National Park Service Soundscapes

The National Park Service Soundscapes program studies and monitors sounds within national parks to understand their natural acoustic environments. This includes natural sounds like bird calls, flowing water, and wind, as well as human-made noises such as vehicles and recreation. By recording and analyzing these soundscapes, the program helps protect the park’s acoustic heritage, supports wildlife health, and enhances visitor experiences. Understanding soundscapes allows park managers to balance human activities with preserving the natural sound environment, ensuring parks remain a sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors.