i'm the contact person for the chicago chapter of the america society for acoustic ecology. if you are reading this page and have some interest in sound, you should join. so far not much is happening, but once there are a few more members we plan to educate chicago about the acoustic environment.

here is some info about the ASAE: The American Society for Acoustic Ecology (ASAE) is a membership organization dedicated to exploring the role of sound in natural habitats and human societies, and promoting public dialogue concerning the identification, preservation, and restoration of natural and cultural sound environments. The ASAE will: * Disseminate research results and curriculum materials, sponsor lectures, conferences and other events, and support creative exploration of the soundscape through sound art and installations.
* Foster cross-disciplinary research and discussion about the impacts of natural and human-made sound on the biosphere, including Earth's oceans, land, and air, and contribute to the development of guidelines to identify and modify human-generated acoustic environments that pose a significant ecological or health risk.
* Provide advice to public and private land managers about how best to study, manage, and interpret natural sound environments for the benefit of both visitors and wildlife, with sensitivity to the desire for both quiet and motorized recreation.
* Synthesize approaches to understanding and experiencing soundscapes as they exist in the United States, and actively collaborate with other like-minded organizations to contribute to the global awareness of sound's fundamental impact on all living organisms.