Our Approach​​

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At Disaster Science LLC, we approach resilience as both a science and a shared responsibility. Our Nature-Based Solutions framework blends ecological design, climate data, and community collaboration to create adaptive systems that evolve with the environment.

 

We work with public agencies, researchers, and local partners to assess risk, identify high-impact green interventions, and translate evidence into action — ensuring every project improves safety, equity, and ecological health.
Whether advising on urban green infrastructure, coastal restoration, or watershed management, our goal is simple: build protection that grows stronger with time

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Our Capabilities

 

Assessment & Planning

 

Nature–Gray Integration Strategy: Combining geospatial (GIS) data with on-the-ground insights, we identify where nature-based features will meaningfully boost gray infrastructure. We facilitate concept design and partner alignment, evaluating how wetlands, green corridors, and vegetated swales can improve the effectiveness of levees, floodwalls, and municipal drainage.

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​Adaptive Design & Policy Integration: We assist agencies and organizations in embedding “Engineering with Nature” principles into local policies, capital improvement plans, and grant applications. Our work connects global best practices with local implementation — ensuring every project aligns with FEMA, USACE, and NOAA resilience frameworks.

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Feasibility & Cost-Benefit Analysis: We evaluate the technical and financial viability of NbS versus traditional gray infrastructure, providing clear data on long-term cost savings and co-benefits

 

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Design & Implementation

 

Green Infrastructure Integration for Urban Systems: Our team advises municipalities and developers on how to retrofit existing gray infrastructure with green components. From vegetated retention basins to permeable roadway edges, we help translate design concepts into actionable resilience strategies that can attract federal and private-sector funding.

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​​​Blue-Green Carbon & Climate Adaptation: We help organizations design and evaluate carbon-sequestering projects — such as wetland or forest restoration — that enhance resilience and align with emerging climate finance standards. Our expertise bridges adaptation planning, environmental economics, and impact measurement.

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Coastal Resilience Engineering: We specialize in the assessment, modeling, and design phase of coastal resilience projects. We identify the optimal natural strategies—such as oyster reefs or marsh restoration—for a given site and create the engineered plans to achieve wave attenuation and erosion control, providing a sustainable alternative to seawalls and hard armoring.

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​Resilient Infrastructure Planning & Feasibility Support: We collaborate with planners, engineers, and funding partners to assess the feasibility of nature-based infrastructure solutions. Using resilience metrics and benefit-cost framing, we help clients evaluate how ecological design can extend the lifespan and performance of existing infrastructure systems.

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Community & Homeowner Nature-Based Retrofits: We provide education and customized guidance for neighborhoods and homeowners seeking practical, affordable ways to implement nature-based resilience — from rain gardens and native tree planting to permeable landscaping and flood-ready yard design.

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​​​Monitoring, Evaluation & Maintenance

 

Ecological Performance Monitoring: We track the health and development of implemented NbS using drones, sensors, and on-the-ground surveys to ensure they are establishing as designed.

 

Risk Reduction Metrics & Reporting: We measure key performance indicators, such as post-project flood heights, wave attenuation, and groundwater recharge, to demonstrate the direct return on investment in risk reduction terms.

 

Adaptive Management Planning: We provide long-term maintenance plans and adaptive management strategies to ensure the resilience and longevity of the natural systems we install, allowing them to thrive and evolve with the climate.

 

Our Differentiator: The Science of Implementation

Our services go beyond conceptual design. We bridge the critical gap between ecological science and on-the-ground construction. We understand soil hydrology, plant sociology, and civil engineering, ensuring that our living solutions are not only beautiful but are engineered to perform under pressure.

Ready to build with nature? [Contact us] to discuss which service can address your most pressing resilience challenge.