April 6, 2021 In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America peer reviewed journal, read the research article by Rachel Buxton (Carleton University), Amber Pearson (Michigan State University), Claudia Allou (Michigan State University), Kurt Fristrup (Colorado State University), and George Wittemyer (Colorado State University): A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks. “This study examines evidence of the health benefits of natural soundscapes and quantifies the prevalence of restorative acoustic environments in national parks across the United States. The results affirm that natural sounds improve health, increase positive affect, and lower stress and annoyance. Also, analyses reveal many national park sites with a high abundance of natural sound and low anthropogenic sound. Raising awareness of natural soundscapes at national parks provides opportunities to enhance visitor health outcomes. Despite more abundant anthropogenic sound, urban and frequently visited sites offered exposure to natural sounds associated with health benefits, making them a valuable target for soundscape mitigation. Our analysis can inform spatial planning that focuses on managing natural soundscapes to enhance human health and experiences.” https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2013097118
April 5, 2021 In Smithsonianmag.com read about how Listening to Nature Gives You a Real Rocky Mountain High: Sounds like birdsong and flowing water may alleviate stress, help lower blood pressure and lead to feelings of tranquility. Carleton University conservation biologist Rachel “Buxton teamed up with researchers from the National Park Service and Colorado State University to author a 2019 study documenting manmade noise in U.S. national parks. The study was part of a growing pile of research exploring noise’s negative impacts on animals and humans alike. Noise makes it hard for animals to find food and mates and can lead humans to suffer stress, high blood pressure and other ailments.” https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-listening-sounds-nature-can-be-restorative-180977397/
March 29, 2021 Watch 9 News reporter Marc Sallinger interview Rachel Buxton (Carleton University) and George Wittemyer (Colorado State University) about the recent study A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks, published March 22, 2021 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "We actually have pretty good evidence that there’s major health benefits to being exposed to nature. The evidence is really clear. Listening to natural sounds reduces stress, reduces annoyance and it’s correlated with positive health benefits,” said Wittemyer…..”They’ve really gotten a lot of us through this pandemic. Spending time in parks, spending time listening to natural sounds, they’ve really gotten us through," said Buxton. "Close your eyes and listen to what’s around you. Listen to the birds singing and the wind rustling the leaves in the trees."" https://www.9news.com/article/news/health/mental-health/csu-study-nature-sounds-mental-health/73-279ae57d-7f22-44c0-9013-efe9aecd4f91
This study was also featured on News Center Maine’s page https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/health/mental-health/csu-study-nature-sounds-mental-health/73-279ae57d-7f22-44c0-9013-efe9aecd4f91
This study was also featured on Quirks and Quarks. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/mar-27-covid-pandemic-origins-nature-sounds-good-why-humans-have-such-big-brains-and-more-1.5965083/nature-s-sounds-improve-well-being-reducing-stress-and-even-pain-1.5965089
March 26, 2021 Treehugger, a blog that claims to be the world’s largest information site dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream, highlighted a paper by lead author Rachel Buxton (Carleton University) A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks.
“For their research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Buxton and her team identified three dozen studies that examined the health benefits of natural sound.... Some examples they found reported in those studies included decreased pain, lowered stress, improved mood, and better cognitive function. We found many health-bolstering sites in parks — sites with abundant natural sounds and little interference from noise. The importance of water sounds may relate to the critical role of water for survival, as well as the capacity of continuous water sounds to mask noise,” the researchers wrote, pointing out that water features are often used in landscapes to mask noise and to make urban greenspaces more pleasant…there was also some evidence that natural sounds have benefits over silence”. https://www.treehugger.com/how-nature-sounds-affect-well-being-5118280
This study was also featured in HealthDay, the world’s largest syndicator of health news and content, and providers of custom health/medical content. https://consumer.healthday.com/3-24-waves-crashing-birds-singing-natures-sounds-bring-healing-study-finds-2651144585.html
This study was also featured in Country Living UK, a magazine that features lifestyle advice on health and fitness, country travel, and rural real estate. https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/countryside/a35920666/natural-sounds-boost-human-health/
This study was also featured in Macau Business, Macau's oldest English language publication. https://www.macaubusiness.com/natural-soundscapes-boost-health-markers-lower-stress/
This study was also featured in Cosmos: The science of everything. ? https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/body-and-mind/health-benefits-from-natural-sounds/ This study was also featured on CTV news in Canada. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/natural-soundscapes-boost-health-markers-and-lower-stress-canadian-study-finds-1.5357623
This study was also featured in MentalFloss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/644055/hearing-national-park-nature-sounds-has-health-benefits
by Dr. Ventra Asana, Field Team Manager, StAND
- Make plans to enjoy the holiday season: Even though we’re unable to spend the holidays like in the past, we can still have a good time. Plan a contest with friends and family on who can assemble the prettiest (or weirdest) holiday decorations and share them on social media. Don’t forget to plan for a festive meal, whether you cook it yourself or support local businesses using carryout.
- Devise a health plan: Ask yourself, “what are my plans to get healthy or stay healthy”? Plan to “go outside” even when it’s cold. Just getting fresh oxygen has many benefits, including increasing energy, and improving mental sharpness. Include a new winter activity like ice skating, building a snowman, walking in the snow, or exploring a park in your neighborhood.
- Make plans for the New Year: What do you envision for the coming year? At some point a vaccine will have arrived and we will slowly come out of restrictions. Plan for what you want to accomplish in 2021, especially the first six months. Will you go see family when it’s safe again? Or will you finally explore your own city’s cultural and historical sites? Dream about what might be next for you.
The Nature Gap (July 21, 2020)
Clean drinking water, clean air, public parks and beaches, biodiversity, and open spaces are shared goods to which every person in the United States has an equal right both in principle and in law. Nature is supposed to be a “great equalizer” whose services are free, universal, and accessible to all humans without discrimination. In reality, however, American society distributes nature’s benefits—and the effects of its destruction and decline—unequally by race, income, and age.
A SYMBOL OF SPRING AND A SIGN OF HOPE -- DAFFODILS BLOOM ACROSS Detroit (APRIL 27, 2020)
A symbol of spring and a sign of hope -- Daffodils bloom across Detroit. Get outside and enjoy nature! Watch this video highlighting the work of Barry Burton of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department.
