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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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Incorporating the natural dynamism in dune ecosystems into restoration projects is covered in the chapter, in addition to specific techniques. The authors also discuss the benefits involved with dune restoration and balancing restoration with recreation.

Relevant phase:
NBS Strategies:

FVS is a tool commonly used in forestry by land managers. FVS can provide useful insight into how to thin for various goals, especially the Fire and Fuels Extension.

NBS Strategies:

Resource library that provides managers with best practices for managing forests within urban areas as opposed to street trees or landscaped parks.

NBS Strategies:

This guide provides information on how to conduct a variety of fuel reduction projects.

Relevant phase:
NBS Strategies:

Compilation of resources for grassland and sagebrush restoration practitioners, including a web map for priority sagebrush areas, links to existing projects, and data synthesis on invasive annual grasses.

This resource guide provides a brief overview of green ifnrastructre interventions before explaining green infrastructure/engineering soutions to 11 infrastructure planning concerns. Each section breaks down specific engineering design options to address the issue, design and siting considerations, monitoring and evaluation resources, and tips on raising awareness and education about the topic issue.

This toolkit provides basic information about green roofs, their benefits, installation considerations, and maintenance needs.

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This webpage provides information on how to implement green roofs on historic buildings, specifically within the NPS.

Relevant phase:
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This guide details the process of monitoring riparian restoration projects. The authors explain the reasoning behind monitoring, what to monitor, and monitoring techniques.

Relevant phase:

This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of seagrass restoration from project planning to monitoring. The guide also gives a regional breakdown of permitting requirements needed for a project.

NBS Strategies:

Overview webpage outlining funding, restoration techniques, invasive species removal, design considerations, and potential obstacles to restoration. This resource focuses on practical concerns, such as finding contractors and funding opportunities.

This is a step-by-step guide to conducting a prescribed burn from start to finish, with habitat management as the primary goal. It also offers specific technical guidelines.

NBS Strategies:

This guide encompasses a variety of coral reef damage mitigation strategies, including ways to remediate the impacts of oil spills, dredging, sedimentation, and pollutant-laden stormwater runoff. The guide also contains a comprehensive list of all federal statutes that apply to coral reefs.

NBS Strategies:

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:

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. 

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

NBS Strategies:

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

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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.