Forests Can't Survive Without Silence

Grey Fox. Image: wolfpark.org

A tiny few of you may have read this piece, which I wrote last year when this publication was just beginning. For others, it will be new. I think the topic, silence, is often overlooked despite its criticality. I hope its argument might wend its way into your subconscious mind and lead you to seek silence—which will, I believe, lead to greater health for you and maybe through you, for the wider world.

Here is the written version if you prefer to read:

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Here are the pieces I referenced. All but one were free to read when I posted this. They are so, so good.

Silence is ecological

From the archives: I want to live in the layers

I hear voices

[Note: Meg Conley’s work is now published at Pocket Observatory, but her archives are still available via her Substack site linked above.]

A River of Sound

Owl and the Moon, vintage Japanese print

Ben Goldfarb, “Wildlife and the inescapable impact of road noise.” High Country News, September 1, 2023.

Phillips JN, Termondt SE, Francis CD. 2021 Long-term noise pollution affects seedling recruitment and community composition, with negative effects persisting after removal. Proc. R. Soc. B 288.

I wish you all a lovely (and quiet) weekend.
~~ Rebecca 🌲🦉