41 years ago on May 18th, 1980 Mount Saint Helens, a composite volcano known as Lawetlat'la by the Cowlitz and Loowit by the Klickitat, underwent a cataclysmic eruption. As a result, billions of trees, countless wildlife, and 57 people were killed in the areas within the path of the blast and its consequential landslides, lahars, and pyroclastic flows. The only survivors were the burrowing animals and other lifeforms who remained safe underground. The dense coniferous forest that existed there before was buried beneath the debris that slid off the top and north side of the volcano. 23 square miles were severely affected by this event. 14 miles of the North Fork Toutle River Valley were buried to an average depth of 150 feet and a maximum depth of 600 feet. That once green area suddenly became a grey barren wasteland. It was believed that life would not return there for a large number of years, but what surprised everyone was that it only took a few months! Little by little a new landscape and ecosystem emerged and now it is thriving.

On May 3, 2021 I had the opportunity as a volunteer for Mount Saint Helens Institute to document the lively soundscapes of that formerly devastated area. These recordings will be used in a virtual field trip for elementary school students to learn about this special place. I can’t put into words how meaningful this experience was for me. I hope as you listen to these recordings you will keep in mind that life is resilient. Life is tenacious. Even in the face of overwhelming devastation life will find a way.

Review by Deepest Currents: "Sitting with these sounds is such an appropriate way to celebrate this iconic volcano and the landscapes it has shaped in the years since its eruption. If you're someone curious to hear what St. Helens sounds like today, find Life On Smoking Mountain." Read more at: www.deepestcurrents.com/post/recommended-listening-patricia-wolf-life-on-smoking-mountain

Review by Lawrence English on Various-Artists: "Her attention to perspective is impressive, capturing both the macro-vista of the mountain but also moments of intense micro-acoustic events, such as those presented on “Ant Hill” or during another recording where the beating of a grouse which dominates for but a moment." Read more at: various-artists.com/auditions-2/

A video of the dawn chorus location can be seen here:
youtu.be/mwhpp1vTirE