Pause, and simply hear. The park is speaking softly— Stories without words. Wind through ancient trees, Calls of birds and distant streams— The wild world whispers. Although we may not always notice them, natural sounds are an essential part of the beauty and wonder of our landscapes. When we listen closely, we can hear the stories of the land. National Park Service scientists are listening too. They study soundscapes to understand how human-made noise impacts wildlife and our own experiences in