The 2024 ASBPA Conference in Galveston, Texas, provided a vital platform for the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Program to share its groundbreaking work on nature-based solutions (NBS) and strengthen collaborations with partners from various sectors. ERDC scientists and engineers, led several technical sessions that explored the integration of natural systems into infrastructure projects, a key component of advancing sustainable engineering solutions.
A major highlight of the conference was the SNP x N-EWN Mixer, co-hosted by the Network for Engineering With Nature (N-EWN) and the ASBPA Students and New Professionals (SNP) chapter. Held at The Spot, a venue overlooking the Gulf, the event drew more than 50 participants from the private sector, academia, and USACE districts. This networking opportunity fostered dialogue and connection among professionals dedicated to advancing nature-based solutions for coastal resilience.
The “Engineering With Nature® – The Path from Research to Implementation” session, was another notable event. This session marked a pivotal transition from research and development to real-world implementation of EWN principles, with presentations showcasing the successes and challenges of integrating natural processes into coastal and watershed management. The session included:
- Dr. Peter Tereskiewicz (USACE-ERDC): His presentation highlighted a novel approach to coastal management by utilizing raked organic debris to enhance dune stability, providing insights into both geomorphological and ecological impacts.
- Sydney Crisanti (USACE-ERDC): She presented the Engineering With Nature (EWN) Modeling Toolkit, an innovative tool designed to integrate Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBFs) into numerical modeling workflows, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of coastal resilience planning.
- Elizabeth Godsey (USACE-SAM): Presented on the diverse efforts and research performed for the Deer Island restoration study, including utilizing EWN’s Coastal Storm Modeling System (CSTORM-MS) Toolkit to study storm impact mitigation through Natural Based Solutions, contributing to resilient coastline development.
- Dr. Burton Suedel (USACE-ERDC): He presented on island creation in Breton Sound, Louisiana, using dredged materials from the Baptiste Collette navigation channel, showcasing the positive ecological outcomes such as the establishment of seabird colonies on these newly constructed islands.
Through these presentations and discussions, the EWN Program effectively demonstrated how nature-based solutions are transitioning from research to tangible implementation, providing significant social, economic, and environmental benefits.
