Let us know what you think of the Roadmap website. Provide your feedback →

Nature-Based Solutions Tools Search

This database contains over 400 tools and resources that can help guide practitioners at various stages of the nature-based solutions project cycle. Use the filters to identify the tools and resources most useful to you.

You can filter the full list by the habitat type you’re working in, the nature-based solutions strategy you want to use, the project phase you are looking for help with, or the type of tool/resource you’re looking for.

The tools and resources shown here were gathered through a robust search of both federal and non-federal sources. We recognize that this library will never be completely comprehensive, but if you know of an important missing tool or resource, please email nesp@duke.edu.

Other searches:

Find nature-based solutions strategies (project types)

Find case studies

Covering the process of collecting and then replanting seagrass seeds and plants, this guide helps managers determine the ideal habitat criteria for their project. Additional topics covered include permitting, storing seeds and monitoring.

NBS Strategies:

This interactive map allows you to explore USDA-NCSS soil survey data for locations throughout most of the U.S. 

Type:
Relevant phase:

This guide covers all stages of oyster restoration projects, leading managers through the process from planning to monitoring. The authors also cover the ecological connectivity of oyster reefs, threats to oyster populations and funding sources.

NBS Strategies:

This implementation guide serves as step-by-step guidance ot implement NBS in coastal areas across the globe.

Designed to aid specialists with coral restoration, this guide describes procedures associated with asexual and sexual coral rearing techniques. The authors also weigh the trade-offs of different coral gardening methods and discuss coral fragmentation.

NBS Strategies:

The Sand Availability and Needs Determination (SAND) study quantifies sand needs and available sand resources for all current beach nourishment projects, both federal and non-federal, in the South Atlantic Division (SAD) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the next 50 years. This site links to the SAND 2020 summary report (must use web archive to view), a SAND dashboard, SAND web app, and a dredged material management area geodatabase all created as a part of the broader SAND study. 

Relevant phase:
NBS Strategies:

This report offers details regarding the use of natural and nature-based features (NNBF) to improve coastal resilience and was designed to support post-Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts under the North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study (NACCS). An integrative framework is offered herein that focuses on classifying NNBF, characterizing vulnerability, developing performance metrics, incorporating regional sediment management, monitoring and adaptively managing from a systems perspective, and addressing key policy challenges. 

Thin layer placement is a tool used in many restoration projects to replace natural accretion processes or make microtopographic alterations. Additional topics covered include case studies, monitoring, site suitability and site surveys.

NBS Strategies:

The Coastal Change Hazards Portal provides interactive access to coastal change science and data for our Nation’s coasts. Information and products are organized within three coastal change hazard themes: 1) extreme storms, 2) shoreline change, and 3) sea-level rise. Additionally, it diisplays the probabilities of coastal erosion.

Relevant phase:

This infographic provides a basic overview of what NBS strategies may be feasible based on landscape.

Relevant phase:

The nine federal and state agencies located at NIFC provide fundamental support to on-the-ground wildland firefighting efforts. They also develop wildland fire policy and serve as the logistical, intelligence, and decision-support center for wildland fire and other all-hazard emergency incidents throughout the nation. 

Relevant phase:

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) provides national leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. They provide trainings, publications, and other resources that are useful for all facets of wildland fire operations. 

Relevant phase:

This site includes a series of tools users can employ to address climate change adaptation issues in response to air quality, water management, waste management and emergency response, public health, and adaption planning considerations. These span from knowledge documents, land use planning tools, storm surge freqeuncy maps, to flood resiliency checklists. 

Relevant phase:

This guide covers all aspects of monitoring protocols for wetlands, including baseline data requirements and qualities to monitor for. The authors also discuss how to align monitoring operations with the goals of the project.

NBS Strategies:

This workbook accompanies 'A Manager's Guide to Coral Reef Restoration and Design', and is meant to help reef managers document the process, information, and decisions made during the initial phases of the reef restoration planning cycle. It's ultimate purpose is to provide readers with a model for creating an effective, climate-smart reef restoration plan.

Relevant phase:
NBS Strategies:

This short guidebook briefly summarizes types of living shoreline NBS, the types of sites one may implement these at, New York state permitting considerations, and provides a list of shoreline plants and the ideal shoreline type to establish them.

Relevant phase: