dhenvs3000w25

[dhenvs3000w25]

Hi Jessica,

I enjoyed reading your post about your connection to Muskoka and how your relationship has evolved during the years your family has lived there. I can imagine that the thought of moving to a new place later in your life was challenging because of your connection to your previous home, but it is great to hear that Muskoka has had such a positive impact on your life. As someone who has also spent much of my time in cottage country around Ontario, I share your appreciation for such a special place. Although I have lived my entire life in Toronto, my family has a cottage in North Bay, a couple of hours north of Muskoka, and I can say without a doubt that it is my favourite place on earth. Since I was young, I have spent essentially the entire summer at my cottage. For me, it is a place of relaxation, adventure, and, most importantly, a place to connect with my family. I have a considerably large extended family, so I don’t get to see them all frequently, but every summer, we all make an effort to share a few weekends at the cottage. From the beautiful lake with fish, turtles, ducks, and other incredible animals to the vast forests, it truly is a space which cannot be replicated. When you spoke about stillness in your post and referenced sitting on the dock in the morning, it reminded me of waking up in the morning and going down to the water to sit with my parents. We often wouldn’t even speak to one another because we were still waking up, but just the feeling of absorbing the beautiful morning sunlight, knowing that it would be a great day, is truly irreplaceable. I think it is awesome that you have developed this connection with nature through this move, and I hope that others reading your post can find a place where they can create such a connection!

Blog 5 - Free Prompt: Ode to Muskoka (a letter to my favourite outdoor place)🌲🪵

Where do I start!?

There aren’t enough words to express how I feel about Muskoka. It’s truly a place of endless possibilities. It’s an outdoor wonderland for adventure and relaxation. For some context, my parents moved up there in 2019, and it has easily become my favourite place in the world. I look forward to returning home from uni next Friday to spend reading week up there, which got me thinking. So, I thought I’d write a little ode to Muskoka for my weekly post this time.

Dear Muskoka, 

You have been so much more than just a place on a map to me. You’ve been my home, my escape, my adventure, and my comfort all at once. From my earliest memories upon moving there in 2019, to now in 2025, you have shaped me in ways I’m only just beginning to understand.

I know you best through your lakes and rivers. Cold! and endless, with ripples catching the last light of day. I know you also through the tall, windswept, white pines that tower above me like they hold all the secrets of time. You have taught me beauty in stillness. In mornings spent sitting on the dock, feet above the water, sipping a coffee, the world quiet except for the sounds of nature awakening for the day. 

More so, you’ve taught me to love the cold. I used to see winter as something to be waited out … like a season of stillness. Frozen lakes and barren trees. But you showed me its’ magic. You turned cold into comfort. 

This is a photo my mom sent me in early December (2024). It was taken from across the road at our house. Bracebridge went on to receive a total of 125cm of snow and entered into a state of emergency that week (I’m sure a lot of you might’ve heard about that). Crazy times!

Muskoka is no stranger to feet upon feet of snow, and -25 (C) temperatures. I’ve learned that it’s a choice how I perceive that. I can choose to view it as a nuisance and a burden, and tuck myself away to hibernate. OR I can choose to see the beauty and endless possibilities for activities in nature.

Muskoka, you made me crave the solitude of winter trails, where the only footprints are my own, where the pines seem to hold their breath, and where the world feels endless in its quiet. I love the warmth that comes after a long day outside. With my cheeks flushed, legs aching, and lungs full of the purest air. It’s a sense of contentment I can’t find anywhere else. 

I don’t count the days until the ice melts and the lakes ripple freely anymore. I am content in the cold. I have patience in the way the seasons change now. There is a deep hush in February, where the world seems to slow, and I can simply be. Muskoka, you have given me winter. 

No matter how far I go, I always find myself thinking of you. There is no place like home after all. 

So thank you. For the sunsets that have made me pause, for the trails that let me breathe, for the ice-cold swims that make me feel alive. For being the one place that always feels like a part of me, no matter where I end up.

See you on the winter break (reading week), Muskoka! 🌨️

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here are some of my favourites from time-spent visiting home in Muskoka this past year:

(From a hike I took through Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve in Huntsville, Muskoka, January 2025)

(From a day of cross country skiing with my sister at Arrowhead Provincial Park, Muskoka, December 2024)

(From thanksgiving in Muskoka — specifically Lions Lookout and Wilson’s Fall’s here. I brought my USA roommate (top left) home with me to show her all the beauty Muskoka has to offer in the fall)

(From a hike at Fish Hatchery Falls near Rousseau, Muskoka. In late June 2024)

(From a day spent swimming with my sister at Strawberry Point in Muskoka. Circa July 2024)

(From the Port Sydney chutes and Port Sydney beach in Muskoka, May 2024)

(From a short hike at lower High Falls in Muskoka, June 2024)

(From a visit to Bass Rock Park in Muskoka, June 2024)

There’s really so many more I could add. If anyone is ever around in the area, I HIGHLY recommend checking out some of those spots!

[dhenvs3000w25]

The World of Podcasts - Week 5 Blog

With no formal blog prompt this week, I wanted to expand on a topic relevant to this class's overarching theme. This week, I will discuss how the landscape of scientific communication and nature interpretation has evolved due to the rise in modern media technology and how podcasts have a critical role as a medium for nature interpretation. In 1894, radio became the first form of major nonprint mass media. By the 1920s, radios, which were less expensive than telephones, had the unprecedented ability to access such a large and captivated audience simultaneously. After generations of time spent consuming radio, further technological advances brought us to 2004, the introduction of podcasting. With the advent of broadband internet access and portable digital audio playback devices like the iPod, podcasts revolutionized the audio broadcasting space. This was because podcasts, unlike radio, are unscheduled media where consumers can enjoy the content anytime they desire. One of the greatest strengths of podcasts is that they offer a form of authenticity not seen anywhere else in media. No matter the topic of discussion, the long-form style and conversation-based interaction provide a personal touch. In many ways, podcasts are adjacent to social media in the same way that radio could be considered the audio version of what newspapers were in their prime. 

Scientists are often seen as distant figures, communicating in jargon-heavy language that can intimidate the general public. Podcasts allow scientists to break down many of these barriers by creating an informal and accessible space for experts to share their work in a relatable manner. Podcasts offer a unique blend of accessibility, depth, and engagement that few other media modalities provide. Listeners can consume podcasts at their own pace, at any time of the day. This allows consumers to better grasp the content by relistening to some of the more complex parts of the podcast. These features play favourably in the efforts of science communication, as creators can compile a vast amount of information from various resources. Through interviews, storytelling, and discussions, scientists can connect to the listener personally, making topics like climate change, biodiversity, and conservation efforts more tangible and compelling. With the natural world facing growing threats, conservationists and activists benefit from the new-age characteristics that podcasts offer. They provide a platform to raise awareness about pertinent concerns, share authentic firsthand experiences, and discuss potential solutions with access to as much research as they desire to validate their position. Additionally, as we see with social media, one of the greatest strengths podcasts offer is their ability to transcend geographic barriers. The global interconnectedness helps foster a sense of collective responsibility for the planet, which can inspire local and international action. 

Whether you are a scientist looking to share research, an educator seeking innovative ways to reach students, or simply a curious listener eager to learn more about science, podcasts are an incredible resource that brings science to life. As an avid podcast listener, I think there is a massive space for them to be used as a formal or recreational education tool. One of my favourite ways to decompress is to go on a walk while listening to a podcast. Over the last few years, I have listened to a podcast called Tooth and Claw that has taught me so much about nature and, specifically, the animal world. The basis of their content is animal attack stories, but they delve into the biology of said animal, talk about their evolutionary history, and even reference their cultural influence. I highly recommend spending some time listening if you get the chance!

[dhenvs3000w25]

Hi Nikina,

I enjoyed reading your post about how you were able to interpret the beauty of nature through your grandfather’s painting. I think it is wonderful that you can connect with the painting so profoundly, especially after visiting the area around where your grandfather gained the inspiration for it. At its core, art is an extension of a person’s conscious depiction of something they experience. In the case of nature, art can be a beautiful tool for sharing this experience with those who will likely never visit the place where the painting is set. I imagine there are numerous paintings we can appreciate, all while never even visiting where it is set. In your case, this painting details a landscape that holds great significance because of the various family ties and history, but it is still somewhere foreign. I am sure the experience of actually going there was revolutionary as you got the chance to connect with the art at a uniquely personal level. Your experience is a testament to how art can amplify our connection to the world around us. From being younger and simply appreciating the painting for its colours and natural beauty to demonstrating curiosity about its history and more profound significance to finally being able to visit the location of the painting, your appreciation deepened through the process of nature interpretation as you aged. A question I have for you is: if a famous painting is particularly significant to you, would you want to visit where it is set to try and deepen your connection to this painting, or do you think visiting would hurt your perception?

Art and Beauty - Blog 4

When reading the prompt for this blog, I immediately thought of the painting my grandfather created of Lapporten, a mountain range in Sápmi, known as Lappland in northern Sweden. This painting has hung in my family home for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, it captivated me with its vibrant colours, the abstract interpretation my grandfather had, and the unique shapes. I hadn’t realized that it depicted an actual landscape in nature.

When I was around 14, I became more curious about the painting and asked my father about it. He told me it was called Lapporten, a mountain range in Sweden, and that my grandfather had painted it during his first visit to the area. Little did I know that this painting connected me to my roots more than I could ever imagine. I appreciated its beauty but thought nothing more of it at the time.

Recently, this summer, I participated in a field school in Sápmi, Sweden. During this journey, I learned more about my Swedish background and the challenges the Sámi people face, who are the indigenous peoples of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. We visited Laponia, a national park just a few hours away from Lapporten. When I first encountered this mountain range, my emotions overwhelmed me. I felt a deeper connection to the land and to my grandfather, who had visited a similar area. It felt as if we shared a special moment, even though he wasn’t physically there with me.

In sharing this story, I want to express how I interpret nature through art. I believe I perceive nature through memory—whether it’s the mountain range in Sweden, the first snowfall, or a scenic sunset, all these moments are intertwined with memories that hold meaning for me. As described in the unit, the use of art in nature interpretation extends moments of appreciation to others, evokes similar emotions, and creates a richer experience. This is what I experienced through his paintings: an emotional response that deepened when I saw the scenes with my own eyes, allowing me to appreciate the beauty and meaning behind the land even more. I believe this also connects to how I interpret the "gift of beauty." To me, beauty is not just found in the stunning landscapes or vibrant colors; it is deeply intertwined with our experiences, memories, and the connections we forge with the world around us.

[dhenvs3000w25]

The Interpretation of Nature Through Art - Blog 4

 Who are you to interpret nature through art? This is an intriguing question that I have not frequently taken the time to consider. I would not consider myself a particularly artistic or creative person, as I tend to perceive the world on the more objective side. As someone studying science, I find this a more favourable trait because it allows me to view things with a more balanced and meticulous approach. This said, I believe nature is a perfect example of how something that embodies so much precision and objectivity can be perceived with such subjectivity. Science has given us so much information about nature, but because it is so vast and complex, it is impossible for one person to grasp it fully. As I have discussed in previous blogs, the field of nature interpretation is valuable because it provides insight into the complex realities of nature in a way that expands beyond the simple relaying of facts. It gives people the space to better understand and contextualize nature by bridging the gap between scientific objectivity and emotional, unique, and subjective storytelling.

Now, returning to the question, it highlights a difficult conversation. It challenges an artist's authority, perspective, and role in depicting nature. To expand upon the question, I believe it asks us a few things: Given its vastness and complexity, do humans have the right or ability to interpret nature? Does an artist’s personal viewpoint adequately capture the entirety of the nature they are depicting? In short, the reality is that no one interpretation can solely capture the entire essence or complexity of nature. This is precisely why I believe art is essential for nature interpretation. Art transcends words by giving people the means to detail their interpretation visually, leading to further discussion and, in turn, a more developed perspective. The amalgamation of inferences from different points of view allows us to better tell nature's story, and the use of art and science is a perfect medium. Since the earliest human civilizations, we have sought to capture the essence of nature through art. From ancient cave paintings to modern digital landscapes, we have always felt compelled to depict our interpretation of nature and how we experience the world. Without this form of storytelling, we would not have conversations about nature in the way we do. Without our rich history of art, there would not be the same sense of urgency or inspiration to discover more about nature. Our interpretation of nature through art is not an attempt to control or confine it but rather a means of engaging with it personally. 

Regarding the gift of beauty, nature is one of the only aspects of this world that offers it freely. Whether the golden light of sunrise, the elegance of a snowflake, or the rhythmic dance of waves crashing against the shore, nature provides this beauty without the demand for anything in return. I believe that art is a response to this gift. We express our gratitude by capturing the beautiful moments of nature so that we can all collectively appreciate its beauty. Every piece of art tells a story that may be understood differently but will have just as much significance from one person to the next.

We are observers, storytellers, and participants in the ongoing dialogue between humanity and the natural world. The gift of nature’s beauty is one we all have access to, and art is a medium that allows it to be shared among us all. 

A favourite painting of mine by Jack Lockhart. His paintings depict scenery around North Bay, Ontario, which is significant to me as I spend much of my time there at my cottage.

[dhenvs3000w25]

Hi Githmi,

I enjoyed reading your post about your interpretation of privilege and its role in nature interpretation. You make an excellent point about the impact of lack of access on nature interpretation and the privilege of convenient travel. As the Western world develops, we are dedicating less space to nature. Those who live in cities are becoming increasingly distanced from opportunities to spend time in nature, which makes privilege an even more significant factor. Reading your personal story about how travelling was quite a challenge for you and your family growing up was impactful. I can imagine that, as much as you enjoyed the opportunity to travel, there was considerable unwanted stress associated with the experience. I appreciate your experience because my father is an immigrant to Canada and has given me a lot of perspective on privilege. The stories of his childhood allowed me to realize the importance of being appreciative of the life I was provided with and doing what I can to reflect on my privilege. I was blessed to have grown up with the opportunity to experience nature through travel. Even though I grew up in Toronto, where most of the nature I was exposed to came in the form of small parks, I regularly got to take drives to go on hikes, take day trips to swim in rivers and lakes, and go up to my cottage during the summer. These experiences taught me that there was another world outside the city and that nature had much to offer. Now, reflecting on these experiences and reading how you were affected by a lack of access to nature interpretation, it is apparent that more effort should be dedicated to finding opportunities for underprivileged communities. Our youth is a critical time for moulding our understanding of the world around us. Working to provide educational experiences for marginalized communities allows for their perspective to be heard and, in turn, will ideally result in further representation of varying perspectives in science and nature interpretation. Thank you for sharing your post about your experiences and providing many insightful perspectives. As someone looking to make a positive contribution, what is the first thing I should do to make space for marginalized perspectives?

Blog 3: The Role of Privilege in Nature Interpretation

Hi! Welcome to blog 3!

We’re going to be talking about privilege in nature interpretation this week:

Privilege is not a concept that is new to me, it’s something that I often think about as it encompasses my daily life and how I move in the world.  For me, privilege means having unfair advantages or access that others might not have, simply because of aspects of identity like race, gender, or socioeconomic status. In all honestly, I never acknowledged the way privilege plays a role in nature interpretation, and not surprisingly it plays a huge role.    

When I think about privilege in nature spaces, the first thing that comes to mind is access. So many of the most famous natural areas are tucked away in places that require a car, time off work, or the financial means to get there. For someone like me, who grew up without those things, getting to these spaces can feel like a challenge. My family immigrated here when I was two, and owning a car or having extra money for trips wasn’t something we had in our first initial years in Canada. I still remember the first time we visited Niagara Falls. It took weeks of planning and involved cramming multiple families into shared cars just to make it happen.

Growing up, I didn’t always see people who looked like me portrayed in environmental storytelling or conservation. The closest representation I felt to someone like me in the world of environmental education was David Suzuki. Seeing him on TV, speaking so passionately and knowledgeably about the environment and climate change, was so inspiring. I see him as such a beacon for people of colour in conservation because of his authenticity and ability to bring different cultural and religious perspectives into his stewardship.   

In my six years of studying environmental studies and science at university, I’ve only had two professors who were people of colour. That number is always so astonishing to me, it’s often a reminder of how underrepresented certain voices are in the field. Having only two professors of colour in all my years of study makes me realize how much richer my education could have been if diverse voices were truly valued and prioritized in academia.  I also think it’s a privilege to see people that look like you in careers and fields that you aspire to be in.

Honestly, it can be really underwhelming and, at times, depressing to look around and feel like the perspectives of people who look like me or share similar lived experiences, are missing from the conversation.  It makes me think about the ways in which marginalized people are often left out of conversations about the environment and climate change, especially since climate catastrophes are often disproportionately affecting them.

Ultimately, when looking at privilege in nature interpretation we have to look at who is missing in conversations about nature and conservation. We need to start asking why marginalized people and their knowledge and perspectives are often not at the forefront and then start making space.  

[dhenvs3000w25]

Privilege in Nature Interpretation - Blog 3

Privilege in society is a multifactorial challenge that influences almost every area of life. It is typically referred to as a special right or advantage available only to a particular person or group. As detailed in the content, most of us are born with this “invisible backpack” containing resources that aid our success. These resources are unearned benefits that people may possess due to specific characteristics such as social status, race, gender, or economic class rather than personal merit or effort. Regarding nature interpretation, privilege, unfortunately, has a notably significant impact. When we first think of nature, most of us would recognize that we are essentially always surrounded by it. Even for someone who lives in the heart of a metropolis such as Toronto or New York, there are parks, trails, and other dedicated spaces where people can spend time in nature. Despite the ability of most to have consistent access to nature, privilege plays a significant role in nature interpretation. 

I believe privilege heavily influences many aspects of nature interpretation. Access to nature interpretation is a significant challenge. For example, the City of Guelph has many quality green spaces and trails that people can enjoy, but the Guelph Lake Nature Centre is the closest location that provides formal nature education, and it is over 10km from the University.  Even for a city revered for its access to nature spaces, nature interpretation comes with economic, social, and physical barriers.  It would be an hour’s bus trip (with 30 minutes of walking), so the only realistic option is to take a car. Additionally, it costs nine dollars for an adult to enter the conservation site. On top of needing personal transportation to make the tip feasible, the price adds another layer of economic privilege. Even a simple example such as this magnifies the layers of privilege ingrained in the opportunity for most people to experience nature education and interpretation.

Another apparent challenge highlighting privilege in nature interpretation results from deep-rooted cultural changes over Canada’s history. Dominant cultural and colonial perspectives have historically shaped nature interpretation, so much of what the public is educated on comes from colonial interpretations. Indigenous knowledge systems and local traditions, deeply integrated with nature for centuries before colonization, have been sidelined for what is seen as modern knowledge. This results in certain dominant cultures being the focus, making it more challenging for non-dominant groups to appreciate or understand the presented information. Additionally, colonial perspectives tend to distance nature from its spiritual significance. Spiritual connections with nature are a significant component of culture for many non-Western people, so for immigrants coming to Canada and wanting to learn more about nature, providing adequate education without making those connections can be challenging. As much as I advocate for scientific research and the importance of sharing current information, we must respect the history of Canada’s land when interpreting nature.

Moving forward, there are two areas of focus which can significantly aid in breaking down some of the barriers in the nature interpretation space. With a rise in global access to social media, there is an opportunity for those who work in nature interpretation to provide high-quality information to a broader audience. Even though it is not the same as visiting a nature centre and getting first-hand access, online technology is more readily available for those who live without the privilege of living in an environment surrounded by nature. Additionally, there needs to be space for integrating different perspectives in nature interpretation. So much of the knowledge of nature Indigenous people possess has been stripped from nature interpretation. This is a disservice not only to the people who previously inhabited the land we live on but also neglects the value their perspectives can provide to educate a vast audience. 

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. (2024, October 31). Power and privilege in the classroom. Teaching & Learning Center Resources. https://guides.atsu.edu/powerprivilege

Kolan, M., & TwoTrees, K. S. (2014, December 27). Privilege as practice: A framework for engaging with sustainability, diversity, privilege, and power. Journal of Sustainability Education. http://www.susted.com/wordpress/content/privilege-as-practice-a-framework-for-engaging-with-sustainability-diversity-privilege-and-power_2014_12/

[dhenvs3000w25]

Hi Sara,

I enjoyed reading your blog about what you feel your role can be in the space of environmental interpretation. The opportunity to aid in inspiring children’s interests in nature is a gift and something that I also share a passion for. When working with kids, I think using the strategies described by Enos Mills is crucial for igniting interest. Children are true dreamers, so as you mentioned, finding the opportunity to teach them to seek intellectual visions over facts can instill permanent inspiration, creating future leaders of the environmental interpretation space. It is awesome that you can work at a nature camp and aid in this unique inspiration process. Giving children learning opportunities to use their hands, tapping into kinesthetic learning and having authentic visual learning experiences by immersing themselves in nature is invaluable for their growth, so having a role in this process is impressive. I have had some personal experience working with kids in different settings, but it would be great to work with kids at a camp or outdoor education centre in the future. There is something unique about allowing them to be themselves and letting their interest in nature flourish. That is why I agree that working with children requires a different approach. Unlike adults, there is a necessary leeway that children need to be given for growth in their learning. At the university age, we can be regularly thrown facts and loads of objective information without being misunderstood. For children, presenting the same information more creatively and experientially allows them to take something meaningful from what is being taught. Overall, I think there is so much for us to learn from working with kids, and I believe nature is a fantastic space to foster that growth. Thanks for sharing!

Unit 2- Fostering Connections in the Natural World

The role of an environmental interpreter is a unique and inspiring position that combines education, recreation, and a deep connection to the natural world. My ideal role as an environmental interpreter would involve working with all age groups, but I find the prospect of engaging children particularly appealing. This passion stems from my background as a nature camp counselor, where I witnessed firsthand the joy and wonder that nature can inspire in young minds.

The essence of being an environmental interpreter, as Enos Mills described, is to transcend the traditional roles of a teacher or an ordinary guide. He emphasized that people seek restful, intellectual visions rather than dry facts or rigid rules. This perspective resonates deeply with me. An ideal role would embrace this philosophy by offering immersive and interactive experiences that awaken curiosity and foster a genuine connection to nature.

In my current role at Nature Camp, located on 200 acres of pristine forest, I’ve gained valuable experience facilitating activities that encourage children to explore and engage with their surroundings. Activities like climbing trees, building forts, and embarking on treasure hunts allow children to connect with the environment in a meaningful way. These moments are not just educational but transformative, instilling a sense of wonder and nostalgia that reminds me of my own childhood adventures in nature.

My ideal job would be predominantly outdoors, aligning with the immersive experiences that Mills emphasized. It would prioritize experiential learning over instruction, allowing participants to form personal and emotional connections to the environment. Whether guiding a group of children on a forest walk or engaging adults in a discussion about local ecosystems, the goal would be to inspire appreciation and stewardship for the natural world.

Working with children requires a fundamentally different approach, as Freeman Tilden noted in his principles of interpretation. Programs designed for young audiences should not simply dilute adult presentations but instead employ creative and age-appropriate methods. Storytelling, hands-on activities, and play-based learning are essential tools for capturing the attention and imagination of children. These methods also align with my experience, where creating engaging and interactive programs has been key to fostering a love for nature among campers.

Photo I took of the nature camp I worked at. This was during a free play session in the vast forest!

[dhenvs3000w25]

My Role as an Environmental Interpreter - Blog 2

The role of environmental interpretation comes with many responsibilities. They play a vital role in connecting people with the natural world by translating science into engaging and memorable experiences. Environmental interpreters inspire curiosity by looking beyond the facts. They aid in fostering an emotional connection to nature through storytelling and teaching communities about the beauty of nature beyond surface-level observation. After researching different careers in environmental interpretation, an ideal role for me would be working as an environmental educator or, more specifically, a nature centre educator. I made this decision for a few reasons, but my inspiration primarily comes from the opportunity a nature centre educator has to connect with and teach kids. The role of nature centre educator perfectly blends the beauty of being a teacher in a more traditional sense while being given the opportunity to speak about the wonders of the environment. My mother was a nursery school teacher for a long time and now tutors young kids, so my interest in teaching children comes from her. I believe that having an opportunity to inspire and educate the next generation is a great privilege, but it is also a challenging job that tests a person’s professional character and dedication. 

What might it entail? Where might it be?

Firstly, as an environmental interpreter, having general knowledge about nature and different ecosystems is essential. That said, location is a highly relevant factor in educating the public about the environment around them. This summer, I took a trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and visited a turtle conservation centre. It was a fantastic experience, and I observed these beautiful animals and learned a lot about aquatic animal conservation. An ideal location for me to work in a nature centre as an educator would be somewhere in a more tropical climate, such as Florida. A nature centre educator is a job that requires significant versatility. At the surface, they are responsible for conservation education, curriculum integration, and public engagement by leading interactive experiences such as guided tours, wildlife demonstrations, and other relevant activities. On top of the efforts typically observed by the public, the primary role of a nature centre educator is to garner interest. Increasing public engagement to encourage people to come is necessary for the job. Most conservation centres are not-for-profit businesses that thrive on donations to function successfully. With the rise of social media, educators have an amazing opportunity to increase community outreach. Posting their animals online, making educational videos, developing formal advertising, and incorporating the curriculum into online content can effectively boost interest. Additionally, resource management is a key responsibility for educators in engagement efforts. Within the centre, educational materials, brochures, signage, and interactive displays are great tools for making a consumer’s experience memorable. Educators are responsible for curating new ideas for information pieces, so having the creativity and knowledge to create engagement tools is necessary. 

What skills might you need?

As the textbook mentions, provocation is a key skill for educators that goes beyond fact-based information. It is a strategy to spark curiosity, challenge common assumptions, and encourage critical thinking. For nature centre educators, using provocation as a strategy for engagement is vital. Asking thought-provoking and open-ended questions encourages discussion, which allows visitors to challenge their understanding of nature. Presenting surprising facts gives visitors some information to relay to others, and using visual provocation through impactful imagery will help cater to different learning strategies. For example, seeing a side-by-side exhibit of a polluted river and a clean, restored river habitat is far more inspiring than simply seeing a seemingly untouched river. Provocation closely ties into two more skills that encompass the necessary attributes of an educator. Storytelling and effective communication are complementary skills that help round out the requirements of a talented educator. 

Thank you for reading my post, I hope you enjoyed!

Daniel

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

[dhenvs3000w25]

Hi Alyssa,

I enjoyed reading about how your relationship with nature has developed to what it is currently. I grew up very similarly, where most of my experiences in nature as a young kid stemmed from the sports I played each season. I look back so fondly on the days when I could go outside in the winter or summer regardless of the temperature and be myself, playing the sports I love. I appreciate how deeply you seem to connect to nature because of the activities you participated in. I could not imagine how challenging those injuries were to your relationship with your favourite sports and nature. As someone who played hockey as their primary sport, I understand how meaningful the Canadian winters can be. I mainly played hockey on an indoor rink, but playing outdoor hockey or “shinny” was a significant part of the culture where I grew up. Every winter, I eagerly awaited my chance to get out on the rink with my friends. My grade 12 year was also in 2020, when I graduated from high school. It was such a challenging and confusing time for all of us, but I totally relate to your experience in how you relied on nature to support you during COVID. I sometimes look back at those warmer months during COVID fondly when school was slowing down because I could spend time alone in nature with no distractions. As you said, in a time with so much change and stress, nature stayed consistent, and I have also taken that appreciation of nature into my university years. 

My current relationship with nature. How it has developed/evolved? Who offered me “a sense of place,” as described in our textbook?

I love my current relationship with nature. Growing up I ski raced and played soccer so I would spend most of winter and summer outside. As I continued to get older I began leaning more towards skiing so was not spending as much time outside in the summers other than boating with my family. Then slowly but surely I stopped spending time outside. In my teenage years I had suffered a lot of injuries from sport that took me out of the playing season so there were times where I would be stuck inside all day elevating my leg unable to really move too much for long periods of time. This took a great toll on my mental health and I sort of drew inwards, emotionally and physically. These sorts of injuries happened three times in the course of my teenage years. Then COVID hit in my 12th grade of highschool. During this time of isolation I found myself going out into nature and taking up running as a hobby. Being outside and moving my body greatly improved my mental health during this time, I actually found myself craving to be outside, it seemed like the whole world had changed but that outside was stayed the same. The plants, the lakes, the trees. During my first year of university, in adjusting to the course load I sacrificed my time with nature until last summer. I began going on outside walks every day and I have continued this practice everyday. I love to be outside and don't feel quite like myself when I don't get time with nature. I have also taken up new hobbies that involve being outside including golf and tennis. I hope that my relationship with nature continues to evolve in the future. In terms of 'sense of place' I would say that my family has offered me this 'sense of place'. My whole family is from Montreal and I think a big part of our culture is being outside especially in the winter, primarily because there are so many outdoor activities in Quebec. so, growing up I adored the winters. My family passed on traditions of skiing at certain hills and in Quebec, telling my sister and I stories of how they grew up skiing there and how the nature, landscape, and overall environment may have changed since they were young. Teaching us how to connect with nature in a way that is respectful and enjoyable. Creating new traditions of road trips and bringing my Grandpa with us for him to also be an interpreter of his own memories and understandings of nature. Also in furthering our own understanding of the environment and in reference to the notions discussed in the textbook, we sought out tours and activities or practices we had never done before like snowshoeing where we relied on interpreters to pass on this knowledge of how you may camp in the winters, making fires with use of your surroundings, teaching us about the different kinds of trees and how people tap maple syrup etc. I hope to be an interpreter for my future children and continue to pass on these traditions and understandings of nature.

Blaze

0 notes

[dhenvs3000w25]

My Relationship with Nature - Blog 1

My Relationship with Nature as a Child

My relationship with nature has always been very positive. Even though I grew up in Toronto, I always found myself spending time outside. As a very active person who enjoys playing sports, my childhood was fueled by my ability to spend time in nature. Whether I was riding my bike through the various trails in Toronto, swimming in the lake at my cottage in North Bay, Ontario, roasting marshmallows around the campfire, or playing baseball at the park, I cherish the moments spent outdoors. I frankly feel thankful for the opportunities that I have been given throughout my life to spend valuable time connecting with the nature around me, as it has allowed me to appreciate and respect nature on a deeper level. 

My Current Relationship with Nature

That said, as I have got older, my relationship with nature has evolved. As much as I enjoy spending time outside, the reality of my busy schedule has prevented me from spending as much time in nature. It truly means so much more when I can take time out of my week to spend outside. This evolution of my relationship with nature first began during COVID. As COVID started, we were all forced inside, away from our daily schedules. I found myself distraught because everything felt so isolating. I knew I needed to find some activity to pull myself away from the stress associated with this time. When the government detailed that we were allowed to spend time outside, I was so excited. I dedicated at least an hour each day to a walk outside. As much as the time during the pandemic was sombre and stressful, the time I spent outside was so enjoyable. I could appreciate so much of the beautiful nature in my neighbourhood that I once took for granted. This period during COVID was also the time when I was transitioning into university, so having the opportunity to take the pressure away from that experience by connecting further with nature through these walks was meaningful. As I continued into university, these nature walks have become a regular part of my life and a valuable tool for regulating my stress.

Who Gave Me a “Sense of Place”

My family has played a significant role in my relationship with nature. They have given me a sense of place by prioritizing opportunities for adventure and exploring nature. Some of my best memories are from experiences with my family. When I was younger, I regularly went geocaching with my cousins at my cottage. We even made one and hid it at the boat launch down the road. When I first went to Ireland to visit some of my other family, we went out to this lighthouse on a hike, and I remember finding one there and just being so excited because I felt like I had “an eye” for them. Such experiences fueled my comfort in nature and were always spent with my family. From little swimming trips at lakes or rivers on the weekend around southern Ontario to the long road trips down to PEI, I was always excited about what I would discover, and my best memories are of the beautiful nature I saw. 

[dhenvs3000w25]

Disclaimer!

This blog was created for Daniel Henriques ENVS3000), University of Guelph. 

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph. 

The University of Guelph is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by this blog.