Dear Human is a multispecies audio guide created for Tryon Farm Institute by artist Christa Donner, activating messages from non-human residents of the land: its historic barn, native prairie grasses, a chorus of frogs, and others.
Tryon Farm Institute is located on the homeland of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi people, a federally-recognized Potawatomi-speaking tribe based in southwestern Michigan and Indiana. We acknowledge their traditional lands, the sacrifices made by their people, and the continuing contributions they make to the life, heritage and culture of Indiana and the region.
For best results, listen with headphones. You’ll discover an immersive experience merging narration with the existing soundscape through invitations to listen, touch, and find your place within the local ecology.
When you’re ready to begin, look for the trail marker near the entrance that says “Welcome.” Point the camera of your smartphone at its QR code to activate the first message. Follow the map to discover more voices, or activate the messages below as you meet them along your journey. Transcripts accompany each track.
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Find your way to Tryon’s seven listening stations with one of these options:
+ Printable Trifold Map (PDF Download)
+ Online Map (Driving Directions and More)
WELCOME
Put on your headphones, and orient yourself with this track.
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Tryon Barn
Step inside to hear the echos of past and present.
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Prairie
Shhhh. Silence your cell phone and walk toward the rolling grasslands as you listen to this track.
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POND
Come close enough to see your reflection in the surface, and set down any heavy bags.
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tree
Pay attention to find this large tree near the path. They’ve got something to say to you.
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DEER
You might not see them, but they see you. Pause near dense foliage and put on your headphones.
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FROG Chorus
You’re invited to a special performance. Join us at the nearest marsh, pond, or vernal pool. Late afternoon into early evening is best.
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Special thanks to Kathy Dennis, Kristina Isabelle, Sol Hinami-Mayorga, Katy Kelsey-Morgan, Gary Morrissey, Andrew S. Yang, Margaret Morris, and Sean, Alice, and Caroline Tomlins for lending their voices to the organisms featured here.