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Hi Raya, I really enjoyed reading your post as it brings up a different take on nature interpretation. I love animals and have seen pictures of the subject of your post but never knew much about the axolotl. I find it fascinating how much this tiny creature can help make breakthroughs in healthcare and science in terms of limb regeneration. It never occurred to me that we could examine amphibian behaviours and abilities to assist in human discoveries considering we are much closer to mammalian species. I agree with you that the topic of conservation and how ecosystems operate are important components of interpretation as they are expansive, complex and leave a lot for individual perception. The textbook briefly mentioned how wildlife refuges make for great outdoor classrooms because there is so much to explore and interpret. Expanding on your idea of environmental adaptation, ecosystems also allow us to engage in animal behaviour and interpret the causes of that behaviour through how they interact with each other. In this course, we talk about the need for historical information when we interpret because it gives us a background on a topic to create deeper meanings. When you mention Aztecs and where the name axolotl is derived from, I believe this is very valuable information that can result in a better understanding of the creature and its existence. I believe that due to the ways the ecosystem is rapidly changing, we must continue to be curious about all aspects of our environment to discover more innovative technological and lifestyle advances.

Blog #5 - Axolotls

Nature interpretations typically focus on stunning landscapes or large captivating animals with prominent features. However, sometimes the most perplexing examples come from the smaller more mysterious creatures of our natural world. The axolotl, scientifically named Ambystoma Mexicanum is one of these strange creatures; it is a unique amphibian that is fascinating to scientists and enthusiasts due to its immaculate regenerative abilities and interesting life history.   

Amphibians most commonly undergo metamorphosis from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults, compared to axolotls, which retain their juvenile features throughout their entire lives. This phenomenon is called neoteny, which allows them to remain in the water with external gills and gives them their permanent youthful appearance. They are very recognizable in freshwater ecosystems due to their wide, smile-like faces and feathery gills. 

Additionally, one of the axolotl's most amazing features is its ability to regenerate its body parts after they are removed.Compared to many animals that can heal wounds the axolotl can regrow entire limbs, parts of its heart, spinal cord and even the brain without scarring. This ability has made them an incredible focal research topic especially pertaining to the field of medicine and tissue wounds. Understanding axolotls makes researchers hopeful that one day this ability could lead to breakthroughs which would help humans in limb regrowth and organ repair. 

Natively axolotl habitats are present in the lakes of Mexico, particularly Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco. However, due to habitat destruction, pollution and the introduction of invasive species wild axolotl populations have continued to drastically decline. However, conservationists are working to maintain and protect their habitats and raise awareness about their ecological significance. 

Nature interpreters can use axolotls as an amazing example of evolutionary adaptations and ecological interconnectedness. Using their ability to thrive in freshwater habitats, the neotenic lifecycle, and their role in scientific research all provide rich topics for discussion as their adaptation is a great example of how animals adapt to their environment just like camels in the desert or how foxes and rabbits change colour in the winter to blend in and hide from predators. These provide in-depth topics for discussion because by explaining how axolotls regenerate and why they are endangered, interpreters can connect audiences to broader themes of conservation, biodiversity and the delicate balance of ecosystems. 

Furthermore, an excellent way for nature interpreters to engage audiences is through storytelling. In the example of axolotls, they are named after an Aztec god named Xolotl and he was said to turn into this amphibian to escape sacrifice. This myth, combined with their unique biology makes axolotls a fascinating subject for discussions on how mythology and science intersect in our understanding of the natural world. 

In conclusion, axolotls remind us of natural wonders hidden in the world and the importance of preserving biodiversity. Incorporating them into nature interpretation can inspire curiosity and an overall deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of freshwater ecosystems. Whether it is through their spectacular regenerative abilities, their fascinating evolutionary traits, or their urgent need for conservation, axolotls present an interesting story that provides the audience with an opportunity to look closer at the smaller but mighty creatures that are present in our world. 

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Interpreting Taylor Swift

So far in this course we have discovered interpretation through nature and art. Expanding avenues, I want to talk about interpretation in culture; specifically this era’s pop culture sensation Taylor Swift. Under all the glamorous outfits and elaborate stage sets is a singer who crafts songs with many lyrics and hidden meanings left for the listener’s interpretation. Something that has been a fan favourite pastime is decoding song lyrics for double meanings and analyzing her songs to discover the main inspiration. If there is one thing Taylor does really well, it’s leave easter eggs for her fans; usually before a major announcement. 

The textbook discusses how interpretation can be both emotional and intellectual when it comes to different values: natural, historic and artistic. While songs can be intellectual by making well-timed rhymes and technical beats, they also have an emotional component, drawing feelings from the listener (and artist). When it comes to Taylor’s songs, she has written a multitude of songs for any mood ranging from calming (August, Daylight) to the reclamation of power (Ready for it, Look what you made me do). To an artist, each song may have a primary meaning however, to the listeners; pointedly Swifties, these songs can be interpreted in various ways. For example, Swift’s song “Better Than Revenge” is about an ex-lover expressing anger towards the new partner, and many fans believe this to be the other perspective to a song on the same album “Speak Now”. Furthermore, while some songs have clear inspirations, like “Bad Blood” being about ex-rival Katy Perry or “All Too Well” which references Jake Gyllanhall, other songs like “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” are left to fan speculation with some believing she’s talking about Joe Alwyn or Matty Healy. 

It is important to understand how cultural and societal changes play a role in interpretation because our generation is naturally curious and often looks to discover hidden meanings in various aspects of our world. Another term that lends itself to interpretation is “easter eggs” which indicate subtle clues leading to a bigger reveal. 2021 was the year Taylor began re-recording her music, taking back all rights to the records. Fast forward to August 2023 in Inglewood, CA (aka. Last show of the U.S leg) Swift begins wearing a lot of blue dresses and had fans speculating about another album release. This is where Swifties put their interpretation skills to use and sure enough, she announced the release of  “1989 Taylor’s Version”. Sometimes efforts to interpret clues work in fans’ favor but other times interpretation is best left to the audience’s mind which is what happened when Swift switched her red bodysuit during the Reputation Era for a gold one and fans began interpreting this as a Reputation album announcement, but they were wrong. 

Taylor Swift can be talked about as an interpreter for the reason that she gives audiences knowledge through her music and videos but allows us to interpret that information how we want. If you talk to anyone who frequently listens to her music, you will find that people have different interpretations of the same song. Thinking about interpretation through various lenses is a crucial component to a person’s journey through nature.

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Blog #4: The Gift of Beauty

Art lends itself to interpretation in various ways from paintings, photographs, dance, etc. I like to think of myself as someone who looks for patterns and hidden messages in everything thus allowing myself to become consumed in the world of nature interpretation. There is only so much we can do when interpreting pieces of art and nature because everyone sees the world through a different lens and meanings can be construed in different ways. For most people in this class, I believe we are in the challenge by choice or voluntary categories of interpreters because we either chose this course for our program or are interested in analyzing nature. 

When interpreting nature through art, I am open to different ideas because I have met people with various ways of interpreting the same picture, written paper or scene in nature. Chapter 5 of the textbook discusses the idea of finding patterns in nature and clouds are a very good example of this. I would like to think most of us in this class have examined clouds at some point in time; looking up at them attempting to make out a figure or shape. I believe this is a great segway into nature interpretation and figuring out how to analyze your surroundings in a unique way. Another branch of interpretation is through optical illusions which allow viewers to consider if what they think they see is real at all. Earlier I said I am someone who loves to practice interpreting patterns and hidden messages so optical illusions have helped me hone my interpretation skills and bring those attributes to this course. 

The textbook introduces the “gift of beauty” as the ability and desire for people to sense beauty in their surroundings providing a spiritual uplift and encouraging resource preservation. Beauty and art is very subjective in that what one person might turn a blind eye to, another person may find it the most beautiful thing ever. To me, the gift of beauty is an experience for ourselves that we can choose to share with others to create aesthetic pleasure. I once mentioned in another post that beauty is in the eye of the beholder because viewers can have different perceptions and standards of beauty. Referring back to the cloud example, one person may look at a cloud and see an airplane while others may see a diving dolphin and both would be correct in their own ways. The world is full of natural beauty and there are many people who have special artistic talents that they can share with others. I believe that by participating in activities such as cloud watching, museum visits and painting lessons people can share the gift of beauty and give others an opportunity for interpretation. Overall, I think that we should exercise constant curiosity about nature and the beauty our surroundings have to offer us. We should always be learning and open to trying new things that introduce us to different methods of interpretation, as the gift of beauty is all encompassing; we just haven’t discovered its entirety yet. 

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Hello Sara, I think you take on nature being vast and complex is quite interesting because I often forget how widespread and intertwined nature truly is. It’s more than just trees and soil but rather a huge web of food chains and ecological systems that come full circle to give us beauty and life. I completely agree with you that beauty and art are subjective which can lead us to wonder how many ways one picture or painting can be interpreted. I found the description of the symbolism in your tree paintings very intriguing because I never considered a bare, skeletal tree in the winter representing resilience. Chapter 5 of the textbook introduces the term Genius Loci: significance of a place, which I believe applies to your idea of symbolic paintings. I think you are absolutely correct in that all we can do as interpreters is take the time to look, listen and interpret nature as we see fit in our own way. A common “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink” implies that you can give someone an opportunity but you can’t make them take it. In this course, we’ve learnt a lot about the role of interpreters and how their job is to provide information to people to assist in the interpretation process. They do this by storytelling and educating but how a person interprets a piece of art is up to them (going back to when you mentioned beauty is subjective). Overall, I think this is a really well done and thought provoking post!

Unit 4- The Art of Interpretation

Who am I to interpret nature through art? It’s a question that both humbles and motivates me. It humbles me because nature is vast, complex, and beyond any one person’s full understanding. But it also pushes me to contribute my own perspective, to engage with the landscape in a way that feels personal and meaningful.

Beauty is subjective, but how we interpret it matters. Rita Cantu once wrote, “If the songs are not sung and the stories are not told, danced, painted, or acted, our spirits will die as well.” This idea resonates with me—without creative expression, our connection to nature can fade into the background of daily life. Art, in any form, keeps that connection alive.

The Group of Seven captured this idea well, painting Canada’s landscapes with an energy that made them feel alive. Their work inspires me in my own occasional painting practice. For me, painting is more than just an artistic exercise—it’s a way to slow down and pay attention. It allows me to see nature differently, to engage with it rather than just pass through it.

I’ve always been drawn to trees, particularly how they change through the seasons. A bare winter tree standing against a blizzard isn’t just a cold, skeletal form—it’s a symbol of resilience. In spring, that same tree bursts with life, a reminder of renewal. Each season tells a different story, and painting those transformations helps me understand and appreciate them more deeply.

At its core, interpretation isn’t just about depicting beauty—it’s about helping others see it too. Whether through painting, writing, or simply noticing, we all have the ability to share our perspective and, in doing so, foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

So, who am I to interpret nature? I’m someone who takes the time to look, to listen, and to express what I see in my own way. And that’s all any of us can do. No single interpretation will ever capture the full essence of nature, but each perspective adds to the larger conversation.

Interpreting nature through art isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about engaging with the world in a way that feels meaningful. Painting reminds me to pay attention, to notice the small details, and to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me. And if that appreciation inspires someone else to do the same, then the interpretation has done its job.

A recent painting of mine captures a tree in a blizzard, inspired by the current winter weather!

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Hello Bayan! I think it’s really interesting how you compared privilege to an invisible backpack full of tools. Something I wanted to expand on was that sometimes two people are given the exact same tool (a metaphorical hammer) but one is brand new and the other is used and worn down. While both people may be able to attend university, person #1 may have the privilege to enroll at an ivy league institution while person #2 can only afford a more generalized location. I also agree with you about the cost of enjoying outdoor activities since many parks are charging an access fee and outdoor clothing stores are extremely expensive. While I understand the government needs funds to maintain the trails, charging individuals upwards of $20 to hike a trail limits access to many groups. Expanding on physical barriers to nature interpretation, I wonder if there’s a way we can make all guided tours more accessible to those who are deaf/blind or have mobility issues. Oftentimes, on tours participants have brochures providing information that is typically in English, French and sometimes Spanish but for those who speak another language there could be a way to interpret information for them as well. I believe there’s room for the possibility of a handheld electronic device that visitors can use to translate all of the information in their chosen language. While there will probably always be barriers to education and interpretation, I think you are correct in suggesting we examine our own “backpacks” to recognize our privilege and how we can help others access theirs.

Blog 3

Unpacking Privilege in Nature Interpretation

Privilege is a concept that is often not discussed in outdoor spaces, yet it profoundly influences how we interact with nature and how others experience it. To me, privilege refers to the unearned advantages or opportunities that arise from circumstances beyond our control, such as where we were born, the language we speak, or the resources we have access to. It’s like an invisible backpack filled with tools that make navigating the world easier for some people while making it more challenging for others.

In the context of nature interpretation, privilege plays a crucial role in determining who has access to the outdoors, whose voices are heard, and whose stories are told. It also impacts how individuals feel about venturing into natural spaces in the first place.

Privilege and Access to Nature

For some people, engaging with nature feels effortless; it’s something they grew up doing, learned from family, or experienced through school trips. However, others face significant barriers, including transportation issues, costs, safety concerns, and cultural perceptions regarding who belongs in these spaces. For example, the expense of outdoor gear, park entry fees, or the inability to take time off work for recreational activities can exclude individuals from enjoying the outdoors.

Language and education also play a crucial role. Many nature programs are conducted in English or assume familiarity with scientific concepts, which can exclude those for whom English is not their first language or individuals who lack access to formal education about the environment.

Reflecting on My Privilege

Reflecting on my own experiences, I recognize how privilege has influenced my relationship with nature. Growing up, I had access to green spaces, and my family valued outdoor activities like hiking and camping. I was taught essential skills such as swimming and navigation, which helped me feel more confident in outdoor settings. These opportunities were not something I earned; they were provided to me due to my circumstances.

Even something as simple as speaking English gives me an advantage in accessing nature interpretation. Most resources, guides, and interpretive programs are designed with English speakers in mind. While this isn't inherently wrong, it highlights how privilege can make certain experiences more accessible for specific groups.

Accountability in Nature Interpretation

Acknowledging privilege is not about feeling guilty; it is about being accountable. As nature interpreters, we have a responsibility to recognize our advantages and consider how they shape the experiences we create for others. For instance, whose stories do we choose to highlight? Do we include diverse perspectives, such as Indigenous knowledge systems? Are our programs accessible to individuals with varying abilities, languages, and economic backgrounds?

By reflecting on these questions, we can make nature interpretation more inclusive and meaningful for everyone. It is not enough to assume that all audiences will engage with nature in the same way. Some people may feel nervous about venturing outdoors for the first time, while others might not see themselves represented in the narratives we share.

The Way Forward

Privilege plays a significant role in determining who feels welcome. As interpreters, we need to examine our own “invisible backpacks” and actively work to eliminate barriers for others. This begins with listening to diverse voices, being mindful of our assumptions, and creating environments where everyone feels like they belong.

Nature has the potential to be a source of healing, connection, and growth, but this is only possible if it is accessible to everyone. By understanding privilege and taking steps to address inequities, we can ensure that nature interpretation is genuinely inclusive, allowing everyone the opportunity to experience the wonder of the natural world.

So, as you reflect on your own experiences, what steps can you take to make the outdoors more inclusive and accessible for others?

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Blog #3: Privilege

My definition of privilege is the advantage of more benefits over those of a particular person or group of people. In society we often talk about the hand we’re dealt in life. Some people are born more privileged than others by being a certain race/ethnicity, residing in a good neighborhood, having access to food/education and monetary wealth. This can lead to better opportunities in the workforce and fewer societal barriers. Privilege plays various roles in nature and nature interpretation from the level of education provided to the ease of access to said education. I also want to dive deeper into Darwin’s theory of natural selection and how adaptive traits contribute to privilege. 

When I think about my own privilege I consider myself very fortunate. I grew up in a family that allowed me access to various opportunities including university and travelling around the world. We also had access to a decent amount of nature in our backyard and to hiking trails around the city. This gave me the opportunity to explore my relationship with nature and grow a fondness of nature walks to improve my physical and mental well-being. I also had the privilege to work at a cafe during the summer to save up for books to educate myself, further enriching my experience with the environment around me. 

Nature interpretation is all about being able to immerse yourself in the environment which is why having access to those areas is crucial. As I mentioned above, I am fortunate to be living in an area with many hiking trails and national parks within a short drive from my house. When it comes to natural spaces, three types of privilege are: economic, geographic and physical. Oftentimes, parks will require visitors to pay a fee for using the facilities thus only allowing those who have the resources access to the park. The textbook dives deeper into economic barriers citing “the lack of personal vehicle or public transportation” (pg. 133). This can be true especially in rural areas where public transportation is scarce or even in urbanized business spaces where a car would be useful to travel to more remote locations. Additionally, some areas may have parks and trails nearby however, they are difficult to gain access to due to infrastructure or unsafe terrain conditions making them physically inaccessible. 

  Furthermore, nature interpretation encompasses the teaching of nature’s history and providing people with information to interpret on their own. If we are selective in the topics we teach or who we hire to teach them, this can lead to the feeling of exclusion. Chapter 7 of the textbook heavily discusses the idea of increasing employee diversity to include those of various ethnicities. I believe this is a major issue when it comes to privilege because if we don’t hire those with varying perspectives we won’t be educated on different versions of history. 

Lastly, I want to touch on Darwin’s theory of natural selection because I believe that adaptive traits play a big role in natural privilege. Though it doesn’t directly relate to nature interpretation, if certain species are born with more weapons or defense mechanisms they will have a better chance at survival. For example, lions are privileged in the context of nature because they are massive in size and have large claws that allow them to effectively hunt prey. Privilege comes in many shapes and sizes and can be interpreted differently by various individuals.

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Hi Alyssa, I think that’s a really interesting take on nature interpretation. I’ve always been interested in event planning but I would’ve never thought about an interpretive planner in the way of teaching ski lessons. I truly believe that immersing young children in nature and allowing them to figure out how to interpret their surroundings is a great idea for a nature interpreter and a good life skill as well. My view was as a biology teacher and I think people need to have that autonomy to interpret experiences how they would like. One thing that I regret is not going outside more often and absorbing what nature has to offer as one would being on the slopes. I find since I was a kid, there are fewer people outside playing in the snow and more people inside enjoying their electronics. However, if you were to teach lessons on various winter activities and incorporate the process of manufacturing maple syrup I think that would draw many people outdoors. I’m wondering how you might consider adjusting your teaching strategies to students with varying learning methods. I think it would be an interesting task because depending on the age range you want to teach some of the younger population may not know exactly how they are best taught and so that’s something you would have to adjust to on the fly. I thought it was interesting you mentioned being innovative by creating new activities because that’s something that should help you adapt to different learning and teaching styles. Overall, this is an interesting post that brings up a unique view on environmental interpretation.

Julia

Blog #2: My ideal role of environmental interpreter.

My ideal role of environmental interpreter would likely be an interpretative planner or designer. I have mentioned my love for winter activities and the outdoors. If I were to pursue a career of interpretation I would want to be outdoors in the snow where I am the most happy. I would create an organization of winter activities that surround interpretation. Leading ski lessons where I may relay the knowledge of the mountain, discussing the details of each run and sharing the evolution of the mountain, discussing how the landscape has changed over time. To broaden the range of individuals who may seek out this knowledge, I would incorporate a wide range of activities on either the same mountain or a number of different mountains. I could include snowshoeing, tubing, hikes, and skating. I think the best area for this to take place would be in British Columbia or Quebec. Quebec is so rich of traditions and culture that I think creating this organization here would be so interesting, not to mention very personal for me as I grew up having my own experiences in Quebec. There are so many amazing activities to do in these two provinces and so much history to uncover as well as share. I would need communication skills, creativity, research skills, environmental awareness, preservation skills, technical, management and organizational skills. I would definitely need to spend lots of time with others learning all that I can about the environment and from mentors to start this business. Additionally, if it were to grow and expand I would need to learn how to manage a team and teach them all of my own gained knowledge. I would also need to be incredibly innovative, finding new activities to do and in designing interpretative materials. To capture my audiences interest and to foster an environment conducive to their learning of nature interpretation. With this initiative I would be able pass on so much of my own knowledge and experiences while creating an environment that generates amazing memories for others. I could also impart on others the importance of conservation. This career would be incredibly fulfilling because I could combine my love for the outdoors and staying active with an impactful endeavour in making knowledge accessible and thought-provoking. Not only could I teach others new information but I would continue to learn from them as well. I have so many fond memories of being in Montreal as I was growing up, experiencing nature, learning with others, and trying so many different outdoor activities I would love to help others have similar experiences with their loved ones. I think the blending of outdoor activities with nature interpretation would grow the audience that would be interested in these experiences as well as draw others who may not be aware of nature interpretation endeavours in. I would love to pursue a career that allows me to combine my passions for the outdoors, being active, and being with people that creates amazing experiences for others.

Above is a "Cabane À Sucre", which translates to sugar shack. Quebec is known for their maple syrup and in doing so they have these sugar shacks that are full of maple syrup sweets including sugar pie, 'la tire', and maple syrup lollipops. I would love to include the process of making maple syrup, maybe during a snowshoeing route we could stop and show the sap removal process!

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Interpretive Blog #2

My ideal role of an environmental interpreter would be a biology teacher because one way I learn best is through teaching others. Currently, I am going to school to become a teacher with minors in biology and marketing which I believe will allow me to grow my interpretation skills as biology dives into the topic of nature/living organisms and marketing leaves a lot of room for interpreting various consumer decision making situations. To be a successful biology teacher, I must be knowledgeable in various areas of biology (environmental, human, viruses/diseases) and have the ability to effectively translate that information into ways young learners will understand. 

As a teacher, understanding various learning techniques is essential to ensuring students have a solid base to interpret situations. Educational interpreters have to plan lessons that cater to their group’s learning preferences. The textbook discusses two learning strategy terms: affective domain (learning at the emotional level by expressing attitudes or sentiments) and kinesthetic domain (learning through physical movement and skill development). As an interpreter, when assisting others in finding intangible meanings from tangible objects, implementing these different learning strategies is imperative to initiating thought provoking discussions and ideas. Unit 2 further discusses learning strategies, breaking them down into three sub groups: auditory, visual and tactile/kinesthetic. It is encouraged for people to take the online tests to discover what type of learner they are so they can effectively communicate as much to an interpreter. 

The role of an educational interpreter is set in a concrete building, typically with little vegetation and wildlife surrounding it allowing it few opportunities for nature interpretation. While there are opportunities for interpretation within a classroom setting, exploring environmental interpretation can prove increasingly difficult depending on location (less opportunities in urban areas compared to rural). This may require educators to think of unique lessons that allow students to take a trip into nature by travelling to a secondary location. 

Aside from the common skills that are required of teachers such as: compassion, patience, time management and leadership, they must also have the ability to adapt their lesson plans and teaching methods to the varying learning strategies of the students. Chapter 6 of the textbook is all about learning strategies and how those play a role in the ways people make interpretations. It was also discussed that interpretation is not just about telling people the meaning behind an object or image but to offer them supplementary information so they can make their own interpretations. Another essential skill is the ability to actively listen to your students and their learning needs. Some students will be able to learn just by you describing a landmark or a type of tree while others will need you to demonstrate an experiment. Actively listening to your students and asking follow up questions is very important to a successful learning experience.

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Hi Biona, my name is Julia and I really enjoyed reading your post to gain an insight on your relationship with nature; past and present. I also came from a more urbanized city that didn’t offer many secluded areas for quiet nature time. Similar to your family, we don’t really venture too far from the comforts of our house and so being immersed in nature is something I did later in life (and continue to do in Guelph). Once we built family walks into our lifestyle, I became fascinated with the idea that being outdoors can help improve not only physical but mental health as well. Something the textbook discusses is the idea of incorporating marketing into nature interpretation to make it a more enhanced experience for visitors. I’ve never been to Banff (it looks wonderful) and am wondering if you took any side tours or if there were information signs posted to educate you about the history of the lakes that you found thought provoking and impacted your interpretation? I’m also interested in your comment about how your new friends influence your sense of place. In my hometown I didn’t have many friends who enjoyed being outdoors or had lived in more rural areas of the country so my experience with pure nature (no buildings, cars, sounds) was limited. One of my roommates grew up on a farm and so she has always been more immersed in nature allowing me to gain valuable knowledge about the outdoors and what nature has to offer. If you’ve been to the arboretum I wonder what your interpretation of it is, as I haven’t been able to experience it yet; which is insane since I’m in third year. I understand there are a lot of different trails and ponds to explore. Thank you for sharing your experiences and I look forward to reading more of your great insights!

Blog #1: My Relationship with Nature

Hi everyone 🦋🏕

Welcome to my first blog post for the ENVS*3000 Winter 2025 semester!

Past Relationship with Nature Growing up, my family wasn’t particularly involved in outdoor activities. I lived in a fast-paced environment where my parents were often busy with work, and I spent most of my time at school or indoors at home. Living in the suburbs, I found it challenging to connect with nature, as there were few quiet, green spaces where I could escape and unwind. As a result, I never felt truly connected to my surroundings, and finding moments of peace in nature always seemed out of reach. As I developed a love for nature during my later teenage years, I encouraged my mom to join me on walks, even if it was just around our neighborhood. These outings gave us the opportunity to exercise, disconnect from our phones, and catch up, all of which helped reduce my stress and anxiety. One of our favorite places to walk is the Lake Margaret Trail which connects to Pinafore Park, one of the largest parks in our hometown. 

Lake Margaret Trail St Thomas, ON

The first trip that really sparked my love for nature was to Alberta, Canada. As someone who had never left my home province, I was completely captivated by Alberta’s stunning landscapes. While there, I explored various landmarks in Jasper and Banff, and was in awe of the turquoise lakes and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This was also my first experience hiking up mountains. This trip allowed me to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of nature and motivated me to incorporate more of it into my life back home.

Banff, Alberta

Me in Jasper, Alberta 2019

My relationship with nature now

As I got older and life became busier, my relationship with nature continued to evolve. With the school year being quite hectic, I often experience stress and anxiety during this time. Although Guelph is larger and busier than my hometown, I find it easier to unwind here. My roommates and I enjoy exploring new places, with one of our favourite spots being Guelph Lake where we spend alot of time during the warm months. I have also learned a lot about nature through various courses I've taken at the University of Guelph, including Ecology, Evolution, and Botany. As I have entered my 20s, I have developed a deeper appreciation for nature and the simple pleasures in life.

Guelph Lake

Who gave me a "sense of place"

It is challenging to identify exactly who has shaped my sense of place, as discussed in the textbook. Growing up with immigrant parents from Albania, who lived through communist times, created a childhood that was quite different from the one I experienced. Attending University and living away from home allowed me to become more independent and develop new routines. The friends I made during this time have significantly influenced my sense of place. Most of them were raised in rural areas and have a deeper appreciation for nature than I initially did. My experiences with them over the past three years have encouraged me to nurture my own connection to the environment.

Biona

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Interpretive Blog #1

The textbook refers to interpretation as a mission to provoke the discovery of personal meanings and connections in visitors through places, people and concepts. My current relationship with nature is good as I have developed an understanding of how nature is much deeper than what we see on the outside. It is a way for me to maintain my physical health by taking lengthy walks around the city and educate myself about the backstory of certain areas of nature such as our Arboretum. Being outside has allowed me to explore areas off the beaten path as nature and the environment is much more than what we see on a surface level. 

Nature has always had an impact on my life since I was a child. I will say that I don’t enjoy being around insects and other creepy crawly creatures however, I love everything else the outdoors has to offer. Growing up I participated in various outdoor sports including soccer, flag football, snowboarding and cross country running/skiing. Whether it was practicing my sideline catches or skiing with my family I was immersed in nature; breathing in the fresh air. As well, playing outside with my friends and sister was also something I quite enjoyed doing in my youth. Now that I’m older, I see nature as more than just trees, dirt and wildlife. It’s an opportunity for me to be with myself and reflect on my physical/mental wellbeing. Something I love to do is go for long walks whether it’s with my family on a hiking trail or by myself around the city. The textbook discusses how nature interpretation can be associated with recreational activities through music, games and adventure. For me, listening to music is something I do every moment of the day; especially when out on nature walks. There is something about wandering through nature and listening to music that is so cathartic to me. 

The textbook references raison d’être or sense of place which is the idea that interpreters or guides help guests expand their view on specific areas of nature or historic buildings by provoking them to consider a deeper meaning or past events. The people who gave me a sense of place were the tour guides on my trip to Italy because they told us about the history of major churches in Venice and showed us the expansive mountain ranges in Tuscany. 

In the image below, one may simply see lush green foliage however, our guide Nicolas allowed us to explore the history of the bike paths we rode along and what was there before us. We learnt about the different flowers and abandoned buildings that were crucial parts to the town of Pienza’s story. For me, having Nicolas explain history and anecdotes enriched my experience and made the adventure more than just a bike ride through the mountains. 

We also took a tour of St. Mark's basilica in Venice which was a gold mine of interpretation because just looking at the gold plated walls and ceilings was incredible but it left a lot of room for interpretation and thoughtful consideration of what exactly the architects were trying to tell us. There were about 1 million small tiles that created these murals, with many highlighting scenes of religious importance to Venice’s catholic history. As I move through this course of interpretation, this quote coined by Margaret Wolff Hungerford “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” rings true. 

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Disclaimer

This blog was created for Julia Thompson, 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.