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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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Written for technicians restoring riparian ecosystems, this guide overviews the design of riparian restoration projects for areas that are impacted by recreation. Topics covered include pest management, monitoring, planting techniques, and managing human impacts.

Produced by USACE, this resource details restoration methods for riparian and arid wetland habitat across the Western United States. Topics covered include plant species selection, planting techniques, and monitoring procedures.

The website provides a diversity of tools highlighting the best practices for riverine connectivity restoration. A special emphasis is placed on dam removal, floodplain restoration, and the economics of river restoration.

Rock weirs encompass multiple stream restoration techniques, including J-hooks, cross vanes, and step pools. The authors provide design guidance and information about the hydrology and geomorphology of rock weirs.

NBS Strategies:

Overview of sagebrush ecosystem and dependent wildlife species, plus extensive discussion of causes of sagebrush degradation and strategies to address them. Also includes a chapter on adaptive management and monitoring.

This manual contains information useful for planning, implementing, and maintaining grassland restoration projects. The case history library documents learnings from case studies from the target region.

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 report outlines the required standards for DOI and USDA for any prescribed burn activity.

NBS Strategies:

This comprehensive resource provides in-depth information for developing watershed restoration projects. Topics covered include the human dimensions of riverine connectivity, identifying restoration needs, developing and implementing projects, and project monitoring and evaluation.

Written by a distinguished team of stream experts, this guide covers different stream design processes and channel configurations. Additional topics covered include permitting, stream hydrology, and impacts on sediment.

NBS Strategies:

This guide covers siting, designing, and monitoring stream restoration projects to maximize ecological benefits. Additional topics covered include installing riparian buffers, flood studies, and an introduction to fluvial processes.

NBS Strategies:

This document provides useful information for landscape designers, cpntracting officers, etc. whose pollinator projects must comply with the design and maintenance requirements of the National Pollinator Health Strategy.

NBS Strategies:

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

This book describes methods for using prescribed fire as a control method for invasive plant species.

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:

Provides guidance on implementing urban tree planting projects from start to finish.

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A guide to help assess the urban canopy/street trees within a project area. Provides external sources to help with assessment, management, and modeling.

NBS Strategies:

This tool kit provides information on developing an urban forest management plan.

NBS Strategies:

Provides a more user-friendly adaptation of The Sustainable Urban Forest: A Step-by-Step Approach (Leff 2016). This is a full-service resource for all the guides, case studies, and research needed for an urban forestry project.

NBS Strategies:

Overview of the process of urban tree canopy assessment, including best practices and additional resources.

NBS Strategies: