Our Perfectly Imperfect World

Throughout the duration of this course I have been exposed to many valuable lessons involving nature interpretation. It was been very interesting to develop my understanding on all of the different mediums that can be used for interpretation, ranging from written articles to pieces of art. Nature interpretation is such a flexible topic because there are so many different ways in which different groups of people view and interact with their natural environments. Because of the flexibility of interpretation there can be significant differences in the way that 2 different groups of people interpret their environment, based on many factors such as geographic location, cultural heritage, or economic status.

Using the many skills I was able to develop during this course, as well as previous knowledge I have built in environmental sciences throughout the completion of my degree, I believe that my personal ethic as an interpreter revolves around educating others in order to increase their capacity to see nature as more than just their physical surroundings, in order to promote a world more focused on conservation. I believe that using interpretive skills to educate others about nature is an extremely beneficial task for promoting environmental awareness and protection, as well as helping to reduce barriers between the way different groups of people view and interact with the environment.

Variability in the way that different people interact with nature has been one of the most interesting concepts that I have learned in this class. Obviously, we as people are all very unique in our own ways, and our behaviors and beliefs are shaped through our personal experiences and cultures. This is no different when discussing nature interpretation. Socio-cultural factors, such as ethnicity, economic status, geographic location, etc., can all greatly influence the way people think about various topics surrounding the environment (Schilhab, T., et al., 2019). For example, aboriginal and indigenous cultures have a deep-rooted connection with nature and is seen as an essential resource for life, providing them with food and shelter allowing them to survive in the world. If you were to compare this ideology to that of someone who lives in a high-rise apartment building deep in a city, it is no surprise that their views will be very different.

Based on the understanding of how different factors can create separation between people’s views towards nature, I strongly believe that educating is the best way to reduce these gaps and create a more environmentally conscious world. In many previous classes I have been a part in discussions about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Nature interpretation, in my opinion, has several different applications for achieving these goals, specifically Goal 10, reduced inequalities. In developing nations, impacts of climate change are often much more severe than in more developed countries. This is due to a variety of factors, such as close proximities to oceans, or insufficient knowledge and technology to combat climate change issues (Gov. Canada, n.d., www.international.gc.ca). Nature interpretation could be extremely useful as a tool to educate those who are unaware of the challenges developing nations face because of climate change, and increased awareness is the first step towards developing solutions to aid these countries and reduce inequalities seen across the world.

My experience with this course has led me to believe that it is my responsibility to continue to develop and utilize my nature interpretation tools so that I am better able to understand how different groups of people view and interact with nature. Doing so would allow me to be more educated and considerate to different ways of life and the different impacts environmental issues can have around the world.  The things I have learned throughout this course have exposed me to a completely new way of seeing nature, allowing me to understand a deeper meaning of our surrounding environments. Nature interpretation is essentially like art and can take on so many different forms. Because we are all so unique, and products of many different influential factors, I believe it would be completely unfair to tell someone that the way they interpret nature is incorrect. Much like looking at a piece of interpretive art, people will see what is true to them. Just because you may not understand what someone else sees, they are not incorrect for having a different view than you. It would be impossible to be able to fully understand how every person interprets nature the way they do, so I think that the best thing I can do is continue to develop my interpretive skills in order to have the tools to understand others’ views to the best of my ability.

After thinking about my responsibilities as a nature interpreter, I believe my best approach for the future is to continue to fuel my desire to learn about the environment through personal experiences. I think that the best way to continue the development of my interpretive tools is by using them, and the best way to do so would be through exposure to new experiences. Throughout my life so far, exposure to nature in ways such as yearly camping trips or education through school has driven me to live my life with consideration of our surroundings, and the need to preserve and protect them for the future. I learn best from experience, and it would be a dream of mine to be able to travel throughout the world, exposing myself to different cultures and views, helping me strengthen my existing knowledge, and give me more tools to think about the relationships between nature and humans in an in depth manor.

Sources:

Government of Canada. (n.d.). Climate change in developing countries. Retrieved from: https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/environmental_protection-protection_environnement/climate-climatiques.aspx?lang=eng

I was really intrigued throughout your post. There were many points you made that i strongly agree with and can relate to. For myself I also thought that one of the most interesting concepts was how people can interact with nature in so many different ways. With having our own interests and backgrounds there are different ways that we all interpret various things, just like how people have different hobbies out there. 

I can strongly relate to your point explaining how there are influences that persuade how people view different topics in the environment. You use the example of aboriginal cultures having a “deep-rooted connection with nature” and I couldn't agree more coming directly from the culture itself. I have been brought up knowing that we are to appreciate what is around us because without those essential resources how would we be able to survive. This point is even interesting to relate how someone with this type of background would have different views to that of someone in an apartment in the city. Having a condo in Toronto, I notice that when we are on the lake we grow our own vegetables and fruit, but when in the city we resort to grocery stores for those produce items. By growing your own food you gain appreciation for not only the taste and outcome of your produce, but appreciation for the process and the time and care it goes into creating such things. Some people who live in the city are disconnected with the environment and it shows. 

This course has allowed us to think outside of our comfort zone by exploring different ways to interpret nature. It gives you a deeper understanding of your surroundings, but the art is always in the eye of the viewer. Everyone sees and experiences things differently and to take away from those experiences I think is very impactful in contributing who we are as individuals. I am also a very visual person and lear best when experiencing things. It would be very cool to create something that involves education in the matter of an experience so that we can share more knowledge about the environment to more people. Overall thank you very much for sharing your perspective on nature interpretation and how you plan on proceed to make a contribution in the future. 

As this semester comes to an end, it’s hard not to look back and reflect on everything I’ve learned both academically, and personally.  I doubt I’m alone when I say that has easily been one of my most interesting semesters to date.  Interestingly enough, it has been one of my favourites.

Throughout this course, I feel as though I’ve come to understand what my definition of nature interpretation is, and where I see myself fitting into the field once I graduate.  By using the knowledge I’ve attained from completing my degree in zoology, and the communication skills I’ve gained in respect to nature interpretation, I hope to be able to aid in the conservation of our earths species in any way I can.  

Even as a child, my parents instilled in me that one of the best things for conservation, is education.  They taught me that if people are unaware that there is a problem at hand, there is very little they can do to rectify the situation.  Unfortunately, there are countless species which are on the brink of extinction and the sad truth is, if a majority of them disappeared, many wouldn’t even notice this disappearance.  In my opinion, a major issue is that the media tends to focus on the species which are the most charismatic.  Pretty much everyone knows that polar bears and rhinos are facing extinction, yet I’m sure only a very limited few know that the blue-throated macaw is on the brink of extinction.  With a population estimated at less than 200, they are the most endangered parrot in the wild.  This is a great shame as blue-throats are such personable birds and in my opinion, they should be getting as much attention as for example, polar bears.   

Pictured above is Olivia, one of the blue-throated macaws I’ve had the pleasure of working with.  Although she wasn’t the biggest fan of me, her mate Neuton grew fairly attached to me as I was one of the few people who didn’t scare him haha.                        

Due to this lack of knowledge, my goal as a nature interpreter is to educate the public and raise awareness that many known and unknown species are facing extinction and that we should be taking the initiative to save them. I say this because most of the species are going extinct due to our actions.  All species are important in some and we should be attempting to save as many as we can and not just the ones that we think are cute.       

One belief that I feel I bring to the table is that much of science is extremely unaccessible to those who do not have a background in science.  What I mean by this, is that almost every scientific paper I’ve had to read has required at the very least, 3 read throughs in order to fully digest it.  I believe that this is largely due to the at times, excessive use of scientific jargon.  In my opinion, scientific articles are seen as the be all end all when it comes to communicating research.  I feel that this is very outdated as there are plenty of methods of communicating information that could appeal to a much broader audience.  The methods I speak of include but are not limited to; infographics, videos, podcasts or even comics!  By using more accessible types of media, is able to be understood by more people which in my eyes, makes them much more valid methods for scientific communication.         

Another course I was in this semester which I felt did an excellent job of instilling this message was ZOO*4910 or, integrative vertebrate biology.  For our final project, we were tasked with presenting one of the scientific papers we studied in class in an untraditional format, which I thought was an incredibly cool assignment.  For my project I decided to present Stoddard et al.’s study, “Wild hummingbirds discriminate nonspectral colors” as a video sketch, which I had a lot of fun making!  I chose to do a video as I felt that using things like, music, pop culture references and comedy would make the material much more interesting and engaging.  To ensure that the information presented was easy to understand, I sent the video to a few of my friends who don’t study one of the sciences.  Thankfully the consensus was that the concepts presented we extremely clear and easily understandable which told me that I had done job well.  If I’m being honest, this was probably the most fun I’ve doing a project in university and it is hand down the one I am most proud of.    

A screenshot from the video capturing the eye sore that was my hummingbird costume.  For anyone interested, the video itself is available at this link!    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adcbJtaqw_M   

Having played live music for a decent amount of time, performing is something that I not only enjoy doing, but I also think I am somewhat good at (could be delusion though).  Because of this, I feel that this sort of performance based education is something I would like to get better at as I feel as though it is the method of interpreting nature that works for me.    

As a zoology major, I feel as though it is my responsibility to use the knowledge I have gained to aid in the conservation of the species that we share our planet with.  This extends to ensuring that the next generation will be able to see and experience the same biological diversity that I had the pleasure of experiencing.  It may be one thing to view nature through the glass of an exhibit at a zoo or on a screen, but it is a completely different thing seeing it first hand in the wild.  For me, I will never forget seeing killer whales in the wild, it honestly felt like I was seeing some sort of mythical creature that was thought not to exist.    

A picture I took of the pod of killer whales I was lucky enough to see out in B.C.

I really enjoyed reading your prospective of your own nature interpretation and how you have felt like this course has contributed to developing it. I have to completely agree with you when you said that this has “easily been one of my most interesting semesters to date”. With Covid we have had to deal with obstacles that we never expected we would have to. Although through all of this uncertainty its always assuring that nature is a stable security we were all still able to rely on. I know for myself during quarantine when we were sent home from school, I was able to completely embrace myself in nature and I felt so at peace and it just reminded my that everything will be alright. 

You continue to talk about endangered species and how some arent even brought to light. I found it very eye opening when you said that “if people are unaware that there is a problem at hand, there is very little they can do to rectify the situation”. Its well known that rhinos are in danger, but like you mentioned there are so many species that don’t have as much recognition. I’m not exactly sure why some species have more publicity than others, but its very unfair and unless people raise awareness on the severity of the problem, then nothing will be accomplished. 

You sound like the type of individual who is not going to just sit back at a desk job and watch the world go by, but an individual who is going to get out there and get your hands dirty. In order to make a difference, we have to be willing to not be afraid to raise our voice and make personal sacrifices for the better good. I can tell after watching your youtube video that you have the passion that it'll take to get messages across to help those many species in danger. Thank you so much for sharing your personal beliefs and what you hope to do with your education after you graduate. 

Dear Board of Directors

I am writing to you on behalf of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, which is a conservation area part of the Hamilton Conservation Authority. It is of upmost importance that the funding for our conservation area continues. Without it we will no longer be able to provide important services to our local community.

Dundas Valley Conservation Area (2020)

Here at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, we offer a unique way for the Hamilton community to learn about their local environment. Partnered with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, we educate primary and secondary school students about the local animals, habitat and environment. Here the children learn value information about the cool things their local area has to offer. The benefits our conservation area provides as a valuable teaching asset to the local school district is unmatched and an important tool which aids in environmental education (Beck et al., 2018).

Environmental education is incredibly important to teach our youth. It has been found that environmental education is crucial in creating environmentally conscious behaviours later in life (Boyes & Stanisstreet, 2012). It is so important to teach our youth the importance of the environment for the to develop awareness of climate change and to invoke a sense of urgency in protecting the environment. If we want to protect the Earth from the potential devastating effects of climate change, it all starts with educating our youth. Here at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, we provide the knowledge and environment to educate and inspire children.

The positive changes we want to see happen in protecting our environment start with the individual. It has been shown that the accumulation of environmentally conscious behaviour at the individual level has the capacity to produce largescale beneficial environmental effects (Jensen & Schnack, 2006). Our environmental education program is where this change starts.

Our goal is to inspire an entire generation of kids to become passionate about protecting their environment. Providing a space where kids can not only learn but gain hands on experience with their local environment is crucial. This provides children with real world experience instead of just reading about their local environment or watching a video. The experience our program provides shows kids that their actions can affect their environment. We help teach children the importance of protecting the environment.

In order to protect the world for future generations, we have to educate and inspire. That is our goal here at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. With your help, we can accomplish our goals of educating the youth and by doing so helping to create a better world for generations to come.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., & Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. Urbana, IL: Sagamore Publishing. ISBN/ISSN: 978-1-57167-865-2

Boyes, E., & Stanisstreet, M. (2012). Environmental Education for Behaviour Change: Which actions should be targeted? International Journal of Science Education, 34(10), 1591–1614. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.584079

Jensen, B. B., & Schnack, K. (2006). The action competence approach in environmental education. Environmental Education Research, 12(3–4), 471–486. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620600943053

I really enjoyed reading your post on the DundasValley conservation area. I think its so important to inspire people at a young age so that they appreciate what is around them. Your plea was very convincing and I believe its so important to conserve areas that encourage and inspire protecting the environment. I think the importance of creating a sustainable environment is so important in this day and age. With so many environmental problems, we have to resort and rely on the next generation so by having programs that focus on educating the youth I think it will be very beneficial for the world. 

I love the fact that this conservation area has partnered with the local District School Board so that the programs are specifically direct towards educating the children. Environmental education is so important and if there are any ways in which people can get out there and learn hands on, the learning will be that much more impactful. In our course material we learned various ways in which an individual can interpret nature and a very impactful way is to be amerced into it to stimulate more of the human scenes (Notes, 2020). Overall great post!

Cheers!

Reference

As this course is starting to come to an end, I think it’s important to reflect on what I have learned so far to see if I have achieved what I’d hoped to get out of this course (A.L. Hooykaas, 2020). I enrolled in this course so that I could learn why nature interpretation is important in our society. As a result of the content of this course, I now know for certain that nature interpretation is priceless to our society (Beck et al, 2018). Throughout this course I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature. I now have a stronger connection to nature and I’m grateful for that. I’ve learned that nature interpretation is more than just talking about the beauty of nature. It inspires and educates people to help them understand complex topics. Some of these topics include the value of different aspects of nature, social justice (i.e. privilege), and climate change.

I understand the importance of nature interpretation, but I still wonder what I can do (aside from utilizing my musical/theatrical talents and social media) to fulfil my role as a nature interpreter upon completion of this course. I’d love to utilize what I’ve learned to influence various audiences and make the world a better place (Beck et al, 2018). I hope to use my musical/theatrical talents in nature interpretation to create programs such as singalongs and skits to educate children. I’m also planning on sharing the value of nature interpretation using social media so my friends and family can learn about it. While I think these will be great ways to interpret nature through the arts; I am open to suggestions for other ideas. Do you have any suggestions for me?

My inspiration in nature interpretation comes from the passion of other nature interpreters I’ve had the pleasure of learning from in my life. A nature interpreter that has recently inspired me is Jenny Lin. I had the opportunity to interview her for the children’s podcast in this course. Her enthusiasm and passion for educating children about raptors was very evident in our interview. Jenny’s interpretation of nature is truly inspiring, and I hope to be as passionate and well-spoken as she is in nature interpretation someday.

A picture of a bald eagle, one of the raptors Jenny talked about. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/id

I can ignite my passion for nature interpretation by continuing to take courses focused on nature-related topics in the future. I can find opportunities in life that will help me maintain my love for nature. Some of these opportunities may include volunteering at a nature center or joining environmental groups that help with the conservation of nature and wildlife. I’ve also considered a career in teaching and I hope to use what I’ve learned in this course to ignite a love for nature in the hearts of the children I teach. I’m looking forward to learning more about nature interpretation so that I can better inspire others.

References

Hooykaas, A. (2020, November 09). ENVS*3000: Nature Interpretation Week 10. Retrieved November 15, 2020, from https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/640576/viewContent/2560826/View

Beck, L., Cable, T., and Knudson, D. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. Urbana, IL: Sagamore – Venture Publishing LLC.

I completely agree when you say that nature interpretation is more than just talking about the beauty of nature. Throughout this course we learned the various ways that we can interpret nature. Although at first we just see with our eyes and what you see is what you get. But when you dive into different aspects and grasp a deeper understanding, nature becomes all that much more special. I also feel that I have opened my eyes up to different paths of learning and to take the time to actually appreciate what is around us. 

Through this pandemic I have to say that I have truly never felt closer to nature than ever before. During Quarantine I was able to embrace various outdoor activities with all the spare time I had. It allowed me to relax and realize with all this chaos in the world, one thing that hadn’t change was the peacefulness and solitary that nature was providing. Its at these times when we are truly realizing what we have and not to take anything for granted. 

I think your ideas are great for interpreting nature in different ways to grab various audiences. Social media is such a up rising platform so it makes sense to be a go to place to introduce different topics regarding nature to the public. 

Overall I loved reading your reflection on nature interpretation and if you ever go in the direction of creating a nature platform on social media or something to do with the arts I would be interested in following up! 

The Monarch Butterfly podcast was a very interesting listen. The introduction music was a great selection as it almost immediately placed me in a rainforest, and that must have been great for the child audience. The first thirty seconds were incredible. The music, mixed with the attitude and enthusiasm of the presenters really triggered my imagination, and for kids I would think that would be a great experience as well. 

The podcast offered many lessons. One of the first lessons  picked up, was about the life of Canadian born Monarch butterflies. Monarchs born here spend a little time here only during the warmer months but when it gets cold they migrate to Mexico. The journey from Canada to Mexico is extremely long, so this idea of these tiny butterflies flying from Canada, over the United States and then finally into Mexico is incredible. It’s even more interesting because not a lot of insects migrate. Next, I learned of how climate change is also impacting butterflies. Like for example, the pollution in the air makes the milkweed poisonous, so depleting butterflies of their food source. The loss of these plants was resulting in the decrease in Monarchs. Their migration route has also gotten longer as a result and Mexico is also losing forest habitats due to the cutting down of trees. Another, interesting lesson I learned thanks to the Professor, was that not a single Monarch that makes its way down to Mexico has ever seen Mexico before. The Professor explains as the summer progresses, Monarch’s make their way up North by mating and laying eggs. So by late summer time, we have Monarchs here in Southern Ontario. Now, by the time we get to September, the Monarchs we have here are the Monarchs that will be travelling down to Mexico. Since they have only been travelling up North, there is no Monarch that makes it from beginning of the Summer to the end, and so it’s only the ones born late that will migrate to Mexico, so they have never seen Mexico. Before the podcast, I didn’t even know butterflies migrated let alone all the way to Mexico, so this was extremely interesting to hear. 

One tool they used was imagery. They were really great in creating images, and forcing you to use your imagination. I noticed this especially during their introduction. The introduction music immediately placed me in some sort of rain forest, and all the little sounds made the rainforest feel even realer to me. Next, introducing Miss. Monarch was another great idea. Since I was already using my imagination, it wasn’t hard to picture an actual butterfly sitting in the studio, so I’d imagine that the child audience would have loved that too. I will definitely be incorporating more imagery and imagination into my next podcast, because it just made the podcast more fun. Overall, I really enjoyed the podcast. It was a great listen!

Here’s a Monarch butterfly for you, incase you forget how beautiful they were because I most definitely did!

References: 

You did a great job summarizing the Monarch Butterfly podcast. Given the three points, the one that I was most fascinated by was the travellers to Mexico. You mention that the butterflies who are born in the late summer are the ones that make it to Mexico. Firstly it’s remarkable to think that such a little creature can travel such distance, but also how only a few of them actually make it all the way to Mexico. Reading this brief I am intrigued to listen to the podcast because it seems like it’s an easy and enjoyable listen. In course content, we learned about interpreting nature through art and when you said the tool they used was the imagery, I thought of this connection instantly. Imagery is a type of art. Although you may not be able to physically see it in front of you, when listening to the podcast an image comes to life. The imagination has a powerful capability to paint pictures in our minds. I think this is a very important tool in any form of auditory learning because when people are able to connect a picture together through the words they’re listening to, then it proves that those words are more powerful in more than one way. In our course material, we learned that it's important to engage the audience by relating to them, and by being able to create an image in someone’s mind relation is happening (Beck, 2018). The audience will think back to past experiences in which will paint a mental picture, no two people will have the exact same vision which is a very unique concept that this form of learning opens. Overall I appreciate your summary and key details of the podcast.

Great brief, cheers! 

References 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018)  In Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage For A Better World. Urbana, IL: Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC

I am going to use this week’s prompt to talk about the most amazing plant I have ever had the privilege of learning and teaching about in the cloud forests of Monteverde….the strangler fig tree. In the ted talk from week 6, Nirupa Rao mentioned this tree and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since (Roa, n.d.).

I was first introduced to this tree when I was working in Costa Rica. My morning job was to take care of our leaf cutter ant colony and for a month I walked past these large vinyl trees. I had no idea what they were until my boss was checking in on me one morning while I was up a tree collecting leaves for my leaf cutter ants. He mentioned the tree to me and spent about an hour teaching me all about it. I was amazed to say the least, for more reasons than one.

The first being that they are parasitic plants! These fig trees don’t grow from the ground but from limbs of already living trees, their seeds are deposited by birds in their droppings that fall onto their unsuspecting hosts (Roa, n.d.). They grow vines up towards the sun and down towards the ground, stealing vital nutrients away, eventually choking out the original host tree, creating a skeleton of what was.

The second being that the fruit of these trees can only be pollinated with a specific wasp because the flowers of the fruit, the fig, are internal (Kline, 2011). Only the female fig wasp is capable of pollinating these figs and is able to do in such an interesting way.  First a female wasp will enter an unripe, male fig and lays her eggs (Kline, 2011). Once the newborns hatch, they all mate (Kline, 2011). The wingless males die inside the fig while the winged females chew their way out, bringing the pollen from their birth fig to another male fig. Repeating the process of their life cycle and pollinating the fruit (Kline, 2011)! Absolutely amazing!

The final thing that amazed me about the strangler fig tree is that once they have basically killed the original host, a strong hollow carcass of thriving vines is knotted together like a ladder reaching up to the sky remains. This fact made me wonder if climbing one of these trees was possible. To no surprise there was a famous strangler fig tree only a 30 minute walk from where I was working. So, on my day off a co-worker and I hiked in the cloud forest and planned to end the day with climbing the famous giant strangler fig tree. The reason why this one strangler fig tree in Monteverde was so famous is because first, how old it was and second, the original host tree was completely gone. This meant you were able to climb the vines like a ladder up to the top of the tree canopy, allowing you to see straight across Costa Rica. It was one of the most amazing and breathtaking moments of my life if I am being completely honest.

The vines that wrapped around the original tree were only large enough to fit one person, and the top of the tree only large enough to fit about 4 people. I was a little nervous at first because this tree was A LOT taller than I expected, so I let my co-worker go first. It took him about 30 minutes to climb up, enjoy the view and make his way back down. He told me the view would be worth my nerves, and let me tell you…if anyone tells you to climb the inside of a strangler fig tree do not hesitate. Being able to marvel at the beauty of this tree from both the ground, inside its wind vines, and from what seemed like the top of the world is a once in a lifetime experience that cannot be missed.

Below you can find my attempt to capture the most amazing thing I know and have experienced in nature.

The inside of the famous Monteverde strangler fig tree.

Me in the famous Monteverde Stranger Fig tree. If you zoom in close you can see me, to the left of the centre of the tree. The full tree cannot be captured in one picture (Roa, n.d.).

Finally made it to the top of the tree!

The view.

With these pictures I hope I can show my experience rather than take away this experience for you (Beck et al, 2018). If you ever find yourself in Monteverde, don’t let your nerves get you, climb the trees.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T., and Knudson, D. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World. Urbana, IL: Sagamore – Venture Publishing LLC.

Kline, K. (2011, May 20). The story of the fig and its wasp. Ecology Society of America. https://www.esa.org/esablog/research/the-story-of-the-fig-and-its-wasp/

I’ve always wanted to go to Costa Rica to see all the beauty it has to offer with my own eyes. The strangler fig is so unique because as you said it needs an original host to cling onto until it kills it. Once the host is dead then you’re left with what is shown in your pictures. 

From my own experiences this tree somewhat reminds me of the Bayan tree. Living in Northern Ontario I am exposed to many maples, pines, oaks etc. but I don’t get to witness the ‘tropical’ plantation thats seen in places like Costa Rica. I’ve been going to Florida since I was young and every time I go I am fascinated by the Bayan tree. This tree is native to India and was brought over by Harvey Firestone (an auto tire business man) to gift to Thomas Edison for his winter home in Fort Myers (Rev, 2016). The Strangler fig tree reminds me of this tree because its from the same family as also being a fig tree. Its vine characteristics give some visual similarities. These massive trees continue to expand and expand around the area. The largest one in the world covers about 4.7 acres of land, this is in its native land of India (Shanahan, 2019). The tree produces various types of figs that help support many species in the wild (Shanahan, 2019). 

The Banyan Tree in St.Petersburg Florida (Rev, 2016) 

Its amazing to comprehend how plants can grow to become such jaw dropping components of nature. Everything is based on when you’re used to see in your everyday life and because we both live in Canada we can relate how both these species of trees are uncommon to what we see in our daily life. You’re very lucky to have been given the opportunity to climb and experience this tree with your own senses, I think you’ve just made me add something to my bucket list. Great Post.  

Cheers!

References

Shanahan, M. (2019). 10 things you need to know about banyan trees. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://unbound.com/books/ladders-to-heaven/updates/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-banyan-trees

Art is such a unique way to interpret nature, it uses many different mediums such as voice, music and storytelling to convey messages that simple words cannot (Beck et al., 2018). During my time in Alberta I had some friends whose job it was to interpret nature through theatre. This was done in an outdoor stage, and many of the actors were drama students or acted professionally. Although I was fortunate to attend a few of these shows, the one I remember most clearly was one about a mother and baby deer. This performance explained concepts such as the wildlife’s usage of underpasses (safe transitways underneath highways for wildlife to cross) and the differences between white-tailed and mule deer (e.g., the name “mule deer” stems from the resemblance of the deer to the mule). These performances are classified as “Outdoor Dramas,” and are dated back to the Classical Greek period as a way to teach about heritage (Beck et al., 2018). I had never thought of communicating nature in this sense, but to this day I remember it quite well. That is just one example of how powerful nature interpretation can be and demonstrates how a connection can be made deeper than at a superficial level.

Two common deer found in Alberta: mule deer (left) and white-tailed deer (right). Taken from: https://coloradooutdoorsmag.com/2015/03/18/a-quick-guide-to-differentiate-mule-deer-from-white-tailed-deer/ by Wayne D. Lewis/CPW.

Nature in itself is so beautiful, really an artform all on its own. So, when nature is then transcribed into an artistic medium, I feel it brings a new level of life. I thoroughly appreciate how nature can be displayed in so many different ways artistically. These different forms range from poetry to dance to music to visual art, and each is beautiful and unique.

While watching the Group of Seven documentary, I admired several things: first and most obviously, the art. The colours chosen so specifically represent the changing of seasons that Canada is so fortunate to be able to experience. Secondly, the nostalgia it created, reminding me of simpler times playing in forests, going to the cottage and the simplistic beauty of the outdoors. And lastly, when one of the women in the documentary was painting her own version of a Group of Seven painting, the way she was able to be wholly present while painting. The peace that came with the ability to just paint and sit in nature. I think it is amazing that art in nature is capable of making one feel all of these things.

The Pool painting by the Group of Seven. Taken from https://www.1st-art-gallery.com/Group-Of-Seven.html.

The way that art is unable to really be “rightly interpreted” is so interesting to me, it is an individually unique experience (Beck et al., 2018). Although Beck et al. (2018) state that most artists object to having their work interpreted as it gives it a proposed “set” meaning, I believe we all interpret nature through art. We may not all create stories, poems or theatrics, but we all have our own experiences regarding our encounters in nature and art.

“Backbone ferociously brings to life the electricity, circuitry, and impulses of a sentient land as it emerges from millions of years of restlessness. With powerful live music, dance and acrobatic solos, duets, and ensembles, performers interpret nature's spine and landscapes to powerfully embody Indigenous mapping” (Red Sky. 2020). http://www.redskyperformance.com/

I was introduced to another form of art that told a story in a dramatic manor that I still remember very vividly. Its very impactful when you said we see art in an infinite amount of ways based on ones past experiences, likes and dislikes, background and influences. I couldn't agree more with your statement, because we all have experiences that have form us to what we are today. Some bad some good. Someone may see a photo of an Otter and think its so cute and fun from remembering a trip to zoo, while someone like myself see’s a photo of an Otter and reflects negatively back on an experience where I had to get rabies shots. Based on our memories we create art beyond what the eyes see. 

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Privilege, to me, is a benefit or advantage granted to a person or a group of people for a specific attribute (something that only that group or person holds).

A different take on privilege in regard to nature interpretation is the idea of living with nature because you chose too vs having to. An interesting example of this is from Peppa Pig. There was an episode titled “Mr Skinny legs” where Peppa’s dad try’s to help calm her after she was scared by a spider by telling her that spiders are “very very small” and “can’t hurt you”. This episode was pulled from Australian air as it encouraged children to hold spiders and not have a fear of them. Something that is a privilege in many countries but not Australia. This is a hands-on experience that many children around the world can experience but can not be as easily done in Australia ( we see these activities all the time at conservatories and learning centers). Showing the privilege of choosing to live with nature vs having to.

Privilege also plays the obvious roll in exposure to nature. What you have been able to experience, and what these experiences have been like because of who you are/how well off you are. Because of who I am, the experiences I have had and the fact that my parents have been able to provide many experiences for me have been to provide many different positive  experiences in nature. Most recently through my opportunity to study in New Zealand. This experience was able to provide me with different perspectives, meet new people and learn about different environments and ecosystems while experiencing them firsthand. Due to my privilege I have had these experiences that enrich my learning and my relationship with nature and I am very grateful for them all but I also acknowledge how lucky I have been to be able to do these things.

Lastly privilege is also clear in nature interpretation when looking at minorities and vulnerable populations. I have worked with the special needs community for many years and with a range of abilities. As a nature interpreter and more specifically, a landscape architecture student, I need to acknowledge my privilege and use it to help create accessible and inclusive spaces. When I worked at a summer camp for individuals with special needs I was on every out trip. Each week I would be assigned a group and would spend the day away from camp with them on the trip. This was an enlightening experience as it really highlighted my privilege and the simple things that I took for granted.  How easy it was for me to navigate a space, ask for help or be able to quickly understand what was happening in my ever-changing surroundings. While on the trips I had to think beyond myself and tailor the experience to the lodgers needs. There were many who used mobility aids and I had to help in navigating the way and finding the accessible paths/entries. There were also trips that lodgers would not sign up for because they were in a wheelchair and it would be too difficult for them. Through my career as a landscape architect I wish to carry these experiences with me and create interactive spaces in nature which are accessible to all so that everyone can have these experiences and important moments with nature, no matter their ability.

(Some NZ pics)

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I really enjoyed reading your perspective on privlege in terms of nature interpretation. I loved your connection with the show Peppa Pig to give us an understanding of how we are privleged in ways we might not even know. I didnt even think of how we don’t have to worry about poisonous spiders here as much as Australia does, great thought!

I’ve always wanted to travel to New Zealand for there is such a wide ranch of territory with various landscapes and climates, what a dream that must’ve been! I definitely agree how surrounding yourself and being in direct nature environment is more beneficial when learning. Concepts are easier to understand and just the whole experience is more memorable.

Also your job working at the camp must’ve really helped developed you as a person taking on a role as you said. I personally worked with special needs students and it was really an eye opener for they reminded me to enjoy the little things in life and embrace what’s in your surroundings. An experience I’m sure you’ll never forget.