This presentation includes multiple case studies of shoreline restoration and aquatic habitat creation projects undertaken throughout the Great Lakes region under the Initiative for Resilient Great Lakes Coasts. Funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and implemented through a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI), these projects represent a collaborative, community-centered approach to addressing the ecological and infrastructure challenges facing Great Lakes coastlines. Case studies will include a range of design strategies employed across diverse shoreline contexts, including bluff and bank stabilization, aquatic habitat structure installation, shoreline softening techniques, toe protection measures, and the integration of public and recreational access. Each case study highlights how site-specific conditions and community priorities shaped final design outcomes. Case studies will highlight the role of meaningful community engagement in driving project success from early stakeholder outreach to design iteration. These case studies offer inspiration and lessons for practitioners working in the areas of coastal resilience, ecological restoration, and community partnership. This talk is meant to supplement the broader programmatic presentation discussing the same initiative.
