Decoding Nature Through Sound: Close Listening and Bat Detecting

Decoding Nature Through Sound is a two-part workshop series facilitated by artist Zorica Kelly Markovich. Bats use echolocation to move around in the darkness, navigating, hunting and identifying friends and enemies. Bat echolocation calls are ultrasonic and are therefore out of range of human hearing, making it difficult to detect when bats are close-by. This workshop will focus on close listening and bat detection. Kelly will demonstrate how she uses echolocation and bat detection in her art practice. Kelly will then help participants learn deep listening techniques and what to listen for when trying to find bats in the urban landscape. Participants will then have the chance to use specialized acoustic monitoring equipment and spend time listening for and detecting bats.

About the Artist
Zorica Kelly Markovich is a multidisciplinary artist, educator and citizen scientist working at the intersection of art, science, technology and nature. She holds a BFA from the University of Windsor and an MFA from NSCAD University. At the forefront of her work lies the complexities of interconnectedness – the deeply interwoven parallel systems of humans and those of other species. Markovich uses various mediums, materials and technologies to uncover links between human’s interplay with the environment and has been predominantly working with sound sculpture for the past three years. Her research attempts to highlight networks, reveal relationships, and frame the world in terms of human impact by engaging the public through issues of permanence and impermanence, and presence and absence, while drawing reference from biology, ecology, anthropology and neuroscience.

Location & Access
Both workshops will take place outdoors on the Mount Saint Vincent University campus near the MSVU Art Gallery exterior entrance of the Seton Academic Centre (entrance #2 on this map). The distance from the parking lot to the workshop location is 20-30 meters and 90cm wide at the narrowest point. If needed, there is a wider route nearby and workshop organizers can provide guidance. Both routes traverse paved, uneven ground. This location for both workshops is a grassy area and there will be chairs and picnic tables available The Close Listening and Bat Detection workshop will also take participants on a walk around parts of campus, which may include paved ground, gravel paths, grass and uneven ground. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen and anything else they may need to comfortably spend time outside. If you have any questions or concerns about access or COVID-19 protocols, please contact the program organizer listed below. Specific location details will be shared with registered participants in advance of the workshop.

COVID-19
Participants will be required to follow all COVID-19 protocols mandated by Public Health at the time of the workshop. Current protocols will be communicated with registered participants in advance of the workshop. Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be provided.

How to Participate
This program is free to attend and all materials are provided but advanced registration is required; no experience is necessary and children ages 10+ are welcome with an adult caregiver. If you are interested in participating in one or both workshops, please email kelsey.mclaughlin2@msvu.ca by July 4 and include the following info:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Which workshop(s) you’d like to register for
• If you require ASL interpretation or have any access needs or concerns
• If you can the rain date Saturday, August 7 at 8:00pm-10:00pm if the workshop were to be postponed

More information about this program, location and access  will be shared with registered participants via email in advance of the workshop.