62 Nebraskaland • December 2024
By Grace Gaard, Aquatic Ecology Education Specialist
ill in the blank. Nature is ___________.
If you had to think of your top words, what would they
be? How would you describe what nature is to you? Some
of your answers may likely overlap, while others would be
vastly diff erent.
I know what my answers would be. And if you're reading
this, it's likely that we share values like time outdoors and
an appreciation for Nebraska's beauty. Our words for nature
might look something like this.
Nature is:
•
A part of me
•
Beautiful
•
Awe-inspiring
•
Peaceful
•
Safe
•
Reciprocal
But what about those who answer diff erently? What
about those who may never visit a park or take the time to
watch the sun sink into color-soaked clouds because their
defi nition of nature is much diff erent? How would they fi ll in
the blank? Maybe it would look something like this.
Nature is:
•
A resource
•
Separate
•
Scary
•
A place to recreate
•
Inconvenient
•
Something to consume or control
Everyone's thoughts here on nature are valid, based on
personal experience and years of developing values based on
those experiences. How we communicate our interpretation
of nature is a powerful question to keep in mind.
Your Ecological Identity
If you're unsure where you land on the "what is nature?"
spectrum, I'd encourage you to explore your "ecological
autobiography." This term was introduced to me recently
by Dr. Ruth Wilson, but the concept has been around for a
while. Essentially, what is your life's story through the lens
of your connection to nature? This exercise can be a great
way to explore your own "ecological identity" and awaken
memories or past experiences that led you to where you
are today. Whether you write it down or merely think it
through, here are a few prompts to help you through the
process:
1. Think of a species encounter or natural system that
stands out in your personal memory.
F
What Is Nature?
How we communicate our interpretation of
nature is a powerful question
Many children fi rst experience nature at an event, such as
this Outdoor Expo. JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
