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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.

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This guide covers all the main facets of dune restoration, including invasive species removal, constructing boardwalks, and rebuilding dunes. The authors also include a troubleshooting section, monitoring advice, and information about the relationship between dune restoration and beach nourishment.

NBS Strategies:

This resource focuses on mitigating risks associated with coral transplantation. Topics covered include disease transmission, ecological concerns, and genetic considerations.

NBS Strategies:

This guide is the comprehensive policy document for FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), HMGP Post Fire, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) programs.

This site houses three USGS mapping tools: one to view coastal flooding/exposure data, coasta, groundwater depth data, and shoreline change data depending on different hazard scenarios. It also includes a multi-hazard viewer that predicts the effects of different sea level rise, storm, and coastal management scenarios on coastal areas.

Relevant phase:

EPA's Healthy Watersheds Program vision is to protect and maintain the aquatic ecological integrity of watersheds and supporting habitat networks to ensure that future generations may enjoy these resources and the social and economic benefits that they provide.The site includes several resource to design outreach plans, locate existing watershed restoration projects, and guidance on developing a watershed health index to evaluate your own watershed. 

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to assist communities in implementing nature-based solutions and is especially useful for Community Planning and Development Fund recipients.

Relevant phase:

This toolkit is a guide that helps recipients of HUD Community Planning and Development (CPD) funds identify opportunities to use their CPD dollars to mitigate the impacts of natural related hazards. The toolkit is divided into 6 separate sections, each related to a specific natural hazard. Each section provides an overview of the natural hazard as well as suggestions for different mitigation techniques that are eligible under different CPD programs. Additionally, the toolkit has a financing section with other funding opportunities for resilience projects.

Software that provides tree benefit estimation science through various tools and support.

NBS Strategies:

This report seeks to quanitfy the restoration benefits of EarthCorps invasive species management projects in the Puget Sound. It details practical methods to evaluate the benefits of different invasive management activites.

Relevant phase:

This document discusses background on coastal barrier island systems, the disruption of coastal sediment supply resulting, the physical and biological impacts of sediment removal and placement on benthic habitats, impacts of sediment removal and placement on fish and other marine species, changes in migratory bird nesting and foraging habitats resulting from sediment removal and placement, the ong-term impacts of sediment removal and placement on physical coastal resiliency, and the data necessary for monitoring/assessing these projects. 

This short document links to a series of resources and tools that can be used to incorporate watershed planning and green infrastructure priorities into State Hazard Mitigation Plans.

Relevant phase:

This document details methods the USFS implements to further forest restoration efforts.

Relevant phase:

Collection of case studies containing past floodplain reconnection projects, including habitat restoration and side channel creation. At the bottom of the page, Inter-Fluve also has information for related nature-based solutions (NBS) such as dam removal, large log design, and off channel habitat restoration.

Relevant phase:
NBS Strategies:

Web-based application designed to help land managers with fuel treatment planning and analysis.

NBS Strategies:

This guide provides information on invasive aquatic plant management.

Relevant phase:

This website provides a list of registered invasive species within each state and the regulations accompanying them.

This website provides a list of registered invasive species within each state and the regulations accompanying them.

This document provides information on DOI’s plans for invasive species management throughout the different bureaus and agencies.

This website provides information on invasive species within Alaska and how to manage, prevent, and report them.

Relevant phase:

This website provides information on invasive species within Alaska and how to manage, prevent, and report them.

Relevant phase: