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Hi Virginia,

I completely agree with how this course (specifically this last blog post) challenged the conventional way of thinking about nature as a whole. Everytime I’m in a natural setting I think differently about my surroundings and the broader role everything plays. As someone with an environmental science education I feel like I’ve stepped into a new role in environmental stewardship.

I will always advocate that nature is for everyone because there is so much it can offer for someone. Everyone in our class likely is very passionate about nature, but unfortunately there are groups of people who don’t understand what they're missing out on. Not that the negligence is by choice, for example, people with physical disabilities can’t always access nature in a traditional sense and might be deprived of experiencing some unique aspects of nature. It only takes one core experience to inspire someone to make more of an effort towards environmental sustainability, so it’s crucial we make nature as accessible as we possibly can.

I really like your point about how enjoying nature is unique to every person and how they do it. For me, photography and backcountry trips are my main outlets, but I understand that’s not for everyone and some people might prefer a more philosophical approach. I want to explore nature in every way possible so a big thing I’m taking out of this is being willing to try new things as it pertains to nature interpretation.

Thanks for your final thoughts on the course, you seem to have gotten a lot out of the content in a philosophical sense!

Last BLOG

As I think about everything I've learned in this course about becoming a nature interpreter, I realize it's changed me a lot. It's not just academically but ethically and personally. It's also about how I see my role in talking about and protecting the environment. It's made me really think about how I can take all this classroom learning and use it out in the real world.

First up, I absolutely love nature. That's the big reason I'm doing this class. I've always been amazed by the outdoors, and this course has made me want to share that amazement with others even more. Like from the textbook by Beck, Cable et al, (2018) mentioned, sharing what you're passionate about can really make a difference. It's not just about dumping facts on people; it's about making them see why nature is so awesome. I want to get people as excited about saving the planet as I am.

Another big thing I've learned is how important it is to make sure everyone feels welcome in nature. The outdoors should be for everyone, no matter what challenges they might face getting out there. We talked a lot about making sure things are accessible for everyone, whether that means having braille for people who can't see well or making sure paths are wheelchair friendly. Nature doesn't leave anyone out, and neither should we. I strongly believe that nature isn't just for the few. It's for everyone, no matter their background or abilities. This means I've got to think creatively to make sure everyone can join in

I also realized that learning about nature is never done. The world is always changing, and there's always something new to discover. I want to keep exploring and finding out new things, and I want to help others do the same. It's like what Rodenburg (2019) said: being curious and always ready to learn more is super important.

After taking this class it makes me feel like it's my job to make sure that when I share nature, I do it in a way that everyone can enjoy. This means thinking about different people's needs and making sure they are welcomed and accessible to all. Beyond just pointing out cool plants or animals, I see it as my responsibility to educate people about the challenges our environment faces and inspire them to be part of the solution. It's about stirring up a sense of wonder and a desire to make a positive impact.

I've also spent a lot of time thinking about how different people connect with nature. Some might like to learn by doing things with their hands, while others might enjoy listening to music inspired by nature or looking at nature art. Stories or history about a place can also make it come alive in a new way for people.

While nature is all about disconnecting from screens, I think technology can be a great tool if used wisely. Things like apps for identifying flora and fauna, or podcasts about nature (which could provide loads of insights by the way!), can enhance the outdoor experience without taking away from the magic of being in the moment.

Building upon that, creating and hosting a podcast as a nature interpreter opened up a whole new world of insights for me, way more than I expected. It wasn't just about sharing cool facts about nature or talking about the outdoors; it became a journey of discovery, connection, and learning that went both ways, between me, my guests, and my listeners. 

For me, as an individual diving into the world of nature interpretation, finding approaches that resonate with my personality and strengths is crucial. A strategy that feels most suitable for me is definitely getting hands on, I love doing things where everyone can actually touch and see stuff up close. Imagine going on a walk and being able to touch the leaves, smell the flowers, or even spot animal tracks. It's like making everyone feel like they're part of the adventure, not just watching from the sidelines.

In a nutshell, my journey as a nature interpreter is guided by my love for the natural world, a commitment to inclusivity and education, and a belief in the power of hands-on learning and storytelling. My mom, who recently passed, always used to say “get outside today”. I will hold on to that saying forever, and definitely do that.

References:

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

Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. Environmental Literacy. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300.

Cheers!!! -Virginia

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Hi Lucas,

I think the collective involvement of individuals, communities and organizations is key to environmental conservation and sustainability. There are so many parties involved it’s easy to think that any individual effort isn’t going to make any difference, but like you said, many smaller efforts contribute on a much larger scale.

I am an avid backcountry camper and also have gotten into wildlife photography. There definitely is a fine line between exploring nature to its fullest but also being mindful of the impact of your actions. With being in the backcountry, any remnants of waste can be impactful on the environment. Also, with photography it can be very enticing to invade the space/habitat of wildlife in order to get a better shot. There’s always room for improvement and I take pride in doing my best to leave no trace.

We talk a lot about how important education/awareness is in environmental conservancy, but I like that you mentioned how important it is to keep others informed on issues that they might not have an educational background on. There is a sense of responsibility as an environmental science student to take on the role as an “environmental mentor” to others.

You summarized the main points of this course in this post, I found it to be a very reflective and meaningful way to cap off the course and you did a great job!

Ethics as a nature interpreter

As I develop as a nature interpreter, my personal ethic is rooted in the belief that environmental conservation is a collective responsibility requiring the active engagement of communities, organizations, and individuals. I believe that within our local communities, our impact and work can create a more sustainable future on a larger scale. This involves not only participating in conservation projects and clean-up events but also advocating for environmental causes and joining with individuals and groups dedicated to protecting our planet's ecosystems.

I believe that keeping our natural spaces clean and thriving is a top priority. Past just picking up litter, this is also about being mindful of how our actions affect the environment as a whole. That means cutting down on waste, sticking to leave no trace principles, and respecting the habitats of the creatures we share our planet with. By taking care of the places we love, we're ensuring they'll be around for future generations to enjoy.

As someone who's enjoys being out in nature and doing wildlife photography, I totally get the temptation to get up close and personal with wild animals. But I also understand the importance of giving them their space. Responsible wildlife viewing isn't just about snapping the perfect shot, it's about ensuring the well-being of the habitat and animals you’re engaging with.

I also think as someone who is getting an education in this field it is important to inform others on all the pressing issues that are happening. I have spent 3 years learning about things like climate change and habitat loss, and hopefully being able to talk about these subjects can inform those who might not know as much. Whether it's through something as simple as talking to the people around me, spreading the word in my community, or getting involved in environmental movements, using my background in this field is something that I believe I should take full advantage of.

Central to my ethic is the belief that everyone deserves to be able to learn and engage with nature, despite potential barriers. Whether it's lack of time, physical limitations, or financial constraints, I believe it is important to make nature accessible to all. As someone who has gone through multiple injuries that have entirely limited my ability to walk, I have been grateful for conservation parks near my house that have offered things such as hiking wheelchairs or boardwalk paths through the park. These small things made a huge difference when I was recovering, allowing me to still get out and enjoy nature despite being so physically limited.

Even with everything I have learned through school and this course, as I continue to develop as a nature interpreter, I want to make sure to keep an open mind. I know there's always more to learn and new ways to make a difference. By being mindful of how we affect the environment, we can make sure that everyone is able to get out and enjoy nature.

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My Personal Ethic as an Environmental Interpreter

My personal ethic as a nature interpreter is driven by a profound belief in the power of environmental education. But first, at the core of my beliefs lies the sentiment that nature is not just a commodity to be exploited, but an environment rich with life that sustains us all. I view the natural world as a source of wonder, inspiration and refuge, a place where people can find connection, belonging and meaning. This belief shapes my approach to nature interpretation, guiding me to seek new experiences that create a deep passion for conserving the natural environment that surrounds us.

With my role as a nature interpreter I gain a sense of responsibility, a responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. I believe that environmental stewardship is not just a duty, but more of a moral obligation. As an environmental scientist, I am going to be assigned with the task of safeguarding the precious ecosystems and biodiversity on the planet. As a nature interpreter also, I see it as my duty to instill in others a sense of respect for the environment, encouraging them to become environmental stewards in their communities.

I believe that hands-on experiences in nature have the potential to promote curiosity, wonder and empathy for the natural world. Whether it's exploring a local park, observing wildlife in their natural habitat, or participating in conservation activities, I believe that meaningful interactions with nature can leave a lasting impression on individuals and can shape their attitudes and behaviors towards the environment.

I also recognize the importance of storytelling/art as a tool for connecting people with nature. Through the use of art, we can convey the beauty and complexity of the natural world in a way that resonates with people on a deeper level. I’ve been recently getting into photography and with it I have found a new pathway to experience nature, whether it be taking a picture of unique species or the journey along the way of finding a specific photo opportunity. I’ve only been doing it for about a year now but I have noticed myself getting out in nature much more often and gaining memorable experiences. I also like to show pictures I take to friends and family and I hope they can prove to be some inspiration for them to get out in nature more and have these unique experiences for themselves.

This is just a simple picture I took of turkey tail mushrooms. I thought it presented a cool photo opportunity and by doing so I took more time to appreciate this species.

I am mindful of the need to create inclusive and accessible experiences for all people, regardless of their background or abilities. I believe that nature belongs to everyone and that everyone should have the opportunity to experience its wonders firsthand. Additionally, I think environmental education should also be accessible to everyone. I believe that education is the primary tool for driving positive change in environmental issues, and by providing people with the knowledge and skills they need to understand and address these environmental issues, we can create a more sustainable future for our planet.

I think it’s incredibly important to instill all these components of nature interpretation in childhood experiences. Richard Louv describes how children are the future leaders of the world and that developing a childhood connection with nature lays the foundation for environmental literacy and stewardship. David Suzuki also mentions the role nature had in his childhood and how it led him to be an environmental activist. They discussed how a simple childhood connection to nature can nurture more David Suzuki’s of the world.

As an environmental science student, my personal ethic as a nature interpreter is based on a deep sense of hope and optimism for the future. Despite the great challenges we face with things like climate change and habitat destruction, I believe that by working together and harnessing the power of nature, we can build a brighter and more sustainable world for generations to come.

References:

Hooykaas, A. (2024). ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation course notes

Louv, R. (2008). Last child in the Woods. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.

YouTube. (2023, June 27). Episode 5 – treaty promises: Moving forward. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Jg4WlQjWw&ab_channel=DavidSuzukiFDN

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Hi Skylar. Thanks for sharing some insight into what you find to be the amazing aspects of nature. Both daily phenomena, such as sunsets, and more sporadic events, like the northern lights, are extremely alluring. Just like you, I haven't personally seen the northern lights, however it's certainly on the bucket list. I have seen some beautiful sunsets and I've included some pictures of my favorites below. 

I think you make a really interesting and valid point when you discuss pollution within the world, in terms of all the city lights that pollute our skies. This definitely makes events such as the northern lights feel even more special. This also reminds me of another aspect that I love about nature and that's the sounds. In our day to day busy lives, along with the city lights, were overwhelmed with noise whether that be our TV's, phones, car horns, etc. Along with the idea of disconnecting from light pollution, we can disconnect from the noise pollution and see beauty in the sounds of nature. Discussing music and nature last week made me appreciate this even more and I find these two ideas to be quite similar. 

I also really enjoyed how you discussed some of the scientific aspects of the northern lights. As I stated in my post I’m personally amazed and inspired by vast ecosystems and species. Along with this comes studying vast species and systems. As an environmental science student I love learning about an array of earth related topics, but learning about the processes behind them, such as how the northern lights occur is also fascinating to me and something I love about nature. 

I definitely agree with you and think that the joy that can come from being in nature, in terms of the community that it can create for us as observers and the pure beauty that it presents, are some of the most amazing aspects of nature. I love that no matter who you are it's almost impossible to not find beauty in something whether that be the northern lights, sunsets, or the sounds that surround us when we take the time to look.

Blog 8: Northern Lights

Making this blog post presents a unique challenge because nature offers an abundance of awe-inspiring wonders, making it difficult to select just one to highlight. Personally, I find myself consistently captivated by the daily phenomenon of sunsets, as I watch the sun gracefully descend from my apartment, painting the sky with many vibrant colours. While I could endlessly talk about the breathtaking beauty of sunsets, I've already explored this topic in a previous blog post. Therefore, I'm excited to shift the focus to another mesmerizing facet of nature that never fails to fascinate me: the enchanting wonder of the northern lights.

Nature always finds a way to weave in magical, amazing sights which have a captivating effect on our souls, leaving us in awe. Among these events, one of the most beautiful is the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. Unfortunately, I have never personally seen the aurora borealis, but I have seen videos of the vibrant hues dancing across the night sky, which makes me yearn to see it in person one day.

The allure of the northern lights lies not only in their breathtaking beauty but also in their profound authenticity, a defining characteristic of nature's most captivating phenomena (Beck et al., 2018). Living in a time where the world is becoming increasingly dominated by artificial things the true beauty of the aurora borealis serves as a moving reminder of the continuing power of the natural world. As observers look up at the ribbons of light that are cascading across the sky, a profound sensation of amazement and surprise is evoked as they are transported to a world where authenticity is paramount (Beck et al., 2018).

Scientifically, the northern lights result from the interaction between charged particles from the Earth's magnetic field and the gasses in the upper atmosphere, creating a mesmerizing display of colour and motion (Canadian Space Agency, 2024). Yet, beyond the realm of science lies the profound emotional impact of witnessing this beauty. Encountering the aurora borealis has the ability to elicit feelings of awe, prompting individuals to contemplate their place in the universe and inspiring acts of kindness and generosity (Beck et al., 2018).

Moreover, the northern lights are a powerful reminder of how intertwined nature and mankind are. As observers stand beneath the shimmering light, they are reminded of their joint existence on this planet and their shared obligation to protect its beauty for future generations.

In conclusion, the northern lights stand as a testament to the profound beauty and authenticity of the natural world. As observers gaze upon the beautiful display in the sk they are taken to a realm where awe and wonder reign and care for the environment is valued. The northern lights are a reminder of the continuing ability of nature to capture, inspire, and connect people in an era of growing artificiality.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing. Ch. 21, Pg. 471-475.

Canadian Space Agency. (2024). What are the northern lights? Canadian Space Agency. https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/northern-lights/what-are-northern-lights.asp

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Sense-Making of Nature Interpretation

This week we are asked to interpret the most amazing thing we know about nature, which is a very loaded topic in my opinion. 

There are so many aspects of nature so the “most amazing” will be very subjective with people. For me, the thing that amazes me most in nature is the variety of different ecosystems and their species that exist around the world. I’ve been very fortunate to have travelled to some very cool places in the world and observed many otherworldly plants and animals. Australia is probably my favourite and I want to use it as an example for this because it is one of the farthest places on Earth from Canada. As an environmental science student, I was in awe of so many unique plants and animals that I didn’t even know existed. Australia's isolation has led to the evolution of many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. I gained an immense appreciation for the evolution of plants and animals for how they adapt to unique climates and environmental conditions. The most popular example is the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world with an overwhelming display of aquatic organisms.

This is a picture I took of a little pied cormorant in Great Otway National Park in Victoria, Australia.

There are countless regions of the world that offer a unique array of species, but we must know that long-distance travel isn’t the only way to observe diverse environments. Here in southwestern Ontario, we are situated in close proximity to so many diverse different environments that all have very unique offerings. For example, the Pinery Provincial Park in Grand Bend is one of the last remaining oak savannah ecosystems in Canada, with over 800 plant species, 300 bird species and many rare/endangered, it is one of the most diverse regions in Canada. Other nearby examples of areas with unique biodiversity include Long Point Wildlife Reserve, Point Pelee National Park, and many areas along the Niagara Escarpment.

I find inspiration in different environmental experiences, whether it’s going to provincial parks I’ve never been to before or seeing a rare/endangered organism. This is one of the many beauties of nature, it’s more accessible than people think and does not require lots of money spent on travel to experience something new.

I’d love to hear some of your experiences with this and if there was any one moment that inspired you to be more connected with nature!

References:

Hooykaas, A. (2024). ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation course notes

Pinery Provincial park. Welcome to Pinery Provincial Park. (n.d.). https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/pinery

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Where is Music in Nature?

Hi everyone, hope you all had a great reading week! After reading some of your posts, it seems like music is definitely something that is important to most people, myself included. I listen to music while I'm driving, studying, cooking, and while just chilling by myself or with friends. It’s interesting to take a deeper look into nature and music and they not only overlap but also influence each other.

As many have already indicated, music is all around us, and specifically within nature! One idea that specifically stands out to me is on a windy day when you can hear the wind whistling through trees and blowing the leaves. Additionally, I also love to sit outside or by my window on a rainy day or evening and listen to the rain, bonus points if there's thunder and lightning. One area I found interest in regarding music in nature has been bird songs. After some research, I found that while some have speculated that birds singing is a form of communication such as our speaking there is truly little that is known about how their songs are perceived by one another (Fishbein et al., 2020). I find this fascinating as it could mean that bird songs are nothing more than musical to one another!

With regards to where is nature in music the first thing that comes to mind for me is the various playlists that I listen to while studying or when doing school work. I’m not sure if there's any other Apple Music users in this class (controversial but Apple Music > Spotify), however Apple Music offers some pretty good pre-made studying/focus playsists that I like to listen to while doing school work. The nice thing is that for the most part there are no lyrics, and one thing I’ve picked up on is that a lot of these songs include natural sounds such as bird chirping, water rushing or wind/wind chime noises, or they include musically made noises that mimic the true sounds of nature. As Beck et al., extends, inspiration is often taken from the natural world around us, specifically regarding music, and musicians use these sounds within their creative outputs. This excellently demonstrates how nature is in music, and specifically whereI have noticed nature shining through, that being in relaxing/focus directed musical outputs. 

As for a song that takes me back to a natural landscape, the song “Submarines” by The Lumineers reminds me of a road trip my girlfriend and I took in South Australia last spring. The song was playing in the car on our drive along the beautiful southern coast of Australia and now everytime I listen to that song I think back to that trip and the otherworldly landscape we got to explore. 

References 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing. Fishbein, A. R., Idsardi, W. J., Ball, G. F., & Dooling, R. J. (2020).

Sound sequences in birdsong: how much do birds really care?. Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences, 375(1789), 20190044. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2019.0044

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Hi Emma, I definitely agree that music is everywhere in nature. I love the idea that you brought up regarding nature extending into the animal kingdom. I also touched on this in my original post when I indicated that bird songs and chirping are an extensive example of musicality within the natural world as a whole. I liked your example of frogs and crickets singing you to sleep. I definitely relate to this, as some of the best sleeps I’ve had are those where I’m camping or at a cottage, and surrounded by light nature noises. Typically, I can’t fall asleep when there's a lot of noise, but there's something completely different about nature sounds and I believe this is part of why noises like this are included in relaxing music, such as that played at spas or within certain stores. 

I also think you touch on an interesting point being that certain songs can evoke a specific type of natural atmosphere within our minds. I definitely agree that certain songs, or even specific instruments, can create this imagery. You used the example that moody songs can evoke a stormy presence. When I think of music evoking certain scenes within my mind, I specifically think about songs that have an acoustic guitar as the main instrument. I’ve always associated acoustic guitars with warm sunny days or good times with friends around the campfire. This is likely because acoustic guitars are heavily input into country music, however, this still demonstrates how music and nature interact and are heavily connected. I think that these kinds of associations further the overshadowing idea within this unit that music is throughout nature and nature is implemented in music as well.

Music and Nature

Honestly I think that music is everywhere in nature. I think music is sort of subjective in a way, and it’s based on how we interpret melodies, rhythms, and composition. To me, the earth is a composer, and the sounds of nature are its melodies. For instance, you have the softer melodies of rustling leaves on a summer’s day, sands blowing across dunes, or simple raindrops, juxtaposed to that of loud roaring thunder and crashing waves. When we take the time to pause and interpret what we’re hearing, I think we can find that natures music is all around us. I think that if we listen to this music, it can almost tell a story. For instance, we might hear a heavy downpour with thunder, then lighter raindrops, then chirping of birds, all of which paints a story of what has happened around us.   

I also think that music in nature extends to the animal kingdom. To me, the melodies of birds singing is one of my favourite things to listen to. It brings such a strong sense of calmness and peace, and allows me to reconnect to the natural world, which I think is quite beautiful. In the summer at night, I hear the rhythms of frogs and crickets which lull me to sleep. Just like humans create music for one another, so do these animals. I am so glad I exist in a world where I can share the planet with these wonderful creatures.

I would argue that just like music in nature, and nature in music is also everywhere. The sounds of our instruments replicate the sounds of our natural world. The soft sound of flutes mimics the sound of the wind, while the sharp sound of percussion instruments reflects the harsh sounds of nature like thunder and roaring waters. Some melodies in musical compositions flow just like a gentle stream or a harsh river, while harmonies can evoke a sense of tranquility and calm like that of a quiet pasture. Moody pieces of music can evoke a sense of urgency and stormy atmosphere. Sometimes, the sounds of nature are even directly incorporated into music in not so subtle ways, like in mediation music which often uses the sounds of running waters or birds.   

One song that immediately takes me back into nature is “Love You” by The Free Design. I want to start off by saying this song is so so nostalgic to me and holds such a special place in my heart. I remember my grandma would play this song for me all the time when I would go out in my backyard to catch bugs during the summers. I remember little Emma being so happy and carefree hunting for bugs with a net in the backyard, the sun shining down on me, and rustling grass surrounding me, with my grandma watching me from our picnic table. When I was rereading the lyrics of the song, the lyrics “ Dandelion, milkweed, silky and a sunny sky” really stuck out to me, as when I listen to this song, that’s the exact imagery and memory I’m transported too.

In summary, music in nature and nature in music is all around us. When we take the time to be present and to reflect on what we hear around us, we can see that music and the natural world are so interconnected with one another. The music that surrounds us can often tell us compelling stories, and serve as a tool to learn more about ourselves and the world around us. To me, the song that reminds me of nature, “Love you” solidifies my connection to nature, and helps to remind me of the beauty that always surrounds me.

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Hi Vanessa! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this quote for this week's blog post. We seem to have some very similar opinions and you’ve touched on many ideas that I also discussed and also have some information that differs from mine. It's really great to be working with like minded individuals while also being able to build upon and share our opinions freely! 

For starters, I think it's really cool that you identified history as an area of learning that you enjoy. I wouldn’t particularly say this is an interest of mine, however, you’ve brought up some really interesting aspects of it. For example, you’ve discussed historic nature interpretation in terms of historic landscapes, ecosystems, and species. As I’ve said I’m not one for super in depth historic events however, I do love historic landscapes and nature. I recently went to Australia, which I’ve mentioned in previous posts, and while there visited the 12 Apostles which is a historic geological rock formation site! I’ve included a picture below. You stated that for you personally, you find yourself more engaged and interested with sites when you know the history behind it, and I couldn't agree more. This is exactly what happened to me with this specific site. Further, Beck et al., also discuss this, citing that an improved knowledge base of historic events allows us to more easily connect and associate with these events, while simply attempting to recall names and or dates can be hard to remember since there's no connection. I would have never really thought about historic nature interpretation in this way or related this idea to a personal experience before reading your post! 

This idea also relates to the quote discussed. They’re essentially saying that just because we can’t currently see or we’re not currently at a specific moment in time, that does not mean that that moment was not meaningful and had purpose, even with regards to what is current. With relation to my example, the Apostles formed because of the harsh conditions that eroded the stone over time millions of years ago. Now, just because I wasn’t around at that time and I can't physically see this happening does not mean that it isn't still an amazing natural phenomena that occurred and that we can learn from/study. This is exactly what the railway analogy is getting at, and I think you do a great job of pointing out how important nature interpretation is and how connected it is with history by providing perspective and allowing connections to form. 

References 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.

Blog 6: A Journey Through History

As I wandered through the ancient streets of Rome, Italy, I was struck by the palpable sense of history that enveloped me. Each cobblestone pathway seemed to whisper tales of past eras, inviting me to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of human experience. In Edward Hyams' profound reflection, "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things," he prompts us to reconsider the value we attribute to the relics of the past (Hyams). Drawing from my immersive experience in Rome and insights from scholarly sources, this blog post seeks to unpack Hyams' quote and explore the enduring significance of history, using my journey through Rome as a lens.

Hyams contends that integrity, not age, is what truly matters, challenging the idea that merit can only be attained by antiquity. This struck a deep chord with my memories of my time spent in Rome, where the enduring buildings and relics served as witnesses to centuries of human history. A framework for comprehending the interdependence of the past and present was offered by Beck, Cable, and Knudson's debate on the function of interpretation in fostering personal identities through historical narratives (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018). As I marvelled at the Colosseum's magnificence, I understood that its significance came from the stories it told and the cultural identity it represented, not only from its antiquity.

Coherence and unity in historical interpretation are crucial, as Hyams emphasizes honesty as the foundation of merit. This idea is supported by Fleischner's definition of natural history, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of environmental narratives by deliberate attention to the world outside humans (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018; Fleischner, 2002). As I thought back on my interactions with local naturalists and citizen scientists in Rome's parks, I realized how important their work is in preserving the integrity of natural ecosystems and encouraging a closer relationship with the natural world.

Hyams emphasizes the need to comprehend and conserve historical narratives when he states that integrity requires knowledge of and remembrance of the past. Upon visiting Rome's museums and archaeological sites, I was astounded by the care with which ancient items and the stories they told had been preserved. This concept was echoed by Miller-Rushing et al.'s consideration of citizen scientists' contributions to natural history documentation, emphasizing the value of collective memory in historical interpretation (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018; Miller-Rushing et al., 2012).

Hyams's moving illustration of a train station serves as a timely reminder of the mistake of ignoring the past. History transcends time to influence our present and future, just like a train station survives after it passes by. This comparison struck a chord with my travels to Rome, where the streets were alive with the echoes of long-gone civilizations, serving as a constant reminder of the influence of the past on modern culture.

Edward Hyams' quote challenges us to reevaluate our perception of history and its significance. Through my journey in Rome and insights from scholarly sources, I have come to appreciate the timeless wisdom embedded in historical narratives. True merit lies not in antiquity alone but in the integrity, coherence, and enduring impact of historical interpretation. As interpreters of history and environmental narratives, we bear the responsibility of preserving and sharing these stories, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to resonate with future generations.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. Fleischner, T. L. (2002). Quoted in Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. Hyams, E. (n.d.). "The Gifts of Interpretation." Retrieved from [insert link here]. Miller-Rushing, A. J., Primack, R., & Bonney, R. (2012). Quoted in Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing.

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Nature Interpretation Through History

Hi everyone, hope you’re all having a great week. This week we’re discussing nature interpretation through history. I think that this is a super unique topic and not one that gets discussed too often. I know that I don’t personally think about nature interpretation in terms of its significance historically, however, when we stop and take a moment to analyze this idea, it truly is an important topic to divulge. As discussed in the course content, nature interpretation within the context of history aids in developing current identity, thought provoking stories, and values that are applicable in the present day (Hooykaas, 2024). One example that I can think of is evolution. Although, a broad topic, if we take a look at Darwin's theory of evolution and natural selection, this is a tool that is applied very readily with regards to almost everything nature or species related. It's worth noting that this idea wasn't completely Darwin on his own, it took many years of research and developing theories to get to the point we’re at today. This relates to historical nature inspiration and what we’ve learned about within the course content as it shows explicitly how historical context is important and applicable to the present day. When we do research now we can fall back on some of these laws of nature that we know to be true and use that to explain and define current observations and ideas. 

Furthermore, with regards to the blog prompting quote, this idea I just described heavily relates. In order to understand the quote, I believe we must first define the words merit and integrity. To me, merit essentially means a degree of acceptance and the warrant that something has. Further, integrity means having a strong moral pull towards soundness and honesty. With that being said, I interpret this quote to mean that there is no meaning in the physical aspects of history, but instead the meaning is within the truths and knowledge that we can obtain from analyzing and absorbing these pieces of history, specifically ancient pieces. I also believe that the second half of the quote makes good use of an analogy to further describe and provide more detail for the former half. It illustrates how acting as though a railway station is gone just because we’re not at it, is similar to disregarding the past just because we’re in the present. I definitely agree with this quote and think that especially within nature we cannot think this way. As I previously described, we need to look into the past as it provides context for the present and the future. This is especially important with nature interpretation as many of these ideas build off of one another, such as evolution and species identification which I discussed earlier. Just because something isn’t in the present does not mean that it has no merit. We can use prior ideas to develop future ideas. 

I truly believe that nature interpretation in a historical context can apply to almost all of the topics we’ve discussed over the past couple of weeks such as interpretation through art and science. This quote along with the example I shared demonstrate how and why nature interpretation historically is important and how it can affect the present. 

I look forward to reading others' posts about this topic and I’m interested to see how everyone else is able to interpret and dissect this quote!

References 

Hooykaas, A. (2024). ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation course notes.

Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640020/View

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Hi Emma,

It was very interesting to see what direction people were going to go this week with no discussion prompt but enjoyed your take on sustainability. I as well had someone in my life instill sustainability morals, my mom is the reason for my green thumb and is probably the reason I’m in environmental science. I think it’s so important for people to have that kind of influence in their lives with the state of our current climate, whether it’s from a young age or as an adult.

You have a very impressive resume and presence when it comes to environmental activism on campus and in our student community. It’s one of the reasons why I chose to come to Guelph because of many like-minded individuals such as yourself. I’m always trying to lead the most sustainable life I can and leave the smallest footprint, but my carbon footprint from the carbon calculator is higher than I’d like to admit. I find it increasingly difficult in today's economy as a student to lead a sustainable lifestyle as eco-friendly products and non-single use items are generally very expensive. I have noticed an effort from the university with things like reusable food containers and not including plastic lids on drinks, but there is always room for improvement.

5. Sustainability!

When I first found out we had no blog post prompt this week my immediate reaction was to panic. I am someone who absolutely loves structure and knowing the subject of the task I have to complete so being able to write about anything was something that kind of threw me for a loop. I ended up deciding that I wanted to talk about sustainability.  

Sustainability has been something near and dear to my heart for honestly as long as I can remember. I credit a lot of that to my grandma, who instilled the importance of protecting and preserving our planet from a very young age. I remember her teaching me what could be recycled and how to clean things properly, as well as teaching me how composting was not only great for avoiding throwing food waste in the garbage, but also super helpful for gardening. I’ve also always found sorting and cleaning things quite relaxing which I will say also probably contributed to why I enjoyed it.  

Fast forward into high school and I was really starting to get more interested in sustainability. I remember reading into the implications of anthropogenic change on habitat destruction and climate change and being really motivated to change my actions to help reduce this. I became really into avoiding single use items, like plastic bags, saran wrap, and straws, and replacing them with alternatives like beeswax wraps, reusable containers, and metal straws. It was such a simple change yet so gratifying. I was also lucky enough that I lived close enough to walk to and from school every day, avoiding using transportation which would contribute to my carbon footprint. I think the biggest change I made in high school was becoming mostly vegan ( with exceptions to bee products and fish which my family would catch). I also began to engage with sustainability on a political scale, attending a bunch of Fridays for futures! At this point I also really started to realize I had a passion for sharing sustainability with others and thinking of it in a career aspect.

Now fast forward to university. I’ve really made an effort to live my most sustainable life possible. I am vegan diet wise ( I still use bee products like beeswax wraps and lip balm which family friends that own an apiary make, shoutout Honey Pie Hives and Herbals in Prince Edward County). I avoid single use as much as possible. I use reusable containers, my straws, wraps, and reusable grocery/ produce bags all the time, and make an effort to shop at more sustainable stores to get food (mainly the farmers market as much as I can). I use public transport if I go anywhere, I can’t walk to. I also got a job where I can share sustainability with others! I am the RA-LLC for Eco House, which is an on-campus residence community dedicated for students who want to engage with sustainability and environmental related topics/ conversations. I get to help facilitate conversations about environmental and social issues and share knowledge and resources with students on how to engage with and live more sustainable lifestyles! I also volunteer for the sustainable residence committee, which is a committee for students living in residence to have conversations and share knowledge about sustainability with like-minded individuals, whilst planning and running iniatives relating to sustainability for residence students! I find both of these experiences to bring me a lot of joy, and to encourage me to continuously learn more and keep living this lifestyle.

I know I wrote a lot but its because I am genuinely so passionate about it. For those of you who might be interested in checking out your own carbon footprint, theres a really cool tool called carbon-calculator which can tell you, and let you know what you’re doing that’s really good and areas where you can approve! ( mine was 1.3 tons CO2e)

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Interpreting nature through science

This week we are discussing nature interpretation, specifically through a scientific lens. Personally, as an environmental science student, this is probably the area that I’m most familiar with, however, it's been exciting to explore new ideas and I think I’ve been able to make a lot of connections between what we’ve been discussing in previous weeks, this week's content, and what I already know about scientific nature interpretation through previous course work and jobs. Because of these prior experiences, I’m able to interpret nature scientifically with a high degree of efficiency. I can go beyond the surface level when analyzing nature and I can actually understand the ecological and chemical processes behind what's just visually going on. I think that this is super important when discussing scientific nature interpretation, however it's not the only thing that matters. 

I wanted to touch on the Arboretum Interns video within the course content. While watching the video with Kitty and Jenny, I was able to pick up on a couple of interesting things, with specific attention to which techniques are utilized and who the audience may be. I noticed that at the beginning of the video, the Guelph Arboretum is referred to as a museum for trees (Guelph Arboretum, 2020). Later, while discussing a pattern edged into the wood of a tree trunk, the beetle larvae responsible for this pattern is said to have gone undergone metamorphosis, which is followed up by explaining that this means a transformation that animals and living things can go through (Guelph Arboretum, 2020)

This video demonstrates the use of metaphors which is a technique that aids individuals in understanding something that they may not be familiar with through comparing it to something that they are familiar with. This use of metaphors leads me to believe that this video is aimed at an audience that may not be familiar with scientific or nature terms, such as arboretum and metamorphosis. As discussed in the course content, you don't necessarily need to know scientific terms to interpret nature scientifically. This is shown perfectly within this video as everything is explained in detail and in a way that's very absorbable to the average person. It's refreshing to analyze videos such as this that do an excellent job at not only using scientific terms to analyze and interpret nature, but that also take that next step to be applicable to a wide audience and actually teach about this kind of vocabulary and these terms. 

I'm curious to know what others thought about this video. I believe that being applicable to a wide audience can have both risks and rewards that need to be weighed when considering making these types of educational videos. If it's too broad, those who do have prior knowledge may not find any relevance to your video and if it's not broad enough, those who don’t have any prior knowledge may be unable to understand any of the information you're providing. This is just one of the many reasons it's important to have a target audience and something that we could definitely all keep in mind when podcasting! 

References  Guelph Arboretum. (2020, March 25). Animal Signs at The Arboretum [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2CkZ8M4GCc&list=PLbeFN-axeNLRPCFK-EPdf5azw7bjDxpYj&t=7s

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Hi Jody! Thanks for sharing your thoughts this week with regards to nature interpretation and art. It's definitely been an interesting week and I loved reading your post.

It's worth noting that as I’ve been reading others posts it seems that nature interpretation through art is not the most prevalent form for many and it seems that this may be the case for yourself as well. I like the idea that you bring up on being spiritually, physically and artistically connected to art. I personally find myself being more artistically connected to nature than I am spiritually. As I’ve previously mentioned in my prior posts, I thoroughly enjoy photography and this is one of the main outlets that I use to express and explore my relationship with nature and how I interpret it artistically. Although I do find myself reaching for nature as a place to recharge, one area I may lack in would be my spiritual connection. 

After some brief research I’ve found that nature is actually an excellent resource that we have available to us to improve our mental health, wellbeing, and spiritually. Not only does being within nature allow individuals to feel a sense of ease, but it has also been shown that green spaces drive positive relationships between individuals around the world around them (Ryff, 2021). This means that not only does our health increase from being within nature but our perception of nature is also positively affected. I find this to be interesting because essentially the more time we spend in nature the more we enjoy it. 

Reference  Ryff C. D. (2021). Spirituality and Well-Being: Theory, Science, and the Nature Connection. Religions, 12(11), 914. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12110914

Blog 4: The Natural Art of the World

Hey everyone! Welcome back, today we’re looking at nature in art and the beauty of nature. Enjoy the reading and the pictures!

Nature comes in many different forms; the physical which is the tree’s, plants, animals, water and the physical stuff you can touch, the spiritual which is what the physical things mean to you and how you care about them, and there’s an artistic form too which can range from pictures to paintings to dances to stories to songs, all of which are beautiful in their own way. Every person and thing on earth has a different level of connection through each of these forms of nature. This triangle of form connection acts in a way that if someone is more connected to nature in a physical way they are not as connected to nature spiritually or artistically. Most people are mixes of two of the three forms, but usually they lean more strongly to one of them. For me, when I am interpreting nature on a hike I am most connected with nature spiritually with physical, but my lowest form of connection is artistically. I’ve never really been one to sit down and listen to music or look at paintings of different things, however, I will gladly look at pictures of things people have found or seen out in nature. 

This is a picture I took on Flowerpot Island, Tobermory of a lone birch tree on the beach, and thought about how much this tree has been through with all the storms, waves, and ice that lash against it with no remorse but yet it still pushes through and stands strong.

People perceive nature’s beauty through their forms of connection. The textbook talks about the ‘gift of beauty’ and defines it as how it, “should promote the ability, and desire to sense the beauty in one’s surroundings to encourage  conservation/preservation and allow for a stronger spiritual connection” (Beck et al., 2018). I like to think of this as looking at nature through someone else’s views. 

This is a painting done by Mark Nadjiwan (https://www.threetreesart.com/) of dragonflies. I purchased this painting for my mom who's favourite animal is a dragonfly, but also because the story behind it is amazing. It talks about combining western science views with the views of the indigenous peoples. I highly recommend everyone to look at the paintings and read their stories.

There is an outstanding artist that lives in Lion’s Head, Ontario whom I have purchased a few things from because of the beautiful stories that go along with each of the creations. This artist is Mark Nadjiwan. He is an indigenous artist who creates simple but complex indigenous art. He has a website:https://www.threetreesart.com/ which his creations can be found on. Every single work of art he creates has a meaning behind it along with an indigenous story of what entity it is about and what it means to the indigenous. Through the use of these different stories it ties in the many spiritual beliefs from indigenous people in ways that never really would have been thought about unless you grew up learning the stories. I would frequent his stand he set up to read the many stories he had and to purchase the ones that had the biggest impacts on me and the way I see the world. By reading these stories it helped me think about the animals I see everyday in a different way and it gave me more appreciation for them, even the animals that we consider “pests”.

Going back to the idea of the connection forms of nature, sometimes nature can display itself artistically that any person cannot resist to appreciate. For example, sunsets/sunrises are a form of natural painting on the world's biggest canvas. How many people do you know, when walking or driving and you see a sunset/sunrise, that don’t stop and look at all of the different colours for even a second?

This is a picture of my most handsomest puppy (Ripley) with a stunning sunset behind.

Thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed it! Please check in again next week for the next blog!

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Who are you to interpret nature through art?

Art can be a very powerful tool for many purposes, specifically with regards to nature interpretation. We discussed a little bit within the course content how art can evoke heavy emotions as well as be analyzed intellectually. I believe that these are two of the main tools that we can use to interpret nature with regards to art. However, there is a lengthy list of other lenses in which we can view art through; including a historical context, aesthetics, culturally, etc.

As an individual who enjoys an artistic approach to nature interpretation, finding joy in activities such as photography, I believe that the question of who are we to interpret nature can be applied broadly. For example we can be individuals looking at pictures of nature scenes for aesthetic purposes. I typically analyze art and interpret nature through an educational perspective, being an environmental science student. I’m very lucky that I’ve been exposed to a lot of environmental art and I believe that combining what I’ve learned about nature and being able to apply that to some of my personal hobbies, such as photography, provides me a unique experience and way to observe art and interpret nature.

Additionally, I believe that how anyone is able to interpret art is through developing and making personal connections. It's really interesting that even when looking at the exact same physical piece of art, individuals can form unique ideas and opinions on the same piece.

Furthermore, with regards to interpreting the gift of beauty, this involves the perception individuals have of the world and what's around them, with specific regards to nature. This isn't just necessarily targeted towards visual beauty and esthetics, but instead goes deeper and challenges individuals morally. We’re confronted with the obligation to look at nature as a resource and have a responsibility to take care of the world around us (Beck et al., 2018, p. 85).

For me personally, the idea of interpreting nature through art and the gift of beauty go hand in hand. We can examine artistic nature pieces and use our interpretations of those pieces to develop our knowledge of the world around us. This ties into the gift of beauty as not all nature pieces have to be aesthetically pleasing. We can look both at pieces of artwork and the natural world around us and think about more than just beauty, we can think deeper, developing more unique ideas and experiences with each piece and each time we examine nature as a whole.

An example of this is the pictures/posters that I have in my room. These are photographs that I took while visiting lake louise and camping in algonquin park. I took these pictures and have displayed them not only because the scenery is beautiful, but because I also have a connection to the times within these photos. Looking at these pictures reminds me of how much I enjoy disconnecting and being a part of nature. I’m inspired to go outside, discover new plants, recycle, etc. I believe that this is an example of how we look at nature, specifically within art pieces, and gather more than just visual aesthetics.

References

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

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Hi Alysia, great post on how we view privilege and how it translates to the natural world. Living in Canada presents many unique opportunities and accessibility to nature, such as travel, education of the environment, and limited extreme weather just to name a few.

One point you made that really made me think is how having a disability can impose many limitations on an individual's opportunities to interpret nature. Some of my most memorable experiences with nature happened during backcountry hiking or canoeing trips where I was isolated from society and without internet for multiple days on end. What I find most meaningful about these trips is the opportunity to remove yourself from everyday life and be immersed in the most beautiful environments our country has to offer. I believe my love for the environment is derived from these backcountry experiences. For people who have a physical disability, it can be extremely challenging or even impossible to experience these remote or backcountry trips simply due to the difficult terrain that needs to be traveled. Although many popular parks in Canada are equipped to accommodate everyone’s accessibility needs in the popular areas of the park, having the privilege to experience Canada’s isolated backcountry is something many groups of people will go without.

This topic of privilege with interpreting nature has really encouraged me to reflect on my own personal privilege and be more conscious of associated struggles with others.

Unit 03: Role of privilege in nature interpretation

This week's blog post explores some heavy topics about understanding the importance of managing risks, recognizing our privilege and unpacking our invisible backpacks. As nature interpreters, we must acknowledge how privilege can impact one's ability to interpret our environment. Reflecting on our privileges will allow us to recognize these advantages to help build equality in access to nature interpretation.

Peggy McIntosh discusses how privilege is defined as a construct of beliefs and practices that are taken for granted by people throughout society and in education (Gallavan, 2005). Further, privilege, power and dominance are not earned but simply exist and come from being white, male, heterosexual and middle-class (Gallavan, 2005). However, privilege is much deeper than just these characteristics, and applies to an abundance of attributes including, culture, language, religion, disability, age and much more (Gallavan, 2005). While privilege is so prevalent and can be applied to many aspects of our lives it is also often left unacknowledged (Gallavan, 2005).

My working definition of privilege is similar in that privilege isn't earned but something you inherently have that influences your opportunities and achievements. The invisible backpack of unearned aspects as Mclntosh describes, helps us recognize our own maps, tools, provisions and more that come from the privileges we have (Gallavan, 2005). To reflect on my own invisible backpack I am white, speak English, and am a Canadian middle-class student, receiving a University education. I've had the privilege of receiving a good education in Canada, in both English and French, not because I had to learn another language but just because I could. I've also had the privilege of being a competitive swimmer from a young age and attend outdoor summer camps. Both of which have given me many life tools and advantages, such as being a lifeguard and camp counsellor.

Privilege plays a role in nature interpretation by impacting access to opportunities in nature due to accessibility, geographical location, education, economic/financial status, cultural identity, or time restrictions. Let's break these down. Not all outdoor activities are inclusive to people with disabilities especially if establishments such as ski resorts, boat rentals, water sports, outdoor education programs or more, don't provide accessible options. This discourages people with disabilities from pursuing opportunities to interpret nature since they have limited options to begin with. Secondly, a geographical restriction can impact one's access to nature like living in dense urban areas with little green spaces. As well as being able to access nature interpretation opportunities by having your own personal outdoor space such as a backyard is a privilege. Having an educational or financial advantage also influences people's wants when accessing nature, this could be because of an interest in nature from past knowledge or by having the finances to go somewhere nice. Furthermore, cultural identity also impacts our interpretation of nature by shaping how we appreciate and value the environment. Viewing nature through different cultural lenses changes drastically how one understands, treats and observes the environment and approaches nature opportunities. Lastly, being able to spend time in nature and pursue opportunities to interpret and explore the environment is a large privilege. Many people have to work and can't often set aside time to get outside to really be able to experience and perceive what's around them.

I hope my post this week gives some insight into the role of privilege in nature interpretation!

References:

Gallavan, Nancy P. "Helping teachers unpack their 'invisible knapsacks'." Multicultural Education, vol. 13, no. 1, fall 2005, p. 36. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A137921591/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=9fe2f151. Accessed 24 Jan. 2024.

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What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation?

We’ve definitely discussed some heavy topics in this unit, however, it's important to shed light on these hardships.

 For me, I would define privilege very similarly to how it was described with the unit 3 material. I think that privilege means having some sort of advantage over another, in general I typically think this means having an opportunity or obtaining something that's not available to everyone equally. I really like how it was discussed within the unit and referred to as an “invisible backpack” where one can utilize unearned assets that not everyone has access to (Hooykaas, 2024). The idea of these assets being unearned is really important to emphasize, as privilege is certainly something that one can be born into. I think about the example of having a Canadian Passport. I’ve recently done some traveling, going across to the US and even Australia. There are signs at the customs and border crossing lines that divide individuals by the passports that they hold. I’ve noticed that there are lines for Canadian passport holders, along with a few other countries, that have their own essentially accelerated lines. This is interesting to me considering I did absolutely nothing to receive a Canadian passport yet still receive this privileged treatment. 

With regards to privilege and how it pertains to nature interpretation, I think we’re all very lucky in Canada  to have access to a variety of nature sites and parks. This can be seen specifically when looking at locations such as Guelph. I have access to areas like the Arboretum, Guelph Lake, Speed River, and a variety of hiking trails and forested areas nearby. Additionally, many areas around southern Ontario are like this, and not too far away.  Looking at Canada as a whole, there are isolated communities in Northern Canada which might not have the same availability to nature as we have here, and we need to recognize this as a privilege. . 

Additionally, when discussing nature interpretation it’s important to recognize the educational aspect that we’re exposed to, specifically as an environmental science student. Because of the different classes and labs I’ve been able to attend, I’ve likely been able to learn more about  natural processes and phenomena than the average person. Personally, when I leave the house, I can identify a variety of plant species and fully absorb what's going on around me. I can make connections between what I’m seeing and what I’ve learned in class. This certainly comes with a high degree of privilege as  many don’t have the opportunity to learn about these ideas, let alone make connections between what they’re learning and their real lives. 

I would love to hear everyone else's thoughts on this! I know I talked a little bit about my experience as an environmental science student, and how being able to apply and observe what I’ve learned in the classroom is a privilege, however I know many of us are in a variety of degrees. For those not in environmental science, how do you think your education has or hasn't impacted your ability to interpret nature? 

References 

Hooykaas, A. (2024).Hooykaas, A. (2024). ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation course notes. Retrieved January 23, 2024, from https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640017/View

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Hi Camryn,

It seems you were really lucky in that you were already able to achieve your ideal role as an environmental interpreter through working with various birds of prey organizations, which sounds like really interesting work! It's unique and beneficial that you fall under almost an exact split between auditory, visual, and tactile learning styles. I think that this will greatly benefit you as you're likely to grasp and absorb information in many different learning environments.

For myself, I'm a visual learner and am able to better recall information from viewing things like diagrams, films, documentaries, etc. I'm sure you find these tools useful as you are partially a visually learner as well.

As noted, being a nature interpreter means not only utilizing your own learning style, but being able to adapt to those around you. In your work that you previously mentioned, I'm wondering how your learning skills were able to play into this role, and which was the most beneficial when working with others. I could definetley see being a tactile learner being best for this role. Thanks for sharing!

Joe

My Ideal Role as an Environmental Interpreter

Over the last five years I have been lucky to find a true passion within the field of environmental interpretation in the world of raptors. I have had the pleasure of working with two different bird of prey organizations; Wild Ontario and Pacific Northwest Raptors. Both organizations strive for the conservation of wild raptors through educational programs and demonstrations. Where the differ regards the type of birds used as educational ambassadors. Wild Ontario works strictly with non-releasable raptors, all having their own stories, such as wing or eye injury, which prevents them from going back into the wild.  The Pacific Northwest Raptors has a larger team of birds of prey with only a fraction being non-releasable animals and the other is made up of birds that were hatch and raised in human care. The reason this organization has raised their birds this way is because of the important jobs they have as wildlife management officers. These raptors are used in pest management in places such as airports, landfills, industrial sites, and downtown buildings. These raptors are natural predators of pest species such as gulls, geese, or ducks, and thus one of the best strategies for this area of management.

            The time I’ve spent at both organizations, and everything I’ve learned, is something I will always value in any field in the future. One of my daily duties at the Pacific Northwest Raptors was presenting 45 minute flying demonstrations, conducting private tours of the facility, and taking small groups to fly some birds up close. My main focus is stressing the importance of raptor conservation through education and allowing the public to truly appreciate these creatures. One thing I never considered until this unit was learning styles. After taking the learning style test I determined I was almost a even split between auditory, visual, and tactile learning (auditory being my highest with 40%). This means that I benefit immensely from a variety of teaching styles being displayed and I have noticed this through the ways I study. I often used many different mediums such as writing out notes, making flash cards, making a mind map to connect main ideas, listening to a podcast on the subject, having someone quiz me, and teaching someone else. Understanding this idea of learning styles will allow me to generate multi-style presentations to target more of the public.

            There are many different skills that I’ve noticed really elevate environmental interpretation and education. One of the most important I think is engaging your audience. This includes making sure the information you are trying to convey comes across as interactive. You want your audience leaving learning something but also inspired to make a difference. This can be through sharing your own individual stories or possibly sparking their interest with something they can do. Overall oral communication is essential in nature interpretation and what learning styles you incorporate will only improve your message more!

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My ideal role of environmental interpreter

My ideal role of environmental interpreter would involve nature and wildlife photography and videography. Much of my interest in the environmental world stems from things like wildlife documentaries (ie. Planet Earth series). This educational form of media always strikes my curiosity of the natural wonders of our planet and I always find myself researching deeper on the issues that are illustrated. To this day, I would say my dream job would be a National Geographic photographer/videographer because it would allow me to travel and explore remote parts of the world and also raise awareness and educate people about nature and the things that threaten it.

I am a visual learner so it makes sense that nature documentaries have engaged my curiosity of nature the way they have. The camera crews for these documentaries have to endure the most extreme/remote conditions on Earth to film nature subjects and produce them in a way that tells a story. The stories are always captivating and usually aimed to educate the public on how anthropogenic sources are affecting ecosystems and species that are isolated from us. Also, with continuous advances in technology we are able to explore even more remote environments and view species more intimately.

Nature documentaries and wildlife photography provide an accessible and engaging platform for learning about the natural world, making complex ecological concepts more digestible to a lay audience. The combination of entertainment and education makes these films appealing and allow people to learn about nature in an enjoyable way. A lot of times nature films are produced in a way that can cause the viewers to feel sad or guilty about the truth of our impact on our planet. This sense of guilt and sadness is a tool used to encourage viewers to think about the consequences of their actions and try to shape a new generation of environmentalists.

Filming nature also indirectly benefits research conducted on natural subjects. Scientists and researchers use the information obtained from camera crews and producers to gain a better understanding of many ecosystem processes, species behaviours/distribution, and changes in ecosystems over time. As an environmental science student, this role of filming wildlife would satisfy my passion for photography and the outdoors, and contribute to the scientific community to help raise awareness of current natural issues and support conservation efforts.