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Hello Katya,

It was a pleasure to read your blog. You linked the lessons from the course with your personal beliefs and values in some truly insightful ways. Regardless of the field of education that they specialize in, everyone should aspire to use their expertise to teach their peers. This includes emphasizing how you wish to apply it. You are obviously aware of how fortunate you are to have access to the knowledge you do, and it is incredible how you are able to use this knowledge to help others. 

Your discussion on privilege is really illuminating. I often pause and consider how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to learn and grow in knowledge throughout my lifetime. It can be difficult to remember that education is a privilege and that I GET to attend to school, not that I HAVE to, while I'm deep in study mode, stressed about grades, and tests. I often try to remind myself that while I wish school ended sooner, there are others who wish they had the opportunity to begin it. People frequently do not recognize the privilege of education, and perhaps they never will.  

I sympathize with your sentiment of sadness over how humans are affecting the environment.  It feels like we are constantly attempting to undo the effects of the past. Unfortunately, the moment we advance two steps, we retreat one step. With the help of interpreters like you and me, perhaps one day we will be able to prevent one step backward and instead create an environment where people are only moving forward. I'm interested to see what kind of environment this might be. Once more, fantastic work on your blog this week; you truly captured emotions in it that I could identify with.

The Last and Final Blog

Over my past 4 years here at the University of Guelph, the environment has been at the center of my focus. Immersed in this for 1460 days has truly shaped me into who I am as a person and defined what my ethics and values are. For every job I applied to, the question I always got asked was, Why is this something you want to pursue? My answer is always the same; By being a student who is immersed in this knowledge and knows the complexities of the environment down the molecular level, I feel that it is my moral duty to relay this information and educate others. As an interpreter, my personal ethics encourages me to help educate people on ways they can learn about their impacts and how to help. It is important to look back on the daily decisions you make to see how you are either contributing or helping the environment. Some situations can be exempted. For example, they say you should buy electric cars, however, CTV News reported that the average price for an EV vehicle has reached 73,000$ (Bickis, 2023). When the price of a car is this high, you cannot blame individuals for using their gas cars to get to work so they can put food on the table for their families. Understanding that not everyone is as privileged to live a fully eco life is one step closer to stopping the blame and a step in the right direction for education on how you can become environmentally friendly with your living status. Being taught about the imbalances in the environment as a result of human disturbances and the effects they can have is very scary. Constant exposure to this kind of content every day can seriously impact your thoughts and beliefs about life and the world. In my case, it became very motivating. It drives me to want to help educate others and contribute to organizations that are focusing on the preservation and conservation of our earth. 

This course has been a very pivotal experience for me. Although I love taking courses about the environment which includes biology and chemistry, this course forced me to look beyond just these numbers and the analytical lens. It forced me to think more intuitively regarding interpretation and environmental science. Understanding the needs of our earth and how much we impact it starts with admitting to yourself that there is a problem whether created by you or someone else, and that it needs to be addressed. Today, there has been lots of greenwashing which tends to turn people away from wanting to advocate for the Earth. There is such a divide between the general public knowledge and students/scientists. I can't tell you how many people have said to me “Oh, so you want to save the Turtles” when I told them I was in environmental science. This statement right here goes to show the lack of understanding between preservation and protecting the planet. Environmental science falls under a huge umbrella. It encompasses so much that goes beyond just implementing reusable or compostable straws. 

When I have conversations with people who are out of touch with reality, I feel nothing but sad for them. That they are not as fortunate to know what I know or that their motivations might be driven by something else. But I cannot blame them, knowledge is power but it's also money. I believe it is my right as someone who holds this kind of knowledge, to help people understand and become engaged and involved with the environment. However, I do also believe as people of this earth, it affects us all, and doesn't matter what your social status, race, gender, etc. is, it is something we should all be working towards understanding. Let's just put it this way, a hurricane doesn't care if you're a billionaire with a nice house. Beck et al. (2018) state that there are immense educational benefits associated with acquiring knowledge that can result in “an enjoyable and enriching experience” encouraging a more meaningful relationship with the topic of interest. It doesn’t matter who you are, you will be affected directly or indirectly and therefore I believe we all have an innate calling to preserve and protect the earth not only for us but for the generations to come.

Nature has been a huge component of my life whether it was in the classroom or my own personal outlet. I was taught from a very young age to appreciate nature in all its glory. Over the years I have become increasingly empathetic towards the environment. When I read about things in the news I can’t feel anything but sad. It's so disheartening seeing our earth become hurt and have to constantly rebuild itself. I constantly ask myself when. When will we learn? How long does it take for us to make a change? What brutal disasters need to keep happening for us to stop? Going back to first-year environmental science, we talked about nature having intrinsic value and I couldn’t agree with this statement more. Just like we learned in this course, even if we do not gain any materialistic value from nature and it does not directly or indirectly benefit us, it still has a purpose and is still valuable on its own (Rea & Munns., 2017). Many people are motivated based on economic return and unfortunately, the environment is at the centre of those decisions. The understanding of intrinsic value is based on an ecocentric standpoint which is developed from having a serious concern for the environment, something many people lack (Rea & Munns., 2017). This concern can come from upbringing and experience that shape how one views the world. For people who are struggling to put food on the table, the state of the environment is not typically their biggest problem. Effective interpretation as described by Beck et al., (2018) involves building new knowledge, values, and beliefs. Being open-minded to adopting new concepts can truly work wonders.

Finally, I feel it's my responsibility as an interpreter to educate. Social media is a very powerful tool in today's age and being able to raise awareness about situations regarding climate issues is a great way to expose the general public. I just hope we can create a sense of unity when it comes to caring for our planet and that it gets the attention it deserves because we only have 1, but 1 is enough if we do it right! 

Thanks, everyone for a great semester I enjoyed reading all your blogs! 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, (pp. 42). 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, (pp. 91). 

Bickis, I. (2023, October 22). EVs are getting easier to find -- but with price tags out of reach for many Canadians. CTVNews. https://www.ctvnews.ca/autos/evs-are-getting-easier-to-find-but-with-price-tags-out-of-reach-for-many-canadians-1.6612044 

Rea, A. W., & Munns, W. R. (2017). The value of nature: Economic, intrinsic, or both? Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 13(5), 953–955. https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.1924

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Hello Olivia,

Through your expression of your ethics and beliefs that you adhere to, I can tell you have a great understanding of how you want to portray yourself as a nature interpreter. The way I picture passion is similar to gas for a car. It is what fuels our actions and determines our motivations. With out passion, there would be no end goal, and with no end goal there is no development. I feel as though development is what we all strive for, everyday we learn and develop to become stronger, more knowledgable, and the dream version of ourselves. 

The way you describe the importance of inclusivity resonates with me as well. To provide fair opportunity, and to foster an environment where all feel accepted and included can inspire people to take actions on their interest, and overall passions. For those who may tell themselves “I can’t” or “I shouldn’t” are closing themselves to an array of opportunity, so curating an environment where those can’ts change to cans will help individuals become more interactive with their environment.

I also connect with the way you describe your ability to learn through music. I always have though it was funny how I wont hear a song for 5+ years but the second I hear it, I can sing it word for word, yet I have a hard time memorizing an speech or studying for a test. For me, music allows me to feel a certain way and can even connect a feeling to a memory. The way some people say a scent reminds them of a time in their life, some songs remind me of portions of mine. 

I feel like a big part of being a nature interpreter is to reflect yourself as nature, which is beautiful and pure. To treat our peers with kindness, and overall attempt to be the best person we can be, we can both develop as strong interpreters, and hopefully spread our passions with those around us. Great job on your reflection this week!!

Final Blog

Throughout this course, I have developed not only as a person but also as a nature interpreter, and as I continue to change into a nature interpreter in whatever form that may take, I want to bring a few personal ethics with me. The first ethic is that I want my love and passion for nature always to be evident. Interpreting often involves sharing facts and telling history, which is highly informative. If done correctly and with good interpretation in mind, it should also connect with people and boost their view of the world through a sharing of passion (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). It is also vital for me to carry the love of nature and work to have others fall in love with nature the same way I did. I believe love for something initiates learning, solving problems, and protecting fundamental issues in a changing world with many environmental and ecological challenges. Love is also where many children begin to learn; they develop a love for nature and then grow to learn more about complex concepts and ideas (Rodenburg, 2019). Lastly, I want to ensure that I continue to learn and encourage others to continue to learn. There is endless knowledge to be had, and I want to encourage people to realize that it is never too late to stop learning. 

As I work towards becoming an experienced nature interpreter, I want to bring a few beliefs with me, beginning with the fact that everyone wants to learn and sometimes just needs more help. Many people have barriers such as being too busy, physical or mental ailments or lack of financial ability (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Despite barriers, everyone can participate in nature interpretation and continue to learn more about the world around us. I also believe in sparking joy with participants. Making people fall in love with nature is the key to handling more significant issues such as climate change. 

Being a nature interpreter involves many responsibilities ranging from the goals of interpretation and spreading a message to ensuring inclusion for everyone. Along with many responsibilities, I think a few take the cake for importance, and I would like to focus on these. The most important responsibility is creating an inclusive environment that is supportive of learning for everyone. You can have a fantastic message and interpretive performance, but if not everyone can see or experience it, then there is no point. A critical aspect of this is accessibility. If someone is blind, I have to ensure they have components they can participate in, such as having brail pamphlets or information boards; if someone is in a wheelchair, I need to provide either an accessible, safe walk or, if that is not possible provide an online component offering the same experience (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6; Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). It is also important for me to include people of all ethnicities and races, whether through hiring a diverse team of individuals or being aware of different individuals with differing beliefs on religion, history or politics (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). It is also crucial to get to know my group before beginning to interpret (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Talk to them, hear their perspectives and change my program depending on the discussion (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6). Understanding the people you are interpreting is key to sharing your message with them. My last key responsibility involves creating an effective interpretation program. I have to be able to pick out unique features of a place, relate them to the common person and create a bigger picture and sense of place through an enjoyable, organized method (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5; Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 1). Ensuring that the entire story is shared by including history is essential to avoid only relaying parts of the pieces (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 5). Overall, there are many responsibilities when interpreting. However, the most important thing to me is getting to know the people with whom you share your message to tell a story effectively. 

Everyone is different, which makes nature interpretation fun because everyone brings different experiences, passions and abilities. When it comes to interpreting, I will be sure to include as many multiple intelligences as possible to try to reach all learners. However, I have a few that I think I would be best at, and those are bodily-kinesthetic, naturalistic and musical. I learn the best through these types, and I feel I can relate to learners who are similar to me. Using hands-on experiences out in nature is an easy way of teaching because this is how I learn. The same goes for musicals, as I remember lyrics and sounds well. I can use music to connect audience members to what I am interpreting. I also feel that I can connect with people very well. I have always been more of an introvert who would rather sit back and watch other people than be the one in the spotlight. This gives me an advantage when getting to know the audience, like what they are interested in, their barriers or why they are there. I can then tailor my interpretation to suit the audience best, allowing them to get the most out of the program (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 6).  Another approach that I would be effective at using is art. I have always connected with art and have been creative growing up. Art is used to help convey messages, remember facts, and set tones (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 10). By using pieces of nature to make art, using art mediums to draw or recreate nature, or using music, I can effectively interpret and add more to a program. One last approach I want to use, as I think it suits me, is using history to change perspectives and give a place more meaning (Beck et al., 2018, Chapter 15). I never used to be interested in history and thought it was boring; however, I have recently begun to change my opinion, and I see the value in it being used. I want to share this newfound passion with people and use history to create and tell a complete story about a place. I want them to imagine the place in it is past and understand how it has changed to where it is now and why that change has been important. This could be incredibly important when discussing topics such as climate change, where landscape changes can be seen through things like glaciers receding. 

Nature interpretation will look different for everyone as we bring unique perspectives, assets and passion to the field. I want to know how you think nature interpretation will be incorporated into your life in the future. 

References:

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

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

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10: Reflect as an interpreter

We learn good thinking and behaviour from our parents, siblings, and teachers when we are young. Through experience we learn lessons of what is right and wrong. In a sense, you are a reflection of all the people that surround you. What you know is wrong is typically what these teachers tell you is wrong, and vice versa for what you know is right. Because they have far more life experience than we do and because we want to avoid making the same mistakes they did, we look to our elders for guidance. Even though it would be advantageous for us to learn vertically from our parents to ourselves, we learn from our shortcomings and improve with time. We can start making our own conscious decisions and developing our own sense of right and wrong as our brains mature and as we get older. We may no longer follow the "guidelines" of those around us since we have learned and experienced things of our own. I feel like I've moved into a new phase of my life lately where I'm much more aware of the decisions and actions I make.  I constantly strive to be the best version of myself because of this. It is human nature for me to make errors, therefore this does not imply that I will never do so, but I will make an effort to always grow from them.

Having said that, I must admit there are certain ethics that I hold myself to. Respect is something that I really believe is essential to having as I grow as a person and as an interpreter. Respecting others is a reciprocal act of respect for oneself. Since I am an interpreter, it is crucial that I recognize the diversity of my audience. Recognizing privilege goes hand in hand with this as well. I have to be considerate of the audience's necessities because everyone has different challenges and life experiences (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018, pp. 133-137). I can create an experience that is meaningful and helpful to everyone in their own ways by bearing in mind that some people may have opportunities that others do not (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018, pp. 130–131). 

By recognizing my own opinions and being open and honest about nature and the environment, I want to satisfy my audience along the way. The majority of individuals  who visit nature centres or enroll in guided interpretation activities do so primarily out of a desire or motivation to learn more (Beck, Cable, & Knudson, 2018, pp. 42-46). When I consider the environment and take out all man-made structures from it, I consider how all we have is this earth. Furthermore, everything that humans have made originates from the earth itself. My intention is to make my audience aware of this idea and the significance of protecting the planet we live on. The first step to strengthening our efforts to create a sustainable earth is to educate ourselves and others about the environment.

As I consider how much I have grown as an educator over the last ten weeks, I consider my future goals and the duties that will accompany them. I feel obligated to apply my interpreting abilities to benefit others around me. I want to serve as the foundation on which relationships with people and the environment are built. It does not necessarily need to be an interest in the birds, trees, or bugs, but a growing inspiration from the world around us. One of the most enlightening experiences of my life to date was travelling to Europe, as I have already discussed in my blog posts. I never really wanted to travel till then, unless it was to escape the cold Ontario weather. Today, I have a bucket list full different locations in the world I wish to go see. Not only is visiting these locations a dream, but it has also completely altered my priorities, ambitions, and life path. Therefore, although it may appear to be nothing more than a deep-seated urge to travel, it is much more than that on the inside. 

In a comparable way, I hope that by using my interpretive skills, I might ignite this spark in those around me. By my art, I am able to share my enthusiasm for a subject and inspire others to feel the same way. This reminds me of other professors I've had. Even if I may not be interested in a particular subject, it becomes much more engaging to me when I hear my lecturer passionately discuss it. 

As I've already stated, one essential quality for anyone working as a wildlife interpreter is respect. It is crucial that I demonstrate cultural sensitivity to the various cultures I may encounter in accordance with my goal to explore the world. One day, I want to improve my cultural competency so that I may learn more about the various cultures that exist throughout the world. Cultural competency as well goes beyond only being respectful to a culture, but to actively want to learn more about the culture and act upon this desire. By doing this, I will be able to foster an inclusive environment for my audience so they feel respected.

As an interpreter, a learner, and a human being, I will never be perfect.  In any subject, mastery requires focus, practice, and the ability to learn from failures. I may learn by experience and acquire the information I aspire to possess one day by travelling. According to David Kolb's experiential learning theory (Murrell & Claxton, 1987), learning happens through an ongoing cycle of experience, observation, conceptualization, and experimenting. I can also use techniques like self-assessment and reflection in order to improve. These two strategies can lead to increased interpersonal connections, better mental health, and personal growth (Rusu, 2019). The world is always changing and along with the world I am aswell. My dreams and motivations can change at anytime, but what is most important is the way I treat those around me. 

For my readers, I would like to know whether you have a period of time in your life that you believe truly changed the direction of your life, much like my trip to Europe did. Was there ever an event that you reflect on and realize that your expectations for the future were different before? What did you feel like after this experience?

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. https://www.sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-better-world

Murrell, P.H., Claxton, C.S. (1987). Experiential Learning Theory as a Guide for Effective Teaching. Counselor Education and Supervision. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6978.1987.tb00735.x

Rusu, M. (2019). The Process of Self-Realization – From the Humanist Psychology Perspective. Scientific Research. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2019.108071

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Hello Lainey,

I really enjoyed reading about your volcano-related experiences and interests. The pictures you posted of Volcan Ceboruco are amazing, and reading about your experience makes me think of the trip I had to Greece to see the volcano Nea Kameni. I was a little skeptical about the volcanic excursion when I was trying to decide which ones I wanted to take before I got to Santorini. I was terribly mistaken to think that it would just be a little boat tour that went by the volcano. 

I had never been to a volcano before, and it was an unforgettable experience. We started with a boat trip to the volcano itself, and when we arrived, we could see molten rock beneath the ocean. Even though the volcano is dormant, it was amazing to observe its former active state's influence and traces. After that, we had a tour guide for the duration of the strenuous trek up the volcano. Our tour guide served as our interpreter during the hike, explaining to us the significance of the volcano and its background. I knew I made the right decision in choosing the expedition when, exhausted and with hurting legs, I finally arrived at the top of the volcano. The views, which included the gorgeous blue Mediterranean Sea around us and the white-raked villas lining the island of Santorini, were breathtaking. 

Clearly, volcanos are not a common natural structure that the average person encounters. I consider it an honour to have had the chance to witness one, and based on your writing, I'm assuming you feel the same way. You become incredibly interested by the wonders of the world and how the workings of the world operate when you have the opportunity to witness these amazing things yourself. I became more and more driven to learn new things, see the world, and inspire my neighbours to pursue similar experiences. 

Again, great job on your blog post!

The World of Volcanoes

For this week’s post we were asked to share what we thought was the most amazing thing about nature. So, this week I am going to be talking about the fascinating world of Volcanoes. 

My interest with volcanoes began to simmer during a volcanic hazard and risk assessments class I took last semester. The course delved into the intricate mechanisms of volcanic activity, from the formation of magma chambers to the eruption dynamics that shape landscapes and lives. Each lesson unfolded like a page from a thrilling novel, revealing the intricate dance of geological forces that govern our planet. Not only did I really enjoy the professor teaching the course but I also enjoyed the content and activities we did. Some of the fun labs we did were observing real magma and rocks from volcanic eruptions and volcanic wine tasting! Although this class taught me a lot about volcanoes I had never really seen one in person. That quickly changed over this reading week. As I got the chance to visit Volcan Ceboruco located in Nayarit, Mexico while visited family there. 

Picture of Volcan Ceboruco I took

It wasn't until I set foot at the bottom of Volcan Ceboruco that my fascination erupted into full-blown awe (like a volcano). Towering over the surrounding landscape, Ceboruco stands as a silent sentinel, a testament to the raw power lurking beneath the Earth's surface. As I walked through the rugged terrain, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer magnitude of the volcano's last impactful eruption, which occurred in 1870. 

The eruption of Volcan Ceboruco in 1870 was a cataclysmic event that reshaped the surrounding landscape and left a lasting impact on the region. The volcano unleashed a cascade of viscous dacitic lava, which flowed down its slopes like molten rivers of fire, consuming everything in its path. Villages were engulfed, forests decimated, and the very earth trembled beneath the force of nature's fury (Granyia, 2019).

Today, the scars of that eruption are still visible, preserved in the hardened lava flows and leftover magma nearby. You don’t even have to be near the volcano to grasp the seriousness of the eruption and the extent of its impact. As you can see leftover rocks and magma from the eruption along the highway. CHECK IT OUT! As I explored the remains of the eruption, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the power of nature – a power that is both beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

Video I took on the highway near Volcan Ceboruco

Standing among the remains of Volcan Ceboruco's last eruption, I was reminded of the fragility of our existence and the amazing forces that shape our world. It is a humbling experience, one that fills me with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our planet, the things we cannot see in nature. 

As I reflect on my journey into the heart of Volcan Ceboruco, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness nature's beauty up close. It is a reminder that, despite our advances in science and technology, there is still so much we have yet to learn about the world around us. And perhaps, in that lies the greatest wonder of all – the endless pursuit of knowledge and understanding in the face of the unknown.

What do you think of volcanoes? Would you ever visit one? How about an active volcano?

Granyia. (2019, December 12). Sent ash around the world – volcán CEBORUCO, Mexico. volcanohotspot.wordpress.com. https://volcanohotspot.wordpress.com/2019/12/12/sent-ash-around-the-world-volcan-ceboruco-mexico/

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09: Most amazing thing about nature:

As a biological science major, I may be slightly prejudiced in saying that evolution and the concept of genetic inheritance are among the most fascinating aspects of nature. As my knowledge of genetics and evolution improves, so does my urge to learn more about it. 

Genetic variety refers to variance within a population (Hughes et al. 2008), which is often used to describe multicellular animals, but unicellular species can also experience it. Genetic variety occurs when the DNA sequences within an individual's genome differ. It is what makes each individual unique.  The way you and your sibling differ while having the same parents is an excellent example of genetic variety. Genetic diversity can occur in a variety of ways, and when viewed through the lens of evolution, it often promotes genes that benefit the organism's survival. Natural selection, a type of evolutionary mechanism, frequently causes certain genes to become more abundant. The genes that generate characteristics that are helpful to an animal's survival will naturally become more apparent as those that lack them are more vulnerable in their environment (Milot et al. 2011). Mating amongst those who possess the features will grow more prevalent over time, resulting in an increase in the number of offspring with this variant.

Genetic inheritance is another topic that becomes increasingly fascinating as you learn more about it. Offspring usually inherit a combination of DNA from both their mother and father, resulting in genetics that are distinct from others (Heyningen & Yeyati, 2004). It's fascinating to discover which features you can acquire from both parents, as well as which genes are represented. Just because someone has a gene does not guarantee that they will exhibit the feature it encodes; they may simply be carriers. This is due to a variety of factors, including the different methods of inheritance. For instance, some siblings may appear to be opposite one another.  My sister and I, for example, have some very different traits. I am very tall, with curly hair and dark features, whilst my sister is much shorter and has more fair appearances despite the fact that we share the same parents. In contrast, some siblings may feel as if they all look quite similar, despite the fact that they are not identical twins. This might reveal which features from the father or mother are dominant over the other. The human body and the science of genetics are not yet fully understood, so the seemingly limitless quantity of information we will discover in the future excites me and entices me to learn more.

Furthermore, the study of genetics becomes quite interesting when you consider the studies that may be carried out to learn about certain diseases and disorders, particularly in twins. We can learn a lot from studies on twins, particularly monozygotic twins. When we say twins are monozygotic, we mean that they both came from the same ovum rather than two different ones, therefore their DNA is identical. We can identify whether certain illnesses are caused by genetic or environmental factors. Because the genetic composition of monozygotic twins is identical, if one develops an illness or trait, the other is expected to as well. However, when we consider the impact of environmental circumstances, this may not always be true. If just one twin develops the characteristic or sickness, it is more likely that it is caused by an environmental influence. Have you ever heard of the use of monozygotic twins in genetic studies, and if so, what was the purpose of the study?

In my perspective, the study of genetics, particularly human genetics, is intriguing because it allows us to learn about the complexities of the cause and effect relationships within the human genome. Genetics also has a significant impact on animals and plants, and it is a rapidly expanding field. What we can learn about humans, plants, and animals inspires me to want to study more. 

References:

Hughes, A.R., Inouye, B.D., Johnson, M.T.T.J., et al. (2008). Ecological consequences of genetic diversity. Review and Synthesis. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2008.01179.x

Milot, E., Mayer, F.M., Nussey, D.H., et al. (2011). Evidence for evolution in response to natural selection in a contemporary human population. PNAS. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1104210108

Heyningen, V.H.,  Yeyati, P.L. (2004). Mechanisms of non-Mendelian inheritance in genetic disease. Human Molecular Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/ddh254

Zwijnenburg, P.J.G, Meijers-Heijboer, H., Boomsma, D.I. (2010). Identical but not the same: The value of discordant monozygotic twins in genetic research. AJMG Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.b.31091

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Hello fellow interpreter,

Humpback whales are amazing animals, especially when you can view them up close in their natural habitat, like you did. This is an excellent example of music in nature, as the tunes they produce enable them to communicate with one another. I find it fascinating how animals can communicate without using words. If we examine a world without the ability to talk, we may believe that we are not as progressed in life as we are now, but we need also question how the world continues to function when humans are the only species that communicates through words. This makes me think about the ways humans can communicate without words. Humans can express feelings of love, anger, fear, or enthusiasm through their behaviours and actions rather than through musical sounds or words.

I had never explored nature in music in the same manner you did, and I think your perspectives are pretty interesting. I find it fascinating how musical traditions frequently draw influence from nature around the world. Music allows people from various cultures to express themselves and define their relationship with nature. Your perspective on how music may nearly function as a worldwide language is lovely. In the lack of words, it enables people to interact with one another and with the outside world. Music has the ability to make us feel, leading to a greater awareness for the wildlife that surrounds us. 

Although I have never owned a cottage, I have always enjoyed visiting the cottages of my family members. I admire how, often at cottages, animals appear to be lot more at ease in their surroundings and interact much more with humans. Chipmunks and birds are not afraid to approach you, whereas this is not always the case in densely populated areas. Do animals approaching you at your cottage make you feel the way music does? It sometimes helps me appreciate life, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this occurrence.

The Beauty of Nature Through Music

Our natural world has many beautiful features. The beauties of nature are not only seen by the eye but can also be heard when you listen closely. Where is music in nature? When reflecting on this question, my first thought was that music is everywhere in nature. When I step outside, I am surrounded by the music of nature.  

Music is not just created by humans as a form of expression and communication. Animals like whales and birds also use songs as a form of communication. 

Humpback whales communicate using songs with similar components to our music (Gray et al., 2001). These whales produce repeating rhythmic themes that form songs of similar length to musical pieces written by humans (Gray et al., 2001). The notes formed by whales are similar in tone, timber and intervals to those used by humans (Gray et al., 2001). The beautiful yet eerie songs produced by whales are a prime example of where music is found in nature.  

Here is a video my sister took of a humpback whale while she was in Nova Scotia.

Numerous bird species communicate through song. Birds use rhythmic patterns and changes in pitch to create songs to communicate with other birds (Gray et al., 2001). Birds will also produce songs using musical scales like those used by humans (Gray et al., 2001). When I think of music in nature, the beautiful songs created by birds are the first thing that comes to mind.  

Here is a picture I took of a Black-capped Chickadee. I am sure many of you can hear the "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call.

Ambient sounds like the rustle of leaves in the breeze or the sound of water rushing downstream are another example of music heard in nature (Gray et al., 2001). These ambient sounds heard in nature and the sounds produced by different animals come together to form a symphony or “biophony” as described by Gray et al. (2001). The biophony created in various ecosystems forms distinguishable music unique to a location.  

Here is a picture I took of a waterfall located on Six Mile Lake in Muskoka. Imagine the relaxing music the water makes as it crashes over the rocks.

Where is nature in music?  For centuries humans have been inspired by nature. As a result, people have tried to capture nature through music. From folk music dating back centuries to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to modern-day music, nature has inspired humans to create music. 

As stated by Mallarach (2012), folk music is found in all cultures and often expresses the importance of the natural world. Folk music is an art that elicits emotions while building people's connection to their natural surroundings (Mallarach, 2012). Finnish folk music has been used to pass down messages on how sacred nature is to humans and how people can live in tune with nature (Mallarach, 2012). 

The Sami indigenous people of Scandinavia create vocal songs called yoiks to describe life, animals and natural places (Gray et al., 2001). The yoiks have no words but are made up of repetitive cycles (Gray et al., 2001), much like the songs birds and whales communicate with. Finnish folk singers and the Sami people communicate through music to share the beauty and significance of nature in their communities.  

Interpreters can use music to share knowledge of natural heritage places. The use of music in nature interpretation helps interpreters paint cultural and historical pictures of natural landscapes and resources (Beck et al., 2019). Also, music can help deliver environmental sustainability messages in memorable ways that provoke the listener's emotions (Beck et al., 2019).

I have a strong emotional connection with the song “Island in the Sun” by Weezer. This song transports me to my cottage on Six Mile Lake. I have spent countless summer days at my family cottage sitting on our dock listening to this song on the radio station my parents love. When I hear this song, I can picture the island my cottage is on. I can see the red roof of our cottage peeking out over the tall white pines that grow over the hard rock of the Canadian Shield. I can feel the breeze blowing off the water as the sun shines down on the water.

The lyrics of this song remind me of the calming effect being at my cottage has on me: 

 “On Island in the sun 

 We’ll be playing and having fun 

And it makes me feel so fine” 

This song reminds me of all the fun I have had over the years swimming with my sisters, going on sunset boat rides, having campfires with my family and many more memories. This song brings back a nostalgic feeling and reminds me of the beautiful lake that made me appreciate nature from a young age.  

This is a picture I took of the bay my cottage looks out at on Six Mile Lake.

Music is not unique to humans. Music can be heard in the melody of birds harmonizing with the branches swaying in the breeze. Music is found in the rhythm of rain falling to the ground as spring peepers sing their chorus in the distance. Music can be heard throughout our world by humans and animals alike. The art of music is a powerful tool used to draw on people’s emotions to highlight the significance and beauty of our natural world.

References  

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). 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, 291(5501), 52. https://link-gale-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8 

Mallarach, Josep-Maria (2012). Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of Europe:  Workshop Proceedings. Bonn, Germany: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, 2012. 170 pp. ISBN: 978-3-89624-057-6. 

Weezer. (2009, June 17). Weezer - island in the Sun (official music video). YouTube. https://youtu.be/erG5rgNYSdk?si=3K8eerbPPMD5b5hc 

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07: Music in Nature, Nature in Music

Music, like nature, surrounds us. Natural music is something we hear every day, from birds chirping to communicate in the morning to the sound of leaves struggling when a gust of wind blows. A symphony in nature can be as simple as a cricket at night, the crackling of a fire, the sound of waves at the beach, or even the silence we observe during a snowfall. Although this music lacks words, it can nonetheless tell a tale that we can interpret. This style of music might evoke specific emotions in readers or perhaps serve as a reminder of a lost memory. 

Another method to consider where music exists in nature is to reflect back many years before mass creation of instruments. Many instruments were made from the natural world around us. Shakers are a wonderful illustration of this, as they are typically created from shells or seeds sealed in containers. Another good example is conch cells, which, when blown into, provide a wonderful sound comparable to a trumpet or horn. 

Nature is often represented in music. This can be achieved directly by artists incorporating noises from the natural environment into their music, as Zach Bryan did in Smaller Acts. It almost seems like he is recording around a campfire next to a lake, giving the song the country ambiance he is attempting to convey. As stated in the textbook, when preparing to write, the first step should be to determine what you want to convey your audience (Beck et al., 2018). In the instance of Zach Bryan's song, it appears that he is attempting to emphasize someone's appreciation for the basic things in life, and the outside setting while listening to the music connects it to being appreciative of life and the environment we get to enjoy. 

Hearing, in some ways, reminds me of scent.  Have you ever said that a specific scent reminds you of a time or event in your life? For me, an old fragrance that I no longer use but did in high school may instantly transport me back to the feeling of sharing lunch with my friends at the cafeteria table. It gives back memories that I enjoy. Similarly, there are songs that I stumble across that I haven't heard in a while and they transport me back to a specific time in my life. Whether it's a classic TikTok sound or a tune I used to listen to before soccer or hockey games. I find that music may provide me with the same experience as spending time in nature and connecting with it. So I suppose this is another way I see nature in music.

Empire of the Sun's song Walking On A Dream frequently reminds me of a natural setting. This song takes me back to a variety of places. I initially added it to my playlist during the onset of the pandemic. During the lockdown, I spent a lot of time on nearby hiking trails, and in general, I spent more time outside. Hearing this song takes me back to this time period. Later, this song was added to my travel playlist, which I created before visiting Europe for the first time. Flying over every city in Greece and all of the cities  in Italy while listening to this song made me feel removed from all of my stresses and enthusiastic for the few weeks ahead. Do you have any songs that remind you of a specific period in your life?

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

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Hi Natalie, 

After reading through a couple of our peers" blogs and how they interpret this passage, I found yours to be quite compelling. You had a different perspective on this topic than most others. It is perfectly appropriate to interpret old historical buildings and objects in our own unique ways, rather than claiming that their significance is justified by their age. Each person on this planet has had a unique life experience. No two people have the same memory; they may share it physically, but everyone experiences and interprets things differently. It is critical that we keep this in mind in order to demonstrate compassion for those around us.

Some may find it confusing to remember all parts of history, rather than only the good. Why concentrate on the negative past when we can see the future ahead of us?  I believe that in order to create a better society, we must also be aware of the world's negative history. We wish to avoid situations that cause harm to individuals, such as discrimination or war. Ensuring that we educate our neighbours about the history will help us learn to share love to one another, something we may have lost sight of many years ago. 

As I mentioned in my own blog, I find it intriguing that when I visit the town where I grew up, I pass by numerous sites that have watched me grow into the person I am now. My elementary school, where I spent the most of my time, the hockey arena where I formed friends and memories, and the Tim Hortons in my neighbourhood that we always went to for convenience. Although the world around me has remained constant, I changed in numerous ways. This is what I find lovely about life. How can everything around me remain constant while I change so dramatically? Not only have I changed, but we all have. 

When I was in primary school, I had to write about Laura Secord and her narrative for a historical fair assignment. To have a better understanding, my father took me to her home, which is not far from where I live. As I stood on the property around her house, it struck me as strange that everything on this area, her house, the trees, and so on, was the same, but human existence was so different. I thought this really intriguing. Is there anyplace you have visited where it may have astonished you to say to yourself, 'wow, the history that was made just where I am standing had such an impact on the world'? 

Great job again on your reflection!

Nicole

Importance of Interpreting History

Hi everyone!

Welcome back to another blog!

In today’s blog, I will unpacking the quote by Edward Hyams stating, “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.” 

As I read this quote over and over again, trying to really grasp the sense of what he was trying to imply and express, I believe that this quote can be understood in many different ways depending on how you want to see it. In the first part of the quote, I believe he was trying to express how the importance and goodness of history and ancient things is not necessarily the history in itself, but rather the togetherness, the knowledge and the memories that come from it and how it is passed throughout time. For example, chapter 15 of the textbook explains that it's important to interpret history as, “Interpretation breathes life and meaning into past events, architecture, and artifacts. In doing so, it nurtures the development of a personal identity as individuals hear inspiring or thought-provoking stories of the past, and it forms values to guide living in the present” (Back, 2018). Meaning that, the importance of history and old buildings or museums is not the architecture itself, but rather how we remember history and keep the past alive in order to create our future and share these memories. 

The second part of the quote I believe represents the idea that we cannot define our own ‘history’ or ‘tracks’ simply by only considering the railways that we’ve been on…for our history extends beyond the present and the past is made up of the tracks that got us here. In the larger picture of the world, I believe this holds true in issues such as discrimination or war that were large conflicts of the past throughout history that created the world we live in today. To remember not only the happy stories of our past but also the tragic ones are what makes interpreting history so important. In my own life, the idea of things such as my great grandmother's wedding ring or my grandfather's artifacts from when he was in the army being passed down through generations comes to mind. It is not necessarily the wedding ring or the artifacts that are important to have, but more so the meaning and the stories behind them that show where I came from and how the lives of those before me have lived. 

As nature interpreters, I believe this is an important idea as it's our job to make an impact on people’s lives to become a part of their history. To help people see how history relates to their own lives by telling stories of the past is a way to help people remember and keep memories alive. To extend beyond merely what is physically present and instead create lasting feelings and memories. Can you think of any historical artifacts, buildings, etc that have made you remember memories or moments from the past? How has history shaped you into the person you are today?

I look forward to hearing back from you! 

Natalie :)

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

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06: Interpreting the quote

This quote addresses a variety of key subjects in a unified manner, highlighting their value. It emphasizes integrity and the genuine definition of integrity. To me, integrity is demonstrated by remaining true to your values and beliefs even when tempted, or when it is simpler to depart from them than to stick by them. Integrity is synonymous with strength, and it is a quality that contributes to the development of a strong individual. As the statement puts it metaphorically, "to think a train that has passed a station only existed for as long as the train was in it" means remembering that our past is still a part of us, even if we have changed.

Growing and learning are natural parts of life, particularly during adolescence and early adulthood. There are numerous mistakes and actions we have taken that do not correspond with our current values and ethics, but without those mistakes, we would not have learnt to build on them. It is critical to recall the past, not just the joyful ones, but even the ones we may be regretful of (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). Mistakes are how we grow and evolve into the finest versions of ourselves, and without them, there is no growth. Our integrity today is a reflection of all previous versions of ourselves and what we have learned from them. 

The quotation also discusses the relevance of history. Everything that we are today stems from the past. Reflecting on history is how our world becomes better. The purpose of remembering the past is to learn from our mistakes rather than feel ashamed of them. Making mistakes is natural human behaviour; however, failing to learn from them and repeating the same mistakes is not. 

Recently, I've begun to reflect more on the person I want to be and how I want to be perceived by others. Obviously, everyone would claim they want to be recognized as a honest, kind person, but words are meaningless without action. Coming to this revelation has made me reflect on my day-to-day activities, how I handle obstacles, and the people I surround myself with. I feel as though it is easier to fall into habits that stray awat from your morals when there is external pressure from those around you. As I consider who and what surrounds me, I am reminded of the world around me.

The world around me has remained the same, even when I was growing. When I go visit my home town I often wonder about how areas around me witnessed me develop through all the former variations of myself. Restaurants where my parents and I would go, the arena where I grew up playing, and the grocery store closest to my house have all remained the same, even as I have changed. I react on this by being grateful that we, as humans, have the opportunity to alter and improve ourselves every day. Our lives do not end with our mistakes; instead, we are given limitless opportunities to become the best people we can be. 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. https://www.sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-better-world

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Hello Natalie,

It was an admirable and ambitious goal of yours to interpret the dog in the same way that Washington explained birds in his TED talk. With a foundation in biology and a goal of becoming a veterinarian, you provide insight into the complex relationships that exist between people and their dogs. Your link with your puppy, Leo, and your obvious affection for dogs fuels your curiosity regarding the nature of this attachment and its scientific basis. 

It's considerate of you to start developing a plan by taking your audience into account. As you want to establish an inclusive and engaging communication, it might be helpful to know which group of individuals will pay the most attention to your observations and interpretations of the human-dog interaction. It can also help you combine different teaching approaches, including visual aids to create an engaging and inclusive communication.

This TED talk's approach can be replicated by you if you accept and connect with your identity as an interpreter and integrate your scientific education. With this background, you can ensure that your audience remains engaged in the information you must share while also interpreting the relationship between biological and behavioural factors.

Your interpretation promises a thorough investigation of the link between humans and dogs by providing education based on genetics, evolution, behavioural science, and veterinary perspectives. This method not only deepens comprehension but also encourages respect for the intricate scientific principles that underlie this long-standing relationship. This also aids in capturing the interest of the audience because there are multiple ways for people to learn about this relationship instead of just one.

You seem to have been able to identify the role that science plays in nature interpretation during your time spent reflecting on the material you absorbed from unit 5, and you have been able to use this to educate others about a topic you are passionate about, such as the relationship between humans and dogs. Thank you for sharing your route of exploring the canine-human relationship through a scientific lens!

Exploring the Human-Canine Relationship Through a Scientific Lens

Hello fellow interpreters,

This week I plan to explain how I would interpret the man's best friend, the dog, similar to Washington’s approach when explaining birds in his TED Talk (Dr. Hooykaas, n.d; Wachira, 2017). Similar to how Washington had background knowledge of bird behavior, relationships, and research, my interpretation will be based on my vast knowledge of animal biology and the knowledge I've obtained through majoring in biological science and pursuing a career as a veterinarian (Wachira, 2017).

This hypothetical interpretation is motivated by my love for dogs and a deep connection I have to my dog named Leo. I have always been intrigued by the complex nature of the human-dog relationship. Having a companion of my own has fueled my interest in understanding the scientific background of this bond, prompting me to envision a TED Talk or podcast that delves into the fascinating interplay between humans and their canine counterparts (Wachira, 2017).

Here is a photo of my Australian Shepard, Leo, he is currently 4 years old.

Before I begin this interpretation, I’ll consider my audience, potentially including dog lovers, pet owners, and those who are interested in the science behind human-dog relationships. Similar to Washington’s TED Talk, whose audience was interested in ecology, conservation, and general science, I plan to be inclusive of many learning styles, such as incorporating visuals for viewers who learn through sight (Dr. Hooykaas, n.d; Wachira, 2017). 

The main takeaway from Washington’s TED Talk was his interpretation of birds and their similarities to humans and their contributions to our lives which was a great way of captivating the audience and making it a meaningful experience (Dr. Hooykaas, n.d; Wachira, 2017). Trying to mimic this method, my interpretations of the human-dog relationship will identify the biological and behavioral aspects that explain this unique bond. However, I will consider who I am as an interpreter by incorporating my specific scientific background.

My primary goal through this interpretation is to highlight how dogs, like other humans, significantly contribute to our lives and well-being, creating a reciprocal and fulfilling connection. Through a scientific lens, I will dive into the genetic and evolutionary foundations of dogs, to understand their domestication process and its impact on behavior and physiology. Further exploration will touch on why certain breeds excel in specific roles, showing how dogs seamlessly integrate into our lives, offering companionship, emotional support, and even assistance.

To enrich my interpretation, I’ll go into behavioral science, researching the cognitive and emotional aspects of dogs in their relationship with humans.  I'll highlight the ways that dogs mirror human emotions and social structures, reflecting how they're wired to be our companions and supporters. Turning to my veterinary interests and knowledge, I’ll touch on the health and wellness of dogs in the context of their relationships with humans. Topics like nutrition, preventative care, and the physiological impacts of companionship will explain the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and dogs. 

In the end, my investigation of the canines is an example that connects with the theme of Unit 5, which involves interpreting nature through science (Dr. Hooykaas, n.d.). Although this is a hypothetical outline, by researching information on biological, behavioral, and veterinary sciences, this interpretation aligns with the objectives of recognizing and evaluating the role of science in environmental interpretation. By researching the scientific foundations of the unique human-dog relationship and moving past sweet narratives, we may recognize the beauty and complexity of this friendship through a lens informed by science.

References

Hooykaas, A. (n.d.). Unit 05: Nature Interpretation through Science [Lecture notes]. ENVS3000 Nature Interpretation. University of Guelph.

Wachira, W. 2017. For the love of birds. TED Talks. Available from: https://www.ted.com/talks/washington_wachira_for_the_love_of_birds

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05: The ways nature has impacted me? (free prompt)

I believe that spending time in nature offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. During the summer, I have complete access to nature trails and may spend countless hours outdoors. There may be obstacles such as weather and restricted access to these areas in the winter for our own safety. During the academic year, I attributed my lack of drive to a lack of time spent outside. I find that when I lose motivation, my other positive behaviours fall out of sync. I spend less time exercising, my dietary intake becomes more unhealthy, my sleep schedule becomes disorganized, and I feel inconsistent.  

This year, I decided to take control of my winter, knowing that these changes usually occur during this time of year. I wanted to find strategies to maintain a balanced diet, get enough and high-quality sleep, and have a regular gym regimen while also attending school and maintaining good grades. So I'd like to share some changes I made to my routine to ensure improved habits. 

My first major shift was to devote 30-60 minutes every day to outside activities. Now, I cannot say that I do this every day without fail, but I have been able to do so at least 5 days per week. It helps me to organize my thoughts without having to focus on schoolwork. During this period, I would either softly jog to get some physical activity in or take a walk along the trails in my neighbourhood. I would listen to a podcast, whether it was about amusement, learning, motivation, or self-discipline, to help pass the time. I believe this helped me relieve some of my tension and allowed me to unplug from school.

As we discussed several times throughout the course, the nature trails within the Aboretum made incorporating this practice into my day a breeze. After class, before leaving for home, I take a little walk through the Aboretum to reorganize after a few hours of classes. I sometimes have friends join me, which makes it much more pleasurable because we spend the most of our time on campus together studying. If you don't already, I recommend using the Arboretum to break up your day and get your mind off of school.

I also told myself this year that I would keep a consistent sleep routine. To ensure that I am properly refreshed, I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Again, are there times when I don't get a complete 8 hours? Of course. However, for the most part, I have been able to prioritize my personal health over academics, and I no longer have to pull all-nighters to complete projects. This has not only allowed me to be properly rested, but it has also taught me how to better manage my time during the day, decrease screen time, and focus on the tasks at hand. 

As a fellow student, I understand how tough it is to maintain healthy habits when there are so many assignments due each week, but it is critical that we remember to take care of ourselves. You may even discover that prioritizing your personal health during the school year has an impact on your academic performance. Can any of you think of a moment when you implemented new habits and saw improvements in your daily life?

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Hello Michael,

I, too, am a student studying biology. I can personally connect to the "art" of learning new concepts about how the word works. Historical scientists' discoveries are astounding, and I believe they are often underappreciated. Their results must have required a profound comprehension and nuanced thoughts to achieve success. We should also compare the resources we have now to what they had. They faced numerous challenges yet continued to pursue their ambitions and ideas. As I think on the accomplishments of these scientists, I am encouraged to study more about biology and broaden my grasp of the complexities of the world, can you relate to this?

The way you described about how interpretations alter throughout time was quite accurate.  I believe that when I was younger, I had opportunities that I should have valued more, but my lack of appreciation was due to a lack of understanding. Educators, like textbook authors, are expected to supply their audience with the information they need to create their own ideas rather than telling them how they should feel. However, when I go back and review these things, whether it's an old movie, a photo album, art, or stories, I notice that I interpret them differently now that I'm older, and I have a lot greater respect for them.

I believe that education should not be about memorizing, but rather about encouraging students to find inspiration in their learning and apply it to make a difference in the world. Educators must give pupils with materials to help them navigate the world, while also allowing them to pursue their own interests. Do you agree that in this scenario, sometimes less is more? 

Thank you again for your touching interpretations!

The Art of Interpretation: Beauty in Nature

Who am I to interpret nature through art? I’m a student currently studying biological science.  In this field of study, there is often a lack of traditionally artistic expression, such as music, painting, dance etc. Yet, even so there is art to be found in studying biology. To me, the creative endeavor of understanding and deciphering nature takes on a creative artistic element. I am a curious student trying to unravel the intricacies of nature through the combination of science and creativity. There is often beauty when learning something and a ‘lightbulb moment’ occurs and you understand something new about the natural world! I would argue that there is a creative and artistic element to this process, even within the ‘hard sciences’ such as biology. 

That being said, I also enjoy connecting to nature through other forms of artistic expression. I appreciate paintings because they allow me to understand diverse perspectives on how nature is interpreted. I also appreciate paintings for another reason: they can let us see how we change. For example, you can return to the same painting every few years and realize that you interpret it in a completely different way. The painting is the same, but my life experiences are different and I have changed. There is something I really love about that. It’s like watching a movie from your childhood and figuring out all the jokes or themes or emotions you couldn’t understand because you were a kid. It is an opportunity to see the changes in yourself that you do not notice on a day-to-day basis, but accumulate over time. In the context of nature interpretation, it can allow you to see how your interpretation of nature has changed over time. 

Anyone who cares about their relationship with the natural world and people has the tools to interpret art through nature and find the connection between their emotions and the physical world through a variety of mediums. Everyone has a particular preference in the art that they prefer and what aspects of the natural world they enjoy the most. As long as you explore what they are, many connections between art and nature can be forged.

Even though I don't paint regularly, I did go to a painting tutorial back in High School! I completely forgot that I have painted nature in the past!

The ‘gift of beauty’ is a personal talent that allows the interpreter to instill in visitors the ability and desire to sense the splendor of nature, fostering a deep connection between the observer, the artist, and the natural world (Beck et al., 2018; p. 85). Each individual will have a subjective experience of natural beauty and its presence in the world around us. For me, I experience the beauty of the natural world in remote regions where it feels like there’s a distinct separation of distance between myself and the human world. Particularly, I enjoy being near the water along a beach. So, being in a remote location on a beach is where I most experience the beauty of nature. The strength of this experience often makes me introspective and sometimes even existential. It often invokes in me reflection on humanity's long standing connection to nature. I look out along the shoreline and imagine how people for tens of thousands of years have walked along similar shores, and what they might have thought about the expensive and beautiful world. I also enjoy documenting these locations with basic photography, and it has produced some of the photos that I most enjoy reflecting on.

References

All photos are my own

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

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04: Who am I to interpret nature in art?

To begin describing who I am along with the way I interpret nature, I had to step back and reflect on my relationship with nature and why I believe I am qualified to be an educator on this subject. When I think back on times in my life when nature's art inspired me, I immediately recall my trips to Italy and Greece. To this day, I emphasize the desire to feel as I felt when I first saw the magnificent beauty of these two countries. I fantasize about how my life would be if I moved to this place. 

To say what I felt was breathtaking would be an understatement. At times, my eyes were transfixed to the landscape in front of me, my ears were tuned in to the interchange of words around me, and my mind was eager to learn more about the culture. I was amazed by the style of life. I discovered that what we, as Canadians and Americans, require to be happy and free differs significantly from what people in Europe require.  This event fueled my love of nature and prompted a desire to study more. As Beck, Cable, and Knudson (2018) mentioned, understanding more about the culture or nature surrounding me will make my travels much more meaningful and I agree. What I thought would be a peaceful vacation turned out to be much more than that. It presented me with information and experiences that I will never forget.

While travelling Italy, I decided to do something I'd never done before: visit a museum. Prior to this, I assumed that my lack of interest in art and understanding of Italian history would prevent me from enjoying what the museum had to offer. I couldn't have been more wrong. The first museum was in Vatican City (so technically not in Italy), and it was incredible. It was a self-guided museum, which allowed me to develop my own interests in the country. It detailed the country's history, cultures, and the significance of various structures I would visit. The exit led us to the centre of the Vatican. It caused me to thoroughly think about the beauty of diverse lifestyles, motivations, and beliefs between people in Italy and those in Canada. 

So I believe I have some experience helping others comprehend nature through art. Although I do not believe it is my responsibility to tell them what their interests are or what they should believe, I can help and supply them with the information they need to develop their own interests and inspirations. 

To me, beauty is more than just a noun used to describe physical qualities. I feel that beauty is, ironically, in the eyes of the beholder. What makes anything beautiful is one's opinion of it. For example, my train trip into Florence inspired a thought on beauty in Italy. Views like this spurred my desire to learn more about the country and its culture, as well as to return here one day. Without these impulses, I believe that my life goals and motives would be substantially different, as would my whole personality. For me, the gift of beauty enriches the human experience by inspiring individuals. 

Others may find beauty in nature in local parks or hiking trails rather than travelling overseas. However, if there is one thing I can communicate with great enthusiasm, it is for everyone to seek out the gift of beauty that inspires them. 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. https://www.sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-better-world

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Hi Olivia,

I loved your perspective on the roles and impacts that privilege has in nature interpretations. I feel like this topic is not one that many people think about and is often over looked, especially if people do not take the time to consider their relationship with the environment around them.

Privilege comes in many forms and is often hard to identify, especially if you are the one with it. It is hard to know what you do not have. Until recently, factors as simple as english being my primarily language was never what I though to be a privilege, but then I began to think about it in someone elses shoes. Day to day interactions, obtaining work, gaining an education, building relationships would all be much more difficult. 

Sometimes it is hard to remember the difference between privileged and spoiled. Although most of us are privleged, it does not mean we arent thankful for the opportunities that have been provided to us, even in time where they may have not been earned. In my first blog post, I reflected on my relationship with nature and what I came to realize is that many times we look at the living organisms and environment around us and forget to include ourselves in nature. Human to human interactions have some of the largest impacts on the environment. 

What is key for us to remember is that we all come from different backgrounds, cultures, educations, and opportunities. By offering a helping hand and being kind to our neighbors we can help those around us to succeed. A small decisions can result in big impacts and slowly we can all help better the world.

Thank you for sharing your ideas on how privilege plays a role in nature interpretations.

The role privilege has in nature interpretation

Privilege is being given a set of beneficial traits or skills that help people in life without having to work for it. These shared traits or skills often make life easier without the person realizing or acknowledging it. For example, I am a white, middle-class, English-speaking individual. I can afford what I need to do well in school, eat whole, healthy meals, go on fun trips or have fun experiences that cost money. Speaking English in an English-speaking country is highly beneficial. I never have to try to translate lectures and can easily understand the world around me, and others understand me without much thought. 

Privilege plays an important role in interpretation. One of the first things that comes to mind is costs. Often, people attending interpretation activities are on vacation or visiting a place. This costs money. If you don't have money, it may be harder for you to attend interpretation events. Even something like going to the zoo costs money; even if you lived next to the zoo, you would have to pay to get in and attend. A way to avoid this economic barrier could be to provide transportation to interpretive facilities or bring the interpretation to people through ways like livestreams or free pamphlets (Beck et al., 2018). Another aspect is language. If you speak the native language of the area you are visiting, you have a huge advantage over others (Beck et al., 2018). Not being able to communicate with people doing tours/guides makes it extremely challenging to participate and learn more about the area. This is why it is very important, especially in high tourist areas, to have signs in multiple languages to accommodate everyone or have guides who can speak multiple languages, thus increasing the number of people they can communicate with (Beck et al., 2018). Being a certain race, specifically being white in North America, is a huge privilege. For people of different races and cultural backgrounds, there are barriers such as fear or cultural barriers (Beck et al., 2018). To reduce these barriers, it’s important to have high staff diversity so that everyone feels comfortable and included (Beck et al., 2018). To limit cultural barriers, it's important to be inclusive of minority populations and invite them and involve them so that they do not feel excluded or left out (Beck et al., 2018). One more important privilege is not having a disability. When I go to a nature trail, I do not think about how I am going to get into the visitor's centre or if I can get through the trail. For people with disabilities, these are huge sources of stress. It is so important to ensure that as an interpreter, you make things inclusive by having ramps, braille displays or text/audio options for photos (Beck et al., 2018). It is also important to not treat people with disabilities any differently than someone without a disability and to treat them as you would want to be treated (Beck et al., 2018). Overall, privilege plays a huge role in nature interpretation, and it's important to identify and avoid excluding those born without privilege. It is necessary to take active steps to be inclusive to all individuals, no matter their background or differences.

References:

Knudson, Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

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03: Privilege in Nature Interpretation

Privilege for me is defined as the availability of resources that enable an individual to prosper and live a more comfortable life. As I spend more time developing my relationship with the environment, I begin to see how privilege  relates in many scenarios. 

When it comes to nature, privilege is prevalent in a variety of identities. As a nature interpreter, I consider it a gift to speak English as my first language and to have had the education that comes with it. In Canada, the first languages are English and French, while in Europe, the major languages vary but include English (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). My education has never been constrained, while this is not true for others. Having something as straightforward  as graduation from high school has given me access to opportunities.  Other people have difficulties that prevent them from obtaining a high school diploma, which teaches them essential skills such as appropriate communication and the fundamental sciences of the world. 

Another type of privilege that may be neglected is economic position. Travelling and discovering new parts of the world was something that I did on a regular basis, when others may consider it a luxury. Although the environment surrounds us, and we essential always have “access” to it, learning about all the different types of nature around us can be fairly pricey, and not simply accessible. Viewing interpretive sites can be costly, from driving to the location to purchasing entry tickets (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018).

I'm fortunate to have started developing my bond with nature at a young age. Others who consider this relationship may be less fortunate  because of their age. As you get older, you lose strength and energy. This can limit the depth of your interaction with environment by making hiking trails and nature paths more difficult to investigate. As nature interpreters, we may reduce or mitigate this barrier by developing interpretive programs tailored to specific age groups (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018).

In certain cases, it is more efficient and cost effective to focus a nature program on a specific set of individuals. For example, it is not often that you find a hiking trail appropriate for those who may be in wheelchairs by factors related to age or physical impairment, or even strollers for newborns and toddlers who have not yet learned to walk. Factors like this can lead to exclusion for specific demographics. This can make groups of people feel underrepresented and alienated, resulting in a lack of engagement (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018).

With all of these forms of privilege considered, it is critical that we, as nature interpreters, endeavour to close the accessibility gap for nature interpretive programs. Acknowledging the privilege in your life, and being considerate of the accessibilities in the lives of others is crucial to promote the mend of this gap. By doing so, we may encourage more people to become interested in the world around us, and good feedback can lead to more individuals caring deeply about the environment. 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. https://www.sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-better-world

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Hana I enjoyed how you expressed your interest in climate change and how you planned to contribute to environmental improvement. Climate change is a severe issue in our environment that must be addressed. We only have one Earth, and it is critical that we take excellent care of it. I believe that some individuals are skeptical of the potential effects of climate change since they are gradual and cannot be observed at any given time. When I reflect back to my childhood, I remember having much longer snow seasons than we do now. Christmas was sure to be white, and there was even snow on occasion during the Easter holidays. That is really uncommon in today's world.

Social media is a powerful instrument that provides numerous benefits. We may use this as leverage to raise awareness about climate change, as we currently do, and to encourage sustainable behaviour. Carpooling, adopting reusable products, and minimizing mass consumption and waste are all effective techniques for mitigating climate change. Younger generations that spend a lot of time on social media follow their favourite influencers and celebrities, and these status individuals are the ones who should be promoting these sustainable behaviours.

I believe that with your enthusiasm for this subject, you would be an excellent candidate to educate others about it. Sparking inspiration in others is all that is required to encourage them to think more about their daily routines and sustainable practices. You can make a significant influence on the environment over time!

My ideal role as an environmental interpreter!

An ideal role for myself in environmental interpretation would be surrounding climate change. Climate change is something I am extremely passionate about. I care deeply about our environment and it scares me that climate change is occurring so rapidly. I used to hate snow, but all throughout December I was praying it would snow. Those lovely summer days in October only made me worried about why the temperature was so hot. Climate change is one of the scariest current topics; our animals are dying, the arctic is melting, and our sea levels are rising. The textbook says that an important job as an interpreter is in promoting stewardship of natural resources and the culture as well (Beck et al., 2018). Therefore, I think my ideal role as an interpreter would be in trying to promote awareness of climate change and its effect on ecosystems and help sustainable businesses and initiatives strive. 

This role would entail using social media for different national parks to promote climate change acts and sustainable businesses with goals to aid in the climate crisis. Social media is such an important tool that has a lot of power in today's generation. An extremely funny TikTok, or a really beautiful Instagram photo could boost a business greatly. I would work with the national parks and promote their initiative to aid in the climate crisis. In 2010, the National Park Service Climate Change Response Program began to showcase important aspects of climate change that need attention. Some of these are using science to help parks manage climate change, mitigating or reducing our carbon footprint, and communicating to the public about climate change (Beck et al., 2018). I have always had a love for photography and making funny videos, so I think that going to these national parks, taking photos and spreading awareness would be something that I can do to help. 

Another important aspect of this job would be promoting sustainable businesses that aid reduce our carbon footprint, and incorporate reusable practices. This is because these businesses deserve to thrive as they are absolutely crucial to our future. Some of my personal favourite sustainable practices are using beeswax as a food wrap instead of using disposable plastic, and reusable cotton pads instead of makeup remover wipes. I use the Greenzla reusable makeup pads, and the Naturebee Beeswax. I love promoting all the little ways to become more sustainable because a lot of them are easy ways to help out the environment. 

Some skills that I will need to accomplish this would be teamwork, communication, creativity and research. Teamwork will be an important aspect when working with different companies and national parks to provide the most accurate information. I will also need to have excellent communication both verbally and through social media to include all of the important aspects of climate change interpretation and how to tackle the climate change crisis. Creativity is very important in promoting social media, but also can help when it comes to one's interpretation, and finding helpful ways for others to interpret climate change. Finally I will need to research to find sustainable businesses and to keep all of the information both relevant and up to date. 

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

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02: My Role As An Environmental Interpreter

Connecting with nature and our surroundings can be difficult, especially if we are unfamiliar with the environment. Consider someone who was reared in an urban area, such as downtown New York, and then unexpectedly relocates to the middle of nowhere in British Columbia. Although hypothetical, this is a significant change. Perhaps you haven't had much interaction with the wildlife and many species that currently surround you. There is a lot to learn about. 

Helping people to bridge the knowledge gap between an uninformed person and the unending facts of the environment begins with my capacity to teach and the ability of the individual to grasp. Since everyone's learning styles varies slightly, an interpreter's delivery of information must be adjusted to each individual. As an environmental interpreter, my inspiration would come from providing people with the tools they need to comprehend the environment. 

Many people learn because they want to know something (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). I'm sure any university student has experienced this firsthand; perhaps at the start of a school year, they are still in holiday mode rather than a mindset of eagerness to learn. Inspiration is extremely important in doing this. An audience must be inspired or motivated to learn more about a topic in order for it to stick in their minds (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). As stated in the text, saturating someone with facts and lengthy history leaves little room for inspiration or imagination (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). 

As a natural interpreter, I'd want to communicate the fascinating history and story of Greece's Santorini volcano. The volcano is dormant yet still considered active, which is not something most people experience on a daily basis. This is a gorgeous natural item that may inspire people, as volcanoes are typically only seen in movies. My job may entail explaining the volcano's history, how it formed, and what the volcano's future holds. Sparking others' imaginations about the volcano's potential future encourages them to develop curiosity and, possibly, a desire to learn more about it.

Growing as an auditory learner differs greatly from those who require visual and hands-on experiences. I prefer gathering in-depth data to obtain as much background knowledge as I can. Furthermore, being presented with a flexible question helps me to use my existing knowledge to spark curiosity and imagination.

First and foremost, I would require high literacy abilities because I am the one teaching. Having a thorough comprehension of my topic is critical to ensuring that my audience understands the information I am attempting to convey. In addition, intrapersonal abilities and self-awareness are essential. Religion and politics are themes that may come up when discussing the environment, therefore being compassionate and considerate of others' beliefs, viewpoints, and values is essential (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). As an interpreter, I would ensure that I can educate people without using sophisticated terminology.  Now, this can vary depending on elements as simple as age; some people may not be able  to comprehend the facts at hand. 

Overall, working as an interpreter for the Santorini volcano would let me to do things I enjoy. Learning about Greek history, spending time in Greece, and sharing the country's culture and heritage. Furthermore, motivating and encouraging others on a topic about which I am deeply enthusiastic can be quite fulfilling.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing. https://www.sagamorepub.com/products/interpreting-cultural-and-natural-heritage-better-world