Ryan's Nature Interpretation Blog

This course has opened my eyes to all of the diverse ways we can share information. As I develop as a nature interpreter, I am committed to creating and delivering educational content in an accessible and inclusive way, keeping in mind all the different people that may enjoying interacting with it. At my work, we’ve started doing photo descriptions for any photo we share in a digital space, as well as ensuring any videos we produce include audio descriptions and subtitles. I think that people who face barriers are sometimes left behind in the considerations of outdoor spaces and interpretation, so this is an area in particular that I hope to expand my knowledge of to provide more inclusive spaces that welcome everyone.

Another element of interpretation that was a big eye opener for me during this course is the reinforced idea of bringing multiple perspectives and considering all angles when researching and developing content. It can be easy to make assumptions based on previous knowledge and experiences, but due to the broad audience and interpretation factor, providing numerous perspectives seems to be the best way to deliver accurate and engaging content.

I would consider myself to be quite intimidated by difficult conversations and as Beck (2018) highlighted in chapter 15, history can be controversial. This is another example of when being aware of multiple perspectives and being well-versed on subjects will be very beneficial in interpretative programming. Encountering these situations can be challenging and it is difficult to prepare and adapt when your audience isn’t necessarily consistent. However, history and perceptions are a part of everything, so being open, understanding, respectful, and knowledgeable of the topics I am addressing will make for a well-received presentation.

Something I will strive to do through interpretative content and programs is to empower my audience to form their own opinions and ideas based on the information and experiences I provide them with. I think that this can be accomplished by providing many perspectives and encouraging questions. Inquiry based learning is an excellent way to retain knowledge and expand upon ideas, and I would like my interpretive presentations to be interactive and conversational in nature. However, in providing this type of interaction, I will always be honest if I am not confident in the answer, but will always provide resources and tools to seek further knowledge.

I think the most powerful motivations for thoughtful action is through the first-hand experiences one has in a location, with an item, with a person, with an idea. Our experiences shape our understanding of the world. In my life, my experiences spent in the outdoors and during interpretative programs or interactions have allowed me to develop empathy for the natural world. This is what I strive to share with others, so they too can form a similar relationship with nature and be inspired to continuously learn more.

As an interpreter, I think a big responsibility is to make information accessible to any audience. There is such a knowledge gap between scientists and the general public and having the drive and tools to research, understand, synthesize, and share back information is such a valuable skill to have, and one that is essential in interpretation. In this sense, I also have a responsibility to the truth, and ensuring that the information I am transferring to others is accurate, current, and relevant. In addition, I think the best kind of information shared is both digestible and memorable. Integrating creativity and inspiration into content can make it engaging to new audiences and is an aspect I truly enjoy in nature interpretation.

In engaging with last week’s readings about how children learn and interact with the natural world, it really sparked my belief that the state of our future depends on the youth of today. I think getting children interested in nature and environmental sustainability is the best path forward. Unfortunately, in recent decades, it seems as though digital distractions have reduced children’s frequency in spending time in nature. However, as Rodenburg (2019) stated, “children’s disconnect from their surroundings and their environment does not stem from a lack of desire”, then speaking to the wonder and awe that outdoor educators have witnessed children experience in nature when they are given the opportunity to explore. For me, I believe that a primary motivation behind interpretation is to encourage others to form a sense of care and responsibility for the natural world. This opportunities for learning and growth made available in these spaces are endless. As I mentioned, my personal passion for the environment was formed during the countless hours I have spent outside, and I do believe that my experiences with interpretative programs played a role in it. I remember visiting Crawford Lake during elementary school on a field trip. We visited the longhouse village, interacting with the different structures and artifacts which fascinated me and my peers. We then walked along the trails and heard old stories about the meromictic lake. I’ll never forget during that hike uncovering salamanders when a tour guide lifted a mossy rock from the side of the trail, exposing its slimy colourful body.

This particular field trip is just one example of the many interpretative experiences that have had a huge impact on me due to their immersive nature. In writing and reminiscing on these moments, I think I’ve concluded that immersion is a crucial element of interpretation that I would like to integrate into any program or content I create. This is where knowledge, ideas, and memories all come alive and ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity. For me, I think that’s where the magic happens in interpretation.

References:

Rodenburg, J. (2019). Why environmental educators shouldn’t give up hope. Environmental Literacy.

Thank you for your blog post this week. ENVS*3000 was definitely an eye-opening experience and a chance to learn about all the diverse ways we can share information! Reading over your post, I think it is incredible that you were able to take away so many valuable lessons. ENVS*3000 is a class that I found especially impactful and something I will continue to leverage as I move forward with my education and career.

In your post, you raised an interesting point about the importance of empowering others to form their own opinions. I think as interpreters, it is essential that we encourage others to think critically and develop their own ideas based on the information available. As environmental educators, we must make sure we try to reduce our biases when communicating with others. By presenting information open and honestly we can support new interpreters as they connect with nature and reach their own conclusions.

Over the past few months I have learned a lot about the importance of nature interpretation theory and my responsibilities as an interpreter. I wanted to start by mentioning a formula for nature guiding, written by Enos Mills in 1920. Mills was one of the first individuals to use the term “interpret” when talking about the duties of a “nature guide” and he laid the groundwork for others like Freeman Tilden (1950s) to create the principles of interpretation that continue to guide interpreters to this day (Beck et al., 2018, pp 8, 83). Mills’ formula for good “nature guiding” was as follows:

• Appeal to the imagination and the reason. • Give flesh and blood to cold facts. • Make stories to breathe life into inanimate objects. • Deal with principles rather than isolated information. • Give biographies rather than classifications.

-(Beck et al. 2018, pp. 83)

I love these simple statements because they hold such relevance even to this day. I agree that for interpretation to be real, important, and moving, it should be imaginative, creative, and use stories and real-life examples to make programs interesting and engaging. Many of my motivations for being an interpreter come from my own learning styles and this type of work is very fulfilling for me. I personally am a visual learner and learn the best from hands on demonstrations and illustrations. I also learn much better from hearing someone explain topics instead of reading them in a textbook. As an interpreter, I will strive to make programs interesting and engaging through many different hands-on examples, stories, pictures, and easy to digest information. I will still accommodate other learning styles like making sure I have written options for those who learn better from the written word. I will try to get to know my groups if I can to present information in the most engaging way possible.

The rest of this post contains my core beliefs and motivations as an environmental interpreter, I am interested in hearing what motivates some of you to pursue nature interpretation.

1. Share information in an inclusive way.

(Photo by Emma Lippert)

I have had the privilege to explore many different natural spaces over the years and have been able to further my environmental education in university, but I have come to dislike some things about traditional post-secondary education. Many people I interact with are incredibly smart, but they struggle to share their knowledge with others in an inclusive way, so there is often a “gatekeeping” of information simply because these individuals can’t communicate their knowledge in an easy to digest format. I vow to share my knowledge with others in an inclusive way and not withhold information simply because I think I cannot explain it properly. The whole purpose of interpretation is to share the beauty of the world with others and help them gain a better understanding of how the world around them works.

2. Dispel fear of the outdoors.

(Photo by Emma Lippert)

I mentioned in my very first blog post that I started out with a tentative relationship with nature as many of the unknowns scared me. Weird insects, spiky plants, vast forests that you could get lost in, they all frightened me and because I hadn’t perfectly “mastered the outdoors” I was constantly discouraged from trying to enjoy it. Having role models like teachers and employers who have encouraged and pushed me to explore more of nature, I have grown to really appreciate all that it has to offer. I noticed that once I learned some facts about certain creatures or plants, I could better appreciate them and their role in life on earth and I know that I will continue to use my knowledge to help others be less afraid of nature and embrace it for all its complex beauty.

3. Fight for access to natural spaces and removal of systemic and structural barriers.

(Photo by Emma Lippert)

I believe that everyone should have access to nature interpretation activities and natural spaces. Much of this fear of nature can come from inadequate environmental education or barriers to accessing natural spaces. I think it is very disappointing to know that there are people who live so close to parks and natural spaces, but can’t access them due to financial, language, transportation, or accessibility barriers. If we can start to bring people to nature or nature to people more often, we could see more people becoming empowered by the environment and respecting it. Through increased affordable transportation options to parks, lower entrance fees, well maintained and accessible trails, multilingual signage, a diverse range of interpreters, and more events that include various marginalized communities, some of these barriers can be minimized (Beck et al., 2018, pp 134-137).

4. Creating community gardens and other environmental initiatives in urban settings

(photo of Ron Finley from https://worldwarzero.com/magazine/2020/06/eco-hero-ron-finley/)

In the future I hope to work with other non-profit organizations to help make natural spaces more accessible and approachable to a wider range of demographics, especially those who cannot afford to visit natural spaces. I believe there is great importance in community engagement and I think local initiatives such as community gardens or refurbishing local parks are really important in bringing nature to urban spaces and providing an educational opportunity.

Here is a link to an article and a short video about a group in Guelph who came together to improve a community garden’s compost system. https://guelph.ca/living/recreation/parks/community-and-pollinator-gardens/

I also highly suggest you watch this TED talk by Ron Finley on his work in South Central Los Angeles and how he is transforming urban food deserts into places where communities can come together, learn, and grow their own food. These are the kinds of initiatives that make me excited to work with the environment. https://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerrilla_gardener_in_south_central_la/transcript?language=en#t-2942 

5. Highlight Indigenous cultures and their importance.

(Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. (Parks Canada) https://www.haidagwaiiobserver.com/news/reopening-of-gwaii-haanas-delayed-until-2021/)

Finally, I believe that for Canada to have any success in the future, we must make amends with Indigenous communities and work collaboratively with them to help interpret and protect our ecosystems and land. I have always admired Indigenous belief systems and how connected they are to the earth. If we could all just understand our connection to life on this planet, I think this world would be a much better place, but urbanization and colonization have separated us from this relationship. In future interpretation roles I will make sure to integrate Indigenous knowledge holders and their stories into talks to remind everyone of this important link between peoples.

Thank you for reading this far! It has been a pleasure getting to learn with you all and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

References

I have many memories that have become attached to music and one artist that I always go back to when I need to be comforted is the music of Bon Iver. Their self-titled album, “Bon Iver”, was one that I always used to listen to as I went on walks and the combination of its haunting tones and being surrounded by nature help to alleviate any anxiety I am feeling. This artist uses a variety of sounds and samples in his work and at times even heads off to a cabin to record. I think that the soundscapes created in these songs mimic nature in a way as certain sounds emerge and then fade away just as quickly, similar to how different sounds emerge from a forest and then fade away.

I also love the local Hamilton band the Arkells and their acoustic albums always accompany campfires with friends. They just recently put out a new acoustic album, aptly titled “Campfire Chords”, as they knew how their music has become associated with many fond summer memories sitting by the fire with loved ones. While their songs might not directly mention nature, they are about connections, friendships, and love and I believe that all human connection leads back to our shared connection to this earth. I have so many fond memories of smoky nights looking at the stars and the fireflies, and appreciating the present moment with loved ones. 

Thank you for your blog post this week. Your blog post raised an interesting point about how soundscapes can mimic nature, specifically their impermanence. I agree that in music, certain sounds are mastered to emerge and then fade away. Although you can record the sounds of a forest, there is nothing like being there in person to experience them yourself. The sounds you while experiencing nature can be almost impossible to replicate. There may be similarities but there is so much change constantly occurring in the natural world it is impossible to call any 2 recordings an exact match. I had not considered this while thinking about this week's blog post so thank you for the thought-provoking.  

As a fellow Arkells fan, I can definitely connect with how their music brings you back to a natural landscape. I have spent many campfires with friends and family listening to their music and even been fortunate enough to see them live a few times. The Arkells have been a big part of my life, and as a proud Canadian, it has been awesome to watch them grow over time. I hope you have been enjoying the new album and can make it a part of future memories.

To start off with my definition of privilege, I think it’s anything that gives you an advantage in life when compared to someone else. Obviously, there is a lot of things that are associated with privilege; these include race, sexual orientation, religion, social-economic standing, physical/mental health, etc. These things give privilege to varying degrees, however. For example, a gay white person would have more privilege than a straight black person because race has more associated privileges than sexual orientation. That’s why being able to understand the privileges we have are so important, being aware of the privileges you hold over others is the first step to becoming a good ally to marginalized groups.

Thank you for your blog post this week. I really enjoyed your definition of privilege and how you took a broader approach to capture that privilege and advantage are basically the same things. Some of the formal definitions for privilege are too restrictive, in my opinion, but yours has a good balance of being broad in scope but brief in length.

Your blog post raised an interesting point that I had not considered before about the privilege of being able-bodied when looking to work in the environmental science field. As someone who is able-bodied, I often find myself taking my mobility for granted. The reality is that for many people with accessibility challenges, traveling along forest trails or backcountry terrain may not be achievable. These accessibility challenges limit the places where people can interact with nature. The restrictions would ultimately influence how people interpret the environment and engage with the natural world. I think as we look towards the future, it will be essential to consider ways to improve access to the environment for people of all physical abilities. I am a firm believer that if we want to build a more sustainable future, we need to have more people engaging with the environment. If we are not creating public spaces and conservation areas that consider our diverse backgrounds and abilities, I think we are doing a disservice to our fellow environmental stewards.

I have been working towards a career in interpretation for the past 3 years and am currently working as an interpreter in Banff. I am currently studying to continuously improve and get better and better at communication and environmental education. Currently I work in Heritage Interpretation and largely talk about history, but I would like to talk more about ecology and animals. In my ideal role as an interpreter I engage with many age groups and my day to day varies greatly. I would love to be continuously developing programs for in person interactive interpretation, acting out skits and leading hikes and tours. My aim is to inspire people to take care of nature and value the complexity, to take time and look deeper at the cycles and increase their understanding. I love also learning from people, especially kids as they bring all sorts of perspectives and ideas forward. Dialogic interpretation is especially good for this, taking time to get opinions and thoughts, adding participation and hopefully sometimes all the way to deep talk. I would really like flexibility of location but I like to be out in the woods and the mountains, my absolute dream location is Vancouver Island. In order to appeal to many learning styles and also play to my strengths I would like assistance with written materials, audio materials, props and puppets. 

Thank you for your blog post! I think it is so awesome that you are already in a position where you can apply your knowledge as an environmental interpreter in a public setting. I have never visited Banff before, but I have spent many afternoons at the interpretive centers at different campgrounds and conservation areas across Ontario. I always loved walking through the exhibits with other guides or park rangers and learning more about the region. I have fond memories of going through the nature centers with my brother and then us spending the rest of the trip trying to find all the items on the scavenger hunts they would hand out.

I firmly believe that the more approachable we can make environmental conservation, the more people will understand why it is so important. I think that an essential element in this discussion must be history and what has led us to our current predicament with global warming. I am sure I am preaching to the choir, but if we don't understand the past, we will not be able to address the future!

I wanted to thank you for helping people understand the process of science and history in the context of the environment. Being an environmental advocate and an educator is an incredibly important position, and I am grateful to know that there are people like you out there supporting others. I hope all is well out in Banff!  

Cheers,

I would say my current relationship with nature is one full of fondness and excitement. I love being outside and taking in the world around me. I have respect for the environment and always make sure to take care when exploring or travelling. I am excited to be learning more and more about how plants function and grow and how to identify many of the plants growing here in Canada. Through my love of photography, I try to capture small moments in nature when something wonderful is happening from a snail moving across the pavement to a butterfly drinking from a flower to raindrops on a spiderweb. Every cloud, every sunset, every rainy day pulls me in further and I try to appreciate the gift nature really is.

I haven’t always felt completely comfortable outdoors, though. Growing up I certainly played outside with my friends, made forts out of sticks and snow, and made “potions” with random berries and leaves, but I think the unpredictable elements of nature discouraged me because I didn’t fully understand it. I was terrified of bees, insects of any kind really, and when I would brush by a plant I would get scared for no reason. I think for a long time, being anxious kept me away from all the aspects of nature that help ease my anxiety now. My family did go on a few long camping road trips across Ontario and all the way to the East Coast, stopping at a different Provincial Park every night, and I absolutely loved them. I loved waking up with the sunrise and feeling the cold morning air, seeing all the different forms that our Canadian landscape can take on, and just being present with those that I loved. Those trips definitely started my transition to a more friendly relationship with nature and gave me that “sense of place”. There was one trip I went on with my science class in grade 9 where we walked around a conservation area with an interpreter and got to take samples from a creek, look at different wildlife, and even identify plants like poison ivy. After a few hours I was an expert at spotting poison ivy and different insects and it made me so excited. Since then I have had a few summer jobs and some classes at the University of Guelph that have really gotten me excited about nature again.