Jody Weiss

As I’m getting ready to graduate soon, ready to hopefully go into the world of science and nature interpretation, I can't help but feel both excitement and a bit of nervousness. Reflecting on my journey through university, I realize that my personal ethic has been quietly evolving, shaped by my deep love for nature and my desire to share its beauty with others!

Since I was a kid, I've been really drawn to the outdoors and nature, especially animals. Whether it was chasing butterflies through meadows, building forts in the woods, or simply lying in the grass and watching clouds drift by, nature has always been one of my happy places. As I grew older, my passion for nature grew more into a passion for conservation and environmental advocacy. I think I started to see nature not just as a playground, but as a precious and fragile ecosystem that needed protection. From the smallest hummingbird to the mightiest lion, every creature and every corner of the natural world has become special to me. 

As I prepare to step into the role of a nature interpreter in the future, I find myself thinking about a whole new set of questions and responsibilities. What beliefs do I bring to this work? What kind of interpreter do I want to be? At the heart of my personal ethic, I have a passion for the beauty and complexity of nature. I think that every leaf, every rock, every drop of rain is a masterpiece in its own right, deserving of awe and admiration. But my passion also goes beyond just appreciation, it extends to a determination to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. In my eyes, being a nature interpreter isn't just about pointing out cool animals and pretty flowers (although those are definitely fun parts of the job). It's about creating a sense of wonder and curiosity, giving people a deep connection to the natural world and inspiring others to become passionate stewards of the earth as well (Beck et al., 2018, p. 42). 

To achieve these goals, I'm personally a firm believer in the power of hands-on learning. There's just something magical about getting your hands dirty and your feet wet, about feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Whether it's leading nature walks, conducting field research, or getting to hold and touch cool animals, I'm all about getting out there and getting involved. I think that hands-on experiences are great at creating a sense of connection (GGI Insights, n.d.). They engage multiple senses, promote direct interaction with the environment, and create memorable, immersive experiences that resonate deeply with people (Bloemendaal, 2023). But hands-on learning isn't just about having fun (although, again, it's definitely a perk). It's also about deepening our understanding of the natural world, bettering our observation skills, and creating a sense of empathy for the creatures we share this planet with (GGI Insights, n.d.). After all, it's hard to care about something you've never seen or experienced firsthand. 

In addition to hands-on learning, I'm a big fan of interdisciplinary approaches to nature interpretation. The natural world is truly a complicated place, so understanding it requires more than just a basic knowledge of biology or ecology. It requires us to consider the cultural, historical, and social factors that shape our relationship with nature, as well as the ethical implications of our actions (Spokes, 2020). That's why I think it would be important to always be on the lookout for new ways to weave together different disciplines and perspectives in nature interpretation work. Whether it's incorporating indigenous knowledge into nature walks, exploring the intersection of art and science in outreach programs, or delving into the psychology of conservation behaviour in research, it’s important that we build connections between disciplines (Spokes, 2020). Especially as someone who has a passion for science, discussing science in nature interpretation is crucial because it provides a foundation of understanding, creates informed appreciation, and empowers people to make informed decisions about conservation and environmental stewardship.

Of course, no discussion of nature interpretation would be finished without addressing the elephant in the room: ethical wildlife viewing. As someone who's spent more hours than I can count marvelling at the beauty of wild animals and trying to do wildlife photography, I know how tempting it can be to get up close and personal for that perfect shot. But I also know that our desire for a good photo shouldn't come at the expense of the animals we love. That's why I'm committed to practicing responsible wildlife viewing techniques, like keeping a safe distance, minimizing habitat disturbance, and never feeding or approaching wild animals (Burns, 2017). 

Finally, I believe that as a nature interpreter, I have a responsibility to address pressing environmental issues like climate change and habitat loss. These are not just abstract concepts or distant threats, but real problems that are already having a huge impact on the world around us. That's why I'm committed to using my platform as a nature interpreter to raise awareness about these issues, to share stories of resilience and adaptation in the face of environmental change, and to inspire other people to take action in their own lives and communities. Because at the end of the day, it's not enough to simply appreciate the beauty of nature, we have to fight for its protection. 

Overall, my personal ethic as a nature interpreter is grounded in a deep passion for the natural world, a commitment to hands-on learning and interdisciplinary approaches, a dedication to ethical wildlife viewing, and a passion for environmental advocacy. As I Start this journey, I know that the road ahead will be long and challenging, but I'm ready to face whatever comes my way with determination, curiosity, and a whole lot of love for nature!

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World (pp. 42). Sagamore Publishing. 

Bloemendaal, M. (2023, March 5). Unlocking the Power of Hands-On Learning: Benefits, Activities, and Examples. Studio Why. https://studiowhy.com/unlocking-the-power-of-hands-on-learning-benefits-activities-and-examples/

Burns, G. L. (2017). Ethics and Responsibility in Wildlife Tourism: Lessons from Compassionate Conservation in the Anthropocene. Wildlife Tourism, Environmental Learning and Ethical Encounters, 213-220. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55574-4_13

Conservation Education: Young People for Environmental Stewardship. (2024, March 8). Gray Group International. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.graygroupintl.com/blog/conservation-education#:~:text=Hands%2Don%20learning%20and%20outdoor%20experiences%20provide%20learners%20with%20opportunities,sense%20of%20responsibility%20and%20stewardship

This is so sad that this will be your last post as I have enjoyed hearing your thoughts from the past 10 weeks. I can relate to many things in your post, especially about being drawn to the outdoors and nature. I really liked how you started off by stating the questions you are going to ask yourself in the future. It got me thinking about how I would answer them as well. However, once I read your answers I realized how similar they were to mine as well. I really enjoyed reading about how we should try to incorporate different disciplines into interpretation, and I strongly agree that indigenous culture should be incorporated into nature interpretation not only because their stories are fun and cool, but because it forces the people who listen to take how they view the world around them and look at it in a completely different way. Another thing I loved about your post was that you acknowledged ethical wildlife viewing. I think that it is extremely important to leave the animals to do whatever they are naturally doing. I talked about this topic in my blog post as well. I believe that no matter how awkward, sad, gruesome, or interesting the event that is happening in front of you is, you must let it happen because it is what is meant to be. 

I hope you keep on developing your knowledge of nature further and are able to spread it with everyone to help protect and preserve nature!

Hey guys, it saddens me to say this is the last blog post for this semester. It has been an interesting ride in which I have had a lot of time to think and reflect on feelings I didn't know I had. I am glad that you guys have stayed with me for 10 weeks and watched me ramble on about different topics and read my poor attempts to articulate my feelings. With this last post I hope I have managed to invoke feelings in you guys and maybe connect you a little more with nature. For this last post I will be talking about my personal development as a nature interpreter. 

To start off within the realm of nature interpretation a person's ethics is a compass that guides them, it dictates the interactions within the natural world and shapes the message that they want to put out into the world. Nature interpretation is not just about sharing information but also creating a deep and meaningful connection between individuals and the environment that surrounds them and giving them the tools to do so . The course content this week states that we can provide the tools to the younger generations in order for them to make safe decisions when connecting with the nature around them, we can ignite the interest and passion (Hooykaas, 2024). I think this is one of the most important roles of a nature interpreter as the children are a crucial piece in preserving our natural world and all of its inhabitants. Every child should be given the opportunity to experience nature and form a connection with it as it can help them when they grow up. But unfortunately not all kids have the privilege to witness beautiful natural landscapes. Without guidance and the chance kids can grow up not really knowing how to feel about the environment around them, and they will grow further apart from it creating a disinterest and this might lead to the destruction of the natural world. 

Being a nature interpreter is a role that must connect others with the vast world in front of them, but it is a taxing and a hard role, as the textbook says “passion is the essential ingredient for powerful and effective interpretation- passion for the resource and for those who come to be inspired by it” (Beck et al, 2018). This is very important to think about, because I believe it is the job of the nature interpreters to be able to reach all types of audience. This can be someone who may not be able to walk or the most mobility compared to other, the interpreter needs to be able to adapt to this by providing a safe place to walk or showing places that are more accessible, or even through various art forms like music or art, all in order to get your feelings across and still give them the tools to form a connection. Another thing is being able to welcome and handle individuals who may not be so open to experience new ways of thinking or may not be so interested in the natural world. Nature interprets a lot of responsibility, they must be able to show people what they can’t see and they hold so much for the future. Especially in this age of technology, they have an important role in drawing the fleeting attention of the younger generations and pulling them towards the natural world through the use of exciting stories. Being able to educate their audience is another huge responsibility that interpreters shoulder. Through education we can empower individuals to truly become stewards of the Earth, and through this we can inspire curiosity. Through education we can teach people how to ethically interact with the environment and everything within it. 

To most it may seem like they could never interpret nature, but that's the beauty of it, there is no one set way to interpret. There are so many different approaches to expressing your feeling like the textbook says there are so many different venus that interpretation can occur in (Beck, et. al, 2018). For me, photography from the start has been my main approach, you can fully immerse the audience in the beauty of nature. It allows the interpreter to fully capture the essence of nature in all its glory. Through their lens they can connect and inspire people to really connect with nature and may inspire people. However, during week 7 we spoke about music, through this I fully realised how important music is for interpreting nature. I believe this approach is also important and probably the easiest way to introduce people into nature, and form a connection. I believe that it is crucial for a nature interpreter to continuously learn, and the best way to do that is think about many various different outlets, and partake in discussion with other interpreters. Experiencing many different cultures is also essential as you can learn so much from different beliefs and a myriad of historical backgrounds. It is my dream to be able to do this throughout my life 

In conclusion, this has been an interesting journey to say the least, before this I had no idea how important nature interpretation really was. I was interpreting nature in my own way all this time without fully understanding it. I am very thankful for the privilege to be able to experience the nature around me. I think everyone should try to engage in nature interpretation as it is an easy way to reconnect with nature and to make up for the lost years that technology has caused. I think nature interpretation is a deciding factor in reducing the damage we have caused to our natural world and the animals that inhabit it. In the end, I hope you guys have enjoyed this journey and reading my thoughts on various topics and I hope that I was able to inspire others to maybe go out and appreciate nature almost as much as I do!

References: 

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

This final post was so interesting to read! I have really enjoyed reading your blogs of the past weeks as they always have something new and fun about them, and the voice you  use to tell us about your thoughts and feelings always makes it feel like we’re right there with you! 

You mention the quote from the course content, we can provide the tools to the younger generations in order for them to make safe decisions when connecting with the nature around them, we can ignite the interest and passion (Hooykaas, 2024), and I agree with your points afterwards and believe it is truly important to teach the younger generation about how to preserve and protect the natural world to best of our technological abilities. So, even further in the future those generations will be able to experience nature that is not artificially created.

I also really liked the fact that you talked about how being passionate about a topic is essential for inspiring others and about how this can be done by many different means such as photography or music and so on. I think that this list is limitless and everyone in this world is so different from one another that no one thing will work for others and there is always a way to improve how we think and teach! 

I’ve loved reading your posts and I hope you continue to interpret and teach others about nature in the future! 

A stunning display of orange, pink, and gold paint the sky as the sun slowly descends, bringing to life one of nature's most mesmerizing spectacles: the sunset. Join me as I explore the captivating beauty of sunsets and their profound effects on our emotions and sense of connection to the natural world in this blog post.

During a phase where I was amazed by sunsets, I studied the complex underlying mechanisms. What I found was quite fascinating: there is a dance between light and molecules in the environment that creates the breathtaking hues that we see when the sun sets. Sunlight's wavelengths are scattered by molecules in the atmosphere, which gives preference to blue and purple hues (Fiegl, 2013). Longer light paths exclude blues after sunset, leaving only oranges and reds (Fiegl, 2013). The way that the Appalachians and the Rockies are painted by this common sunshine emphasizes how intertwined our planet is. It serves as a reminder of how human sensitivity, light, and chemicals all influence how color is seen, which is a marvel of the amazing intricacy of the natural world.

As our enlightening text's Chapter 21 describes, sunsets are the pinnacle of authenticity in the natural world (Beck et al., 2018). They are truly amazing, real, and heartfelt. Every evening as the day draws to a close, the sky changes into a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a magnificent symphony that astounds and inspires those who get to see it.

The capacity of sunsets to inspire amazement and awe in those who see them is among their most amazing features. We are reminded of the utter beauty and magnificence of the natural world when the sun sets and spreads its warm glow across the horizon. As we cover in Chapter 21, this sense of awe can have a significant impact on our wellbeing by fostering greater creativity, perspective, and awareness of the world around us (Beck et al., 2018).

In addition, sunsets symbolize the interconnectedness of all living things. We are reminded of our place in the world and our duty to appreciate and safeguard the planet we call home as we watch the sky come alive with blazing hues. The stewardship and environmental awareness concept that is emphasized in Chapter 21 strikes a deep chord with us as we appreciate the beauty of the setting sun (Beck et al., 2018).

Sunsets are not only beautiful to look at, but they are also significant to many people's cultures and spiritual beliefs. Ancient cultures and contemporary society have long seen the setting sun as a representation of rebirth, metamorphosis, and life's cyclical nature (Ansar, 2023). Our experience of the sunset is given depth and resonance by this complex tapestry of cultural meanings, strengthening our bonds with one another and the natural environment.

So, whether you're seeing the sunset from a mountain top or a busy city street, stop, take a deep breath, and enjoy the amazing scene that's being shown. After all, as Chapter 21 tells us, our true selves emerge during these times of amazement.

I will attach photos I've taken of sunsets below, feel free to share yours! :)

References:

Ansar, I. (2023). The Enchanting Beauty of the Sunset. Earth. https://vocal.media/earth/the-enchanting-beauty-of-the-sunset-zb7y0v1g

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

Your post drew me in at the beginning and it felt like I was about to start reading a novel! I love the way you portrayed the sunset to be dancing across the sky along with the descriptions of all the many colours that can be seen. It really makes me wish the sky would look like that all the time. I also found it very interesting about all the different cultural beliefs.

Hey everyone, welcome back:) This week I am going to dive into analyzing nature interpretation through music.

Where is music in nature? I think in order to answer this question we must first understand what defines music to be considered music. The Oxford dictionary defines music as “the art of combining various sounds to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion” and this ties nicely with Gray, P. et al (2001) definition; music can evoke “emotional, social, cultural, and cognitive responses from patterns of sound varying in pitch and time”. I think the main takeaway from these two definitions shows how music is simply any form of frequency loud enough to be heard, that in some way or not elicits some type of emotional response. This thought can be backed up from the thoughts of Silene (2021), who states, “when we hear music we first get a feeling and then thoughts''. When I first read that quote, it made me realize how true it was and how many times that happens to me when I’m in nature. And so, I think music in nature is found in any audible frequencies whether that be leaves blowing in the wind, the sound of rain hitting the floor, or the abundance of wildlife calling throughout the night, that makes you conscious take time out of your day to pause and listen; to feel before you think. 

A well-timed hike and bright sunshine = listening to the amazing sounds of lake trout splashing their way up stream

Where is nature in music? Similar to many factors of life, I believe nature is a precursor for the creation of music. The latter can not be perceived until the former creates tangible vessels for which the latter can be heard from. This thought can be explained from a more literal standpoint to a subjective one, i.e., music without words could not have been created without the tangible resources of nature (literally). While subjectively, nature provides inspiration of sounds that can be translated through an instrument or voice. Gray, P. et al (2001) references how closely tied a modern-day orchestra is to the ambient sounds of an environment; “the voice of each creature (or flora) has its own frequency, amplitude and duration…to which occupies a unique niche among other musicians”. I think this quote sums up nicely how nature is found in music, each organism is its own unique instrument, some can be grouped together but have different pitches and forms, similar to the plethora of brass instruments producing different pitches and sounds, such as baritones and trumpets.

While speaking of nature and music, I can’t help but think of times when music has enhanced my own experience with nature. One song that immediately pops into my mind when I think of being immersed in nature is “Pure Imagination” sung by Gene Wilder. At first glance, the song does not necessarily reference nature, but it is the context of where I listened to it that matters. It was on a warm summer's night, accompanied by four of my closest friends, lying down under a flowering crabapple tree at 2am in the morning. The combination of my environment just transformed my experience listening to this song. Feelings of nostalgia, being a kid again, not having a worry in the world but focusing on the warm summer air and the fragrant perfumes of the crabapple flowers. I will forever remember that feeling of pure bliss as the music and ground coarse through my body. 

References:

Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291(5501), 52. https://link-gale-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A69270354/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=fb9366a8

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 7: Nature interpretation through music. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640021/View

Oxford languages and google - english. Oxford Languages. (n.d.). https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/

I also love that you have had that type of experience with your friends while listening to Pure Imagination as it is one of my all time favourite songs from a movie. It has always resonated with me and reminds me of collecting maple syrup out in the forest with my grandpa every spring behind his house. I’m honestly not really sure why it reminds me of this because I don’t even think that I’ve watched the movie with him. I recently watched the new Wonka movie and they have slightly changed the lyrics of this song, but I still find it to be very well done and if you have not watched the movie I do highly recommend it.

In this weeks blog we will be taking a look at a quote by Edward Hyams, and deconstructing it to see how it can teach us about nature interpretation through history. 

“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

This quote is very powerful, in that it speaks about the importance of memory and knowledge of the past and states that the value in history is in it’s ability to stay with us. Hyams is stating in this quote that the value of ancient things does not lie in the object or site itself but rather in the knowledge, understanding, and integration of lessons that can be learned from the past. He emphasizes integrity in recognizing the ties between events that may be separated by time and how they influence and interact with eachother. This is core to interpretation of history, as it is important to remember the past, both the good and the bad, to learn from what has happened (Beck, 2018). Just as it is good to learn about the bad that has happened to not repeat it, it is also beneficial to learn about the good, so that it can be replicated. Not all stories are black and white however, and even in tragic times we can find inspiration in the stories of survivors and those who became agents for change (Beck, 2018). It is the job of interpreters to choose stories and perspectives that will be valuable for their audiences and help them see how history can correspond to their own lives. To achieve this it is important that programs are both accurate and authentic and portray a truthful interpretation of the past.

From Hyams’ quote, knowing that the train station still exists is equivalent to remembering past events and knowing that they have occurred. Just because these events are not currently happening does not mean that they never did or that they will never happen again. Just like how leaving the train station does not mean it no longer exists or that you will not pass through another. It is easy to recognize when events in the past were wrong and to judge the people of the time, but it is much harder to recognize when wrongful practices are developing or when current events are unjust. By understanding the interconnectedness of past and present events, this knowledge can be applied to modern life to prevent repitition of tragedies and improve the situation for others.

I really enjoyed reading your interpretation of Edward Hyams quote. I completely agree with you when talking about the train station analogy because it is so true. Just because an event is not currently happening does not mean that it did not happen. You touch on the concept that past events can help unveil that current events are unjust, and that it can help prevent the repetition of tragedies. Personally I agree with your statements, but I think that this can also be extended to looking at how things have happened/were in the past and how it can also help/allow us to see things that could potentially happen. Especially in big topics of today like climate change. Looking at the past events of humans to see their impact on pollution and other means of causing the faster progression of change, or even if there have been any natural events that have occurred that could have influenced climate change as well. I also very much like your aspect of looking at the good things that have happened in the past to be able to replicate them. In my post I focused mainly on preventing the bad things that have happened without thinking much on replicating the good of the past.

Hello friends, 

We are back again this week with the most exciting prompt yet: no prompt! I am taking this opportunity to talk about my biggest childhood interest… SHIPWRECKS!

You might be wondering how this relates to nature at all but deep-sea shipwrecks are biodiversity hubs. I have always been interested in shipwrecks because I am both terrified and in awe of them. My main fascination is with how such an inorganic and visually man-made object is completely emersed by aquatic life and fits so well in an ecosystem it was never intended to be in. 

STOCKTREK IMAGES. (n.d.). A sunken ship lays on its side near Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas. How do we find shipwrecks—and who owns them? National Geographic. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/how-do-we-find-shipwrecks-and-who-owns-them. 

Shipwrecks are considered “islands of biodiversity” because they offer a structure for an incredibly wide variety of species to inhabit, which creates pockets of very high biodiversity, acting as artificial reefs (Hamdan et al., 2021). Imagine a sandy sea floor with not much going on besides some small rocks and vegetation, now put a huge stationary shipwreck there, and eventually, many species will call this new isolated habitat their new home. Many shipwrecks are dripping with so many species that you cannot even see bare metal anymore.

It is clear from photos that there are lots of different fish, vegetation, and corals that inhabit old shipwrecks, but we are missing a very important aspect of shipwreck ecosystems: the micro-organism colonies! In our defense, we can't see them but they make up a huge portion of biodiversity. Microorganisms establish and preserve shipwrecks as artificial reefs, allowing other species to thrive in/on shipwrecks. It is amazing how much power the tiny species hold and how influential they are to full ecosystems. (Hamdan et al., 2021)

Murat. (n.d.). Bream Fish around the shipwreck. How do we find shipwrecks—and who owns them? Adobe Stock Images. Retrieved from https://www.bristolaquarium.co.uk/animal-stories/animals-that-find-a-home-in-sunken-ships/

I have never had the opportunity to visit a shipwreck other than kayaking over top of a boiler. I love watching videos of people diving to explore shipwrecks, although I can't imagine ever doing it myself. I am incredibly curious to hear if anyone has done this? I would absolutely love to hear your experiences! We (Ontario locals) live in the perfect place to go shipwreck diving because the Great Lakes have cold water and low salinity which are fanatics conditions for the preservation of shipwrecks. The Great Lakes are regarded as one of the best shipwreck diving spots in the world. (Harrington, 2019) 

I have always found shipwrecks interesting because of the duality that the vessel wasn't strong enough to complete its voyage but it is strong enough to be preserved underwater for (possibly) hundreds of years, sometimes in near-perfect condition. However, the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes are in trouble!! Invasive species of the Great Lakes like zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) are threatening our beautifully preserved nuggets of history. These filter feeders can cause damage through heavy weight and even corrosion of some metals, if enough pile up. Additionally, they release carbon dioxide which can severely alter water quality and the conditions that help preserve shipwrecks. It is insane that these huge structures that can last up to thousands of years can be threatened by something as small and seemingly passive as mussels. (Harrington, 2019)

Thanks for reading, hopefully you see shipwrecks from a slightly different perspective! Who knew shipwrecks were so intertwined with nature (I did because I am a nerd who loves shipwrecks)! 

References 

Hamdan, L. J., Hampel, J. J., Moseley, R. D., Mugge, R. L., Ray, A., Salerno, J. L., & Damour, M. (2021, April 22). Deep-sea shipwrecks represent island-like ecosystems for marine microbiomes. OUP Academic. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41396-021-00978-y 

I really enjoyed reading your post this week and loved to hear about your love for shipwrecks! I find that your post resonated with me because I have a deep love for aquatic environments and anything in the water. You mentioned the great lakes being a great place for seeing them and I have to wholeheartedly agree. In my opinion the best place would be Tobermory, Ontario (no bias I swear haha) because there are so many wrecks around the peninsula with 2 being visible from the surface. The one ship called the Sweepstakes is almost fully intact and only around 5 feet below the surface and it is an amazing sight to see. The other is not as intact and is called the City of Grand Rapids and is in much shallower waters. I highly recommend if you’re able to go check these out to definitely do it! There are also so many more shipwrecks around that area but they all require scuba gear to see. As a fun fact but I’m sure you heard about it due to your interest in shipwrecks, and as I recall late last year in lake huron they had discovered a shipwreck of a vessel called The Africa which had not been seen for over 100 years and was determined to be missing. To answer your question about diving the shipwrecks I can say I have not dove around them but I have swam around them and have actually stood on the bow of one too!

When first reading “Who are you to interpret nature through art?” I was initially hesitant in my answer. While I consider myself a very creative person, I am by no means artistic in the traditional sense – my music, dance, acting, and visual art skills are subpar. So, I definitely do not have expert background knowledge or experience in this topic, but that does not mean I am unable to interpret nature through art. Furthermore, one asset that I believe would enhance my ability to interpret nature through art is my current enrolment as a Bachelor of Arts and Science (BAS) student.

In this program, students are required to take “ASCI” courses that help develop critical thinking and inquiry skills. These courses often have topics based on a mixture of science and art; for example, communication (English) of climate change (environmental science). In addition, the courses I take are evenly divided between the arts and sciences. Accordingly, this has provided me with an interdisciplinary perspective that would be particularly valuable to interpreting nature through art.

While a ‘student’ during my university courses, I am still a devoted learner in the other aspects of my life. When asked who am I to interpret nature through art, I think, I am someone who loves to learn new things every day. As outlined by Rita Cantu, another dimension to interpretation is art, “If the songs are not sung and the stories are not told, the land will die. An interpretive corollary can affirm: If the songs are not sung and the stories are not told, danced, painted, or acted, our spirits will die as well” (Beck et al., 2018). As many other students may relate to, my mind is constantly in an ordered, logical thinking state to aid my academic success. I rarely shift gears into more abstract thinking that involves metaphors, symbolism, and other artistic thinking unless necessary for completing assignments. To interpret nature through art would bring this side of thinking to the surface and allow for greater learning and perspective; there would be fewer straight lines and more twists and curves (Beck et al., 2018).

I think that having ‘the gift of beauty’ can look different depending on who you ask, as we each classify what is beautiful uniquely. That being said, I believe the gift of beauty comes more easily to those with greater imagination. We have all probably experienced this within ourselves; as imaginative youth, we may have been infatuated by the ‘pictures’ in the clouds, the patterns on zebras and tigers, building majestic sandcastles, or the birds singing. However, not so beautifully, as highlighted by Kurt Hahn in The Social Declines of Modern Youth, children these days have a decline in imagination due to the restlessness caused by the modern world (Hooykaas, 2024). So, perhaps the gift of beauty is also taking a step away from the distractions of our modern world and reconnecting with the beauty of our natural world.

Thanks for tunning in this week!

Kiera Linden

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore-Venture.

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

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

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

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

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

I agree with your points you brought up in this about how having access to nature is a privilege. I wrote about similar things. While I was writing my blog post I also began to realize how it is not really something someone thinks of when thinking about privilege. I grew up in the country and I would play in the forest or outside in the rain/wet mud and never really thought about how not every child would do this. You’ve also really brought up a really good point that I didn’t think about. You mention it is a special privilege to have someone to tell you stories and the history of the nature around you. I was lucky enough and had the privilege to have my grandparents and parents be able to share their experiences in nature with me to help expand my love and knowledge for the outdoors. I also didn’t think about how the world is very much urbanizing more, which is going to take this privilege away from a very large amount of people who would have previously had this privilege. Especially with the housing crisis we are currently under where there are not enough homes for everyone so they’re having to build more houses taking away even more natural landscapes.