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.
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! 
