The Sound of Change

Another nifty thing about studying the soundscape is the way it is emerging as the newest and most interesting 'early warning system' for habitat and environmental changes related to climate and warming conditions. Stay tuned for more on how the earth's 'creature chorus' is trying to tell us something important about our carbon footprints!

The Katmai Soundscape Project moves forward!

Big News from Wild Sanctuary! We've scheduled the second week in June to be on-site in Alaska for The Katmai Soundscape Project, a continuation of The World Soundscape Project begun last June in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This phase, obtaining baseline recordings of 3 sites within Alaska's Katmai National Park, is an exciting continuation of our global project work and will add significant material to the archive from that amazing location. Known as the 'land of 10,000 smokes', the Katmai is a spectacular 40 square mile, 100-700 ft. deep ash flow deposit from Novarupta Volcano. Also known for it's brown bears, robust waterways, rich salmon habitat, remote wilderness, and rugged coastlines, this area is still recovering from 1989's Valdez oil spill, although it was over 250 miles away! If you'd like to help us accomplish the baseline soundscape study of this region please make your contribution today -- just click on the MAKE A DONATION button to your right, under The Murie Center information. And thank you. We're grateful for your support! Image courtesy NPS/Katmai National Park Photo Archive.

Martyn & Noleen Stewart Visit The Wild

We had an all too rare visit this week from Martyn and 'Roo' Stewart, our wonderful friends and natural sound compatriotas from Natursound.org! Even a Sunday walk in the park is a rare delight with this pair along. Martyn's amazing identification abilities pinpoint particular birdsong on the fly, while his wife's absolute connection with the creature world provides an inspiring and delightful example for all lucky enough to enjoy their company. Martyn (a member of Wild Sanctuary's Arctic Soundscape Project) recommends the podcasts of: 'BirdNote: Radio Stories About the Intriguing Ways of Birds" on NPR's KPLU, Mon-Fri at 8:58 a.m. We miss 'em already, bless their cotton socks!

Institute for Inquiry Now Making News!

We're so pleased with recent news that our friend, the accomplished publisher/editor Casey Walker has launched the eagerly-awaited "Institute For Inquiry", a new 501(c)(3) non-profit organization ready to transform the way news is delivered. The IFI focuses upon the stories and events that offers important information about current realities that are truly of the most vital significance -- but which, traditionally, have received the least understanding and investigation, let alone basic coverage. Using an innovative 'inquiry model' this new form of international, web-based journalism invites participation, dialogue, and awareness. The current inquiry, 'The Wireless Age', is now underway and your thoughts and remarks are welcome. And do preview the 'Soundscape Trailer', a compelling video piece on Bernie's work by Veritas Production's Weston Walker at http://www.instituteforinquiry.org/inquiries/soundscapes.php The entire effort is artful, worthwhile, and significant. Congratulations and our very best wishes go out to Casey and the IFI team.

Specialist Safari Guide Visits Wild Sanctuary

We're lucky this week to have a visit from our friend Derek Solomon here from Zambia to attract support on behalf of the creatures of the South Luangwa National Park. Derek is the trustee of the South Luangwa Conservation Society, a non-profit sponsored organization working to protect the area's fragile wildlife from poaching and habitat destruction. To offer your support of their extraoridinary efforts please visit their website or contact Derek by e-mail at: slcs@iwayafrica,com. We can assure you that any support you can offer in the way of funds will be put to use in the best possible ways to help keep this 'creature nation' viable and thriving. Photo courtesy: Derek Solomon.