vwenvs3000semester

Hey everyone, welcome back! This will be my final blog post and I just wanted to take a quick second to thank everyone for reading my thoughts and ideas and I wanted to say it was a wonderful time! I really enjoyed seeing all your opinions about my thoughts and I hope to see them one last time in this post! Stay strong, protect the natural world around you, and keep exploring! As always I hope you enjoy my thoughts and pictures.

Nature is such an important part of everyone's life, and must be preserved at all costs. However, to some nature is more than just an escape. It’s a calling. I believe that every little thing in nature is worth saving, protecting, and maintaining its beauty. In the class content it said, “we can create nature-rich communities where kids feel a deep and abiding love for the living systems that we are all immersed in” (Hooykaas, 2024), and this quote really stuck with me because I believe that every person in this world should be given the ability to establish their own special bond with the natural world around them. I believe the preservation of nature should be of the utmost importance because if the natural world changes too much there may not be any of the same things that we hold dear left to explore, and without it so many people would be left confused and unsure where to wander. I believe it is also extremely important to teach others, especially the younger generations how very important it is to maintain the beauty of what can occur when humans do not manipulate the environment. I also believe it is important to not interfere with natural occurrences that you might stumble across no matter how disturbing, awkward, or sad it may be. For example, last summer I came across many different animals doing various things from water snakes mating to a garter snake eating to a family of beavers building a damn under a dock, of course I tried to take pictures if I could, but not a chance would I get too close or startle the animals due to the slightest chance of it messing with their routine.

This is a collage of a few things I’ve witnessed while out exploring nature. Top left is a shaggy mane mushroom, top right is a member of the beaver family that was creating a dam, bottom left is a garter snake attempting to eat an earthworm, and the bottom right is a very large wolf spider that was just hanging around.

Being an nature interpreter is a role that must help others explore aspects of nature that they wouldn’t have thought to look at. Nature interpreting is so much more than simply a job. As I said before it’s a calling, a passion, a craving for exploration, and bringing what is unknown into the light for other people to be in the know. Nature interpreters have some of the largest responsibilities for the future. They hold the responsibility of being storytellers for future generations. They won’t just say facts about nature because that is not what gets people, more importantly kids, interested in the natural world. Kids are interested in video games and have simulations of nature, however, it is the responsibility of nature interpreters to tell exciting and eccentric stories that get them wanting and willing to go out and experience it for themselves (Boeckel, 2015). It is also the responsibility of the interpreter to be well-prepared, insightful, and communicate efficiently and in an appropriate manner depending on the audience that they are attending to. It is also the responsibility of the interpreter to, while telling the stories, make sure that everyone who is listening knows how important even the smallest thing in an ecosystem is all the way down to the small twig/branch the kids may want to pick up and play with. 

This was a location that we visited called Overhanging point (name is kinda self explanatory) during a guided hike. This was carved out by glacial ice movement.

As an individual it may seem difficult at times to think that what you say has an impact on the overall scheme of things, but there are many things that one person can do that can change and pull so many more people in. As it says in the textbook, find a way to articulate your ideas and points in a relevant, creative, and caring manner because that is what draws the attention of others (Beck, Cable, and Knudson, 2018). There are many ways to engage groups of people, and some effective ways are: holding interactive presentations for specific topics, creating a podcast that can appeal to younger and older audiences with many games such as guess the bird call, or guess that animal by the description, guided hikes are also a good tool to pique the interest of the more outdoorsy type of person, and sometimes even simple blogs like this one is an effective tool for getting ideas across to a very significant amount of different people. I know from personal experience that the two most effective ways to reach me with different information is an interactive presentation, or a guided hike. These two speak to me the most because I find them the most useful for engaging people. Guided hikes are a very nice way of exploring the wilderness because not only do you get to be out in nature, but you are able to hear the backstories of all the caves, rock formations, or anything that you may come across during the hike. However, each person has a different way of engaging with nature.

That’s all I have on my mind for now, and I hope everyone enjoyed my thoughts this time, and I hope you have all enjoyed my previous posts too! I had a wonderful time sharing my opinions and thoughts over the past months. I am looking forward to everyone's replies and ideas of their own. 

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

Boeckel, J.v. (2015). At the heart of art and earth: an exploration of practices in arts-based environmental education. Envir. Edu. Research. 21 (5), 801-802. https://doi-org.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/10.1080/13504622.2014.959474

Reading your final post felt like a breath of fresh air and a reminder of why we all need to step up and look after our planet. Your stories and pictures have been like a window to the wild for me, and I bet loads of others feel the same. It's been awesome seeing what catches your eye and hearing what you think about it all. It’s like we’ve been on a bunch of mini-adventures with you, so thanks for taking us along!

You talking about nature being more than just a place to chill but a real calling resonated with me. That quote you shared about making sure kids grow up loving nature really stuck with me too. It's super important that everyone, especially the young ones, gets a chance to bond with the outdoors. It's like if we don't look after our world, we might lose the places and things we love, and that’d leave a lot of us feeling pretty lost.

Your stories about coming across animals just doing their thing in nature were super cool. It's a good reminder that we're just visitors in their home and need to respect that. Taking pics without getting too close is a great way to keep from messing with their routine, which is pretty important.

The part about nature interpreters being like storytellers for the future really made me think. You’re right; it’s not just about throwing facts at people. Getting kids excited about nature is key, and sometimes that means turning a hike into an epic story or making a podcast that’s as fun as a video game. You’ve got to make it interesting, and you’ve nailed it by saying guided hikes and interactive talks are the way to go. It’s like being able to touch, see, and hear about nature makes it real for people in a way that just reading about it can’t.

Thanks for sharing your journey with us. It’s been a real treat to read your posts and see your photos. Here’s to hoping we all keep exploring, learning, and doing our part to protect this awesome world we live in. Can’t wait to see where your adventures take you next!

As I embark on my journey as a nature interpreter, I find myself being guided by mainly my personal beliefs and responsibilities. This ethical base is a compass that leads me towards more understanding and appreciation.

One of my personal beliefs lies in the interconnectedness of life forms and our ecosystems. I view nature as a vital part of our existence as it is and deserves respect for its beauty, importance and abilities and should thus not be seen as separate from humanity. This belief fuels my passion for being a nature interpreter as I strive to convey interconnectedness to others.

Another huge contributor to my personal ethics is the responsibility I feel towards both the natural world and the people I engage with as an interpreter. I find myself to be a mediator between these two and thus it is my responsibility to bridge the gap between us humans and the rest of the beautiful natural world. Along with this role comes the duty to inspire and install a sense of wonder. Through fostering a deeper connection to nature in these individuals I can empower them to become advocates for environmental conservation and sustainability as well and spread awareness.

 Through fulfilling my responsibilities of being a nature interpreter, there are a few approaches that reflect my personal ethics. First, prioritizing authenticity in my interactions with the audience and natural world is a top priority as I strive to ensure the information being presented is accurate and clear so that everyone is able to understand and acknowledge the importance and complexity of our ecological systems.

I also embrace a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to nature interpretation through insights from ecology and history. This is because I have taken a variety of history in the environment and animals in history courses as well as a field ecology course that helped me connect to nature on an even deeper level and sharing these insights with others will help resonate on a more intellectual and emotional level.

Lastly, I am committed to ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy nature. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of nature regardless of their background or circumstances is my top priority. 

Reading your story about becoming a nature interpreter really hit home for me. You're all about connecting people with nature and showing them how everything is linked together, and that's super cool. You've got this strong belief that nature is a big part of our lives, not just something pretty to look at. That idea gets me thinking about how we're all part of the same big picture.

What stands out to me is how real you keep things. You're all about sharing the straight-up truth about nature, making sure what you say is clear and spot-on. That’s important because it helps people really get what's going on with our planet and how amazing it is. Plus, being real like that builds trust, and when people trust you, they listen more.

I'm also impressed by how you mix things up, bringing stories from history and science together to make nature even more interesting. It's like you're taking us on a journey through time, showing how nature and humans have been hanging out together for ages. That's a cool way to make people feel more connected to the world around them.

Your big heart for making sure everyone gets to enjoy nature, no matter who they are or where they come from, is awesome. Nature has this way of making us feel good, and you want to share that with everyone. That’s really kind and important work.

Plus, the way you're always up for learning new stuff and seeing things from different angles is inspiring. The world’s always changing, and there’s always something new to find out. You're on this constant adventure, and it sounds like you want to bring as many people along with you as possible.

What you're doing isn’t just about showing off cool trees and animals; it's about inspiring people to take care of our planet. You want them to see how incredible nature is and get them to join in on keeping it safe. It’s like you’re not just a guide; you’re a hero for the planet.

Your story gets me pumped to think about how I can help the environment too. It's a reminder that we've all got a part to play in looking after our world. Thanks for sharing your journey and for the push to think more about how awesome nature is and why we should all be doing our bit to protect it.

As I embark on my journey as a nature interpreter, I find myself being guided by mainly my personal beliefs and responsibilities. This ethical base is a compass that leads me towards more understanding and appreciation.

One of my personal beliefs lies in the interconnectedness of life forms and our ecosystems. I view nature as a vital part of our existence as it is and deserves respect for its beauty, importance and abilities and should thus not be seen as separate from humanity. This belief fuels my passion for being a nature interpreter as I strive to convey interconnectedness to others.

Another huge contributor to my personal ethics is the responsibility I feel towards both the natural world and the people I engage with as an interpreter. I find myself to be a mediator between these two and thus it is my responsibility to bridge the gap between us humans and the rest of the beautiful natural world. Along with this role comes the duty to inspire and install a sense of wonder. Through fostering a deeper connection to nature in these individuals I can empower them to become advocates for environmental conservation and sustainability as well and spread awareness.

 Through fulfilling my responsibilities of being a nature interpreter, there are a few approaches that reflect my personal ethics. First, prioritizing authenticity in my interactions with the audience and natural world is a top priority as I strive to ensure the information being presented is accurate and clear so that everyone is able to understand and acknowledge the importance and complexity of our ecological systems.

I also embrace a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to nature interpretation through insights from ecology and history. This is because I have taken a variety of history in the environment and animals in history courses as well as a field ecology course that helped me connect to nature on an even deeper level and sharing these insights with others will help resonate on a more intellectual and emotional level.

Lastly, I am committed to ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy nature. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of nature regardless of their background or circumstances is my top priority. 

Imagine yourself in a pitch-black forest, the floor beneath your feet twinkling with a million starlights or how about within the ocean waters.. This isn't a fantasy book setting; rather, it's the realm of bioluminescence, the phenomenon in which living things use chemical reactions to make light.

One small inquiry for a school project led me onto a journey diving into the bright realm of bioluminescence. A question I first asked myself was, how are living organisms able to create light of their own? This question inspired me to focus a large portion of my research on comprehending this phenomena, trying to evaluate the secrets of the shimmering oceans lit by phytoplankton and the illuminating mushrooms.

Bioluminescence is not only a stunning show; for many creatures, it is an essential survival mechanism (National Geographic, n.d. In the pitch-black darkness of the ocean's depths, deep-sea animals employ it to draw in food or ward off predators. Fireflies use their light to communicate, especially during mating season. Some fungal species can produce light, an enigmatic phenomena that is believed to draw insects that aid in the spores' dissemination (National Geographic, n.d).

But what is their method? Just as interesting as the show itself is the science underlying bioluminescence. An enzyme known as luciferase and a light-emitting molecule known as luciferin combine chemically to generate light (National Geographic, n.d). One of the most effective sources of light known is bioluminescence, which occurs when oxygen reacts with certain substances to generate light without producing heat.

These luminescent creatures generate strange, unearthly landscapes. Imagine strolling through a forest where bioluminescent fungus have covered the branches and roots, naturally forming a channel of light beneath the tree canopy. Imagine swimming in a sea where you are surrounded by a galaxy of blue stars and every stroke you make creates a bloom of shimmering plankton. These are experiences that go beyond simple observation; they are an immersive journey into the enchantment that exists in the hidden corners of our earth, which is what I searched out for my study.

A striking reminder of the marvels of evolution and the extraordinary flexibility of life is provided by bioluminescence. It illuminates the core of our woods and the depths of our seas with natural light displays that equal those of the stars in the sky, telling a tale of survival, communication, and beauty. I have only begun to scrape the surface of my comprehension of this amazing phenomena via my studies and personal experiences, but it has greatly expanded my respect for the complexities of both life and the natural world.

I hope this introduction to the luminous world of bioluminescence caught your interest and left you feeling amazed and curious. One of nature's many amazing teachings is the light that bioluminescent creatures emit. Nature's creative ability is boundless. Let us continue to ponder, investigate, and be amazed by the secrets that lie ahead in the natural world.

I have attached a YouTube video detailing some cool facts of Bioliminescence!

Hastings, J. W. (2012, December 2). Bioluminescence. Cell Physiology Source Book.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780126569704500543 

Your blog post about bioluminescence was fascinating, showing us how some creatures light up the dark with their own glow. It's amazing how this isn't just for show but helps them survive, like deep-sea animals using it to find food or scare off enemies, and how fireflies light up to communicate.

Your curiosity led you to discover so much about how these organisms create light through a chemical reaction involving substances called luciferase and luciferin. Your descriptions of walking through a glowing forest or swimming among shining plankton really bring the magic of bioluminescence to life.

I've also been captivated by this topic and found a TED Talk by marine biologist Edith Widder, where she shows some incredible examples of bioluminescent creatures. Her talk, “The weird and wonderful world of bioluminescence,” is a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more. She talks about the importance of protecting our oceans to keep witnessing these wonders.

There's also a useful website by the University of California, Santa Barbara, full of information on bioluminescence, from how it works to why it's important for the ecosystem. These resources can help us dive deeper into understanding and appreciating this natural phenomenon.

Your post has definitely sparked interest in bioluminescence, reminding us of the incredible things nature has to offer. Let's keep exploring and sharing the marvels of the natural world.

Edith Widder's TED Talk: TED.com

UCSB Bioluminescence Web Page: lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/

Well done!! Cheers!

Hey everyone,

This week, I will be diving into the connections of music and nature!

Following this definition of music, “Music has been defined as patterns of sound varying in pitch and time produced for emotional, social, cultural, and cognitive purposes” (Gray et al., 2001), music can be found in nature in various instances. The first instance that comes to mind, and probably for many others, is the sounds that animals make. Particularly birds for instance, make noises that follow rhythmic variations to communicate with others – some birds even use their feathers or manipulate objects as ‘instruments’ (Gray et al., 2001). For example, a male palm cockatoo will break a twig, shape it into a drumstick, and drum it onto a hollow log as a courtship ritual (Gray et al., 2001). I like to think there are other forms of music in nature, even though nature might not consciously orchestrate them. For instance, the sound of leaves, the roar of thunder, or the crashing of waves all produce different patterns and pitches of sounds similar to that found in modern music.

Finding nature in music is not as simple as finding music in nature – we do not often hear artists playing nature in music, such as birdsongs or leaves rustling. That said, if you have a song you like that literally has nature in music, feel free to share! I would love to listen to it! I think a lot of us will be able to find nature in music in a more figurative sense. What I mean by this is that perhaps certain songs remind you of a time when you were in the presence of nature; songs you listen to when you are at a cottage, camping, going on walks, etc. In this way, nature is in music, as certain songs make you think of nature.

Personally, there is no one song that immediately brings me back to a natural landscape. Most of the songs I listen to do not invoke feelings of when I was in a natural landscape. Some artists I like are Clairo, Arctic Monkeys, Billie Eilish, Hozier and The Neighbourhood – others who listen to these artists may also understand how these songs do not immediately bring you to a natural landscape. However, if I were to name a song that brings me back to nature, one song that comes to mind is “Woodland” by The Paper Kites. This song makes me think of life as an endless opportunity for growth and learning while reaching for your wildest dreams. I think the lyrics in the chorus encapsulate these ideas well: “Won’t lay down our heads ’til the day is won. Won’t stop running ’til we reach the sun.” The Paper Kites use many references to the natural world to convey emotion to the audience and uses a lighthearted folk tune that I find provides a similar serenity found in nature. Give it a listen here if you wish:

Thanks for reading,

Kiera

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

I really enjoyed your piece on how music and nature connect. It's cool to think about animals making their own kind of music, like the palm cockatoo you mentioned that drums on logs to impress its mate. It shows us that nature has its own rhythms and sounds, just like the songs we listen to.

You talked about how it's not always easy to find music that includes actual sounds from nature, like birds singing or leaves rustling. But you're right that some songs can make us think of nature or remind us of times we've spent outdoors. Even if the music isn't directly about nature, it can still take us back to those natural places in our minds.

I agree with your point about how songs can remind us of nature in different ways. For example, you mentioned “Woodland” by The Paper Kites(I love the Paper Kites). It's interesting how the song uses nature-themed lyrics to express ideas about growth and chasing dreams. It's a great example of how music can use nature to share feelings and stories.

Your post made me think of a song that does the same for me: "Coastline" by Hollow Coves. Whenever I hear it, I'm right back at my cottage by the lake. It's like the song and the memories of that place mix together, showing how music can really connect us to nature, even when we're not outside.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's amazing how music and nature can be so linked, creating feelings and memories that stick with us.

Cheers!

Diving into Edward Hyams' musings in "The Gifts of Interpretation" really got me thinking. He says, "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…" It's a hefty thought, especially when I relate it back to what we've been unpacking in our latest unit on history's role in nature interpretation. It's like Hyams is nudging us to see the bigger picture, to connect the dots across time to maintain the story's wholeness.

Now, as a biomedical science undergrad who’s ventured into the world of environmental interpretation, I’ve always been about the facts and figures. But this course, and particularly this unit, has been a gentle push towards appreciating the narratives behind those facts. It’s about seeing the forest for the trees, quite literally. The history that shapes our natural landscapes isn't just a backdrop, it is a vital part of the narrative, improving our understanding and connection to the environment.

Hyams' idea of integrity made me reflect on how we approach nature. It's not just observing the natural world but understanding the historical threads that weave through it. This perspective is crucial, not just for the sake of knowledge but for fostering a deeper connection with our environment. It’s recognizing that every tree, river, or mountain has a backstory, shaped by both nature and humanity. It’s about honoring those stories in our interpretation, making sure they’re not lost to time but preserved and shared.

This approach aligns with what we’ve been exploring in the unit—how history enriches our interpretation of nature. It’s like we’re detectives, piecing together clues from the past to present a fuller picture of the natural world today. This doesn’t mean turning every nature walk into a history lesson. Instead, it’s about peppering our narratives with historical insights that add depth and context, making the experience richer for our audience.

Your insights into Hyams' quote are really thought-provoking. It's like you're urging us to take a step back and look at the whole picture, connecting the dots across time to understand nature better. It's cool to see you diving into the storytelling side of things, especially since you're usually focused on facts and numbers.

Understanding history alongside nature is like uncovering the hidden layers of a painting, it adds depth and richness to our experiences. By knowing the backstory of a place, we can appreciate its significance and value it even more. And when we sprinkle historical facts into our nature stories, it's like adding seasoning to a dish, it makes them more flavourful and engaging.

Your idea of mixing history into nature stories is smart. Overall, your post shows how exploring history alongside nature can make our experiences cooler and inspire us to take better care of the environment.

Overall, your reflection highlights the importance of exploring history alongside nature, enriching our understanding and connection to the world around us. Keep up the great work in integrating history into your interpretation journey, it's making a real difference!

Cheers!

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 

Your description of shipwrecks as "islands of biodiversity" vividly illustrates the vibrant communities that thrive around them. It's incredible to imagine the transformation of a barren sea floor into a bustling ecosystem, all thanks to the presence of a shipwreck.

I appreciate your insight into the importance of microorganism colonies in shipwreck ecosystems, highlighting the delicate balance of life within these environments.

Like you, I'm curious about shipwreck diving and can only imagine the wonder of exploring these underwater worlds firsthand. The Great Lakes offer a unique opportunity for enthusiasts like us to witness history preserved beneath the waves.

However, the threat posed by invasive species is a sobering reminder of the fragility of these underwater treasures and the need for conservation efforts.

Thank you for sharing your passion for shipwrecks and shedding light on their profound connection to nature. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and I now see shipwrecks from a whole new perspective.

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 

For the longest time, I have never considered myself to be a particularly creative or artistic person, despite my appreciation for the world of art. I have always been fascinated by the various ways artists can capture the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, whether it be through the lens of a camera, paint and a paintbrush, or the simplicity of a pencil and paper. The way artists can convey the vivid colours of a sunset, the delicate details of a flower, or the vastness of a landscape shows how they interpret “the gift of beauty”. Art serves as the language through which artists articulate their unique interpretations of the gift of beauty in nature. It provides a platform for them to convey their emotions, thoughts, and perceptions, transcending the limitations of verbal expression. Art allows artists to share their personal connection with nature and allows others to see this beauty through their eyes and creative expression. Overall, art allows for a deeper connection with nature and allows for individuals to appreciate the beauty in nature. The concept of “the gift of beauty” suggests that nature offers a profound and enriching experience to individuals providing them with an opportunity to perceive and appreciate the beauty that nature holds. This gift extends beyond mere aesthetics; it is a source of inspiration, a catalyst for spiritual uplift, and a reminder of the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment. The interpretation of the gift of beauty carries an implicit call to action in terms of environmental responsibility. By recognizing and valuing the beauty in nature, individuals are more likely to develop a sense of stewardship for the environment.

Although I have never really been creative, I have always enjoyed photography. I am always taking pictures whether it be on a hike with my family, go on vacation, or simply just the trees in my backyard. In grade eleven, I took a photography class at my high school. We would go on walks with our class and take pictures. When we would come back to class, we would all share our images. I was always amazed to see the different perspectives in the images because we all walked in the same place. Some individuals would take a picture of the entire tree, whereas others would focus their image on a single leaf. This really showed how every individual interprets nature differently, and how everyone sees and appreciates nature in a unique way. Photography is my way of sharing the extraordinary gift of beauty that nature offers, allowing other to witness nature as I perceive it. Each photograph becomes a visual diary, as it narrates a story. Each photograph captures vibrant colours, textures, and emotions. After all, a photo is worth a thousand words!

Here are just some of the photographs I love!

Your exploration of art and its connection to nature resonates deeply with me. It's beautiful how you've discovered and embraced the profound beauty in nature through photography, transforming ordinary moments into visual poetry.

Your recognition of the diverse ways artists capture nature's beauty, whether through a camera lens, paintbrush, or pencil, highlights the richness of interpretation. Art becomes the language through which emotions, thoughts, and unique perspectives are expressed, transcending the limitations of verbal communication.

I particularly appreciate your reflection on your photography class experience in grade eleven(I also did that). The realization that individuals interpret and appreciate nature in distinct ways, even when in the same place, speaks volumes about the subjective nature of beauty. It's fascinating how a single tree can evoke different emotions and perspectives, becoming a testament to the individuality of perception.

Your photographs, showcased as a visual diary, encapsulate vibrant colors, and textures. Each image tells a story, offering viewers a glimpse into your personal connection with nature. It's evident that your love for photography goes beyond capturing moments – it's about sharing the extraordinary gift of beauty that nature provides.

In a world filled with a constant rush, your ability to freeze time through photography is truly a gift. Each photo becomes a window into the natural wonders you've encountered, a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us. Thank you for sharing these glimpses of your visual diary; they indeed speak louder than a thousand words and carry the essence of the gift of beauty.

Well done! Cheers!

For the longest time, I have never considered myself to be a particularly creative or artistic person, despite my appreciation for the world of art. I have always been fascinated by the various ways artists can capture the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, whether it be through the lens of a camera, paint and a paintbrush, or the simplicity of a pencil and paper. The way artists can convey the vivid colours of a sunset, the delicate details of a flower, or the vastness of a landscape shows how they interpret “the gift of beauty”. Art serves as the language through which artists articulate their unique interpretations of the gift of beauty in nature. It provides a platform for them to convey their emotions, thoughts, and perceptions, transcending the limitations of verbal expression. Art allows artists to share their personal connection with nature and allows others to see this beauty through their eyes and creative expression. Overall, art allows for a deeper connection with nature and allows for individuals to appreciate the beauty in nature. The concept of “the gift of beauty” suggests that nature offers a profound and enriching experience to individuals providing them with an opportunity to perceive and appreciate the beauty that nature holds. This gift extends beyond mere aesthetics; it is a source of inspiration, a catalyst for spiritual uplift, and a reminder of the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment. The interpretation of the gift of beauty carries an implicit call to action in terms of environmental responsibility. By recognizing and valuing the beauty in nature, individuals are more likely to develop a sense of stewardship for the environment.

Although I have never really been creative, I have always enjoyed photography. I am always taking pictures whether it be on a hike with my family, go on vacation, or simply just the trees in my backyard. In grade eleven, I took a photography class at my high school. We would go on walks with our class and take pictures. When we would come back to class, we would all share our images. I was always amazed to see the different perspectives in the images because we all walked in the same place. Some individuals would take a picture of the entire tree, whereas others would focus their image on a single leaf. This really showed how every individual interprets nature differently, and how everyone sees and appreciates nature in a unique way. Photography is my way of sharing the extraordinary gift of beauty that nature offers, allowing other to witness nature as I perceive it. Each photograph becomes a visual diary, as it narrates a story. Each photograph captures vibrant colours, textures, and emotions. After all, a photo is worth a thousand words!

Here are just some of the photographs I love!

The concept of privilege plays a significant role in shaping individuals' relationships with nature, influencing access and opportunities to engage with the environment, and many other factors in life outside of nature. My working definition of privilege is advantages or opportunities unrelated to personal achievements or abilities but simply due to one’s background, social status and other factors. My definition is similar to the $100 race video in the courselink notes for the week, which highlighted disparities based on factors beyond the students accomplishments and actions.

Growing up in a big city with a single, hardworking mother, my early experiences were marked by limited access to nature. The inability to take time off work for zoo visits or nature excursions was a reality for many from lower-income backgrounds. Economic barriers, as outlined in the textbook, contribute significantly to this limitation (Beck et al, 2018). Additionally, people are faced with other problems, for example not having a car or money to pay entrance fees or food expenses like the textbook mentions (Beck et al, 2018). I remember when I was younger my mom would try to take me to a theme park once a year but I knew that meant I couldn't ask for anything inside because the entrance fee was already expensive. I also knew that we would most likely leave the park for lunch or bring our own food to munch on. Again this isn't the case for everyone but now that I am older I know that I was privileged enough to go as not everyone had that chance. 

Reflecting on my own journey, it wasn't until I moved to Canada that I had the opportunity to travel and explore nature. The privilege of my parents being able to take time off work and afford travel expenses opened up new horizons for me. This newfound ability to explore different places, cultures, and environments played a pivotal role in shaping my character and fostering a love for exploration which some don’t experience ever or until later in life.

The textbook’s emphasis on cultural barriers is also noteworthy. The ethnicity theory suggests that cultural preferences, shaped by factors such as history, family structure, and values, impact participation in outdoor activities (Beck et al, 2018). An example the textbook gave was camping, which might be perceived as an activity reserved for the affluent by urban minorities. This perspective highlights how cultural barriers can influence interpretations of nature-related activities and I can relate to that. Coming from a Hispanic family, we have never been camping, I have but with friends. When I have brought up camping to the family they look at me weirdly as if they could never do that and couldn’t know how. 

Communication barriers, particularly language barriers, further contribute to disparities in nature interpretation. The lack of bilingual interpreters, printed materials, and signs in languages other than English limits access for non-English speakers. The experiences of Hispanic visitors to National Forests in southern California, as discussed in the textbook, exemplify the challenges posed by language barriers. I lived in California for 13 years and go back pretty often and I have never once been to any of the beautiful national forests. I also don't know anyone in my family who has gone especially my family members that don't speak English. Additionally, this past year my aunt was looking to travel abroad and asked me how hard it would be for her as she doesn't know English which shows how limiting this can be.  

The last thing that the textbook talked about that I find extremely important is lack of representation. Personal experiences, such as my grandparents' tendency to visit areas with a larger Hispanic population, reflect a desire for familiarity and comfort. I have also felt a tendency to choose things related to my culture in different aspects of my life. So I wish to be a part of the representation in the Latin community. In conclusion, acknowledging and addressing these barriers is essential for creating inclusive and accessible environments for all individuals to connect with nature.

I am curious to know if any of you have dealt with any barriers in the nature world and how you as a nature interpreter would overcome them.

I appreciated your post! Your insights into economic barriers resonated with me, highlighting the profound impact these limitations have on accessing nature. It's unfortunate that financial constraints often create disparities in shared experiences, hindering connections between individuals with varying means. It's heartening to hear that you've found the opportunity to overcome these barriers and now enjoy the richness of nature.

Your observations on communication barriers, particularly in larger tourist attractions where English is the predominant language, struck a chord. While I've been fortunate to navigate these challenges personally, your mention of family members who don't speak English reflects the broader struggle many face in experiencing these places without a language interpreter. This resonates with the larger issue faced by non-English speakers, underscoring the universal nature of these obstacles.

Overall, your post very much addresses the multifaceted challenges that limit our ability to fully embrace nature, revealing the interconnectedness of these issues with privilege. Your perspective sheds light on the broader implications of these barriers and serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Cheers!