Great Lakes Wetland
Funded by the USEPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a wetland system is constructed to reduce phosphorous loading in a forested cropland. Phosphorus is removed through natural processes such as particulate nutrient sedimentation, sorption to soil particles, and uptake by wetland plants. The project achieved a 50% - 80% phosphorus reduction and co-benefits like wildlife and fish proliferation.
Approach
This project implemented a comprehensive built wetlands restoration approach, combining scientific research with community engagement and traditional ecological knowledge.
Implementation Steps
- Baseline assessment and site selection
- Stakeholder consultation and community engagement
- Design and planning phase with technical experts
- Implementation with local workforce training
- Monitoring and adaptive management
Timeline
The project was implemented over a 4-year period, with ongoing monitoring and maintenance continuing beyond the initial implementation phase.
Environmental Benefits
- Significant increase in native species populations
- Improved water quality and regulation
- Enhanced carbon sequestration capacity
- Reduced soil erosion and improved soil health
Social & Economic Benefits
- Created local employment opportunities
- Improved community resilience to climate impacts
- Enhanced ecosystem services valued at $5M annually
- Strengthened traditional knowledge and practices
✓ What Worked Well
- Early and continuous community engagement ensured local buy-in
- Adaptive management approach allowed for course corrections
- Integration of traditional and scientific knowledge enhanced outcomes
- Multi-stakeholder partnerships provided diverse expertise and resources
⚠ Challenges Encountered
- Initial funding delays affected project timeline
- Extreme weather events required adaptive strategies
- Coordination across multiple agencies was time-intensive
- Some species recovery took longer than initially projected
→ Recommendations for Replication
- Invest adequate time in baseline assessments and planning
- Build strong local partnerships from the project outset
- Ensure long-term funding commitments for monitoring
- Document and share learnings throughout implementation
- Plan for climate adaptation from the beginning
Help spread knowledge about nature-based solutions
Copyright Notice
© 2026 Original Authors. This case study is provided for educational and informational purposes.
Contact Information
For inquiries about this case study or collaboration opportunities:
Citation
When citing this case study, please reference: Original Authors (2026).Great Lakes Wetland. Source: https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/nature-based-solutions-roadmap/case-study-search
Related Case Studies
Georgia
Clayton County Water Authority (CCWA) has converted from spray irrigation-land application to constructed wetlands to treat municipality wastewater for Clayton County, Georgia. Constructed wetlands lower construction costs from $10 a gallon under the conventional methods to $4.73 a gallon. They also reduce land use by 75%, save energy, and reduce equipment, materials, and maintenance cost.
Read MoreCalifornia
The Salton Sea, as the largest lake in California, is an important habitat for migratory birds on the Pacific flyway. The habitat is threatened by decreased water levels and increased salinity and selenium levels. This project created an experimental complex to try and create shallow saline habitat ponds as suitable habitat for wildlife.
Read More