ubenvs3000f24

[ubenvs3000f24]

I really enjoyed going through your blog post and coming to know that we both have very similar views on what we find amazing about nature. Your take on nature and how it captures the complexity and interconnectedness of all living things was very insightful, especially all the examples of relationships you mentioned that may exist near the sea scaling from towering blue whales to the tiniest plankton. Each of these living organisms fits together and provide a niche to their ecosystem, contributing towards a natural balance that sustains life, such as predator-prey relationships, nutrient cycles, the cycling of carbon dioxide and oxygen, and even biodiversity. It also makes me reflect and think about how nature is not only just something we can visit when we step outside our homes, but rather a force that gives life, since it provides us with the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the materials that make up our everyday infrastructure. I also really enjoyed reading through your imagery of the hilltop setting, as I myself felt that I was there feeling the breeze of the wind and the warmth of the sun. I believe it is these little aspects of nature like the ones you described that are so humbling and remind us to appreciate the natural world and to grasp everything one detail at a time to truly see how amazing nature really is. Interpreting nature in this way also provides insight into how we should live our everyday lives, going one step at a time and feeling comfortable taking a step back whenever we feel things aren't going our way.

BLOG 9: Amazing Things About Nature

Sunset in Greece - Kong, 2024

When posed with the question, “what's the most amazing thing you know about nature?” I admittedly get a bit stumped. I’m reminded of my various encounters I’ve had with nature, and how in one way or another, everyone around me is fascinated in the same way as I am, maybe even more.The world holds an uncountable number of wonders, and yet everything is interconnected one way or another in a complicated web. It's fascinating to see how every being in the world synergizes with each other. Plants provide oxygen for organisms through photosynthesis, decaying matter is processed by decomposers like fungi and different kinds of invertebrates, and we all know about predators and prey. Everything in this world holds a purpose, no matter how big or how small; nothing goes to waste. So, for this particular blog post, I decided to focus on mother nature as a whole. Nature itself is amazing in a way that words can’t describe.

I want you, the reader, to take a moment to just imagine. You’re sitting atop a hill, and the sun has just begun to set. A salty breeze of wind blows past you, carrying the scent of the sea. It’s cool and refreshing, but mingles with the warmth of the setting sun. Just above you, there’s a few seabirds circling above the water. Maybe one dives down into the ocean, looking for a fish. The sky is painted with a mix of orange and pinkish hues, and the sea stretches as far as you can see, beyond the horizon. Now picture what lies beneath the waves. There’s a breathtaking diversity of animals, the very core of nature. From gentle giants like the blue whale to the microscopic plankton. One, we can’t even see with the naked eye, yet they play such a large part in creating the oxygen within the water which every marine organism relies on. Blue whales have the ability to store carbon within their bodies, and play a big part in the transport of nutrients to keep the ecosystem balanced; directly aiding in climate change, which I’m sure we all know is an increasing problem within our world.

And humans are in the center of it. Every sip of water, every breath, every weather pattern. It’s humbling to think that the water we see today has likely traveled the entire world, strong enough to shift continents and nurture ecosystems. No matter where you are in the world, take a moment to really look and think, to appreciate nature in the various ways it works and contributes to the world. Because nature is really, really amazing.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Blog Post #9

When I am asked the question, “What is the most amazing thing you know about nature?”, I like to think about the way nature shows us how interconnected everything is, showing us parts of the world that we would never get the same experience out of compared to anything else man-made, which is why it has my utmost respect. From all of the experiences I’ve had with nature, I can say that it shows aspects of overall beauty, relationships between living things, and even balance, which are all key attributes that I feel make nature unique and important to interpret for all generations.

The beauty we see in nature can come in all sorts of forms and can be seen in almost every environment, whether that be in a temperate forest, the snowy Arctic, or even the driest of deserts. If you can look hard enough, you will always find something you appreciate from nature. For example, picture yourself sitting on a bench at a local park. You feel the cool breeze of the wind blowing through your hair, and the rays of the sun warming up the back of your neck. You decide to relax on the seat on the bench and you see a squirrel in the distance carrying an acorn towards a nearby tree. In the background, you see the clouds having an orange-pinkish hue with the moon faintly visible in the evening sky. If you look even closer, you may even see a group of ants forming a line, marching towards a leftover piece of bread left on the dirt. All these interactions that you see show us the beauty of nature when we take a step back and take everything in one at a time. We may see the minute details that we may never have noticed or thought to appreciate, even in an everyday local park.

Another thing that amazes me about nature is the interactions we may see between living things and their natural environment. Nature holds a variety of interactions whether they be positive or negative and each has its reason as to why they occur. For example, imagine yourself waking through a trail in a forest near Guelph and you see a bright yellow honey bee buzzing and flying near a lone sunflower planted on the ground. The bee lands on the flower, eats up its nectar and then flies over to the next flower. As you keep walking, you notice a large tree that has cogs growing on the sides of its trunk. On the same tree, you decide to look above you and notice that a bird has built a nest on top of one of the branches. While these may only show just a fraction of the many interactions you may see in ecosystems like forests, it proves how important these interactions are to the living beings that reside in these environments and how these complex and interconnected relationships benefit the survival of these animals. These interactions also connect with the overall balance that is required for these relationships to exist, since a disruption in balance can lead to devastating impacts on the integrity of the ecosystem. Examples of aspects of nature that are in constant equilibrium are predator-prey relationships, nutrient cycles, the release and uptake of carbon dioxide or oxygen, and biodiversity, which all aim to counteract disruptions and maintain balance.

In conclusion, nature provides us with many aspects to interpret up close that can offer unique things to appreciate, such as the overall beauty of nature, the relationships that exist, and the balance that it aims to maintain. The things we may learn about nature, whether it be from personally observing something while on a walk or from reading about something in class, it goes to show how amazing nature is and how we should appreciate even the little things in life.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Hello there,

I really enjoyed going through your blog post about nature interpretation and music as I resonated with a lot of the points you made about connecting the two. I also find myself listening to nature background sounds when I am studying as I feel that it helps me stay on task and be less distracted from external sources and I feel this exact same way whenever I am out in nature, and I am able to pay attention to all the sounds that harmonize together, such as birds chirping and the wind blowing. There is something about the sounds of nature that all come together to create a calming experience, and what I really enjoy is seeing musical artists incorporate these themes and characteristics into their own work. Some of the artists that I’ve mentioned in my own blog post layer in sounds such as waves by an ocean or sounds of birds chirping, and when elements between music and nature come together, they often blend really well, creating a hybrid that pays respect to the natural world. As you mentioned your own personal experiences with how these works of music bring you back to a certain time when you were deeply connected with nature, I feel that all these themes and tones come together, allowing us to interpret the things we value from nature to a deeper level. A level where these experiences that we have are more memorable just due to the fact that they resonate with us much more.

Blog Post 7

Music in nature can be found almost anywhere, from hearing the cascade of a waterfall to birds chirping and bugs buzzing. The sounds heard in nature are their form of music, and I always find that every noise can blend into such a soothing harmony. The ambience created in nature, especially when you do not hear any noise from people or traffic, really allows for such calming emotions to be felt. I find myself more of a productive studier when I listen to ambient music, as it allows me to focus. I think this is exactly the same way in nature, as hearing the ambience wildlife creates will enable me to focus on my thoughts and appreciate what I see more. 

I could go on about the ambient sounds created by nature and how it’s crazy to think that the wind blows against trees just happens to harmonize with crickets chirping, but tons of artists and composers bring elements of nature into music. I grew up with a solid music background as I played in a string orchestra and played the saxophone and piano, so I have played a lot of classical music, and it always stood out to me how certain composers try to mimic the sounds of nature in their music. A piece I remember giving me so much trouble learning as a kid was called A River Trilogy by John O’Reilly, a common piece for kids in the band to learn. It was memorable once I learned how to play it, but the composer combined two pieces, Deep River and Water is Wide, which tries to curate a sound reminiscent and inspired by the sounds you hear from water and what emotions it provokes.

Now, a couple of songs that IMMEDIATELY take me back to natural landscapes are Self Control by Frank Ocean, Drew Barrymore by SZA, Skeletons and Telekinesis by Travis Scott. The first two are extremely calming songs that I remember standing out so much during a cottage trip my friends and I went on. These two songs would always find their way into the song queue when we were all just sitting by the water and talking about the most random conversations. I remember at night after we lit a bonfire, we could see the stars and lightning across the lake because the skies were so clear, which we weren't used to in Toronto. We were listening to Telekinesis, and the combination of seeing the lightning and the stars was genuinely one of the most scenic moments I’ve experienced and created a core memory. I tried taking pictures of the lightning and stars, but they came out so blurry so just trust me on how cool it looked.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Blog Post #7

When I think of nature and music, I think of the collection of sounds that distinctly make up nature and sometimes even present themselves in harmony. Some of these sounds that we may hear out in the wild may include the chirping of birds, rustling of leaves, crashing of waves by the water, and even the crackling of fire. These melodies come in different pitches and rhythms and often evoke different emotions in the listener. For me personally, when I hear these different sounds and melodies, I feel calmer and more collected because the tones we often hear from nature can’t be recreated as closely by humans, giving it a unique sound and experience. I also find myself listening to pre-recorded audio of certain nature-filled backgrounds as they help me feel more focused while studying, such as rain pouring over a forest, or the sounds of crickets and owls during the night time. 

We can also see the recognition of music being found in nature and being appreciated through traditions in the Indigenous communities from decades ago, where they often imitate the sounds and rhythms found in nature in their own musical traditions. In fact, a lot of the modern human-made music we hear today draws inspiration from nature, aiming to capture a similar tone and setting in their work. We can see this in the creation of musical instruments that were meant to harmonise with natural sounds and even the integration of actual nature sounds and field recordings into compositions.

Songs that personally take me back to a landscape or place of nature are Money Trees by Kendrick Lamar and Whats the Move by Young Thug because of their unique sounds and instruments that they use in the production of their songs. These two are memorable for me because they have calming instruments that they use in the background, giving an overall relaxing experience when listening. A specific time that these songs would bring me back to would be all the times I would go on a walk or stroll with my headphones around areas like campus, which is heavily surrounded by nature, or when I am on a nature trail. The lyrics used by both artists also reflect well with the production of the song, both having a catchy chorus and adding another layer of tranquillity for the listener to wind down. Both of these songs, interestingly enough, also have sounds of nature that you can hear if you listen close enough to the production, adding a more peaceful tone to the song. For example, in Money Trees, you can hear birds chirping in the beginning of the song before the beat drops. Also in Whats The Move, the beat incorporates an entire loop of nature filled sounds for the entire duration of the track, using its harmony to create a fusion of natural and human-made sounds.

All in all, nature and music come together, both being able to evoke emotions and communicate a message without having to use words. 

[ubenvs3000f24]

I really enjoyed going through your blog post evaluating the quote by Hyams, as I feel I can resonate with many of the points you made. I feel that your breakdown of the quote was very accurate as you mentioned how integrity and continuity should be connected to its present, past, and future since they all come together as a whole in the end in a “big picture.” I also liked how you tied this breakdown of the quote to environmental interpretation and how being aware of a place’s history can greatly influence how one interprets one’s surroundings. This is because whenever we look at an ecosystem such as a forest, we know that it isn’t just a collection of trees at the moment but rather the result of natural processes and changes that have led to the growth of these trees over the course of many thousands of years. You also added to this idea by mentioning the impact that the Indigenous have had on the land that we currently reside on, expanding the history of nature to its past cultural significance as well. It is all these parts that come from the past and present that come together as a whole and may allow observers to interpret what they learn and experience from nature in a new and more inclusive way rather than just focusing on the present. By learning from the past, we as humans are able to follow up in the future to ensure that the integrity and continuity of nature stay intact so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.

Unit 06

"There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity 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."

(Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)

In this quote, Edward Hyams is acknowledging that ancient things should not only be focused on the perspective of age but should rather be used to tie a connection between the present world and the past. When he talks about integrity in this sense he is trying to relay that it is about maintaining the experience which can be shared down the timeline. These experiences can be physical, emotional, or even cultural, however when we forget the importance of how it ties us to the present world these experiences start to feel forgotten or even unappreciated. Edward uses an amazing metaphor that relates to what I said, he talks about a railway station and how forgetting about the past once it is out of sight is like forgetting about the railway station once you have passed through it. However even after we've moved on and passed it, the station is still there and is in the past but not forgotten.

This idea behind Hyams quote ties back to environmental interpretation as history can play a crucial role in shaping how humans interact and understand nature. Nature however is a bit different in the sense that it is always evolving and not static, however, we must understand the historical significance behind the land, settlers, and even local traditions. When keeping these aspects out of sight, we lose a part of the story, making it incomplete.

Hyams later on talks about keeping together the parts of any whole, in this I believe he is telling us to look at the continuity of history even today as we live our daily lives. When looking at history and tying it to our present world, not only does this make a great tool to use for nature interpretation but it also helps us gain a deeper understanding of how the world around us has been shaped negatively and positively. For example, when talking about land and the cultural significance behind it, Indigenous practices may have shaped the land that we see now with value because of modern conservationists, however, many people do not know that the land they currently live could have been shaped by Indigenous practices a long time ago. Sharing these stories with people will help individuals honor the integrity of this by teaching them about the past.

In today's world, it becomes even more so important that we are consistently reshaping and advancing as humans in a world where climate change and land use become more crucial to the environment around us. As an environmental interpreter, we have an opportunity to not only remind others that the land we live on is tied to the past but also it is a consequence of our actions whether it be positive or negative. By understanding this we can approach certain challenges with the knowledge we have about the past and ensure that the actions we take now contribute positively in the future.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Blog Post #6

Nature being a place and phenomenon that includes the collectiveness of natural processes, ecosystems, and a variety of relationships, its continuity of integrity can be highlighted by connecting the present features of nature to its deep past. With all the aspects of nature coming together, we know that centuries of processes and changes have made it possible to experience the things we see out in nature, such as the formation of mountains, the growth of trees, and the evolution of different species. With that being said about nature, I believe the quote by Edward Hyams deeply emphasizes the importance of integrity seen in nature as it suggests that natural ecosystems don’t exist in isolation from their historical roots, meaning that what we see from nature in the present does not cease to exist at any time in the future.

This idea of integrity and keeping together parts of any whole scattered throughout time is important for nature interpretation as it conveys a deeper meaning and history behind what is currently visible in nature. Instead of seeing an ecosystem or natural landscape for what it is, interpreters can try finding out how these places of nature came to be in the past. For example, tourists visiting the Grand Canyon may come to find out that the natural landscape is what it is now because of two plates of Earth’s crust colliding nearly two billion years ago, eventually breaking into more layers and chunks that tilted at an angle. They may also find out that giant sloths also roamed these parts of the Grand Canyon 10,000 years ago, which have now gone extinct. Being aware of the history behind these attractions and ecosystems allows observers to have a deeper understanding of the places they are visiting and interpret what they are seeing in new ways.

The integrity of nature as a whole not only entails keeping parts of any whole together from the past, but it also means maintaining this integrity for the future so that those after us can experience what nature has to offer. With today’s broad issues facing natural ecosystems such as urbanization, deforestation, and pollution, there is no doubt that the integrity of these natural landscapes is being jeopardized. With the help of conservation efforts, long-term sustainability, and educating people on what they can do to help, we can ensure nature can continue being a place for living and non-living things to interact. For example, to protect the Grand Canyon, much is being done to stop unsafe uranium mining in nearby areas which is a big contributor to pollution. By making interpreters realize that the natural world extends far beyond the present moment, much like how Edward compared it to a railway station, more can be done to maintain the integrity of nature.

In conclusion, the integrity and continuity of nature have spanned this planet for centuries and have provided a lot for all living things, whether that be from ecosystems or humans’ new ways of interpreting their surroundings. Because of how far the natural world has come, it is important for us as humans to do our part to make sure those in the future are able to experience nature the same way we have and make a positive impact on the environment and the lives of others.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Hi Emma,

After reading your blog post, I can totally agree with how you feel about the winter season and how it may feel more unmotivating and depressing compared to warmer summer months. I myself also prefer warmer summer months where the sun is up longer and I get the chance to wear a little less and take part in activities such as going to the beach. The warmer months also seem to be more nicer to interact with nature as more biodiversity is available to see in the summer months while colder months often have less to interpret and seem less exciting. With all this being said about winter, this time of the year still has much to offer in terms of providing memorable experiences, especially outdoors. While the colder months may end the possibility of experiencing some opportunities like visiting a beach or camping in the wilderness, I believe this opens up the opportunity to experience new things we never would’ve gotten the chance to do in the summer, such as ice skating or skiing. While these activities may not be for everyone, the winter time is also a great way to stay warm indoors and spend quality time with family and friends, whether that be for Thanksgiving or for the Christmas holidays. Experiences like these are what humans should look forward to, and I believe the changing of the seasons gives us all a chance to try new things we’ve never done and step out of our comfort zone. I also like how you mentioned staying connected with nature despite the uncomfortable weather and conditions. Seeing nature and its beauty in a new light can also give a sense of warmth and allow us to interpret our surroundings differently. What I also have learned from the changing of the seasons is that we as humans don't realize how much we truly value something until we lose it. With the colder months approaching and it often being a chore just to step outside, I know for certain that once winter passes I will regret taking those times for granted.

Blog Post #5: Finding Joy in the Chill of Winter

Hey everyone! For this week’s blog, something that has been on my mind recently has been the soon-approaching cold weather. As someone who thrives during summer and fall, the thought of winter can feel discouraging. Over the past few weeks, temperatures have already dropped, and I find myself dreading the long, chilly months ahead. I sometimes refer to myself as a plant that needs sunshine to function properly, and without it, I don’t always feel my best. The shorter days also contribute to my worries about winter as the fewer hours of daylight seem to make me feel more unmotivated. I’ve struggled with seasonal depression in the past, and to get a bit vulnerable, I’ve been feeling anxious about the possibility of slipping back into that mindset. Speaking about this topic is tough, but I know that I’m not alone in these feelings, which is why I’m open to starting a conversation about it! 

With this in mind, I’ve been reflecting on how I’m feeling recently, and have come to realize the importance of staying connected with nature, even when it’s cold outside. During winter, surrounding ourselves in natural environments can ground us, and can provide a sense of calm and clarity. Although it’s easy to stay inside and hibernate - which is something I’ve done in the past - I now see how crucial it is to embrace the outdoors, even if it means bundling up in many layers of clothing. 

I’ve been brainstorming ways to stay connected with nature during this winter, and a surefire way would be to keep going on my walks around the neighbourhood. This is something I used to do with my family during the pandemic, and I always found it super refreshing. The cold air and peaceful surroundings brought me a sense of calm and contentment. Going for a stroll and enjoying the sun whenever it’s out can be a great mood booster, and getting some exercise would shake off any sluggish feelings too. Another idea would be to try out seasonal activities to bring some fun and excitement to the winter months. There are lots of fun options, like building a snowman, or baking Christmas cookies, or even trying out a winter sport like skiing or snowboarding. Taking part in these activities would offer great opportunities to bond with friends and family. Whether it would be from starting a snowball fight, or laughing with each other while on the slopes, these little moments can help us find joy and appreciate the natural wonders of winter. 

Taking a stroll on campus earlier this year!

Those are just a few suggestions for staying connected with nature, which is truly essential for our physical and emotional well-being. As nature interpreters, we can learn to appreciate the unique beauty of winter, and reflect on the deeper meanings behind the changing seasons. I hope to have inspired others to find joy in winter, and nurture their connection with nature, no matter how chilly it gets!

[ubenvs3000f24]

Blog Post #5

This week we were given the chance to write about anything for our blog, so I decided to remain in the field of nature interpretation and reflect on how my perspective on nature has changed with relevance to life-changing events and pursuing my career. I will talk about my experience with nature as a kid and how it developed as I’ve gained more interest in science and the field of veterinary medicine. 

During my childhood, I wouldn't say I was very adamant about going outside or spending time in the outdoors, as I was often forced by my parents at a very young age to go outside and play at the park or go for a walk on a trail. For a good period of my adolescence, going outside felt like a chore, as most of the time it felt pointless going on walks to see aspects of nature that I would overlook such as trees, grass, and wildlife. As a kid, it felt easier to stay in the comforts of my own home and seek enjoyment through video games and TV, which is why it took a while for me to understand the importance of spending time outdoors. As time went on, my parents took the initiative to take me and my brother out every weekend on a nature walk to someplace new and in the end, they’d promise to get us ice cream. Although I wasn't a fan of the walk, I was in it for the ice cream, and I ended up going with my parents every week on those walks, slowly starting to enjoy my time with my parents and realizing I was developing memories that I would never forget. Slowly but surely I was being placed in summer camps, signed up for swimming lessons, joining the soccer team, and spending almost every day with my friends enjoying the outdoors. By taking this change in lifestyle, I started having more of an appreciation for nature and found the aspects of biodiversity and ecosystems more interesting, especially in the classroom. 

A large aspect of this interest in wildlife and nature compelled my success in science courses and eventually led to me wanting to become a veterinarian. I believe my development of interest in nature and how I interpret it now has much to do with why my love for animals as they tie very closely with nature. In fact, the part about nature interpretation that I enjoyed the most was seeing all sorts of new and unique animals and learning about them, whether that be learning from them at school or doing my own research after coming across them. An example of myself taking a keen interest in wildlife and animals in nature was when I visited the biodome in montreal, where a variety of different ecosystems inhabiting different animals were shown, ranging from lizards all the way to penguins. Seeing the importance of animals and wildlife in our world instilled a passion in me to pursue a career that would help these animals and do my best to care for them.

All in all, my development as a person and seeing the significance of nature led me to see the world in a better light and want to do more for others.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Hello there, 

I really enjoyed going through your blog post as adding your own artwork really did prove the fact that each of us has our own perspectives on what we think is beautiful about a landmark and is why it may be portrayed differently by one person’s interpretation of the natural landmark compared to another person’s interpretation. Because of these different perspectives, it allows the viewer to see nature in the lens of the artist to get a sense of the beauty that exists in the actual location of the landscape. I would also mention that a factor that plays a role in how artists choose to portray natural landscapes is because of the way they may interpret the that landscape from first-hand experience. For example, different individuals may prefer different forms of learning such as visual, active, or sequential which may cater to different individuals. This may influence what features or characteristics an interpreter may choose to highlight in their artwork, such as choosing to add more detail surrounding a river, or paying more attention to the background of the landscape. I also resonated with how you mentioned social media and digital pictures being another way to capture our own interpretations of nature without having to create art. Being able to click a picture of a natural setting that provides a visual appeal at your own discretion shows how synonymous both art and nature really are. All in all, I really enjoyed going through your blog post and hope to read more from you!

Unit 4 Blog Post

Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”? (Your readings – specifically Chapter 5 of the textbook – will be helpful for this!)

Art has always held a special place in my heart, whether it is painting, photography, drawing, or just going to museums to see what others have created. When considering nature interpretation, it is very clear to me that the two go hand-in-hand. Nature and art are the same thing. This is obvious to me when I see my friends' Instagram stories flooded with pictures of a pretty sunset, or when I stop to take pictures of cool mushrooms I see while on a walk. It is very easy to interpret nature through art because they are synonymous. As a nature interpreter I am able to describe the beauty of nature while out in the field, but also by analyzing depictions of nature in art. Being able to convey what an art piece is telling us about nature we are able to interpret nature to its fullest extent. 

In my free time I enjoy going to parks near my house and painting what I see. I believe that this is a very important way of interpreting nature as you are capturing it through your perspective. As we know, art is subjective. Due to this everyone identifies with it differently. By painting, photographing, or drawing nature we are able to share how we see it and share our interpretations when words may fail. 

My interpretations of nature through paintings I have done

Personal interpretations of nature through art have existed for centuries with many of the “most famous” paintings of all time being depictions of nature (like Monet’s Water Lilies). The Group of Seven have also created many paintings that portray the beauty of nature as discussed in this week's unit. Through their art, the members of this group were able to capture the beauty of Canadian landscapes to share with the world. Their paintings convey the stillness of lakes, blowing winds, and colours of fall among other things. Each one is a snippet of the environment Canada has to offer and their work is a very prominent part of Canadian heritage. Growing up I remember taking countless field trips to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection gallery with my school. I remember myself and my classmates being astonished by the feelings that these paintings evoked, and even taking time to draw our versions of some of them. By observing these pieces of art and creating our own based off of them, we were able to experience scenery that some of us had never seen before. We were able to get a sense of what it was like to be there without ever leaving the walls of the gallery. 

Harris, H. S. (1928) Lake and Mountains [Painting]. I remember recreating this painting specifically

In regards to the “gift of beauty”, I believe that it is hidden (or not so hidden) in nature. We can see the visual appeal of a pretty flower or fall leaves in a forest, but we can also feel it. The beauty of nature comes with emotions; when we imagine a still lake it brings calmness, and when we think of a bright summer day it brings joy. The gift of beauty in nature is the escape that it offers, not just the pretty colours and cute fuzzy animals. By interpreting nature through art we are able to capture that gift and save it for future generations to see, just like the Group of Seven did.

A picture I took in Australia that encompasses the gift of beauty for me

[ubenvs3000f24]

Blog Post #4

Although I am not an artist or capable of making any artwork that can illustrate how I interpret what I experience, I myself as a nature interpreter can appreciate how art and nature come hand in hand with allowing individuals to express their envisionings of nature onto a blank canvas. I believe this is important because each individual interprets their natural surroundings differently, nature and art allow us to see the world from different perspectives, and it encourages others to visit natural landmarks depicted in art pieces for themselves.

Firstly, I would say that it is clear that every individual in this world interprets nature and the experiences around them differently from one another. Interpretation of surroundings can vary drastically because each person may prefer different forms of learning and interpretation, such as verbal, active, or sequential learners, which each may have their ideal sources such as colourful pictures, hand-held models, or audiobooks. Because of these differences in how nature is interpreted by humans if a group of people were asked to create a painting regarding the same natural landscape, each curated painting would be different from one another. My experience with art and nature interpretation stems from middle school where I’ve had assignments for art class challenging me to paint natural landscapes that we have visited in the past. As a result, my first painting related to my interpretation of nature was of Tobermory, since it was the most scenic view I had visited when I went the first time and it wasn’t too far from my hometown. By making this painting, I had to recollect my first impressions and experience from seeing the landscape and picture how I wanted to present it on the canvas.

Secondly, nature interpretation through art ensures that different perspectives of a landscape can be seen by the viewer at first glance. This is important because since all interpreters view nature differently, art allows us to see what the interpreter focuses on most when viewing nature. For example, if making an art piece of a mountainous background, one artist may focus their detail on the snowy peaks while another artist may pay more attention to the birds flying in the distance. Some details may be missed and that is okay since the whole purpose of art is to allow our imaginations and perspectives to guide us into what we should depict next. With these different perspectives, artists are also able to highlight aspects of the natural landscape that stand out to them in terms of beauty.

An artwork from The Group of Seven that I vividly remember seeing at the museum.

Finally, nature interpretation through art encourages the viewer to visit natural landmarks expressed in art pieces as it gives a unique perspective on the landmark and allows the artist to add some additional beauty to the location. By taking a first glance at an artwork and being able to experience the beauty of a landmark through the eyes of someone else, the viewer may feel curious and more inclined to visit those places for themselves and gauge what they feel about the natural beauty of that location. A big example of this growing up was when I got the chance to visit art museums that showed artworks from artists like The Group of 7 and how they expressed the natural beauty of Canada’s landmarks through their own unique ways. Although I never knew where these places were located, at first glance I knew I wanted to see these places for myself.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Hello there,

I really enjoyed going through your blog post on privilege and nature interpretation as your definition of privilege was very easy to understand by giving it the comparison to resources in an “invisible backpack”. I also believe that because of these resources, some individuals are able to have different opportunities and experiences from others and because of this, it can greatly influence how people are able to interpret nature. A big point that you made that I also mentioned as well was how these privileges shape who has access to different places for interpretation and how they experience and interpret them. This is a major influence because most of these differences in lifestyles between individuals mostly is associated with socioeconomic status, race, gender and education, which can limit many groups of people from visiting places of nature. Differences in how people are brought up may also greatly influence how one interprets what they are experiencing from nature, where a privileged person may understand and take away key lessons from an activity since they are raised in nature, whereas another unprivileged person may disregard the activity and feel that it is a waste of time. What I liked about your blog post was how you thought of ways where we can acknowledge these privileges and find ways for others to have the same opportunity to access these natural experiences. By allowing everyone to have the chance to explore these destinations and have the chance to interpret the world from their own perspective it can allow the less fortunate to realize the importance of nature interpretation and pass on their experiences to the next generation.

Unit 03 Blog Post

Peggy McIntosh describes privilege as an “invisible backpack,” full of resources that some people carry without even realizing it. Privilege includes aspects such as race, socioeconomic status, language and gender. My personal definition of privilege houses the idea of unearned advantages that shape our experiences in life in different ways we may not be aware of, including how we may engage with nature. In nature interpretation, privilege plays a significant role in not only who has access to natural spaces, but also how they experience and interpret them. As interpreters, acknowledging the various privileges that exist can help create more inclusive and fair experiences for all individuals.

A person’s privilege determines how easily they have access to these experiences. For example, a person coming from a wealthy background may have grown up visiting national parks, taking swimming lessons and attending summer camps. In comparison, someone from a lower-income background may have had fewer opportunities to engage with nature. This is an example of privilege. A key aspect to privilege in nature interpretation is accessibility. Someone who lives in an urban environment may not have easy access to nature. Trails and outdoor activities may cater primarily to those who can walk, hike, or physically engage with nature. Privilege, in this case, includes having an able body or good health. As an interpreter, recognizing this privilege could allow for alternate ways to engage with nature such as virtual tours or accessible paths.

Although I grew up in an urban environment. My family made it a point to take frequent trips to local parks as well as enrolled us in summer camp where we were able to kayak, hike and play sports outdoors. Even while at school during the year, we made field trips to lots of local parks where we learned about indigenous culture, animal species and local flora. At the time, I never considered these experiences as privileges. However, reflecting on it now, I realize that having access to these opportunities was not something everyone had.

An article by Rachel McKimmy on how she moved to a rural area and had to deal with the intricacies of nature.

Many nature activities such as hikes, or outdoor activities assume that participants already have a level of comfort with being outdoors. However, for people who have not had the same access to nature, these experiences may feel intimidating. As environmental interpreters, we must recognize that our audiences come from different backgrounds. By being aware of these differences, one can bridge that gap and create more inclusive and accessible experiences to everyone. A way to do this could be collaborating with community groups that serve underrepresented populations by ensuring that environmental education is accessible to everyone.

Nature should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or privilege. By acknowledging our own privileges, we can better cater to a diverse range of audiences and make the natural world a place for everyone to connect and enjoy.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Blog Post #3

Privilege is often what determines how an individual can act on certain available opportunities and can significantly influence how a person perceives the world around them, what experiences they face, and how they are brought up in life. By definition, privilege refers to a special right or advantage that a particular group or person has according to Oxford Languages, such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, or education. While privilege can often go unseen, especially with people who are privileged, it is important for people to reflect on themselves and see what characteristics may apply to them that might not apply to others. In the context of nature interpretation, privilege plays its role in shaping who has access to nature, how it is interpreted or experienced, and how people are brought up in nature.

Firstly, many different factors come into play which may influence how much access an individual may have to nature based on their privileges. One of the most notable factors is socioeconomic privileges. People with more financial privileges are more likely to have access to natural spaces around them such as exhibits, national parks, wilderness areas, being able to travel the world and much more. People with more wealth and privilege may also live near these areas of nature, allowing them to experience what nature has to offer more often than compared to less privileged people who may live in more urban and underdeveloped areas.

Secondly, privileges affect how nature is interpreted and experienced by individuals as people with different access and experiences around nature will have their own opinions. Those who are more fortunate and privileged will often have higher socioeconomic status as well as education and will understand the importance of nature. This is likely since this privilege would allow these individuals to be brought up and raised around nature, allowing them to find more joy in interpreting nature as well as making it a tradition to pass on to the next generation. Those who are not as privileged in this world may be facing other issues with their lives that may prevent them from taking the chance to experience nature beyond where they are raised. Some of these issues such as street violence, financial issues, or addiction may make those who were raised in these conditions as children not be able to understand the importance of nature in the future since they are caught up in their issues. 

Being able to interpret nature differently between privileged and non-privileged people also goes hand-in-hand with how these two groups of people were raised as children since childhood influences much of how we view the world when we are adults. As mentioned earlier with privileged groups of people, it is more of a trend for families to pass on the tradition of going out into nature and taking the initiative to interpret nature in different recreational ways. With the unprivileged, however, this passion to pass on the values learned from interpreting nature onto the youth may not be as strongly instilled in many groups mainly because of accessibility and lack of experience.

All in all, how nature is interpreted by each individual can be different for everyone as we all come from different diverse backgrounds that prioritize different values. Nature being an aspect of life that everyone should be able to experience for themselves, I believe it is important to try to put these privileges aside and try our best to see what nature has to offer so that we can guide the next generation to the right path and raise them with the right mindset around nature.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Hi there,

It was really nice going through your post as I agree with a lot of the points you made about environmental interpreting. One of which is how you mentioned that ideas should be easy enough for everyone to understand within the audience. This is definitely the case since the audience that often comes with environmental interpreting ranges from big to small. Making ideas and topics easier to comprehend and understand is one way of making everyone in the audience engage and I also liked how you added to this by mentioning the different teaching styles that should also be incorporated for different kinds of learners. Making content simple to understand and also adding a variety of different learning sources like visuals, podcasts, and mini quizzes as you mentioned can allow for the interpreter to have a greater reach to their audience members and thus make the experience more engaging and memorable.

I also liked how you mentioned that an environmental interpreter should be knowledgeable in monitoring trends in the environment as well as coming up with preventative measures to help solve ecological issues that the general public can follow. This is important as this information can be shared with the interpreters audience, thus creating a positive impact and allowing the message to be received by multiple people who are willing to do their part in making a change. Overall, I agreed with a lot of the points you made as they were also mentioned in my own blog post. I hope to read more of what you have to say!

Unit 02: Teaching Learners

My ideal role as a environmental interpreter is to be someone who can dissect hard to swallow ideas and break them down into bite size pieces that everyone will be able to understand. As a developing professional and scientist, I would like to be able to better communicate my ideas to a broader audience; not only just to other Universtiy students with similar educational background but also to a kindergartener who is just beginning their journey in academics or someone who is recently retired looking for a new hobby.

When asked to envision a nature interpreter, most people would picture the scout guide with the troop of young children all dressed up at summer camp, however I like to picture a nature interpreter as a ecological scientist who monitors trends in the environment to determine if there are factors that effect the overall health of an ecosystem. Someone who is monitoring the large-scale populations, the changing of weather patterns, the possible changes in melting patterns or in migration reports. These scientists are able to take in different streams of data and determine different methods to solve ecological issues as well as create preventative measures to help prevent future problems to arise. Nature interpreters need to be able to develop and lead engaging programs for various audiences, including school groups, families, and community members. Being able to Collaborate with local organizations, schools, and community leaders to promote environmental awareness and involvement in conservation initiatives is also needed as this brings attention to potential problems that nature is facing. Creating interpretive materials such as brochures, as well as digital content that highlights the local environment is done to increase involvement with the community and has helped to spread awareness for many different ecological problems.

I imagine this ecological scientist being present in a community, like a doctor or a fireman, being present in schools and around the community to help shape how to interact with the environment around you. The message of the interpreter being passed in the mail, through magazine articles, instagram ads, and other forms of media, so the message can be passed along. However, there is a perceived stigma with the sharing of ecological information, almost as if the information isn’t as important, the news tends to focus on the outcomes of global warming like storms and tornados and sinking land masses, however if news sources were to better share ways to reduce carbon footprint and to increase the renewable energy, Then the general population would be able to potentially change habits and slow down these negative effects. Therefore a strong nature interpreter should be able to communicate with all types of learns as well be able to convey their message over different platforms to reach a broader audience. Another quality would be patience, as learning doesn’t come easy to everyone and this can become frustrating and being patient will help to prevent the learner from quitting before they understand the concept.

In the most recently covered unit, we discussed some of the different learning styles like verbal, active, sequential or other styles of learner; as well how to better teach these other styles of learning by using a wider array of tactics. Introducing other forms of media like podcasts, posters, brochures, mail sources as well as informational videos could allow for a broader message to get across that would better suit a wider range of audiences. I tend to explain with words and story telling as I am a verbal learner, however the use of infographics, mini quizzes/ activities and other forms of media to better engage other types of learners would help me to become a better nature interpreter. Even though my passion lies in pharmaceuticals, I have always had a soft spot in my heart that has led to make conscious decisions about how I take care of the planet. I hope to further develop my communication skills by increasing the ways that I convey my messages to reach a boarder audience.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Blog #2

When I think of the ideal role of an environmental interpreter, I think of an individual that communicates the general understanding and their own take on environmental topics while engaging with their diverse audience and applying different teaching styles. As a developing scientist myself, interpreting towards an audience comes a long way when it comes to teaching others who would like to learn from you. In that case, I would focus my attention on making sure all members of my audience understand the point I am making and come out of the experience learning something new. Being an environment interpreter, however, I believe that the role should ideally take place where nature is so that it can be seen and valued by the observer first hand, where all members of the audience can grasp the learning, and where all audience members can have a memorable experience by the end of the day.

Firstly, it is necessary for an environmental interpreter to teach in an area surrounded by nature such as national parks, nature centers, natural landmarks, and wildlife reserves. This is important since the main role of an environmental interpreter would be to allow those visiting these locations to gain a deeper understanding of the specific area they are visiting. Compared to just visiting a place and not having any resources that may explain the history or background of a place, it can be hard for observers to grasp the same knowledge they would receive if some form of interpretation were to be available, such as a tour guide, a diagram, or article. The same can be applied if there was just a visual diagram or article to read at home about a particular environment instead of actually being present at the place being discussed. Being situated at the place of discussion plays a huge role in allowing audience members to interpret things much more accurately than how they were intended.

Secondly, it is important for all audience members to be able to grasp the content they are learning in the most effective ways possible. The problem with this is that with such a diverse audience that often comes with environmental interpretation, different individuals learn better with different learning styles, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners to name a few. That is why it is important for environmental interpretors to be able to cater to all these different ways of learning, as it provides a better learning experience for everyone. Examples of ways to cater to these learners can be providing colourful diagrams to visual learners, hands-on displays for active and kinesthetic learners, and online text for reflective learners.

Finally, it is important for environmental interpreters to provide a memorable experience for audience members. Much of this can be done through skills obtained by the interpreters themselves, such as being able to communicate with the audience, being adaptable to certain unpredictable conditions and being able to bring out energy within the group to get everyone engaged. Without these skills, there may not be as much of a connection between the interpreter and their audience and can lead to some not understanding the message being delivered.

[ubenvs3000f24]

This blog was created for the ENVS 3000 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.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Hi there,

I had a great time reading through your blog and your experience with nature, as I really resonated with how you mentioned your parents taking you outdoors. This same case was with me when I was younger and I feel that having our parents show us the importance of connecting with nature and our environment is a must. Without my parents having me come along with them on trails or visiting different landmarks, I wouldn't have the same appreciation for nature and life as I do now. It instilled new values in me that I would have never learned if I had just stayed at home on an iPad as a kid. Seeing how much of a grasp technology and entertainment have on kids today, regularly going outdoors is definitely something I intend to pass on to my kids in the future. I also really like how you described your camping experiences as I have never actually gone myself, but the thought of discovering a whole new area that may have not been even roamed by anyone else seems refreshing. It seems like a way more engaging experience than going on a hike through a forest. Now I am definitely going to consider camping sometime in the future, especially with how breathtaking the northern Canadian landscape is. If you could recommend some good camping spots near Guelph that would be great as well.

Unit 01 Blog Post

I believe my current relationship with nature is very strong and nature itself means so much to me. As I grew up, my parents always took me and my sister camping up in Northern Ontario. We camped at parks like Lake Superior, and Sleeping Giant. As I got older and was able to make more of my own decisions, I decided to work at Algonquin Provincial Park for the summers of 2020 and 2021. During those two summers, I learned that nature will always be a part of who I am, and that to be content with my life, I need access to natural areas. For 2 years I lived and worked in one of the most beautiful parks in our country. I went camping every set of days off I could, did hikes every single night after work, and relaxed at secret lakes very few people know even exist. There is just something about the exploration of an area where there is very few other people nearby. That feeling of being truly alone in nature is what I crave when I go on my camping trips. Being truly isolated from the outside world allows me to really think about my life, and allows me to reflect upon myself positively. Every time I return from a camping trip I feel sad that it is over, but also refreshed and grateful to live in a country where natural areas are valued inherently. I now work for the Environmental Services Department with a Municipality in southern Ontario. Although I am a few hours away from the main areas where I enjoy camping, I still make sure to get up north every few weeks. My introduction to nature at the beginning of my life would have to be thanks to my parents. They too have an undeniable passion for natural areas and have instilled those values into me. So for who offered me a “sense of place” I would have to say my parents.

I have attached a picture to this post. The picture is of me in October 2022 when my sister and I went camping in Jasper National Park, in Alberta. This was one of my favourite trips I've ever been on, considering I'm used to camping in Ontario. Seeing this insane landscape made me grateful to live in such a beautiful country. Every time I look back at pictures from this trip I realize how varied the Canadian landscape is. From the prairies to the Arctic Ocean to the rocky mountains, Canada is truly a beautiful place and the place to be for nature lovers.

[ubenvs3000f24]

Unit 1- My Connection To Nature

My current relationship with nature is one that has grown to be very strong thanks to my childhood, which was deeply rooted in outdoor travel, activities, and exploring. Growing up, my parents made it clear that spending time as a family in the outdoors was crucial for the overall physical and mental health of each individual rather than staying indoors, whether that be going on walks around the neighbourhood, visiting the local park, or going on a weekly nature hike. 

As I was introduced to this lifestyle as a kid however, I was adamant at first, often being forced to go on hikes, being bored out of my mind, and wishing I was at home playing video games instead. It felt like a chore just to please my parents to go on walks outside, often feeling repetitive and pointless at times. During that period of my life, nature never had a very strong presence or influence in my life, often being disregarded, especially with how far technology and entertainment has advanced. My relationship with nature started to change for the better as I grew older and understood more about the long term gratitude and value I was gaining from spending time outdoors with my parents. By visiting more and more places across Canada like Tobermorry and Banff, seeing what the world had to offer, I was learning more about my surroundings while also enjoying the moment. Seeing nature at its different stages of seasons across vast regions allowed me to take in the beauty of this world, knowing that it can't be recreated, and how it supports the lives of thousands of different unique species that contribute to biodiversity. While my interpretation of nature was not just limited to hiking or taking trails around forests, I also found more enjoyment in activities where nature had a big role setting the scene, such as kayaking across a lake, skiing down blue mountain, or zip lining overhead a forest. While these activities have an adrenaline rush feeling associated with them, they also allowed me to take in my surroundings, often making the experience much more worth it. Today, I can confidently say that my relationship with nature is one that is much more present thanks to my parents. Because of the weekly walks we’d take across trails or visits to different landmarks, I've appreciated every moment much more and have even taken the initiative to learn about local ecosystems as well as visit them on my own. My parents showing me the importance of spending time in the outdoors and coercing me in my youth to do so is the reason why I’ve developed such a connection with nature today, which is why I would say they offered me “a sense of place”. It's because of them I've gotten to interpret nature differently over the years, being able to admire a place based on its environment, its history, and cultural significance.

Here is one of the earliest pictures of myself in front of a lake beside my home. Although it doesn't seem like a very scenic background, it was one of my first memorable experiences with nature.