The founder of Quiet Parks International is on a mission to preserve nature (without the noise).
Originally, my aim was simply to listen more carefully to the world around me, Hempton says.
It quickly evolved into a lifelong campaign to preserve natural areas free of noise pollution.
Credit:Shawn Parkin
Here, Hempton shares some favorites among the planet’squietest places.
Its so wild, so free of noise pollution.
And it has some of the Earths greatest biodiversity theres so much life going on there.
Courtesy of Quiet Parks International
Olympic National Park, Washington
TheHoh Rain Forestis a fairyland.
There really is a hum created by the conifer needles.
you’ve got the option to also hear the flutelike bugle of Roosevelt elk.
Courtesy of Quiet Parks International
As it travels through the rainforest, the sound becomes sweeter, and so ethereal.
I dont think it’s possible for you to walk into the crater and not be changed.
At QPI, we define quiet as the absence of noise pollution and the dominance of natural sounds.
Ursula Jernberg/Courtesy of Quiet Parks International
But in the crater, there are such low decibel levels that whispers sound like shouts.
Youll hear your own nervous system.
In my estimation, it has the most peaceful night sounds imaginable.
Vincent Ko Hon Chiu/Courtesy of UNESCO
A myriad of insects and frogs create a sonic tapestry that dreams are made of.
