rhenvs3000

[rhenvs3000]

Hey Agam!

Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so glad you enjoyed my post! I also like how you want to work with nature through science! Both are so interconnected and I personally believe that environmental science is going to be one of the most important fields when it comes to helping change our ways for the better! As mentioned in Chapter 21 science is interconnected with nature interpretation with many National Parks employing a science staff, which I personally think would be a really interesting job (Beck et al., 2018)!

I also wanted to thank you for sharing the video of Matthew White's TEDx Talk. It honestly made me so happy and inspired to see someone so young having such a passion and determination about saving the environment. It really furthered my belief that we are capable of anything and that sharing our knowledge and passion with others is one of the real drivers of motivation and inspiration.

I think one of my favourite things about watching such young speakers stand up and do something is that it shows us just how much we're capable of. I mean if a child can do it so can I!

What was your favourite part of the video?

Let me know!

Robyn :))

References:

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

Why Be A Nature Interpreter? – An Inside Perspective

“Being an environmental educator in today’s world feels like you are asked to stop a rushing river armed only with a teaspoon.” (Rodenburg, 2019)

So why do people do it?

For me, it’s making a difference. As a kid I was so impacted by the environmental crises I learned about, that it made me determined to do something to help.

I originally thought nature interpretation wasn’t that important. If anything, it was an old parks tradition, in an interesting but dying industry. It didn’t take long for me to realize how wrong I was.

As an interpreter your goal is not just to explain what people are seeing, but give it relevance, and use it to inspire and educate. You aim to spark interest, revealing deeper meanings of what your interpreting, all while putting it in an education and entertaining format, as shown in The Gifts of Interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). While it may seem like a large responsibility nature interpretation, for me at least, is an opportunity to create the same motivation for change in others, that I had received by learning about the world’s environmental issues.

Blue Gold : World Water Wars (Trailer) (Sam Bozzo, 2008). The documentary I watched in grade 7 that taught me about the world water crisis and motivated me to help the environment.

It’s importance is critical as there are so many people that are unaware of the problems our environment is facing, or even the importance of the environment itself. Barriers such as communication, culture, and economic status prevent many people from learning about and connecting with nature and thus preventing them from protecting it (Beck et al. 2018).

That’s why I believe there is more to nature interpretation than people think. It’s a job that is so much more rewarding and complex than providing explanations. As a budding interpreter my responsibilities reflect those listed in the Gifts of Interpretation. I want to bring my belief that we are all capable of change, no matter your age, sex, culture, language, or financial situation and share it with others. I want to show people the beauty of nature and teach them its value with the hopes that like me, will use it to make a difference.

That’s one of the powers of interpretation, inspiration.

My approach to interpretation is similar to Beck et al. (2018), in that adjusts for the audience. As mentioned by Rodenburg (2019), using stories and faces are a great way to help teach and connect to younger audiences while older age groups learn better through reading or other methods. I did disagree with the article’s statement that children are not ready to hear about the issues like climate change and pollution, however. I believe its the approach and presentation that needs to differ when it comes to topics such as species endangerment instead and global warming, as these are topics, I believe are important for kids to learn, in recognize the importance of helping the environment.

Severn Cullis-Suzuki at Rio Summit 1992. At age 12 spoke to United Nations urging them to help the environment that lead to an awakening about the world amongst people across the globe (We Canada, 2013).

Besides if we fail to share with people our knowledge in a safe way, are we fulfilling our jobs as nature interpreters? What do you think? Are kids not ready to learn about environmental issues?

While there are several jobs out there for a tree hugger, make sure you don’t overlook nature interpretation, especially if you want to help make a difference.

As Mother Teresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

References:

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

Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why environmental educators shouldn't give up hope. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

Bozzo, S. (2008). Blue Gold : World Water Wars (Trailer). [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikb4WG8UJRw

We Canada. (2018). Severn Cullis-Suzuki at Rio Summit 1992. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJJGuIZVfLM&t=2s

[rhenvs3000]

Hey Amanda!

I have to say wow. I am so happy to hear how much you gained from this course! I also wanted to let you know that I really connected to your moment that you shared about finding peace while standing on the hills of the Wascana Trails. For myself, I had a similar moment while walking through the Arboretum in Guelph during my first year. Gaining that sense of peace you described is what reminded me of the importance of nature and motivated me to help make a change. Did you feel this way as well when you were at Wascana Trails?

As discussed by Beck et al. (2018) in Chapter 21 we are faced with so much technology now that it almost blocks out our other senses. I think it's so important to make sure that we continue to expose ourselves to these experiences as nature interpreters to remind us of why we care.

I also love that you want to go back to Nova Scotia to help make parks more accessible! My family and I used to drive to Newfoundland to visit family and would always stop in Nova Scotia to visit some of the parks there! My favourite one was when we went to Cape Breton Highlands National Park! Have you ever been? Also out of curiosity, is it the vast amount of nature and parks and Nova Scotia that make you want to go back one day? Let me know!

Finally, I wanted to share with you this video I found on Youtube about the National Ability Center and how it helps make the outdoors more accessible for people with disabilities. While the organization is based in the U.S. I thought it was a cool video that you might like as it shows fun and unique ways to help ensure that everyone has access to seeing and enjoying nature! Let me know what you think!

Robyn :))

References:

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

So what do I wanna do now?

           Ethics. One word, so many possibilities. Ethics is defined as “a system of moral principles”, “moral principles, as of an individual” and “that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions” (Dictionary.com, 2021). All in all, it is the way each of us sees, approaches, and interacts with the world using our sense of right and wrong.

(My Own Business Institute, 2019)

           Ethics differs from person to person. My personal ethics, the ones that I strive for in my day-to-day life, are integrity, selflessness, honesty, fairness, respect for both myself and others. My core values consist of acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, emotional wellbeing, trust, respect, truthfulness, creativity, and so on. Mine may be the same or different from yours, however, no matter the differences it is the way we approach the world and our role as nature interpreters.

             I have learned a lot through this course. I’ve taken note of where I started in my relationship with nature and now where I’m continuing on. My journey now includes looking for fairness in nature preserves. I’ve learned that persons with disabilities face so many more challenges not only in their day-to-day lives, but also when attempting to get out to explore nature. “Access to the outdoors and nature is important to the health and education of all individuals regardless of age, location, or physical capabilities” (Why Accessible Nature Matters, n.d.). I’ve learned that my ability to see, walk, touch, hear, are all privileges that I take for granted and that in order to be fair to all those wishing to explore nature, our parks and historical sites must become more inclusive and accessible. This is where I hope to be in the future; making things better for those who require accessibility.

(Parks Canada, 2020)

           I have increased my knowledge that nature is found in art and music. For me, art is in what you see, hear, and feel. It is that “effortless, spontaneous feeling that you get” (Csikszentmihaliyi, 2004) when the everything seems just right and I am at peace. Whether looking at a painting, listening to a song, or peering out over the edge of a cliff to the ocean while listening to the music of the wind behind you, nature brings inner peace and tranquility to everyone it touches. I have heard nature in music and heard music in nature. One of my favourite memories of my time studying with Guelph was in my very first course. We were asked to find a place and study it for what trees we could find, what animals we encountered, for the beauty the place held. I remember standing on the hills at Wascana Trails and hearing the music of the wind for the hundredth time, but also for the very first time. I was at peace and found a sense of belonging. I hope that everyone can have that feeling someday.

Wascana Lake Pelicans - Photograph by A. Gagnon, July 2020.

           I have learned the importance of truth and honesty as a nature interpreter. As Canadians, I see us as natural storytellers. We are able to look at almost anything and tell a story about it. Looking at our past offers us unique insight into our future. We interpret history for educational purposes and for remembrance (Beck, Cable & Knudson, 2018), but it also helps us learn from the past so we do not make the same mistakes, or follow the same paths, as our forefathers. As interpreters, we are responsible for ensuring that the stories we hand down from generation to generation are honest, that they are whole and that there are no gaps in the story… good or bad. When I think of history, one quote always comes to mind. This is from one of my favourite shows The West Wing:

C.J. Cregg:                Yes, but it’s history…

Abbey Bartlet:           It’s our history. Better or worse, it’s our history. We’re not going to lock it in the basement or brush it with a new coat of paint. It’s our history.

(IMBd, 1999)

(Wolff, L., 2013)

           This is the quote I think of when looking through the past. It helps me accept what was done and move on from it in a different direction. It also helps me tell my own history unabridged. History is just that. It’s history. There’s no going back. You can only move forward by learning from the past.

           I’ve had tremendous fun with educating my classmates in the unprompted blog on extreme weather and in the bringing in the armchair reader blog about bats. I found it allowed my creativity to flow freely but also allowed me to take what I learned in this class and use it to bring in the armchair reader. My post about bats was the one that received the most comments and feedback. Beck, Cable and Knudson (2018) tell us that “presentation proves to be the most useful and meaningful for learning to occur, and will be most interesting to participants”. I wasn’t sure what this meant until the bat post, but I do believe that where I presented my information as fun and informative, and by using down-to-earth language, I was able to draw more people in to my post and many of them learned quite a bit about bats. It became interesting to them. Maybe it was my words. Maybe it was the pictures of the largest bat in the world. Either way, it drew people in and made me a better storyteller.

Man beside Giant Golden Crowned Flying Fox (Margaritoff, M, 2020)

             So, I guess the question now is where do I go from here? I find myself wanting to further my environmental and historical education. Learning, for me, is a lifelong passion. I intend to continue on this path for as long as I can. I hope one day to move back to Nova Scotia and put this education to use. I would love to work with the Nova Scotia government on ways to make parks more accessible around the province. Until then, I will just work on making the world a better place, one step at a time.

Photo of me, Lily, and Oliver - Photograph by E. Gagnon, Fall 2020.

Thanks for reading!

Amanda

References:

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

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (February, 2004). Flow, the secret to happiness. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_flow_the_secret_to_happiness

 Dictionary.com. (2021). Ethics definition. Retrieved from: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ethics?s=t

 IMBd. (1999). The West Wing (TV series), The State Dinner (episode). Retrieved from: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0745706/characters/nm0000330

Margaritoff, M. (July 20, 2020). Meet the Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox – The Largest Bat in the World. ATI. Retrieved from https://allthatsinteresting.com/giant-golden-crowned-flying-fox

My Own Business Institute. (August 26, 2019). Ethics in Life and Business. Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University. Retrieved from: https://www.scu.edu/mobi/resources–tools/blog-posts/ethics-in-life-and-business/ethics-in-life-and-business.html

Parks Canada. (June 10, 2020). Accessible Trails. Retrieved from: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/experiences/accessibilite-accessibility/sentiers-trails

Why Accessible Nature Matters. (n.d.) Nature for All. Retrieved January 24, 2021 from http://www.naturefortheblind.com/importance-of-accessible-nature-trails

 Wolff, L. (July 20, 2013). West Wing Recaps: S1Ep7 “The State Dinner”. Retrieved from: https://bookewyrme.wordpress.com/2013/07/20/west-wing-recaps-s1-ep7-the-state-dinner/

[rhenvs3000]

Why Be A Nature Interpreter? – An Inside Perspective

“Being an environmental educator in today’s world feels like you are asked to stop a rushing river armed only with a teaspoon.” (Rodenburg, 2019)

So why do people do it?

For me, it’s making a difference. As a kid I was so impacted by the environmental crises I learned about, that it made me determined to do something to help.

I originally thought nature interpretation wasn’t that important. If anything, it was an old parks tradition, in an interesting but dying industry. It didn’t take long for me to realize how wrong I was.

As an interpreter your goal is not just to explain what people are seeing, but give it relevance, and use it to inspire and educate. You aim to spark interest, revealing deeper meanings of what your interpreting, all while putting it in an education and entertaining format, as shown in The Gifts of Interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). While it may seem like a large responsibility nature interpretation, for me at least, is an opportunity to create the same motivation for change in others, that I had received by learning about the world’s environmental issues.

Blue Gold : World Water Wars (Trailer) (Sam Bozzo, 2008). The documentary I watched in grade 7 that taught me about the world water crisis and motivated me to help the environment.

It’s importance is critical as there are so many people that are unaware of the problems our environment is facing, or even the importance of the environment itself. Barriers such as communication, culture, and economic status prevent many people from learning about and connecting with nature and thus preventing them from protecting it (Beck et al. 2018).

That’s why I believe there is more to nature interpretation than people think. It’s a job that is so much more rewarding and complex than providing explanations. As a budding interpreter my responsibilities reflect those listed in the Gifts of Interpretation. I want to bring my belief that we are all capable of change, no matter your age, sex, culture, language, or financial situation and share it with others. I want to show people the beauty of nature and teach them its value with the hopes that like me, will use it to make a difference.

That’s one of the powers of interpretation, inspiration.

My approach to interpretation is similar to Beck et al. (2018), in that adjusts for the audience. As mentioned by Rodenburg (2019), using stories and faces are a great way to help teach and connect to younger audiences while older age groups learn better through reading or other methods. I did disagree with the article’s statement that children are not ready to hear about the issues like climate change and pollution, however. I believe its the approach and presentation that needs to differ when it comes to topics such as species endangerment instead and global warming, as these are topics, I believe are important for kids to learn, in recognize the importance of helping the environment.

Severn Cullis-Suzuki at Rio Summit 1992. At age 12 spoke to United Nations urging them to help the environment that lead to an awakening about the world amongst people across the globe (We Canada, 2013).

Besides if we fail to share with people our knowledge in a safe way, are we fulfilling our jobs as nature interpreters? What do you think? Are kids not ready to learn about environmental issues?

While there are several jobs out there for a tree hugger, make sure you don’t overlook nature interpretation, especially if you want to help make a difference.

As Mother Teresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

References:

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

Rodenburg, J. (2019, June 17). Why environmental educators shouldn't give up hope. https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/14300

Bozzo, S. (2008). Blue Gold : World Water Wars (Trailer). [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikb4WG8UJRw

We Canada. (2018). Severn Cullis-Suzuki at Rio Summit 1992. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJJGuIZVfLM&t=2s

[rhenvs3000]

Nature's Biggest Reveal Yet - Immortality

If you could have any superpower what would it be? As a kid, I always thought it would be cool to be immortal, like peter pan or those vampires from the twilight movies. As I grew up though I eventually stopped thinking about it and excepted it for what it was, an idea.

“Peter Pan Statue” by Steve Bidmead licensed under (”Pixabay License”)

What if it wasn’t just an idea though? What if there were immortal beings living right here on Earth? What if it was just secluded by nature, or maybe even a part of it?

The Immortal Jellyfish

The Immortal Jellyfish, also known as Turritopsis dohrniiis is the only species in the world to have figured out a way to hack the system of death by ageing.

"Jellyfish Immortal" by Angela licensed under (”Pixabay License”)

It turns out that the secret to immortality isn’t being able to prevent one from ageing, it’s being able to reverse it (The Engineer, 2019).

The trick of doing this all lies in this tiny jelly’s life cycle.

How It Works

It begins much like all other jellyfish, as a tiny, fertilized egg laid by its mother (American Museum of Natural History [AMNH], 2015). This tiny little egg hatches into a larva or planula that swims to the depths of the seafloor, where it settles and grows into what looks like small mushroom-like stalks (AMNH, 2015). These stalks (which are called polyps) then spawn juvenile jellyfish which over the course of a few weeks grow into adult jellyfish (AMNH, 2015).

A colony of the minute Polyp stage in the life-cycle of a jellyfish. Photo: Tyler Yeo. Licensed under Creative Commons BY

What separates this jellyfish from others is that when the adult immortal jellyfish gets injured or is threatened by starvation, reverts it's life cycle by transforming back into a polyp (AMNH, 2015)! It does so by retracting its tentacles, shrinking its body, and then sinking back to the ocean floor where it begins its life cycle again (AMNH, 2015)! The crazy part is that they can do this an unlimited number of times preventing it from ever passing away from old age (AMNH, 2015).

Immortal Is Not Invincible

However, just like many of our fictional immortal characters, the immortal jellyfish has its kryptonite. Poisoning or getting eaten are both ways that immortality can't protect against and is deadly to this jellyfish (The Engineer, 2019). Therefore issues like pollution are still a threat to even the immortal beings of this world, demonstrating an additional urgency for us to help protect our environment and oceans.

As mentioned by Beck et al. (2018), “oceans are the lifeblood of the planet, but they have become the “commons” of the new millennium, enjoyed and harvested by all, but poorly protected on most fronts.” So, while you're most likely aware that several species are in danger due to pollution, from a scientific perspective so is our key to immortality. The immortal jellyfish is a unique and fascinating creature. However, it’s also a representation of how science and the environment are interconnected, and that if we wish to move forward in either realm, we must ensure the protection and success of the other. Don't you think?

So for those of you reading this, I encourage you to bring out your inner interpreter and be relevant! This means go out and do something and take action on the issues that matter (Beck et al., 2018)! For instance, take 5 minutes and check out this website that provides you with easy ways you can help protect our ocean that will help save our immortal friend while protecting its environment! Let me know what steps you plan on taking or if you have any other ones to add!

References:

American Museum of Natural History. (2015). The immortal jellyfish. https://www.amnh.org/explore/news-blogs/on-exhibit-posts/the-immortal-jellyfish

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

The Engineer. (2019). Scientists discover the immortal jellyfish that is probably the only creature to live forever. https://wonderfulengineering.com/scientists-discover-the-immortal-jellyfish-that-is-probably-the-only-creature-to-live-forever/

[rhenvs3000]

Hey Sofia!

I have to tell you I got goosebumps listening to the River Flows in You. I too played piano for a short time as a kid (also instigated by my parents!) and I often wish I had pursued it. I've always loved listening to music, but there's also something about creating it that's as you say, transcending. It's why I think there's something deeper to it, some kind of in-rooted connection we have with it, and why some of the most beautiful pieces are often connected back to nature in some way. Do you ever wish you continued learning piano?

I also think this connection is why so many of us get that "pull" to nature when times are stressful. I don't know if you noticed but ever since COVID-19 hit I've seen so many people spending time outdoors and particularly in nature sites. While this probably also has to do with the fact that it's easier to social distance outdoors and most indoor facilities are closed, I think it also has a bit to do with the calming affect of nature.

If your ever looking for a good get away you should try meditation with nature sounds! It sounds slightly weird, but it can be a really beneficial way of escaping to nature, if you find listening to music itself isn't enough sometimes. This is the playlist I use, feel free to check it out and let me know what you think!

Robyn :))

Three Little Birds Outside My Window

I used to consider my grandpa’s shelf a treasure. He’d have books about all sorts of things and it was kind of an unspoken rule to avoid touching his stuff. But sometimes, I would  sift through and grab one of his special leather-bound books. I would flip through all of the words and right in the middle was the jackpot: laminated pictures of birds and brief descriptions about each species. I would quietly sneak off and sit in front of the big window and watch the birds fly in and out of the trees to feed on the birdfeeder my grandpa built for them. I would quickly try to shuffle through the photos to try to find the photo that matched the bird. Soon, my grandpa would find me and join me, and tell me what each of the birds were and then whistle the tunes they sang. Everytime I hear a bird call, I think  of my grandpa. 

Personal photo (2019). A view from my grandparent’s window. This place is my escape from the business of urban life. You can see the birdfeeder on the left but can you spot the deer in the orchard?

Music in nature doesn’t have to be as straightforward as a bird call. True, when I think of nature in music, my first thought is that memory. But music call also be the way the leaves bristle when a strong breeze rushes through them, or the waves crashing on the rocky shore. The world produces its own orchestra, if we take a moment to listen. Sometimes when the world seems so loud with the busy traffic and heavy schedules, I feel a pull to the woods. Almost, as if they were singing, beckoning me to escape. And sometimes, when I can’t make it there, I slip in my headphones and let my own music take over and ease all of my aches and worries away. 

This is a helpful mnemonics poster to remember different bird sounds. I used to teach these to kids when I worked at a nature centre. My favourite is probably the Chickadee because it’s easiest to remember and it says its own name “Chicka-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee”.  Retrieved from: https://becausebirds.com/product/mnemonic-bird-sounds-poster-eastern-north-america/

Music has a way of invoking so many emotions. Like the variety of music there is, music can act as different things, to empower, to share feelings, to get away from your feelings, and so much more. Some of these reasons are why music is such a good tool for grabbing someone’s attention. In environmental teaching, music can be used to draw your audience in. Play a nature sound, or bring out your guitar or play a jingle from your phone. I think our ears are naturally receptive to music. You could write a song to help facts or information stick. Have your audience have their own lines to repeat back to you and make it interactive. Or you could use music to paint a story using your words. My dad used to tell me a story when I was a little about this cowboy and his horse and their adventures. He would sing to me and use gestures like climbing a ‘mountain’ with his hands to keep me engaged. Music is a tool all interpreters should keep in their belt, whether we’re musically talented or not. 

Music and nature have a symbiotic relationship, if you take the time to listen. Even the brushing off the seeds off a dandelion produce a sound however faint. But it’s more than that. Both music and nature have a way of making simple things, like seeds, or stringing notes together, invoke powerful emotions. Retrieved from: https://greenlivinglab.org/2018/03/20/music-in-nature-new-lunchtime-concerts-the-green-living-lab/

It’s easy for me to believe that music and nature go hand in hand because I’ve experienced it. And music has such a powerful way of shaping our memories. Have you ever listened to a song and it instantly takes you back to a moment? Maybe you remember the song you danced to with your high school prom date or the song you and your friends were blasting on a road trip. When I heard the song, ‘River Flows in You’ by Yiurma for the first time, I felt transcended. My parents put me in piano lessons (though not for long) and I remember thinking how peaceful and beautiful the song was. It’s not a complicated piece, but there were no lyrics to tell me how to feel and that simplicity made me feel like I was literally drifting down a lazy river with pretty flower petals falling from the tree branches above me. It makes me think of all the time I spent in front of that big window at my grandparents house or all the times I escaped to the safety of the trees. Music allows us to express ourselves emotionally, and nature is always a safe place for us to return to. So together, music and nature calls to me like the birds who sang with my grandpa. 

Link to Yiruma ‘River Flows in You’. Often used in acoustic study playlists! Let me know what type of music or songs allows you connect with nature. 

[rhenvs3000]

Why John Denver Isn’t the Only Way Music and Nature Are Connected

Take Me Home Country Roads, one of the top hits of the 70s and a still well-known and beloved song today. Its the classic road trip, camping, and getting back to nature song loved by many since 1971.

(John Denver, 2013, 03:15-05:21)

As much as I love this country classic, it isn’t the only song that brings me back to nature, nor is it the only way music and nature are connected.

Music is defined as vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony (Merriam-Webster, n.d.), and can be created by humans, animals, and even nature itself. For example, humpback whales use rhythms like those found in our own music and can even create musical intervals!

Humpback whale creating music! (Oceania Project, 2008)

Other animals such as birds and frogs also use sounds containing rhythm or harmony to communicate and express. Music in nature is everywhere, from the songs of birds to the drums of our ancestors it surrounds us and connects us. My favorite part when reading The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music was the description of the connection one gets from learning and understanding the meaning behind musical sounds of our own species and others (Gray et al., 2001). It adds a deeper more meaningful link between those that may appear so different.

This connection is so powerful that nature is often brought into music, even today. Whether it’s incorporating nature in music (such as babbling brooks in meditation music), discussing it (like Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell), or trying to bring you back to it (Cowboy Take Me Away by The Chicks), nature has been in music before we’ve even been involved. Many indigenous communities see the environment as part them and their culture and I can’t help but believe this includes music. While we don’t know when humans started making music, I would think it was early on. Wouldn’t you want to try and create or mimic the sounds and music around you? Or do you think it’s more complex?

I’ve always had a deep connection with music. As someone with anxiety, music has always been my escape. It can be hard to ignore constant negative thoughts, but with music your mind is focused on the sounds and rhythms, so I often surround myself with it. Since being in nature is another love of mine, many of the songs I listen to are usually connected to this. A personal favorite of mine is The Wind by Cat Stevens. Despite it being about examining spirituality and fate, this song always brings me back to my grandparents’ cottage, where we would spend time on the lake, take hikes in the forest, and enjoy it without anxieties. It’s a song that brings me happiness and peace.

(Yusuf / Cat Stevens, 2018, 03:15-05:21)

That’s the power of nature and music. They can elicit powerful emotions, create connections, and provide a means of communication. After all, why do you think music is one of the main forms shared across mass media? Music came from nature and it’s why, I believe, that many of us have such rooted connections to them, that can influence us in different ways. For instance, what do you think of when you hear John Denver and Cat Stevens? Does it remind you of nature or something else?

References:

Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=AONE&xid=fb9366a8

John Denver. (2013, April 5). John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads (Audio) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vrEljMfXYo

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Music. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 7, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/music

Oceania Project. (2008, June 8). Whale Song. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WabT1L-nN-E&t=30s

Yusuf / Cat Stevens. (2018, July 31). The Wind [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2f6xMuaawM

[rhenvs3000]

Hey Abby!

I am glad you enjoyed my post! I would definitely recommend visiting the Holocaust Museum if you ever have the chance. I learned about WWII in class and read about it, but going to the museum really made me understand (as much as an outsider can) the brutality of it and why like you said, its so important to preserve and remember it.

If you have a chance I would recommend reading some of the survivor stories from the museum here. For me the listening to these stories were what really deepened my perspective on history.

Robyn :)

History - It Might Be More Important Than You Think

“It’s boring.” “I hate it.” “We just memorize facts about dead people.”

Unfortunately, history class hasn’t always had the best reputation. I mean how many times back in high school did you say at least one of those three sentences when talking about history class?

The problem is most history classes are built on memorization. Students are forced to memorize dates of events, and names of people, whose only connection to them is the 4 paragraph-insert in their textbook.

It’s a critical issue because history is important. It’s how we learn and grow. Our past is what got us where we are today and it’s what makes us who we are.

“There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity is what entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.”

This is a quote from Edwards (2007) and I can’t help but think he is trying to communicate the criticality of history interpreters and their responsibilities. Taking individual items, people, or events from a previous time and using them to connect and preserve our past is what allows interpreters to give history life, whether through costumes, museums, or even living history.

“Living History” Image by FotoRC. Licensed under (”Pixabay License”)

Like nature interpreters, they must create an intriguing yet accurate representation of what their showing and allow visitors to connect and learn about the importance of the subject while giving it relevance (Beck et al., 2018). When we ignore history, we act as if the world is only relevant when we are on it, and this is simply not the case. The Earth has been here long before us and will be long after we’re gone. Only by acknowledging our past are we able to preserve and learn from the lessons, memories, and inspirations of those before us.

For me, interpreters altered my view of history when I visited the Holocaust Museum in Montreal. I listened to a real-life Holocaust survivor tell her story of spending 5 years in a concentration camp and watched a costumed interpreter talk of a young boy who had to hide in his neighbors’ cellar, alone, for 4 years during WWII to avoid being executed. The experience was more powerful than anything I had ever felt towards history and it showed me how detrimental ignorance can be.

For all of those that suffered, don’t we owe it to honor and remember their sacrifices?

“Stumbling Stones” by Braxamire. Licensed under (”Pixabay License”). Laid in memory of holocaust victims outside their last-known freely chosen residence (Apperly, 2019).

How can we ensure we won’t repeat the mistakes and tragedies if we forgot them? For many of us, history can seem boring and irrelevant but trust me it’s more important and interesting than you may think.

If you’re still not convinced I encourage you to take 3 minutes to watch this video and let me know if your perspective changed.

References:

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

Apperly, E. (2019, February 18). ‘Stumbling stones’: A different vision of Holocaust remembrance. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/feb/18/stumbling-stones-a-different-vision-of-holocaust-remembrance.

[rhenvs3000]

Hey Meghan :)

I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed my post and thank you for sharing your photo! I love birds, so I am quite jealous that you got to go to a Bird Observatory! Did you get any good photos of the birds you saw?

When it comes to finding time for art, it often depends on school so when I have lots of work or a midterm coming up unfortunately I'm stuck just studying. However, when its not as crazy I've also been doing a lot painting! I find myself doing a lot of abstract when I'm stressed, just paint whatever I feel and while it often looks like, well paint, its really helped me a lot! I tried this one (at time 4:09 minutes) yesterday and it was really fun!

When I'm feeling more creative that's when I try and do more natural things, like sunsets or llamas! I really want to try the island painting though you sent, it looks like something fun to help me remind me of warmer days!

In terms of beauty I would have to say Africa was a big one. It wasn't so much one image, but the whole place that amazed me. I remember being fascinated on how much the landscape differed. We would drive and within an hour I would go form seeing flat dessert like lands to massive rocky mountains and lakes. It was beautiful because it was all natural. Besides the small villages here and there, so much of it was just completely untouched by humans and just filled with wildlife and nature. For me that was what made it beautiful.

Would love to hear about what you find most beautiful in nature (or what stands out).

-Robyn :))

How I Interpret Nature

“The key job of the interpreter boils down to one of helping people to perceive more accurately the world around them” (Beck et al., 2018).

I’ve always loved stories and art. As a kid I loved to read and paint and would jump at the chance for a bed story or arts and crafts.

When I got older and developed a love for nature and travel, my passions began to overlap. Photographs helped me see the beauty in life and in nature, while stories allowed me to experience it.

So, throughout this blog I’ve added some of my favorite pictures I’ve taken and included a brief description of their story. I encourage you to read them and maybe you’ll the beauty of nature I saw in them.

A picture I took of the Caves of Matala in Crete, Greece. The side of the cliff is comprised of hundreds of man-made caves carved out of the rock from thousands of years ago. No one knows their true purpose but they’re believed to be Roman or Early Christian tombs. 

Whenever I travel I find myself talking to locals or tour guides, asking them their story or a favorite one they’ve heard. Hearing stories from people who are knowledgeable and passionate about a place of nature allows me to learn more about it while creating a stronger connection towards it.

A picture I took of the Holy Trinity Monastery at Meteora in Central Greece. During times of war and famine many choose a life of religion in which they were free from violence and could enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. One of the nuns at the monastery spoke of how her isolation in nature freed her from her personal traumas she experienced as a child.  

Being in university takes a toll on one financially though, and I can never travel as much as I would like to. So, when I can’t travel I often spend time looking at photographs of places of nature and wildlife. It allows me to see the beauty of nature without having to be there. 

“Thailand Sea Water” by Caro Sodar licensed under (”Pixabay License”)

Photographs of nature are often done by people who have such a strong love and passion for it and their pictures allow me to see nature from their perspective, see the beauty they see. For me seeing a something from another’s perspective is what enriches your own. Like Beck et al. (2018) wrote “The images of stories are vivid in the minds of listeners, and help them grow in mind and spirit”.

A picture I took of Reece the baboon in South Africa when she was 4 months old. Reece is an orphaned baboon that’s mother was killed be a farmer for stealing food from his crops. This was her first time out of her rehabilitation enclosure since she was rescued. She was so excited to play with the sand on the river bank and was fascinated by the hippos at the end of the river.  

I have no qualifications that justify my ability to interpret nature through art besides this course. While this may prevent me from being an official nature interpreter, I don’t think anything can stop someone from interpreting nature from art. We are human, we seek meaning whether its given to us or not. If it isn’t given to us, we create our own.

For me, nature interpreters help me grasp the true meaning (or at least the one they believe to be true) of art. Whether it’s the tourist I’m talking to about the land, or the article describing the picture I’m looking at, they help give sense to our questions while showing us their own view of nature’s beauty. In an ironic sense it’s the interpreters that help me interpret nature from art. 

Did you interpret nature from these pictures? Let me know!

References: 

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

[rhenvs3000]

History - It Might Be More Important Than You Think

“It’s boring.” “I hate it.” “We just memorize facts about dead people.”

Unfortunately, history class hasn’t always had the best reputation. I mean how many times back in high school did you say at least one of those three sentences when talking about history class?

The problem is most history classes are built on memorization. Students are forced to memorize dates of events, and names of people, whose only connection to them is the 4 paragraph-insert in their textbook.

It’s a critical issue because history is important. It’s how we learn and grow. Our past is what got us where we are today and it’s what makes us who we are.

"There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity is what entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it."

This is a quote from Edwards (2007) and I can’t help but think he is trying to communicate the criticality of history interpreters and their responsibilities. Taking individual items, people, or events from a previous time and using them to connect and preserve our past is what allows interpreters to give history life, whether through costumes, museums, or even living history.

"Living History" Image by FotoRC. Licensed under (”Pixabay License”)

Like nature interpreters, they must create an intriguing yet accurate representation of what their showing and allow visitors to connect and learn about the importance of the subject while giving it relevance (Beck et al., 2018). When we ignore history, we act as if the world is only relevant when we are on it, and this is simply not the case. The Earth has been here long before us and will be long after we're gone. Only by acknowledging our past are we able to preserve and learn from the lessons, memories, and inspirations of those before us.

For me, interpreters altered my view of history when I visited the Holocaust Museum in Montreal. I listened to a real-life Holocaust survivor tell her story of spending 5 years in a concentration camp and watched a costumed interpreter talk of a young boy who had to hide in his neighbors’ cellar, alone, for 4 years during WWII to avoid being executed. The experience was more powerful than anything I had ever felt towards history and it showed me how detrimental ignorance can be.

For all of those that suffered, don’t we owe it to honor and remember their sacrifices?

"Stumbling Stones" by Braxamire. Licensed under (”Pixabay License”). Laid in memory of holocaust victims outside their last-known freely chosen residence (Apperly, 2019).

How can we ensure we won’t repeat the mistakes and tragedies if we forgot them? For many of us, history can seem boring and irrelevant but trust me it's more important and interesting than you may think.

If you're still not convinced I encourage you to take 3 minutes to watch this video and let me know if your perspective changed.

References:

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

Apperly, E. (2019, February 18). 'Stumbling stones': A different vision of Holocaust remembrance. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/feb/18/stumbling-stones-a-different-vision-of-holocaust-remembrance.

[rhenvs3000]

Hey there!

I feel like were very similar in our views on art! I too struggle with interpreting meaning behind art especially when its abstract. I’ve only ever been to one art exhibit/show as I tend to lean towards art such as photographs as well. I find their meaning is more clear, and like you said they depict the perspective of beauty that others see in the world. I also loved your picture of the sunset on the beach, it really shows the beauty of something most of us don’t tend to notice. Was there something special about that beach? Or was it just something you saw and found beauty in?

On the odd occasion I do enjoy trying to figure out a piece’s meaning even if its more abstract or complex than a photo. For example, the picture of the brain on Michelangelo’s piece you shared really intrigued me. Especially when you mentioned that Michelangelo was an experienced anatomist. Do you think its a reference or joke to his work on human corpses? Or is it saying something deeper like god is not human or maybe not even real. That instead its just an idea our minds came up with? 

I’m not sure if you know the answer but I’d love to hear it or even just your own ideas of what it might be!

If your interested in famous pieces with hidden meanings but don’t like having to find the meaning yourself check out this link! It shows hidden artwork from underneath famous art pieces, while explaining their possible meaning. While most of them are theories of the hidden art, I found it quite interesting! Let me know what you think!

Robyn :)

Nature in Art

The philosopher Aristotle once wrote that “Art not only imitates nature, but it also completes its deficiencies.”(Aristotle Quotes About Art, n.d.) This can be interpreted as art not only recreating the natural world but also creating new ways in which to see it in another light. When interpreting nature through art, there is endless forms and purposes of nature provided to us. Nature is both around us and deep within us. Art can mimic nature by visually replicating objects as they appear in real life. This depiction can sometimes be literal or abstract. 

Just like nature can be recreated through art, it can also be used as a stand-in for greater thought. For example, the famous painting called The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo in Sistine Chapel. It is well-known that Michelangelo was an exceptional artist. However, not many people know that he was also an expert anatomist who used to dissect corpses to produce anatomical sketches.

“The Creation of Adam” painting by Michelangelo. 

Now, take a look at this photo!

Photo posted by Zeina Mehal in Art Wise. 

Many people believe that the artist was trying to secretly attack the church’s disagreements towards science. Have a look at these two paintings and let me know your thoughts on this! The second painting depicting the representation of the human brain hidden with the faces of the figure of God.  

When it comes to art, people see what they want to see. It’s all about how people perceive and interpret it. When, I asked myself Who am I to Interpret Nature Through Art? I went blank. I’m definitely not an artist or somebody who sees the hidden meaning of art right away. 

I usually go crazy when my friends drag me to art galleries. But I do admire anyone who got the talents and skills to create a work of art and convey a sense of depth or a perspective. I enjoy going on photoshoots with my friends. I admire people’s abilities to capture that perfect moment with the element of beauty contained in it.  When you share what you perceive with others, you convey the message of appreciation of that moment with one another.  For me, I feel like I’m somebody who uses imagery or photos of my own when sharing an experience with others. I believe it would help my audience understand what I’m experiencing more accurately as a photo or video would be able to speak louder than words.

A photo took by me at Canatara beach, Sarnia.

As you can tell by the photo, the sunset is so beautiful with the orange-gold sky stretches so far and wide. I feel like the beauty of the scenery is fully shared with another person with the help of art.

How do you interpret the gift of beauty? My understanding of the gift of beauty is that it is our ability to find beauty in our surroundings to provide spiritual uplifting and resource prevention. When you create the practice of seeing beauty everywhere, it empowers you and makes you more grateful throughout the day. This could be the sun shining through your windows when you wake up, the strong tree on your walk, the rustle of leaves, or even the plants in a neighbor’s garden. When you start to appreciate nature and your surroundings, you will create a more grateful way of living. Can you guys think of something small in your surrounding that we take for granted and don’t appreciate as much as we should?

Thanks for reading! Let me know your thoughts and comments!

References:

Aristotle Quotes About Art. (n.d.). A-Z Quotes. Retrieved February 3, 2021, from https://www.azquotes.com/author/524-Aristotle/tag/art

Hooykaas, A. (2021). Unit 04: Nature interpretation through art and planning for “All” scenarios [Course website]. CourseLink. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/666945/viewContent/2591221/View

[rhenvs3000]

How I Interpret Nature

"The key job of the interpreter boils down to one of helping people to perceive more accurately the world around them" (Beck et al., 2018).

I’ve always loved stories and art. As a kid I loved to read and paint and would jump at the chance for a bed story or arts and crafts.

When I got older and developed a love for nature and travel, my passions began to overlap. Photographs helped me see the beauty in life and in nature, while stories allowed me to experience it.

So, throughout this blog I’ve added some of my favorite pictures I’ve taken and included a brief description of their story. I encourage you to read them and maybe you’ll the beauty of nature I saw in them.

A picture I took of the Caves of Matala in Crete, Greece. The side of the cliff is comprised of hundreds of man-made caves carved out of the rock from thousands of years ago. No one knows their true purpose but they’re believed to be Roman or Early Christian tombs. 

Whenever I travel I find myself talking to locals or tour guides, asking them their story or a favorite one they’ve heard. Hearing stories from people who are knowledgeable and passionate about a place of nature allows me to learn more about it while creating a stronger connection towards it.

A picture I took of the Holy Trinity Monastery at Meteora in Central Greece. During times of war and famine many choose a life of religion in which they were free from violence and could enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. One of the nuns at the monastery spoke of how her isolation in nature freed her from her personal traumas she experienced as a child.  

Being in university takes a toll on one financially though, and I can never travel as much as I would like to. So, when I can’t travel I often spend time looking at photographs of places of nature and wildlife. It allows me to see the beauty of nature without having to be there. 

“Thailand Sea Water” by Caro Sodar licensed under (”Pixabay License”)

Photographs of nature are often done by people who have such a strong love and passion for it and their pictures allow me to see nature from their perspective, see the beauty they see. For me seeing a something from another’s perspective is what enriches your own. Like Beck et al. (2018) wrote “The images of stories are vivid in the minds of listeners, and help them grow in mind and spirit”.

A picture I took of Reece the baboon in South Africa when she was 4 months old. Reece is an orphaned baboon that’s mother was killed be a farmer for stealing food from his crops. This was her first time out of her rehabilitation enclosure since she was rescued. She was so excited to play with the sand on the river bank and was fascinated by the hippos at the end of the river.  

I have no qualifications that justify my ability to interpret nature through art besides this course. While this may prevent me from being an official nature interpreter, I don’t think anything can stop someone from interpreting nature from art. We are human, we seek meaning whether its given to us or not. If it isn’t given to us, we create our own.

For me, nature interpreters help me grasp the true meaning (or at least the one they believe to be true) of art. Whether it’s the tourist I’m talking to about the land, or the article describing the picture I’m looking at, they help give sense to our questions while showing us their own view of nature’s beauty. In an ironic sense it’s the interpreters that help me interpret nature from art. 

Did you interpret nature from these pictures? Let me know!

References: 

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

[rhenvs3000]

Hey there!

Your post was really quite interesting, especially coming from someone who has been given a substantial amount of privilege!

As you mentioned many people are not aware what privilege is, let alone their own. Also as mentioned in the Unit 3 ENVS 3000 post, describing one’s privileges makes one newly accountable (Hooykaas, 2021).

So I guess what I am trying to ask is, as someone who has many privileges, before reading about privilege in this course, were you aware of all your privileges? Did the reading/unit change your views of privilege or give you a feeling of obligation towards those less privileged than you?

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Robyn :)

References:

Hooykaas, A. (2021). ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation course material. University of Guelph.

Mother Nature’s Ugly Stain - Privilege Discrepancy

           This week’s blog post is prompted by a rather challenging topic that has rightfully garnered much discussion in recent years. It presents a somewhat uncomfortable and unpleasant conversation that most people are unwilling to have with themselves. The reality of privilege discrepancy is playing a huge factor in many societal and cultural constructs around the world today. The fact of the matter is that most people tend to ignore or portray a sense of  ignorance when the idea of privilege discrepancy is raised.  Whether it is situational carelessness or an aspect of discrimination and limited opportunity they have yet to experience; many people may not even know what privilege is. This in itself is a component of privilege.

           In this blog, I would like to highlight a working definition of privilege by unpacking my “Invisible Backpack” in hopes of shinning light as to what privilege looks like. Additionally, I want to provide a key example as it relates to nature and the outdoors. Furthermore, I would like to discuss the role privilege plays in nature interpretation which is thoughtfully and thoroughly discussed by Beck et. al in their book Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage.

           To start, my invisible backpack holds many attributes that I try to remain humble about. I was born into a white, middle class family, raised in Canada. With both parents owning their own successful veterinarian practice, I didn’t have to worry about food on the table, additional money to help pay for bills, or limited opportunity. I am forever grateful for the life my parents provided to me as I have access to higher education and schooling at university. I have worked multiple jobs that are related to my program with little hardship in finding placement. This is privilege. Where I am afforded comfortable living and particular advantages to the everyday life others are not so fortunate. The world we live in today is inherently driven by societal factors in which some are not free from prejudices. The discrimination and limited opportunity cast onto underrepresented population demographics directly correlates to the privilege discrepancy and oppression experienced by so many.

Image 1 - Privilege Cartoon

           A key example I would like to bring to the front involves myself and my roommate. Privilege as it relates to nature and the outdoors is the ability for me, (a 21-year-old male) to feel safe and comfortable going on a nighttime run when it is dark out, whereas my roommate, (a 21-year-old female) feels scared and hindered by external factors that prevent her from these same feelings.

           I would like to close this blog off on the notion that privilege plays a role in nature interpretation too. I don’t think it could be more thoroughly summed up than through the ideas brought on by Beck and the associates in the textbook. It is stated that “Although many people have traditionally enjoyed opportunities to experience nature and culture firsthand, only a fraction of these visitors attend interpretive programs of other special events” (Beck et. al. Pg. 158, 2016). With the capability to be teachers and bring about new audience that otherwise may have been secluded, it is important to seek relevancy by learning what matters most to them and their own interests. People will become more supportive and involved in interpretive sites if they feel more welcomed (Beck et. al. Pg. 158, 2016).

Image 2 - Nature Interpretation Inclusion

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world. Urbana: Sagamore Publishing.

Images:

Image 1 - https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/research-news/2020-03-24-towards-a-more-inclusive-valuation-of-nature.html

Image 2 - https://static.wixstatic.com/media/10267f_b5b024b3f14e44f396fd65564ef1d506~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_925,h_911,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/10267f_b5b024b3f14e44f396fd65564ef1d506~mv2.webp 

[rhenvs3000]

Inspiration? Ideal Nature Job? Privilege? A Video That Shows It All

So ever since creating this blog I’ve found myself spending WAY too much time watching nature videos online. Now usually I’d say you can never spend too much time learning about nature, but its getting close to midterm season and when your watching BBC Earth instead of doing your assignments for your several other non-nature related courses, its too much time. 

Anyways, despite this knowledge, during one of my daily video scrolls, I came across this video that I had to share. For my fellow ENVS 3000 buds, it (and I’m not kidding here) covers all past three blog prompts while getting an inside look at Yosemite National Park and one of their rangers. Just watching it gave me goosebumps and inspiration, so I had no choice but to share!

For those of you that choose to watch it, let me know if it also gave you an urge to either become or just hug a park ranger, or to visit Yosemite National Park!

[rhenvs3000]

Hi Katie!

I have to admit I thought your perspective on privilege was very intriguing. To answer your question, I do believe that not knowing your privileges can make you a higher risk in nature, but possibly in a different way then you have.

While I’m not a First Nation, my interest in nature has led me to meet several First Nations people in Ontario and throughout Canada. During a Council of Canadians conference in Toronto one of the speakers (who was First Nation) shared one of the main beliefs held by her community. That no one can own land or any of its gifts. It’s what we come from and eventually return to, but during our time here we are simply living amongst the land. Yes we borrow from it and some of us alter it but no one can ever own it. Instead it’s our duty to give back to it, using it and enjoying it in a respectful way, during our short amount of time on it. While this can be controversial, it’s a concept that has always stuck with me and one I firmly believe in. It’s led me to think that the real danger of ignoring your privileges can harm nature itself. Mostly by ignoring your education of it and its importance by choosing to still harm it (ex: littering, polluting etc.), or not using your privileges to protect it.

As you mentioned, you’re worried of how the true owners may perceive our actions of conservation areas and view them as negative. While I cannot speak for any First Nations people, I’m curious what you think of this belief.

Can’t wait to hear back from you!

Your fellow tree-hugger Robyn

ENVS*3000 Blog Prompt #3

Keep reading

[rhenvs3000]

Three Roles Privilege Plays in Nature

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” – Randy Pausch (Pausch & Zaslow, 2008)

Privilege is defined as a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, n.d.). The irony is that those who tend to have more privilege, tend to notice it less. You’ve probably heard of white privilege, gender privilege, heterosexual privilege, and even socio-economic privilege, but if you have most of these privileges, how often do you notice them? Whether you’ve witnessed it, experienced it, or haven’t at all, privilege is everywhere, even in nature. But what role does it play?

“Black Lives Matter Protest” by Patrick Behn is licensed under (”Pixabay License”)

1.       The Gatekeeper

Many of us wouldn’t think of nature parks or areas as an exclusive area. However, language, culture, education, and economic status are all factors that impact who visit. For example, many nature parks (especially those big enough to have interpreters) are in remote areas with majority lacking public transportation, making personal vehicles a necessity to get there. While this may not be a problem for some, it prevents 20.8% of Canadians who don’t have access to a car from visiting these areas (Statista Research Department, 2020). This socio-economic factor is just one of the ways privilege plays the role of the gatekeeper. Having the ability to speak the local language, sharing the same culture of the general population of the area, and having the education to realize the benefits of nature, are all ways that privilege acts as a gatekeeper of nature.

“Safari Tour” by Sandip Patel is licensed under (”Pixabay License”)

2.       The Manager

If you think accessing a nature site is a privilege, you can imagine what kind of privilege it is to be able to work in one. The minimum requirements to become a nature interpreter includes an undergraduate-degree in a nature-related field, no criminal record, and usually a certificate in first-aid.  While this already limits those, who come from a lower socio-economic background with limited access to education this is only the basic requirements. In an ironic sense the field of nature interpretation often tries to have interpreters that visitors can relate to. While this can be a positive thing, most visitors are those with privileges of higher socio-economic backgrounds and certain cultures. This means that often when hiring, managers will choose those who best represent the visitors, which are usually the higher class non-minority groups. This leads to privilege seeking its way into the visitor and the worker side of nature.

3.       The Teacher

By playing the role of manager and gatekeeper privilege has gained a third role, the teacher. The unequal balance between societal categories in nature, has shown interpreters like Roberts, James and Ginder, and many others, the social segregation of working with and experiencing nature (as cited in Beck et al., 2018, p. 135). This has led to the field of nature interpretation attempting to combat these privileges through culture (hiring more minorities as staff to help encourage minority visitors), language (having media and signage in multiple different languages), and advertising (reaching out to minority populations through advertising, and personal invitations) (Beck et al. 2018). 

“Welcome sign in Thailand National Park” by Anasztazia from Colourbox

While we can’t control what privileges we’re given, by learning about the ones we have, we can help to share them with those that don’t.

For me that’s what privilege is; an uncontrollable advantage given to a person or group so that they can use it to help those without.

What are your privileges?

 References:

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

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (n.d.). Privilege. Oxford University Press. https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/privilege_1?q=privilege

Pausch, R., & Zaslow, J. (2008). The last lecture. Hachette Books.

Statista Research Department. (2020, 13 May). Canada - share of people who have access to a car in 2017-2018. https://www.statista.com/statistics/914947/canada-access-to-cars/

[rhenvs3000]

Hey Cameron,

I apologize for the late response, I just realized my notifications were off and didn’t even see this until now! However, I have to say. Wow. After reading your reply and then the article you sent, my jaw hit the floor. With all the news about the U.S. election recently and the blatant disregard of Hamilton’s environment all I could think was, I wonder how many people in Hamilton City Hall are Trump supporters lol! 

While I probably shouldn’t get political I was just shocked at the carelessness towards their water supply and environment. I mean these chemicals soak into the ground, affecting not just the water you drink but the air you breath, the food you grow, and can even get absorbed through the pores in your skin! While I understand the history and fear of economic loss there has to be a line, I mean I thought there did.

I simply hope with the new regulations of water quality and protection the Canadian government has implemented, along with an increase in public awareness that something will be done at one point before it is too late.

So here’s to spreading the word Hamilton! Hopefully their listening!

Robyn

My Love Affair with Nature

Photo by Mohamed Moiz Ahmed on Unsplash

Hello out there to all you beautiful people gazing upon this blog. My name is Cameron Smith and I hail from the great city of Hamilton, Ontario (hence my self-proclaimed nickname: Camilton). 

Photo by Vivek Trivedi on Unsplash

Growing up in the heavily industrialized concrete jungle of Lake Ontario’s armpit has shaped my perspective on nature and pollution. I primarily lived in the “mountain” (aka Niagara Escarpment) suburbs of Hamilton; which is littered with 100+ waterfalls in urban parks that offer breathtaking views of this wonderful city (like the one above by Vivek Trivedi).

Photo by Joe deSousa on Unsplash

Now every Canadian and their neighbour thinks “Steel City”, “Rust Belt” or “Blue Collar” when the city of Hamilton is brought up. Those are days gone by my friends, followers and lurkers! The steel industry has been steadily collapsing over the last 4 decades: Stelco once employed 30,000 people in 1980 but only had 2,300 employed when filing for creditor protection in 2014. Hamilton should now be better known as “The Waterfall Capital of the World”. There is even a surprisingly high percentage of green space for a major city due to the innate fact we cannot build on the Niagara Escarpment that divides this noble city. 

Photo courtesy of Sunny Freeman of the Toronto Star

Now there are two sides to every coin: if you are anywhere near the downtown core, there is a 50/50 chance a tinge of sulphur dioxide will reside in your nostrils. The picture below by Matthew Henry is of Chedoke Falls: which is sewage water flowing underneath the residential neighbourhoods of the Hamilton Mountain until reaching this destination. As a kid, me and my friends would venture to these urban parks on our bikes to take in the beauty and sometimes the smell of sewage was too overwhelming to bare. Our parents eventually banned us from going off the beaten path once we found heroin needles at the base of these falls at 12 years old (yes, some Hamilton stereotypes are begrudgingly true).

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

Regardless of the urban waste and sewage that plagues some of these natural landmarks; these offered me a sense of place. Throughout my youth I could always escape the rat race of urban living and be amongst the squirrels, snakes and sanitation (dark humor anybody?) Hamilton’s wilderness provided within a short bike ride away. I reflect on those years fondly and consider these waterfalls as my soul food, regardless if I could hear the nearby highways, or smell the pig iron being smelted at the steel mills.

Photo by Ahmed Abbas on Unsplash

I hope through my first of many blogs I have challenged your perception of Hamilton, Ontario while giving you a perspective through the lens of my eyes. Thank you kindly for your time :)

[rhenvs3000]

Hi Tim!

Thanks for sharing! I am glad you enjoyed my post and based on your response, along with other blogs I have read, I really think childhood experiences impact how we see the world and what we are interested in. Although my mother did the same thing regarding leaves with my brother, he doesn’t seem to share the same love for nature as I do. So I guess its one of those nature vs. nurture debates. 

Just like you I’ve found this course has motivated me to learn more about nature and I’ve found myself adding more nature blogs and groups to many of my social media feeds. During one of my absent minded scrolls I found this article from Tentree (an apparel company that plants 10 trees for every product purchased) that shared some pretty crazy facts about nature.

As a fellow student who is eager to learn about nature I thought you might enjoy it!

Let me know what fact you found most surprising!

Robyn

My Journey with Nature: The Beginning

Have you ever looked outside your window and noticed that the leaves outside were no longer their usual bright green, but have changed, as if overnight, to their autumn reds, faint oranges, and crisp yellows? For many, this shift in color is just another reminder that summer has ended and it’s time for fall, but for me it was always a little more than that.

I was 4 years old and my family and I were living in a small townhouse that backed onto a large, wooded area, down the hill from our backyard. My mom, who loves the fall season, brought me out to our back deck, lifted me up and pointed to the trees whose leaves had all changed. What were once green were now dark reds, pale oranges, and golden yellows all mixed together in a sea of trees stretched out across the valley. I don’t remember her words, but I remember the feeling. The feeling of excitement and wonderment from my mom and I, hers fueling mine as we looked out, fascinated at how such a massive and colorful change could happen, at what seemed to appear overnight.

Photo of the forest as seen from my old townhouse in Georgetown, ON taken by Joanne Hamlyn (2001)

While it wasn’t until several years later that I really began to appreciate and discover my love for nature, for me that was the beginning. The spark that initiated the intrigue and excitement I get whenever I’m in nature, had been lit.

As I got older the change of colors in the leaves grew less surprising, but my mom continued to point them out every year and still does to this day. While I’d sometimes get annoyed at the constant remarks about leaves, it was hard to ignore the admiration in her voice, the appreciation of something so normalized that it often goes unnoticed by others.

Before writing this, I was struggling to determine who offered me “a sense of place”, who helped me recognize the beauty of my environment, while giving me a deeper appreciation for what is often overlooked. While I knew that my relationship with nature began that moment on the deck, it’s clear to me now that it was my mom who helped me recognize the beauty of it. Whether she knew it or not her love and appreciation for a seemingly simple and natural phenomenon made her my unofficial interpreter. She didn’t explain the cultural or historical significance of the change in the color of the leaves, so her role as an interpreter may be argued. However, like a interpreter, her passion changed my perspective of a seemingly simple activity of examining trees, into a deeper and more enjoyable experience, resulting in a stronger appreciation for nature (Beck et al., 2018). It inspired me to learn more about the environment and work to protect key elements such as plants, trees, water, and even leaves, through activism and public speaking.

Picture of myself speaking at WE Day at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON and was taken by my friend Tyler Keaton (2017)

So, what is my current relationship with nature? Appreciation. Nature is where we came from, it provides us the air we breath and the water we drink. It’s the roots of our ancestors, and the base of all life. For myself, this is a connection I value and a relationship I try to grow by learning more about it, spending time enjoying and appreciating it, and working to protect it. 

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world. Urbana, IL: SAGAMORE Publishing.