Anna Pepall

I've never been someone who felt super connected to nature. As I’ve shared in so many of my posts, I didn’t grow up with much exposure to it, and it wasn’t a major part of my life. All I knew about it was that once a year my family and I would leave our city life behind to spend time at the cottage. Those trips sparked my curiosity, but I didn’t get the chance to really explore it until now, through this course.

Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy this class as much as I have. Doing the work felt less like an assignment and more like something I looked forward to each week. I couldn’t wait to see what blog prompt we’d get next! I loved having the chance to talk about my experiences and connect them with the readings and course material. This course has taught me a lot about myself, in ways I didn’t see coming. There were parts of my life I didn’t think had anything to do with nature that, surprisingly, connected deeply.

For instance, I never would have thought the color pink, a color I associate with my sister’s late friend, Jordy, could have anything to do with nature. But through Blog 4, I learned that nature can serve as a kind of memory keeper. Those pink sunsets have become a comforting reminder of her. I also learned about the privilege of experiencing nature (Knudson et al., 2018). While I hadn’t thought about it much before, being able to go to the cottage each year is a privilege, one that’s given me opportunities to connect with nature that not everyone has. Blog Post 3 really opened my eyes to this, deepening my appreciation for those moments.

I didn’t realize that nature could be a part of my favorite songs either. In Blog 7, I explored how music connects me to the natural world through different sounds and patterns (Knudson et al., 2018). But one of the biggest things I’ve learned, and something that came up in nearly every blog post, is that a connection to nature isn’t based on location; it’s built through experiences. I live in Niagara Falls, with one of the world’s natural wonders right in my backyard, yet that doesn’t feel like “nature” to me. Nature for me is the experience of being at the cottage with my family.

Reflecting on all these moments with the help of course readings has helped me realize that nature isn’t just part of my annual trips up north, it is actually one of the most prevalent aspects in my life and prevalent throughout so many of my experiences.

As I spent the first half of the blog mainly talking about what I learned from this assignment, I now would like to answer the assigned blog prompt.

From taking this class, and as I start to develop my own style as a nature interpreter, I’m realizing it’s not just about listing facts about nature, or just lecturing to people the scientific explanation behind it. In my eyes, it's more about helping people feel a connection. My personal experiences showed me that nature can actually bring comfort and hold meaning. This personal side of nature is what I want to bring into my approach to interpreting it for others.

One of my primary responsibilities is to make nature accessible and inclusive for people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This involves recognizing my privilege. I now know I've been lucky to have access to nature since I was young, and I want to help make these kinds of experiences meaningful for everyone. I want people, especially those like me, who may not feel a strong connection to nature, to see that it’s something they can discover at any point in their lives, and is actually more relevant than they may realize.

In the article “Why Environmental Educators Shouldn’t Give Up Hope,” Jacob Rodenburg highlights how important it is to teach in a way that brings joy and wonder to kids, without jumping straight into big issues like climate change. Instead, he suggests helping kids fall in love with nature first, something I only got to experience once a year as a kid (Rodenburg, 2019). I see my role the same way; building connections first and saving the technical stuff for later. I really like Rodenburg’s idea of bringing people back to “magic” places so they can create their own stories and feel a sense of belonging in nature. For me, that’s the cottage, it’s my own “magic place.” This approach makes learning personal and memorable.

In my approach, I want to be a storyteller. I think bringing curiosity and excitement into learning about nature would greatly impact the connections made with the people learning about it. Working on the children’s podcast showed me how important this is. My job as the narrator was to take the science facts and tell them in a way that kept kids interested, making sure they could actually enjoy and follow along with what we were saying. I really like how Rodenburg talks about the students’ connection to the killdeer bird; by telling its story, he helped them feel invested in it, like they had a role in its life. That’s exactly what I’d love to do, help people feel connected to the nature around them.

Ultimately, my goal as an interpreter is to help make nature feel meaningful and accessible to everyone. Through simple, shared experiences, I want to show that nature isn’t just a place to visit; it’s something that can become part of who you are. I hope to help people find their own “magic places” and show that even small things, a sunset, a song, or a quiet walk, can bring them closer to nature. For me, it’s about encouraging these moments of connection, and helping people see that nature, even in little ways, is something they can take with them wherever they go. By bringing together what I’ve learned in this course with my own experiences, I want to make nature feel just as relevant to others as it’s starting to feel for me.

Knudson, Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

Your post is so honest and relatable, and I loved reading about how your relationship with nature has grown throughout this course! I can feel the excitement in your words, like each blog assignment opened up something new for you. It’s amazing when a class ends up becoming something you look forward to each week. Your blog is a reminder that sometimes, the things we least expect can surprise us and help us grow in unexpected ways.

Your story about the color pink and sunsets as a reminder of Jordy is beautiful. It’s amazing how nature can unexpectedly hold memories, emotions, and connections to loved ones. I think a lot of people might overlook these kinds of connections, assuming nature has to involve things like hiking or forests, but your story shows how personal and meaningful nature can be. Everyday experiences in nature, like sunsets, can be just as significant and comforting as larger, more “traditional” experiences like camping or hiking. These personal connections to nature can be very grounding and, as you described, even bring a sense of calm and comfort.

I also found your reflection on privilege to be very powerful. Realizing that annual trips to the cottage are a privilege and understanding what those trips have given you is such an important insight. Not everyone has the chance to escape to a place that feels so connected to nature, and your awareness of this privilege reflects how much thought you’re putting into the accessibility of nature for others. Recognizing that not everyone has had the same opportunities to experience nature as you did can open the door to making nature feel accessible and welcoming for people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Your comment about living in Niagara Falls but not seeing it as “nature” really made me think. It’s interesting how, even when surrounded by famous natural landmarks, it’s the small, personal experiences, like those cottage trips with family, that feel more meaningful. This goes to show that nature doesn’t need to be grand or far away to be significant; it can be found in the places and moments that are close to our hearts.

The way you want to create “magic places” for others and bring people back to simple, joyful experiences with nature is inspiring. Your work on the children’s podcast, using storytelling to make science enjoyable and memorable, shows just how much of an impact you can have. Taking complex ideas and turning them into engaging stories for kids is no easy task, but it’s such an important way to help others connect to the natural world. This approach, focused on curiosity and discovery, will help people feel that nature is accessible, relatable, and something they can be a part of.

As I hone my abilities as a wildlife interpreter, I see how my personal ethics are firmly anchored in a dedication to sustainability, empathy, and accessibility. To bring people closer to nature and inspire them to take care of it, I aim to make environmental science interesting and approachable for a wide range of individuals, regardless of their background or level of experience. This motivation supports my view that everyone has the right to comprehend and establish a connection with nature, and that doing so might encourage more ecologically conscious behaviour. 

Interpretation should inspire as well as inform, according to one of my beliefs. This viewpoint, which I got from the readings and discussions in our class, motivates me to explain science in a way that piques student’s interest and offers tales in addition to providing facts. Interpretation, in my opinion, is about more than just data; it’s about fostering a relationship between humans and the natural environment so that it feels more like a part of their life than something remote or solely academic. 

I consider myself to be a guide rather than an authority which it comes to obligations. This implies that in addition to being truthful and understandable, I also want to foster an environment where people feel free to express their opinions and ask questions about nature. Instead of taking an overly formal or prescriptive approach, I want to foster a two-way conversation in which I value and respect other people’s viewpoints and help them feel like environmental stewards. 

The methods that most appeal to me is dynamic, conversational, and casual. I believe the strategy that will work best for me is to make science seem like an enjoyable, shared journey, just like I have observed in outstanding nature communicators like Bill Nye. I want my interpretation approach to adjust to the comprehension and attention level of the audience, whether it be adults, kids, or other students. I find that informal interpretation-such as pointing out something intriguing while out on a stroll-works especially well because it is unpanned and impromptu, which frequently makes it feel more memorable and intimate. 

Therefore, my ethical position focuses on interpreting nature in a way that is inclusive, interesting, and flexible enough to suit different audiences. I want to strike a balance between sharing knowledge with others in a way that is both scientifically sound and emotionally compelling. I want to feel learning from nature and my audience as I advance in this sector, always improving my methods to become a more effective communicator and a more ethical steward of the environment. 

I also acknowledge the value of lifelong learning as a crucial component of ethical nature interpretation as I continue to refine my methodology. As our knowledge of ecology and environmental science continues to advance, being knowledgeable and flexible is essential to continuing to be a responsible interpretation. In addition to sharing knowledge that is as up to date as possible, I want to make sure that I'm willing to learn from my audience as much as they do from me. This reciprocal interaction maintains interpretation alive and current, demonstrating that we are all nature's pupils who are always learning new things.

In addition, I want to develop cultural awareness in my work as an interpreter. A deeper, more inclusive experience, in my opinion, results from respecting the diverse ways that other communities relate to environment. I want to promote a greater appreciation for different worldviews and inspire viewers to appreciate nature from a variety of perspectives by incorporating cultural values and customs into my interpretation.

As an interpreter, my ultimate objective is to produce experiences that leave a lasting impression. After an interpretative experience, I want individuals to feel a feeling of their own place in the natural world as well as a renewed appreciation for it. The core of responsible interpretation, in my opinion, is encouraging others to view themselves as engaged conservationists equipped with empathy, knowledge, and a fresh sense of wonder.

I really enjoyed reading your blog! You have such a great way of making nature interpretation feel approachable and meaningful, which is something a lot of people struggle with. Your commitment to connecting with people in a natural, conversational way really stands out. I think it makes such a difference when people don’t feel like they’re being “taught” but instead are just having a good chat with someone who cares about the same things. It’s a great way to get people interested without overwhelming them. Have you found that this approach helps people feel more comfortable asking questions or sharing their own thoughts about nature?

I also really connected with your point about using emotion in interpretation. Those moments of personal connection can sometimes inspire people to think differently about the world around them. I think this is especially important in nature interpretation, where it’s often the personal stories and the emotions that stick with people. Your example about connecting with sunsets really got me thinking about how even small, everyday experiences in nature can be so powerful. You aslo mentioned wanting to create more inclusive nature experiences, which I think is amazing. Not everyone has the same opportunities to experience the outdoors, and sometimes people feel out of place or unsure if they “belong” in natural spaces. By being inclusive, you’re making nature a space for everyone, and that’s something we need more of in environmental work. Have you tried any specific ways to make your interpretation more inclusive, or do you have ideas on how to reach people who might feel left out?

Your thoughts on Bill Nye and his relaxed, fun style of teaching science also really connect with me. He’s such a great example of how to make complicated topics feel accessible without losing the important details. I think that’s something that can really benefit nature interpretation too, especially since a lot of science concepts can seem intimidating. Do you find that people respond well to this more relaxed approach? I can imagine it might be easier for people to connect and ask questions when things feel less formal.

The most amazing thing about nature, for me, is the memories I make with friends and family, especially while fishing. This summer, I went up to a friend’s fishing cottage with a big group, all of us excited and ready to haul in some trophy catches. We had the idea that all of us were going to land some massive bass and huge musky, dreaming of crazy stories we'd tell afterward. But as the weekend unfolded, we realized that it wasn’t the fish that made the trip incredible, it was simply being out there, surrounded by good friends and the beauty of the lake. (we did not catch any big fish that week)

We spent hours out on the water, casting our lines and sharing laughs, trading stories, and making memories that will last a lifetime. The quiet sounds of the lake, mixed with the distant calls of birds, and the plopping of lures in the water, is so very calming. We didn’t catch the monster fish we’d hoped for, but as the sun dipped below the horizon on the Madawaska River and painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, it became clear that the magic of the trip wasn’t in the fish in the river, it was in the experience itself.

In those moments, you realize that fishing is about much more than the catch. It’s about feeling connected to the ones around you. Standing there on the edge of the dock, watching the sunset, getting ready for catfish night fishing, I was reminded of how lucky I was to be able to get a chance to slow down, share moments, and escape the everyday rush of life, it kinda made me sad thinking that it was going to end and id just be back at school in a less than a few weeks. 

I often joke that collecting fishing gear has become a hobby of its own. Last weekend, I picked up some antique lures at the Aberfoyle Flea Market, fascinating pieces that look so different from the ones we use today. It’s incredible how fishing technology has evolved, and yet using a simple, old-school lure still feels connected to that timeless art. And this Christmas, my family and I are going on our first deep-sea fishing adventure in Florida. I can’t wait to see what it’s like out on the open water with my mom, dad, and brother by my side, sharing an experience that will undoubtedly become another awesome memory.

Fishing isn’t just about what’s on the other end of the line, it’s about the quiet thrill, the company, and the sense of peace that comes with being out in nature. It’s my way of finding balance, and my way of connecting to the nature in my area. Each trip, whether I’m with friends, family, or on my own, reminds me that the most amazing part of nature is simply being present. I know most of my blogs have been about fishing, but it's what I really love to do in my spare time and I'd recommend it to anyone reading this blog to give it a try with some friends, family, or by yourself. Sadly winter is coming up and fishing becomes very limited then, but when the spring comes I hope that at least one of you reading this blog will give it a try!

One of my many tackle boxes with some of my antique lure collection, guess which one is the oldest lure (hint it's on the top rack)

I enjoyed reading your blog! Your passion for fishing really comes through. It’s funny how we often go out with big expectations (like landing that trophy bass or musky), only to realize that the real thrill is just being out there with good company, soaking up the surroundings. Your description of the quiet sounds on the lake, the distant bird calls, and those beautiful sunsets on the Madawaska painted such a vivid picture. It reminded me of how easy it is to get caught up in wanting that “perfect catch” but how the memories we make end up being what we hold onto most.

I totally get what you’re saying about feeling lucky to slow down, away from the rush of life. Being in nature seems to bring out a sense of calm that’s hard to find anywhere else. And your love for collecting lures, That’s awesome! It’s interesting how old fishing gear has such a connection to the past. It’s like you’re carrying a bit of history with you every time you fish. I’d bet those antique lures have seen some great stories of their own over the years. Canoe trips feel similar. There’s this sense of following in the paths of those who’ve paddled before, which makes the experience even more special.

From the calming hum of a bee to the thunderous roar of a waterfall, nature provides a wealth of soundscapes. These organic noises are a reminder of our close ties to the natural world and a source of inspiration in many ways. As suggested by Paul Krause and others, music is not just a human invention. Actually, a lot of species use melodic and rhythmic patterns to express themselves and communicate, including whales and birds. These noises serve a variety of functions in the animal realm, from establishing territory to mating calls. There is no denying the connection between sound and nature.

However, human-made music also incorporates elements of nature. Nature has always been a source of inspiration, whether it is through classical compositions that emulate the rustle of leaves or contemporary artists that incorporate bird calls into their works. This is further demonstrated by Indigenous knowledge systems. Indigenous civilizations have always stressed that people are a part of nature, not something distinct from it. This harmony is reflected in their music, which frequently uses natural elements to tell tales or express strong ties to the country. Another good example of this is Paul Winter’s “Canyon Lullaby”. In addition to musical instruments, this composition incorporates ambient noises such as wind, birdsong, and the echo of canyon walls. Winter, who is renowned for fusing music with environment, frequently uses natural soundscapes in his songs to produce a harmony that is reminiscent of the natural world.

I really enjoyed reading your post! Your perspective on nature’s sounds as a kind of natural soundtrack, from the hum of bees to the roar of waterfalls, is a beautiful reminder of how deeply connected we are to the world around us. It’s amazing to think of these sounds not just as background noise, but as forms of communication and expression in their own right. Your reference to Paul Krause and the idea that animals like whales and birds use rhythmic and melodic patterns really highlights how music isn’t just a human experience. It reminds me of Ben Mirin, the “wildlife DJ,” who incorporates birdsongs into his music, merging natural and human-made soundscapes in a way that connects with people on a deep level.

I also love how you brought in Indigenous knowledge, emphasizing how these communities see humans as part of nature rather than separate from it. This belief, reflected in their music, truly shows a harmony that’s often missing in modern culture. Paul Winter’s Canyon Lullaby sounds like an amazing example, using natural elements like wind, cricket calls, and echoes from canyon walls to create a piece that’s alive with the environment itself.

In Edward Hyams' quote, "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity," he offers a thought-provoking perspective on how we should think about the past. At first glance, it might seem like Hyams is dismissing the value of ancient things. What he’s really emphasizing is that the importance of the past doesn’t come from its age, but from how it helps us maintain integrity in the present.

Integrity is more than just being honest or having moral principles. In this case, Hyams is talking about integrity as the idea of wholeness or completeness. It’s about keeping all the parts of something together, making sure nothing essential is excluded. For instance, If a piece is missing, the image is incomplete, and that’s how Hyams views the relationship between the past and the present. The past is a part of the puzzle of our lives, and to ignore it would leave gaps in our understanding of the present.

Hyams goes on to explain that keeping this integrity intact requires us to have a memory of ancient things. This means we need to remember and acknowledge the past in order to fully understand who we are today. The past is not valuable simply because it’s old, but because it is an essential part of the larger whole. The traditions, experiences, and lessons from history provide context for the present. Without this context, we risk misunderstanding or simplifying the complexities of our current world.

Hyams uses a powerful analogy. He says that to think or act as though the past is done with is like believing a train station only exists while our train is in it. Just because we’ve moved past something doesn’t mean it no longer exists or has no impact. The train station, the past remains, even after we’ve left it behind, and it shapes the rest of our journey. This is a reminder that the past continues to influence the present, even if we aren’t actively thinking about it.

This analogy illustrates how easy it can be to overlook the past simply because we aren’t in it anymore. But just like a train station remains important to the journey, the past remains relevant to our present. Even if we think we’ve moved on, our current experiences, values, and decisions are still shaped by the things that came before. By ignoring history, we risk losing important parts of the whole picture of who we are and where we’ve come from.

I really enjoyed your take on Edward Hyams' quote about integrity and how we see the past. You made a great point about how it’s not the age of something that makes it valuable but how it helps us understand where we are now. I agree our histories shape our experiences, and keeping that wholeness is important.

The train station analogy is important! It perfectly illustrates how our past continues to shape our journey, even when we’re not actively thinking about it. Just because we’ve moved on doesn’t mean those experiences are erased; they linger in our values, choices, and perceptions. I love how you highlighted that ignoring history can lead us to overlook essential parts of ourselves. This makes me think about how important it is to share stories and lessons from the past with others, especially in nature interpretation. When we can connect people to the history behind the landscapes they see, we create a richer, more meaningful experience for them.

As I head home for thanksgiving this weekend as do most people the thing on my mind is a sense of guilt. Ever since moving away for school I feel so guilty everytime I leave my house. I am the oldest child, so at the end of every visit home I am the one to leave the rest of my family. When I am gone they proceed as they should being a family of four. Which the thought of just leaves me feeling so guilty. To imagine my seat empty at the dinner table each night, or to think about them going places in the car and my sister sits in my designed seat in the middle because she doesn’t need to sit in the back anymore. 

            Recently leaving home has been so much harder because my dogs are getting older. I have a 15-year-old and 11-year-old although they both look and act amazing for their ages. It breaks me that I am not spending as much time possible with them in their senior years. Out of all the goodbyes when I come back to school saying goodbye to them fills me with the most guilt. I have spent ¾ of my life with my older one and about ½ my life with the other. When I think of my family they are included because that’s all I’ve known. Whenever I am home they always come scratching on my bedroom door because they want to come into my room and hangout with me. My mom tells me they scratch on my door when I'm not home and it feels awful to know they probably just think I’m ignoring them when I am not home to let them in. 

            Most students who are moving away have felt these feelings of exclusion within their family or are rarely present in their senior dogs lives who have been around for most of yours. I am forever grateful to have a family and parents who make my departure so difficult. I am forever grateful to have 2 amazing dogs that have experienced so much with me that they have. These 4 people and 2 dogs have also experienced almost every single memory within nature that I have shared in my blogs. Once my family was on a 2 week camping trip and my dog had hurt his leg and was on strict walking restrictions. Since he’s so small we compromised by putting him in my backpack and tying him in. He LOVED his free ride in the wind. We’ve gone on kayak trips as a family including the dogs, we’ve went to every cottage, every campground, every hike with all of us… and we do a lot of that stuff. 

I totally get where you're coming from. Leaving home always feels a little heavy, especially when you're the oldest. It’s like you’re the one who changes the dynamic when you go, and it’s easy to feel guilty about it. The part about your seat at the table and in the car really hit me because those little things are what make it feel so real, like you’re missing from where you’re supposed to be.

Dogs are a big part of your life, too, and your love for them shows through. I can imagine how tough it is, knowing they’re getting older and you’re not around as much. The story about carrying your dog in your backpack on that camping trip was such a sweet moment. It’s clear how much they mean to you, and I feel the same way about my dog, shes everything to me!

I believe that nature interpretation is for everyone – therefore to answer “who are you to interpret nature through art?” I would just say that I am someone who gets to experience nature, therefore I can interpret it in many forms including through art. As mentioned in course content art tends to give an emotional reaction regardless of who you are you will see art and feel a certain way about it, and it can take many forms, so it is very open to different interpretations.

When talking about interpretation we’ve addressed that the goal of interpretation is to educate – but do so in a non-classic way that has people more involved and is adapted to different audiences. Art is a good way to do so and it may help certain people associate nature with the emotional reaction they felt in response to the art. I’ve been too a few places that used art as a tool to interpret nature – I believe that as a kid this helped me understand interpretation as I preferred to look at things I could interpret without needing to read a big chunky paragraph, so this goes to show that truly anyone with the interest can interpret nature through art.

 There are also different ways that nature can be interpreted through art, such as shows, plays and dances these can all be made to interpret various elements including nature. Photography is also a form of art and I find it is very common in nature interpretation as you cannot always show everything in the moment so sometimes its useful to show animals or different seasons and it is useful in giving a visual element for visual learners. I remember visiting some caves by a cliffside when I was younger and there were paintings on the wall and there was not much explanation about them so it was really interesting to be able to look at them and interpret my own story and understanding of what these drawings represented, all to say I think nature interpretation through art is really about thinking about what you’re seeing and experiencing.

Along with art certain impressive views evoke strong emotions, and I think that the beauty of some things you find in nature is a gift, this referring to “the gift of beaty”, it is a gift because it gives you feelings and interest in a place, maybe someone will feel very connected to a place after seeing a beautiful view. Overall beauty makes people happy; I love to go to lookouts on hikes in mountains cause they are always with a beautiful view or at the very least an impressive one. I think is part of where my connection to nature comes from. People often refer to nature as beautiful and this is with good reason. From the perspective of a nature interpreter, I believe the beauty of nature helps motivate people to share it.

Here a few pictures I took in the Pyrenees in France a few years ago, they are not all the same but all beautiful views:

I admire how you approach nature interpretation as something that’s accessible to everyone. Your point about art evoking emotions no matter who’s engaging with it really stuck with me. Art’s ability to elicit emotional responses is one of the reasons it’s such a strong tool for nature interpretation. It lets us connect with the natural world on a deeper, personal level without needing lengthy explanations.

I also found it interesting how you described your childhood experience of preferring visual interpretations, like art, over long written descriptions. It’s a great reminder that everyone learns and engages differently, and art provides a flexible way to communicate the essence of nature in a way that resonates with different people. The memory of the cave paintings you mentioned is a perfect example of how art lets you form your own interpretations and stories, making the experience more personal.

Your reflection on the emotional impact of beauty in nature is something I relate to as well. Sometimes, just witnessing a breathtaking view or being surrounded by nature’s beauty can foster a deep connection to a place. It ties into the idea of “the gift of beauty” and how nature’s aesthetic appeal often motivates us to share it with others, encouraging a sense of appreciation and stewardship. Your blog really brings out how versatile and inclusive art can be when it comes to interpreting nature. 

Privilege has an influence on us all, whether we are always conscious of it or not. This can play a large role in nature interpretation. To be able to connect and share the natural world with others, it is important to recognize our own privilege, and how it may differ from the privileges of others around us.

I think privilege can be defined as predefined conditions that affect the way individuals experience the world. These conditions are often uncontrollable and unmerited. This relates to Peggy McIntosh’s ideas proposed within the Unit 3 reading, where she defined privilege as an “invisible backpack” of “unearned assets”. Privileges are the advantages, or tools, that people have at their disposal, or in their invisible backpack. However, not everyone lives life under the same conditions, and with the same tools at their disposal. 

This relates to nature interpretation, as privilege may affect the lens through which people view an interpretive experience. For example, some individuals may have had the ability to go on camping trips, or travel to national parks, while others may not have access to a car or the financial means to travel. This can affect how comfortable people feel in nature, or their preconceived ideas about wildlife and environmental issues. As an interpreter, my goal would be to connect with an audience and bring them closer to the natural world. This may mean recognizing differences in privilege and curating an interpretive experience to different audiences, such as offering more reassurance to first-time hikers or campers. However, privilege can also impact who is able to access these interpretive services in the first place. Language barriers within signage in natural areas is one example of this privilege difference. As an English speaker, I have never had an issue reading signs or asking for help at parks or natural sites in North America. However, I can imagine that these experiences would be stressful if I was not able to read the language on the maps or ask employees for help in my native language. I think it is important to be aware of these barriers, so steps can be taken to make natural experiences more accessible. 

I enjoyed reading your blog on how privilege impacts nature interpretation. I agree with your reference to Peggy McIntosh's "invisible backpack" and how it holds advantages that shape our experiences. In my own blog, I’ve reflected on similar themes, recognizing that my ability to participate in activities like canoe tripping comes from privileges like financial support, access to equipment, and time. Not everyone has the same opportunities, and that can affect how comfortable or connected they feel to nature.

I think your point about language barriers is particularly strong. It’s a clear example of how something we take for granted (like reading signs on a street), can become a major obstacle for someone else. As interpreters, we have a responsibility to acknowledge these differences and adapt our approaches to make nature more accessible for everyone.

In the same way as you, I believe that privilege goes beyond just material resources. My educational background in Marine and Freshwater Biology also gives me a level of understanding that not everyone has, which impacts how I communicate about environmental issues. It’s crucial to be aware of that when interpreting for a diverse audience, ensuring that complex ideas are presented in ways that everyone can understand.

I believe I’d strongly suit the role of an environmental interpreter within a museum setting. Working as a museum educator in a natural history or biodiversity gallery would be an ideal opportunity for me for various reasons. Firstly, I think it’s great that museums attract a wide variety of visitors with different personal ties to nature and are generally more accessible to people living in urban areas (such as myself). Additionally, I love the idea that people who visit museums often get to interact with objects and specimens that they are unlikely to come across anywhere else. For instance, a few years back, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) showcased reconstructed skeletons of some of Canada’s great whales, which was pretty extraordinary.

Here's a photo from July, 2021 of that ROM exhibition titled “Great Whales: Up Close and Personal.”

My job as a museum educator would likely entail designing and delivering educational programs to the public surrounding galleries or exhibits with natural themes. Additionally, I imagine my role would involve enriching visitor experiences by facilitating the use of different interactive components of the galleries such as object stations or specimen tables. As we’ve learned this week, people learn more effectively through different senses, and thus, museums often incorporate multi-sensory components into their exhibits. In fact, I recently went to an exhibit at the ROM that used visual projections, spatial audio, atmospheric lighting, and scents to fully immerse visitors into a nature experience.

Here's a photo of that ongoing ROM exhibition titled “Earth: An Immersive Journey.” Go check it out!

Based on what I’ve learned from this week’s readings, the central goal of nature interpretation as an approach to experiential learning is to stimulate curiosity and inspire. In this regard, nature interpreters serve fundamentally as agents of change, however, inspiring people is not an easy task. Nature interpreters in museums essentially have to breathe life into the experience of each and every visitor, hoping that everyone can leave the exhibit with a renewed sense of respect/ admiration for the natural world.

Accordingly, I believe the real challenge of nature interpretation lies in the fact that there is no universal approach or script to follow. How a person decides to derive meaning from an experience is entirely up to them. People come into any given experience with their own preconceptions or biases, and in turn, will process messages differently. So, in addition to having strong communication and interpersonal skills, I believe an excellent interpreter needs to be extremely versatile. To provide an enlightening experience for every visitor, interpreters must effectively adapt their use of language, tone, and storytelling to appeal to different audiences. Another fundamental skill is being knowledgeable about the resource, but also ensuring that you are taking factual information and presenting relevant nuances or interesting themes to the audience. Especially when developing programs and activities, nature interpreters require a strong sense of creativity and innovation. Lastly, it goes without saying that interpreters must be immensely passionate about their source material and demonstrate enthusiasm that can be transferred to their audience.

I love your idea of becoming a museum-based environmental interpreter! Museums really are a great way to connect audiences with nature, especially for those who don’t get to experience it often. When you mentioned the “Great Whales” exhibit at the ROM, it reminded me of going to Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, where I had seen these giant creatures up close, which sparked my own love for marine life.

Your focus on making the experience immersive and hands-on is inspiring. Those interactive elements, like touching the creatures up close and cool visual displays, make a huge difference in how visitors engage with the exhibits. It sounds like your experiences at the ROM have been super inspiring, and I can see why you’d want to create those memorable moments for others.