FAQs
What are Silent Trails?
A Silent Trail is for visitors who want to immerse themselves in natural sounds without interruptions. While parks often designate trails for activities like walking, biking, and horseback riding, Silent Trails focuses on the experience of listening to nature. As urban areas expand, many people seek refuge from the noise of everyday life, including loud conversations and disruptive sounds. Silent Trails provide an opportunity to slow down, minimize distractions, and appreciate sounds like birdsong, rustling leaves, and raindrops. Although there are no strict rules, we encourage mindful behaviour, such as speaking quietly and silencing electronic devices, to enhance the experience. These temporarily designated trails provide an opportunity to research the health and well-being benefits of quieter natural environments and whether people desire more spaces like this in the future.
What does “Silent” mean on the Silent Trails? Are there specific rules I need to follow?
“Silent” on Silent Trails signifies a clear intention that these trails are meant for those who want to immerse themselves in nature with minimal human-made noise. We chose “silent” because it’s a straightforward concept, unlike “quiet,” which can be interpreted in many ways. Some tips on how to enhance your experience and other trail visitors include silencing devices, limiting conversations, and embracing the opportunity to focus on the natural soundscape around you. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their noise—similar to how you would behave in a space where silence is valued, like a museum or a theatre when you want to listen to performers or focus on art pieces.
How will Silent Trails be enforced?
The project relies on signage and public awareness about the benefits of quiet spaces to encourage visitors to minimize their noise footprint.
What is the Silent Trails Pilot Project?
The Silent Trails pilot is a collaborative research initiative between the University of British Columbia and Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, led by PhD Candidate and Public Scholar Tara Tiger Brown, alongside Principal Investigator Dr. John Innes. Running from August 17th to December 31st, 2024, the project explores the impact of natural soundscapes on well-being by designating portions of the Top Trail in Pacific Spirit Regional Park and the Ravine Trail in Campbell Valley Regional Park as “Silent Trails.” During this time, we are collecting data through sound level measurements, wildlife observations, and the visitor survey to learn if visitors value having these quieter spaces.
How were the Silent Trails chosen for the pilot with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks?
Over a six-month period, Tara Brown evaluated more than 20 trails based on factors like noise level, foot traffic, natural soundscape quality, and trail design.
If you’re interested in more details about the selection process or designating your own Silent Trail, feel free to reach out: tarabr@student.ubca.ca
What is being measured on the Silent Trails?
Silent Trails experiences are being measured using the survey, sound levels are measured with a sound level meter recording A-weighted decibels along with observations, and visitor frequency is measured with trail counters.
Why are Silent Trails temporary?
Silent Trails are temporarily designated as part of a pilot research project running from August 17th to December 31st, 2024. The temporary nature allows us to study the impact of natural soundscapes on well-being and collect visitor reactions to having quieter spaces in parks. The data collected during this period will help determine if and how Silent Trails could be implemented more permanently in the future.
How can I participate in the research?
Visitors can participate in the research by filling out a visitor survey after experiencing a Silent Trail. We also encourage participants to engage in community science by recording sound levels and making wildlife observations during their visit. Your feedback and contributions are invaluable to understanding the impact of quieter trails on well-being and shaping future initiatives.
What will happen after the pilot project ends?
Once the pilot ends on December 31st, 2024, the research team will analyze the data collected from visitor surveys, sound level measurements, and wildlife observations. The findings will be shared with park authorities and the public to inform decisions about potentially expanding Silent Trails or creating similar spaces in other locations. Subscribe to the Silent Trails newsletter for updates.
How can I provide feedback about my experience on the Silent Trail?
Visitors can participate in the research by filling out the anonymous visitor survey after experiencing a Silent Trail.
If you have any questions about this study, please contact Tara Brown at tarabr@student.ubc.ca or the principal investigator, John Innes, at john.innes@ubc.ca.
If you have any concerns or complaints about your rights as a research participant and/or your experiences while participating in this study, contact the Research Participant Complaint Line in the University of British Columbia Office of Research Ethics by e-mail at RSIL@ors.ubc.ca or by phone at 604-822-8598 (Toll Free: 1-877-822-8598). When calling, please reference the study number H23-03126 so the Complaint Line staff can better assist you.