Nature-based strategies 101
The devastating winter storms of 2023 and early 2024 caused extreme shoreline change in many of Maine’s island and coastal communities. These storms emphasized the risks—like sea level rise and erosion—that come with living and working on the coast.
In response to these challenges, many coastal communities are exploring solutions through nature-based strategies, which differ from traditional shoreline stabilization tactics like riprap. Our experts break down what nature-based strategies are and explain their potential social, economic, and environmental benefits.
“Communities have been reaching for nature-based strategies that might not cause some of these [hard infrastructure] issues and will make the community as a whole more resilient to shoreline change.”
— Emma Polhemus, Shore Corps Steward
LEARN MORE WITH THE CALLING YOUR BLUFF TOOLKIT
