The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has launched two new Nature-Based Solution resources. The first is an interactive tool that provides a high-level overview of nature-based solutions and their benefits, while showcasing examples of how they are being applied in locations across Florida, successfully addressing flooding, high-heat impacts, coastal erosion, and declining water quality. 

The tool also serves as a portal to a library of fact sheets that profile each project in more depth. Each fact sheet includes the challenge addressed, project cost, materials used, permitting considerations, performance outcomes, and lessons learned. These resources are intended to provide practical guidance to government officials, developers, HOAs, and others seeking effective, scalable solutions that help support long-term community resilience. 

Nature-based solutions rely on the power of nature to mitigate or solve problems, using elements like mangroves, salt marshes, oyster reefs, beach dunes, and native plantings to reduce flooding, erosion, and heat, for example. Hybrid solutions combine these natural features with traditional infrastructure, such as seawalls or culverts, when needed. Together, they provide flexible options that protect communities while also supporting healthy ecosystems.  

“Nature-based options for pressing issues like flooding can provide some significant protective advantages while also often being economical and providing a lot of additional benefits,” said Dr. Carrie Schuman, Conservancy Climate Resilience Advisor. “These new resources showcase practical examples that communities can evaluate, replicate, and learn from as they plan for a more resilient future.” 

The Conservancy developed the resources following its December 2024 symposium, Working with Nature: Nature-Based and Hybrid Solutions for Resilient Communities, which brought together experts from across the state. The Conservancy will continue adding new example projects over time, expanding understanding of the benefits nature-based and hybrid solutions can provide across Southwest Florida and beyond. 

To learn more about the Conservancy’s Nature-Based Solutions Resources, you can use the interactive tool and view the library at www.conservancy.org/nbs. Dr. Carrie Schuman, Conservancy Climate Resilience Advisor, will be available by Zoom and in person for interviews and to walk people through using the tool.