The Network for Engineering with Nature®
Combining a diversity of on-the-ground experience with interdisciplinary teams.
The Network for Engineering with Nature (N-EWN), established in 2019, is an active community of researchers, practitioners and educators who are addressing the major infrastructure challenges facing our society while creating opportunities that align ecological, social and engineering processes to achieve multiple societal benefits.
Our Vision and Mission
N-EWN is a network of vested organizations creating a resilient future by integrating conventional and natural infrastructure to improve societal well-being by sustainably delivering more value and benefits to people and ecosystems.
Gather
To facilitate the social dynamics of innovation among diverse organizations in a kind, transparent and productive space
Advance
To advance research and practice, shorten the path to innovation, co-produce knowledge and build the value case for natural infrastructure
Scale up
To mainstream natural infrastructure and bring it to a scale that provides broad societal benefits
Inform
To provide expertise on the implementation of large-scale, sustainable and research-informed natural and hybrid infrastructure
Educate
To empower the next generation of practitioners to align ecological, social and engineering processes through education and workforce development
Advocate
To inform sound policy that facilitates a sustainable, equitable and resilient future
What is Engineering With Nature?
Engineering With Nature (EWN ® ) is the intentional alignment of natural and engineering processes to efficiently and sustainably deliver economic, environmental and social benefits through collaboration. It utilizes natural infrastructure:
Natural infrastructure performs engineering functions and services;
Such as preventing erosion, reducing damage to property from storms, supporting thriving ecosystems.
It includes natural systems
(whether conserved, created, enhanced or restored) such as wetlands, floodplains, reefs, living shorelines, dunes, and barrier islands, among others
And it produces a broad array of social, environmental and economic benefits.
Such as flood protection, providing recreation opportunities, supporting economically valuable species and absorbing pollution and carbon dioxide.
OUR APPROACH
Collaboration
Progress and innovation happen best through collaboration and partnerships across disciplines, organizations and perspectives.
Transdisciplinary Research Teams
The most significant knowledge gaps in science and engineering occur at the boundaries of disciplines. We strive to fill in those gaps by working across boundaries.
Real-World Application
True innovation in infrastructure development and operations hinges on successful ‘on-the-ground’ demonstration of new ideas and approaches.
Education and Outreach
We bridge educational boundaries to produce future infrastructure practitioners who are prepared to meet challenges and opportunities in the 21st century and beyond.