Engineering With Nature

Engineering With Nature for Mission-Ready Infrastructure

Starting January 2025 | Monthly Virtual Course for the Department of Navy

Course Overview

Department of Navy (DON) installations face increasing risks from natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, coastal storms, erosion, and desertification. Protecting mission-critical infrastructure and operational readiness requires innovative, cost-effective solutions. Natural Infrastructure (NI)—whether used alone or alongside conventional infrastructure—offers a proven, science-based approach to reducing these risks while enhancing long-term installation resilience.

This course, developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineering With Nature (EWN) program, equips DON personnel with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and integrate NI solutions at military installations. Designed for planners, engineers, facility managers, scientists, environmental professionals, natural resources managers, and installation leaders, this training provides practical tools and real-world case studies to help participants initiate and scale NI projects that strengthen mission readiness and safeguard critical installation assets.

What You Will Learn

  • Understand foundational concepts of natural infrastructure (NI), including terminology, history, and application to address natural hazards.
  • Explore project development strategies and steps for natural hazards risk reduction, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring.
  • Gain familiarity with science and engineering techniques for designing NI in coastal, riverine, and arid systems.
  • Learn about regulatory frameworks, including NEPA and permitting requirements, that apply to NI in varied landscapes.
  • Dive into case studies showcasing real-world success stories in NI project design, implementation, and monitoring.
  • Learn about the integration of NI with conventional infrastructure to boost mission resilience.
  • Acquire insights into the long-term monitoring and adaptive management necessary for NI projects.

By the end of the course, attendees will possess the knowledge and tools to implement NI in various landscape settings to reduce risks from natural hazards and enhance the resilience of DON installations.

Course Format

  • Launch Date: 14 January 2025
  • Format: Virtual platform, invite sent upon registration.
  • Duration: Nine modules, delivered live by expert instructors and practitioners. Recorded sessions available online.
  • PDHs: Earn 2 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) per module by attending live sessions. PDHs will not be awarded for viewing recorded sessions.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for DON personnel, including planners, engineers, facility managers, scientists, environmental professionals, natural resources managers and installation leaders responsible for mission readiness.

Key Take Aways

Participants in this course will gain:

  • A deep understanding of the benefits derived from natural infrastructure across different environments.
  • Proficiencies in developing NI projects in coastal, riverine, and arid systems.
  • Tools for navigating the regulatory landscape, including NEPA and permitting requirements.
  • Knowledge of NI engineering performance, as well as case studies highlighting real-world successes.
  • An appreciation for integrating NI with traditional infrastructure and the importance of long-term monitoring.

Registration Information

Ready to enhance your understanding of natural infrastructure? Register for the course by clicking the “Register Now” button and filling out the form.

Course Content

Access to the recordings are stored separately and shared with course registrants. 

  1. Introduction to NI (14 January  2025)
  2. Strategies for Co-Developing NI Projects (18 February 2025)
  3. NI in Coastal Systems – Part 1 (18 March 2025)
  4. NI in Coastal Systems – Part 2 (22 April 2025)
  5. NI in Inland Landscapes – Part 1 (20 May 2025)
  6. NI in Inland Landscapes – Part 2
  7. NI Regulatory Framework
  8. Existing Guidance
  9. NI from Concept to Construction

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I pause and resume the course at my convenience?

A. The course is designed with flexibility in mind. You can choose to complete each module at your own pace, whether during the monthly live session or by accessing the recorded content afterward. The course materials, including notes and supplementary content, will remain available for future review, allowing you to stop and pick up where you left off.

Q. What is the total approximate time commitment for the course?

A. The course consists of 9 modules, each approximately 2 hours long, delivered monthly. You can choose to attend live broadcasts or review the recordings and materials at a time that suits your schedule. There are no tests or required assignments, so the time commitment is flexible and can be adjusted to your learning goals.

Q. Is there a capacity limit for live attendance?

A. Yes, live attendance will be limited to 1,000 participants. Since we anticipate high demand, we recommend early registration to secure a spot if you plan to join live. For those unable to attend live, recorded modules will be available for on-demand access.

Q. Will the course be recorded, and can I access the recordings if I miss a live session?

A. Yes, each module will be recorded, and recordings will be accessible to all registered participants. While live attendance is encouraged for the benefit of interactive Q&A, recordings will be available for review at any time after the session.

Q. On the registration page, what is the box labelled ‘code’ referring to?

A. DoD function codes identify the type of work performed by all activities in the defense department. Every active, reserve, and civilian manpower authorization (or billet) is assigned. a DoD function code to describe the work performed. Example, NAVFAC Pacific Environmental Terrestrial Division code is EV51.

 

Charting success together.

USACE Engineering With Nature