The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

In 2012, visitors to select nature preserves in Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia and Delaware gained the ability to download audio preserve tours onto their mp3 player or smart phone to enhance their experience. Plugging in this way provides access to a self-paced journey narrated by a Conservancy naturalist who reveals little-known facts about local geology, rare species, hydrology and native wildlife found at the preserve.

“Our naturalists have a real gift for transforming a preserve into an educational destination for visitors,” says Deborah Barber, the land management director from the Conservancy’s Maryland/DC chapter who coordinated the podcasts. “Because this is an audio experience, their words don’t distract from the fantastic visuals that nature already provides.”

Barber cautions that visitors must remember to download the recordings and maps before arriving to the preserve since most of these secluded sites are out of range.

“Turn off the ringer, but don’t forget the audio tour,” adds Barber. “They won’t disappoint – it’s like having your own naturalist whisper in your ear as you take it all in.”