What is your neighborhood soundscape?
The other day, we were driving to view a home for a client out in the countryside just outside Camas WA. Coincidentally we tuned into an NPR interview with Bernie Krause, a scientist who has spent his life recording natural "soundscapes" - environmental wildlife sounds from all over the world.
Through his recordings, he has documented the diminishing volume and diversity of wildlife over the decades. The changes are alarming - especially in our country. It was a compelling interview, which prompted a conversation about what we want as our natural surroundings and soundscapes where we live. Here are some examples:
Soundscape before the California drought.
Soundscape since the California drought.
Photo Courtesy Greg Gilson © 2011
We often take birds and wildlife for granted, but it is clear the sounds of nature are diminishing.
In our previous neighborhood, which once bounded with the sounds of frogs, birds, owls and coyotes, there was a noticeable decline in the soundscape as the area was built out. We recognize that progress and housing developments are essential elements of our industry. But it raises a valuable questions about quality of life - where do you go to hear nature?
Photo Courtesy Greg Gilson © 2011
We now live in a rural area and notice the distinct difference in natural sounds and the night sky (more on that in another blog). We have made the decision to trade off proximity to services and neighbors for access to nature. We recognize it’s not for everyone, yet we have a growing list of clients who also prefer this lifestyle.
So, how close do you want to be to that environment? Would you drive an extra 15 minutes to live in an area with a vibrant ecosystem? Call us if you want to enhance the views and soundscapes outside your windows. We sell ViewHomes of Clark County - homes on larger parcels of land featuring views of nature, not neighbors. Harcourts USA - The Carl Group - We're Your Locals.
ViewHomes™ grew out of our passion for nature, beautiful surroundings, and peaceful environments. Starting together in an urban environment, over the years we've gravitated towards areas with smaller populations and less density. We now enjoy our lifestyle in a rural environment, but with close proximity to metropolitan areas where we appreciate all the amenities of fine restaurants, shopping, and an easy drive to an international airport.
Living in ViewHomes™ is like having “elbowroom for the soul”.
360-608-4900
info@natureasneighbors.com
Good Tuesday morning Debb Janes -
We should never take Mother Nature and all she offers for granted. I worry what the future brings for our grand-kiddos or should I say what it will not offer.
Debb, I always worry about the future for our planet. I live in such a developed area and it breaks my heart when I see deer trotting around knowing their homes have been built on. It's a little scary.
We take so much for granted. As much as I enjoy all the beauty of nature, I'm a "City" kind of guy when it comes to where I prefer to live.
Hi Q-man, it worries me too. Imagine a world without the sweet sounds of nature.
Amanda - I know, I know.
Roger D. Mucci - Nothing wrong with that - I completely understand.
It is so nice to experience nature all around. Luckily we live off of a golf course and get deer and coyotes running by frequently.
Debb I notice the 'lack' of sounds in some areas of town but I haven't really focused on it - consciously. I will now. We live where we live because we love nature - we're surrounding by bird, critters, flowers, trees etc. And just a short walk to a natural preserve - so serene!
Hi Debb - A very interesting, and disturbing, post. We have often remarked on how special the sounds of nature are to us and how lucky we are to live surrounded by them.
Good evening Debb. Really a wonderful post, and while disturbing, it is always so heartening to know that there are those of us who are still trying to listen and when we do, we often hear, the unique and diverse sounds of nature.
YOu KNOW I'm all over this! I love being awakened to the sound of an owl at 3AM, the sounds of kingfishers darting back and forth, the squawk of one of our Great Blue Herons. The opportunities to hear nature are endless here and I am SO happy that you are experiencing the magic of naturescapes again, too!
Sorry I missed your million point accomplishment, CONGRATS Debb Janes!
Debb what an interesting post and observation, we as individuals can do something about it...in our back yard we have water bowl, water fountain and bird feeders and we have "hundreds of customers" I should record the sounds we listen to in the morning:))), Endre
Deb, showing in the country last week definitely had different sounds, and love hearing the difference!