A big part of nature’s majesty lies in its sounds. The soft trickle of water, rolling thunder, the smooth hoot of an owl. There are no filters here, no editors. Everyone gets to integrate the pleasure. My experience with scientific journals and academic papers, and often academics themselves, is not the same.

I believe science can be a universal language.When spoken properly, and with an accent absent of hierarchy, anyone can understand it. I was reminded of this potential last week while talking with Dr. Claudio Gratton from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.  Our half hour conversation focused primarily on me introducing him to my research in Australia. Dr. Gratton adroitly linked my focus with a few of his recent studies. This connection lead our conversation in directions less scientifically rigid. Specifically, we started talking about how best to emphasize the value of conservation efforts to those who are often most affected; those people who make a living on and of the land; those who are not scientists. And it was here that I was engulfed in the power of the natural audio experience I have been lucky enough to hear.

Birds, insects, marine vertebrates…well most every animal except humans, throw communication to who ever may be listening. It is how I know I am REALLY in Australia (the birds in the morning), it is the framework for the memory of a night of camping in which I heard coyotes and owls dueling for acoustic space, and it is the portal though which we know we are not alone. And it was on this particular day, talking to a research biologist at the height of his career, with both of us concerned about those outside of our immediate audience, that my belief in science and ecology, further solidified. So here is the challenge; over the course of the next week, speak to someone outside of your normal audience. Tell them about what you do and what your passions are. Embrace your challenge of learning a new language. And celebrate the expansion of your community.