#US National Arboretum

[o-link]

US National Arboretum, Washington, DC

[intlforestday]

Commemoration of the 50th year of forest rehabilitation in Korea.

In line with the theme, ‘Healthy forests for healthy people’, the tree planting ceremony aims to reaffirm high-level commitment on sustainable forest management, and reiterate significance of forest and its sustainable use.

It will also be the venue to commemorate 50th year of forest rehabilitation in Korea.   

The importance of international forestry cooperation, including joint responses to climate change through the forest sector, and its contribution to achieving global goals will be highlighted.

Ceremony in Commemoration of the 2023 International Day of Forests (IDF) for Ambassadors of Parties and Observers of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization to Republic of Korea.

Theme of 2023 IDF: “Forests and Health”

March 21st.

Sejong national arboretum.

PROGRAMME

[ruenvs3000w25]

Blog 3: Privilege in Nature Interpretation

After reading the content in unit 3, I think of privilege as the advantages or benefits afforded to individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status. These advantages often shape one’s experiences and opportunities, not from their abilities, competencies, decisions, or actions but rather from their position or social identity. In the context of nature interpretation, privilege may impact who has access to natural spaces and education, whose stories are told, and how these stories are framed.

Nature interpreters often reflect the dominant culture’s perspectives, privileging certain voices over others. For example, Indigenous peoples often find their knowledge overshadowed by Western scientific narratives. Privilege influences which stories are amplified, and this may result in a misrepresented interpretation of historic and cultural relationships with nature.

I have experienced this firsthand as a Wildlife Biology and Conservation major, where most classes focus solely on technical aspects and new research. While these are important, they often fail to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and knowledge. Why would this be important? I think incorporating Indigenous knowledge is essential for fostering a more holistic understanding of ecosystems, ensuring that our education is inclusive, teaches us about the history of our land, and is respectful of traditional ecological wisdom.

I worked at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario for two summers as a visitor experience representative. I had the privilege of having access to all the gardens, trails and visitor centres within the property. One of my favourite trails is called ��Enji naagdowing Anishinaabe waadiziwin”, which translates to “The Journey to Anishinaabe Knowledge”. This trail, developed in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, invites hikers to explore the connections between plants and Anishinaabe culture. Informative signs placed along the trail provide insight into how the Anishinaabe people traditionally used various plants for medicine, food, and cultural practices.

I admire the RBG’s commitment to incorporating Indigenous history, stories and ways of living into their interpretation. This approach goes beyond simply showcasing the beauty of the area, it helps to give a voice to the often overshadowed Indigenous peoples, and a meaningful platform for their important stories to be told.

The RBG website captures this idea by sharing the words of Joseph Pitawanakwat, a plant educator from Wikwemikong Unceded Nation: 

“In my Anishinaabe culture and tradition, we teach that every plant is telling you a story, and in that story, the plant is teaching why it is here, its purpose — all we have to do is listen... Scientists are also testing Indigenous medicine plants and discovering active compounds that legitimize their use. As you walk this trail, you’ll see examples of how this works, some easy to spot, and some hidden in the plants.” 

This quote highlights the importance of listening to not only plants, but also the wisdom of Indigenous communities, in order to deepen our understanding of the natural world and progress modern science.

Recognizing privilege in nature interpretation is important for ensuring equitable and accessible education for all. I encourage readers to reflect and answer the question: How can you actively work to dismantle privilege and ensure an equal platform for all in your nature interpretation career?

Royal Botanical Gardens. (n.d.). Indigenous plant medicines trail. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.rbg.ca/gardens-trails/by-attraction/trails/indigenous-trail/

[aimeedaisies]

Princess Anne, accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence (not in photo), viewing the Cheshire Yeomanry Memorial, a full-size rearing war-horse made from the parts of the vehicles used by the regiment, during the National Service of Remembrance at the National Arboretum Alrewas on Armistice Day, 11th November 2023.

[empenvs3000f24]

Unit 4 Blog Post

Hi Everyone :)

With one of my minors being Art History, I have learned to be more of a critical thinker when it comes to interpreting art and nature’s involvement in many of the pieces we view today. How many of these artworks are ethical, original, and ephemeral? I try my best to see the beauty in nature through art, while also giving myself the grace to understand the backstory to the piece/landscape. With today being the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day), I’ll touch on Indigenous art and how we’ve done a disservice to Indigenous talent in Canada’s art world.

In terms of the Group of Seven who really put Canada on the map via showcases in predominantly Canada, The United States, and Europe. Their art expanded worldwide and pretty much dominated galleries in Canada for decades, pushing out other artists and Indigenous works. In hindsight we can understand that their more popular pieces did not exactly depict Canada for what it was at the time. Many of their landscapes were painted in Algonquin, Algoma, and out West; where major logging and pollution was occurring. Some of the artists painted scenes of Indigenous communities, but failed to represent the cultural genocide and residential schools tearing those families apart. Canada was depicted as this abandoned land, solely made up of landscapes and tranquility. Moving forward we can look into Indigenous artists to learn about how they interpret nature through art and the concept of ‘the gift of beauty’ through their lens. 

Interpreting art in nature is a great way to hit more than one of the learning styles. Even in a gallery setting, a painting can target visual learners, the plaque can offer a description for the readers/writers, and there are auditory options available in most galleries. We can also achieve this in nature interpretation; using multiple learning styles can enhance the ‘art’ aspect of nature and allow us to encompass some additional information to a picturesque landscape. This notion ties into the ‘gift of beauty’ and how there is more than meets the eye when it comes to understanding nature through art. 

The importance of immersing ourselves in nature is exemplified in Hahn’s Social Declines of Modern Youth. I feel like the use of social media and abundant technology is the culprit of these ‘social diseases’. We are all so accustomed to being able to see whatever we want, whenever we want it. We can google any image of nature and get a million different vantage points of it. I think this allows us to sometimes take for granted the fact that we could go outside and see the beauty of nature with our own two eyes. A big factor in experiencing nature in person is the stimulation of the senses; as opposed to only sight and maybe sound when we view something online. By stimulating all 5 senses in person, the experience becomes more holistic and memorable. 

Got off my phone and walked around the Arboretum this summer!

We can only learn from our mistakes as people and as a country. Understanding equality in art, risk in nature, and beauty in our daily lives, is built through the experiences of others; we simply have to listen. 

[cbenvs3000f24]

Unit 03 blog post

Hey everyone!

This week's topic is definitely more serious, but it is something that needs to be addressed. I would describe my definition of privilege as certain individuals being put at a certain advantage for reasons such as race, gender, sexuality, physical ability, and socioeconomic status. People are usually born with privilege for any of those reasons listed above, as we cannot choose how we are born. I am a straight white woman in the middle class with no physical disabilities, meaning I have been privileged for most of my life. After reading through this week's unit, it has been very eye-opening for me. It is always easy to say that you acknowledge and can understand your privilege, but unless you are in the shoes of somebody else, you will never understand the full extent of it. 

Although it may not be obvious, privilege unfortunately does play a role in nature interpretation. An example that stood out to me is being in perfect physical health. Around 2.7 million people in Canada have a mobility disability. This implies that there are many opportunities that they do not have regarding nature interpretation. For example, going on certain hikes. It is much more difficult for an individual in a wheelchair to climb a mountain or a demanding trail with rocky terrain. Individuals without disabilities frequently have greater freedom to venture into difficult terrain or partake in demanding outdoor activities. Because many parks and trails are not made to be accessible, people with disabilities may have varied experiences in natural settings.

Another example that is important to acknowledge is economic privilege. Marginalized groups are frequently negatively impacted by environmental degradation. For instance, low-income areas may be closer to pollution sources or lack adequate green space. It is also important to note that many beautiful places around the world cost money to go see. For example, the Grand Canyon National Park requires a certain fee to visit it. Not only does it require a fee, but for those who don’t live near those places, a plane ride would be required which would cost even more money. And if an individual does live close enough, they would require a car to get there, which would cost money again for gas and insurance. Many people do not have access to a car meaning they cannot go see many areas of nature unless there is a bus that could take them there. 

Lastly, speaking English is a privilege that many of us don't even pay mind to. Think about when you go to the arboretum here in Guelph. Almost every single sign describing the plant you see is in English. Even though there are now ways to translate these signs, using apps like Google translate, is still an inconvenience, especially for individuals who do not have a phone. Speaking English also puts you at so many more advantages when it comes to jobs and careers in nature interpretation, specifically in Canada. Why is it that two people, speaking different languages can have the same passion and love for nature interpretation, but only one of them would get a job from it?

[dry-valleys]

It seemed that out of battle I escaped Down some profound dull tunnel, long since scooped Through granites which titanic wars had groined. Yet also there encumbered sleepers groaned, Too fast in thought or death to be bestirred.

Then, as I probed them, one sprang up, and stared With piteous recognition in fixed eyes, Lifting distressful hands, as if to bless. And by his smile, I knew that sullen hall,— By his dead smile I knew we stood in Hell.

With a thousand fears that vision's face was grained; Yet no blood reached there from the upper ground, And no guns thumped, or down the flues made moan. “Strange friend,” I said, “here is no cause to mourn.” 

“None,” said that other, “save the undone years, The hopelessness. Whatever hope is yours, Was my life also; I went hunting wild After the wildest beauty in the world, Which lies not calm in eyes, or braided hair, But mocks the steady running of the hour, And if it grieves, grieves richlier than here.

For by my glee might many men have laughed, And of my weeping something had been left, Which must die now. I mean the truth untold, The pity of war, the pity war distilled.

Now men will go content with what we spoiled. Or, discontent, boil bloody, and be spilled. They will be swift with swiftness of the tigress. None will break ranks, though nations trek from progress.

Courage was mine, and I had mystery; Wisdom was mine, and I had mastery:  To miss the march of this retreating world Into vain citadels that are not walled.

Then, when much blood had clogged their chariot-wheels,  I would go up and wash them from sweet wells, Even with truths that lie too deep for taint. I would have poured my spirit without stint But not through wounds; not on the cess of war.

Foreheads of men have bled where no wounds were. “I am the enemy you killed, my friend. I knew you in this dark: for so you frowned Yesterday through me as you jabbed and killed. I parried; but my hands were loath and cold.

Let us sleep now. . . .

Picture from the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire.

Poem by Wilfred Owen.

[scotianostra]

May 9th 2002 saw the death of Johnny Noble, co-founder of Loch Fyne Oysters and Loch Fyne Restaurants.

Johnny did national service with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders after which he joined the merchant bank S. G. Warburg. He then worked in a Yugoslavian wine firm before starting his own company in London, French & Foreign Wines, which continued after 1972 when he started spending part of his time running the estate. When he inherited Ardkinglas it was making a loss, saddled with heavy death duties and a large work force.

And so it was in 1978, he was looking for a way to help support his estate of Ardkinglas, on the shores of Loch Fyne, which he had inherited along with considerable debts. When Andrew Lane, a marine farmer, suggested the idea of growing oysters in the unpolluted waters of Loch Fyne, he jumped at the idea. The venture grew from a few hundred seed oysters to the millions that are laid down today. In 1980, Noble and Lane set up an oyster bar at the head of Loch Fyne. It began as an umbrella and a trestle table and then transferred to a cowshed. Soon the venture became a restaurant, and then evolved into a chain of oyster bars.

He read avidly on historical, biographical and culinary subjects, played curling, was a good shot, and loved his arboretum. Building on the remains of his grandfather’s collection of silver he added many fine pieces of old Scottish silver.

Celebrities would be a common sight, even if the hosts often didn't recognise them. Andy Lane once commented in an interview;

He said: "The funny thing is that for years you could hardly watch TV there because the reception was so lousy and so customers used to tell us that such and such a person had been in the restaurant.

"None of us had a clue because we didn't know what a lot of these people would look like.

"We did get more tuned in later on, though. Robbie Coltrane was a regular and always very popular with the staff.

"We saw Billy Connolly a few times, Clint Eastwood was in and poor old Dustin Hoffman got turned away two days running because we couldn't find him a seat. He took it very well."

When Johnny died of liver cancer in 2002, aged just 65 it hit Andy hard. With only a few close friends, such as Andy, knowing of his illness, his death came as a shock to many and, being the majority shareholder, it also created uncertainty for the company. Andy said: "It was very very difficult as it felt as if your partner had died and you'd been left to look after the 10 kids.

[hsenvs3000w24]

The benefits of interpreting with others!

A lot of the time when we talk about nature interpretation, we talk about how it benefits our mind, our appreciation for nature and how it’s a form of protecting and enhancing our environment. Something that should be talked about more is how nature interpretation can impact our relationships with others. Whether it’s taking a walk with your mom, a hike with a group of people, or laying in the grass with your best friend. Nature interpretation can play a key role in our relationships, and the people we let into our lives. 

One of the pivotal parts of becoming a nature interpreter for me was in first year when I had to go on a squirrel walk for BIOL*1070. I know there are a lot of people who will know what this is, and to be honest I loved them! We had to go on 5 walks that were about 30 minutes long and monitor any squirrel's behavior. I would take all of my friends on a walk through the Arboretum. This started as a task, but slowly turned into such a fun experience. I remember we found a little area in the Arboretum that reminded us of a movie scene and all gathered together to take a photo. We ended up going so far back into the Arboretum that we got lost, and a half an hour walk turned into three hours. The whole time we were talking about how beautiful the nature around us was, and wondering why the trees were that shape or why some had leaves and others that looked the same didn’t. This is something I still remember, and occasionally my friends and I will laugh about how we got lost in the Arboretum. This moment of being able to interpret nature with my friends is one that I will always remember and it has a special place in my heart.

“An important characteristic of interpretation is that it implies interaction.” This interaction can come from listening to a podcast, a group hike with a tour guide, or a walk with a friend. This is the essence of interpretation, that visitors are interacting and participating with the interpretive experience (Beck et al, 2018). I like to think that some of the best things come in two, and being able to interpret nature with someone is something that can be special when you have a partner.

One of the biggest reasons I love nature and going on walks so much is because it reminds me of my mother. Sometimes being in Guelph and away from my family is hard, so taking little walks along a path is just what I need. Many people learn to love nature interpretation through their parents, just like I did. My mother has subconsciously made me love and appreciate nature through all the walks we would take growing up, or the summer camping trips we would take. This is important in nature interpretation as it makes way for the next generation. The textbook shares stories about Cornelius who was amazed by a wild bighorn ram when his father took him to a national park, or how Maria taught her daughter how to properly identify all birds and plants in the woods by their house (Beck et al, 2018). These experiences are crucial as they keep nature interpretation alive and inspire the next generation of interpreters and they also create special moments with loved ones.

Next time you decide to go on a walk, maybe ask your roommate, and see what happens!

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

[admirableadmiranda]

Can I ask your top 10 fav fics ever (from any fandom, if you don't mind)?

Also, just curious, is there a story behind your name "ladypfenix "?

I don't mind at all! Thank you for waiting quite a long while though, life has been.... hectic recently, to say the least.

I'll answer the story question here, then list the fics below since there's a lot.

It's a pretty simple story, when my sister and I were 14 and 16, we had a dream of starting a youtube channel as siblings, and we were going to use noble titles. I picked LadyPfenix for mine and opened my tumblr account with that in mind, but the idea never materialized beyond usernames and it has long since outlasted that dream. At this point I've had it too long to bother changing it, even though I'm using Admiranda most other places I go. Some things just stick.

I don't know that I have a top ten fave fics ever, it's hard for me to quantify on that level, but I'll definitely lay out the ones I keep going back to years on down the line even long after I've left the fandom. There's definitely something special about them that I will always enjoy.

The Professor's Wife by foolish_mortal (archive locked)

The students all said that Professor Doumeki had a wife who made him lunches and impeccably pressed his shirts. Watanuki found this hilarious. For the wtfholic fest prompt: "The only people who can see Watanuki are customers with wishes."

Eir's Tomorrow by jukeboxhound

Cloud is the Planet's greatest weapon, and if he can't fix old wrongs and battles then he may end up being the means by which it all ends (again).

A Little Bit To The Left by miixz

[A System error during execution bound you to Shi Yuan’s account instead of the intended Shen Qingqiu. We sincerely apologize.

You will be given the chance to climb from your current position of canon fodder as the story progresses and plot points become available to you. As Shi Yuan does not have an established character the OOC function is automatically unlocked, please accept this bonus as your compensation for the mistaken role.

Please ensure that no score falls below zero, or the System will automatically administer punishment.]

Intended role of Shen Qingqiu?! The fuck, were you trying to kill me? Why would anyone think transmigrating into that scum of all people would be helpful? Alright, alright. Shi Yuan takes a deep breath. He can deal with this. So he’d transmigrated into the shitty novel he’d just finished, but at least he’d somehow avoided becoming the villain. Or: Shen Yuan transmigrates into Proud Immortal Demon Way as a Bai Zhan Peak disciple.

The Way Home by Traincat

“This is an inane discussion,” Soren said. “I’m coming with you, and that’s final.” He took a step forward and swayed. If Ike reached out and shoved with one finger, he was sure he could topple Soren right over. He kept his arms folded so he wouldn’t be tempted to try and make a point. “I’m still your commander, aren’t I?” Ike asked, raising his eyebrows. “You still trust me to make decisions?” ��Yes, but, Ike –” he said. “Then you’ll do as I say, for the good of the company,” Ike said. “I won’t risk you. You’re too important.” He stepped close, adjusting the hood of Soren’s cloak. He lowered his voice so he wouldn’t be heard by Shinon and Gatrie, waiting up by the gate. “Go back to bed,” he said, his voice gentler. “I’ll be home soon.” -- Post-Path of Radiance, Ike and Soren share a promise, a first kiss, and a bed. Not in that order.

A Pretty Good Year by arboretum

Giving up, moving in, living life.

Ikesoren Academia AU by leonidskies

Falling to the Rhythm by Selenay

"So it's a bet?" Jiang Cheng said. "Dance the showcase if you get him, fancy coffee machine if you don't?" Wei Wuxian considered the machine. "Fine. You're on. I want it in red." "Don't start planning your caffeine overdose yet." "It's in the bag," Wei Wuxian said cheerfully. "There's no way they'll match me with someone like Lan Wangji."   Teaching Lan Wangji to dance in front of the nation for twelve weeks, how hard can that be? Wei Wuxian is about to find out.

Series

this world (what I make of it) by glitteringmoonlight

The war had consequences. Once, a fully realized Avatar referred to one who had mastered all the elements and could go into the Avatar State. Now, that has changed. No one could master fire when there was no one to teach it, and people feared the abilities of a firebender too much to allow anyone, even the Avatar, to learn too much of it. Now, an Avatar was simply said to be fully realized when their instructors decided they had learnt enough.   In which Lan Sizhui is the Avatar, but he cannot firebend, nor can he waterbend very well. That changes when his travels take him to Yiling.

Preparing the Soil by Rynne

When Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian return to spend the first winter after their marriage in the Cloud Recesses, Wangji is forced to grapple with his uncle's resistance to accepting his new husband fully into the clan. At the heart of this conflict is Lan Qiren's rule forbidding talking to Wei Wuxian. How can Wangji make the Cloud Recesses a more welcoming place for his husband when what he fights now is his uncle's stubbornness?

[unseeliej]

The Absolute Worst Crystals for Plants

It’s spring! Kind of! Yesterday marked the average last frost date for my area (as calculated by the National Arboretum in DC). If you’re like me, you’re probably itching to get your garden started, or at least reclaim some desk space by moving your indoor plants outside for a little bit. I’ve seen a lot of posts about using crystals and other minerals to help plants. You’ve probably seen the…

[notyonatto]

Questions

19, 40, 42, 45, and 49 🥰

woooo another ask! thanks!

19 -imagine we’re at a sleepover, would you paint my nails?

yes but i will get the paint on the skin around your fingers im sorry this is just how it is when i paint my or any one else's nails looool

40 - did you have any snacks today?

no but i did just buy pickle flavored kettle chips so im about to

42 - an app you frequently use besides this godforsaken site?

maybe Youtube? to be honest i have been using my phone a lot less lately and deleted a ton of apps a couple months ago. I noticed my mental health was uhhhhhh suffering from excess phone use

45 - can you remember what happened yesterday?

yes! i had an incredibly busy day at work (but got to play hide and seek with a gorilla so its ok) then went to an arboretum and took a class on the importance of the prairie to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation :)

49 - can you skip rocks?

YEAH!!! the farthest I've skipped is 4 times. cant seem to break that record. It's very fun

[czenvs3000f23]

Unit 1 Blog Post

Prompt: Describe your current relationship with nature. How was this developed/evolved? Who offered you "a sense of place," as described in our textbook?

For practically all my life, I've lived in the suburbs of Southern Ontario. I would go to school which was flanked by busy roads and intersections that would support the constant stream of cars going 70 km/hr. I would eat lunch under the glass ceiling of the mall, where I could still see the white, puffy clouds overhead. Most of my time was spent within the walls of my house, which looked identical to the others that spotted the neighborhood.

Despite this, I knew from a very young age that I wanted my career to do something with the environment. I'm not exactly sure where this stemmed from. I might've always had an intrinsic interest in biology or inherited my mom's passions, but I think most of it had to do with the programming that I was exposed to. I spent many days after school watching TVO Kids, which had a heavy emphasis on environmental education as a part of their broadcasting. I devoured the content supplied by The Wild Kratts, Dino Dan, and many others. I also got really invested in National Geographic Kids. I remember when I would get so excited to receive my monthly subscription to the magazine, and proudly showed them off to my classmates the next day at school.

Still, I hadn't racked up many hours outdoors hiking or going on other excursions. I used to be so insecure about this fact. Did it diminish my passion for the subject? Do I really belong in this field?

I think this really changed once I was in my first year. It was during the height of COVID and I was living on residence during the winter semester. The transition from high school to university was challenging as I suddenly had to be responsible for a whole slew of things. I was meeting new people from all different walks of life, adjusting to living on my own for the first time, and learning what it meant to be a student at a university. All while navigating the pandemic. Suffice it to say that in some moments it was really hard. I remember distinctly after I learned that I failed the CHEM1050 midterm, I headed straight to the arboretum. At this point I'd be going there on daily walks to get out of my stuffy dorm but this time I went to clear my head.

There's something about walking through the trails of the arboretum at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It's almost indescribable what I felt during that time in my life. Seeing the snow melt, and the little buds poking out from the soil stirred something within me. I would stare at the pond at Wild Goose Woods for a long time, just thinking. And suddenly, I would feel better. Being part of nature puts things into perspective. Deadlines don't matter. Petty dramas don't matter. It matters that I am alive in this moment, bearing witness to incredible ecological interactions that underpin the very fabric of society.

Since then, I'm still learning to appreciate the little things. I take joy in Ontario's natural heritage and am proud of the fact that I get to live in such a place where we experience four seasons. This past summer I had the opportunity to work at a farm as a camp counselor, where I was outside 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, and despite the hard work, I genuinely loved it. I'm excited to continue to grow and experience how rich and diverse our planet is.

[zhenvs3000w24]

03: Privilege in Nature Interpretation

Hello! Welcome back to my 3rd blog post, thank you for joining me today. I hope you enjoy reading my thoughts on privilege in Nature Interpretation. 

Let's first talk about what privilege is. Privilege is defined as a special right or advantage that an individual or a group possesses. I strongly believe that privilege can play a huge role in a person's connection as well as passion towards nature. Just being able to engage with nature in itself is a special privilege to have. 

Firstly, not everyone has the privilege to be able to access nature.For example someone who lives more in the city such as Toronto, doesn’t have the direct privilege to experience natural landscapes such as a person who lives in Guelph. But even the province that you live in can have a drastic effect. For example, someone who has the privilege to live in a place like Alberta has access to the beautiful mountains, compared to someone who lives in Ontario. The place a person lives can have a lot to do with the connection an individual has to nature. This is due to the fact that access to green spaces, or national parks are not equally distributed. The privilege to access such beautiful places, such as a forest that is unaffected or untouched by human activity can mean a huge difference in the impression a person gets from nature. These first impressions are crucial in building a long lasting close relationship with the nature around us. 

Moreover, the way that we see and interpret nature is heavily dependent on our experiences. It is a special privilege to have someone who is close to you be able to tell you stories and history about nature. It is also a special privilege to be able to share experiences with nature, as these will allow people to connect natural places with good and happy memories. Additionally, having the privilege to access nature at a very young age can also help connect an individual with nature and the world around them. However, due to the growing urbanisation that is happening less and less children are able to go and play in creeks or forest and are not able to build a connection to nature. Fortunately, I have been very lucky, and privileged to have a mother that was born on a very beautiful island and grew up there and passes down her stories to my brother and I. As well as have many friends who I am able to share my love for nature with. Lastly, I am also very privileged to be able to attend the university of Guelph in person and experience places such as the arboretum. 

In the end, I think it is definitely a special privilege to have access to natural landscapes and natural areas. I believe that this plays a huge role in the way people see nature and how they feel about it. 

Thank you once again for reading this blog. I hope I was able to articulate all my ideas in an understandable way. Hopefully, I'll see you next week for another post.

[therhododendronladenpath]

Bonsai Pink Azalea Plant - by RyanReporting

The US National Arboretum booth Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival Washington D.C. April 10th 2010 The Japan American Society of Washington DC presents the 50th Annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival. The street festival takes place during The National Cherry Blossom Festival on Pennsylvania Avenue which is known as America's Main Street known for joining the White House and the United States Capitol in NW Washington DC. 

Photo - by Ryan Janek Wolowski

[adenvs3000w2025]

Unit 05: Nature Interpretation through Science

The focus of Unit 05 where we talk about nature interpretation through science, is to examine the various ways in which we interact with nature through different opinions. The material explores a variety of communication strategies, including blogging, storytelling, and podcasting, while encouraging us to acknowledge the importance of science in interpretation. Effective interpretation needs more than just providing data; it must captivate the listener and inspire thought, whether through taxonomic classification or personal experiences. The textbook's Thematic, Organized, Relevant, and Enjoyable (TORE) methodology assists in directing interpretation and guarantees that scientific knowledge is always understandable and significant. Successful interpretation should allow individuals to relate to a subject in a way that speaks to them, much like Kitty and Jenny's story in the Guelph Arboretum.

The same principles hold true for health and well-being. Concerns over holistic medicine's position within the boundaries of science are raised by its rising popularity. While Western medicine is predicated on evidence-based treatment, traditional therapies like Ayurveda place an emphasis on balance and prevention. One example is the well-known plant ashwagandha, which is supposed to reduce stress and improve sleep. Although Ashwagandha has shown promise in lowering stress, the National Institutes of Health (2022) states that more research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness. The course's analysis of different methods for interpreting information is in line with this. Should we solely consider clinical trials, or should we also consider cultural wisdom that has been practiced for many generations?

Health interpretation necessitates effective communication techniques, much like nature interpretation does. It could be difficult to engage a variety of audiences with simply scientific explanations. For example, a podcast may use real-life stories and professional interviews to examine holistic health, employing storytelling approaches to humanize difficult concepts. This method is similar to how interpretation in the Arboretum offers a closer bond with nature rather than merely taxonomic facts.

You're probably wondering what this all has to do with natural interpretation and science. Interpretation, as we learn in Unit 05, is about making knowledge relevant and approachable, not just about delivering facts. Similar to how nature interpretation exceeds taxonomy to establish more profound relationships, health interpretation needs to strike a balance between cultural knowledge and scientific study. Similar to how holistic medicine can be comprehended through both facts and lived experiences, the University of Guelph Arboretum employs several narrative techniques to engage visitors. At this stage in the course, we should think about how we may use these methods in our own work. How can we effectively and inclusively convey difficult concepts? Whether in health or environmental science, acknowledging different viewpoints improves understanding and promotes a deeper understanding of the world.

References

National Institutes of Health. (2022). Ashwagandha. Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/

Pratte, M. A., Nanavati, K. B., Young, V., & Morley, C. P. (2014). An alternative medicine approach to stress reduction and symptom management. Alternative Medicine Review, 19(3), 276-282.