Wild Sanctuary's WildBlog

Wild Sanctuary a Founding Member of the Global Sustainable Soundscapes Network

2012-02-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

Wild Sanctuary is proud to be a Founding Member of The Global Sustainable Soundscapes Network, bringing together landscape ecologists, conservation biologists, ecologists from the creative arts, acousticians, and psycho-acousticians to explore the coordination of studies in diverse soundscapes around the world.

We'll be joining together with other member organizations including Purdue University, The Acoustic Ecology Institute, Art Institute of Chicago, College of Environmental Science and Forestry/State University of New York, University of Georgia, McGill University, Michigan State University, Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring/Team Network, Tuskegee University, University of Alaska/Fairbanks, Universidad Nacional/Costa Rica, University of New Mexico, and University of Urbino to share, express, and furhter expand our long-held goals of awareness and application of the practical, creative, and academic inquiry of soundscapes.

Join us as we explore the possibilities, and help the acoustic connection to the natural world become stronger than ever before.

The Sounds of Silence

2012-01-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

Virginia Morell's comprehensive article in Conde Nast Traveler reports on the world's last quiet places. Wild Sanctuary's Bernie Krause joins colleagues in sharing their insights from the field of Soundscape Ecology. Click on the headline to read it.

Soundscape Ecology on NPR Science Friday

2011-04-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

We've long been working to bring soundscape ecology to public awareness. Today, on NPRs Science Friday with Ira Flatow, Bernie Krause and Brian Pijanowski spoke of new academic potential. Catch the interesting interview on April 22nd, 2011 segment 'Listening to Wild Soundscapes.' http://www.sciencefriday.com/feeds/radio/

First in the field of Soundscape Ecology

2011-03-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

We're proud to announce the first academic publication to validate and express the term 'Soundscape Ecology' for a legitimate field of new scientific study. While others have tried to appropriate the term for more casual purposes, the scientific paper as articulated in the publication from the American Institute of Biological Sciences, 'BioScience' (March 2011, Vol. 61, No.3) clearly defines the meaning, scope, and origin of the term, in 'Soundscape Ecology: The Science of Sound in the Landscape', article co-authored by soundscape pioneer Bernie Krause.

Wild Sanctuary Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

2011-03-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

In 2006, Wild Sanctuary's team of bio-acoustic colleagues completed the first-ever baseline study of soundscape conditions within select sites at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. All of us were wildly impressed by the raw beauty, special values, and astonishing tranquility of the acoustic environment. Sounds of life abound in Spring and Summer, as Polar bear, Arctic fox, caribou, and a million or so migrating birds find refuge in the irreplaceable '1002' area.
On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, we join others in celebration of this magical and vital ecological treasure with a project designed to invite everyone to participate. Attend the party in progress - at ArcticLive.com - and share awareness of the unique wilderness and wildlife of America's true Arctic wild.

Dolphins destroyed in Taiji, Japan

2010-11-30T08:41:00.000-08:00

Fellow audio-naturalist, Martyn Stewart, has traveled to Japan to witness the needless Dolphin slaughter taking place in Taiji. He's sent this 'ear-witness' report.

Dolphin slaughter in Taiji. November 29th 2010 from Martyn Stewart on Vimeo.
Find out more at Sounds of Critters.

Neat Notes on Sound from TED

2010-10-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sound Business' Julian Treasure shares ideas worth spreading in his recent TED inclusion.

A Sudden Rush for 'Nature'

2010-08-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to brilliant flutist Joshua Smith for his recommendation of Bernie Krause's album 'Nature' in his on-going series about best 'soundtracks to add to you business travels'. Noted soloist Smith turns to Nature's own music when he's on the road -- an idea which resonated in a mini rush for us! Check it out on America Public Media's Marketplace, and find this lovely album in the WildStore.

Wild Sanctuary's Arctic Live to Celebrate the Arctic Refuge

2010-08-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

We're excited to help promote the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the National Arctic Wildlife Refuge. Join in, as we develop ARCTIC LIVE, and add your voice and special presence to the celebration.

Wild Sanctuary & 1% For The Tetons

2010-05-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

Participating in preserving the fragile soundscapes of the amazing eco-system of the Teton Watershed area is an exciting possibility with the 1% for the Tetons campaign. To donate, visit the grant finalist page, and join in the effort.
The Murie Center from 1% for the Tetons on Vimeo.

Derek and the Cobra

2010-02-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

Friend and colleague, Derek Solomon, with wife Sarah, do some amazing work in South Africa and keep us well-posted. We always delight in his latest efforts - finely done sound recording and splendid photographs. Check out the astonishing photo (which really makes us smile) and the details just received. Now that's intrepid! Here's what Derek had to share:

"The Snouted Cobra Naja annulifera (previously thought to be a subspecies of the Egyptian Cobra) is a large snake averaging 1.5 to 2m in length, and is a common species of the southern African bushveld. It hunts at night favouring toads, but eats other frogs as well as snakes, lizards and birds and is an unpopular visitor to poultry runs. During the day it is often found sunning itself close to its home in a rocky outcrop or termite mound.

The 'spread-hood' threat display of a cobra is actually a defence behaviour used as a warning signal and may be accompanied by a loud hiss. The hiss, given as the reptile exhales, is different in every species of snake. In the case of the Snouted Cobra the initial hiss may be repeated several times and as it strikes it makes a loud 'pfftt' sound. We made this recording at Khamai Reptile Park in South Africa's Limpopo Province."

For more information contact Derek at info@kuyimba.com

Murie Inspiration

2009-07-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Talking soundscape with an amazing group of advocates is always dynamic, but never more so than at the recent SOUNDS OF NATURE WORKSHOP at the inspiring Murie Center. This is where, many years ago, Olas and Mardy Murie's friendly table conversations turned dreams of the Wilderness Act and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge into reality. Our participating colleagues, friends, and associates turned our Soundscape Team's time at the workshop into growing commitments to each build on the Murie legacy for a more sustainable 21st Century. A place of peace, reflection, promise, action -- and people ready for adventure -- all things linked in a few sparkling moments amid birdsong, moose sightings, owl hoots, and camaraderie. Our thanks and salute to all participants!

Teaming Up To Raise Soundscape Awareness

2009-05-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Seems that there are several great networks to discuss the technical side of soundscape recording - but for those who want to learn more about the world of natural soundscapes, to forward the cause of protecting, preserving, and promoting natural sound, and help raise soundscape awareness throughout the culture, there is now a welcoming site. Join in the conversation about how, when, and where we can further the understanding and appreciation of natural sound around the world. The Soundscape Support Team is a network designed to create new advocacy for sustaining the sounds of the outdoor world, that in turn sustain us. Join in, and let's discuss vital details about the future of birdsong, babbling brooks, and the creature chorus in art, science, health, education and more. CLICK: http://soundscapesupportteam.ning.com/

Visit Botswana Via Natural Soundscape

2009-05-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

A ticket to Botswana can be a bit pricy these days, but you can find yourself practically transported simply by listening to our most recent album addition in the WildStore. 'SUNRISE IN BOTSWANA' is a gifted sonic portrait of a rare and beautiful African morning, with field recordings from our fine colleague, Derek Solomon. Derek's intimate knowledge of African wildlife, and his efforts organizing and leading custom safaris over the past 15 years, lends a breathtaking distinction to his work.

Changing Live 365

2009-04-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

After some years of offering a transferable player for desktop use, we must discontinue the Live 365 radio player service. Instead we're going to begin offering some 'direct to you' news, discounts, links, and great information about upcoming projects. So, if you want to become a more interactive part of Wild Sanctuary's new Soundscape Support Team, stay tuned. Join our mailing list, and we'll send news, samples, coupons and more about soundscapes - that you'll like.

NATURE RECORDING WORKSHOP AT THE MURIE CENTER

2009-04-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

Join us in the field late in June, in spectacular Moose, Wyoming, and learn
about the art and skill of soundscape recording with Wild Sanctuary's own experienced Soundscape Team, including master recordists Bernie Krause, Martyn Stewart, and Kevin Colver. The SOUNDS OF NATURE workshop will include both field and indoor sessions in and around THE MURIE CENTER and Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The exciting Niche Hypothesis (biophony) offers new insights into listening and recording natural sounds and helps explain why creatures vocalize in special related ways rather than separate and apart. These phenomena and more will be shared with participants who will learn to listen and record in the field with an emphasis on the holistic soundscape and what it reveals. After each field session participants will exchange examples of their discoveries in enjoyable and informative workshop settings. Participants will learn to record everything from insect larvae to amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, arthropods (ants) in areas surrounding the Tetons, hearing how all the voices in a particular habitat setting interact with one another. Minimum required equipment: digital stereo recorder, microphone(s) and earphones. There is no age limit young or old. Workshop limit: 5 participants per leader. For more information contact us at chirp@wildsanctuary.com or inquire at friend@muriecenter.org

Name That Sound

2008-09-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

Inside the Creative Mind

2008-09-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

This week, PRI posted their interview with Wild Sanctuary's Bernie Krause, discussing how his background in music led to the formation of 'The Niche Hypothesis', describing the elegance of biophony, the astonishing chorus of the creature world. Our thanks to Studio 360 for helping share the sounds of the natural wild. Listen here!

Mp3 Downloads vs CDs - Where old CDs go

2008-06-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Each day in America, thousands of CDs are tossed into landfills or worse yet, ultimately become part of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, because of inefficient recycling services to properly handle all the wasted jewel boxes, DVDs, floppy discs, and CDs that get routinely trashed. Helping to reduce this waste is why we've switched to Mp3 downloads as our preferred delivery format for Wild Sanctuary album titles.

Help make a difference by swapping, selling, or donating your old albums to others who might find them of use, or if they've gotta go... send your unwanted old discs and jewel cases to CD Recycling Central. (For larger quantity or studio recycling, try Greendisk). Oh, and you can punch a couple of holes in the top of one and tie it to hang down in back of your bike seat. Makes a good reflector! Click the link for the address and other information you need - and help keep these items from showing up where they really don't belong (like in the ocean). The fishes will thank you.

Leave no footprints, especially the carbon kind

2008-06-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

To minimize our impact on the environment, while in the field, some say 'take only photos, leave only footprints'; a good adage to be sure. We say, 'Record some sounds, and reduce your carbon footprints, too, whenever and wherever you can.' Brighterplanet.com is doing some interesting campaigns in support of renewable energies and offers a nice bit of offset just by posting their badge to your blog.

Wild Sanctuary Audio Stream

2008-06-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

Wild Sanctuary is happy to offer live streaming audio, now available on LIVE 365. If you'd like to enjoy natural sound from your computer, just sign up for our station, and start listening to the wild world. It's free, and easy to get started, too. Here's the url link: http://www.live365.com/stations/wildsanctuary?play&site=live365

Live from New York - it's Wild Sanctuary!

2008-05-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to be in New York City this week as guests of The World Science Festival. Bernie will be addressing 'The Sixth Extinction' with scientific luminary Richard Leakey at Columbia University's Miller Theater. An added note: they call it 'the city that never sleeps', I'm guessing it has something to do with noise, the No. 1 'quality of life' complaint of city dwellers. In 2006, alone, there were 350,000 citizen complaints registered about just that; since 2007 there's been a 6% rise in that figure. CHIRP!!!

Keeping WIRED to the Natural World

2008-05-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks go to Clive Thompson and the well-versed editors at WIRED, for their May 19, 2008 story on soundscapes and 'How Man-made Noise Can Be Altering the Earth's Ecology.' Kudos always to that publication for their environmentally-friendly approach to the high tech world. We appreciate intrepid trailblazers of the Wired kind, exploring new ways to stay well-connected to the natural world - within the digital age. Image: budgetstockphoto.com

Bernie Krause, Richard Leakey, & David Thoreson address 'The Sixth Extinction'

2008-05-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Bernie joins celebrated paleontologist R. Leakey and intrepid photographer D. Thoreson in addressing the precarious position of planet Earth at The World Science Festival, Friday, May 30, 8:00 PM in The Miller Theater at Columbia University, NYC. This extraordinary, 5-day event is a celebration of art, science, and community - featuring Nobel Laureates and a breathtaking gathering of scientific star power among the speakers, moderators, and other participants. Check it out at www.worldsciencefestival.com/speakers

The Global Soundscape Project

2008-04-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Adding sound to Google Earth is part of what inspires public awareness about the increasingly fragile natural and human environment.

Wild Sanctuary’s planned Center for Soundscape Studies will also be home to
the Global Soundscape Project, an interactive network connecting mapping technology, digital recording storage, audio-naturalists and others to further dialogue in local, national, and international ecological awareness around the creative and scientific exploration of natural soundscape.

Our developing project builds an innovative bridge between the virtual and natural world, as a community of emerging bio-acousticians, audio/naturalists, educators, and others move forward in their work -- utilizing field-recording, content storage, and analysis technology, in convergence with the interconnected communications of new media, to enhance ecological dialogue and understanding, stimulate research, support distance studies, raise public awareness, and ignite creative expression within the digital age.

Inviting multi-disciplinary scholastic and academic use, and promoting increased cultural appreciation for the fragile soundscapes of the natural world, the project explores new technology and media applications to link social networking, academic collaboration, information exchange, and educational resources as never before.

The mindful results of protecting the NATURAL RESOURCE of healthy soundscape can be as powerful and effective in creating ecologically-positive social behavioral change as prior campaigns for clean air, fresh water, and smoke-free public places. Exploring the role of natural sound in creature, habitat, and human health and well-being can provide important and beneficial information for future generations.

We invite your inquiries, questions, and comments.

Now, more than ever -
What you listen to. . . matters!

FATBIRDER - a link we like

2008-02-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

Bountiful British and Around the World Birding, Equipment Ideas and Supplies, Sight, Sounds, and more on this splendid site, filled with fine resources for audio/ naturalists and more. Check out our feathered friends at Fatbirder!

Find Kevin Colver at the WildStore

2008-02-11T12:11:00.001-08:00

It's a patchwork constellation of biodiversity!...and a rare find for those who love the sounds of birds at home in their natural habitats, as they pour forth their remarkable melodies in sweet-sounding collaboration. Our respected colleague, Dr. Kevin Colver, is a top-notch audio/naturalist - and we're greatly pleased to announce that several of his noteworthy songbird titles are now available as MP3 downloads within Wild Sanctuary's WildStore. From Songbirds of SouthWest Canyon Country, to the Sierra Nevada's, Yellowstone, and the High Rockies, Colver's beautiful biophonic anthologies are certain to please.

Wild Christmas Now Downloadable

2007-11-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

Add a bit of holiday fun to any time of the year. Check out A WILD CHRISTMAS, Bernie's inspired holiday album completely created from the voices of animals. Every sound on this musical Mp3 is biological - no instruments used in the composition - yet, the orchestration is lively, the arrangements are hip, and the natural fun is inherent. Click the headline and go to the WildStore for a sample.

Wild Sanctuary Goes Solar

2007-10-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

As of today, Wild Sanctuary generates more than top-notch nature sounds! Our residence, offices, and audio production facility have all gone SOLAR. Now, with an official ‘solar generating facility’ designation, eight banks of roof-mounted solar panels (each generating 160 watts of electricity) will help power our efforts! Preserving Wild Nature is always our inspiration...and we're happy to further our corporate and personal commitments to help lower the collective carbon footprint. Have fun...go ALL SUN! Image from: designedtoat.com

Hearing Voices features Desert Solitudes

2007-08-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Ben Adair, and American Public Radio for featuring our sounds on today's HV PODCAST: 'Hearing Voices', Aug. 20th. To hear a little "Desert Air", click the headline.

Vote for your favorite Eco-Spot

2007-08-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

We love the efforts of Current TV and the Alliance Eco-Spot Contest. Be sure to vote for your favorites...and help someone that's made a great eco-spot win the Hybrid. Previews start Oct. 24th, and voting follows in November. It's the Current thing to do!

Wild Sanctuary Outreach In Second Life

2007-08-12T23:05:00.000-07:00

Want to explore natural sound in a virtual setting? Visit Wild Sanctuary's new '2L Field Station' -- now under construction -- on 'EduIsland II' at Second Life. We're not quite ready to begin classes yet, but some fun and interesting soundscape info, helpful links, and other biophonic adventures are soon to be (almost) a reality! If you click on the headline, you might find yourself in the neighborhood. Then 'place search' for 'Wild Sanctuary', transport, and check it out - or make it easy on yourself, if you SL then visit: http://slurl.com/secondlife/EduIsland%20II/82/57/21/

WhyFiles and the Wild

2007-08-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

There's a nifty little article about our work in WhyFiles. Click on the WhyFiles headline (above) to check it out!

Check out the new GoogleEarth KML Layer at Wild Sanctuary

2007-05-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

"Where" was where we shared our Wild Sanctuary sounds to the world of GoogleEarth. So many people doing such wonderous things - practically dazzling! Our gratitude to Tim O'Reilly, Brady Forrest, and all their talented crew for creating such a dynamic forum. Have you downloaded our KML Layer yet? See the Wild Sanctuary home page to put sound on the map! You'll hear samples from a wide variety of our favorite wild places, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Galapagos Islands, and an astonishing chorus of wolves within Canada's Haliburton Forest.

See you 'Where'? - At 'Where 2.0', of course!

2007-05-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Everything happens somewhere - and Wild Sanctuary is going to be there when it does - at Where 2.0, the outstanding O'Reilly technology conference that will be mapping out the future of geospace. Our own Bernie Krause and Kat Krause, along with web-wizards Jesse Evans and Sam Evans, will be on-hand to present a new layer of possibilites featuring natural sound around the world. Meet us, when we put the 'there' in 'where', at the Fairmont Hotel, in San Jose, on Tuesday, May 29th, at 2:30 sharp. To visit to the Where 2.0 page, click on the headline for a link. Map courtesy graphicmaps.com

Wild Sanctuary Whale Effort on YouTube

2007-05-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to US Coast Guard Petty Officer Jonathan R. Cilley, we offer this recent video clip from our time aboard the USCG Cutter 'Pike'. Everyone connected with this operation was a pleasure to meet and work with -- and we were proud to play a small part in the initial rescue attempts. The combined skills of the entire Animal Care Team and the rescue effort's vast support groups were truly impressive -- and the amazing response and overall guidance of Lt. Governor John Garamendi, and his office, was completely inspiring. May mother and daughter humpbacks, 'Delta' and 'Dawn,' find their way home to sea, as soon as possible.

"Whale Whisperer" Did It Once - Can He Do It Again?

2007-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

This is a big day for us at Wild Sanctuary. Katherine and Bernie are on a coast guard cutter, Pike, in the Port of Sacramento hoping to lure the whales back to sea. This morning while they were meeting with Lt. Gov. Garamendi, they were informed that they have been dubbed the "Whale Whisperers" by the media...

This From News 10 Sacramento:

Marine scientists say time is absolutely critical if two humpback whales floundering in the Sacramento deep water channel are to survive. A rescue team assembled Wednesday evening to launch a full scale rescue attempt at dawn.

To get the job done organizers of the rescue are bringing in the same man who came up with the successful plan that saved Humphrey the humpback whale when he go stuck in the Sacramento delta 22 years ago.

Dr. Bernie Krause says there is a positive difference this time in that it won't take three weeks to figure out what to do. "We’re going to try one thing rather than 50 or 60 different things," said Krause.

The primary strategy is to lure the whales out of the deep water channel instead of driving them down river. There will be no banging of pipes from a boat at one end while whale songs are played from a boat at the other. The new technique will be to suspend an underwater speaker which will play whale feeding sounds recorded by Krause in Alaskan waters.

But, Dr. Krause says this is not Alaska and the situation is far more challenging than it was with Humphrey. "It's a much narrower channel for a much longer distance and we don't know how the sounds are going to play so, one never knows," said Dr. Krause.

Still, he believes the job can be done in 10 hours. Dr. Krause says Humphrey swam easily at seven miles an hour. If he can get the mother and her calf to swim at the same speed, Krause says the whales could be in the San Francisco Bay by the evening and on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge by Friday.

"Watch what happens tomorrow," said Krause. "It's either going to be a big surprise, and everything's going to be great, or I'm going to be crying."

Copyright 2007
News10/KXTV

Wayward whales are back in the news.

2007-05-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Channel 5 is in the drive at our Glen Ellen studio! It seems that two 50-foot female humpback whales were seen swimming the wrong way up the Sacramento River. Right away, the news arrived to interview Bernie about the safe rescue of Humphrey the Humpback Whale from the same location some 20 years ago (returning to the delta 5 years later, attracting a new eddy of press). We hope the information we've shared will help this lovely pair of misplaced mammals to find their way home - guided safely back to the bay - very, very soon. Our thanks, Channel 5, for your coverage of this story.

The Sound of Change

2007-04-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-04-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-04-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Defining Soundscape for the 21st Century

2007-03-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

So many questions!. . . What's a soundscape? Why is it important? How does it fit into a busy, urban life? What are its' characteristics? How does it benefit our perception of other sounds? And how about those ecological, social, political, acoustic, engineering, natural resource, and health science applications? What does core content and assessment have to do with wireless technology; with ecology, ornithology, taxonomy, data analysis, or -- for that matter -- study abroad possibilities? Music? Art? Mapping? Urban Planning? Agriculture? Anthropolgy? If you think there's nothing left to be discovered...then discover the realm of soundscape exploration. Wild Sanctuary is instrumental in setting the standards for the new frontiers in bioacoustics. Like stepping aboard a rocket, we invite you along for an adventure with near-limitless possibilities and the excitment of travelling into vast and uncharted territory. Wild Sanctuary provides new transport between the natural and the virtual world. Open your ears. . . and welcome aboard!
"In order to love - you have to have something to live for. Let it be earth!"
- from 'Battlestar Galactica'

Sequoia National Park/King's Canyon

2007-02-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

Click on the headline for a link to additional information about Wild Sanctuary's work in the field...in this case, Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks.

Sign of the Times...The New York Times!

2007-02-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

When it comes to competing for bandwidth. . . we've got placement! The Sunday New York Times Magazine (Feb. 18, 2007) featured a terrific article about soundscapes entitled "The Noises of Nature". Montana author Jeff Hull did a wonderful job in capturing the most controversial aspects of Bernie's 'Niche Hypothesis' and illuminating the dialogue as well as the subject. Jeff and his wife Ronni live in an area where wolves still howl at the moon; lucky folks. We were fortunate to have such a well-versed fellow provide this profile. Thank you, Jeff! And thank you, NY Times!

Running For Eddie

2007-02-27T10:41:00.000-08:00

Our friend, and 30Proof Media's Managing Partner, Jennell Haynes, is doing her personal best to raise money and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at the upcoming LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon! She's currently in training to 'go for the gold'...attracting donations to the cause with her energetic commitment to participate. She's way out in front of the curve with her on-going cheery and powerful contributions on behalf of others. We salute and support her effort. Hey, Jennell! . . . We're behind you all the way! Click the headline to visit her blog.

Natural Sound - the AAA way.

2007-02-21T16:30:00.000-08:00

VIA Magazine, the AAA Traveler's trusty Companion, is just sending out the March/April 2007 issue featuring Wild Sanctuary's own Bernie Krause in a fine article by Bill Donahue on (what else?) Biophony!
If YOU have been wondering where to find a few of the last quiet places left in the Western U.S., the AAA article lists a number of sweet spots to explore. To immerse yourself in the natural sounds of silence -- or at least find a few calming, 'chirp-filled' campsites, check out 'Sites for Sore Ears' within the article entitled "Stop, Look, & Listen!"

Educational Moment: Biophony

2007-02-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

To learn more about the word coined by Dr. Krause, Biophony, or the the cumulative non-human sound produced by living organisms in a given biome, please visit Acoustic Ecology.
It is also a great resource to learn more about conservational biology.

You can also read about it on Neighborhood Newswire, a San Francisco Community Power organization.

More can be read at Wikitionary.

Making noise for Google Earth

2007-02-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

This just in from the blog Ogle Earth.

"Excellent: Bernie Krause's biophony recordings, soundscapes of nature, look like they'll be turned into a KML layer soon, reports O'reilly Radar. Until then, try Freesound, a site with georeferenced ambient sounds that comes with its own KML layer. Still one of my favorites. (More about the possibilities for navigating using sound for the sight impaired here.)"

We are working on some great things here at Wild Sanctuary. Don't forget to check us out at Where 2.0 this May.

Ogle Earth brings you news about virtual globes, with a special focus on Google Earth. By Stefan Geens in Stockholm.

Albums and Artwork Now Available!

2007-02-19T15:56:00.001-08:00

We now have album artwork available at the Wild Sanctuary WildStore! Full-length nature albums are available as MP3 downloads. Also don't forget the podcasts available through iTunes by clicking here.

We're on the RADAR Now!

2007-02-19T12:27:00.000-08:00

Tim O'Reilly of O'Reilly Media, Inc of Sebastapol, CA. Posted a nice piece about the work of Bernie Krause and a response to the NYTimes article from this last Sunday. You Can read more about it at his O'Reilly Radar Blog
Tim O'Reilly is the founder and CEO of O'Reilly Media, Inc, thought by many to be the best computer book publisher in the world. O'Reilly also publishes online through the O'Reilly Network and hosts conferences on technology topics. Tim is an activist for open source and open standards, and an opponent of software patents and other incursions of new intellectual property laws into the public domain. Tim's long term vision for his company is to help change the world by capturing and transmitting the knowledge of innovators. For everything Tim, see tim.oreilly.com

Wild Sanctuary Press Watch

2007-02-18T17:28:00.000-08:00

Ari Marcus of Rivet Magazine gave Wild Sanctuary a nice response to our recent article in this week's New York Times Magazine in their blog. Stop by and read the post and his reminder that we all need to get out and experience the natural world.

Also check out the great work being done by Rivet Magazine.

Thanks for the great mention by Non-Human Communications. Their Mission is to enhance communications and deepen understanding among humans and sentient non-human species, with the goal of positively motivating all beings to cherish and defend the planet, Mother Earth, closest thing to Heaven we've got.

Also thanks to Gareth for his mention in his blog, Another Chance to See.
In the late 1980s, Douglas Adams, creator of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", and broadcaster and zoologist Mark Carwardine travelled around the world, visiting endangered animals, hoping it would not be their "Last Chance To See". A BBC radio series and very funny book followed, and this website brings the stories of these animals into the 21st century... Thanks Gareth! (Douglas sadly passed away in 2001)

Bernie to present at Where 2.0

2007-02-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

No, it's not a bowling ball! It's planet Earth!
If you've ever wondered where in the world 'that sound' is coming from inside your computer, here is your chance to find out! The intrepid Bernie Krause will be speaking at the 3rd annual O-Reily WHERE 2.0 CONFERENCE, May 29-30, 2007, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, CA. Come hear him address 'The Value of Soundscape in Location Mapping Technology' and put some 'green' into your scene! It's going to be the biggest buzzzzzzz in town - right down to the bees.......we promise! Photo courtesy of NASA/NSSDC.

Sing out, Louise!

2007-02-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

As the old jazz standard sings, 'Spring can really hang you up the most'! Around here, it's the most exciting time of our year. It seems to happen all at once... as voices rapidly reawaken outdoors, and the caws, creaks, squawks, chirps, and other creature calls begin to color the soundscape with their vital chorus. Just to be able to observe that...and once again be able to HEAR the overture of Springtime - is something quite special. So, without headphones, cell phones, music players, recorders, or other distractions of the day, we always set aside some time to just simply LISTEN . . . and attend to the quickening voice of the natural world, as it warms up it's increasingly rare, and lovely, song. Photo: NPS.

Ready to relax?

2007-02-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

IS SLEEP THE NEW SPA SENSATION? We suggest falling asleep to the soundscapes of restful wild places. Pick the right title, and it's like 'sleeping out' in the moonlight on a sweet summer night. Stanford Research Center suggests that 'healthy sleep has been empirically proven to be the single most important determinant in predicting longevity, more influential than diet, exercise or heredity.' So, get your slumber going!...download a snooze-friendly album from The WildStore, today. To relax anytime or for extra-happy napping, we suggest 'Midsummer Nights', 'Green Meadow Stream', or 'Ocean Dreams'.

The WildStore is Open

2007-02-05T20:22:00.000-08:00

In The WildStore you'll find great soundcapes - including albums to download, audio books, wild ringtones, free podcasts, and other natural soundscape items. Find out more about The Arctic Soundscape Project and our efforts on behalf of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other fragile places. Shop The WildStore, today! . . . and help support this vital work.

Caribou Calf

2007-01-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

HELP SUPPORT THE WILD VOICES

2007-01-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

While some Wild Sanctuary projects are commissioned, such as 'sound sculptures' for public spaces, specific baseline research studies, custom audio production, or consultations, our time in the field has led us to very directly - and personally - to realize how few remaining quiet places there are left in the world. Your support helps us continue Wild Sanctuary's outreach and research works -- vital, non-profit-based work on behalf of fragile habitats and the creatures who dwell in them.

THE SCIENCE being revealed from our work is a newly essential tool in biological and habitat preservation efforts. The natural soundscape can reveal important data: from the age, health, and creature density of a particular habitat, to comparitive studies regarding changes over time due to habitat degradation, climate change, species loss, and more, that provides quantifiable clues to its' sustainability for the 'long run'. Our sound-based research and data has become an important element in the environmental protection debate.

ABOUT NON-PROFIT RESEARCH, OUTREACH, and MORE
Locations where healthy, natural sound can be recorded (without the intrusion of human-induced noise), are increasingly rare. In fact, since its' inception in 1968, fully 40% of the soundscapes representated are from locations so radically altered that the natural biophonies can no longer be heard. Creatures that reside in these places, of course, are also affected by the loss of their aural niches and must relocate, find a new place within the damaged habitat where their voices are not masked, or perish.

WE CAN SPEAK! We are compelled to record these fragile wild places and help preserve their vanishing voice. Presentations regarding natural sound, wilderness recording, and current research projects are shared in a variety of ways to help connect people to the wild -- using new technology to foster environmental awareness and stimulate further soundscape understanding in the culture. INQUIRIES regarding public appearance, keynote speaking, guest teaching, and our on-goingutreach efforts are welcome. For availability and arrangements, please contact Kat: 707/996-6677.

EVNVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
Additional outreach is constant, mostly at the community level, for all types, sizes, and styles of groups. From elementary school presentations to college-level guest teaching engagements, civic and church groups to corporate keynote speeches, our on-going efforts aim to communicate new reasons to value the environment, listen to its voice, and learn to be better, more engaged, stewards of the earth.

THE ARCTIC SOUNDSCAPE PROJECT and THE FILM PROJECT
Most recently, The Wild Sanctuary Team turned our attentions to the threatened soundscapes of The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, with The Arctic Soundscape Project. The expedition's 'Phase I', to obtain a baseline study of the soundscape and conditions in the Refuge was completed this June, 2007. The data from this exploration is currently being analyzed.
THE FILM PROJECT
'Phase II' of the Arctic Soundscape Project features a documentary with location footage portraying the project. Directed by veteran documentary producer, Bob Hillman, with associate filmmaker, Laurence Campling, editing is currently underway. The Arctic Soundscape Film Project is in great need of your support for its completion! So, if you're interested in this film, please show your support and donate now. Follow-up 'Phase III' fieldwork is essential to begin comparative studies of any changing conditions. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: The Arctic Soundscape Project

NEW! THE ALASKA SOUNDSCAPE PROJECT
The Alaska Soundscape Project plans are currently underway. Scheduled for June, '07, this project will provide an initial recording survey of conditions including research into the baseline and intrusive noise conditions in specific habitat areas. We are seeking matching funds toward Wild Sanctuary's participation in the data acquisition and assessments.

Come Join Us!

2007-01-18T08:28:00.000-08:00

Wild Sanctuary invites you to explore the wilds of the world.

Our work ranges from carefully observed and notated field
acquisition commissions and basesline studies to the creation
of novelty albums from our 'all-animal' digital orchestra and
in-school speaking engagements to deliver an environmental
message to the youngest listeners.

For more about our outreach efforts in conservation advocacy
and non-profit soundscape education (regarding wild soundscapes
and their relevance to the natural sciences and the arts),
please contact us.