ENGINEERING WITH NATURE

The launch of the Engineering With Nature® (EWN) initiative in 2010 revolutionized USACE, energizing a shift toward integrating natural elements into engineered solutions for maximum benefit, operational efficiency and sustainability.

While USACE had sporadically incorporated nature-based features into its projects, EWN introduced a more systematic and focused framework.

Today, the program is a major DOD partner, and has been amplified by a surge of support from Congress and the White House. EWN is also leading the efforts to help USACE meet its goal of beneficially using 70 percent of dredged material by 2030.

EWN’s 2010 launch was led by ERDC’s Dr. Todd Bridges, then Army Senior Scientist for Environmental Science. Supported by extensive ERDC research, EWN has become a widespread movement that has integrated natural elements into infrastructure development and contributed to a more resilient, sustainable and collaborative future.

To share its best principles, EWN released An Atlas, Volume 1 in 2018, offering a visually striking compilation of examples of natural and nature-based engineering work worldwide. In 2021, Atlas Volume 2 was released. These publications showcased diverse applications and benefits, featured the collaboration between organizations and disciplines, and highlighted the economic, environmental and social benefits of nature-based solutions (NBS). Atlas Volume 3 is expected to be released in early 2024.

The Network for Engineering With Nature

(N-EWN), launched in 2019, unites organizations to address infrastructure challenges by aligning ecological and engineering processes. It seeks to accelerate nature-based solutions by amplifying collaboration between researchers, practitioners and educators across multiple disciplines. N-EWN combines practical application with multidisciplinary expertise to deliver sustainable value to people and ecosystems.

EWN became a funded USACE program in 2019 when Congress allocated $12 million in appropriations. That investment grew in 2021 when $21 million was appropriated. In 2023, more than 50 ongoing projects and pilot studies are providing valuable insights into the technical aspects, feasibility and potential scaling-up of NBS. This research spans diverse landscapes and addresses varied challenges from sediment management to flood risk, coastal storm damage reduction and habitat health.

In 2015, EWN began designating select USACE Districts as EWN Proving Grounds to test and measure innovative NBS ideas. Strategically chosen, EWN proving grounds act as real-world testbeds, affirming the efficacy of EWN principles through practical applications. Selected districts and divisions tackle key issues, prioritize natural and nature-based features (NNBF) integration, align with regional goals, and share lessons learned. Projects span USACE missions, often initiating with flood risk management but accomplishing objectives and providing benefits across mission boundaries.

In 2021, USACE led an effort to publish the International Guidelines on Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Management. This initiative emerged from needing a comprehensive guide informed by global expertise. The guidelines raise awareness and offer effective implementation strategies for NBS in flood risk management.

EWN partnered with the DOD in 2021 to address the escalating challenges of natural hazards, climate change and aging infrastructure across the DOD’s vast operational landscapes. EWN worked with the DOD to envision a future of NBS to ensure mission resilience. To further support this effort, EWN published the EWN DOD Atlas, Supporting Mission Resilience and Infrastructure Value at Department of Defense Installations. The publication featured diverse natural infrastructure examples, proving their potential to enhance resilience.

Seven of the 10 priorities outlined in the USACE R&D Strategy, released in November 2021, are EWN focus areas. From adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change to infrastructure modernization, EWN supports resilient communities, sustainable environments and smarter installations. By addressing these priorities, EWN tackles current challenges and shapes a more secure and sustainable future for the nation. EWN’s collaboration across ERDC and integration of natural and engineered elements are central to addressing the challenges of the 21st century.