Soundscapes to Monitor Habitat Development on Restored Cranberry Farmland

On May 3, we got our waders on and headed to the bogs. Students at Clark University spent the semester learning about soundscapes, how they are used to monitor habitat health, and how to process sound data to extract information about landscape acoustic complexity. The final stage was learning how to deploy the sensors, and what better way to do that than spending a day walking through nature at the Living Observatory sites of Eel River, Tidmarsh, and Foothills?

Surrounded by wetlands and wildlife, students wade through the bogs to place sensors. They chose sites that ensured they would capture the rich soundscapes of these restored wetlands. They listened, observed, and engaged with the environment in a way that brought their studies to life.

At Tidmarsh, we were hosted by Glorianna Davenport, who shared the history of the living Observatory, restoration at Tidmarsh, and how these efforts have shaped the ecosystem over time. It was a truly beautiful day—one that was made even more special when we crossed paths with Living Observatory scientists collecting their own samples.

Beyond the technical skills, the day was an opportunity to connect with nature. Fieldwork has a way of reminding us why restoration matters—not just through data collection but by experiencing firsthand the beauty of restored wetlands. This day in the field wrapped up an exciting semester, leaving students with practical experience, meaningful insights, and a deep appreciation for both the science and the landscapes that make it all possible.


With sensors deployed, we now wait to collect the sounds in the Fall, and are excited to learn how the soundscapes vary across space and time on these incredible landscapes. Beyond the research, this experience was a chance to listen, learn, and immerse ourselves in nature.


--blog written with the help of Copilot -