Natural Sounds

Sound information has been collected on the Riverway.

NPS/Medland

Natural and cultural sounds awaken the sense of awe that connects us to the splendor of national parks, like the Riverway, and have a powerful effect on our emotions, attitudes, and memories. Who can forget the flash of adrenaline from the sound of rapids ahead or the lightning bolt that cracked just a little too close, or the soothing sounds of water flowing and the uplifting morning chorus of bird songs? The Riverway regards these sounds as part of a web of natural and cultural resources that must be protected.

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway started conducting acoustical monitoring in the summer of 2011 on the lower St. Croix. Here is a sample of what has been collected.

 

• Night Sounds

  
  

  Natural sounds recorded from an island in the river in 2011

  Date created:

  10/14/2020

 

• A Barred Owl

  
  

  A barred owl calling mixed in with other night sounds

  Date created:

  10/14/2020

 

• Gray Tree Frog

  
  

  Gray tree frog calling

  Date created:

  10/14/2020

 

• Splash

  
  

  A water sound

  Date created:

  10/14/2020

 

• Train Horn

  
  

  A not so "natural" sound of a train horn mixed in with bird calls

  Date created:

  10/14/2020