Ways to Enjoy Natural Sounds

“It was rare and comforting to waken late and hear the undiminished shouting of the water in the night...listen again to its sounds get far enough away so that noise of falling tons of water does not stun the ears, and hear how much is going on underneath—a whole symphony of smaller sounds, hiss and splash and gurgle, the small talk of side channels, the whisper of blown and scattered spray gathering itself and beginning to flow again, secret and irresistible, among the wet rocks.”

　　Why Protect Sound Resources?

　　Our ability to see is a powerful tool for experiencing our world, but sound adds a richness that sight alone cannot provide. In many cases, hearing is the only option for experiencing certain aspects of our environment. The symphony of natural sounds within our national parks is an important natural resource and a critical component of the ecological communities that parks seek to preserve. Understanding the role of sound and acoustics in a healthy ecosystem is critical to their effective management and protection.

　　The National Park Service Organic Act mandates the preservation and/or restoration of natural resources within parks, including the acoustical environment. Noise can impact the acoustical environment much like smog impacts the visual environment.

　　Ways to Enjoy Natural Sounds

　　1.Close Your Eyes

　　2.Count Sounds

　　3.Walk and Listen

　　4.Appreciate Sounds

　　5.Listen to Landscapes

　　6.Walk in the Wild

　　7.Chat Like an Animal

　　 (excerpted)