-
New Publication: Life Cycle Analysis of Natural Infrastructure Projects
A team of researchers from USACE and the University of Georgia’s Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), collaborating through the Network for Engineering With Nature (N-EWN), have proposed a new framework for the life cycle analysis of infrastructure projects that includes a more detailed view of project benefits and environmental impacts.
-
N-EWN Goes to Washington: National Policy Forum on Nature-based Solutions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Leaders from public, private and governmental organizations met at the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine on February 7-8, 2024 to discuss policy and development of nature-based solutions (NbS). The first National Policy Forum was held to provide opportunities for policymakers, regulatory bodies, and practitioners to discuss the necessary policy reforms…
-
Gulf Coast hurricane resilience: UF natural infrastructure research featured by NPR
Researchers from the University of Florida were featured in an article from NPR on Thursday, Feb. 15 titled Hurricane Idalia shows nature may provide the best shoreline protection. The article describes how the team encouraged the growth of oyster beds by building artificial reefs offshore with the goal of slowing storm surge and flooding. “We…
-
Duke University on new North Carolina Conservation Executive Order
Originally posted by the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Duke University, via LinkedIn. View their page here. Duke University experts Lydia Olander and Katie Warnell joined North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on stage Monday after he signed an executive order to protect and restore the state’s natural and working lands. Olander and Warnell have worked closely…
-
February 2024 Knowledge Series: Tools for Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Application in Stream Restoration
Liya Abera, PhD, Engineer Research and Development Center, USACE Engineering projects typically require economic analysis of the costs and benefits of alternative actions. However, costs may not be distributed evenly over a project’s life cycle and may include initial capital investments, short-term adaptive management actions, long-term operations and maintenance, and eventually disposal. Engineering economics methods exist…
-
Pictures from the Policy Forum on Nature-based Solutions
Last week, the Network for Engineering With Nature and the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine hosted the Policy Forum on Nature-based Solutions in Washington, D.C. Ahead of our forthcoming full press release, check out some of the photos from the event below, captured by attendees! Check out a partial recording of the event…
-
Christine Angelini featured in NPR interview: Sea otters are making a comeback in California – and they’re curbing erosion
Sea otters in California have undergone a “stunning comeback” in population numbers since their near-extinction in the mid-20th century. These coastal mammals are famously adorable, but did you know they’re also good for ecosystem infrastructure? In a new story from NPR, University of Florida coastal ecologist Christine Angelini spoke about a restoration project in Monterey…
-
Partners featured in Washington Post: Natural infrastructure for rising seas
At Eagles Island in Wilmington, North Carolina, floats the historic Battleship North Carolina: a World War II museum right on the water. But as climate change causes sea levels to rise, this popular visitors’ spot could be at risk due to increasingly high tidal flooding. While multiple design and engineering firms suggested building walls around…
-
New Season of The Engineering With Nature Podcast Begins
The seventh season of the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Podcast started last week, featuring Ricardo Aguirre, Director of Land Management and Water Security for WEST Consultants (WEST) in Arizona and Executive Director of the Drylands Alliance for Addressing Water Needs (DAAWN). Aguirre joins co-hosts Sarah Thorne and Jeff King (National Lead of the EWN Program)…
-
This week: LimnoTech launches the “Nature-Based Solutions Benefits Explorer Version 2”
Check out the launch of the “Nature-Based Solutions Benefits Explorer Version 2” on Thursday, February 1, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT). “The NBS Benefits Explorer, part of the Water Action Hub (a suite of digital tools for corporate water stewardship), is designed to serve as a key starting point for organizations looking to…
-
January 2024 Knowledge Series: Real-Time, Cloud-Based Hydraulic Modeling with HEC RAS Using the Dam Screening Tool (DST)
Garrett Menichino, PhD, PE, CFM, Research Civil Engineer, Environmental Laboratory, Engineer Research and Development Center, USACE Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) are increasingly recognized as flood risk management solutions that can provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. However, there are few planning-level tools available for screening NNBF for flood risk management projects. The Dam Screening Tool (DST) is…
-
N-EWN publications from our partners at the University of New Hampshire
N-EWN publications from our partners at the University of New Hampshire Our partners at the University of New Hampshire recently published three papers in line with N-EWN research. Read about them below! Short-Term Recovery of Pilot Living Shoreline Projects for Salt Marsh Habitat in New Hampshire Over the past 6 years, the New Hampshire (NH) Department…
