Summer scene of Jacob Job recording in a forest at Wild Basin, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Photo courtesy of Jacob Job
The National Park Service’s Natural Sounds Program protects the acoustic environment that is essential to the integrity of park ecosystems and enjoyment of our visitors. The National Park Service protects natural and cultural “soundscapes,” everything from rushing waterfalls to bird songs. The Natural Sounds program helps to share these soundscapes by providing access to recordings in parks, like Denali NP. We also support outside initiatives including the new “Sounds of Your Park,” which mobilizes the public to enjoy and share their recordings of protected places around the world. Protecting natural sounds, while reducing anthropogenic noise, takes work and partnership. Using tools like quieter pavements to reduce road noise and managing air tours to reduce aircraft noise in national park units are two of the many ways we partner with other agencies, scientist and businesses to make a better soundscape. The next time you are in a park take the time to enjoy the range of natural sounds you can hear coming from the iconic landscapes and important places we protect.
