The call of nature writing: A framework of attributes and intentions for environmental awareness

Abstract

Nature writers provide intelligent and thoughtful works to evoke passion, to inspire connections, to illustrate a concept, and to challenge current ways of thinking. The genre of nature writing can help students realize that the environment is not merely a setting, but it speaks to us. To better appreciate and understand the call of nature writers, this paper introduces a conceptual framework that organizes writing attributes and intentions used in this genre. The study conducts a deductive content analysis of the literature to further explain the framework’s core: An awareness of sense of place; its past, present, and future. The reviewed literature helps understand ancillary benefits of knowing one’s place, including an expanded sense of community and thinking in systems. The explanations are supported with key insights from notable nature writers along with selected teaching ideas. This framework can help educators from many disciplines revitalize their curriculum by introducing words and wisdom from nature writers.