oozey mess
KIROKAZE
art blog(derogatory)
wallacepolsom
we're not kids anymore.
#extradirty
tumblr dot com
Origami Around
No title available
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
ellievsbear
★
blake kathryn
YOU ARE THE REASON
Today's Document
noise dept.
Kaledo Art
Game of Thrones Daily
Peter Solarz
Claire Keane
seen from Lithuania
seen from Malaysia
seen from United Arab Emirates
seen from United States
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from Greece
seen from Malaysia
seen from Jordan
seen from United States
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Georgia
seen from Ukraine
seen from United States
seen from United States
@zslenvs3000w25
Disclaimer
This blog was created by Zoe for ENVS*3000 W25, 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
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
Hi Chayse,
Thank you for sharing your final thoughts with us this week. I found it very impactful when you were talking about your reflection on your relationship with nature and how it has evolved over time. Your aspirations to provide the opportunity to others is inspiring, and I respect your approach. You had a good point about the David Suzuki's video from this week, about how everybody has a different way of finding their own version of nature, and how as an interpreter, you can help guide people through their journey of connecting with their own nature. I agree that it is so important to get involved with nature in any format possible. I also agreed with your point that talking about the massive environmental challenges we are currently experiencing can definitely cause anxiety, and that more focus should be on what people are currently doing to help. There are so many amazing organizations, and groups of people that are coming together to advocate can care for the world, and I think as nature interpreters, we can totally help raise hope, and awareness about the positive changes that are also happening in our world. Finally, I think that you have a very admirable goal of helping people feel empowered by their experiences in nature, strengthening peoples bonds with the world. Overall, I really enjoyed reading what you had to share, and I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your interpreter journey!
Prompt 10: Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?
Nature is something I deeply value in my life. As a zoology major with a minor in ecology, and someone who aspires to pursue a career in these fields, the natural world drives my goals, passions, and ambitions. Because of this, nature interpretation is something I take seriously. If I am passionate about nature, then the people who listen to me talk about it will feel passionate as well (Beck et al., 2018, p. 83). That is also why I believe having a personal ethic—guiding principles and values that shape the way I present nature to others—is essential. Nature interpretation plays a crucial role in environmental protection, as it allows people to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and, in turn, inspires them to work harder to protect the land (Beck et al., 2018, p. 475). This belief is central to my identity, both as a nature interpreter and as an individual. I strongly believe that nature is valuable not just in its usefulness to humans, but beyond that, in its role for all living organisms. Because this is one of my core beliefs, I feel it is my responsibility as a nature interpreter to convey this perspective to others in a way that fosters positive change (Beck et al., 2018, p. 99).
Another key belief I bring to my role as a nature interpreter is that interpretation should always be evidence-based. As someone planning to pursue a career in academia, I have a responsibility to present scientific information accurately. It is easy for misleading or oversimplified messages to slip into conversations, but as interpreters, we must ensure the information we share is factual and reliable. However, nature interpretation is not just about presenting facts—it is about making them engaging and memorable for the audience (Beck et al., 2018, p. 83). As our textbook emphasizes, interpreters must be able to connect with a diverse audience, as interpretation is meant for everyone, not just those with a scientific background (Beck et al., 2018, p. 93). This means making information accessible and interesting, even for those who may not have studied science in years. It also requires recognizing and addressing the diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds of our audience, ensuring that interpretation is inclusive and meaningful to all (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 131-132). It is my responsibility, as well as that of all nature interpreters, to recognize the barriers that minorities may face in the field of nature interpretation, including economic, cultural, communication, and educational challenges (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 133-134). By breaking down these barriers and making interpretation more accessible, we can effectively communicate our messages and inspire positive change in a wider audience.
One way I can make my interpretation more accessible is through storytelling and poetry. Our textbook highlights the value of incorporating various art forms into interpretation (Beck et al., 2018, p. 216), and for me, storytelling and poetry are the most effective forms of artistic expression. Stories are powerful tools for engaging audiences, particularly when interpreting for children who may find narratives more relatable and digestible than straightforward explanations (Beck et al., 2018, p. 222). I have linked a video below that provides an example of how storytelling can be used to teach children about environmental protection—notice how characters, dialogue, and plot structure help convey an important message in an engaging way. Poetry, on the other hand, can evoke emotional responses while still communicating a message (Beck et al., 2018, p. 225). I have previously used both of these art forms in my blog posts, such as telling a story about raccoons in Unit 9 to engage readers and writing a short poem about the Arboretum in Unit 4. In both cases, these creative approaches allowed me to communicate key ideas without directly stating them, making the message feel more natural and immersive. Storytelling and poetry have been used across cultures for generations to convey important lessons (Beck et al., 2018, p. 223), so I believe they are valuable tools for nature interpretation as well.
Another approach that I find effective is using interactive and hands-on learning techniques. In Unit 2, I learned that I am primarily a bodily-kinesthetic learner, meaning I learn best through movement and active engagement (Beck et al., 2018, p. 110). Additionally, I discovered that I am a naturalistic learner, meaning I enjoy learning about and in nature, and a logical-mathematical learner, meaning I am drawn to problem-solving (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 111-112). Given these strengths, I believe an effective approach to nature interpretation for me would involve engaging audiences through hands-on activities that foster curiosity and problem-solving. For example, I might take participants out into nature, allowing them to experience firsthand what we are striving to understand and protect, while encouraging them to ask questions and engage in active thinking. While it is important to make interpretation accessible to individuals with various learning styles, I also believe there is value in playing to my strengths as an interpreter to create the most impactful experience for my audience.
Beyond engaging others, I believe it is my responsibility to continually develop and refine my own skills as a nature interpreter. Growth in this field is essential for creating experiences that not only draw people into nature but also affect them emotionally and intellectually (Beck et al., 2018, p. 419). One way to achieve this is through self-evaluation—reflecting on my own methods and identifying areas for improvement (Beck et al., 2018, p. 423). Additionally, feedback from supervisors or peers can provide valuable insights into how my interpretation techniques are received and where they might be enhanced (Beck et al., 2018, pp. 421-423). Ongoing learning is also crucial (Beck et al., 2018, p. 461), whether through attending workshops, taking courses, or seeking mentorship from experienced professionals. As someone who hopes to become a professor in zoology and ecology, my interpretation skills will be invaluable in my future career, both in research and in teaching. This course has provided me with an incredible opportunity to explore the art and science of interpretation, and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I have gained.
Thank you to everyone following my blog—I have had so much fun throughout this journey!
References
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing.
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for your insights this week. I found I really related with what you had to say about your ambitions with pursuing a career in the zoology and ecology field, and agree that beliefs help form identity and guidance for our actions to pursue this line of work. I really liked your point of having evidence based interpretation. There is so much information out there, and having the privilege of being in the world of academia, and gaining easy access to peer reviewed sources, as well as the opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, and insights as to how research and published findings are formed, we can help bridge those gaps for visitors and translate this knowledge in accessible forms. I also agree that this sharing of knowledge can be through the art of storytelling and poetry. Though writing is not my strong suit, it is such an important skill to be able to communicate in a variety of written formats, broadening your audience and potentially even the emotional impact. I was also impressed that you were able to reflect on what type of learner you are, and plan to use your strengths of being a naturalistic learner to help others gain skills problem solving to! I think that is a really smart way of approaching it. Thank you for sharing, and I wish you the best of luck on your academic journey!
My reflection on the beginnings of becoming a nature interpreter
Over the last few weeks of this course, I have been introduced to the multifaceted world of nature interpretation. To my surprise, it was not just focused on science, but it was very relevant from the arts perspective, which aligns with my personal goals for becoming an interpreter. I would love to operate within the intersectionality of where arts and science overlap, continuing the trend of bringing in fresh approaches to interpretation. After all, my takeaway from this course is that nature interpretation is about sparking curiosity, and igniting change and an appreciation for the world. As we come to the end of this course, I have reflected on the beliefs, responsibilities, and goals that will continue to guide my practice.
The overarching theme and core belief of my practice will be based on the value of nature. As humans, we are a mere part of the massive, mysterious system, and I strongly believe that it is so important for people to be able to access nature, as it is a part of us. This means I will try my hardest to help address and deconstruct the barriers that people may face to connect with nature, and create interpretive programs that are accessible. As Beck et al. talked about the many forms of privilege, I think it is important to be able to understand my privileges, and move forward with an open mind to continue learning (2018).
Another way I would like to address providing more accessible forms of nature interpretation is to strengthen my relationship with the community. Being able to collaborate with others will help me understand what kinds of programs may be needed, and how best to offer them. Being able to provide interpretations on online platforms provides a way to reach more people, and hopefully still provide the similar adoration for whatever the topic may be on.
This leads me into my next belief, which are the health benefits that nature offers. From my personal anecdotal experience, when I spend time in nature, I feel so much better afterwards, and I would love to share that experience with other people. There is lots of research that is showing the benefits of spending time in nature, which can take many forms such as physical activity, nature journaling, guided observational walks (Sharma-Brymer et al., 2025). However, I would also like to practice the indigenous practice of reciprocity, understanding that our relationship and connectedness with nature is a two way street. If there are so many benefits that nature can provide us, I would like to explore how we as people can provide and give back to nature.
The last core beliefs that I would like to bring forward is the ability to embrace the multitude of perspectives, values, and forms of which we can exchange knowledge with each other. There are many ways the we can learn (Beck et al., 2018), and a strength I would like to build on is being able to share my knowledge in many different formats to accommodate and appeal to as many people as possible. As an artist and scientist, there are so many beautiful ways to provide ‘alternative’ interpretive programs whether that is through nature art, music, performance, embodying the senses, and the list goes on. I would love to incorporate my passion for the experimental into my nature interpretive programs.
Furthermore, it is also my belief that as an aspiring nature interpreter, it is important to provide a safe space for people to share and exchange their knowledge with each other. Afterall, museums have the space to be able to do this via hosting events, which can create bonds in communities, provide opportunities for people to expand their perspectives on the world, and maybe even grow appreciation for something new (Beck et al., 2018). I would love the opportunity to work as an interpreter in a museum, and help create that needed space to be leaders in the community for social change.
As a whole, I am realising that wanting to be an interpreter can mean taking on more than I may realistically be able to handle all in one go. I recognize that it is a learning journey, and an important part of that is being able to pause, take a step back at the work or programs that I have created, and reflect. Beck et al., provided some great ways to also go about reflecting, and improving on the interpretive journey, whether that was though self or peer evaluation, visitor feedback, or even qualitative and quantitative measures (2018). The responsibility of holding myself accountable for my actions is a necessary ability to be able to grow as an interpreter. I have to accept that I will make mistakes, but understand that these points are important to become a better person.
Overall, the best approach I can take right now to becoming the best interpreter is to be the best person I can be in my everyday life. There are so many amazing ways to connect with people, and create opportunities and share your moments of awe in nature with others. For me, this could look like sharing my art, or when I go for a hike say hello to people and maybe start a conversation and share something cool that I saw in the area. Being the best interpreter I can be also looks like continuing my learning journey, and pledging to also expand my knowledge, while simultaneously practicing critical thinking.
Most of all though, I long to share my love and passion for the world with others, with the hopes that they can feel a similar way. It is a special skill to be able to spark curiosity in someone else, and it is my hope that I can inspire people to love this amazing world, and join me in helping advocate for its protection, respect, and health. I would love to start practicing my skills with my friends and family when I move back home. My younger sisters could definitely use some encouragement to take a technology break, and we could explore the park near our house. By aiming to help foster a deeper connection with nature, as a nature interpreter, I can inspire individuals to live more sustainably, to protect the planet's biodiversity, and to create a more just and equitable world for all. I am eager to be a great interpreter one day, and I will do so by going on a continuous journey of learning, sharing, and inspiring others.
References:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage : for a better world. Sagamore Venture.
Sharma-Brymer, V., Brymer, E., & Loynes, C. (2025). Collective action for health and wellbeing benefits from human-nature relationships. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 25(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2025.2452696
Unit 09: Sense-Making of Nature Interpretation
If you asked me where you might discover nature's most spectacular wonders, I'd probably surprise you with the answer: here in Toronto. You don't have to go into the Amazon or climb the Rockies to see something spectacular nature is occurring all around us, even in the heart of the city. Allow me to take you on a voyage into an untamed realm that lies in plain sight. During a late-night walk in High Park, I witnessed one of the most breathtaking sights I've ever seen. I expected solitude or the distant bustle of the city, but the park was bustling. A family of raccoons gazed down at me from a branch, their veiled features interested yet apprehensive. A great horned owl hooted in the distance, merging into the darkness. And then came the moment I'll never forget: a red fox rushed across the path, its coat shimmering beneath the streetlight. It paused for a little while, locking eyes with me as if noticing my presence, before retreating into the trees. How many of us stroll through the city every day, unaware that we share it with creatures who have adapted to our environment? The city is not only built of glass buildings and concrete it's a stage for one of the most amazing plays I've ever seen. If I've learnt anything about Toronto's fauna, it's that they are masters of survival. A great horned owl hooted in the distance, merging into the darkness. And then came the moment I'll never forget: a red fox rushed across the path, its coat shimmering beneath the streetlight. It paused for a little while, locking eyes with me as if noticing my presence, before retreating into the trees. How many of us stroll through the city every day, unaware that we share it with creatures who have adapted to our environment? The city is not only built of glass buildings and concrete it's a stage for one of the most amazing plays I've ever seen. If I've learnt anything about Toronto's fauna, it's that they are masters of survival. How many of us stroll through the city every day, unaware that we share it with creatures who have adapted to our environment? The city is not only built of glass buildings and concrete it's a stage for one of the most amazing plays I've ever seen. If I've learnt anything about Toronto's fauna, it's that they are masters of survival. Did you know that these amazing birds, who were formerly endangered, have made an amazing return by developing on Toronto's tallest buildings? They see our towers as cliffs, the ideal hunting grounds for their high-speed dives. Peregrines are the world's fastest creatures, reaching speeds of nearly 300 km/h while diving for food. That means the fastest living mammal might be swooping over you while you have your morning coffee downtown. How fantastic is that? For those who believe that nature is far removed from city life, I challenge them to visit the Don Valley, Rouge National Urban Park, or even the Toronto Islands.These areas are rich with biodiversity. In the Don Valley, I once witnessed a beaver meticulously building a reservoir in the midst of a city famed for its busy streets and towering buildings. Rouge Park, Canada's first national urban park, is home to deer, endangered turtles, and more than 200 bird species. And don't forget about the monarch butterflies, which pass through Toronto every fall before flying thousands of kilometers to Mexico. Imagine a small butterfly flying over a whole continent! What is the best part? You don't have to go anyplace special to experience nature's majesty; it's just in your own backyard. Nature is not separate from us; it is integrated into our daily existence. And when we pay closer attention, we realize how remarkable it is. So, the next time you stroll around Toronto, take a moment to look up, listen carefully, and enjoy the wild environment that thrives right beside us.
Hi Yasmin,
I really enjoyed your post this week! I loved your insights and encouragement to find the nature we live along side within the city! Your writing style for this piece really incorporated all the senses, bringing me along with you for your journey to High Park. Nature has an amazing way of co-existing, even in the most unthinkable areas like a large city. The comeback story of the peregrine falcon is a very triumphant story. Its amazing to hear about how well they have adapted to the city life, and using buildings as nesting sites. Its great that they have a reliable food source as well with their being so many pigeons around. I especially loved that you talked about monarch butterflies, and their migration passing through the city! Green spaces for all of these amazing creatures is so important to protect, not just for the creatures who live there, but also for the people who live in the city to enjoy. Humans need nature, and the more that we can encourage people to explore their backyards, just like you have Yasmin, the better we can intentionally design spaces that encourage more species richness and co-habitation. Overall, I love that you are so inspired by all these amazing animals so close to home. It makes me want to explore mine as well and see who I come across!
Echoes of Hope: The Orca's Story
A young orca swims with his family near the coast of East Point on Saturna Island one day, when the unthinkable happens. A harpoon comes out of nowhere, and catches the young orca, and starts pulling him towards the shores of Vancouver. His family followed behind him, but we was separated and put into a dry dock. Alone, and injured, the poor orca had no choice in the matter.
Photo 1: Moby Doll arriving in Burrard dry dock, Vancouver, British Columbia, July, 1964. Photo from Terry McLeod (Colby, 2018)
This is the story of the first recorded captive orca, named Moby Doll. In 1964, fisherman Murray Newman was hired by the Vancouver Aquarium to kill an orca, in the hopes of getting highly accurate anatomical measurements for a new orca sculpture to be on display in the lobby of the aquarium (Colby, 2018). Only, plans changed that day when the harpoon did not kill the orca. Towing it back to Vancouver, and keeping it in the dry dock was a shock for everyone.
In the days to come, peoples attitudes of orcas would start to shift. Prior to this event, the colonial impression of orcas and whales was that they were horrible, vicious monsters who where eating all of the fish, and would be killed on sight (Colby, 2018). However, once Moby Doll was on display, the public began to realize that they are not vicious beasts.
Photo 2: Moby Doll getting fed by Jerry McLeod in September, 1964 (Colby, 2018).
With the turning of the times, the poor young orca became a public phenomenon, with visitors traveling from all over to get a glimpses of the animal (Colby, 2018). Unfortunately, this also inspired many aquariums around the world to get their own orcas (Colby, 2018). By 1968, orcas were being routinely captured from their home waters, to be sold and shipped all across the world (Colby, 2018).
The lasting impacts of this event can still be felt today. The Southern Resident Orcas, otherwise known as J, K, and L pod have resided in the Pacific waters around the shores along Vancouver Island, B.C, and the Northen States. Over the years, this population of orcas have had at least 8 of their members captured for the entertainment industry, including the famous Lolita, but estimates are as high as 40% of their population were taken (Colby, 2018; Center for whale research, 2024). In 1970, their population was numbered around 68-72, and today, their population is around 73 individuals as of July 2024 (Center for whale research, 2024).
Image 3: Lolita doing a performance at the Miami Aquarium in 1995. Photo from: nytimes.com
Though these historical events are horrible to read about, it is important to understand. Today, the southern resident orcas are protected, and deemed endangered (COSEWIC, 2008). Though they are no longer being hunted down, they are still facing challenges. This population of orcas is unique in the sense that they only eat chinook salmon (COSEWIC, 2008). Due to this, there are challenges or having enough food (COSEWIC, 2008). Orcas and other whales also face boat disturbance, and noise pollution (COSEWIC, 2008), which affects their behaviors.
Today, there are many researchers who are dedicated to protecting these orcas, like the Center for Whale Research, and the Saturna Island Marine Research and Education Society (SIMRES). Many initiatives have collected lots of data, and helped advocate for their safety. Only recently, laws have come into place for boaters in BC to stay 200 meters away from orcas, and slow their speed (Government of Canada, 2024).
How can you help?
The next time you are traveling near the coasts, and you want to go whale watching, do you research on the companies and make sure they abide by the laws! Boats can be disruptive to whales, and cause stress if boats get too close (Weilgart, 2007). If possible, the best solution I can recommend is going for land based whale watching! There are so many beautiful locations where you can spot whales (and sometimes they even some so close to shore!).
Video 1: Southern resident whales swim by East Point Saturna, August 2022, land based whale watching! Video by Zoe Land.
Another way you can help is to by knowing where your sea food comes from, and reducing your consumption of chinook salmon. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a great source for ranking sea food, which you can check out here: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/
Over all, respecting the orcas and thinking about how your day to day choices may impact them can also help a lot! Many coastal indigenous peoples have recognized orcas to be relatives, and treated with respect (Stateler, 2023). As a settler myself, I think it is important to listen and learn from indigenous knowledge and perspectives, and recognize the mistakes of the past, to learn how to make the world we live in better for the future.
Sinse my time working on Saturna, I often think about the stories of these poor captured orcas, and the hardships they have endured. These southern resident orcas are the most amazing animals that I have come to learn about on our planet. Orcas have cultures, and can communicate to each other, and are very social and intelligent animals. I wanted to share their story today with the hopes of it helping advocate for more orca conservation and safety.
Check out the SIMRES website to listen to the hydrophones live! You never know what you may hear: https://simres.ca/
Refences:
Center for whale research. (2024) Orca survey since 1967. Center for whale research, https://www.whaleresearch.com/orcasurvey
Colby, J. M. (2018). Murray Newman and Moby Doll. In
Orca. Oxford University Press, Incorporated.
COSEWIC. (2008) Assessment and Update Status Report on the Killer Whale Orcinus orca. COSEWIC, https://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_killer_whale_0809_e.pdf
Stateler, O.A., (2023) Sacred Southern Resident orcas deserve better from us. Vashon-Murray Island Beachcomber, https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/opinion/sacred-southern-resident-orcas-deserve-better-from-us/
Weilgart, L. S. (2007). The impacts of anthropogenic ocean noise on cetaceans and implications for management. Canadian Journal of Zoology = Revue Canadienne de Zoologie., 85(11), 1091–1116. https://doi.org/info:doi/
Unit 7 Blog: What Music in Nature means to Me
Upon first read, I thought this prompt was quite strange because how could plants and animals possibly listen to music? However, Patricia M (2001), introduced many concepts in her article that reminded me music and nature simultaneously exist all around us.
Where is Music in Nature
Nature is packed with rhythmic and harmonic patterns that closely mimic human music. Birds, for example, make sounds that reflect musical features such as rhythm, pitch fluctuation, and even scales seen in human compositions (Gray et al., 2001). Birds are constantly chirping, but how often do we sit back and appreciate the songs they are singing? In such a fast-paced environment, I know I do not sit back and listen as often as I should. She mentions other animals including cockatoos. As part of their courting rituals, these animals shape sticks into drumsticks and tap them on logs to make their percussion instruments. According to Gray et al. (2001), humpback whales also write songs that have patterns similar to those of human music, such as rhythmic components, recurring refrains, which stands for theme, elaboration, and return. These illustrations imply that music is an essential component of nature rather than a uniquely human creation. I wonder if animals enjoy the songs they create the same way that I enjoy blasting Tate Mcrae or The Weeknd on a long car ride. Reading this article was a true reminder that all living things are connected, and even though we cannot talk to animals, there are other ways to communicate with one another, which we often take for granted.
Where is Nature in Music?
One of the most prominent ways nature is present in music is through Indigenous cultures. Using music to analyze and communicate environmental links, many Indigenous societies do not separate music from nature (ENVS 3000 Notes, 2025). The Sami people of Scandinavia, for instance, have a distinctive vocal tradition known as "yoiks," which employ absurd syllables to convey the spirit of a person, location, or natural feature (Gray et al., 2001). This oral tradition is a means of transmitting environmental knowledge and fostering a connection with the land. Similarly, as mentioned in the reading this week, the natural environment has always been represented in Finnish folk music, with traditional songs depicting seasonal variations, landscapes, and even the mythological beginnings of nature, such as the idea that the universe was formed from a bird's egg (Sahi, 2012). Folk singing is employed in contemporary environmental education to help people rediscover their connection to nature, highlighting the fact that it is a living, breathing source of inspiration rather than merely a resource (Sahi, 2012). This reminded me how important music is to my everyday life. I love going for long walks listening to music, going to concerts or listening to music while I clean the house. As mentioned in the lecture, music is a way to deepen our lens for interpretation (ENVS 3000 Notes, 2025). It gives me something to relate to no matter my mood, provides me a sense of calm, and allows me to connect with groups of people who also enjoy the same artists as me.
A Song I Associate with Nature
“The Nights” by Avicii immediately takes me back to my Grade 12 graduation trip at Camp Olympia in Muskoka Woods. It was a trip filled with adventure, bonding, and unforgettable memories which perfectly captured the spirit of the song’s lyrics: “Live a life you will remember.” This trip was at the end of high school. The whole graduating class was reminiscing on the amazing past 4 years we had spent together.
Arrived in the Wilderness for the Weekend!
We stayed in small cabins, and every morning we awoke to the sound of birds, the crisp aroma of pine trees, and a stunning view of the lake. During the day we spent time doing high-rope activities, learning how to construct campfires, and hiking through the forest.
Hike in the Forest surrounded by nature.
I can now think back to this and remember all the beauty I was surrounded by as well as the breathtaking scenery and sounds of birds chirping and coyotes howling that have long served as an inspiration to storytellers and musicians (Sahi, 2012). For me, the most memorable part of the trip was the last night when we all built a campfire together. Someone started playing The Nights on a speaker, we were all singing along, arms around each other, feeling more connected than ever. No matter our differences or silly little arguments we got in with one another in the hallway, or how little we interacted with one another at school, everyone was present. The song captured our collective excitement for the future while also allowing us to reminisce on the last 4 years we all spent together.
Campfire that reminds me of "The Nights"
This experience reinforces the deep connection between music and nature. Just as folk traditions have long used songs to interpret and celebrate the natural world, modern music continues to shape our experiences in outdoor spaces. Whether through Indigenous yoiks that reflect the essence of the land (Gray et al., 2001) or Finnish folk singing that honors sacred landscapes (Sahi, 2012), music has always helped people form deeper bonds with their surroundings, and I am so grateful for that.
References
ENVS 3000 Notes (2025). Nature Interpretation through Music.
Gray, P. M., et al. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Scienceorg.com, 291(5501).
Sahi, V. (2012). Using Folk Traditional Music to Communicate the Sacredness of Nature in Finland. Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of Europe. University of Guelph. pp 129 - 132.
Hi Sophie,
I quite enjoyed your thoughts about this week's topic around music and nature. I agree that when listening to music, and songs from birds and whales, it serves as a reminder that humans are a part of nature. There is no separation between the two. If we can make melodies, then so can the rest of nature. Each thing in nature, living and non-living, has its part to play in nature's symphony, and contribute to the unique bio-soundscapes.
I really liked that you made the point of indigenous cultures' connections with nature through the lens of music. I thought that was a really good reminder and learning point in this week's readings. I think it is good to think about how humans' roots in nature tie back as far as the neanderthals (Gray, et al., 2001), and that a lot of traditional instruments are used from materials connected to nature, like wood, bone, metal, and animal hide. The sounds that we sing, and make are all a part of nature, and even inspired by the sounds from nature. Like with the traditional katajjaq singing from Nunavut, the singers will imitate sounds like geese, wind, or other wildlife (Hachey and Flaherty, 2015; 9:30).
Even modern music is still connected, and there are many great indigenous artists who are continuing to create music. For example, Tanya Tagaq’s music is often incorporating traditional sounds with a contemporary approach, making it very powerful like with her album, Animism. I love the title, which means that inanimate objects, plant, and every natural thing has a soul, and I think this relates to this week's topic on music, and how nature can also have a voice if we take the time to listen. Tagaq’s voice echoes the pain of the land in her song fracking making for a very emotional listening experience.
Overall, I would say that I can relate with you about how music generally brings me a sense of calm, and connection with others. I think it is a great tool that can be utilized to share messages and memories with others. Music can be used to teach others about ourselves. It can be used to learn about other people's perspectives, and how they express their connections to the world. Music can create deeper bonds with each other and to our surroundings.
Hachey, K., and Flaherty, K.,; University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar. (2015) Katajjacoustic - Traditional Throat Singing of the Inuit. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPI2dXcn8Vw
Gray, P. M., et al. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Scienceorg.com, 291(5501).
Finding Harmony in the Wild
Music can be found everywhere in nature, if one's mind is open to listening. It can be the breeze blowing in through the tall grass, waves greeting the land, it can even be the hustle and bustle of a cityscape. Plants make excellent percussionists. Grasshoppers create harmonies. Music doesn't have to be defined by human expressionism, written on a sheet, contained by twelve notes. It can be experimental, accidental, as long as the sound evokes connection. Nature has such a great way of staying in rhythm, and all we have to do is tune into it.
Being able to tap into your senses while you are out in nature is such a gift. In this week's readings, there was a mention of hedonic adaptation, and how over time, material things can lose value, but real life experiences can grow in value (Beck et al., 2018). I think listening to nature's music can help with creating those memories, and emotional connection, and value to the land, which is an important part about being a nature interpreter (Beck, et al., 2018).
Music is such an expressive way of sharing and communicating information. I think that nature can be a tremendous inspiration for the arts. In my anecdotal experience, there have been many times where scenery has caused such a storm of emotions that it could only ever be expressed through art, either drawing or singing. One of my favourite pastimes during the warm summer months is to visit the local gardens, and sing to the wildlife around there. During my experiences doing that, I have found that I was also able to connect with a lot of wanderers as well. Music has a way of naturally connecting people. It is the nature of music to have this magical ability to create these unique, once in a lifetime shared moments in time.
Photo 1: Japanese Gardens on Vancouver Island. A place that inspires music and wonder.
Nature can be found in music because it is a great tool for sharing information to others. In nature, birds are a great example of how their vocalizations are used to communicate with others to provide information like location, threat warnings, mating calls, and more. In humans, we can also musically communicate with others to share important information. The skills of a good interpreter should communicate interesting stories in a clear way, keeping mind of tone, and with the goals of inspiring others to think critically on topics, and music can do the same. Musicians can choose chord progressions to create a mood and a tone, and tempo for the energy of the song, and those two things alone can communicate a lot of information already. Lyrics can also be poetic, and repetitive, making music an effective and catchy way to share messages with people (Beck et al., 2018).
One of my favourite musicians is Cosmo Sheldrake. They are able to record sounds from nature, all kinds of cool samples, from bird calls, to whole underwater ecosystems, to creatures crawling in the dirt! They are then able to incorporate these amazing unique sounds into their music, and create such atmospheric soundscapes, and whimsical songs that capture my soul. He uses his music to educate people about the fascinating world of nature, like with the Tardigrade song. He also advocates for nature through his music, like with his collaborative song, Song of cedars, which was made with the sounds from the biodiverse forests of Los Cedros in Ecuador (Goodyear, 2024). His album, Wake up call, also features many recordings of animals at risk from around the world, made to inspire people. As Sheldrake explains,
“I hope that this music may serve as a wake up call: to help us become more aware of the glorious polyphonic sound worlds that surround us before many of these voices become extinct in Britain, and to remind us not to take any of these creatures and the music that they make for granted.” (Sheldrake, 2020)
When I listen to his songs, I am immersed in these beautiful sceneries, which remind me a lot of my happy place, the temperate rainforests of BC. Though the sound samples that Sheldrake uses are not native, it is the emotional impacts of the song that align with my feelings of back home, and reminds me of the love I have for the world around me. I think it is amazing that music has the power and ability to move people in such powerful ways.
Music is a great way to spark inspiration/admiration of the natural world. It can help us create core memories, connections, and feelings. It helps with learning new content in a digestible melodic way. The combination of nature and music creates a unique opportunity to engage with a broader audience, and connect with people in a different way.
The next opportunity you have, I encourage you to take a moment, and listen to your surroundings. How many sounds can you tune into to?
How does music move you? Does music influence your connection with nature?
Work Cited:
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage : for a better world. Sagamore Venture.
Goodyear, S., (2024). Can a forest write a song? Ecuador copyright claim puts 'rights of nature' to the test. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/ecuador-forest-song-1.7368497
Sheldrake, C., (2020). Wake up calls An album composed of recordings of endangered birds. Cosmo Sheldrake. https://www.cosmosheldrake.com/music/wake-up-calls#:~:text=Cuckoo%20Song%2C%20composed%20by%20Benjamin,the%20soundscape%20ecologist%20Bernie%20Krause
Nature Interpretation through History
From my perspective, this quote emphasizes that ancient things are not worthy nor valuable solely because of its old age, but rather due to its individual importance in maintaining both historical continuity and integrity. In other words, relics and things of long ago hold merit as they are an integral part of history; they are necessary or rather required to complete a whole – whether it be a historical event, story, tradition, practice, or culture. Ancient things contribute to historical completeness – they fill in existing holes, draw connections, and answer or potentially pose questions. This quote highlights the importance of interpreting history accurately as a complete whole and presents the significance of doing such in the present day. Furthermore, the author explains that the importance and relevance of history in the modern world ultimately relies on the accurate understanding or interpretation of such. Simply put, ancient things hold inherent worth when its context is accurately interpreted as it is an essential part to a larger whole – a whole far more complex and greater than the sum of its parts; a whole that holds meaning in today’s world. However, without accurate interpretation and context these individual parts may be deemed meaningless, and thus the larger “whole”, full story, or greater picture may be missed. As the quote states, there is merit in integrity as the accurate interpretation and honest understanding of an ancient artifact, relic, or historical object entails the maintenance of a complete whole – further preserving its true meaning and allowing it to inherent worth.
The railway station analogy that Hyams uses in this quote conveys that the act of forgetting or actively ignoring history does not serve one any purpose or benefit, as past events retain relevance through their prominent influence on society today. To think, feel or act as if the past is done with does not make it disappear nor erase it from history but rather limits the individual’s perspective and interpretation of the world. Just as the railway station existed long before and after our train had passed, history has and will continue to shape the present day and our natural world whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.
This quote made me consider how history and nature are inherently interlinked. There are trees living on this earth that are thousands of years old; the Great Basin bristlecone pine known as Methuselah located in eastern California in the white mountains is approximately 4,853 years old according to tree ring data – meaning this tree was established before the pyramids at Giza were built by the ancient Egyptians roughly 4,600 years ago (Bauza, 2022). Ecosystems themselves are "wholes" composed of many individual parts - both biotic and abiotic - that serve a greater purpose or meaning.
According to the theory of evolution, every species on earth has evolved over time, or throughout history. Once from a common, universal ancestor - all living organisms have undergone change as time on earth has progressed. Evolution in general (as a concept, theory, study, or process) demonstrates the deep connection between history and life on earth, including nature and the natural world. The ecological structure of the earth has changed significantly with time - it has been marked by past events and shaped by history, demonstrating its apparent influence. The earth’s climate has also changed drastically throughout history, and although many choose to ignore or deny these lucid differences - similarly to how some have chosen to forget history, it does not make it go away. Choosing to ignore factual, meaningful information induces inaccurate or biased perceptions and interpretations of the world, ultimately causing nothing but a disservice to all.
References:
Bauza, V. (2022, June 6). Methuselah: Still the world’s oldest tree? https://www.conservation.org/blog/methuselah-still-the-worlds-oldest-tree#:~:text=In%20eastern%20California%2C%20a%20Great,built%20the%20pyramids%20at%20Giza.
Hi Serena,
I really enjoyed your interpretation of this week's quote. Based on your response, I can tell you have a good in depth understanding of the importance of accurately analyzing and connecting history. I found your insight about how objects hold their true worth when they are interpreted correctly, and how individually they may be devalued to be quite a deep and thoughtful approach that I did not consider. I also really liked your point about how once an object is interpreted honestly, it inherits worth.
My favourite thing was how you reflected on the passage of time to ancient trees. These living things have witnessed and experienced so much history, and it always blows my mind and humbles me when I compare my limited experience on this planet. Furthermore, from the perspective of evolution, there had to be millions of years worth of living creatures, all living their lives, in order for us to be here right now. When I reflect on these concepts, it provides me with a greater appreciation for who I am, where I stand, and more gratitude for all of the amazing things the world has to offer right now. Everything that lives today has survived the same amount of time as us, and I think that is quite beautiful. Learning about the history of the hardships that past living things have had to face on this planet, gives me hope for the future. Embarrassing the history, and threading the pieces together to make a more accurate ‘ whole’ helps me appreciate life more, helping me provide more value to everything.
The Importance of Integrity in Interpretation
Interpretation of any kind relies on the accurate investigation and retelling of history. This quote from Hyams highlights this very point;
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
The true value in the past is the integrity and reflection of events of how they have led us to the present. The ability to capture a whole can be difficult, as it may rely on combinations of spoken and lived experiences, first hand accounts, documents, and other evidence that can help us piece together the past. However, one must be careful when analyzing the evidence. As it was explained in Chapter 15, there can be bias in historical documents, and what knowledge gets written down and recorded in the first place (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). However, with in-depth assessments, and critical thinking, historians can start to unpack the truth and piece together ‘the whole’. These pieces of history can be spread throughout time, but in order to create the integrity of creating this whole, one must dig and gather as many pieces as possible. Afterall, the past will always be there, whether we know about it or not.
As interpreters, learning about the past is an important component of the role. Having the ability to educate visitors about how past events have shaped the world we live in today is a great skill to have. This can be done in many formats such as living histories with actors in first or third person, reenactments of historical events, through art, in writing, and much more (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018) The ability to shed light on our past can help inspire people, and shift their perspectives of their world views (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018).
I remember going to a Parks Canada interpretation program at East Point Saturna Island, where they were talking about the importance of reintroducing indigenous clam farming. Historically, the Coast Salish indigenous nations, like the W̱SÁNEĆ would create rock walls on the shore, which would create safe zones and a good habitat for clams and many other sea life to thrive, which would be maintained and relied on as a food source (wsanec, n.d.). This is a relatively new piece to the colonial story of Saturna Island, which with the efforts of many people, is being taught again, and even restored.
This story helps highlight why looking at the whole history is important. Having a better understanding of how historical peoples' relationship with the land was, is helping to restore how modern indigenous peoples continue to practice their culture. As information continues to grow and become more dynamic, our worldviews will expand, and gain a better appreciation as to how we arrive in the moment (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). Though it may not ever be possible to ever obtain the entire ‘whole’, we as interpreters can do our best by collecting as much as humanly possible to maintain integrity, and teach the most accurately up-to-date research.
Work Cited:
Wsanec (n.d.). Clam garden restoration project. Wsanec Leadership Counsil https://wsanec.com/the-clam-garden-restoration-project/
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage : for a better world. Sagamore Venture.
Nature and it’s effect on Mental Health
For my blog contribution this week, I would like to discuss the positive impacts nature has on mental health-an especially important topic. Being in nature has been shown to have incredibly positive effects on mental health.
Physical Activity
One thing that really supports my mental well-being is physical movement. Exercise releases endorphins, those "feel-good" chemicals that lift your mood. Being active and the relaxing effect of the outdoors, creates a powerful combination for improving mental health.
Some of my favourite outdoor activities include:
Skating
Skiing
Sledding
Swimming
Hiking
Camping
These activities not only provide enjoyment but also provide a sense of accomplishment when we set and achieve goals, further boosting mood and confidence.
I just thought this was funny. Plus there’s so much room outside for activites so it applies!
Disconnect to reconnect
Technology has become a both a blessing and a curse. Technology can often lead to overstimulation and mental health struggles. When I go camping or engage in outdoor activities, I make a conscious effort to disconnect from my phone and social media. This allows me to step away from schoolwork/work, my online social life and random information.
Taking this break helps me reconnect with myself and those around me. Nature offers a chance to slow down and quiet the mind. It provides a break and a reset that enhances both future social interactions and productivity in daily life.
Mental health and nature
Regularly exploring nature in nature has been proven to improve several mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, attention difficulties and many more. Frequently spending time outdoors can also boost mood and improve overall happiness. It leaves individuals feeling more connected to the earth and therefore can drastically improve wellbeing. Being in nature with friends and family can also make you feel more connected with them instead of being on your phone. Here is a blog from the Royal College of Psychiatrists about mental health and nature:
In this blog post, authors Rosa Roberts and Tom Fisher explain the concept of nature-based practice, and discuss the growing body of evidenc
How can nature interpretation help?
As we’ve learned in this course, nature interpretation can be viewed through many lenses and expressed in a variety of ways. This not only allows us to engage with nature creatively ourselves but also helps present it in ways that attract diverse audiences.
Different perspectives, such as art, science, and history, appeal to many different groups. We've also learned the importance of recognizing privilege, of our own and of others. This allows us to make nature interpretation more inclusive. This involves acknowledging barriers such as language, physical limitations, and intellectual challenges, and incorporating methods to overcome these barriers.
These tools allow us to create important content whether it's a podcast, speech, blog, or travel guide that sparks interest and curiosity. When we inspire people to explore nature, we encourage them to try new outdoor activities and develop a deeper connection with nature.
This passion for nature is powerful, especially given its positive impact on mental health. We can motivate people to spend less time on their phones and more time enjoying outdoor activities. We can encourage others to spend quality time with loved ones through camping or hiking. We can create curiosity and appreciation for the beauty of nature, from sunsets and mountains to butterflies and unique species. By doing so, we promote better mental health and overall well-being. Through thoughtful and inclusive nature interpretation, we have the power to inspire others and promote a lasting love for the outdoors.
Questions
What are some outdoor activities do you take part in? How do they improve your mental health and wellbeing?
How do you think you can inspire others to spend more time in nature?
What outdoor activities do you do with others? How do they affect your relationships?
Hi Zoe,
I really enjoyed what you had to share this week. I am also a huge advocate for leaning to nature in order to help with my mental health. My favourite outdoor activity would be that I love hiking and exploring around me. I enjoy taking time to look at all of the beautiful things big and small. Every time I go outside, I find I am in a MUCH better mood than before. Moving around also helps me process information, and provides a great way for me to practice reflection, as well as helping me focus on the rest of my tasks for the day.
I also really resonated with your encouragement to take a break from technology. Even though I think technology offers so many great benefits for sharing information quickly, I think it can also be problematic with the amount of time I can spend scrolling on my phone. I think it is a great idea to be able to take a break from that and reset.
In my experience, I try to encourage and inspire people to spend more time in nature by inviting them to join me on my adventures. Taking into consideration the other people's comfort level, I try to create opportunities that I think will be satisfying. I love spending time with my little sisters, and taking them on trips to the beach for example. We will spend time exploring the beaches, and I will try and play games with them to help get them more engaged with connecting to the landscape.
Spending time in nature with my friends and family overall is a great way to also strengthen those relationships. Whether it's enjoying a picnic on a beautiful day, or going on a hiking trip, the outdoors provides so many opportunities to create precious shared memories.
Thanks for your insight into the benefits of spending time in nature! It was definitely a great reminder for myself to go outside today!
Some of My Heroes, Snakes, Horses, and Horseshoe Crabs, Oh My!
My heroes, horses, snakes, and horseshoe crabs, oh my!
With this week's blog being open ended I just wanted to talk about some animal heroes that I think deserve some recognition!
At first, it may not be obvious how a snake, a horse, and a horseshoe crab are all connected, but I will try my best to explain.
Let's say hypothetically, I went out for a hike and come across a venomous snake, like the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake for example (the only venomous snake in Ontario), and I accidentally get bit (poor snake probably got spooked). I am going to need medical attention. Though not all bites from venomous snakes contain venom, on the off chance that this bite did, then I need antivenom.
What is antivenom? It was relatively recently that I learnt about how antivenom was made, and it kind of blew my mind.
Photo 1: An Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. If you see one, please give it space and do not harm it! (Credit: J.D. Taylor, https://www.ontario.ca/page/massasauga-rattlesnake)
It is here our journey begins with our first hero, the snake. The first step in creating antivenom requires a snake milking facility. Here, venomous snakes are taken care of, and encouraged to bite into cups, where their venom is directly collected.
Photo 2: A veterinarian comforts a horse (Credit: Colourbox).
Then enters our second hero, the horse! Once the venom is collected, a small amount of it gets injected into horses intravenously (Sheraba et al., 2023). Horses are usually selected because the snake venom does not have as great an effect on large animals as they do small ones. Horses who receive the snake venom, then have an immune response, and create antibodies to the venom, which can then be extracted from their plasma (Sheraba et al., 2023). The plasma is then processed transferring the antibody fragments into an antivenom that can be administered when emergencies happen (WHO, 2017; Sheraba et al., 2023). These antibodies are what would help save my life and fight off snake venom if I were to get bit!
During the multistep process of creating antivenom, there are many opportunities for contamination to happen (Sheraba et al., 2023; Solano et al., 2024). This is where the third hero, the horseshoe crab, comes into play. You see, horseshoe crabs have evolved to have a different kind of blood from mammals, one which is really good at coagulating against contaminants, which makes for a good tool for testing treatments like vaccines and antivenoms.
Photo 3: A horseshoe crab is crawling from the ocean onto the beach (Credit: Colourbox).
In order to obtain this resource, the horseshoe crabs are collected from their breeding grounds along the U.S. Atlantic coast, and delivered to facilities where they collect 30% of their blood, and then release them back where they were captured (Anderson et al., 2013). The horseshoe crab blood contains amoebocytes and hemocyanin (like our red blood cells) (Sheraba et al., 2023). This blood immune system is extremely good at its job; reacting to endotoxins released by bacteria, and creating clots around them (Sheraba et al., 2023; Solano et al., 2024). This ability the horseshoe crabs have in their blood make them a very valuable resource, because the pharmaceutical industry can use this method of testing (called limulus amebocyte lysate or LAL for short) on many different life saving products. When LAL is used in testing antivenom, it can detect bacterial contaminants, making sure it is safer to administer when the time comes.
The story of horseshoe crabs and their pharmaceutical use inspires me because their populations are declining, and it is not sustainable to rely on their blood (Maloney et al, 2018; Smith et al., 2020). Research is still determining if the process of collecting them is contributing to their decline, as well as habitat loss (Smith et al., 2020). However, there are new alternative methods like synthetic LAL (Maloney et al., 2018) or even AI testing of bacterial contamination (Jiang et al., 2021) reducing the reliance on using horseshoe crab blood.
There is this concept I have been reflecting on that I think really applies to the case of the horseshoe crabs. With the continued expansion of humans on this planet, it is important to think about all of the impacts we create and their consequences. To paraphrase what I once heard Robin Wall Kimmer explain during an online conference for indigenous knowledge, 4 Seasons of Learning (2025); sustainability is only with the mindset of keeping things good enough so that we can keep taking from the planet, and maybe we should instead be asking how we can give back to the planet. When will we able to transition into not using horseshoe crabs at all in the future, and help bring their populations back?
All of that being said, I think it is important to acknowledge that the animals being used in these life saving treatments should be thanked, and recognized as heroes. Animals do not have the ability to provide consent during any of these procedures (like the snakes being milked, or horses and horseshoe crabs being blood donors). Please note that the ethics behind these treatments are taken very seriously, and the reduction of any harm or stress on the animals is assumed. Though this is only a small example of the reliance we as humans have on animals we share this planet with, there are many more heroes (flora or fauna) that we have yet to bring awareness too.
Do you have any animal or plant heroes?
Also, if you are interested in learning more about how snake antivenom is made, check out this cool video:
Veritasium, (2022). How Horses save humans from snake bites. Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ziWrneMYss
And more about horseshoe crabs blood:
Ted-Ed, (2017). Why do we harvest horseshoe crab blood? - Elizabeth Cox. Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgEbcQxFUu8
Work Cited:
Anderson, R. L., Watson, W. H., & Chabot, C. C. (2013). Sub-lethal behavioral and physiological effects of the biomedical bleeding process on the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. The Biological Bulletin (Lancaster), 225(3), 137–151.
Jiang, S., Noh, J., Park, C., Smith, A. D., Abbott, N. L., & Zavala, V. M. (2021). Using machine learning and liquid crystal droplets to identify and quantify endotoxins from different bacterial species. Analyst (London), 146(4), 1224–1233. https://doi.org/10.1039/d0an02220a
Maloney, T., Phelan, R., & Simmons, N. (2018). Saving the horseshoe crab: A synthetic alternative to horseshoe crab blood for endotoxin detection. PLoS Biology, 16(10), e2006607–e2006607. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2006607
Sheraba, N. S., Hesham, A., Fawzy, M., Diab, E., Basuony, M. E., Yassin, A. S., Zedan, H. H., & Abu-Elghait, M. (2023). Advanced approaches for endotoxin detection and removal from snake antivenoms. Toxicon (Oxford), 222, 107003–107003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.107003
Smith, D. R., Newhard, J. J., McGowan, C. P., & Butler, C. A. (2020). The Long-Term Effect of Bleeding for Limulus Amebocyte Lysate on Annual Survival and Recapture of Tagged Horseshoe Crabs. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.607668
Solano, G., Ainsworth, S., Sánchez, A., Villalta, M., Sánchez, P., Durán, G., Gutiérrez, J. M., & León, G. (2024). Analysis of commercially available snake antivenoms reveals high contents of endotoxins in some products. Toxicon X, 21, 100187–100187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxcx.2024.100187
WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization. (2017). WHO guidelines for the production, control and regulation of snake antivenom immunoglobulins. Geneve, Switzerland. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/biologicals/blood-products/document-migration/antivenomglrevwho_trs_1004_web_annex_5.pdf?sfvrsn=ef4b2aa5_3&download=true
Nature and Art: Inviting Interpretation
Art invites interpretation, being not only something to be observed, but something to be felt, translated, and shared. Nature speaks in colours, textures, and movement, and I think of nature as a piece of art in itself; something beautiful that evokes emotion, tells a story, and whose beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In the same way that interpreters balance education and recreation to make experiences meaningful, art can capture not just what you see, but what you feel when you engage with nature (Beck et al., 2018).
As an artist myself, I find it very powerful how art can convey a message, and I think artists should take advantage of this influence whenever possible. My opinion may be biased, but I think art in all its forms is one of the most powerful tools to help with interpretation. For example, my parents both lived in Muskoka before I was born, and the town they lived in was surrounded by murals and historical tributes to the Group of Seven. My parents filled our house with these paintings over the years, surrounding me with their rich depictions of Canada’s landscapes. I grew up immersed in this art, becoming inspired not only by the paintings themselves, but by the nature they portrayed and the powerful beauty of the wilderness.
One of my favorite Group of Seven paintings (Thomson, 1912)
Art is a powerful tool for interpretation, but also for invoking action. Back in high school art class, I did a project where the theme was something along the lines of global issues that you feel passionately about. I think this provides a perfect example for this blog post, because it helps display how art can be used as a political statement to inspire change, as well as something to find beauty within.
Plastic Fish, 2019: A painting representing the issue of marine plastic pollution
A similar example of this is the work of Banksy, an English graffiti artist who I admire for his ability to make bold statements about social and political issues. Using his fame and influence to draw attention to deeper subjects, such as environmental issues and humanitarian rights, Banksy reminds us that art can serve as a powerful tool for activism and change.
Graffiti art by Banksy representing urbanization and loss of natural environments (Banksy, 2010)
All this to say, art is inherently connected to broader themes, such as environmental issues and nature, and I believe its significance is extremely important in a changing world with increasing opportunities for our voices to be heard. The “gift of beauty” lies in art’s ability to make us feel, pause, and reflect. Beauty is not just aesthetic; it’s an invitation to connect with something greater than ourselves. Ultimately, interpretation is about connection. Whether through words, performance, or visual arts, it allows us to see ourselves within nature and history. Art museums, much like blogs, thrive on interpretation—offering space for dialogue, reflection, and personal meaning (Beck et al., 2018). Who am I to interpret nature through art? I am someone who listens, observes, and translates—and in doing so, I invite others to see nature not just as it is, but as it feels.
References
Banksy. (2010). I Remember When All This Was Trees. Aerosol on cinder-block wall. Detroit, Michigan. https://beltmag.com/the-fight-over-graffiti-banksy-in-detroit/
Beck, L., Cable, T.T., Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669
Thomson, T. (1912). Canoe [Painting]. Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Canada. https://www.ago.ca
Hi Natalie,
It was great to read what you had to share with us this week. I agree with you, and I think that artists and interpreters should take advantage of the influence that art has over people by invoking emotional responses, and helping people become more engaged with nature. I think that art can provide the visualizations needed to motivate people and inspire them to contemplate their relationship with nature. Just like with the painting Plastic Fish, this kind of art medium and imagery is rich with powerful information.
As an artist, one of my favourite genres is experimental environmental art. One of my favourite pieces is by Jenny Kendler, the Playhead of Dawn.
Image 1: Jenny Kendler, the Playhead of Dawn, sound piece, 2018
This impressive environmentalist art piece is a 24 hr recording of birdcalls at dawn from all across the world! It is a fantastic interpretation of how human expansion and way of life has impacted birds everywhere. I loved that the artist was able to have this passive sound piece playing for the public, tapping into people's senses, and inviting them to listen in and be curious as visitors passed by.
I think art is such a powerful and versatile way that we can use it to communicate with others about complex issues, especially about environmental concepts. During my own experience, if I come across art that makes me emotional, my own attachment to that subject becomes stronger. Jenny Kendler is one of the many artists who is able to create those emotional, educational experiences for me. If you are interested in finding out more, I highly recommend checking out more of her works!
About the Playhead of Dawn: https://vimeo.com/309974454 Jenny Kendler: https://jennykendler.com/section/399993-Milkweed%20Dispersal%20Balloons.html
Blog 4: Nature Interpretation through Art
Hi everyone,
Welcome to my week 4 blog post!
Art plays a significant role in everyone's life, serving as a powerful outlet for self-expression. There are many forms of the arts, including painting, music, dance, and photography.
Nature Interpretation through Art
Interpreters can use various aspects of art to interpret nature. As discussed in previous weeks, everyone has their own way of interpreting and learning new information. For some individuals, interpreting nature through art might involve taking photographs, dancing, theatre, or visual arts (Beck et al., 2018).
Before taking this course, I believed that interpreting nature through art was much more complicated than it really is or that you had be a professional in order to appreciate it. During this unit I learned that it can be as simple as capturing the vibrant colours of a sunset in a photograph. I never considered myself someone who interprets art, but, I've realized that I have been doing it for most of my life.
"You do not need to be a talented artist to be able to appreciate nature as seen through art."
Gift of Beauty
How do we interpret "the gift of beauty"? According to the textbook, this concept refers to the idea that "interpretation should instill in people the ability and desire to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings, provide spiritual upliftment, and encourage resource preservation" (Beck et al., 2018). Ultimately, environmental interpretation through art allows an individual to develop a deeper appreciation for nature and be motivated to help conserve its beauty.
I see the "gift of beauty" in visual arts and appreciate different forms, such as photographs, films, and images in television shows (Beck et al., 2018). When I was younger I remember my brother always watched widlife shows on National Geographic. I remember being so fascinated by how this channel was able to showcase an animals raw beauty and full range of life in the animal kingdom.
The National Geographic Society is a global non-profit organization committed to exploring, illuminating, and protecting the wonder of our w
More Info if Interested!
I can always appreciate a beautiful sunset and aesthetic photos!
“Art is in the eye of the beholder, and everyone will have their own interpretation” - E. A. Bucchianeri
I wanted to include this quote because it relates to this week's blog prompt. It states that individuals can interpret the same work of art differently. Personal experiences and beliefs influence these diverse responses. This highlights how art can bring upon various feelings and thoughts in different individuals.
Let's keep the conversation going!
Do you think that personal experiences and beliefs have a great impact on the way we interpret nature through art?
How can environmental interpretation through art be used to raise awareness about conservation?
Thanks for reading!
Biona🌳🌸🦋
References: Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669
Hi Biona,
Thank you for sharing your insights! I like how your perspective on art in interpretation has shifted. I think nature created some of the most beautiful colours and scenes, and I also never thought about how capturing photos of those moments would translate to be artist interpretations until recently. I really related when you were talking about your brother always watching wildlife shows on National Geographic because I did the same thing! When you ask about how they can help raise awareness about conservation, I think film and photography is such a great medium to do just that. I have an interest in nature documentaries and film, and I think being able to record images that can later be weaved to create an emotional story is quite a powerful tool. Seeing how humans have impacted the world, and sharing inspiring stories about ways which we can help, create motivation and a sense of hope.
To answer your other question, yes I strongly believe that people's personal beliefs and experiences impact how we perceive art, as well as nature. We all have our own views on the world, and experiences to shape our perceptions. When I view art, my personal interpretation, and the impact the art will have on me will vary from somebody else's. I think that is an important thing to keep in mind being an artist, and an interpreter; that is, being prepared to hear about other people's perspectives and insights about the art.
Using Art in Nature Interpretation
I am a big believer in the power of the arts. I have always been inspired by the beauty of nature to create my art pieces. When I create my art pieces, or stop to take a picture, it is because the scene before me has instilled this sense of wonder and appreciation. Through my art, I am attempting to capture that feeling of connection, with the hopes of sharing it with others to provide that same feeling.
Image 1: A sketch of a trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator), made in 2018, by Zoe Land
However, I am aware that there is bias when it comes to artistic expression, like in paintings or photographs of nature. I am often drawn to ones that capture a moment of stillness and “untouched beauty”, but this is not always the reality of what nature is. In this CBC article, Matteo Cimellaro challenges some of the group of seven work, and the Canadian identity, which I found interesting to reflect on (2022). The iconic canadian landscapes which have become so popular, are lacking the inclusion of indigenous peoples who have always traditionally used those lands; particularly the Anishinabewaki, and the Omàmìwininìwag who’s territories Algonquin Park resides on (https://native-land.ca/). The perspectives of the settler art pieces are important to consider, and only portrait one person's view.
Photo 2: The West Wind, 1916-17, Tom Thomson, OIl on canvas. https://ago.ca/collection/object/784
When presenting art as an interpreter, it is important to think about what the message is, and what can be learned from the art piece. For the group of seven works, this ‘idealized nature’ concept might be important to acknowledge. For my own art interpretations and presentations, I would like to provide a disclaimer that these photos/sketches/paintings are through my own settler lens.
Art is such an important and excellent way of sharing knowledge with others, as it can present complex information in creative ways which may help people process and remember more. When Freeman Tilden was talking about “the gift of beauty”, I perceived that as being able to use the arts in a way that can inspire people, and create a sense of wonder and awe about the topic you are sharing. Whether it is through poetry, dance, music or sculpture, these creative expressions are some of the best ways to communicate emotion. This invoking of emotion I think is vital for helping inspire others to become curious, and create deeper connections with the world around them.
Some of my favourite programs I have experienced have been through the expression of art. I love film, and while I was working at the Heritage Centre on Saturna, there was a special viewing of the Planet Earth footage of the garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans) on the island. It was breathtaking to see this beautiful, up close footage of this amazing animal that normally would not be paid close attention to. The best part was seeing the emotion that this footage created in the crowd, and how the whole community got to bond over this moment. After that event, I would have more visitors coming into the museum and ask me questions about the garter snakes! I am glad that people came to appreciate them more, as I also did.
Photo #: Western Terrestrial Garter Snake eating a gunnel. Screenshot taken of the BBC Planet Earth Film from: https://simres.ca/seatalk-home/western-garter-snakes/
As an artist, it is my hope to be able to capture powerful moments in nature that I stumble across. It know it can be a difficult job to decide what medium would be best to re-create and share the moment with other people. However, I think if you are able to collaborate with other artists and visitors, and receive feedback for your ideas, using art can be a very effective way of interpretation.
Work Cited:
Cimellaro, A. (2022) Let's liberate the Canadian landscape from the Group of Seven and their nationalist mythmaking. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/arts/let-s-liberate-the-canadian-landscape-from-the-group-of-seven-and-their-nationalist-mythmaking-1.6410676
Privilege in Nature Interpretation
What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation? Please include your working definition of privilege.
In the realm of nature interpretation, privilege plays a pivotal role in shaping not only who gets to interpret the natural world but also who gets to experience it in meaningful ways. Privilege, as I define it, refers to unearned advantages, resources, or opportunities that an individual possesses due to their social identity, upbringing, or circumstances. These advantages are often unseen by the person holding them but create significant disparities in access, understanding, and engagement with the environment. Recognizing and addressing privilege is essential to fostering equitable and inclusive practices in nature interpretation.
Peggy McIntosh's metaphor of the "invisible backpack" offers a powerful lens to examine privilege. To unpack this for myself, I had the privilege of attending a public school, where I was taught how to read, write, and speak in English, which is a valuable skill in terms of academia. Furthermore, I was raised in a safe place where I could go on hikes and play outside without the fear of being harmed. My parents grew up in a place where there were no nature reserves, and the forests that did surround their home were under constant threat from gangs and bandits. Additionally, upon coming to this university, I was afforded opportunities through jobs or volunteer positions that allowed me to enjoy nature globally. This added to the disparity between my parents and I. Where I saw beauty in an endless forest teeming with vibrant life, they saw a dangerous place. Just the privilege of growing up in a safe place can change one’s relationship with nature and how they interpret it. To my parents, the risk of backcountry camping is one they would never take. Meanwhile, I regularly camp in the backcountry, and this shows how our unique experiences and privileges shape what we see as risks as well.
A photo from a BBC article (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-58831394) depicting the Chambal Valley, once home to a notorious gang that patrolled their territory near the villages where my parents grew up. After 30 years of police efforts, gang activity has ceased, and the Chambal Valley has transformed into a nature reserve and popular ecotourism destination.
One of the most significant ways privilege impacts nature interpretation is by influencing who gets to tell the stories of nature. Those with access to education, safe environments, and the financial means to explore the outdoors are more likely to find themselves in roles where they interpret nature for others. This can inadvertently result in a narrow narrative—one shaped by the privileges of the interpreter, potentially alienating those whose experiences of nature are vastly different. I had the opportunity to work with amazing local guides in Madagascar, and their knowledge and experience of ecology and wildlife populations were mind-blowing. However, none of them spoke English and were unable to receive formal education due to the lack of schools in the area. They could contribute so much to science, but due to privilege, they are unable to.
Recognizing privilege in nature interpretation also means acknowledging the systemic barriers that exist for many. Economic constraints, lack of access to transportation, cultural differences, and the historical exclusion of certain groups from environmental spaces all contribute to who feels "invited" into nature. This calls for interpreters to actively work against these barriers, creating programs and experiences that are welcoming, accessible, and reflective of diverse perspectives.
Ultimately, privilege plays a critical role in shaping both our personal relationships with nature and the narratives we share as interpreters. By examining our own invisible backpacks, we not only become more empathetic but also more effective in our work, ensuring that the transformative power of nature is available to everyone, regardless of their background.
Hi Anik,
I think you had a great blog post for this week's topic on privilege. You brought up some really good points that stood out to me. The first one was sharing that privilege not only impacts who is able to access nature, but also influences those who are able to teach their education to others, and potentially even contribute to science. This was further highlighted by your example with your experience of the local guides you met in Madagascar. This made me think about how one might perceive expertise when it comes to the privilege of learning and sharing knowledge with others when there are language barriers. Even more, it made me think about how scientific research systems have been created which currently limit local expertise (like the guides in Madagascar) to be able to make any impacts or contributions to research on a global scale. I also enjoyed the point you brought up by acknowledging that those who have been raised in a privileged setting and exposure to nature might have a carefully curated narrative and relationship with nature. I recognize that I fall into this category, also having safe access to nature. I also wanted to thank you for sharing your personal experience and relationship with nature and how that contrasts with your parents' experiences. I have not made that connection yet, and have become more aware that for some, nature can still be a dangerous place. I really value that insight you have shared, and I look forward to reading more about your experiences.
A Reflection of Privilege
I think it is important for everyone to take time and reflect about our positions, privilege, and where we currently stand. I define privilege as a person having access to more possibilities due to biases, as well as many provided and inherited traits and factors (including sociological, physical, mental, and economical sliding scales, just to name a few). The government of Canada has provided a great way to visualize this concept with the wheel of privilege and power.
Photo 1: A colorful three layered Wheel of Power. The center of the wheel highlights circumstances of more privilege, and the outside is those with less privilege. From: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/documents/pdf/english/corporate/anti-racism/wheel-privilege-power.pdf
Just as this Wheel of Privilege provides a starting point for reflection around privilege, I found Peggy McIntosh’s concept of the invisible backpack offered another way for me to reflect. When I unpack my invisible backpack, and examine my own privilege, I acknowledge that I am a white female identifying settler, who speaks English as my first and only language. I was able to grow up encouraged to experience nature, and provided with many opportunities to do so. I am very privileged to be an undergraduate student free to choose my education in Zoology and Fine Arts. I am very grateful for the many gifts and opportunities that have been presented in my life, and am working on recognizing the powers that these opportunities have granted me. For example, I am very grateful for the support of the family and friends, who have encouraged me to receive this education, and would not be where I am today without them. I am also very grateful to have experienced the wonders and beauty of Turtle Island, but I understand that my experience has been from a settler point of view, and belonging to the created country of Canada. I have easy access to clean water, food which are provided from these lands. However, I know just because my privilege has provided me with conflict free and safe experience in Canada, but I know others can not say the same.
It is important to be able to recognize my own privilege because privilege is relevant with all social interactions in society, and definitely comes into play during nature interpretation. This week's readings touched on some of the instances where privilege and barriers come into play. For example, it was discussed that minorities are underrepresented visitors at a lot of national parks, compared to caucasian visitors. This could be due to many factors, like cultural values, fear of nature, perceived stigmas, poor transportation options, and a lack of advertising and awareness. I think there could also be complex factors like socioeconomic influences, preventing people from being able to take time off work and afford traveling to these parks. Of course, I also understand it is difficult because everybody's situations will be unique, and it is my opinion that when we try to look into why some of these barriers exist, the common answers will be generalizations.
The text book reading also discussed the privilege of able-bodied people having easier access to nature than people with mobility disabilities. A lot of parks in the past were not designed to accommodate people with other mobility requirements such as those with walkers, wheelchairs, and canes. As a nature interpreter, it is important to consider the routes and accessibility for all of the guests when designing potential programs. As a currently able bodied person, I don't have experience with what things I should take into consideration when making programs. I think it is an important initiative to work directly with people who have mobility disabilities and collaborate to understand what their needs are.
Being a nature interpreter means knowing your guests, and being able to meet their needs as best as possible in order to provide the best experience. Everybody deserves equal access to the educational programs and ability to connect with nature, but acknowledging privilege means understanding that unfortunately, not everybody will be able to access these opportunities. I think it is important for future aspiring interpreters to receive up-to-date Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training. I personally want to make sure that I am constantly expanding my world views, and trying my best to bridge those gaps of knowledge between my privileged experiences and the experiences of others. Some goals to achieve this might be expanding the diversity of knowledge by asking for feedback after my educational programs.
I also want to aim to be a compassionate nature interpreter, and try to understand that not everyone will have the same values as myself, and there might be conflicts in the future. Those moments are important because though they may be uncomfortable, sharing our understanding of the world will hopefully lead to taking down walls, and extending one's community. It is my hope to create space and opportunity for everyone to become curious, and inspired to learn more about the world which we all share. I predict that when we take the time to get to know others, and make space for each other, we will be able to improve the capabilities of the nature interpreter role, and the educational spaces being used.
