Celebrating the 10-Year Anniversary of Engineering With Nature

On the 10th anniversary of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE), Engineering With Nature (EWN) initiative, we’re taking a look at its foundation, fundamental principles, applications to date, and its promise for the future. Dr. Todd Bridges, Senior Research Scientist in Environmental Science is our guest. Todd serves as the National Lead for EWN and the effort to collaborate across USACE and with other organizations in expanding this approach to infrastructure development. EWN provides opportunities to integrate engineering and natural processes to produce outcomes that reduce demands on limited resources, minimizing negative impacts, and creating new benefits and value.   Over the coming decades, trillions of dollars will be invested in infrastructure projects, and these efforts can be planned and designed using EWN to diversify and expand an array of economic, social and environmental benefits. For example, EWN offers USACE the opportunity to support navigation and flood risk infrastructure while also producing co-benefits such as habitat for wildlife, recreational sites for communities, and other benefits.  Success and advancements in EWN practice have been achieved through research and development, constructing and monitoring demonstration projects, implementing and documenting full-scale projects, and continuous communication and education.  Collaboration is a central theme that integrates all of these activities. In this episode, Todd provides his perspective on the EWN portfolio and future plans for the initiative. Related Links: EWN Website ERDC Website Todd Bridges Howard Odum Ecological Engineering Ian McHarg, Design with Nature EWN Atlas Horseshoe Bend Island at the Atchafalaya River EWN Strategic Plan Walter Anderson, artist