Believe it or not, frogs are some of nature's most vocal creatures, filling silent moments with their trills, chirps, and even croaks, mainly during the warmer summer and spring nights. However, have you ever taken a moment to consider why frogs even sing in the first place? Their callouts aren't just noises they make necessarily, but rather specific sounds that carry different purposes and assist them in thriving and surviving within their given environments (Gerhardt 1994). So, what are these "specific reasons"?

To Find a Mate! 🐸❤️

A central explanation for the singing of frogs is to ultimately attract a mate (Gerhardt 1994). We have heard of this before with other species, including coyotes, dogs, or even humpback whales, but did you know that frogs also use their sounds to attract? Generally, male frogs will utilize their specialized calls to make the females aware of their existence and that they are readily available and willing to breed (Gerhardt 1994). Upon researching this topic in depth, I was most interested when I realized that each different frog species has their own unique and distinctive call in order for females to approach the correct mate (Gerhardt 1994). It has also been proven that some male frogs may add different clicks or trills to their calls, making their call more attractive to a female. Lastly, it has been noted that a longer and louder call signifies a stronger, healthier male frog, which could potentially make him more appealing to the potential female mates out there (Gerhardt 1994).

A beautiful photo of a Yellow-Banded Poison Dart Frog

2. To Defend their Territory 🏞️

Although frog choruses may sound peaceful and delightful, in reality, they are full of competition. Male frogs utilize their calls in an attempt to stake their claim within a particular area, which ultimately warns other males to "back off" and stay away (Gerhardt 1994). A few fun facts that I stumbled across upon examination of frogs defending their territory were the following:

A frog that holds a more dominant, stronger call is able to deter the weaker males and prevent them from entering their posted territory (Gerhardt 1994).

Different species of frogs will sometimes engage in what is called "call duels", which is essentially when two male frogs will alternate making faster and louder calls in an attempt to "outdo" the other frog, almost like a competition (Gerhardt 1994).

If their calls out do not work or result in a female to breed with, things can escalate rather quickly, and some frogs will actually physically wrestle each other in a fight to win the best calling spots, which would result in the attraction of a female partner (Gerhardt 1994).

A Red-eyed tree frog

3. To Communicate Danger ⚠️

Not all frogs are in it for love or even to compete with others. Some exist to assist others and to warn them of possible dangers surrounding them or to startle the potential predators nearby (Gerhardt 1994). Although small, they are mighty! Letting out high-pitched screams is a method by which frogs who have been attacked by a predator use to try and scare the attacker in order to escape. Some frogs even have what are called "alarm calls," which essentially warn their frog friends when threats, including birds, snakes, or even humans, are nearby (Gerhardt 1994).

To conclude, frogs are evidently rather fascinating amphibians, who are smart, talented, and considerate of their frog friends! If you are ever interested in listening to these "frog songs", visit a local marsh, wetland, or pond after a warm rain or during dusk for the best outcome! Or simply sit quietly and patiently to listen, record their calls, or even watch for movement! Interpret nature and all that frogs have to offer!

Golden frogs, who are sadly endangered. How adorable!

References

Hey everyone 😊,

I can’t believe it’s our last blog post! I’m so proud of the progress I have made as an interpreter through this course so far, and am excited to see where all this knowledge 📚 will take me. Without further ado, let's get into our last blog post! 

For me, I’ve found that nature interpretation is more than just relaying facts, but that it's about creating meaningful experiences that connect people to the natural world 🌳. As I develop my skills as a nature interpreter, I recognize that my personal method is shaped by my deep appreciation for beauty, my commitment to emotional connection♥️, and my responsibility to make nature accessible and engaging for all. My beliefs, responsibilities, and preferred approaches all intertwine to form the foundation of my interpretive style!

One of my core beliefs is finding beauty in everything. Whether it's a huge oak tree 🌲 or a tiny insect 🪲 crawling along its bark, I believe that every part of nature has something to offer us! This perspective aligns with the principle from our textbook in Chapter 5, that “The effective interpreter will use the tangible elements of the place—plants, rocks, streams, wildlife—to advance intangible meanings associated with them” (Beck et al., 2018). I see interpretation as a way to help others uncover the hidden beauty in nature 🌸, even in the smallest details. By highlighting the connections between the physical world and the emotions or values we attach to it, I hope to develop a deeper appreciation for the environment 🌺! Another belief I bring is the importance of emotional depth 🧠 in interpretation. Facts and figures are valuable, but they don’t always leave a lasting impact. Instead, people remember how something made them feel ♥️. Do you think emotional connection or scientific knowledge is more important in nature interpretation? Why? I strive to recognize the mental models that visitors bring with them and present information in a way that resonates with their personal experiences. As noted in Chapter 6 of our textbook, “To best relate to and serve visitors, the interpreter must strive to recognize the mental models that visitors possess and to present information in those terms” (Beck et al., 2018). For me, this means I need to be adaptable and open-minded 😊, tailoring my approach to each audience! Whether it’s evoking wonder in a child seeing their first frog 🐸 or sparking nostalgia in an older visitor recalling childhood hikes, emotional connections make interpretation more meaningful! Journaling ✍️ is another significant part of my interpretive thinking. I have always loved to document my experiences in nature, whether through writing, sketching, or collecting observations 🍂. This habit helps me slow down, notice details I might have otherwise missed, and reflect on what I’ve learned. Journaling is also an excellent tool for others. As Chapter 9 of the textbook explains, “Participants go beyond merely seeing to making deeper, more detailed observations. Journaling causes people to notice things. And it appeals to natural curiosity, love of drawing, and joy of discovery” (Beck et al., 2018). By encouraging others to journal, I hope to help them develop a stronger, more personal connection to the natural world 🌍!

With these beliefs in mind, I recognize that I have important responsibilities as an interpreter. One of my primary responsibilities is to show others how amazing the world is. People won’t care about protecting nature 🌳 if they don’t first appreciate it, and it’s my job to facilitate that appreciation 😊! Chapter 7 states, “Interpreters are guided by the understanding that if audience members have not learned, seen, or felt something, then interpreters have been talking to themselves” (Beck et al., 2018). This reminds me that my work isn’t just about what I find interesting, but about what resonates with my audience. If I’m not making a connection 🌐 with them, I need to adjust my approach. Another key responsibility is to make nature’s beauty ♥️ digestible and accessible for everyone. Not everyone has a background in ecology 🕸️ or an innate love for the outdoors, and that’s okay. My goal is to present information in a way that is engaging and easy to understand, regardless of someone’s prior knowledge 📖! This might mean telling a story to make a scientific concept more relatable, incorporating hands-on 🤝 activities for those who learn best by doing, or simply making sure that my tone is welcoming rather than intimidating 😊!

As I continue developing as an interpreter, I recognize that my personal style will be shaped by my strengths 💪 and preferences. One approach that suits me well is telling stories 📖! People are naturally drawn to stories, and I find that weaving information into a narrative makes it more memorable! Instead of simply stating that a certain plant 🌱 has medicinal 💊 properties, I might tell the story of how Indigenous communities have used it for centuries or share a personal anecdote about the first time I saw it in the wild. Another approach that I have enjoyed is hands-on engagement! I’ve always learned best by doing, and I know many others do too! Encouraging others to touch, smell 👃, and interact with nature makes the experience more immersive! Additionally, I like to use beauty, and being appreciative of it, to guide me. Sometimes, the best way to inspire people is simply to let them experience the magic 🔮 of nature. This might mean stepping back and allowing others to observe 👀 a breathtaking sunset or idea! By fostering moments of pure wonder, I hope to leave lasting impressions that extend beyond the moment of interpretation! Lastly, relating nature to my life is another key 🔑 strategy for me. Many people feel disconnected from the environment because they see it as something separate from their daily lives. However, nature is everywhere, even in urban settings 🏡! I want to help people see these connections, whether it’s pointing out the pollinators 🐝 that make their morning coffee ☕ possible or explaining how trees improve air quality in their neighborhood! What methods have you found most effective in engaging others who are not naturally interested in nature?

As I grow as a nature interpreter, my personal ethics will continue to evolve, but my core values will remain the same. How do your personal values or background shape the way you interpret nature for others? I believe in finding beauty in everything, creating emotional connections, and encouraging deeper observations through journaling. I recognize my responsibility to make nature accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all audiences 😊. I embrace approaches that emphasize telling stories 📚, connecting with others, and real-life relationships♥️. Ultimately, my goal as an interpreter is not just to share knowledge, but to inspire curiosity, appreciation, and a sense of wonder! If I can help even one person see the world differently, then I will have done my job well!

I’ve had such a blast these last couple weeks reading everyone’s thoughts and ideas! I’m so excited to read what everyone has written this week.

Maia 😊

References

This blog was created for ENVS3000, University of Guelph. 

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph. 

The University of Guelph is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by this blog.

Hello all, my name is Maddy, welcome to my blog!

I am based in Eden Mills, just outside of Guelph, Ontario. I have always been what my mom calls a ‘nature girl’. As a child, I would bring any animals I happened to catch in the house asking if I could keep them as pets, quickly learning that wild animals were meant to live outside.  Although I have always had a love for nature and the outdoors, as I’ve grown up I’ve been able to learn more about specific species as well as being able to pass on important lessons regarding respect for nature to a younger generation. For example, taking the kids I babysit out on walks through our local trail, I am able to show them different animals and teach them viewing these animals from a respectable distance as well as leaving the path the way it was when we arrived. I was taught by my parents and babysitters from my community and now I get to share with the children I care for as they grow up in our wonderful little village. 

While reading this post, consider that I am using "privilege" here to refer to opportunities and experiences that an individual is given throughout their life that provides them an advantage. These opportunities and experiences are given. By this, I mean they are obtained not through the actions of the individual, but by those out of their direct control.

I am embarrassed to say that before this course I had not considered the role privilege plays in nature interpretation. Privilege provides individuals with opportunities that not everyone may get, and these opportunities can be done at a lower risk. I will dive further into what I mean by this with shortly. In terms of nature interpretation, privilege provides more access to environmental interpretation opportunities.

Speaking and writing in English is one privilege. Large journals are often written in English, so being able to write in English allows for a better chance at becoming recognized in literature. A similar circumstance might be said about communication for environmental interpretation. Since English is a popular language, communicating in English may provide the most opportunities for reaching a large audience. For example, hosting an English podcast would likely reach and appeal to more people than a podcast in a language that is not as popular. Considering this, it makes me wish there were extra measures (if there are not already) to effectively translate material. This would allow those that do not speak English more of an equal opportunity to access information. I am wondering, does anyone have an idea of how to go about this? Or if this is already being done?

Back to the point I touched on earlier (about how privilege comes with more opportunities and less risk). Here I meant that those with more privilege have more opportunities to experience and learn about nature. This could be because of their available finances, having two parents that provide them with opportunities, etc. These things would allow them to be able to do activities that lead to an inspiration for caring about nature and the environment. Although risk can be found anywhere, I state that there is less risk for those with privilege because their life situations may provide them with less opportunities to be exposed to danger. For example, people with more financial security are able to participate in things like overnight hiking trips, go to a cottage, or sign up for a paid podcast without having to worry about the possibility of a financial loss that will negatively influence them. Does anyone else have any other ideas of how risk might be lower for those with privilege?

By understanding the role of privilege in nature interpretation, I have begun to unpack my invisible backpack (think about the characteristics and opportunities I have been given that others might not have as much access to). For example, I am learning about nature and interpretation because of my mom offering me the chance to go to university. This is allowing me to learn about how to effectively interpret nature which may give me a step up compared to others if I decide to make my own interpretation website, social media, or another blog. Recognizing the role of privilege and understanding the privilege we have as individuals is crucial to offer everyone as equal of an opportunity as we can to understand and learn about nature, which I think is a important responsibility of an interpreter.

Growing up, I was never a kid who liked to play outside in the dirt. For some odd reason, I had this fear of getting my hands dirty. In addition, I used to be deathly afraid of water, but that's a story for another time. To be completely honest, when I was very young, I never liked being outside. I always preferred to be inside the house playing with toys or doing crafts. I think the amount of bugs in my neighbourhood scared me inside. Each day, my parents would take me on a walk through our neighbourhood and I remember that I would cry and whine the whole time until we returned home. It wasn’t until the beginning of grade 7 when I started to take an interest in science. I remember getting to use my first textbook and thought about how this was a big difference from the previous years work. In previous years, we had just gotten handouts with little readings on them. After flipping through some of the pages in the textbook, I began to think about all of the new topics I was going to learn that year. This was the first time I had heard the words ‘eutrophication,’ ‘abiotic,’ and ‘decomposer.’ I started to think to myself that maybe this would be an area I would be interested in studying one day but at the time high school was right around the corner and I was more worried about that. 

When I began secondary school, I decided it would be time to take more of an interest in the STEM education. Each year, I took science as one of my courses, as well as a variety of technology courses. In my freshman year, the technology course allowed us to try every different field of technology that was offered at our school. We got to try a variety of different fields such as welding, machine shop, design, etc. Although I did thoroughly enjoy the wood working class, horticulture was always my favourite strand of technology. I always found that subject very intriguing as there are so many plants, propagation techniques, and landscape methods that we had the chance to learn about. My school even had its own hydroponic system that we grew vegetables in year round. It was here, that I started to really become interested in studying plants and the environment in the future. In my final two years of secondary school, I took a great interest in biology. In grade 12, we completed a 28 day pond study on the body of water behind our school, where we analyzed water samples, looking at pH, algae growth and taking a close look at the microorganisms living in the pond sample. By the end of high school, I knew that I had developed a passion for biology and the environment and knew that I would pursue it in post-secondary school.

Reflecting on what I have just told you, I know that it sounds like I have had a negative relationship with the environment, but I honestly think that it has had a great impact on the growth of my studies. I regret not spending more time outdoors growing up, exploring the woods and being surrounded by mother nature. Over the years, my passion for the outdoors has evolved to the point, that I now find myself outside as much as I possibly can doing various activities whether it be; hiking, skiing, taking my dog for a walk, or even just sitting outside reading a book. I thoroughly enjoy a hike in the Rock Glen Conservation in Guelph every now and then as I find it is a very beautiful place to spend time. 

During my time at the University of Guelph, I have taken many biological science courses as I find these topics fascinating and very important to be taught, especially now more than ever. As well, I have been a part of some climate-action protests as it is my goal to educate and empower people with the knowledge I have gained from these courses to better our planet for the future. 

When I think about a “sense of place,” my first thought is always my dog Leila. Before I owned a dog, I did not make as much time for activities outside as I do now, but I am glad that I have her now. There are plenty of reasons why I am lucky to have her, but focussing on the topic at hand, I find that having a pet comes with a lot of responsibilities, one being exercise. Taking her for exercise not only benefits her, but it also benefits me too because I get to spend so much time outdoors. 

As this semester winds down and comes to an end, I have taken the time to sit down and reflect over the past 11 weeks. Not only have I learned so much about nature and nature interpretation, but I have also learned a lot about myself and my role in the natural world. The question that we have been asking ourselves each week, “Who am I as an interpreter?” is very prominent now as I reflect on what I have learned throughout this course (Hooykaas, 2021). Seriously… who am I as an interpreter? 

To begin to answer this question, I think it is important to understand my own personal ethics as a nature interpreter. Before beginning the important work of interpreting nature, it is crucial to be able to see the interconnectedness of the natural ecosystem, and to also believe that conservation must be an integral component of being a steward of the environment we interact with. Being able to see this interconnectedness of each aspect of the ecosystem, and how certain aspects complement each other and help each other grow, allows for me to truly understand and appreciate the natural world. I am also better able to define my own approach to stewardship and also my role in interpreting for and educating others. In Beck et al. (2018), the authors discuss the Moral Development Theory devised by Lawrence Kohlberg. From a personal standpoint, I believe that as a child I developed “preconventional morality” by lessons taught to me by my parents (Beck et al. 2018, pp.115-117). As a child, I vividly remember the first time my parents taught us the importance of not picking trillium flowers. The fear of picking these provincial flowers from their natural environment and getting in trouble was engraved into me very young, and it became one of my morals to protect these flowers. Although it is not necessarily illegal to pick these flowers in Ontario, I think this fear instilled into me was beneficial in a way because it allowed me to understand how we as humans can have negative effects on our ecosystems. This was the beginning of my stewardship role. Even though my moral sense of right and wrong in terms of the environment developed as a child, my beliefs in how this could be accomplished, and my own particular role in it as interpreter and participant, continues to evolve.

This is a photo that I took at Wildwood Conservation Area showing the blooming trillium flowers! Taken by J. Droog, 2017. 

As a nature interpreter, I think it is important to have strong beliefs and to carry these beliefs into your role as an interpreter. One belief that I have when it comes to being a nature interpreter is good stewardship. It is important to understand the uniqueness of each individual environment and local ecosystem you encounter because this will allow you to share with others and be able to educate future generations. Without this understanding and appreciation for the environment and nature, it is difficult to truly be a steward of the earth. I also need to learn about the local ecosystem and continue to learn as it evolves, so that I can clearly and accurately translate the story to others.

Another belief that I hold is that it is possible to create and maintain sustainable natural areas for the education and enjoyment of all while still serving the needs of the economy. For example, conservation areas do a fantastic job at preserving and protecting these local ecosystems, both the plant and animal species that reside there, at the same time, these conservation areas also provide us with educational information about nature through signage or even a tour guide per se to help us to interpret the nature around us. Another example of this can be shown through our efforts to preserve natural species, such as pollinators. When we try to create habitats that promote and attract pollinators, not only are we benefiting these insects, but we are also benefiting ourselves. The beauty of the habitat provides us with a sense of awe and quiet, giving both a physical and mental boost, while simultaneously creating an environment where the pollinators can thrive, create byproducts that can be consumed, and ensuring that plants that depend on these insects for propagation can also thrive. As an interpreter, it is my responsibility to ensure that this complete story, and the balance of a healthy, functioning ecosystem, is clearly told.                    

As I continue my journey in becoming a nature interpreter, I have to remind myself of what my responsibilities will entail. Although my time as an undergraduate student is coming to an end, I know that will never be finished learning. I think this is important to realize in any profession, but especially as a nature interpreter my responsibility is to continue to build on my own personal knowledge and appreciation for the natural world so that I can bring accurate and relatable information to the table when I am helping others to interpret. Another responsibility I have in this role would be to instill a sense of connection to nature in others through story-telling, stewardship participation, and nurturing awareness in subsequent generations of people. 

One last point I would like to touch upon when it comes to my responsibility as a nature interpreter is to pay attention using all of my senses, recognizing that everything is connected and that there is a way for everyone to benefit while retaining the integrity of the environment (Beck et al. 2018, p. 405). 

ENVS*3000 has been a beneficial course by allowing me to grow and understand the importance of nature through a different lens. This interpretive blog has allowed for me to express my thoughts and beliefs to my peers, as well as hear the thoughts of my peers which adds to the diversity of my own knowledge and the story I am able to share. Although we may all share different beliefs and responsibilities of nature interpreters, we all seem to have common ethics when it comes to nature and preserving our earth. 

Thank you for joining me on this amazing interpretive journey and I am excited to see my fellow classmates excel in the natural world!

Cheers,  Janieka

References Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world. Urbana, Illinois: SAGAMORE Publishing.

In the final days of my summer vacation, I found myself sitting in a lawn chair around a bonfire in the backyard of my Nova Scotia home with my dad. We built this fire together, and now we were enjoying sitting in its’ warmth, watching the sparks slowly rise into the sky, before they disappeared in the silhouette of the tall pine trees where we often see bald eagles perched. I’m reminded of the numerous times I’ve found myself sitting around a bonfire with my dad, and how it was him who really sparked my interest in nature and the great outdoors.

Image 1 (above): A bald eagle sitting on top of a tree in my backyard, captured by my dad (Follow him on Instagram: @/airblair72)

I was born in May of 1999, and by summer of that same year my parents were already taking me camping! I don’t know how my dad convinced my mom to take a new-born baby to a provincial park, and to sleep in a tent for a few nights, but he managed to win her over. As I got older, every summer we would go camping. I was, and still am to this day, captivated by everything my dad showed me in nature. He studied horticulture at the University of Guelph and worked at various greenhouses and parks departments over his lifetime, so he has an expansive knowledge of flora species. I remember going to an arboretum near my childhood home and my dad telling me the scientific names of all the trees, and him sharing what makes each distinct. He was a great nature interpreter, because he knew his audience, and was able to explain things in a way that made sense to an 8-year-old (Beck and Cable).The tree that I was infatuated with right away was the gingko biloba, and, to this day, it is my favourite tree. Now the tree itself isn’t something super special, aside from its’ interesting leaves, it looks like any other tree. But to me, it’s the most beautiful tree because it was my dad who showed it to me. So, whenever I see a gingko leaf on the ground, I smile and think of that day.

Image 2 (above): A photo from one of my early camping trips, which my dad captioned “Kayla the Camper”. Couldn’t say it better myself!

I remember going to Killbear Provincial Park up near Parry Sound, Ontario, and exploring the visitor centre. My dad showed me the display case with scat samples inside, and to me, it was the coolest thing! I remember seeing a display with a photo of a baby black bear scaled to normal size. There was a meter stick beside it, so you could see how tall you were in comparison to the young bear. I remember standing next to the bear and smiling while my dad took a photo, but for some reason, it was only the silly picture that was printed (shown below). I remember my dad smiling at me from behind the camera when I did this silly pose.

Image 3 (above): Young me striking a silly pose at Killbear Provincial Park Visitor center. One of my earliest and fondest memories!

I remember my dad taking my younger brother and I camping while my mom was writing her master’s thesis. I was probably 12 or so years old, so my brother was around 10 at the time. On the truck ride up to MacGregor Provincial Park, my dad let my brother and I split a Red Bull energy drink! We were bouncing off the walls by the time we arrived at the campsite. We set up our tent and everything, then to let off some steam, we went for a long bike ride. I remember being the first of the three of us to arrive back to the campsite, and that’s when I saw a massive raccoon on our picnic table, trying to open our bag of marshmallows we’d accidentally left on the table with his little paws. I just stared in awe for a few moments before realizing that was our only bag of marshmallows, so I screamed! The raccoon was startled and scurried up the tallest tree on our campsite, with our marshmallows! By this time my brother and dad had arrived back, finding me distraught and marshmallow-less. We started brainstorming ideas of how to get the bag back and being that we were still hyped up on Red Bull, my brother and I devised a plan: to throw sticks at the raccoon with the hopes he’d drop the bag. Now we tried several times on our own, never being able to launch the stick high enough until my dad took pity on us and threw a stick, aiming it perfectly so that it hit just the bag and not the animal. The bag of marshmallows plummeted to the ground where we retrieved it, with only a few casualties.

“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.” -Thomas Berry

I could tell you hundreds of camping and hiking stories that shaped my interest and love for the outdoors, but then this blog post would be far exceeding the 500-word guideline (as I’ve already done). The common thread through all these stories is my dad, facilitating my learning. And although he is a horticulturist, he led me the what Beck and Cable call “the threshold of my mind”, meaning that he lit the spark, but it was me who put the logs on the fire and made it my own.

This summer, I was living and working in France and had the opportunity to do some tourism in the area. Whenever I visited places surrounded by nature, I thought of my dad. For example, I visited Claude Monet’s Gardens, (which isn’t unedited nature, it is quite manicured, but in that region of France, I’d take what I could get) and all I could think of is how much dad would love this. My mind immediately associates nature with my dad, and that’s probably why I love it so much.

Image 4 (above): Photo of me exploring Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, Summer 2019, captured by my dear friend Louisa.

Today, I don’t camp as much as I’d like. I miss sleeping in a tent and watching the long-legged spiders crawl between the main part of the tent and the fly in the morning. My relationship with nature has become like rekindling a spark with an old friend. I missed learning about nature and spending time outside in my first 2 years of my degree because I was in more general courses like physics and chemistry. My relationship is more of an academic one, being that I study Wildlife Biology. But what remains the same is my curiosity. I know I am interested in nature and wildlife, so learning about it in university is what keeps me going, even in seasons of assignments and midterms. I love to go on hikes and nature walks in South-Western Ontario (my favourite is Mount Nemo), and being outdoors bring the same calm and serenity as it did when I was young, and I look forward to diving into my love for nature for the rest of my life.

Bibliography:

When I was a child I always loved animals. Least to say, I was determined to be a vet when I grew up. When I turned 18 and the depression hit, I lost all vision of anything to do with nature or animals since the only thing that occupied my mind was getting by. Although, luckily for me I was already enrolled into zoology at the University of Guelph for the coming year so there was something there to remind me. Something to pull me back up into the world of science and animals. 

(Above Picture: Is that not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?)

Loving animals hasn't always been the same thing as loving nature for me. I loved animals but my family was never the outdoors type of people. Other than the collecting of snails and worms with my neighbourhood friends, I never really had a chance to see animals in their natural habitats. My experiences with animals were limited to house hold pets such as hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. 

(Above Picture: Taken in my backyard. My guinea pigs, Luna and Molly)

It was only when I started university that I began to have a true appreciation for nature. My family began to do more outdoorsy activities, I was taken out to the dairy bush for one of my first seminars in first year, and I began to look at animals in their natural habitats. How amazing is that? I spent almost 18 years not realising my love for animals did not have to be confined to owning them as a pet. I could appreciate an animal and everything it chooses to live around!

(Above Picture: Taken in my backyard. Spot the Leopard frog.)

A lot of my summer this year was spent in my backyard, which is in its own category of nature, with my family. I also spent my time on a boat in the middle of lakes, seeing if I could spot any fish in the water or just laying back and staring at the sky. I put a lot of emphasis on the animals around me, only because that is the natural thing for me to do when speaking of nature, though I love trees and slightly unruly looking areas of land. My family jokes about our backyard being a forest and says how we have to take more care in removing the unwanted plants, though I love the unruliness of my backyard and I especially love finding little critters running around enjoying said unruliness. 

(Above Picture: Taken at Bayfront Lake in Hamilton. Out on the boat in the middle of the lake.)

(Above Picture: Taken at Bayfront Lake in Hamilton. Standing on one of the docks.)

(Above Picture: Taken from my balcony. My backyard and all its trees. More trees are hidden behind these trees...)

I am really happy to say that my relationship with nature at the moment is the best its ever been! I am also overjoyed to say my family are finally outdoorsy people because it makes us more happy and a lot more relaxed (also extremely tired which helps in the whole relaxed department). I’ve finally realised that nature and wildlife can pick me up during the times I’m feeling down, and I think that will make me that much more content in the future. 

Thank you for checking out my blog! Please feel free to leave me a comment! 

(Above Picture: Taken at Shade’s Mill. The sunset over the lake.)

My Weekly Recommendation:

Shade’s Mill Conservation Area: This is one of my families favourite spots to go kayaking and boating. Its quiet and absolutely beautiful during sunset time. The park area has great spots to hike and the sitting area is full of trees, which is great for shade from the sun. There is a spot to go swimming and an area to launch a boat of any kind. In all, this area is amazing for people of any outdoor interest. 

Address: 450 Avenue Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S4