Tour commissioned by the Office for Public Art (OPA) as part of a new series of artist-designed walking tours during the late summer and early fall of 2023. Artist Erin Mallea (Tree News editor) in collaboration with artist Monica Cervone McElwain developed two related kayak tours focused on the Allegheny River and its coves and islands.

Participants will kayak on the Allegheny River to Sycamore Island for a listening walk. Managed by the Allegheny Land Trust, Sycamore Island is one of the few undeveloped islands in Allegheny County. The island hosts a unique floodplain hardwood forest and presents an opportunity for the public to visit and experience a wild, natural island within an urban environment.

Participants will be led on island walking trails with a series of listening prompts focused on layers of human intervention and natural cycles. Participants will practice redirecting attention, practicing close listening to distant, subtle and shifting sounds, and increasing awareness of our larger sonic environment.

Photos by Visuals by Ishara. Thanks to the Office for Public Art and 10.7 Marina.