Nature Sounds Society Annual Retreat
Dates: June 20-22, 2025
Instructor: Nature Sounds Society
Fee: Separate Registration Process!
Term: Summer 2025
NOTE: The Nature Sounds Society is a private group who will be renting space at the Field Campus. The presence of their retreat on our website is simply a way to share about their offering. If you are interested in attending this workshop, please register with the Nature Sounds Society directly and we will work with them to manage the group's experience. Thank you.
Workshop Description
The Nature Sounds Society Workshop is designed for a broad array of interests including, musicians, artists, journalists, podcasters, birders, biologists and those who just want to dip a toe in. Aimed at beginners and experienced recordists, the Workshop has a multidisciplinary focus on both recording and listening to the natural world.
The NSS Workshop is an intensive weekend introduction to soundscape recording in a beautiful natural environment of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The weekend has an eclectic attendee mix that ensures no two years have quite the same feel.
Techniques vary from multi-channel surround recording to species recording (isolating the species from the background). Our multidisciplinary volunteer instructors will guide attendees towards resources, field techniques and equipment that fit their area of interest.
For those who have no/partial equipment, we will loan various recording rigs, mic setups, so that you can try different recorders and stereo arrays. Then you will get to practice with that equipment during two very early morning field sessions wherein field craft techniques are practiced.
Most years we have a couple of presentations from related or adjacent fields that may provide insight and inspiration.
Breakout sessions include,
- Microphone array shootout (comparing different arrays and mics)
- Build-a Windscreen (necessary if you don’t have one, we provide the materials)
- Listening Session/Feedback
- Adopt-a-Park round-table
The Society also has a focus on the greater good, discussing giving back to the wild places that we practice our craft, our Adopt-a-Park initiative, helps recordists connect with public land managers to provide support using audio recordings to the parks and access to the recordist.
The greatest value of the NSS Workshop is the camaraderie and exchange of information between all of our attendees.
Workshop Details
Workshop Schedule
Friday
1pm – 4pm Mic & Fieldcraft presentations
4pm-6:30pm Mixer & Dinner
6:30pm-8:30pm Introductions/presentation & gear outfitting
Saturday
3am-10:30am Recording Field Trip #1
10:30am-1pm Rest & Lunch
1pm-5:30pm Fieldcraft & Presentations
6pm-8pm Dinner & gear outfitting
Sunday
3:30am-7am Recording Field Trip #2
7am-8:30am Breakfast & pack up
8:30am-12pm Round table discussions/listening and depart
Workshop Supplies List
Clothing:
Nights and early mornings are cold, days may be hot. Bring layered clothing so that you can remove layers as the day heats up. For recording the dawn chorus, do not wear clothing that is noisy when you move. Bring good walking shoes or hiking boots; you will have the option to walk as little or as much as you like but you will be standing for long periods in the field and your comfort is essential to being able to stand still! Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, as well as sunglasses. A warm cap and gloves for the morning dawn choruses have proven to be useful.
Equipment:
There are several different types of basic set-up that can be used. If you don't have equipment, please let us know and we will set you up with a rig. Otherwise, a basic set-up would include a recorder with manual level control, a directional microphone, and headphones. Use a fresh set of batteries and bring a spare set or a charger. Some standard batteries (AAA, AA, and 9V) will be available at the workshop, but if you have equipment that uses an unusual battery, be sure you have a backup, and check to be sure both batteries are working before you come. If you do not own equipment the NSS will loan you an outfit. Many participants will share their gear and you will gain useful knowledge about the equipment you want to obtain and use in the future. Due to the remote location, theft has never been a problem. You are reminded, however, that the Nature Sounds Society assumes no responsibility for loss or theft.
Power for chargers is available in the main hall, the director's cabin and the outside bathrooms, but not in the platform tents.
Other belongings:
Sunscreen; insect repellent (Carman Valley does have mosquitoes); day pack; flashlight (headlamp flashlights are extremely useful as they free up your hands for other activities); water bottle; note pad and pens; spare batteries and recording media; alarm clock to wake you up for the early morning sessions.
Lodging and Camping Supplies
Camping gear if you are staying on campus:
- tent and sleeping pad (unless you are staying in our tent with a cot provided)
- warm sleeping bag
- pillow, toiletries, and towel
- flashlight and lantern
- alarm clock
Field gear for everyone:
- day pack
- sunscreen
- insect repellant
- water bottles
- plastic containers for packed lunches
- sense of humor
You might also want to bring:
- camera
- binoculars
- hand lens
- camp chair
Clothing:
The weather in the Sierra Nevada can vary greatly, even in a single day. Be prepared for chilly temperatures at night, even below freezing early in the summer. Rain is a possibility any time, whether forecast or not. Variable weather clothing that can be layered is best: long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, warm sweater and jacket, t-shirt and shorts or skirt, sturdy shoes or hiking boots, sun hat, rain gear, and a warm hat or gloves for cold weather and/or night activities. And, if you come later in the season, bring your swimsuit for afternoon dips in the lakes!