This cache is 1 of 8 caches placed on public land units by the Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center as part of a summer-long event celebrating "Get Outdoors" Day. The event is entitled "Public Lands Geocache Pursuit." If interested in participating in the entire series, please stop by the Alaska Public Lands Information Center located inside the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in downtown Fairbanks and pick up the booklet that outlines all the activities and includes a page to collect the stamps from all 8 caches. Summer office hours are Monday - Saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Birch Hill - Sound Maps
People tend to use their eyes more than their ears to observe a place, but the soundscape can tell much about the environment. The more diverse the natural sounds, the more diverse the habitat is likely to be. As you make a “Sound Map” of this area, you may find that you become completely absorbed in the soundscape as you focus your attention away from the visual components to the many sounds around you.
To participate, you will need a “Sound Map Card” from the cache and a pencil (1 card and pencil for each member of your group that wants to participate). Find a spot where you are likely to hear a number of different sounds. You might try a variety of sites and then decide which your favorite was.
The X in the center of the card shows where you are sitting, the circle is placed to represent 100 yards of distance. Use the compass to find which direction is North and sit facing that direction. When you hear a sound, mark the card in a way that indicates as accurately as possible the direction and distance of the sound. You may want to use symbols such as wavy lines to indicate wind, musical notes to indicate a bird etc. Participants should close their eyes while they listen. Cupping your hands behind your ears provides a reflective surface for catching sounds. To hear sounds behind you, just cup your hands in front of your ears.
- How many different sounds did you hear?
- Which sounds did you like best? Why?
- Did you hear sounds you had never heard before? Do you know what made the sounds?
- How did you feel before you started?
- How did you feel after you finished?
Published with special permission by Geocaching HQ.