PARC LISTENING LAB

The Protected Areas Research Collaborative (PARC) Listening Lab at Penn State University was established in 2023 in collaboration with the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division of the National Park Service (NPS). The primary goal of this lab is to inventory sounds recorded in National Parks to better understand base level natural soundscapes of ecosystems and the influence of humans in those ecosystems. To accomplish this, undergraduate researchers analyze thousands of hours of acoustic data collected each year within park units. Results provide the NPS with a better understanding of base-levels of natural soundscapes, and over time monitoring changes allowing NPS staff to better understand global changes from climate, population change, human dynamics, changing technology and shifts in wildlife dynamics.

This lab is a collaborative effort between the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management in the College of Human Health and Development and the Graduate Program in Acoustics in the College of Engineering. Data from the lab can then be used to understand sound sources that naturally exist within units and those that may be intrusive. To accomplish this, PIs of this project are be equipped with "big-data" methods that go beyond traditional methods of "listening." This team utilizes traditional acoustic data processing techniques and also pushes the concept of the "listening lab" to the next level using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning through the development of algorithms that help in sound detection and identification.

Our work is funded by the National Park Service and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, among others.

HOW WE DO IT?

Scientists at national parks across the country have set up microphones to record sounds throughout the NPS system. The systematic recording and analysis of sounds help us to understand and mitigate the impact of human activities have on park auditory environments. By deploying sensitive microphones and recording equipment in various parks, the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division captures a wide range of sounds, from the subtle rustle of leaves to the calls of wildlife. The collected data helps inform management practices aimed at reducing noise pollution, enhancing visitor experiences, and safeguarding the natural acoustic environment for future generations. This initiative underscores the importance of natural sounds as a critical component of ecological integrity and visitor enjoyment in national parks.

The recordings are then transferred to the PARC Listening Lab here at Penn State, where our students listen to, analyze and inventory the sounds heard. Using National Park Service software, The Listening catalogs both natural and anthropogenic sounds. Software is used to analyze sound frequency, duration, and intensity, allowing us to discern patterns and assess the health of the soundscape. This analysis helps pinpoint sources of noise pollution, such as aircraft, vehicles, and human activities, and evaluate their impact on wildlife and visitor experiences. Additionally, these data are used to train machine learning algorithms to increase productivity and strengthen our understanding of park soundscapes.

The insights gained from these data are crucial for developing strategies to minimize noise pollution, such as implementing quiet zones, altering traffic patterns, or creating buffer zones. By leveraging comprehensive data sets, the National Park Service can make informed decisions to preserve the natural acoustic environment, ensuring that the serene sounds of nature remain a vital part of the national park experience. Once sounds are analyzed, the findings are sent back to officials at respective parks and used to inform management decisions about how best to protect natural quiet.

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