11 Jun 2026

Proceedings from the Great Lakes Engineering With Nature® Natural and Nature-Based Features Playbook Workshop

Abstract: Communities in the Great Lakes are experiencing increased frequency in coastal flooding and erosion, causing property damage, putting lives at risk, and disrupting local economies. To address these challenges, two workshops were conducted (18 February 2025 [virtual] and 26–27 February 2025 [in person]) to collect knowledge, insights, and feedback from community members, policymakers, and Tribal Nations representatives to inform the development of the Engineering With Nature® Great Lakes Playbook. This report documents the workshop outcomes. The playbook is being designed to advance coastal resilience efforts in the region by identifying natural and nature-based features and multiple lines of resilience strategies that address unique natural hazard-related challenges of the Great Lakes. During the workshops, sustainable, resilient, adaptable, and cost-effective solutions were explored and construction and implementation feasibility were discussed along with regulatory and community challenges that are applicable to coastal risks and opportunities around the Great Lakes. By providing location-appropriate examples and clear guidance on how these nature-based and engineered solutions can be implemented, the playbook will enhance understanding of their potential performance in the region and build confidence among federal, state, and local agencies and Tribal Nations in planning, designing, and implementing these sustainable, adaptable, and cost-effective solutions.

12 Mar 2025

Collaborative Development of Natural and Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resiliency in the Arctic and Adjacent Regions: A Workshop

The workshop “Collaborative Development of Natural and Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resiliency in the Arctic and Adjacent Regions” was held in Reston, Virginia, October 24–25, 2023. The objective was to assemble diverse international partners in a hybrid in-person and virtual setting to focus on the viability of applying Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to solve engineering challenges in the Arctic and similar cold region locations. The goals of the two-day workshop were to share recent efforts implementing NBS to mitigate coastal hazards such as flooding and erosion in northern high latitude settings and identify requirements and develop a robust program of activities to advance this work at national, regional, and local levels. This workshop report documents the presentations and discussion and summarizes key needs and recommendations for future engagement identified by speakers and workshop participants.