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Engineering With Nature® is the intentional alignment of natural and engineering processes to efficiently and effectively deliver economic, ecological, and social benefits through collaboration.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering With Nature® (EWN) Program applies science and engineering to deliver infrastructure solutions that are effective, resilient, and operationally efficient. By integrating natural and engineering processes, EWN delivers smarter, more efficient infrastructure—maximizing benefits for navigation, coastal storm protection, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration.
Watch as Dr. Todd Bridges, the former National Lead and founder of EWN, explains the four major elements of EWN.
Engineering With Nature® (EWN) applies innovative science and engineering to enhance coastal storm protection, flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration while improving efficiency and reducing long-term costs. By integrating natural and built systems, EWN delivers solutions that optimize infrastructure performance, strengthen resilience, and provide lasting ecological and community benefits.
Through collaboration and cutting-edge research, EWN continues to develop and implement approaches that align with USACE Civil Works missions—delivering infrastructure that works with nature to enhance safety, reliability, and adaptability.
A rendering of a horizontal levee design that achieves storm and flood risk reduction while increasing habitat value.
Levee rehab borrow pit converted into emergent wetland at Missouri River levee system L-536 (2021). The repetitive cycle of repairing levees in place after each major flood event, such as what was historically conducted at L-536, can led to increased Operations and Maintenance and Repair, Replacement, and Rehabilitation costs, and as the infrastructure ages there can be general concerns over the effective level of protection. After the 2019 flood breached the L-536 levee in multiple locations, the L-536 levee setback project (conducted under PL 84-99) restored a level of risk reduction at the site while reconnecting the Missouri River to over 1,000 acres of its floodplain. The expansion of riverward floodplain land results in the additional benefits of increased recreational opportunities; aesthetics; cultural, spiritual, and educational opportunities; and additional fish and wildlife habitat.
EWN enhances USACE’s ability to deliver efficient, resilient, and effective infrastructure solutions that support coastal storm protection, flood risk management, navigation, and restoration. Moving forward, EWN will continue to:
By applying science, engineering, and collaboration, EWN delivers infrastructure that is adaptable, high-performing, and aligned with USACE Civil Works priorities.
Engineering With Nature is built on strong partnerships across disciplines and organizations worldwide. The tenth-anniversary video below showcases the strong collaborations that have expanded EWN’s reach and impact, making it a force multiplier for USACE and its mission partners.
The strong relationships and collaborations built with partners around the world have fueled EWN’s progress over the past decade. Some of EWN’s partners share their greetings and congratulations on the 10th anniversary of EWN.
An ecosystem approach for planning, designing, constructing and operating projects where social, economic and ecological factors are thoughtfully weighed in the decision-making process.
Reflecting the reality that USACE projects exist in complex physical and social/cultural systems, and that a single action influences many other parts of the system.
Focused on the long-term resilience of project solutions and the benefit streams provided by the system over time.
Built on first understanding, then working deliberately with natural forces and processes to accomplish engineering goals.
Based on effective partner and stakeholder communication, engagement and collaboration through the entire life cycle of a project beginning at the earliest conceptual stages.
Reducing time and rework, while minimizing social friction.
Embracing new and emerging technologies and incorporating continuous learning, technology transfer and adoption of new practices.
Demonstrating adaptive attitudes, structures and processes that enable living, evolving and lasting projects.
Engineering With Nature® is the intentional alignment of natural and engineering processes to efficiently and effectively deliver economic, ecological, and social benefits through collaboration.