What are the parallels between a gentle rainstorm and a NASA rocket launch in the distance? A whisper in your ear and the crashing of ocean waves, or the beating of a drum and your own heartbeat when all else appears silent? What do we know what to listen for, and how do we describe these sounds to others? How does the practice of deeper listening raise our awareness to soundscape ecology, our compassion, or stewardship and healing of each other and the wellness of the environment?

In CONSERVATION/CONVERSATION, 2022 ACA Soundscape Field Station Artist-In-Residence Mary Edwards explores the distinctive habitats and soundscape ecology of Apollo Beach in a poetic essay and a free verse narrative account of the collaboration of visitors to Canaveral National Seashore who participated in her interactive and real-time exhibition.