‘Hearing trees sing.’ Olympia woman helps people listen to the vibes of old-growth forests

“We’re walking into another world,” Julie Ratner said, turning to lead the way over a bridge into the old-growth forest in Squaxin Park. It’s a world where light filters through the leaves and needles of trees, birds chirp, squirrels chatter and the cool, moist air is fragrant.

Ratner’s greatest passion is protecting old-growth trees, and she leads meditative walks in Squaxin Park to deepen the connection between people and the trees, some of which are more than 500 years old.

“My focus when I’m sharing and guiding people through forests … is to slow down,” said Ratner of Olympia, who describes herself as a tree advocate. “I call it slowing down to tree time. As we walk in silence, we recognize our interrelationship with these precious forests.”

On the walks, she offers not only space for silence but also information: The Northwest’s old-growth trees help to keep the weather cooler and moister, provide habitat for animals and birds, and promote healing. (It’s scientifically proven.) Trees also remove carbon dioxide from the air and increase oxygen. Ratner’s motto is “Breathe in. Breathe out. Thank a tree.”

The centerpiece of the walks, though, is the opportunity to listen to trees. Ratner gives them voice with an Italian-made device that translates their electric signals into music.

The device, Plants Play, works with electrodes that can be attached to the tree’s leaves or bark. The signals the device receives can be seen and heard on Ratner’s iPad. It’s similar to biofeedback.

Ratner has recorded trees as old as 1,500 with the device. “The older the tree, the more harmonious the sound,” she said. “It gives me goosebumps every time I record a tree over 1,000 years old.”

Many of those who’ve been on her walks feel the same way about the trees in the park. Mouths open. Eyes widen. And then she invites them to touch the tree and listen to it change its tune.

“Being among majestic trees improves my sense of peace and connection,” said Melinda Spencer of Olympia, who recently walked with Ratner. “I was surprised to learn that our presence affects trees, too. Just by touching their bark, we change their energy; their songs expand to include new notes from us. That blew my mind. I’m incredibly humbled.”

In addition to raising awareness, the walks raise money for the trees. Proceeds go to Thurston County Friends of Trees, which works to preserve old-growth forests, and TreeSisters, an international organization that plants trees and restores forests.

Besides leading walks and traveling to record old-growth trees, Ratner uses the Plants Play device to collaborate with dancers and musicians, and she’s looking for more performers and artists who’d like to incorporate tree music into their work.

Though she’s always been drawn to trees, Ratner herself was inspired to new depths of commitment by the device.

“When I hear a tree sing and I touch it and it picks up my electric signals and changes its tune, there’s a sense that we need each other, that we are a family,” she said. “We are equals. The audio and the visual output give me confirmation that this is real.”

Tranquil Old-Growth Forest Walks

• What: Julie Ratner offers meditative and educational walks that include an opportunity to listen to trees through a device that converts their electrical signals into music.
• Where: Squaxin Park, 2600 East Bay Drive NE, Olympia
• Through Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 24 and Oct. 26. Cost is $19.
• Through AirBNB: 9:30-11 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. $35.
• More: Ratner also offers private walks in Squaxin Park, Millersylvania State Park and the Lake Quinault rainforest and organizes other tree-related events. Get more information on her website.

This story was originally published August 11, 2024 at 5:00 AM.