Acoustic Ecology Workshop At Dunes Learning Center

Saturday, March 23, 10am-11:30am

Join Billie Warren and Eric Leonardson at Paul H. Douglas Environmental Education Center

Experience the many ways of listening with our more-than-human world including its way of listening to us. Dive into the symphony of nature and explore the harmonies of the natural world within the national park. Hosted by with the Dunes Learning Center, join indigenous artist and educator Billie Warren and MSAE co-founder Eric Leonardson for an acoustic ecology workshop and guided soundwalk. Discover the subtle melodies of wind rustling through leaves, the gentle murmurs of flowing water, and melodic bird songs. Uncover the ecological importance of these sounds, painting a vivid auditory tapestry of the park’s diverse ecosystems.

The Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology (MSAE), a recognized authority in soundscape studies, is dedicated to understanding the role of sound and listening in natural habitats and human societies. This listening experience will take place at the Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education in Miller, Indiana.

Cost per person $10, ages 12+

Register here: https://duneslearningcenter.org/programs

About the Program Facilitators

Billie Warren is a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and is Bear Clan. Billie has been an educator, environmentalist, humanitarian, and beadwork artist for more than twenty years. Recognizing the climate change urgency, she is the founder of the nonprofit organization Jibek Mbwakawen Inc., which aims to improve the environment by connecting people to the land from an indigenous perspective. She holds a BA degree from Indiana University Northwest and is currently pursuing a graduate degree.

Eric Leonardson, a Chicago-based audio artist, serves as co-founder and President of the Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology. He is Associate Professor Adjunct in the Department of Art and Technology / Sound Practices at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). As a performer, composer, and sound designer, Leonardson created sound with the Chicago based physical theater company Plasticene (1995–2012). Leonardson served as a co-founder of the World Listening Project and, since 2008, as its president and board chair from 2015 until 2021. From 2012 to 2023 he served as President of the World Forum for Acoustic ecology. Since 1994, Leonardson performs locally and internationally with the Springboard, a self-built instrument made in 1994 and often presents on acoustic ecology to new audiences.