Soundwalk at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, May 21

Join us for a soundwalk in Miller Woods at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Miller Woods Soundwalk 2010
Miller Woods Soundwalk 2010

Saturday, May 21 1:00 — 3:00 p.m.

Location: Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
100 N Lake Street, Gary, Indiana 46403 Tel: 219-395-1772
MSAE Contact: Eric Leonardson <info@mwsae.org>

 

Join members of the Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology and World Listening Project to learn how to explore the natural environment through sound and listening. After a brief talk, get some practical experience in focused listening outdoors in Miller Woods. Participation is free to the public.

Transportation

  • The Paul H. Douglas Center is a 20 to 30-minute walk north from Miller station on the South Shore Line.
  • South Shore NICTD trains depart from downtown Chicago three times in the morning. We will meet at 10:30 at Millennium Park station, 151 E. Randolph Street and take Train Number 603, departing at 10:45 a.m. Tickets cost $5.60 each way and can be purchased from a kiosk on the platform, or on-board the train. (“CLICK SAVE this link as” and download the NICTD Schedule in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Chicago and Miller are both on Central Time.) The ride lasts one hour and eight minutes, providing ample time to get acquainted, discuss the soundwalk, upcoming plans for June, and the next World Listening Day 2011 on July 18.
  • Traveling by car? Public parking is available across the street from the Paul H. Douglas Center.

View Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology in a larger map

Soundwalking practices

  • Never heard of a “soundwalk” before? A soundwalk is meant to increase awareness of one’s relationship with the sonic environment. Andra McCartney’s forthcoming article for The Oxford Handbook of Mobile Music Studies provides a contemporary definition of various soundwalking practices.

Suggestions

  • Check the weather forecast before you leave home. In case of rain, bring appropriate clothing, including footwear for wet paths.
  • If you are traveling with us on the train, having a lunch or snack to bring may be helpful.
  • Cameras and audio recording equipment can be used on the soundwalk, but be aware that their use can easily distract you from the complete enjoyment of concentrated listening.
  • Mosquitoes are not out in abundance yet, but do expect to encounter some activity in the marshy areas of Miller Woods.
  • Most non-human species have far more sensitive hearing than humans, walking quietly during the soundwalk increases our chance of observing the resident wildlife in their natural context. That said, making sounds during a soundwalk—in a thoughtful way—can be effective way to enhance the experience.