For environmental awareness, sound recording provide critical tools for deeper consideration of sound in nature preserves, urban and industrial design.

Last “walk.listen.record” sound workshop series was at Richmond Nature Park, unceded, traditional territories of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nation on Friday, August 26th. 

The Richmond Nature Park consists of 200 acres of the raised peat bog habitat that once covered large portions of Lulu Island. Four walking trails totalling 5 kilometres provide visitors the chance to encounter plants and animals in bog, forest and pond habitats. The shortest trail, an elevated boardwalk around the park pond. All other trails are soft-surfaced with wood chips.

The park is always changing. In spring, visitors can see and hear the territorial fights of hummingbirds as bog flowers bloom below. Summer days are long and the trails are ideal for an evening stroll. Autumn brings owls, northern migratory birds and spectacularly coloured foliage. In winter, visitors can hear varied thrushes and see winter birds at the feeders or follow animal tracks in the snow.

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Workshop started with an introduction to the project and workshop. Each participant introduced themselves and shared why they were interested in this workshop. After a brief introduction to soundscape and microphones, participants started to explore the park and record the sound. During the workshop, participants experienced soundscapes through field microphones while walking. They had a chance to listen to their environment more closely. It was a slow paste walk with many stops. Through the walk we heard the sound of birds, winds, traffic and airplanes.

After this hands-on recording, participants shared their experiences and stories.

You can experience the park by watching digital stories in 360 environments that were created with recorded sound in the workshop with participants’ permission.

Thank you, Zeynep and Mohammad for joining the workshop and

sharing your experiences and stories.

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presented with partnership