On this World Environment Day, we turn the dial back to a time when voices of nature were heard and performed—live, on stage, and even on shellac. Meet Charles Kellogg, a naturalist, performer, and early environmental advocate who used his voice—literally—to raise awareness for the preservation of America’s great redwood forests.

Born in 1868 in the Sierra Nevada of California, Charles Kellogg grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of wilderness. But he wasn’t just a lover of the outdoors—he was a living echo of it. Gifted with a vocal range unlike any other, Kellogg became famous for his astonishing ability to mimic birdsong and forest sounds with uncanny accuracy. His performances earned him the nickname “The Forest Singer.”

At the height of the 78rpm recording era, Kellogg took his act to the airwaves and the archives. His recordings, including rare discs like The Forest Singer and Birds of the Forest, captured more than just novelty; they captured a moment when sound and nature were deeply intertwined. These were more than performances—they were preservation acts meant to inspire wonder and respect for the natural world.

But Kellogg’s love of nature didn’t stop at birdsong. He was a passionate crusader for the preservation of the redwood forests. In one of his boldest moves, he traveled across the country in a custom-built “Redwood Motorhome,” constructed from a hollowed redwood log mounted on a chassis. Wherever he went, he brought entertainment and a message: our forests are sacred and need our protection.

Kellogg’s recordings remind us that conservation isn’t just about laws and science—it’s about connection. Hearing the wind in the trees, the bird’s call, the rustle of leaves—and recognizing those sounds as part of our shared home.

As we celebrate World Environment Day, Charles Kellogg is a quirky, compelling reminder that art, nature, and advocacy have long walked hand in hand. His voice may have mimicked the birds—but the message was unmistakably human: protect what is precious before it’s gone.

Want to hear the forest as it once was? Explore early nature-themed recordings from Charles Kellogg in our archives and let the past echo into your present.