For the more information about natural sounds and night skies in the National Park Service, please visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/sound_night/.
![Red Fox Natural soundscapes are essential for animal communication.](assets/images/BannerRedFox.jpg)
![Cannon fire demonstration at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Cannon fire demonstration at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine](assets/images/BannerCannonFireDemoFortMcHenry.jpg)
![Sound Monitoring in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Sound Monitoring in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve](assets/images/BannerGreatSandDunesEquipment.jpg)
![Lightning Even natural sounds such as lightning can be loud.](assets/images/BannerLightning.jpg)
![Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon National Park Many people visit National Parks to enjoy the soothing sounds of nature.](assets/images/BannerHavasuFallsGrandCanyonNP.jpg)
Quotes
Natural Sounds
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Elk bugling in the cool autumn air of Rocky Mountain National Park, waterfalls thundering in Yosemite Valley, cannons firing at Fort McHenry National Monument, the quiet hush among giant redwoods--these are the sounds that make visiting our national parks a unique experience.
Natural and cultural sounds awaken the sense of awe that connects us to the splendor of national parks and have a powerful effect on our emotions, attitudes, and memories. Who can forget the flash of adrenaline from the sound of looming whitewater or the lightning bolt that cracked just a little too close? The National Park Service regards these sounds as part of a web of natural and cultural resources that must be protected.
Like thunder rumbling in the distance, threats to natural and cultural soundscapes are increasingly difficult to ignore. From growing demands for park overflights and expanding energy development to greater numbers of park visitors, potential noise sources are proliferating. So too, however, are efforts to understand their effects and avert negative impacts.
Featured Topics
Science of Sound
![Lightning Lightning](assets/images/lightning_square.jpg)
Feeling a bit overwhelmed with the terminology? Want to better understand the science behind sound? You too can become a sound expert! Visit this page for a little Sound 101. Learn more...
Managing Soundscapes
![Red fox Red fox](assets/images/fox_square.jpg)
Protection of acoustical environments has received growing attention from managers as a result of an increased understanding of its role in ecosystem health and visitor enjoyment. Learn more...
Noise Pollution
![Helicopter Helicopter](assets/images/helicopter_square.jpg)
It is impossible to see, difficult to define, and even harder to regulate. But for all of its esoteric qualities, recent studies are revealing surprising impacts of noise on park resources and visitor experiences. Learn more...
Measuring Soundscapes
![Microphone Microphone](assets/images/microphone_square.jpg)
If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is around to hear it... it may have been recorded! Before any action can be taken, park managers need reliable data about a park's existing acoustical environment. Learn more...
Exploring Sounds
![Wolf howling Wolf howling](assets/images/wolf_square.jpg)
In order to to fully appreciate and understand the importance of soundscapes in parks as well as your everyday lives, you must experience and explore sound for yourself. Learn more...
Making a Difference
![Person listening Person listening](assets/images/VisitorListeningYosemiteSquare.jpg)
The great thing about soundscapes is that with just one small change, you can make a dramatic difference. Imagine what just talking a little quieter can do to greatly improve a soundscape. Learn more...
Useful Resources
Last Updated: July 31, 2012