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Your relationship with nature is truly inspiring! It is clear that your journey from childhood curiosity to a profound admiration for wildlife has shaped your passion for wildlife biology.  I can relate to your experiences and the joy you find in nature. Your experiences, from observing local biodiversity to encountering wildlife in memorable settings like the Toronto Zoo, highlight how these moments have influenced your path.

Your early explorations, such as collecting rocks and catching grasshoppers, reflect a genuine curiosity that has evolved over time. I also enjoy collecting various types of rocks and have a box full of them under my bed. The field trip to the zoo stands out as a significant turning point, where you were introduced to the broader concepts of conservation and the role of zoos in educating the public. It’s impressive how your teacher’s interpretation helped you grasp the importance of protecting wildlife, which ignited your dedication to environmental stewardship.

Your ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation through education, volunteering, and museum work is admirable. You’re not only passionate about understanding nature but also actively contributing to its preservation.

I share your excitement about discovering new aspects of nature interpretation in our course. It’s a journey of continuous learning and deepening our connection with the natural world. I look forward to reading your future blogs and seeing how our experiences and insights can further enrich our understanding of wildlife and conservation. Let’s continue to explore and protect the natural world together!

Unit 01 Blog Post

As someone who studies wildlife biology, it’s no surprise that I profoundly admire the natural world. Whether I’m spending an afternoon reading on a park bench, hanging out with some ducks by the lake, or hiking through a forest, I thoroughly enjoy my time spent outdoors. In addition to the recreational experiences I enjoy in nature, I find different aspects of nature incredibly fascinating. From the intricate designs found on a butterfly’s wing to the perfectly hexagonal shape of a honeycomb, I continuously find myself in awe of the beauty and complexity of the natural world with the desire to unravel its mystery. Like any other relationship, my relationship with nature has become deeply personal to me and has required effort over the years to foster a deeper connection.

Here I am last winter enjoying some natural scenery with a friend in Collingwood, Ontario.

My own processes of interpreting nature and general curiosity for the natural world began during childhood. Growing up in a big city, I didn’t have many outdoor adventures with my family, but I did manage to explore whatever biodiversity was readily available to me. My exploration of nature as a child often included collecting rocks, digging up worms, catching grasshoppers in my backyard, and searching for four-leaf clovers. Even so, my interests surrounding nature were quite narrow until I had the opportunity to see some extraordinary wildlife in person.

Here I am seeing a snake for the first time in my kindergarten classroom.

Here I am petting a bunny at Chudleigh’s farm in Milton, Ontario.

Correspondingly, a pivotal point in my aspiration to become a wildlife biologist was my elementary school field trip to the Toronto Zoo. With regard to this unit’s textbook readings, my trip to the zoo constitutes a perfect example of a time when I was offered a “sense of place” through an interpretive experience. As we toured the zoo, I recall my teacher sharing exciting facts about each animal to capture the attention of her young audience, all while trying to convey the “big picture,” which was conservation. As the interpreter, my teacher tried to add more value to our experience by highlighting threats facing the various species we encountered. Our teacher offered us a sense of place by encouraging us to understand the reality of zoos as an institution and certain animals housed there. Initially, I was overjoyed to meet such magnificent creatures in person, but realizing their vulnerability motivated me to take action to protect them. Although I was quite young and had a lot to learn, my experience at the zoo enabled me to recognize my role in the grand scheme of conservation and take a greater interest in environmental stewardship.

Since then, I’ve steadily continued my interpretive journey with nature, following my passion for wildlife conservation through my education, volunteer work, and pastimes. I’ve studied countless books on nature, volunteered hundreds of hours at my local wildlife centre, and even offered time as a gallery facilitator at the Royal Ontario Museum in the hands-on biodiversity gallery.

On that note, I’m beyond excited to see what nuances in nature interpretation I discover through this course!

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Unit 01 Blog post

Growing up in Kenya, my relationship with nature was deeply rooted in my everyday experiences. Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from the vast savannas to the serene coastal regions, provided a constant backdrop to my life. As a child, I was often surrounded by the sounds of wildlife, the sight of acacia trees dotting the horizon, and the rich red earth under my feet. Nature wasn't something distant or abstract to me. In fact, it was an integral part of daily life, shaping my understanding of the world. The Maasai Mara and the Great Rift Valley were more than just renowned landmarks; they were living, breathing spaces where I felt a deep connection to the land.

When I moved to Canada for further studies at the University of Guelph, my relationship with nature shifted in unexpected ways. In Kenya, the warmth of the sun and the vibrancy of life in the natural world always felt familiar. But in Canada, I was introduced to a different kind of nature, one that is shaped by its distinct seasons and climates. I experienced my first snowfall, and I was struck by serene beauty of a snow-covered landscape. The changing leaves of autumn, the blooming of wildflowers in spring, and the long summer days were new rhythms that I had to adapt to, but they also deepened my appreciation for the cyclical nature of life. This change in environment expanded my understanding of nature. I began to see it not just as a space.

While pursuing my Bachelor in Environmental Science at the University of Guelph heightened my awareness of the intricate connections between ecosystems, climate change, and human activity. The course content made me reflect on how the landscapes I grew up with in Kenya are affected by global environmental issues, and how those same issues manifest differently in Canada. My understanding of sustainability, conservation, and biodiversity evolved as I began to explore these ideas from a more global perspective.

My grandmother played a significant role in shaping my sense of place in Kenya, particularly through our weekly visits to a park we frequented every Saturday. She was a wise and nurturing figure who taught me the importance of living in harmony with nature. Her stories and teachings about the land, animals, and plants provided me with a deep understanding of my cultural heritage and its connection to the environment. She emphasized the significance of respecting and protecting nature, a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life

This evolution in my relationship with nature has been enriching. I’ve included some photos to give you a glimpse of what life was like for me in Kenya. While I’ll always carry the landscapes of Kenya with me, I’ve come to appreciate the unique beauty of Canada’s natural environment. My studies and experiences have deepened my connection to the earth, reminding me that wherever we are, nature profoundly influences our sense of self and belonging.

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Disclaimer

This blog was created for the ENVS*3000DE01 course at the 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.