Natural History Wanderings

Noise in the national parks is a growing concern.  Gas and Diesel powered engines, trash cans clanking, and loud voices all contribute to the noise that is making the National Parks a less desirable habitat for animals and is a possible reason in the decline in population of some species.  Some of the parks have taken action to reduce polluting sounds.  One of the most successful has been Muir Woods, which has moved the parking lot further from the park entrance and paths, changed maintenance  vehicles to ones with quiet electric motors, removed noisy garbage cans  and placed a decibel meter in the snack bar and gift shop.  These changes may be responsible for the return of spotted owls and otters as well as an increase in the chipmunk population.  To learn more what other parks are doing read the NY Times had an article Shhh, and Not Because the Fauna Are Sleeping – NYTimes.com.