jgenvs3000f23

[jgenvs3000f23]

Hey!

Amazing final post!

During your post, you touched on many topics that I relate to when thinking of my role and ethics in nature interpretations. One of the first areas you touch on is the importance of biodiversity. I love this, because as a nature interpreter, it is important to be able to speak on an environment as a whole, all of the interconnecting pieces, and how each of these pieces are equally important to the health and wellbeing of the entire ecosystem.

You also go on to speak about environmental stewardship. This is an integral topic to mention when discussing the ethics of nature interpretations. I related to this piece of your post because I also believe the connection between experiences and learning is extremely vital to the forwarding of environmental stewardship. I discuss this in my post as well, and I truly believe that these two pieces of interpretations are the most important with regards to the goals of interpretation, as well as creating more interest within the learning style. 

When reading over your responsibilities, I saw some more things I relate to. I also believe it is important to respect the areas we use to learn from. Not only do I feel responsible to protect these areas, but I feel responsible to show how the study area can connect with many daily environments and why environmental protection as a whole is a large issue today. You also touch on responsibilities to the audience. You focus on creating an enjoyable and educational experience for all, which is very important as discussed with ethics. For this to occur, I also touch on inclusion in my post to discuss my responsibilities to treat everyone fairly without prejudice, ensuring a safe and equal home for people of all races, disability/ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc.

Overall, great job with bringing forward the large morals that need to be considered in nature interpretations!

Final Blog Prompt

Nature interpretation is something that involves a profound engagement with the environment and natural world, and is something that demands a sort of self-awareness and a development of one's personal ethics. As I navigate the path of nature interpretation, my personal ethics are ever evolving, and are shaped by a set of core beliefs, unique experiences and unique responsibilities, and an overall individualized approach to a balance between education, interpretation, and inspiration. 

At the core of my personal ethics in nature interpretation are my foundational beliefs, which serve as a sort of moral compass and guiding principles for my interaction with the natural world and others. One of my fundamental beliefs is my high regard of biodiversity, and the understanding that it holds in every place on the globe, and everything on the globe as well. Everything in this natural world is interconnected, and everything relies on everything one way or another, whether it is readily apparent or not. This belief is one of the main contributors towards my personal ethics towards nature interpretation, putting biodiversity preservation at the forefront, and seeing that everything has a place in the ecosystem, even mosquitoes in the summertime. 

Another one of my fundamental beliefs is environmental stewardship, as to me, nature interpretation is a platform that can be used to educate others on the responsibilities we all have for the environment. Not only does this involve education, but also involves inspiration, as someone can be educated by uninspired, so they do not contribute towards environmental stewardship, but can also be inspired but uneducated, perhaps trying to help but not knowing how or possibly doing something harmful that they thought was good. A happy medium between education and inspiration needs to be instilled in all scenarios so that those being spoken or relayed information to stay engaged, while also being educated. 

However, ethics in nature interpretation are not all core values and foundational thought, but also action, and responsibility, and as a nature interpreter, there are many responsibilities that I believe that I have, which can be divided into responsibilities to nature and responsibilities to the audience. 

Responsibilities to nature are the set of responsibilities that I have towards the environment that go beyond observation, one of which being the obligation to reduce my ecological footprint during any interpretational activity. This involves thoughtful consideration of the environmental impact me or anyone I am with may have on the ecosystem, and taking consideration towards any sort of fragile or delicate habitat and vulnerable species. Furthermore, the responsibility for stewardship and intervention is also required. This responsibility involves not only intervening when necessary, but also understanding and being able to tell when to not intervene. Stewardship also involves actively participating in conservation efforts whenever possible. 

Responsibilities to the audience is the second part of nature interpretation, as you have to respect the environment while also participating with an audience seeking knowledge and connection. One key responsibility is communication. Accurate, scientific information is needed to be conveyed to the audience so that they can receive an understanding of the natural world, and unbiased information is needed so that they can develop their own connections with nature. It is my place to aid in interpretation, not force them to believe what I do. Furthermore, there is a responsibility to create a sense of connection with the environment. Nature interpretation should not just be all education and facts, but should be found in the hearts of those you educate and inspire. This also involves the responsibility to be able to craft inspiring narratives and be able to emotionally connect with those you interact with, and provide the ability to form meaningful relationships with nature. 

Finally, a responsibility to be able to juggle education and entertainment, while crafting narratives and creating stories is important in order to inspire, education should come first, and integrity of facts and information should not be compromised for the sake of narrative or entertainment. A balance should be formed to ensure that the audience remains engaged while accurate and scientific information is conveyed. 

While these are some of my responsibilities and my ethics, I believe that there are many approaches that are individual to me and that uniqueness should be embraced. A significant aspect of my individual approach is relatability. I believe that being able to relate to those you are talking to is the first step in education and interpretation, as by relating you make yourself seem more approachable if questions arise, you make yourself more engaging, and you have the ability to get into specifically what they are interested in if it is relevant. By blending facts with unique experiences, one can create a holistic experience that individuals feel cater to them, not some broad overarching topic that can apply to anybody. 

Furthermore, my approach embraces technology as a tool for engagement. Throughout my time as a Manual Worker for Bass Lake Provincial Park, I had found myself using technology to identify plants, animals, and all kinds of species in the park. An app called iNaturalist is one that I had frequented as I was able to see what kinds of animals my friends were identifying, as well as taking photos of animals or plants that I see and being able to identify them with a click of a button. Interactive mediums, digital databases, and photographs are all essential in creating a unique, memorable experience.

In the world of nature interpretation, personal ethics serve as a moral compass and can guide an interpreter through life, their approaches, their responsibilities, and their beliefs. The foundational beliefs can shape someone’s perspective, the responsibilities that they hold towards nature and their audience, and their unique, individualised approaches that can help their audience feel engaged, and special throughout the whole process. As I continue to develop myself and my moral compass throughout my life, I believe that my ethics serve not only as a reflection of myself, but as a commitment to the connection that is held with nature.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Hey!

Great post! Bioluminescence is such a fascinating topic; I had not even thought of this while writing my blog post. I love how you described everything in your post, bringing life and natural beauty into focus, and really enticing me to continue reading. For example, you wrote, “No, it's not a scene from a fantasy novel; it's the captivating dance of bioluminescent organisms.” I love this sentence as it shows your storytelling skills as well as your ability to draw a reader in and make the topic more interesting. These are amazing skills to have as a nature interpreter. 

I also loved how the post was not information packed, but there were still the basics included to understand the topic clearly. I still even learned new things, such as many bioluminescent creatures use this feature to attract a mate. Because I was so intrigued by the writing itself, it did not even feel like I was learning, but more like I was just reading for fun.

Thank you for creating a very pleasurable learning experience!

Weak 9 blog

Interpret (through this blog) the most amazing thing you know about nature – get us excited. This is your blog – you audience isn’t out in the field with you so bring the field to your armchair reader.

Nature, in all its splendour, never ceases to amaze us. From towering mountains to the deepest oceans, a symphony of wonders is waiting to be discovered. One of the most enchanting and mesmerizing performances in this grand production is the magical phenomenon of bioluminescence.

Imagine a moonless night, a deserted beach, and the gentle lull of the waves. Suddenly, the shoreline comes alive with an ethereal glow. No, it's not a scene from a fantasy novel; it's the captivating dance of bioluminescent organisms. These tiny, living creatures can produce light, turning the night into a canvas of natural art.

Bioluminescence is not confined to the ocean depths; it extends to the enchanting world of fireflies, those delicate insects that light up summer evenings with synchronized blinking. These insects create a dazzling light show, a biological phenomenon that has puzzled and fascinated scientists for centuries. The firefly's glow results from a chemical reaction, a perfect blend of chemistry and nature's ingenuity.

But what makes bioluminescence genuinely extraordinary is its purpose. For many of these light-producing organisms, their glow is vital to their survival. In the ocean's depths, where sunlight can't reach, bioluminescence becomes a form of communication. Fish use it to attract mates or prey, creating an otherworldly display in the darkness. On the other hand, fireflies use their bioluminescence to signal potential mates during their courtship rituals.

As we sit in our armchairs, miles away from the shores or the dense forests where these natural light shows unfold, we can't help but marvel at the interconnectedness of life. The symphony of bioluminescence is a gentle reminder that our planet is a living, breathing entity where every organism plays a unique role in the intricate dance of existence.

So, the next time you find yourself under the starry night sky or strolling along a quiet beach, take a moment to imagine the hidden world of bioluminescence. It's a world where nature becomes an artist, creating beauty that transcends our everyday reality. In the quiet darkness, let the enchanting glow of bioluminescence guide you into the heart of nature's most magical and awe-inspiring performances.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Unit 10 Blog Post

This is your last required blog post – but note that it is worth two submissions so please double your response and respond to twice as many of your peers’ posts.

Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?

After a semester of learning and growing as a nature interpreter, I have developed a clear understanding of my personal ethics, responsibilities, and the related approaches I would take to fulfill these moral obligations. These obligations stem from a combination of environmental stewardship and the associated interpersonal work utilized.

One of the main goals of nature interpretation as outlined in the textbook is to encourage environmental stewardship through the responsible use of resources and the protection of natural environments. To encourage stewardship and protection is to encourage more people to join the fight in protecting our planet. To me, this means the more people I can teach about responsible living and traveling, the more conservation and interpretation that will take place. Many people believe that all change begins with education, and that is how I believe nature interpretation aids the most. I believe that once you are in the position of being an educator of the natural world, you are also in a position where ethically, you are responsible for educating on what has happened to our world and how to protect it in the future. 

As an interpreter, you have three main environmental protection pillars (depending on location). There is wildlife, plant life, and the Earth and abiotic structures/processes. All three of these categories are integral pieces of the natural world. Some people may have a stronger connection to one than others, but all must work in harmony to create a beautiful environment. I believe that due to the intertwined behavior of these categories, as well as the substantive role each of these plays in an environment, I have a responsibility to interpret in such a way that teaches about each of these pieces, explains their connections, and encourages their protection.  

On a typical day for a nature interpreter, there are often hundreds or even thousands of people watching and learning from you. Each of these people has different backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, religions, values, etc. As an interpreter, I believe that each and every person who visits should be treated fairly, equally, and with respect, regardless of who they are. The only time when someone may be seemingly favoured over others, should be in moments of connection when a visitor is asking questions or receiving one on one instruction. These moments should also be spread amongst group members to encourage fairness in an experience. 

Another responsibility of interpreters that can sometimes be tricky when trying to ensure a fair experience for everyone is to do your best to ensure everyone is enjoying the experience. I believe this is important because as mentioned previously a large role of nature interpreting is to encourage environmental stewardship. As discussed in the textbook, visitor enjoyment is crucial because when visitors are having fun and enjoying their experience, there is a much greater chance that they will learn new things and thus care more about conserving the area than if they did not enjoy their time. Obviously, not everyone will be satisfied every time, but it is important to do what you can whenever possible to increase enjoyment. With regards to delivery, If I were to work as an interpreter, this may look like having a few different lesson plans depending on the group I am working with, having a variety of different activities to cater to varying interests and abilities, and responding and adapting to feedback. 

If I were to work as an interpreter, I believe my most suitable role would be in person, in an outdoor natural park or museum. In this environment, I would be able to provide a highly enjoyable experience for everyone, while remaining fair, inclusive, and encouraging environmental protection. I believe that first-person interpretation will always have the strongest impact on a person when compared to alternatives such as books, videos, and podcasts where the recipient only has one resource to learn from. First-person interpretation immerses the visitor in their natural environment, an experience that is untouched by the alternatives. Some things I would implement to ensure participant enjoyment would be a pre-questionnaire to get a better sense of visitor ability levels, as well as general subject interests. This would provide me with a baseline to decide on a lesson plan to follow for the interpretation. I would also have a variety of reading, auditory, and hands-on experiences, to allow people with varying learning styles and abilities to engage fully in the experience. 

Clearly, the task of environmental interpretation is tough, especially when considering the various pressures constantly put on you. It is extremely important to encourage environmental stewardship, but it is equally important to ensure visitor enjoyment. I believe that these ethical responsibilities drive me as a nature interpreter to do the best I can for both visitors and the Earth.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Unit 9 Blog Post

Interpret (through this blog) the most amazing thing you know about nature – get us excited. This is your blog – your audience isn’t out in the field with you so bring the field to your armchair reader.

As someone who loves geography and Earth processes, one of the most amazing things in nature to me is erosion. Erosion is the natural breaking of sediment and natural structures over time due to processes such as wind, moving water, and chemical reactions. The reason I love erosion is because often this process results in unique and breathtaking landscapes. One of my favourite natural landforms is the Niagara Escarpment, which was largely formed by erosion. I will discuss this landform further in hopes of exciting you by what our world has to offer and how close these beautiful areas may be thanks to various types of erosion. 

The Niagara Escarpment is a region that spans throughout Ontario and the Southern USA; however, I am largely interested in the portion from Niagara Falls to Tobermory, ON. This escarpment is over 200 feet tall and was formed by sediment deposition and subsequent erosion over millions of years. Some notable areas that can be found along this escarpment are Niagara Falls, Elora Gorge, and Bruce Peninsula. 

How did erosion help in the development of the escarpment? Essentially, the top layer of the escarpment is very strong rock that cannot be eroded easily. Below this, are much weaker rock types which can easily be broken down over time by various erosion processes such as water, wind, and chemicals. This leads to the beautiful and famous tourist regions mentioned above, as often this erosion causes large cliff structures and waterfalls. 

To dive into the beauty of these areas I will start with Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is a very large waterfall located in Southern Ontario. This waterfall is very famous due to its large height, as well as the huge abundance of water that falls at any given moment. This natural wonder is extremely beautiful and was created by the same erosion of sediment over time.

The Elora Gorge is located only about 20km north of Guelph and is another location with beautiful scenery. This area has very tall cliff faces with a beautiful river running at the bottom. This steep valley was caused due to the river eroding over time, eventually all the way down to where it can be seen today. This area also is home to beautiful waterfalls thanks to the flow over the Niagara escarpment. 

Another beautiful location along the Niagara escarpment is Bruce Peninsula National Park. On the Northern end of the Niagra Escarpment, you will find similar huge cliff faces, but this time, overlooking clear and vibrant blue waters. This area is famous for its beautiful swimming areas on gorgeous Georgian Bay. 

Personally, I have been to all of these locations multiple times and I cannot express how truly beautiful they are. No picture or video will ever capture the overwhelming size, beauty, and detail that can be seen when visiting in person.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Unit 7 Blog Post

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

As a follow-up, what song takes you immediately back to a natural landscape? What is the context? 

Music and nature are much more intertwined than one might think. From the way different animals communicate, to different sampling of weather such as rain sounds. The first thing I think of when someone talks about music in nature is the beautiful bird songs you can hear in the mornings. The melodies of these chirps and tweets have a very calming aspect that many people, including myself, enjoy when starting their day. In terms of human-made music in nature, I often think of a speaker on a dock at a cottage up north. The atmosphere of being outdoors with your favorite music, on a warm summer day, especially when surrounded by beautiful scenery, is simply unbeatable. It is fairly common knowledge that aspects of nature, as well as aspects of music, can influence a person's mood, so when these two are put together with the right conditions, the outcome is one that can be very serene and uplifting. 

When I think of nature in music, I first came to the discovery of nature sampling. This is when artists record various sounds in nature (animals, weather, natural processes, etc) and use these sounds in their music. One example of this is in the Olivia Rodrigo song “1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back.” Throughout the entirety of the song, there is a loop of birds chirping in the background. This adds a calming effect to the song as the chirps are most audible during the intro, similar to how birds chirping can set the tone for one's day. Another way nature is used in music is through song lyrics. Many songs that use the symbolism of nature to portray messages. An example of this can be seen in the song “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstong where he sings “Well, I see trees of green and red roses, too. I’ll watch them bloom for me and you…” This song is known for its powerful messages of hope and optimism which can be seen largely through the symbolism of nature. 

The song that can immediately take me back to a natural landscape would be “the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding. This song is one that would frequently be played on camping and other road trips with my family. As soon as I hear the chorus, I get flashes of the beautiful Canadian shield that I have driven past countless times or imagery of various calm lakes. The way something as simple as a song can trigger a flow of memories about different locations is amazing and really shows how the artistic world of music meets and connects with the natural beauty of our planet.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Hey!

I loved reading your post, and I can definitely relate to some of what you're feeling. With it getting colder out and dark sooner, I find myself wanting to leave the house less too, as if the world is telling me you must stay at home under blankets to achieve a similar warmth you once had and bedtime is now 6:00 pm. While these feelings do not go away, I wanted to reply to you because I essentially wrote a post about how much I love fall so I thought the contrast would be interesting to talk about. 

One thing you mentioned is how the greenery and warmth of summer push you to be outside more. In contrast, I spoke about how the beautiful fall colours and cooler temperatures can get me outside and exploring. We also both touched on a spiritual aspect of fall where we both see it as a finale to summer; however, I see it as a reward and tool to be outside more and help me be more social, and it seems as if you see it as more of a trigger to become closed off; almost complete opposites. On that note, I urge you to take a look at my post because I have included many different aspects of fall that I love to enjoy, and I even talked about how to look on the bright side of colder and shorter days. Maybe there will be something to give you a fresh perspective on the season and bring you out of your hermit mode!

Blog Post 5:  How the Transition from Summer to Fall Affects One’s Mood

No prompt this week

Hi everyone! Since there is no prompt this week I’ve decided to write about the often overlooked, but very real phenomenon of weather affecting one’s mood, particularly the shift from summer into fall. Summer is my favorite season not only because of the warm weather, but the busy days spent working outside and late nights out with friends. I personally find the transition from summer into fall quite difficult as it often results in falling into an unintentional hermit mode. 

Summer, with its long, sun-soaked days and vibrant energy, often fills us with a sense of adventure and freedom. The clear skies and the lush greenery inspire me to explore the great outdoors, whether it's hiking in the mountains or lounging on the beach. The cheerful warmth of the sun, the carefree mindset accompanied with school ending for the year, and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers create a tapestry of positive emotions. I feel alive and vibrant, recharging my spirit. I also feel that my social life blossoms in the summer and simmers down as the school year starts. 

However, as the summer sun begins to mellow, giving way to cooler temperatures and shorter days, our moods can subtly shift. The anticipation of fall evokes a unique sense of nostalgia and reflection. The trees shed their leaves, creating a colorful carpet of reds, oranges, and yellows. It's as if nature itself is painting a masterpiece to mirror the complexities of our emotions. The once-playful atmosphere of summer gradually evolves into a sense of serenity.

I've realized that this serenity allows me to feel all the emotions that I pushed to the side over the span of my busy summer. I find myself subconsciously falling into a hermit mode during the fall season. My hermit period encompasses withdrawing myself from several relationships, people, and hobbies. This period allows me to re-evaluate where I’m at in my life and if each relationship, person, and hobby is serving me and my highest good. I only realize I’ve distanced myself from my relationships once my friends start asking about Halloween plans and appreciate how much I missed their presence. I believe this period that reoccurs every fall season is largely due to the change in weather and the physical and emotional shedding that is associated with fall. I often relate this time of year to a melancholic or gloomy tone, however, I have grown to appreciate the emergence of these emotions that have been suppressed the rest of year. I believe this time of year is the most formative and important to me as I find myself advancing the most in personal growth at this time. 

In conclusion, the changing seasons, particularly the transition from summer to fall, play a significant role in shaping our mood and emotions. While the shift from vibrant, energetic summer to the serene, reflective aura of autumn may initially bring about a sense of melancholy, it ultimately allows us to embrace change, tradition, and the beauty of life's impermanence. As we adjust to the ebb and flow of nature's rhythms, we find solace and growth in the ever-turning wheel of the seasons.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Unit 5 Blog Post

How are you enjoying nature today?

This week there is no prompt or question to answer so I have decided to talk about what I am currently fascinated by in nature. With the weather getting colder again, fall is in full swing here in Guelph. While the shorter days and cooler temperatures may be welcomed by some, fall brings a ton of new beauty to nature. Mine and many others’ favourite part of fall is the leaves changing colours everywhere. These pops of warmth that line the sky make for beautiful scenery for the month of October. There is only a short time span while these colours are at their best, so I try to appreciate them every time I go outside during October. In Guelph, we are lucky that there are many locations to view fall beauty. Some of my favourites currently are the Arboretum at U of G, Royal City Park, and Riverside Park.

One of my favourite things to do during the fall is to visit northern Ontario. With changing colours as far as the eye can see, reflecting off of lakes and rivers, and dotted by sections of Canadian shield, the views are absolutely stunning. When I was younger, my family would often go on an October camping trip to see the fall colours. If you have not been yet, I strongly encourage you to take a trip north one year when the colours are at their peak. Even a day trip with a few good hikes or tours would be enough to appreciate much of the scenery. These trips were some of my favourite memories with nature and fall is definitely still my favourite time of year to go camping.

I have always found these colours to be a sort of closing on summer, a little reward for surviving months of heat/humidity and sunburns; similarly, how spring blooms would be a reward for surviving a brutal winter. With temperatures in the low double digits consistently, now is the perfect time to go exploring in nature and enjoy all the new colours. You can hike endlessly without being too warm or cold, with almost no bugs in sight; another benefit of fall. Something I was shared as a way to look on the bright side for these shorter days, is we now get to see many more sunsets. With sunsets occurring around 6:30 pm, we are often still out and about and able to catch more sunsets than when they are after 9:00 pm. Furthermore, while this may be something that is of more interest to me than others, sunset is now the perfect time to have a nice patio dinner with friends or a picnic with your significant other to truly take in all fall has to offer. I hope you all are making the best of your fall season!

[jgenvs3000f23]

Hey!

I loved reading your post on art and beauty in nature. In the beginning you spoke about how we now move at a much faster pace than previously and often take in nature through social media and photographs. I definitely agree with you there, and I find that while beneficial to be able to see so many different environments at the tips of your fingers, this ease of access has made people less receptive and appreciative of the fine arts and in person viewing of nature. I have also seen a negative impact from social media in that often the images posted are of a specific location, with perfect weather, and likely heavily edited. This means that when people do decide to visit a location, they are often let down by what they see, instead of being able to appreciate the beauty that very much still exists. 

In my post I talked about how when I was required to draw a detailed picture of a beetle, it helped me gain a deeper appreciation for the time and dedication put into many works of art. Being able to see each detail an artist has put into a piece and how much work it truly takes, provides a deeper understanding of how unique, intricate, and beautiful nature can be. I like how you mentioned that some of the art from the Group of Seven refreshed your outlook on certain landscapes, as this is exactly how I feel when examining and appreciating natural art.

Post #4

Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”?

 Art is an effective way to capture and share a moment in time. Most people engage in this activity almost daily through the act of taking pictures with their phone. Subsequently, the possibility of sharing them through posting on social media widens the range this art can reach. Through my role as an interpreter, the creation and sharing of art, visual or otherwise, can foster a deeper connection with the subject of interpretation. Modern life moves at a pace much faster than we have ever previously lived. As such, some have observed a decline in imagination and compassion in the youth. This poses a challenge for interpreters as the position requests the imagination of its constituents to visualize how things may have looked in the past, as well as how the present might affect the future. Personally, I have little experience in creating any visual arts, however, I have always enjoyed experiencing it in galleries and museums. On the other hand, I have long enjoyed playing and writing music. I picked up the guitar at a young age and since then have learned to play the bass and drums as well. While I have never tried interpreting nature through music, I do not think it is outside of the realm of possibilities. In the early 20th century composer John Cage wrote some pieces inspired by his time identifying and foraging mushrooms. One of these pieces included a “silent symphony” which was meant to draw the audiences’ attention to minute noises that are often overshadowed by life’s daily cacophony. I believe a similar approach would be useful to draw people’s attention to the often overlooked, minute details in nature.

Using art to interpret nature is an astute mode of instilling desire to sense the beauty of our surroundings. I believe there is beauty in all landscapes if you know where and what to look at. Art, in any medium, can highlight these sources of beauty for an audience thus providing greater ability to see what beauty is already there. An example given in the unit module was the Group of Seven. A group of Canadian impressionist painters that captured the landscapes of Algonquin park. The windblown conifers and exposed bedrock of the Canadian shield invokes a sense of patriotism for the plethora of natural beauty held within our borders. By the time I had discovered the works of the group of seven I had already visited Algonquin, among other parks, a few times. However, the paintings still provided me with a refreshed outlook on these landscapes. Furthermore, the paintings encouraged me to continue camping in these parks with a newfound respect for the resources the hold. I believe these works would have had similar effects on Canadians since their creation. Additionally, the passion for nature cannot only be seen in the works of the artists but also their actions as Canadian citizens. Two of the groups’ members were even instrumental in the conception of Killarney Provincial Park. Art works in many ways to instill the gift of beauty. In doing so it provides space to realize natural beauty and encourage the preservation of its resources.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Unit 4 Blog Post

Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”?

The beauty of nature has been a fascination of mine from as far back as I can recall. As mentioned in previous posts, I was always playing outdoors as a kid, and jumped at opportunities to go hiking, camping; anything outdoors or nature related – I was interested. I loved looking at diverse views and landscapes, examining different plant life in everyday outings, interacting with animals, both wild and domesticated, and even collecting insects for a short period. The underlying interest for much of this investigation stems from the intricate and diverse beauty to be found in nature  

When I was 10, I saved up money from my newspaper route to be able to buy a cheap smartphone. While very basic, this phone still ran an Android operating system, thus it had access to the internet, apps, camera, etc. While 10 is young for a phone, some of the main reasons I wanted it was to use the internet for interest-based learning and to use the camera to take pictures of my experiences. This paid off quickly as I now have a plethora of memories and experiences to look back on, from a very young age. The first summer I had this phone, my family and I went on a hike in Algonquin Park and I found it so amazing that I could not stop taking pictures. This hike was fairly short; however, it had multiple scenic lookout spots along the trail to take in the natural beauty. Attached below is a picture I took at one of these lookout spots 11 years ago. This is not a new concept as a common way people capture the beauty of nature is through photography. 

A major goal of interpretation is to encourage the protection and respectful enjoyment of natural environments. To make someone care about the environmental preservation of a location, we must first make them interested in the location which we want to protect. This means natural beauty is often the first and most influential factor for interpreters to use to make their point. Photography, as previously discussed, is a great way to capture natural beauty to be used for further interpretations when the location in question is inaccessible. Another way is through other artistic mediums such as drawing and painting, which can provide even more depth in that it is hard to overlook the detail and time consumption needed for each project. In one of my courses, I was requested to draw an insect or plant of my choice in detail, and then label the parts of the organism. While completing this assignment, I discovered a newfound appreciation for natural art as it took me over an hour to complete the drawing attached below. Furthermore, it allowed me to gather a greater appreciation for the beauty of the insect I was drawing as I had to continuously examine each tiny detail to ensure anatomical correctness. 

While there are many ways to instill “the gift of beauty,” I believe the most influential technique is first-hand observation. To explain to someone why coral reefs need to be protected by showing a picture of alive vs. dead coral is going to have a substantially lower impact than taking them diving to see the damage first hand. No matter how it is shown, “the gift of beauty” in nature interpretation is evident throughout the field and is crucial to preserving the natural world.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Disclaimer

This blog was created for 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.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Hey Mohammed!

I loved reading your post; it seems we had some common thoughts with this prompt. To touch on a bit of both of what you said, I grew up in a low-income family in Barrie, ON. This means I was very close to many different natural features such as the Blue Mountain range which I would hike with my sister once she was old enough to drive us. I also was very close to different lakes and beaches and was able to take advantage of all the beauty and fun that can be found in such environments. 

This also means I got to see different kids go snowboarding every weekend while I stayed home to work. Or I’d see kids water skiing off the back of a yacht while I’d just be building sand castles or swimming at the beach. In another scenario, we’d go camping once a year in Algonquin Park in our beat-up minivan, stopping at different museums and visitor’s centres throughout. While I loved the views and the different new things I’d learn every time, I couldn’t help but long to go into the special screenings and presentations which were available for extra fees. Again I enjoyed the privilege of being able to see such beautiful landscapes that many others do not ever experience, but doing so and being splashed in a rented canoe by a speed boat passing by puts privilege right into perspective.

Blog 3

Blog Prompt:

What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation? Please include your working definition of privilege

Let's start off by addressing the term itself, Privilege. The term which clicked in my head was “advantage”. Privilege could come off as something a person has which was unearned. Now, coming to the main question as in what role does it play in nature interpretation??  It could take form in many ways. In my view, privilege is the silent benefactor, endowing certain individuals or groups with advantages, access, and opportunities based on factors like socio-economic status, cultural background, or education. Those with greater economic means often find themselves with the keys to pristine landscapes, national parks, and secluded natural retreats. It's a privilege that allows for encounters with nature at its untouched best.

 Privilege, it seems, extends to those who've had the privilege of quality education and access to information resources. A deeper understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity becomes a lens through which to interpret the intricate dance of nature. Hiking, camping, wildlife observation—these activities are often privileges reserved for those with the means to pursue them. As I revel in the beauty of a mountain sunrise or the quiet serenity of a forest, I can't help but acknowledge that these moments are not equally accessible to everyone. Privilege colors the lens through which we view these recreational pursuits, influencing the depth of our connection with nature. 

[jgenvs3000f23]

Unit 3 Blog Post

What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation? Please include your working definition of privilege.

Though often seen as a sensitive topic, privilege is evident in every aspect of our lives. Just the fact that I am writing this post from Canada (as well as many of my classmates), a first-world country, means I have a plethora of privileges that can be easily taken for granted. I define privilege as an inherent advantage possessed by a specific person or group. When connecting this to nature interpretation, we need to look at how privilege impacts consumers as well as interpreters. 

When focusing on consumers, a large portion of privilege can stem from their location. Nature interpretation occurs everywhere; however, I would argue that having a mountain range or ocean in your backyard would be considered a privilege. For some people, they may have access to many amazing natural landscapes within a short drive. For myself, growing up in Barrie, I had access to 2 lakes and 4 beaches within a 10-minute drive, I had the Blue Mountains 30 minutes away, Wasaga Beach 20 minutes west, and Muskoka 30 minutes North. Now living in Guelph and having less lake access, and the north being, well further north, I can definitely see the location privilege I had growing up. This means that I myself, could access a variety of natural wonders very easily and was exposed to them at a young age. For others, living in more urban and southern communities, the first time they go camping or hiking a mountain may be at a much older age or even not at all. This privilege of location allows for unique experiences and interests between individuals.

Another large impact for consumers that may come along with location is wealth privilege. Wealth is a huge privilege as many experiences within nature interpretation are costly. For example, touring a national or provincial park comes with the associated travel and boarding costs, many tours themselves cost money, many museums have fees, and what is seen even more these days is additional costs at these locations for premium experiences. Essentially, the wealthier you are, the more knowledge you can access. Having the privilege to access these programs is an extreme advantage within the field of nature interpretation.

Looking at interpreters, privilege must be considered when with a group of participants. For some members of the group, they may be learning the same or similar information they have heard multiple times as they have been to other similar experiences or often this is a repeat trip for them. These are the people who have either location privilege, wealth privilege, or both.  On the other hand, there may be people in the group who are visiting Canada for the first time or people who have finally saved enough money and have never seen or heard about the information in question. In this instance, It is important for an interpreter to be able to recognize the difference in people's privilege to provide a fun, meaningful, and respectful experience for everyone involved. The two examples touched on here were used as broad and obvious examples within the subject, though privilege can be seen in different shapes and forms and thus can have many other implications within nature interpretation.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Hi Maddy,

I loved reading about your ideal role in helping children learn about their environment! I chose a similar role in that as an environmental interpreter, I would like to be a visiting demonstrator in classes of all ages. With a focus on environmental conservation, I would bring in hands-on equipment to make learning more fun and exciting. I liked what you said about children being the future because that is one of the main reasons I chose this pathway. I feel that by educating youth on current environmental issues, there will be greater interest in the industry, thus building a framework to hopefully aid in future environmental action. 

I also love your idea of taking the kids outside to explore instead of staying indoors. Being able to connect learning with your surrounding environment is very special and interesting. While I think this is amazing, I can definitely see how it could become difficult to handle depending on group size and age. This is primarily why I chose a career path to focus my lessons as in-class presentations, to reduce the liability and stress I would likely incur. 

I also liked what you said about encouraging curiosity in children. This is so important as kids love asking questions, they just need someone who likes answering them and sharing their knowledge like you said. I believe that hands-on activities such as working in a forest in your career choice or working with models in mine, would stimulate more questions and curiosity as children would have a greater picture of what they are learning about.

Blog #2

Describe your ideal role of environmental interpreter. What might it entail? Where might it be? What skills might you need?

My ideal role as an environmental interpreter would include working with children preferably, after all they are the future! I imagine working with small groups teaching about the importance of nature and how it plays a role in our lives whether we realize it or not. I would specifically love to teach about turtles as so many kids are afraid of snapping turtles and being able to turn that fear into respect would be great. Turtle conservation also happen to be a passion of mine.

With so many kids nowadays being more attached to their screens than anything, it's so important to give them the opportunity to explore nature and encourage questions. Whether their questions are about animal poop (a classic kid question) or what plants are safe to eat in the forest it's important to encourage these curiosities so they continue to grow.

I have always loved kids and am comfortable interacting with them but its not an easy task. A challenge with this job would be holding their attention and keeping them interested. That where knowledge from this class would come in handy like knowing different learning styles and how to adjust your method of communication based on your audience.

Being able to do something like this where I live would be ideal as it has many opportunities for learning in nature with minimal risk for the kids and nature with an abundance of turtles!

With a mom as a kindergarten teacher I can imagine some of the problems I would run into working with small children, however being able to share my knowledge (however limited) with kids is always a fun experience and is something I feel is so important.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Unit 2 Blog Post

Describe your ideal role of environmental interpreter. What might it entail? Where might it be? What skills might you need? (Keep these all-in mind as you begin to work on your assignments – tailor these to that ideal job!)

My ideal role in environmental interpretation would be to visit classrooms of all ages to do different hands-on environmental lessons. When I was much younger, around the age of 8, my school had a demonstration involving watersheds, pollution, soils, and various other environmental topics. Each of these demonstrations involved various hands-on apparatus to display the concepts. Students were given the opportunity to try out all the different learning tools while being able to ask questions at the same time. This unique experience was very exciting for the whole class as we were able to have tons of fun while still learning many new concepts. If I were to become one of these visiting interpreters, I would love to see the joy on everyone's faces as they realize learning can be fun and does not always have to involve sitting at a desk. 

Specifically, I would likely want to focus on environmental conservation and climate change. This is because I am deeply passionate about the state of the Earth, and I believe that change begins with education; if 1 student from each class or school I attend grows up to work in environmental conservation, I would feel more than successful. This could look like hands-on experiments showing the effects of various pollutants, showing how temperature change can affect water volume (ice caps melting), or even showing how to make your home more green by teaching basic gardening and composting skills. The options are endless and that is one of the main reasons I find it so exciting. For even more diversification, my lessons could be more tailored to current events and issues when speaking with older classes, yet more simple and fun for younger classes. This constant change of work type and location would surely make for a very interesting position. 

To accomplish this role of a visiting nature interpreter, I would likely need to obtain a teaching degree. While not needed for every type of position I would be interested in, a degree in teaching would provide me with useful knowledge and experience for becoming an educator. Furthermore, a teaching degree would portray me as a more credible and qualified candidate. If I decided to work for a company, I likely would not need many other skills than my current environmental science degree and a teaching degree; however, if I decided to start my own business it would be a little more complex. I would likely need to gain a greater understanding of the business world through a certificate or supplementary program to have a better understanding of finance and management. Furthermore, I would need to develop some artistic or hands-on skills that would be needed to design and build many of the learning apparatus. The plus side to the more difficult task of starting my own business would be that expansion is limitless, meaning with the right strategies I could be educating thousands of students a week on environmental conservation. While I did not see myself as a natural interpreter before, this career path would be something I find very interesting and I may have to look more into it as a future option.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Hi Eric,

I loved reading about your experiences with nature from a young age, and I can definitely see many connections to my upbringing as well. When I was in kindergarten, around the same age as you in your first anecdote, my teacher did a life cycle of a monarch butterfly project with us. In this project, she brought in a terrarium with a monarch caterpillar, and over the year we watched as it cocooned and eventually emerged as a beautiful monarch butterfly. This was so fascinating to me at the time that I ended up getting a small terrarium to collect caterpillars in as well. I would find the perfect sticks and leaves just for such a small creature to be happier so I can understand how you feel looking back on those moments. 

I also found it neat that both of us were offered a sense of place by our fathers. While not necessarily in the same way, my dad is less focused on the natural sciences and more so on the culture or history of the location. I would often listen to him talk about different locations and how he can remember when they were all forest or farmland and now are urban centres. Another experience is when camping he’d take us to the best lookout points just for us to appreciate how lucky we are to have such beautiful nature in Canada. 

While I cannot relate as much with the rest of your post, I think it is so impressive that you have been vegetarian for such a long time! I hope to read more about your experiences this semester.

Blog Post #1

I have always had an interest and need to connect with nature ever since I was a child but my care for it has evolved over the years. My earliest memories interacting with nature were when I started collecting snails and caterpillars at probably just 4 years old. My mom would buy me small plastic containers for me to house the critters I collected. One of my favourite things to do with the snails was poke their little eyes on the tip of their stalks and watch as they recede into the body of the snail. It is funny to look back and think how interested I was in such a small uncleanly creature. I would put grass and rocks in the container hoping that it would make the space more comfortable for the snails or to provide food for them. 

When I was in grade 6 I decided to go vegetarian as I could not deal with the ways that animals were killed for food. I later learned how much the meat industry impacts the environment and specifically land usage. I wish the world could be like it was before humans urbanized the planet, but nature could have so much more room if people just changed their diet. 

The summer after grade 10 I worked as a gardening assistant at a food centre. At this point in my life I hadn’t put in an hour of gardening so this was a learning curve. I not only learned what plants look like before we consume them, but I also learned the diseases they interact with and the pests that consume them. Gardening isn't as simple as one might think, you have to work with nature and respect its boundaries. My relationship with nature became more spiritual with this job. The energy moves through the soil and into the plants and then we eat these plants as the final process. Those cells are broken down and become part of our cells, we make DNA out of their DNA, it is quite fascinating. 

On my trip to Hawaii this year I was able to connect with nature in a different way than before. I spent many hours snorkelling on the surface of the ocean just staring down at the reef which was teeming with life. There were so many different kinds of corals and sea stars that I have only been able to see in an aquarium but here they were out in nature where they may have been for millions of years. I found myself drifting over the reef in awe every time I went snorkelling. 

Throughout my life, my dad has offered me a sense of place in nature. He has always loved going on family hikes and sharing his knowledge about the surrounding area. I remember one time we walked past this giant boulder at the bottom of a hill in a forest and he described how it would have been brought there by a glacier.

[jgenvs3000f23]

Unit 1 Blog Post

Describe your current relationship with nature. How has this developed/evolved? Who offered you “a sense of place,” as described in our textbook?

My current relationship with nature is one which has come with many ups and downs over the years. I am a person who is very cautious when it comes to nature, in that I will always check the weather ahead of time, I will have all the resources I need for any area I may be exploring, and I will exercise extra caution in newer environments. We all know that much of nature is beautiful to explore and observe, it provides many essential resources for life, and it is extremely diverse and interesting to study. We also know that while some things may be pretty to look at in nature, they are very dangerous to touch (i.e. poison ivy); resources such as water may be beautiful and a necessity for life, but open water and fast moving streams have proven to be deadly when people are underprepared. The oxymoronic attributes of nature have always intrigued me and largely attributes to my cautious relationship with nature. 

 From a young age, I was always outside whenever possible - be it running around the playground in the centre of the court I lived on, playing in the forest behind my elementary school, or having some winter fun in the snow. While it’s clear I Ioved being outdoors and enjoying the various aspects of nature, there were also many aspects I did not enjoy. As a redhead, I learned very early on some of the dangers nature is capable of, as I cannot remember a summer when I did not receive at least one severe sunburn during the season. This put into perspective to me at a very young age that while nature is beautiful and has so much to offer us, there are also many dangers that must be considered to have safe fun in the great outdoors. This relationship of appreciating nature, while remaining safe has allowed me to enjoy many different landscapes with various dangers in a more careful manner to reduce risks of injury. 

While these sunburns may have begun the development of my relationship with nature, my ‘sense of place’ was discovered around the same time while camping with my family for the first time. During this trip my dad took us all on a small hike alongside a river with a long section of dangerous rapids. At the age of 4, I was seeing these landscapes for the first time, and I remember finding it stunning to look at. Due to my fascination, my dad offered to take me off the trail to get some better views if I promised to be careful. As a typical four year old, I was less than careful, and within 5 minutes, I had found myself unbalanced and falling, at about a 45° angle on the edge of a cliff, staring at a 50 foot fall into rapids. Luckily my dad was behind me and grabbed me by the shirt before I fell. This very close call initially allowed me to appreciate the new and uniqueness of the rapids and make connections to the little streams by my house. I was also then able to learn some of the dangers of different natural processes, showing how easy it is to get hurt without proper precautions. The combination of beauty and danger that nature presents has played a large role when finding my sense of place and has developed my relationship with nature immensely.