of art allows me to communicate a specific aspect of nature's beauty that I enjoy. This process is not about replicating nature, but more about sharing my perspective and feelings, and turning the intangible aspects of nature into something visual. I view myself as a sort of middle-person in this process, sort of like a storyteller. My goal is to convey the qualities of nature, like its beauty and resilience, in a way that resonates with others. Essentially, I'm sharing the gift of beauty, creating a connection between the viewer and the natural world.
"The gift of beauty" is an important concept that holds significance. It states that “Interpretation should instill in people the ability, and the desire, to sense the beauty in their surroundings - to provide spiritual uplift and to encourage resource preservation” (Beck et al., 2018). This statement highlights the positive impact of interpretation by emphasizing its role in nurturing people's ability to appreciate the beauty in their surroundings, creating a deeper connection to the environment. It also promotes a sense of responsibility by encouraging both spiritual uplift and a commitment to preserving resources, which contributes to a more mindful and sustainable relationship with nature.
Overall, as someone who is passionate about both art and nature, I aim to use my creativity to interpret and share the beauty that nature freely gives us. I hope to inspire others to appreciate the incredible beauty in every part of our planet in a similar way!
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.
Hello!
I really enjoyed reading your post. It’s so cool that you are passionate about both art and nature! It sounds like you would be and already are a fantastic nature interpreter. I also completely relate to enjoying photography as a medium for art interpretation! I’ve found that while I can appreciate art forms like sketching, painting or poetry, I have little to no talent for actually executing these art forms, let alone doing them justice. Honestly, my biggest concern when it comes to interpreting nature through art is my lack of skills in this area. I would definitely not describe myself as a traditionally artistic person, which may be part of the reason why I enjoy photography.
To me, while photography is still very artistic and definitely requires skill, it is more about letting nature speak for itself. I am merely attempting to highlight different aspects of the beauty of nature that people can appreciate. As someone who does not feel that they are particularly gifted with words in an artistic medium, photography feels more true to me in the sense that I just portray what I’ve seen and almost let the audience take what they please from it. I love how you’ve articulated what the role of interpretation is to you, and how you personally connect art and nature! Look forward to reading more of your posts.
Victoria
04: Interpreting Nature Through Art.
As a student with an appreciation for art and nature, I find myself constantly drawn to both of these two elements. Nature, with its intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and the sense of tranquility it has, can serve as a source of inspiration for many artistic endeavors. I see interpreting nature through art as a way to connect with the world around me.
I think that interpreting nature through art can be seen as a sort of “dialogue” between the artist and the natural world. It is a way for someone to engage with the environment on a deeper level, and capture not only what is seen but also the emotions and connections that come with it. Art can be used as a language for someone to convey their appreciation for the natural world.
I've played around with various art forms like painting, sketching, or photography. Photography has been my favourite form of interpreting nature through art, and even though I haven’t done it in a while, it really allowed me to connect to nature. Each way of art allows me to communicate a specific aspect of nature's beauty that I enjoy. This process is not about replicating nature, but more about sharing my perspective and feelings, and turning the intangible aspects of nature into something visual. I view myself as a sort of middle-person in this process, sort of like a storyteller. My goal is to convey the qualities of nature, like its beauty and resilience, in a way that resonates with others. Essentially, I'm sharing the gift of beauty, creating a connection between the viewer and the natural world.
"The gift of beauty" is an important concept that holds significance. It states that “Interpretation should instill in people the ability, and the desire, to sense the beauty in their surroundings - to provide spiritual uplift and to encourage resource preservation” (Beck et al., 2018). This statement highlights the positive impact of interpretation by emphasizing its role in nurturing people's ability to appreciate the beauty in their surroundings, creating a deeper connection to the environment. It also promotes a sense of responsibility by encouraging both spiritual uplift and a commitment to preserving resources, which contributes to a more mindful and sustainable relationship with nature.
Overall, as someone who is passionate about both art and nature, I aim to use my creativity to interpret and share the beauty that nature freely gives us. I hope to inspire others to appreciate the incredible beauty in every part of our planet in a similar way!
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., Knudson, D. M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.
