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Disclaimer
This blog was created for Zoe Leonard, University of Guelph.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph.
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Unit 10- The final blog!
When I think of my personal development as a nature interpreter, I am brought back to the first blog post that I wrote in January, where I discussed how my relationship with nature has changed over my lifetime. As I develop as a nature interpreter, it is important to me to give those that I interpret to the opportunity to develop their relationship with nature in the same way. As a recap for those who haven’t been taking notes on my blog posts this semester, I have spent lots of time in nature throughout my life and in this time, I have noticed my relationship with nature changing. As a child, most of my time in nature was focused around playing and learning but as I got older I was able to start appreciating more of the artistic and therapeutic aspects of nature. I think that one’s relationship with nature is comparable to any relationship that they have with a person; when you watch the relationship grow and change over a long period of time, it allows you to appreciate it in a deeper way. I want to be able to give this experience to every person I interpret to, and I the interpretive methods that I have learned over the past few months will be the key to accomplishing this goal.
The approach to interpretation that I think will work best for me and my goals is to be highly immersive. I think to develop a close relationship with nature, it is important to really get into nature. This might seem easier said than done, as there are many people that aren’t privileged to have immediate access to nature, however, the David Suzuki video from this week made a good counterpoint to this idea. In the video, Richard Louv answers the question “what is nature?” by outlining how different every person’s concept of nature is. If I were to be asked this question, my mind would immediately go to a forest or a lake because this is where most of my experiences in nature have been (David Suzuki Foundation, 2012). Many people, especially those who live in urban areas don’t have access to this, therefore they would have a much different definition of nature (David Suzuki Foundation, 2012). Whether you consider a forest to be nature or a garden to be nature, the bottom line is that everyone can access it if they want to. My goal as an interpreter is to provide a meaningful experience that empowers others to develop a sense of place in nature- whatever that may be to them.
One of the main focuses of the content in this unit was the importance of reintroducing kids to nature. Throughout the David Suzuki video, the harm of disconnection from nature is mentioned. I think this is why I am so passionate about helping others find a sense of place in nature through my interpretation - for me, time in nature is medicinal in a way. On a bad day, some time outside can turn everything around and on a good day, make everything even better. As an interpreter, I want to share this experience with others so that they can reap the same benefits that I do when I spend time in nature. In addition to this, I think sharing meaningful environmental experiences with others increases the amount of people that advocate for important environmental issues. If someone is disconnected from nature, they likely do not have the same passion to advocate for environmental issues as a person that has a sense of place in nature.
Although discussing environmental issues is an important way to get people to care, it can sometimes be an overwhelming topic, especially for a younger audience. The opening paragraph of Jacob Rodenburg’s article that was assigned this week mentions this in a way that really resonated with me. There are so many issues to be worried about that it can begin to feel very overwhelming- I want to do something to help every little problem but obviously that is just not feasible. This is something that I have dealt with for a very long time; I remember one time when I was probably about 5 or 6, I saw a diorama at the Toronto zoo that depicted the deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest. Ever since seeing that diorama, I had incredible anxiety about the environment and constantly wondered if there was anything that I could do to help. This one experience I had as a child stuck with me, and I still believe that this is one of the main reasons I am so passionate about conservation. Although that experience was a net positive because it encouraged me to get involved in conservation, it was still incredibly distressing to have so much climate anxiety at such a young age. As an interpreter, it is important that I can inform others about important issues to empower people to get involved, however I don’t want to cause distress for others. I think that the best approach for this is to provide information about conservation while teaching about environmental issues. For example, rather than just telling people that there is deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest, I can also tell people about restoration projects and initiatives that could allow them to personally get involved.
I believe that everyone’s sense of place in nature changes to some extent throughout their life, I think that this is natural as people grow and change constantly throughout their life. Rodenburg explains this well when he tells the story of an interpreter asking kids if they think a view is beautiful while they focus in on an anthill instead. As a child, nature is all about play and learning- the appreciation for natures beauty tends to come with age. Just because children experience nature in a different way doesn’t mean that they aren’t having meaningful experiences! Through tailoring each interpretive experience to the I am interpreting to I will be able to increase the number of people that have a meaningful experience with me. This is the ultimate goal; at the end of the day I want as many people as possible to feel empowered by their experiences in nature and to continue developing their own personal relationship with nature.
It has been a pleasure blogging for you all throughout this semester! I have loved reading everyone else’s posts and having discussions with you through responses. I have also loved the chance to express myself here and get to read all your responses, I wish I could show you all how excited I get when I get a notification for a blog response that I get to read! Good luck to you all with any of your future academic and interpretive endeavors!
David Suzuki Foundation (Producer). (2012). David Suzuki and Richard Louv @AGO [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5DI1Ffdl6Y&t=46s
Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope. Clearing Magazine. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300
I love the comparison of a person’s relationship with nature to a person’s relationship with another person. I think it’s completely true that as you get older, you learn to appreciate the relationship in a different but deeper way. I completely relate to this and agree with this statement. It’s kind of beautiful to think of nature as an old friend, something that has always been there for you no matter what phase of life you’re in. A friend you can visit when you need and a friend you’ve watched change overtime. A friend whose flaws become beautiful over time, whose quirks you adore. As I’ve gone through life, I’ve become more and more grounded in nature, and I appreciate it more and more as I go through life.
It's a shame to think that kids are becoming disconnected from nature. I think this emphasizes the need for accessible nature interpreters in present day. Being in nature really is medicinal, and it provides such a strong outlet for stress-relief, grounding and more. Moreso, by establishing strong connections between youth and nature during formative years, you can ensure adults may go through life advocating for environmental issues, whether professionally or in their everyday life.
It's important to acknowledge the anxiety associated with learning more about the state of the world. I really related to the anxiety experienced after seeing a deforestation diorama at the Toronto Zoo, as I had a very similar experience myself. I think there is a balance that can be established between educating children enough to make them care about issues, but not so much that they realize how bleak our reality is. I agree that providing solutions is a great way to make information about deforestation, climate change, etc., feel a bit less scary. Overall, I do appreciate that this experience was a positive experience for the writer, and it shows how nature interpretation can play such an influential role in people’s lives.
Final Blog Post
A nature interpreter’s job is not just to impart knowledge about the natural world; it’s also to build relationships, encourage stewardship, and generate awe. We have discussed in this course how interpretation can support sustainability, promote environmental stewardship, and facilitate people’s reconnection with the natural world. As an emerging nature interpreter, my personal ethics are based on a strong conviction in the value of hands-on learning, a sense of obligation to the next generation, and a dedication to accessibility and inclusivity in environmental education.
One of the core beliefs I bring to this role is that people protect what they love, and love what they understand. This belief is deeply aligned with the thoughts of Enos and Mills, who emphasized that nature guiding should be more inspirational than informational. In addition to providing information about plants and animals, I want to help people understand how they fit into the greater ecological system. “The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation,” as Freeman Tilden put it. It is my responsibility to provoke interest, foster greater appreciation, and leave a lasting emotional impression.
Furthermore, I think that everyone should be able to understand nature. As an interpreter, I have the chance to close the divide that has historically separated many groups from outdoor settings. Through culturally appropriate storytelling, accessible programming, or invoking kids from different backgrounds, I’m dedicated to making sure that everyone has the chance to cultivate a connection with nature.
It is my duty as a nature interpreter to help my audience develop a feeling of environmental stewardship. The analogy of trying to stop a rishing river with a teaspoon by Josh Rodenburg strikes a deep chord because although environmental issues often seem impossible to conquer, little, meaningful actions taken together can have a significant impact. I consider myself to have three responsibilities:
Providing Meaningful Experiences- interpretation should produce unforgettable, life-changing experiences rather than just conveying facts. Whether it’s through immersive treks, interactive exercises, or storytelling, my goal is to bring nature to life in ways that motivate action.
Encouraging Critical Thinking and Reflection- as Richard Louv explains in Last Child in the Woods, nature-deficit disorder affects a lot of individuals, particularly kids. It is my duty to assist people in appreciating nature and challenging the structure that keep them from it.
Advocate for Sustainability and Regeneration- conservation education is no longer sufficient. Ecosystems need to be actively regenerated rather than just maintained. This entails directing people toward actions that lessen waste, restore habitats, and slow down climate change.
Everybody interprets differently, and my method is based on conceptual communication, narrative and active participation. Effective interpretation should be Thematic, Organized, Relevant and Enjoyable, per Sam Ham’s TORE paradigm. My strategy is in line with these ideas. Since individuals can relate to stories more than facts, storytelling is a strong connection technique. I might describe a migrating bird’s journey and the difficulties it encounters rather than listing bird species. Deeper participation is encouraged by the emotional connection this approach helps to establish. Additionally, immersive, hands-on learning enhances understanding. Active participation leads to deeper learning, so rather than just talking about trees, I would encourage people to touch bark, smell leaves, and listen to the sounds of the forest. This is consistent with Mills and Tilden’s emphasis on appealing to the senses and imagination. Finally, it is important to make nature meaningful to the audience. People’s experiences should be connected to interpretation. I might associate nature with backyard biodiversity or city parks if I’m working with urban youth. This method is guided by Tilden’s first principle which states that interpretation must be connected to the visitor’s experience.
Interpreting nature is more than just a profession; it’s sometimes a calling. Since passion is contagious, I will continue to be curious and passionate to make sure that every day has purpose. I will inspire others if I continue to be enthusiastic about the natural world. I shall also keep learning and changing because I understand that just as nature is dynamic, so too is the area of interpretation. I’ll aim to keep improving, whether it’s by reading up-to-date studies, or paying attention to my audience. Lastly, realizing that sometimes the most important moments in nature occur in silence, I will make room for introspection and amazement. Some places, as Harold Ickes pointed out, just need to be experienced; they don’t require narration.
I consider the broader picture of my work as a nature interpreter as this semester draws to a close. It can be intimidating to consider how urgent climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation are. Beck and Cable (2011) remind us, however, that interpretation is a gift of hope. I aspire to create a future where people are inspired to preserve and repair the natural world by cultivating passion for it.
My ultimate objective is to change anything, no matter how small. I’m planting the seeds of awareness and concern, whether I’m taking a family on their first camping vacation, exposing a child to their first woodpecker, or assisting someone in appreciate the beauty of their neighbourhood park. According to Tilden, “You will be an interpreter of the first rank if you love the thing, you interpret and the people who come to enjoy it.” This will serve as my guiding principle going forward in my journey as a nature interpreter.
References
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture.
I love the perspective of this post! “People protect what they love, and love what they understand” is such an incredible line, and it is absolutely true. If you’re able to facilitate a connection between your audience and a part of nature, you have accomplished your job. It’s about making people care enough about something that they want to make changes to help it. By focusing on the emotional connection, you are building the bridge that will lead to the audience seeking out additional information about the topic of interest. In order to establish this connection, you have to help the audience understand what they are connecting with.
Reading this reminded me how much of an impact you can actually have as an interpreter. By being inspirational and facilitating deep connections between the audience and nature, you are creating a chain of reactions that could potentially result in so much positive change for our environment and the beings amongst it. In a world where it feels like the small changes don’t actually have an impact on the destruction our planet is facing, it is refreshing to consider the scale at which an interpreter does influence the general public.
I love the attitude to continue to be passionate and to continue learning. I think these are such important traits for someone who is in an educational role. These traits are contagious, and it can awaken a whole new generation of interpreters if we’re lucky! Amongst this passion and enthusiasm, I love the acknowledgement that important moments in nature occur in silence. I love the concept that an interpreter will guide a crowd through the appreciation of nature in silence and help create a space in which people feel safe to experience that. Overall, this reflection is incredibly thoughtful, and it inspired me in my journey as a nature interpreter!
09: Personal Ethics in Nature Interpretation
As a nature interpreter, you potentially become a very influential person in many peoples’ lives. Considerably, this is the goal. It’s important to consider the impact you may have, and the responsibilities of this role, to ensure you are representing yourself and the subject of interpretation to their most authentic extent. I believe it is the responsibility of an interpreter to be knowledgeable, truthful, and inspiring. An interpreter should be entertaining and fun, but maintain a serious tone, and find ways to include important messaging in their presentations. For myself as an interpreter, I want to educate and inspire people to continue to work on conservation practices, to hopefully preserve some of the wildlife we are at risk of losing around the world.
A quote that has really spoken to me this semester is “The job of interpretation is to open the minds of people so they can receive -on the world’s best receiver, the human brain -the interesting signals that the world is constantly sending. And the messages sent, when added up, tell what the world is all about.” - Yorke Edwards (1979). I really love the way it lays out the role of an interpreter, and I think it’s a perfect summary. An interpreter opens peoples’ minds to allow them to receive interesting information, which in turn reveals the truth of the world. The interesting information is readily available to anyone who pursues it, but the interpreter does the hard job of translating the information to different demographics, learning styles, formats, etc. I think this quote evokes the excitement that can arise from this sharing of knowledge.
That being said, an interpreter should be knowledgeable. It is the job of an interpreter to pass knowledge to the public, to teach them about nature, culture, and anything else relevant to the topic (Beck, Cable and Knudson, 2018). For folks to trust the information being passed to them, the interpreter should be confident and sure in the facts they are relaying. By projecting your confidence, you are establishing trust, and showing your audience they can let go and immerse themselves in your presentation.
It is also extremely important to communicate safety precautions throughout your presentation. It may be easy to assume some precautions are obvious, or they may be overlooked in some situations, but being in an interpreter role gives you the perfect opportunity to spread knowledge on this topic as well. As discussed in our risk unit, you take a risk every time you go out in nature. Things can go wrong at any moment. As an interpreter, it is your responsibility to educate yourself on the possible risks associated with the subject of your interpretation, and how to approach these risks. Furthermore, the interpreter should communicate these risks and how to avoid them to their audience. Whether simple or complex, these rules and guides could potentially save a person’s life.
It is absolutely vital that you have done research as an interpreter, to ensure you are communicating truthful and legitimate information to your audience. I think it’s so easy to feel imposter syndrome in an educational role, and to worry that you are not teaching correct information. At some point, you need to trust that you have done the appropriate research and do your best to stay true to it. It is possible that some facts may be disputed, but this is part of the role as an interpreter. We must adapt and continuously be open to learning new things. By constantly being open to learning, an interpreter opens themselves to stay up to date with new facts, to be receptive to critique, and to make changes for the better. In doing this, the interpreter will accomplish a true and authentic presentation. This can also help the interpreter adjust to various learning styles, as they will be open to making adjustments for their audience.
Lastly, an interpreter should be inspiring, entertaining, and memorable. This is the last step in providing a lasting message to your audience. By being confident in the knowledge you communicate and ensuring it is as truthful as possible, all that is left is to present it in a way that will stick. Interpretation can occur in many ways, such as through art, storytelling, music, on social media, written out, and more (Beck, Cable and Knudson, 2018). Although it may seem overwhelming, the fact that there are so many ways to interpret is actually a gift! It means we can adapt our way of presenting information to suit the situation, to appeal to a certain demographic, or to highlight your own talents.
For me personally, I think I thrive in interpretation through storytelling and through art. Acknowledging this is useful, as I now know where I should begin with my interpretation journey, and I know what I should work on to be a more rounded interpreter. I think all interpreters should strive to at least try out the different modes of interpretation. It may come in use when interpreting for those with different learning styles, age groups, etc.
With all of this in mind, I reflect on how I will move forward in my interpretation journey. I am excited to continue down this path, and this course has made me feel better equipped to do so. I think the most valuable lesson I have learned is that you must consider the diversity of your audience. There will always be a portion of your audience who may not relate to you. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that we all different lived experiences, even if there are overlaps. I will ensure to really look at my audience and consider how to embrace and celebrate the diversity throughout. I will make sure to hold space for the voices that may experience less privilege than me, and I will listen and learn from my audience, as they listen and learn from me. Being an interpreter is not just about standing in front of a crowd and putting on a show, it is about creating a safe space in which people can learn, build community, and explore.
I hope that my journey in nature interpretation will continue to build and grow in the years to come. I am excited to be in a position to spread excitement, inspiration, and joy to others. I am excited to be able to spread messaging to crowds about conservation, climate change, and more. If one person walks away having learned something, feeling inspired to make change, or even excited enough to tell someone about the things they have learned, I will consider that a huge success for me.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture.
by huulari85
09: The Underground Internet of Trees
Imagine walking through a forest, breathing in the fresh, earthy, scent of the trees, while hearing the crunch of leaves beneath your feet. What if I told you that beneath those leaves under your feet, an entire underground network is buzzing with activity—trees communicating to each other, sharing resources, even warning each other of danger?
(Photo I took yesterday, enjoying the beautiful warm weather in the Kortright Woods Trail, March 10th)
This is ACTUAL science, not fiction. Mycorrhizal fungi are a vast underground fungal network that connect ecosystems. Trees can "communicate" by sending chemical signals through the soil thanks to these fungi, that cling to tree roots and function as nature's internet. Older, larger trees (called "mother trees") even send nutrients to younger ones to help them survive. This is by far one of the most interesting parts of nature I have read about, I love how every aspect seems to be connected.
How it Works:
Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with tree roots, attaching to them and extending their reach. In exchange for sugars from the tree (produced through photosynthesis), the fungi provide nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from the soil (Willis, Rodrigues, & Harris, 2013).
Scientists have discovered that trees use these fungal networks to send chemical and electrical signals to one another. When a tree is attacked by pests, such as a swarm of hungry insects, it sends warning signals across the network. Nearby trees detect these signals and begin creating defensive chemicals to protect themselves. Some species even produce airborne compounds that attract predator insects to eliminate the threat for them.
Even more incredible? Trees recognize their own progeny. A "mother tree" will provide more nutrients to her offspring than unrelated trees nearby, increasing their chances of survival (Willis et al., 2013).
(Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, https://cid-inc.com/, 2023.)
Understanding nature's intricate relationships, such as the role of mycorrhizal fungus in tree communication, takes more than simply scientific understanding; it also requires education and involvement (Branco et al., 2022). Environmental education is critical in helping people understand these natural phenomena and recognize their value in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
While the idea of trees communicating through underground fungal networks, known as the "Wood Wide Web," is captivating, it’s not without controversy. Some scientists, like Justine Karst from the University of Alberta, caution against overselling the idea. In a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, Karst and colleagues argue that many popular claims about trees “talking” or protecting each other via mycorrhizal networks are not fully supported by evidence (Karst et al., 2023). This highlights a divide in the scientific community, where some researchers embrace the concept, while others remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for more data.
Organizations like the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) and Interpretation Canada are at the forefront of this educational movement. They provide platforms where environmental educators can connect, share resources, and develop programs that bring scientific discoveries to life for all ages. These networks foster a community of educators, researchers, and practitioners who are passionate about translating complex ecological concepts into engaging, accessible lessons.
For example, EECOM hosts conferences and professional development workshops where educators can learn how to effectively convey environmental issues, such as the significance of fungi in ecosystems. These events provide an opportunity to debate creative ways of environmental education, such as storytelling, hands-on experiences, and outdoor activities. By providing educators with the resources they need to promote curiosity about nature, we can motivate the next generation to cherish and protect the environment.
When people understand the fascinating and complex world beneath the forest floor, they are more likely to care about preserving it. This awareness can lead to changes in behavior, advocacy for policies that protect ecosystems, and, ultimately, a more sustainable future for both nature and humanity.
SO..
The next time you find yourself in a forest, take a moment to appreciate the hidden world beneath your feet. The trees might not be speaking in words, but they are definitely having a conversation. They warn each other of danger, share food, and care for their young—all through a network older than the internet itself (Branco et al., 2022).
If trees can look out for one another, maybe we should do the same.
My references:
Branco, S., Schauster, A., Liao, H. L., & Ruytinx, J. (2022). Mechanisms of stress tolerance and their effects on the ecology and evolution of mycorrhizal fungi. New Phytologist, 235(6), 2158-2175.
Gorzelak, M. A., Asay, A. K., Pickles, B. J., & Simard, S. W. (2015). Inter-plant communication through mycorrhizal networks mediates complex adaptive behaviour in plant communities. AoB PLANTS, 7, plv050. https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plv050
Willis, A., Rodrigues, B. F., & Harris, P. J. (2013). The ecology of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 32(1), 1-20.
The Pacific Museum of Earth at the University of British Columbia took part in the Vancouver School Board Sustainability Connection (VSBSC)
This is so interesting! Thank you for sharing information on Mycorrhizal networks. It’s fascinating to think that trees communicate with each other, in a way that we couldn’t even comprehend as humans! It’s so cool that these two organisms have established a mutualistic symbiotic relationship, where both sides benefit greatly from each other. It’s even cooler that the fungi are able to transport the signals between trees, somehow acting as messengers despite being different groups completely! This indicates a level of intelligence that is much deeper than we could even guess. Even the fact that mother trees are able to recognize their offspring and send more nutrients to them, shows some sort of perception that seems so complex! It makes me wonder if trees have thought-processes similar to us, or if not, what sensory processes have evolved to allow for this level of perception and decision-making.
I wonder if there would be as much logging or deforestation if more people knew about the wonders of mycorrhizal networks? I think this information “humanizes” forests to an extent in which humans may actually care more about them? Understanding that there are more complex processes occurring amongst trees might make people realize that they are not just “inanimate objects”, but living, growing organisms that contribute greatly to our planet and our well-being. While there is controversy over “overselling” the idea, I do not think this is necessarily a bad thing! While news stories on this topic should be honest and realistic about the type of communication occurring in these networks, I think there is a place to make this research more exciting and relatable to the general public. I think it does more good to captivate people’s attention and make them really care about these species to help encourage conservation efforts. EECOM seems like such a great resource for educators to learn how to convey concepts such as this, in a way that is exciting but truthful. I hope as this story reaches more people, it may encourage further environmental efforts that may help conserve our trees!
08: Nature is Amazing
“A nature guide in every locality who, around his home or in the nearest park could show with fitting stories the wild places, birds, flowers, and animals, would add to the enjoyment of everyone who lives in the region or who visits it.” –Enos Mills (1920)
This quote really inspired me. I think it’s very easy to overlook the nature that surrounds us every day, as it fades into the routine as we make our way to work or school. Learning about nature and its history can create a familiarity that leads to deeper connections and experiences within nature (Smith, 2016). It also helps us understand deeper systematic issues that are affecting our wildlife and the ecosystems they live in (Beck, Cable and Knudson, 2018). When we actually take a moment to learn about the animals surrounding us, it can re-spark that joy and wonder. At what point does it stop being exciting to see a Chickadee? I hope I never reach that point.
I am very lucky to have some friends that like to go on adventures with me. We will choose a location (or two or three) and spend the day looking for wildlife. We often set a goal species to spot, but other than that we go in to try and find as many species as we can. One of my friends is very knowledgeable about birds and herps, and we get our own interpretive tour through him. It’s always such a fun time, and I always learn so much when we go out on these adventures! What I especially love about these trips is the opportunity to appreciate the local animals around me. By adventuring in local places, we get to spend so much time with animals I usually overlook. I’d like to bring you on our January 9th, 2025 adventure and show you what I think is amazing about nature.
Our day started before the sun rose. We were traveling to Burlington, to a specific spot on the beach that was said to have many, many birds. These rumours were right! I swear I had never seen so many birds in one place. I immediately saw Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, Mallards and Black Ducks! Upon further inspection, we realized we were seeing some Cackling Geese as well! Cackling Geese look very similar to Canada Geese, but they are smaller and have shorter beaks. We spent hours lying in the sand, taking pictures, and watching these beautiful birds, all while being serenaded by the trumpet-sounds of the swans. After a while, we spotted another bird -the domestic duck- which was not acting domesticated at all! This little guy fit right in with the group (excluding the colouration). It was so cool to see all these different types of birds getting along with each other!
After a while, we moved on to the loading docks. Here, we saw even more birds! American Coots, Buffleheads, Goldeneyes, Canvasbacks, Mergansers, Loons and more! Again, all of these birds were sitting in the water together, along with the birds mentioned previously. I realized that I had probably seen most of these birds before, without even realizing it! Usually when I see waterfowl, I assume they are ducks and I move on. It really made me appreciate how much diversity we have here in Ontario.
After a bit of time staring at the water, we noticed two new birds! The first was just on the shore -a Double Crested Cormorant! This guy was hard to spot because he camouflaged quite well with the rocks in the lighting on the water, apart from his bright green eyes! The second of the new birds was a juvenile Bald Eagle! It landed on a tree close to us, and we were all taken aback by its size! Juvenile Bald Eagles have yet to develop the characteristic white head you would typically think of, and at first glance this bird looked like a very, very big hawk.
We ended up following the juvenile Bald Eagle down a path, and eventually laid eyes on (presumably) its parents! It was so cool to see the juvenile flying alongside two adults. We could definitely tell who were the more experienced flyers.
As we made our way back to the car, we passed by a bird feeder. Here, we got to see Chickadees, Juncos, a White-Breasted Nuthatch and a Downy Woodpecker. Now, these birds are some of my all-time favourites! Similar to the waterfowl, I think Juncos and Nuthatches can be often overlooked, as the star of the show is often a Chickadee. These birds are quite interesting, and it was cool to see how they all moved and interacted with humans differently. Nuthatches are particularly interesting, as they typically move down trees (face-down), and peck at them like Woodpeckers, but are similar in size to a Chickadee.
This concluded only the first half of our journey! While it may not be common to spot this volume of birds on a given day, it’s incredibly likely that you too will spot quite a large number of birds if you spend the time to look for them! These types of experiences are so wholesome, grounding and re-invigorating. They remind me to look for these wonders every day, no matter how rushed I’m feeling. The most amazing thing about nature to me, is the nature we are lucky enough to have in our own backyard.
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture. Smith, W. (2016). Observational ecology: Renewing the study of nature. Legacy, 27(2), 30–33.
Upstairs
The Symbiotic Relationship between Music and Nature - Blog 7
As I have gotten older, I have begun to appreciate how music is such a big part of our lives. As our readings mention, it is believed that every known human culture has music, and it could even be said that making music is something genetic. I can certainly look back at many of the most significant moments of my life and correlate them to a song or have a song in mind to describe it. For many of us, it feels as though music is an ingrained form of self-expression. Whether we create or consume, music is always something we share on a regular basis. That said, this inherent music-making ability seems to expand beyond humans.
The first thing I thought of was cicadas and their infamous buzzing noises. Growing up, I always looked forward to the warmth and sunny days of summer, and one of the only ways for me to feel like it was summer was to hear that buzz. Whether I was walking down my street at home in Toronto or up north at my cottage surrounded by forest, that noise of the cicada would stand out. Nature is the original composer, creating soundscapes that have influenced musicians and cultures for centuries. Indigenous communities have long mimicked and gained inspiration from the calls of birds or the drumming of rain. Beyond direct imitation, nature provides raw elements from musical creation. The wooden bodies of violins, the stretched animal hides of traditional drums, and the hollowed-out reeds of woodwinds all originate from the environment. Even the very physics of sound involves vibrations travelling through the air, water, and earth, which is an extension of nature itself.
Even today, we see modern composers looking to integrate nature into their work. Musician Ben Mirin is an excellent example of how creativity can expand our appreciation and understanding of nature and the animals around us. Despite his music being made at the hands of modern hardware, totally distanced from where the sounds originate, there is a unique journey behind each note. Every sound comes from a plant or animal he interacted with. For me, his music signifies the creation of this perfect collaboration between the beauty of the natural world and human engineering. It represents the symbiotic relationship that nature and music possess. Nature inspires music's rhythms, tones, and textures, and music helps us connect more deeply with the natural world.
When I think of songs that evoke natural landscapes, I am quickly drawn to one of my favourite artists, who has gained significant popularity in recent years. Noah Kahan has many songs that reflect his experiences in Vermont and explore what it’s like to live there. While much of his music highlights his upbringing in Vermont, there are two specific songs that I particularly enjoy, as they address nature and the consequences of failing to respect or preserve it. In his song “ Northern Attitude, “ he says, “If the sun don’t shine ‘til the summertime, forgive my northern attitude, oh, I was raised on little light.” This lyric resonates with me, as I believe it does with many Canadians, because, like the northeastern U.S., our winters can be very harsh with little sunlight, so we desperately wish for the day when the sun starts to shine again. His song “New Perspective” is another song that I think provides an interesting perspective about nature. He says, “Ooh, this town is for the record now. The intersections got a Target, and they’re calling it downtown. This lyric is significant to me because he is speaking about the gentrification of this small town and how he believes it will never be the same. This is relevant to nature because, with all of the growth and evolution of our communities, we are actively destroying the beautiful nature and ecosystems of all the animals there. We see all of this change in response to the needs of our growing community and forget that we are constantly taking away from the original inhabitants.
References:
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.
Kahan, N. (2022). New perspective. Genius. https://genius.com/Noah-kahan-new-perspective-lyrics
Kahan, N. (2022). Northern Attitude. Genius. https://genius.com/Noah-kahan-new-perspective-lyrics
This is a great reflection on the connection between nature and music! I completely relate that music is an engrained form of self-expression. I feel that every song I listen to is linked to a memory, a phase in my life, or an emotion. I feel that this is something so many people can relate to. Music can bridge memories of being nature as well, if you were listening to a specific song while on a hike, for example.
I love the connection between nature and physical instruments. I haven’t considered the fact that nature literally gives us the tools to create music. Isn’t it beautiful that the music we create uses raw natural materials? The vibrations that make up the songs we like to hear are reverberating in small pieces of nature. Wood, reeds, hides, leather, they all come from the Earth. Even metal is a product of the Earth to a certain extent.
This is my first time hearing about the musician Ben Mirin. This is such a creative and inspiring process. I really appreciate that the sounds he creates are inspired by and originated from plants or animals he’s interacted with. It’s so beautiful that he is sharing his experiences and expressing this in his music. This really shows how nature produces its own music, and that our music is truly so inspired by the natural world.
Lastly, I also love to listen to Noah Kahan! His music really is rooted in a specific location, and he does a great job of including imagery in his songs. I also feels that he accomplishes the setting of his songs through the tones and cadences he uses. Listening to his music always makes me think of a road trip through the mountains. I really like the moments in his songs that are pointed out in this post. I agree that a Canadian could hear the song “Northern Attitude” and immediately relate and visualize a harsh winter with low levels of light. “New Perspective” is also such a great song to point out how capitalism has taken away from the beauty and nature of what used to be beautiful old towns. Similar to the songs mentioned in my post this week, I feel that a song doesn’t need to be solely focused on delivering a nature-related message to the audience in order to be impactful and make them think about nature.
07: Music and Nature
It’s been well-established that art and nature go hand-in-hand. Art allows us to appreciate and truly see the beauty of nature. This week I’d like to specifically talk about music and nature. Gray et al. pointed out that whales, birds and humans show similar trends in music-making, but I think it goes further than this. I personally believe that music transcends the typical “human” creation. We may look at the structure, tone, range, melodies and lengths of songs and call only those that contain these elements “music” (Gray et al.). When I’m in nature, I hear the music of the trees as the wind passes through them, the bumblebee’s wings as it flutters, and the insects as they buzz. I hear the creaking of an old tree in the winter, a snow fall from a tall branch, ice cracking. I hear the sounds of falling rain, thunder, frog croaks. I hear the rhythmic splash of waves on the shore, birds diving, and the sound of footsteps on rocks. My point is, I don’t see music as needing to follow a structure, necessarily. I think one can sit outside in nature and hear the music of the Earth.
Likewise, I think the incorporation of nature sounds in music is so beautiful. Nature is rhythmic, but nature is also chaotic and unpredictable at times, and I think this is a fun element to bring into a song. Right away I think of “Blackbird” by The Beatles, which incorporates the song of the blackbird at the beginning. I think this is such a unique element that can immerse the listener even more, and connect them with nature. On top of this, there are countless songs about nature. This may be in the form of traditional folk songs, which may contain myths, or the beauty of living in nature (Sahi). Recent music may also contain these types of messaging as well. I really love modern folk music, and what I like to describe as “chill” music. I specifically had two songs that came to mind when reflecting on music and nature and I’d like to break them both down.
The first is “Solar Power” by Lorde. This song emotes the feeling of being on a beach on a beautiful, sunny day. It describes imagery of “acid green, aquamarine” water and “dancing in the sand”. Even though there is more meaning to this song, I always think of it when I think of the feeling of being on a beach. She captured those feelings so perfectly with the tone and feel of the song.
The second song that came to mind is “Where the Skies are Blue” by The Lumineers. To me, this song emotes the feeling of sitting in a green field, looking up at a clear, blue sky. It says “lay your dreams, little darlin’, in a flower bed, let that sunshine in your hair”, and “you can always find me where the skies are blue”. Similar to the first song, there is more meaning to the song but I always think of this song when it starts to get warm out, and it makes me want to be outside “where the skies are blue”.
With both of these songs, I feel a sense of optimism and appreciation when I listen to them. They make me want to get outside and experience the world and nature. I think even if the messaging isn’t directly related to nature education or a conservation goal, this is still an extremely valuable trait of music.
Gray, P. M., Krause, B. ,. Atema, J. ,. et al. (n.d.). Music of nature and the nature of music. Science, 291(5501). Ares. Sahi, V. (n.d.). Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of Europe [Workshop Proceedings #322]. 322. Ares.
Blog #6: Significance of Acknowledging History in Nature 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
This quote challenges the idea that history is only a collection of distant events, irrelevant to the present. Instead, Hyams argues that history is an integral part of continuity, without an awareness of what came before, we risk losing our sense of integrity as individuals, communities, and even as stewards of the land. His metaphor of the railway station illustrates a crucial point, just because we have moved past something does not mean it ceases to exist or no longer matters.
I found that passages in the textbook from Chapter 15: Interpreting History highlight the connection between history and nature interpretation, emphasizing that every natural site has a history, just as every historical site has natural elements. For example, a national park is not just a scenic space but it holds the memories of Indigenous communities, early settlers, and the ecosystems that once thrived in undisturbed harmony (Beck et al., 2018). Recognizing this past allows us to engage with the land more meaningfully rather than treating it as a mere backdrop for recreation.
To truly grasp why history matters, I want to show you a few before-and-after visuals of landscapes. These comparisons will emphasize why looking into the past is essential, not only to understand the present but also to predict trends that shape the future.
Figure 1: Timeline of the health of the Great Barrier Reef, the entire reef has had a steep decline in health due to ocean acidification
Figure 2: Comparision of Toronto's urban area expansion between 1966 (dark pink) and 2000 (light pink)
Figure 3: Comparision of glaciers that have melted over time in Glacier National Park, Montana between 1932 (left) and 2005
The textbook discusses first-person historical interpretation, which requires immersing oneself in the experiences of those who lived in the past (Beck et al., 2018). Whether it’s wearing their clothing, using their tools, or speaking in their manner, the goal is to embody the realities of another time (Beck et al., 2018). This same principle applies to nature interpretation, we have to step beyond our present day perspective to understand the broader timeline of a place. Just as historical interpreters strive to bring the past to life through human experiences, we should approach landscapes with the same awareness, recognizing that what we see today is just one moment in a much longer story.
By looking at these before-and-after comparisons, it becomes clear that nature is not static, its past informs its present and helps us anticipate the future. Acknowledging history, whether cultural or environmental, ensures that we don’t view the past as fragmented or irrelevant but rather as a continuous thread that shapes our understanding. Nature interpretation, is about maintaining integrity, keeping the whole story together so we can appreciate where we are, where we’ve been, and where we might be headed!
Do you think there are other historical or environmental changes that should be highlighted when interpreting nature? Is there anything you feel I may have overlooked in discussing the importance of acknowledging history in landscapes?
Reference:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture.
I really appreciate the examples used in this post. These are exemplary scenarios in which it is so important to consider and highlight the past, to give context for our present. The timeline of the Great Barrier Reef in Figure 1 was especially shocking to me. I have seen images, and I knew about the death of the corals, but seeing the images lined up with dates was extremely impactful. To see how much change occurred in less than one year, how drastically the coral’s health declined, really made me reflect on what happened to create such a shift. I think anyone could look at this image and be drawn to make a change in their lifestyle. Likewise, in Figure 2, seeing how much greenspace had been taken over by urban spaces in less than 40 years made me mourn what Ontario used to be. This could make someone prioritize saving spaces such as the Greenbelt in present-day, when it seems to be constantly under threat. Lastly, Figure 3 felt very timely with the crazy winter we’ve been having! I was recently talking to someone who did not grow up in Ontario about how our winters used to last from October to April some years. It’s easy to lose sight of the effects of global warming when we’re finally in the thick of winter, but I think images and comparisons such as this one really highlight how much of a change has occurred over time. We receive such a small amount of snow compared to the past, but it’s easy to forget that when it still feels like a lot in the present. I think the three examples chosen are quite significant and really reflect the intentions of the quote by Hyams. This post really inspired me to find more comparative images in my life, and to take a moment to truly reflect on how the landscapes around me have changed over time.
