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Hi Kayla!

Thank you for your post! Your insights on nature interpretation are extremely thoughtful and well rounded, showing your true understanding of the importance in creating connections between individuals and the natural world. 

Your focus on knowledge and cultural history aligns with the idea’s found in Chapter 15, whereby it states that understanding the history and significance of a natural area, has the power to deepen an individual’s connection to the environment (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 15). Studies have shown that knowledge of culture does play a role in the shaping of one's creativity. As research conducted has suggested that that creative processes rooted from cultural awareness can enhances one's appreciation of nature while encouraging innovation for sustainable approaches to environmental conservation (Shao et al., 2019). 

Check out this quick video that gives us a glimpse into the value of art and culture together to promote personal relativeness and empathy. Engaging citizens and fostering imagination and creativity to be used towards innovation:

As we see in chapter 10, creativity through nature interpretation can be through many different arts. And often it is the knowledge of history and information that shapes how an individual uses their creativity to display their feelings, thoughts and interpretations. For example, when I was in high school, I took an art class where we were challenged to make a sculpture about a movement that we deemed important. I chose to sculpt hands handcuffed and filled with garbage to refer to the movement of conserving our environment. Having background and knowledge of how pollution and it’s damage to ecosystems has increased over the years, inspired me to make this creative sculpture in hopes that it would instill that powerful message onto others.

I have attached an image of my hand sculpture as well as some of my favourite photos of nature as well in light of this being the last blog!

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 10: Arts in Interpretation. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world (pp. 215-230). Urbana, Illinois; Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 15: Interpreting History. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world (pp. 325-343). Urbana, Illinois; Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Shao, Y., Zhang, C., Zhou, J., Gu, T., & Yuan, Y. (2019). How Does Culture Shape Creativity? A Mini-Review. Front Psychol, 10, 1219. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01219

Blog 10

Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. 

I have learned much about nature interpretation throughout the last 10 units, blogs, textbook readings, and additional sources. After reflecting on this week’s prompt, I have concluded my role as a nature interpreter. Many values influence my interpretation. As an interpreter, my goal would be to connect my audience with nature through a meaningful and educational experience. Throughout this course, we have connected nature interpretation to art, history, science, music, technology, sustainability, and much more. Each of these connections proved to be important, considering everyone interprets nature and learns in different ways. As an interpreter, I aim to incorporate each of these in some way to cater to the different learning styles and learners. 

What beliefs do you bring?

Inclusivity is something I strongly believe should be considered as a nature interpreter. The audience will include people of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Beck et al. 2018, mentions an important takeaway from the educational theory which all interpreters should know: information is processed in a different way by different people and at different life stages (ch.6 pg.122). I want everyone in my audience to feel like they can share their thoughts and ask questions despite these differences. Interpretation is meant to be an educational experience and by asking questions and sharing, your audience becomes more involved, ultimately enhancing their learning. Since nature interpretation involves the presence of nature, I think everyone should be respectful of the nature we are interacting with. Interpreting nature does not need to involve disruption of the ecosystems and wildlife we are observing. I would love to be able to teach my audience how we can appreciate the beauty of nature around us without harming it. Respect can also be applied to how we interact with the group we are interpreting with. I would stress the importance of respecting everyone’s questions and opinions, even if they differ from yours. Every interpreter starts somewhere, so a respectful environment can make each member of the audience more comfortable with the experience, enhancing their learning. Furthermore, how we interpret will vary from person to person, some elements of nature may foster different memories for each person, so we should respect that the same elements might not mean the same thing to everyone. 

What responsibilities do you have?

As an interpreter, I think it is my responsibility to be knowledgeable about the nature and area I am bringing my audience to, as well as its cultural history. I should not only be able to answer my audience’s questions to aid their interpretation, but I should be able to inform them about where we are and what the space means. Chapter 15 of Beck et al. 2018, showcases the importance of history in interpretation. Past events come to life through interpretation, helping us shape our values for the future (Beck et al., 2018, ch.15 pg.326). Interpreting history is also beneficial educationally because it helps the audience make connections between the history and their own lives (Beck et al., 2018, ch.15 pg.326). 

It is also my responsibility to help my audience connect/ make connections with the surrounding nature. At the beginning of this course, I was not familiar with the importance of interpretation and just how important it has been to my childhood and now early adult life. I struggled with the first blog prompt about my current relationship with nature which I described as complicated. After learning more about interpretation and the different ways to interpret I have noticed my relationship with nature improving. The most significant piece in bettering my connection with nature was acknowledging where I developed my sense of place (Beck et al., 2018, ch.1 pg.10). As an interpreter I would like to educate my audience on developing a sense of place because it was transformational for me while trying to connect with nature and would hopefully help them make connections as well. 

What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?

As I mentioned above, one of my responsibilities as an interpreter is to foster connections between my audience and nature. Getting to know your audience allows you to be of greater help and relate to them (Beck et al., 2018, ch.7 pg.128). Personalization would be a suitable way to approach this. Based on the dynamics of my audience, I could draw on topics like childhood, children, or culture to make the experience more personal for my audience. Making them think about something more personal might allow them to open up their thinking and find something of deeper meaning in the nature around them. Personally, childhood would be a great topic to foster a connection between myself and nature. I spent the majority of my childhood immersed in nature, whether it was at the cottage or in Girl Scouts. Forcing me to think back to these times of my life would help me see my surroundings differently and think about how important they were to my childhood. This would encourage me to interact with nature more often because it had such a positive impact on me when I was younger. 

In Unit 2 and Chapter 6 of Beck et al., 2018, I learned I am a hands-on learner. They stressed the importance of learning style differences and how each interpreter should learn to cater to these differences to foster connections within their audience (Beck et al., 2018). Therefore, a hands-on approach would also be suitable for me. A hike, walk, or interactive activity in nature would be the best way for me to make connections. Even though you can’t necessarily interact with most nature physically while interpreting, being in the presence of it rather than just seeing photos or reading about it would allow me to make deeper connections. 

Overall, interpreters play an important role in their audience’s connection with nature. As a developing interpreter, I would bring various beliefs and have several responsibilities and approaches. I have a lot of respect for interpreters and the dedication, knowledge, values, and personalization they incorporate. This course has taught me so much about my relationship with nature, and I look forward to applying my learnings to establish deeper connections in the future. 

P.S. I have attached some of my favourite photos in nature throughout this blog!!

Kayla:

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Hi Michelle thank you for your post!

After reading your post, your strong and thoughtful commitment to nature interpretation and it’s role in education and environmental protection is abundantly clear. With the combination of your academic backgrounds in zoology and ecology with your passion for nature, you will make a great interpreter! As you mentioned in your post, nature interpreters are not meant only to deliver facts but should have the goal to connect emotionally with their audience, inspiring action and respect towards the environment and it’s health. Research findings conducted support the notion that narrative-based interpretation fosters emotional connections with nature, something that is crucial for encouraging sustainable behaviours in present and future generations. The persuasive influence that stories and narrative-based interpretation hold, immerses recipients into a deeply engaged mental state (Winkler et al., 2022). 

When you have some time check out this very inspirational TED talk about the true power that storytelling holds!

Your commitment to self-improvement and ongoing learning will continue to grow your interpretation skills. Reflecting on your own methods, while seeking feedback on where you can improve, allows you to refine your approach and enrich your ability to teach others (Fragkos, 2018). Doing this gives you outside perspective on inclusive interpretations tools that you may lack in. This will ultimately help you to ensure that people from diverse backgrounds can engage with nature, regardless of their cultural, economic or invisible barriers. Not everyone has equal access to nature, and invisible barriers can limit how some individuals may experience or interpret it. Continuing to attend workshops and classes will keep you updated on new tools and attics that are being incorporated into teaching to allow for diverse interpretation (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 21). 

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 21: The Bright Future of Interpretation. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world (pp. 457-478). Urbana, Illinois; Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Fragkos, K. C. (2018). Exploring whether (and how) self-reflection can improve practice as a teacher educator. MedEDPublish, 23(7), 67. https://doi.org/10.15694/mep.2018.0000067.1

Winkler, J. R., Appel, M., Schmidt, M. L. C. R., & Richter, T. (2022). The Experience of Emotional Shifts in Narrative Persuasion. Media Psychology, 26(2), 141–171. https://doi.org/10.1080/15213269.2022.2103711

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.

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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.

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Unit 10 Blog - Final Post!

Upon beginning this course, I always had a great appreciation for nature but was unaware at the extent as to how it can be interpreted differently. I always thought that the jobs of nature guides and interpreters was to only pass on information and facts; after taking this course it has opened my eyes to how complex their jobs can be as there are so many factors to consider when guiding others in interpreting nature. For example, in Chapter 7, where it was discussed how important it is as a nature interpreter to consider invisible barriers of different individuals. Generalization of a group can be very dangerous as everyone has different backstories. You cannot assume that everyone is the same because there are possibly many barriers to education and interpretation that are not visible to outside viewers (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 7). This is just one example of an important factor that nature interpreters need to keep in mind. 

My Personal Thoughts As an Interpreter:

We often know ethics as principles and values that help us to distinguish between right and wrong. As I have walked in the footsteps of a nature interpreter throughout this course, my personal ethics have grown to deeply respect how interpretations found in nature can create profound connections for others in many diverse and meaningful ways. After learning how immaculate the properties of nature can be towards interpretations, I feel even stronger about the idea that nature should be made accessible to everyone. As interpretation is specific to everyone, it can mean different things to everyone, and everyone deserves to engage with the environment in their own meaningful way (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 1). I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities to experience the beauties and significances often found in nature, regardless of their background, religion, financial status, abilities or personal circumstances. Nature has so many amazing qualities for education, mental health, physical health and holistic healing, and it is necessary that we create opportunities that everyone can access. The first step in achieving this open access to interpretation is considering your audience (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 14). As an interpreter it is your responsibility to ask your self questions regarding what might be helpful to increase an individual’s understandings, or what common information to some may not be as common to another individual’s. These simple changes in perspectives can enhance an interpreter’s presentation by making it more inclusive. Producing these direct acquaintances and involvement with objects within nature produces a key component of interpretation (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5).  

Check out this video on a tool used called a “Chest of Senses”! It is designed to help adults and children with visual and hearing impairments to learn about nature in an inclusive way! Each chest has a different theme to introduce audiences with different types of ecosystems such as forests, bogs and coastal areas!  

Responsibilities As a Nature Interpreter:

A key quality of an interpreter is their ability to act as a peacemaker, fostering a sense of peace and harmony between the audience and the natural world (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 20). As a nature interpreter I strongly believe in the importance of sustainability. It is my responsibility to provide insightful and compelling interpretations that evoke connecting and spiritual emotional responses. By doing so, I aim to instil my passion onto others and inspire a genuine desire to protect and preserve the environment so future generations can experience and interpret it in their own way. 

As an interpreter I have a responsibility to do my part in preserving the environment. Whether it’s through actions like reducing household waste, conserving water usage or supporting environmental initiatives like foundations and community clean-ups. Taking account for my own individual responsibilities through making conscious decisions in my everyday life will help me to be a better interpreter. Leading by example and demonstrating the importance of these practices, will help me to share my knowledge with others in an authentic and impactful way so together we can make a difference!

Here below is a list of things us as individuals can do in our everyday lives to help the environment:

Use reusable products 

Support sustainable businesses / buy locally 

Engage in tree planting opportunities 

Participate in local cleanups 

Carpool when you can 

Practice sustainable gardening

As these actions are all very helpful in creating change regarding the health of our environment, it all stems from having a love for the environment. It can be argued that these days there is a disconnect between children and the environment in comparison to the last few decades. As safety and liability have become big topics within school systems, we are now seeing less children engagement with the outdoors (Rodenburg, 2019). As a nature interpreter, it is our responsibility to try and fill this gap by promoting environmental stewardship via creating school programs that ensure safety while providing children with rich immersion time in the outdoors. I believe this is extremely important in instilling respect and love for nature in children. 

Approaches I find suitable:

The approaches that are most suitable for me as an individual revolve around creating immersive, interactive experiences. One key approach that I find to work well is experiential learning, where I am given the opportunity to engage through hands-on experiences. As our understanding of nature goes beyond the ability to identify different species, it is marked by the ability to ask questions and find yourself impacted by unanticipated experiences (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 20). Hikes, walks or any outdoor activities are my ideal learning spaces as each of them gives me the opportunity to interact with the environment directly, where I can reflect on what I am observing while actively engaging with it.

Story telling is another tool I find highly effective in my interpretation approaches. Storytelling is a whimsical way to connect your audience to the history, culture and importance of ecosystems within the natural world. It is a tool that can be used regardless of the audiences age, it is just up to the interpreter to adjust the story to the audience it is being told to (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6).

Check out this video about one of the worlds best storytellers - Mother Nature <3

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 1:What is Interpretation. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage (pp. 3–16). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 5: Guiding Principles of Interpretation. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage (pp. 81–101). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 6: How People Learn. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage (pp. 05–123). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 7: Serving Diverse Audiences. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage (pp. 127–158). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 14: Interpretation and the Written Word. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage (pp. 303–322). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 20: Global Interpretation. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world (pp. 457-478). Urbana, Illinois; Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Rodenburg, J. (2019, June, 17). Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope.Clear https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

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Blog #9 - The Amazing Phenomenon of Tree Communication!

This past semester, we've had the chance to explore and understand a wide range of topics! For this week’s blog prompt, one thing I find truly amazing about nature is how trees can communicate with one another!

Trees communication with each other may not be identical to the way humans can, but none the less their path of communication is a beautiful and intricate process that overtime we have had to interpret in order to gain an understanding. 

The Wood Wide Web:

Like our world wide web, trees have an underground network of fungi known as mycorrhizal networks. It is through this “Wood wide Web” that trees can share nutrients and even information regarding environmental conditions and warnings of threats like pests and invasive species (Giovannetti et al., 2006).  

How is this Possible?

This fascinating phenomenon of communication utilizes the mycorrhizal fungal networks to act as an “internet” for trees and establish connections that link the roots of trees and plants over great distances (Giovannetti et al., 2006). The mycorrhizal fungal form a symbiotic relationship where they provide nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen to the trees, and in return the trees supply the fungi with sugars. Through these connections trees not only share their nutrients with the fungi, but also to any nearby trees that are also connected to the network (Giovannetti et al., 2006).

Here is a picture that I took in the Guelph Arboretum! These two trees right next to each other are the perfect example of two trees that are swapping nutrients and communication beneath the ground through their Wood Wide Wed!

Interpretation of their Communication:

This incredible phenomenon sparks numerous interpretations. It raises questions such as, with their ability to communicate, can trees sense our presence around them? Do they have a sense of touch when we brush against them? As chapter 21 mentions, “Interpretation and curiosity produces a more harmonious relationship between the individual and the environment-physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually” (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 21). This emphasizes the idea that when we approach nature from a sense of curiosity and a desire to understand, we begin to create a deeper connection with our environment on multiple levels. Personally, knowing that trees can communicate amongst each other makes me feel more spiritually connected to them. I truly believe that trees can sense our presence around them and that brings me peace. When I’m hiking or simply enjoying nature, it reassures me that I am not alone.

Authenticity and Awe to Generate Change:

A quote said by Dacher Keltner within chapter 21, strongly resonated with me as he stated, “In various studies we’ve asked people, “What’s it like running through your mind when you feel awe, and they’ll say things like, ‘I want to make the world better’” (Keltner, 2016, in Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 21).) As was discussed throughout chapter 21, experiences of awe stimulate feelings of wonder, curiosity, perspective, creativity and purpose within individuals. Knowing that trees have communication systems between each other similar to the way we have internet, has changed my perspective and fostered feelings of sympathy for them, motivating me to protect and cherish them more.

Thank you to everyone who read my blog and I hope you can enjoy this very creative video on trees communication! 

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 21: The bright future of interpretation. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage (pp. 457–467). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Giovannetti, M., Avio, L., Fortuna, P., Pellegrino, E., Sbrana, C., & Strani, P. (2006). At the Root of the Wood Wide Web. Plant Signal Behav, 1(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.4161/psb.1.1.2277

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Hi Raya!

Your blog beautifully captures the awe-inspiring nature of trees and their critical role on earth. Your comparison on the connection between the 3 trillion trees on earth and the stars in our galaxy highlights the perspective of just how abundant and vital trees are for the survival of life on our planet. As you point out in your blog, trees are vital for producing oxygen, absorbing CO2 and providing countless shelters for many species. These are just a few of many things that trees provide for our planet. In fact, trees are integral to mitigating climate change. Research has shown that forest can act as what is called a “carbon sink” where they isolate carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, ultimately slowing down the progression of global warming (Pan et al., 2011). Similarly, trees are critical for regulating earth’s natural water cycle which influences precipitation patterns and aids to prevent soil erosion (Sheil., 2018).

However, it is essential not only to recognize trees in forests for their crucial roles in our ecosystems but also to appreciate them for the sense of wonder, curiosity, and creativity they inspire within us, with the goal of preserving them for future generations.

“Knowledge of natural history breeds a ‘fond familiarity’ with nature leading people to deeper and more enjoyable experiences and a sense of stewardship for these places so special to them” (Smith, 2016, in Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 21).

This quote from Smith (2016), cited in Beck et al., (2018), emphasizes the power of understanding and valuing natural history. Smith suggests that a deeper knowledge of nature will create a sense of “fond familiarity”, which will help an individual to create more meaningful and enjoyable experiences and a strong sense of stewardship with nature. This idea aligns perfectly with the ideas expressed through your blog that stress the importance of trees and force in our lives and the interconnectedness of all living things on earth. 

Thank you for your post and I look forward to reading your future blogs!

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 21: The bright future of interpretation. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage (pp. 457–467). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Pan, Y., Birdsey, R. Y., Fang, J., Houghton, R., Kauppi, P. E., Kurz, W. A. et al. (2011). A large and persistent carbon sink in the world’s forests. Science, 333(6045), 988-993. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1201609

Sheil, D. (2018). Forests, atmospheric water and an uncertain future: the new biology of the global water cycle. Forest Ecosystems, 5(9). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40663-018-0138-y

Blog #9 - The Trees in Our Lives

Sit back and imagine you are lying flat, looking up at the night sky and the stars twinkling in an endless space. Now try to picture our planet and all the trees that exist upon it. It’s quite amazing, isn’t it? Now what If I told you more trees exist on our single planet than exist in our galaxy, The Milky Way compared to the stars in our galaxy which is estimated to contain somewhere around 100 to 400 billion stars Earth contains 3 trillion trees which massively outnumbers the stars (Soll, 2020). 

This fact which is hard to imagine just displays an immense truth that the natural world around us is more important and abundant than we seem to grasp. Have you ever wondered how different our lives would be if the trees were suddenly gone, and what would it mean for the future of life on Earth? Trees are the backbone of our current life on Earth and are the life of our planet. The trees around us are constantly providing the oxygen we breathe and absorbing carbon dioxide which helps to fight climate change, they serve as shelter for countless species and overall beyond their ecological significance are a major source of wonder. As interpreters, we help others connect with the wonders of nature, comparatively like how Tim Merriman discusses the future of interpretation in his work (Beck et al, 2018). The profession is expanding beyond traditional settings and trees play a large role in this as they aid in community engagement and how communities contribute to monitoring environmental changes (Beck et al, 2018).  

As you step into the forest you enter an ancient world where life unfolds at a different time and is untouched by us humans. For instance, when I went to California I saw the towering redwood trees. As you stand at the bottom of these trees and look up they are massive and it is hard to understand their size until seeing them up close. Some redwood trees are over 300 feet tall and live for thousands of years. This means they are some of the oldest and tallest living organisms on the planet. Their sheer size and age instill feelings of wonder and respect for the life they have experienced. They survive the harshest of conditions and continuously provide for the ecosystem as they are survivors. 

However, it is not just the size of the trees that is astounding but actually the sheer number of them that blows my mind! Research shows that there are more than 3 trillion trees on Earth and the forest covers about 30% of our planet's surface (Soll, 2020). Each tree is part of a delicate balance that sustains life; they provide shelter for wildlife, clean out our air, and even help regulate the Earth’s water cycle. 

Additionally, we can consider how this immense interconnected network of trees relates to the wonder of our universe. While we look up to the night sky for inspiration, it is the forest present beneath us that is the true source of life and mystery. Forests provide a sense of calm and the sights, sounds, and smells have a way of grounding us so that we can remember how all life is connected. It is easy to get lost in the big, vast world of space and The Milky Way but the forest has everything we need to experience the very essence of life itself. If we open our eyes and ears to the world around us we can heal the whispers of trees and feel the magic they provide to the planet every day. They are the Earth's true protectors and offer us everything we need to thrive. 

So let's do our best to cherish and protect them, view the world from their perspective, and realize that nature is far more abundant and powerful than we can ever comprehend. 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing.

 Soll, J. (2020, March 10). Can planting a trillion trees save our planet? Metro. https://www.oregonmetro.gov/news/power-trees#:~:text=There%20are%20about%203%20trillion%20trees%20in,published%20in%20the%20prestigious%20science%20journal%20Nature

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Hi Noah!

Thank you for your post! Your response does a great job of exploring the deep connection between nature and music, and I love how you incorporate both objective and personal perspectives.

The phase you mentioned "There also may be more music in nature that we as humans are yet to even realize", inspired me to do some deeper diving into this topic. The article by Gray et al. 2001, suggests certain species such as whales and birds were analyzed on the sounds they create, as they were found to be quite similar to human musical compositions consisting of rhythm, structure and melody.

Something that I found through my research that I thought was very interesting was that there has been evidence found that supports the idea that there are musical traditions in animals and mammals. Whale songs are one of many examples whereby their songs have been passed down from parent to offspring but slowly evolved overtime. We often overlook the amazing ways communication occurs in nature and how remarkable it is that animals and mammals use song and rhythm as part of their communication skills.

The studies conducted by Grey Gray et al. 2001, were truly eye opening as it displayed the idea that music is not merely a human intervention, but a universal language across species, similar to how you talked about birds chirping can be a variety of social calls for mating, source finding or socializing. Both your blog post and the findings within their paper highlight the deep connection between nature and music, illustrating how patterns of sound in the natural world align with musical structures we have seen through generations of humans, and the power it holds to share meaningful messages open to interpretation (Beck et al. 2018)

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing.

Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The music of nature and the nature of music. Science

Blog Week 7

Music can generally be described as patterns of sound that differ by pitch and time, that is produced for emotional, social, cultural and cognitive reasons (Gray et al., 2001). To me, this demonstrates that music in nature is prominent with every step that someone takes. Between a twig snapping, or an animal making their respective sounds, or wind whistling around you, “music” is everywhere. Maybe you could think, how does a bird chirping constitute as music? Even based off the definition, a bird chirping can be used for reasons such as mating, social, or other cognitive reasons to help with their survival. With these reasons, it is demonstrated that birds are able to control their sounds for different purposes too. There also may be more music in nature that we as humans are yet to even realize. Maybe animals produce sounds for social and pleasurable reasons too, as opposed to needing a “justifiable” reason for the sounds. For all we know, there is a lion Michael Jackson, or a group of penguins starting a boy band in Antarctica!

Nature in music can be found in many places. Whether it is the lyrics to a song, or the meaning of a song, or maybe even the instrumentals! As well, artists can sometimes sample nature sounds to play a part in their music. As discussed in the course readings, Ben Mirin is one such artist who take samples from birdsongs for his beatboxing. Another composer who uses nature in a creative way is David Monacchi, who hikes into remote areas to record the sounds of the habitats around him. He also uses these recordings to inform ecological research on the side! What is the most creative use of nature that you have heard in music?

One song that takes me immediately to a natural landscape is “here comes the sun” by the Beatles. This is for multiple reasons, some objective and some subjective. Objectively, the entire purpose of the song from both a lyrical and meaning perspective is to bring on the summer months after a cold winter. This immediately makes me think of green and colourful landscapes under a warm sun. Subjectively, two things make me relate the song to natural landscapes. The first, that many people may relate to as well, is that this song was played in the climax of “the bee movie.” It was played as a backtrack to the return of and rise of flowers growing over lush fields. Because of that, whenever I hear the song I think back to the scene in the movie of the beautiful landscapes. Another subjective point is that growing up, both my parents with my dad in particular loved The Beatles. As a kid, their music was constantly playing in the kitchen or outside or in the car. As a group, The Beatles have many upbeat and happy songs that take me to these happy moments, such as playing catch outside.

References:

Gray, P. Krause, B. Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C. & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science. 291. 52-54.

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Blog 7: Music and Nature

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

Music is deeply imbedded in nature, likewise nature is quite often reflected in music. Nature presents numerous ways in which music can be experienced, from the rhythmic sounds of waves crashing, melodies of birds singing and the whistling tones that emerge from the trees as wind flows through them. The natural world is filled with rhythms, pitches and harmonies. To this day the natural sounds of the environment continue to inspire human music, as composers and musicians still draw from the environment to create melodies that evoke the beauty of the wild. 

Nature it ‘self is a form of music as when it’s many symphonies come together, they form beautiful songs that can often be used to instil relaxation to the human mind. Take this video titled “Peaceful Owl Forest Sleep Sound”. The musical symphony of the insects chirping, the frogs croaking and the owl hooting all combined have created a beautiful harmony that can bring some to a place of peace and tranquility. One study conducted examined prefrontal cortex and autonomic nervous activities in response to forest sounds. Their resulted provided scientific evidence that exposure to natural sounds can induce physiological and psychological feelings relation effects (Jo et al. 2019).  I think it is beautiful that that natural music of nature can have healing effects on the human body.

My Music in Nature:

The music of nature that speaks to me most is the deep, rolling thunder and the crackling energy of lightning. While some may see these sounds as symbols of a dark and gloomy day, to me it is soothing to the mind and soul. To me a thunderstorm is like a natural symphony, shifting from soft and meditative to wild and dramatic. The shift from calm to thunder mirrors the highs and lows often found in musical octaves, as the gentle rain resembles soft, delicate notes and the loud thunder as powerful bass tones. This dynamic range in nature’s soundscape creates a sensory experience for me in which invokes relaxation and brings me back to happy memories of spending a rainy day inside with my family. It is very interesting to see how something that may represent sadness to some, has a completely different meaning to me, reinforcing the idea that we often saw throughout chapter 8, that the music provided by nature allows individuals to connect with their surroundings in a more meaningful way (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 8).

Nature in Music:

For many years, nature has been a source of inspiration in music. As time has gone on there have been many ways that nature has been involved in the music production industry. Whether it is using it to portray a message or physically using natural sounds of nature in the music it ‘self. As far back as 1723, composers such as Antonio Vivaldi created music inspired by nature. His most widely performed work took a lot of inspiration from nature, as each concert he performed for that set represented a different season – spring, summer, autumn or winter.  

Music has also created pathways to teach children and the younger generations about nature, its processes and conservation strategies. One example being the video above. Music has taken the idea of saving nature and the planet and created a fun and engaging way to teach children. This level of engagement can effectively convey a clear message, this ability is extremely valuable in nature interpretation (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 8).

John Denver: "Take Me Home, Country Roads"

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver is the song that takes me back to a natural landscape. Once this song starts to play, I immediately feel like I am in the car singing along while looking out the window and just taking in the beautiful landscape of rock formations, forests and hills. Much like the owl above instills relation in many, this song makes me feel like I'm around a campfire with my friends and family just enjoying the natural music that the forest is providing around us.

I had a lot of fun with this post as it truly was very interesting to see the many pathways that music and nature are intertwined together through. Through this week's readings I have learned that the idea of music is universal, as it is speculated that there are universal forms of music embedded in nature, waiting for our discovery. The connection between rhythms and patterns within ambient sounds in ecosystems and human made music, suggests that music is a fundamental and nonverbal form of communication shared amongst various species (Gray et al. 2001).

Now my question to the class is.....

How do you personally experience the connection between music and nature? Have you ever been in a natural setting where the sounds around you felt like music?

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Chapter 8: Interpreting to the Masses. In Interpreting cultural and natural heritage (pp. 165–182). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The music of nature and the nature of music. Science

Jo, H., Song, C., Harumi, I., Enomoto, S., Kobayashi, H., Miyazaki, Y. (2019). Physiological and Psychological Effects of Forest and Urban Sounds Using High-Resolution Sound Sources. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 16(15), 2649. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16152649

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Hi Alyssa!

Thank you for your post! it was such a deep and relefctive interpretation of the quote for this weeks blog prompt! I especially liked how you connect your interpretations to concepts like Mandala art and impermanence. I thought the your questions were quite compelling and wanted to share my input on them!

In terms of impermanence I do believe that it is important to practice it as it can be very beneficial to society by encouraging mindfulness within a community and reducing attachments we often have to materialistic materials. Much like the sand Mandalas you talked about, impermanence teaches us to value the present, while also recognizing and appreciating the importance of the historical continuity that got us here today.

Impermanence can have a big influence on how people view nature as the concept fosters an appreciation for nature and it's sometimes fleeting beauty. A prime example would be something I learned in my Conservation Biology Class (highly recommended to take!!) Failing ecosystems are often a result of humans not caring until it is too late. Typically, before they were struggling nobody pays much mind to them, but it is not until species start to go extinct and the ecosystem begins to crumble that people really start to take preservation actions seriously. This is impermanence as it is not until the beauty of the ecosystem and its health begins to fade that people feel a sense of urgency.

Documentation can be quite important to humans as it is a form of arts that allows us to capture things from the past. Documentation allows societies to learn from the past and learn ways of communication, traditions, knowledge and cultural identity that may have been lost in time without it. Whether it is written, oral or in digital form, these histroical records will help future generations learn and grow in their ancestral roots.

Blog Post 6

"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."

This quote carries very heavy weight and so it is difficult for me to unpack. I think partly because I find there to be so many nuances and differing interpretations of what is meant by it and I think these different interpretations highlight the importance of this quote. “There is no particular 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 a scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things”. In my unpacking of this portion what this means to me is that truly nothing really matters, there is no great objective merit in the tree that has been here for decades. It is here and will be here and will likely not be seen by an overwhelming population and will survive longer than many of us will. So why might we ascribe a meaning to it? A tree on its own is a tree on its own. But this passage speaks to the collective. A collection of time, experience, interpretation, understandings, purpose. Objects may not be important but values, on the other hand, are. It is what distinguishes humans from other species, values, and a moral compass. Integrity is the amalgamation of values, morality, ethicality, doing what is right, honesty, and consistency. Integrity guides our relationship with nature and our interpretation of nature. As a result of these characteristics we ought to piece together the parts of the whole, which gives objective things meaning. This passage and Chapter 15 of our readings this week made me think of the concepts of Mandala art. Mandala’s are designs that are used for meditative practices to represent many aspects of the universe in many Hindu and Buddhist cultures. It is incredibly symbolic and invites one to step into joy and happiness. The particular notion that this passage makes me reflect on is that of sand Mandala’s. These are beautiful Mandala’s made of coloured sand that are then destroyed after its completion to signify the importance of remaining detached from materialism and to signify impermanence. History is often lost or waged by emotion by those involved but both this practice of the Mandala and the role of the interpreter display a detachment.

The second half of the passage ‘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.’ Stresses the importance of interpreters in history. There are many things to learn from our past as the saying goes ‘history always repeats itself’, and in documenting our history and understanding we are better able to evolve and cater to issues today. We as individuals are impermanent, but as a collective or as a society we continue to live on (perhaps not if we continue to be so exploitative of the planet). It is inevitable and to discount the histories of life around us, and not just our own is an incredible disservice. This documentation also deepens our relations with nature around us. This quote encapsulates many sentiments stressing the importance of subjectivity and objectivity in historical accounts, emphasizing the need for the good, the bad, and the ugly as opposed to our glossy versions of the past, highlighting the importance of the role of interpreters.

Questions for further discussion:

How might you view impermanence? How does it affect your view on nature?

Do you think it is important to practice impermanence and how might it benefit society?

Why might documentation be so important to humans?

References:

Nolan, A. (2023, May 18). What is a mandala? history, symbolism, and uses. Invaluable. https://www.invaluable.com/blog/what-is-a-mandala/?srsltid=AfmBOoq2ucbDT3IXYsNf-Uk6Ptfs1ZEqCY5hRp_aAefwkYjOJBz5oSht

McCarthy, K. (2020, April 16). 17 historical landmarks to see around the world. U.S News. https://travel.usnews.com/gallery/17-historical-landmarks-to-see-around-the-world

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Blog Post 6

"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."

This quote carries very heavy weight and so it is difficult for me to unpack. I think partly because I find there to be so many nuances and differing interpretations of what is meant by it and I think these different interpretations highlight the importance of this quote. “There is no particular 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 a scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things”. In my unpacking of this portion what this means to me is that truly nothing really matters, there is no great objective merit in the tree that has been here for decades. It is here and will be here and will likely not be seen by an overwhelming population and will survive longer than many of us will. So why might we ascribe a meaning to it? A tree on its own is a tree on its own. But this passage speaks to the collective. A collection of time, experience, interpretation, understandings, purpose. Objects may not be important but values, on the other hand, are. It is what distinguishes humans from other species, values, and a moral compass. Integrity is the amalgamation of values, morality, ethicality, doing what is right, honesty, and consistency. Integrity guides our relationship with nature and our interpretation of nature. As a result of these characteristics we ought to piece together the parts of the whole, which gives objective things meaning. This passage and Chapter 15 of our readings this week made me think of the concepts of Mandala art. Mandala’s are designs that are used for meditative practices to represent many aspects of the universe in many Hindu and Buddhist cultures. It is incredibly symbolic and invites one to step into joy and happiness. The particular notion that this passage makes me reflect on is that of sand Mandala’s. These are beautiful Mandala’s made of coloured sand that are then destroyed after its completion to signify the importance of remaining detached from materialism and to signify impermanence. History is often lost or waged by emotion by those involved but both this practice of the Mandala and the role of the interpreter display a detachment.

The second half of the passage ‘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.’ Stresses the importance of interpreters in history. There are many things to learn from our past as the saying goes ‘history always repeats itself’, and in documenting our history and understanding we are better able to evolve and cater to issues today. We as individuals are impermanent, but as a collective or as a society we continue to live on (perhaps not if we continue to be so exploitative of the planet). It is inevitable and to discount the histories of life around us, and not just our own is an incredible disservice. This documentation also deepens our relations with nature around us. This quote encapsulates many sentiments stressing the importance of subjectivity and objectivity in historical accounts, emphasizing the need for the good, the bad, and the ugly as opposed to our glossy versions of the past, highlighting the importance of the role of interpreters.

Questions for further discussion:

How might you view impermanence? How does it affect your view on nature?

Do you think it is important to practice impermanence and how might it benefit society?

Why might documentation be so important to humans?

References:

Nolan, A. (2023, May 18). What is a mandala? history, symbolism, and uses. Invaluable. https://www.invaluable.com/blog/what-is-a-mandala/?srsltid=AfmBOoq2ucbDT3IXYsNf-Uk6Ptfs1ZEqCY5hRp_aAefwkYjOJBz5oSht

McCarthy, K. (2020, April 16). 17 historical landmarks to see around the world. U.S News. https://travel.usnews.com/gallery/17-historical-landmarks-to-see-around-the-world

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Blog Post 6:

“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”. 

This week’s blog prop emphasizes the importance of historical awareness and continuity throughout history. This quote by Edward Hyam speaks to the interconnectedness of time, history and identity, as it argues that integrity within society, culture or personal character requires an acknowledgement of the past. Edward argues 

The Railway Station Analogy:

In chapter 15 of Interpreting History, the use of Edward’s railway station analogy was elaborated on to illustrate how he challenges the idea that the past becomes irrelevant once we move forward. Throughout this chapter we see how Hyam cautions against modern tendency to overlook history in favor of progress, stressing that time is continuous, it never pauses so to ignore the past would create a flawed understanding of the present. 

“Bridging Past and resent: The role of History in Shaping Identity and Integrity:

A present-day example of what Hyam was trying to illustrate can be seen in societies treatment of cultural traditions. If a community stops practicing certain cultural traditions because they believe they are outdated and irrelevant to the current modern life, Hyam’s point suggests that while this community may feel more modern and progressive by abandoning these old customs, the loss will ultimately lead to a loss in their identity and integrity. The removal of these traditions severs a vital connection to their cultural roots and practices of their ancestors, diminishing the progress and continuity in historical time that shaped the community to who they are today. 

In many cultures, traditional handcrafting arts such as weaving, woodworking and pottery were an essential part of daily life. Overtime, as industrialization and mass production took over, many of these traditionally handcrafted arts have become obsolete, as the handcrafted aspect has been replaced by manufactures that produce these goods in factories in high volume. I find this very unfortunate as I agree with Hyam that instances such as this create a loss of culture and identity, as future generations will not know how to create these goods as their ancestors did, they will only know these goods to be produced in mass factories. I know for my personally, being full Italian, it is very important in my family to keep traditions and our culture alive. Traditions such as making our own tomato sauce, Sunday family dinners, classic wedding traditions, family recipes and cultural roots are all things that I intend to keep alive in the future generations of my family. 

Here is a picture of the sauce my family and I made last year :)

To the Class: As you are reading through this quote what are your initial thoughts and Interpretations? 

“To assume that the past is obsolete once we move beyond it is to misunderstand the continuity of time. Interpretation ensures that historical connections remain visible, guiding understanding and action” (Beck et al., 2018)

How I interpret it…

Beck et al. (2018) argue that interpretation keeps historical connections visible, allowing us to maintain an awareness of the past’s ongoing role in shaping who we are today and how we move forward in the future. This ensures that we don’t lose our sense of context, learning, or direction as we navigate the complexities of the present.

To the Class: As you are reading through this quote what are your initial thoughts and Interpretations? 

“In our modern era, where human influence continues to drive constant change, this idea holds particular significance” (Beck et al., 2018). 

How I interpret it…

In a world where things are changing quickly, it’s easy to forget the lessons of the past or feel disconnected from history. While these changes have led to drastic economic growth, scientific discoveries and increased connectivity globally, they have also resulted in the erosion of cultural continuity across many heritages. Beck et al. (2018) pointed out that the idea of maintaining continuity with the past is especially crucial today.  

Referneces:

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

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Blog Post 5: Nature, A Holistic way to a Better Well-Being

Nature, A Holistic way to a Better Well-Being

In today’s rapidly evolving, technology-centric world, many individuals find themselves struggling with stress, anxiety and depression, often also causing a physical toll on their body. As society has become increasingly urbanized over the years, studies have shown that a greater number of individuals spend more time indoors, causing a disconnection from the natural world.

Nature offers a wide range of beneficial properties, stemming from both its abundant resources and its visual and auditory qualities.

Nature for the Body:

Growing up I was always nutrition conscious, but it was not until I was diagnosed with PCOS that I started my research into holistic practices, as the medical world had only temporary cures for the imbalances it would cause. Insulin resistance, high androgen levels and inflammation are some of the symptoms I experience, and if not controlled can lead to more serious issues. With the help of a doctor who specialises in holistic aid, I started a regimen of taking berberine for inflammation and to balance my blood sugar levels, as well as Saw Palmetto for my high androgen levels. It is truly astonishing that after only months of this regimen I saw drastic improvements and really puts your mind into perspective of how powerful nature truly is. 

Both forms of supplementation are derived from nature and highlight the incredible healing properties found in nature. These plant-based supplements offer a natural way to restore balance, reduce inflammation, and support overall well-being. It's amazing how nature provides powerful remedies that work in harmony with the body, offering a holistic approach to health and healing.

Here is a picture of a berberine plant, known for it's holistic qualities and use in supplementation !

Who Would Have Thought!

We often may wonder how nature could possibly benefit our brain health; the very interesting thing is that nature can have drastic improvements on our brain health!

Nature for the Brain

Interpreting nature through visual arts stimulates creative thinking and problem-solving skills within the mind. When an artist translates natural elements onto canvas or paper, they engage different areas of the brain responsible for imagination and cognitive flexibility. This type of creative engagement has been found to improve memory, enhance concentration, and increase overall brain function.

One of the most well-documented benefits of spending time in nature is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have found that being in the presence of green spaces often lowers stress hormones, known as cortisol. As urban and residential environments are typically noisy, crowded, and overstimulating, natural settings provide a calming atmosphere that helps individuals relax as it acts as a soothing effect on their nervous system. 

As someone who has suffered from many concussions, many studies have shown that natural environments have profound effects on reducing stress and improving brain health. Nature offers what is called “soft fascination” which is when the brain engages in something without demanding focused effort. This gentle stimulation provides a mental break that allows for the brain to rest and recover. The act of simply being in nature and engaging with it helps to "reset" the brain, improving cognitive function, attention, and mental clarity.

As someone who believes strongly in holistic healing for certain aspects of physical and mental health, nature is always something that I have drifted towards in times of need. Like Enos Mills described in the textbook, nature is a wellspring of inspiration that helps people reconnect with themselves and inner well-being (Beck, Cable & Knudson, 2019).

Some Questions for the Class!

What are some ways you feel nature has helped you in your health and well-being?

Do you believe in Natures holistic way to help improve symptoms of certain diagnosis?

Beck, L., Cable, T., & Knudson, D. (2019). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For A Better World (1st ed.) [Textbook]. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

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Hi James thank you for your post!

I thought that your prompt was very interesting as this course itself has really changed some of my perspectives interpreting how nature has evolved through science. Once I started this course I began to look further into nature and interpret the relationships it has with our ecosystems, society and individuals themselves. 

Last week's blog prompt really inspired me to do some further research into art and interpretation within nature and I found some very fascinating things! 

Nature and Art for the Mind:

The connection between nature, art and mental health is profoundly intertwined. The arts serve as a powerful way to interpret and engage with the natural world, providing therapeutic benefits that promote emotional well-being. As the textbook states, “interpretation should instil in people the ability and desire to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings, provide spiritual upliftment, and encourage resource preservation” (Beck et al. 2018). Creations and inspirations of art allow individuals to slow down, observe their surroundings and express their emotions in a meaningful way. These creative processes give individuals the opportunity to increase their mindfulness, reduce their stress and foster a sense of connection with both the environment and themselves.

Nature a Natural Aid for PTSD

Nature, art, and interpretation can also play a transformative role in helping survivors of PTSD by offering therapeutic avenues for healing, emotional expression, and self-understanding. Exposure to nature provides numerous benefits for PTSD recovery, particularly by fostering a calming and restorative environment.

Take Home from ENVS 3000

Before this course I had a love for nature and a strong appreciation for it. ENVS 3000 has helped me conceptualize observations and expand my perspective to understand how nature interpretations can translate to being extremely beneficial for mental health and healing of the mind.

Here I have attached some nature pictures I have personally taken that bring me to a peaceful state of mind :)

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture.  

Blog Five: How has your ability to interpret nature evolved through science?

After reading through this week’s content pertaining to nature interpretation through science, I am inspired to blog about how my personal ability to interpret nature has been influenced by science.  

Science has always been an integral part of my life. I have always been fascinated with biology, especially plant biology. The earliest memory I have of being fascinated with plants is when I chose to bake a cake and decorate it as a plant cell for a school project in the eighth grade.  

Although I am currently a biological science major, I have shaped most of my university career around taking plant biology courses. This includes botany, ecology and horticulture courses.  

Science allows for a much clearer understanding of nature and serves as an explanation for some of the observations we make as interpreters. For instance, you might be observing a thunderstorm through the window of your house and notice that lightning is only striking the tallest trees in the area. This observation, although enough on its own, can be explained scientifically.  

Typically, the tallest trees are stricken by lightning because they are the tallest objects in the sky. These trees act as lightning rods and enable the lightning to become grounded with the path of least resistance. This is why you might not observe lightning striking smaller trees. This is because there would be greater resistance as the lightning would need to travel further in order to access the smaller tree, thus creating a greater path of resistance.  

In my personal experience, I have found myself looking at the flowers of different plant species and noting the differences. I can use my plant knowledge to understand these observations and the differences I have noted. For instance, the flowers which are long and slender, have an inferior ovary while the flowers that are shorter and wider have a superior ovary. Through my education in science, I know that the purpose for these differences in ovary location is relative to pollination success. 

I have also found myself dissecting bisexual flowers to determine the floral parts. This includes the corolla, calyx, androecium and gynoecium. The corolla is the collection of sepals while the calyx is the collection of petals. The androecium refers to the collection of stamens which are the male reproductive organs within the flower. Each stamen includes an anther and filament. Whereas the gynoecium refers to the collection of carpels which are the female reproductive organs within the flower. Each carpel includes the stigma, style and ovary.  

Prior to having the scientific knowledge that I now have, I would still be able to make observations but would lack the scientific understanding to conceptualize these observations. Science has enabled me to better interpret the observations I make about nature to the point where I can understand what I am seeing, feeling, hearing, touching or smelling. Additionally, science has enabled me to be a better teacher to my audience whom I may be trying to educate about nature.  

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Hi Anna

Your reflection on the Northern Lights was so moving! It really captured the incredible impact that nature can have on us. 

I appreciated how you transformed the question of "Who am I to interpret nature?" from a moment of doubt into one of purpose. Instead of feeling like you’re diminishing the beauty of the Northern Lights by interpreting them, you embrace the idea of interpretation as a way of helping others make their own personal connections to the natural world. It’s not about imposing your experience on others but inviting them to feel something similar or unique to them. I think that is what being a nature interpreter is all about. As stated in this week’s readings, “For some individuals, interpreting nature through art might involve taking photographs, dancing, theatre, or visual arts” (Beck et al. 2018). As a nature interpreter it is your job to make your own connections with nature while understanding that the connections you make may not be identical to the connections others make. The way someone may perceive a photograph or the meaning another person may derive from a painting can be entirely different from other individual’s interpretations. I know for me personally, my strongest connection with nature is through music and sounds. I am a very outdoorsy person and one of my absolute favourite things to do is listen to some gentile music while walking on trails and taking in the scenery, appreciating the beauty of my surroundings.

My question to you is how do you think an interpreter can balance conveying their personal emotional connection to nature while allowing others the space to form their own unique interpretations?

Blog #4 Under the Northern Lights: Interpreting Nature's Gift of Beauty

When thinking about the idea of interpreting nature through art, the Northern Lights come to mind. The way their colours dance across the black sky feels like nature's perfect painting but in motion. When asked “who am I to interpret nature through art?” It genuinely got me stuck thinking of how to write about such a breathtaking phenomenon. The Northern Lights speak for themselves, how can one even possibly enhance its beauty that's already perfect? Through this week's readings, I've discovered that nature interpretation is just about enhancing nature's beauties; it's about creating deep connections for yourself and others. As stated in the textbook, interpretation is about creating new emotional connections and engagement with nature (Beck et al., 2017). My experience with the Northern Lights was more than a visual experience, it was emotional. I was starstruck and to this day still, something about the colours dancing across the sky kept me mesmerized. Therefore, it's the personal connection I have with this amazing phenomenon that makes me capable of sharing this moment with others. 

The first time I ever saw the Northern Lights was in Timmins, visiting my grandpapa. I remember it was freezing outside and the sky was completely clear when I saw the green, purple and blue lights dancing along the sky. I was so mesmerized, feeling calm and sane. Additionally, not only did I form a new connection but in that moment I felt how small I am compared to the universe, which was such a humbling experience. To this day I wish I was able to capture a photo of it but my memorie of it is so clear that I don’t need one. So, who am I to interpret nature through art? I am someone who has a deep connection to the impact that nature gives from my own experiences. I believe this connection can allow me to guide others into the same space I feel when looking at the Northern Lights. Furthermore, it's not about putting my perspective on others, but it's about creating their own moment where they feel drawn. As an interpreter, I am not aiming to speak for nature but to help the audience hear and see what it has to offer. For example the Northern lights cannot be reinterpreted, but as the role of an interpreter I would love to create that space for others to form their own connection to it and be able to witness it. 

How I interpret “the gift of beauty” is its ability to invite us to slow down, reflect and feel what nature has to offer. It's more than to see but to feel the world around us. When I see the Northern Lights, it was more than just the colours dancing in the sky; it was the unexpectedness of the emotional wave I felt and wanted to share with others. Therefore, as a role of interpreter, I would help others feel the beauty of nature, creating a safe space for them to connect and feel in awe, just as I did under the Northern Lights.

An aurora display captured just north of Kenora, Ontario. (Photo: Brandon Brown/Can Geo Photo Club)

Heres a picture I found that resembles what I saw.

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

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Blog #4 Under the Northern Lights: Interpreting Nature's Gift of Beauty

When thinking about the idea of interpreting nature through art, the Northern Lights come to mind. The way their colours dance across the black sky feels like nature's perfect painting but in motion. When asked “who am I to interpret nature through art?” It genuinely got me stuck thinking of how to write about such a breathtaking phenomenon. The Northern Lights speak for themselves, how can one even possibly enhance its beauty that's already perfect? Through this week's readings, I've discovered that nature interpretation is just about enhancing nature's beauties; it's about creating deep connections for yourself and others. As stated in the textbook, interpretation is about creating new emotional connections and engagement with nature (Beck et al., 2017). My experience with the Northern Lights was more than a visual experience, it was emotional. I was starstruck and to this day still, something about the colours dancing across the sky kept me mesmerized. Therefore, it's the personal connection I have with this amazing phenomenon that makes me capable of sharing this moment with others. 

The first time I ever saw the Northern Lights was in Timmins, visiting my grandpapa. I remember it was freezing outside and the sky was completely clear when I saw the green, purple and blue lights dancing along the sky. I was so mesmerized, feeling calm and sane. Additionally, not only did I form a new connection but in that moment I felt how small I am compared to the universe, which was such a humbling experience. To this day I wish I was able to capture a photo of it but my memorie of it is so clear that I don’t need one. So, who am I to interpret nature through art? I am someone who has a deep connection to the impact that nature gives from my own experiences. I believe this connection can allow me to guide others into the same space I feel when looking at the Northern Lights. Furthermore, it's not about putting my perspective on others, but it's about creating their own moment where they feel drawn. As an interpreter, I am not aiming to speak for nature but to help the audience hear and see what it has to offer. For example the Northern lights cannot be reinterpreted, but as the role of an interpreter I would love to create that space for others to form their own connection to it and be able to witness it. 

How I interpret “the gift of beauty” is its ability to invite us to slow down, reflect and feel what nature has to offer. It's more than to see but to feel the world around us. When I see the Northern Lights, it was more than just the colours dancing in the sky; it was the unexpectedness of the emotional wave I felt and wanted to share with others. Therefore, as a role of interpreter, I would help others feel the beauty of nature, creating a safe space for them to connect and feel in awe, just as I did under the Northern Lights.

An aurora display captured just north of Kenora, Ontario. (Photo: Brandon Brown/Can Geo Photo Club)

Heres a picture I found that resembles what I saw.

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

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Blog Post #4: Interpreting Nature through Art

Who are you to interpret nature through art?

I believe art, including nature-based art, offers a way to express and reflect on the world around us. When interpreting nature through art, it is never just recreating the landscape that we see in front of us but also sharing our emotional and intellectual connection to it. Artists bring their own unique perspective and lens to how they perceive and communicate the natural world. As interpreters, our goal is to present facts and information in ways that resonate with people and allow them to interpret them in their own unique manner. Interpreters aim to evoke an emotional connection, encourage learning, and inspire action within their community.

How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”?

This week’s readings were very powerful as they encouraged their readers to go beyond simply delivering information when interpreting nature and use their interpretation to address various needs through gaining knowledge and understanding to enriching one’s aesthetic experience and supporting personal development. 

How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”? The chapter 3 textbook readings assigned for this week elaborates on the idea that interpretation is a way to encourage people to recognize and appreciate the beauty of the world that surrounds them, find a sense of spiritual enchainment and inspiration for the conservation of natural resources. It talked about environmental interpretation through art and the many ways it can be portrayed, in which can connect to different individuals and create stronger appreciations for nature. 

One quote from Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage that really resonated with me was, “in interpretation, the arts are a means, but rarely the ends” (Beck et al. 2018).

This statement suggests that although the various ways art is displayed can be a powerful tool in interpretation, they are not usually the final goal. The arts serve as a medium to communicate, express, and deepen understanding, evoking emotion. The primary aim of interpretation is often to achieve something beyond just artistic expression—fostering knowledge, awareness, deeper connections and inspire actions and change. The arts have the power to enhance individual’s interpretive processes, but the real objective lies in what is achieved through the expression of that creativity, whether it is personal growth, cultural insight or environmental consciousness. 

Experiencing “the gift of beauty”

In my opinion, interpreting "the gift of beauty" in nature is often an experience that happens from a deeply personal experience of connecting with the environment in a way that transcends mere observation. For me, it’s about capturing the moments when nature's beauty sparks something beyond words—an emotional response or a shift in perspective.

Upon travelling around Italy, we drove up the mountain side of a small town called Fregona. Standing up on the mountain top in quiet, hearing only the sound of the wind, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. The beauty of the landscape wasn't just something to look at; it was something that felt deeply restorative. The colours, the sounds and the stillness all came together, creating an experience that was beyond visual beauty. What truly opened my eyes to the artistry within nature was that upon looking down, I noticed that previous visitors had used rocks to spell out their names in the mountain scape soil. It was a surreal experience and in a way a kind of spiritual uplifting, where the natural world felt alive in a way that touched something inside me. That to me is the true meaning and interpretation of art in nature.

Questions for the Class!

What are your thoughts on the intersection of nature and art?

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Thank you for sharing!

I found it interesting how cultural background and upbringing shapes our perceptions and interactions with nature. Your example with squirrels was very interesting! It's surprising to think that something as simple as an animal can be viewed so differently. Some may see them nuisances, while to others they are a cherished part of the natural world. 

Indifference to nature often stems from a lack of exposure or even negative experiences that may have occurred. As you pointed out, many students lack the financial privilege to skip work commitments for a summer volunteering opportunity or pay for the upfront costs required for these programs. Through my own personal research, I thought it was very fascinating to learn that many studies conducted have revealed that people of colour often report feeling out of place and sometimes fearful in predominantly white outdoor spaces such as national parks or hiking trials, in association with past experiences of discrimination (Schinasi & Lawrence, 2024). These issues not only limit access to nature-based learning to chosen groups but also excludes a diverse range of students and individuals with unique perspectives to bring to the field. 

It would be wonderful to see some inclusive solutions come apparent such as sponsorships to help cover the travels and entrance costs for student programs, allowing students from all financial backgrounds to attend. Overall, I believe that outdoor spaces and education should be a space for everyone to make their own interpretation of nature. Achieving this means to hopefully dismantle barriers that are preventing marginalized groups from having these experiences.

References:

Schinasi, L. H., & Lawrence, J. A. (2024). Everyday discrimination and satisfaction with nature experiences. Front Epidemiol, 30(4), 1212114. https://doi.org/10.3389/fepid.2024.1212114

Privilege & Nature Interpretation

To me, privilege is defined as the advantage that specific groups or individuals in society are granted at the expense of more marginalized groups. It can manifest itself in many forms and be based on race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, able-bodiedness, socioeconomic status or other factors. Privilege affects every part of our daily life, whether we’re able to recognize its effect or not, and because of privilege individuals are granted unequal access to aspects of society. Specifically in nature interpretation, privilege is what determines a person’s ability to fully engage with and access natural spaces or natural education. Some people are able to easily participate in interpretative opportunities, but many are prevented from doing so by barriers. Beck et al., listed several examples of prominent barriers in nature interpretation such as economic, cultural and linguistic barriers (2018). In order for a nature interpreter to be accessible to all audiences, it’s absolutely important to dismantle these barriers.

Like all things, privilege plays a huge role in nature interpretation yet is often overlooked by those who have never come face to face with barriers to participating in it. I could definitely relate to the section on cultural barriers as I think history, family structure and values has a large impact on how you engage in nature interpretation. For example, when I was younger I was shocked to find out that many people see urban wildlife like squirrels or birds as invaders or annoyances because I was always taught to appreciate their presence. The background in which we grow up heavily affects the way we see nature, and many people are fearful or unfamiliar with nature simply because they were not privileged enough to have positive past experiences with it. For those of us who had the privilege of having access to natural spaces and education, it may be difficult to recognize or understand the concerns of those who haven’t, and we may play a role in creating barriers by refusing to consider people with different experiences than us. 

I think one of the most impactful barriers to nature interpretation is economic.  As a Zoology major, there’s always a huge emphasis on going outside to learn and taking advantage of the opportunities available to join interpretative programs. These opportunities, however, are impossible for a large number of students due to the economic barriers present. Most students would love to go on a trip to a national park or spend a summer volunteering somewhere, but it’s difficult to do so when every single chance is impeded by application fees, high transportation and accommodation costs, and more. Even if a student has the ability to pay for all of these fees, many of these programs are commitments and/or take place during summers so they directly conflict with job opportunities that many students don’t have the privilege to be able to skip out on.

It’s extremely important for anyone interested in nature interpretation to reflect on privilege, especially as we think about being interpreters ourselves. If we truly want people to connect with the natural world then it’s vital to make sure that all people regardless of who they are or where they come from can participate.

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