Introduction
Natural Climate Solutions, also called Nature-Based Solutions, are actions that reduce emissions and increase carbon storage in forests, farms, grasslands and wetlands, while providing a host of additional benefits for people and the environment.
Practices that could be included are actions like encouraging farming techniques that retain carbon in the soil, such as planting cover crops; conserving and replanting forests; conserving and restoring coastal wetlands; and reducing the loss of natural areas, planting trees, and providing parks in communities.
Not only do these efforts help address climate change – they can improve water quality, prevent natural disasters like wildfire, drought, and flooding, protect wildlife habitat, and provide opportunities for hiking and fishing. Best of all, these solutions are cost effective, and can often improve local economies.
Below you can explore how people in Michigan are benefiting from implementing nature-based solutions in their community through a diverse set of resources from USN4C members and others, including blog articles, videos, comprehensive reports, and more.
Blog Articles


© U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest region
American Forests Article: Comeback of Rare Kirtland’s Warbler Depends on Unique Reforestation Strategy


© California Conservation Corps.
U.S. Nature4Climate/American Forests Article: Growing Trees, Growing Jobs


© Fauna Creative for TNC
The Nature Conservancy Article: What’s on the Menu? Farmers across Michigan are implementing sustainable practices that are good for our planet and our stomachs.
Forests:
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Wild North – Saving the Keweenaw Peninsula
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Great Lakes Northwoods
- The Nature Conservancy Press Release: First Carbon Credits for Michigamme Highlands Carbon Project Issued: The Nature Conservancy Issued 211,000 credits for businesses to reduce carbon footprint, address climate change
- Land Trust Alliance Article: USDA Invests $1.5 Billion in Climate Solutions and Conservation
- The Nature Conservancy Press Release: The Nature Conservancy Plants 51,000 Native Trees in the Ottawa (MI) National Forest
- USDA Forest Service Region 9 Press Release: USDA Forest Service Invests Nearly $3.9M to Restore Tribal, State and Private Forests Across Eastern Region
- National Association of Conservation Districts Press Release: NACD Announces Urban and Community Conservation Grants for 35 Recipients
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet: Forest Legacy 2024 Funded Projects
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Seeing the City for the Trees
Agriculture & Grasslands:
- U.S. Nature4Climate/Environmental Defense Fund Article: Cargill and Soil Health Institute find farmer experience with soil health pays off. Here’s how.
- SCIENCE: (University of Tennessee-Knoxville & Doane University): Journal of Human Sciences & Extension Study: A Midwest Perspective on Biochar Integration in Extension
Wetlands:
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: Change in Federal Protections for Wetlands Poses Resilience Challenge for States
- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Nature-based Solutions Interactive Map: Michigan – Lower Muskegon River Restoration
Reports

The Nature Conservancy Report: 2024 Michigan Annual Report
Videos & Podcasts

Video: Protecting A Legacy: Keweenaw Heartlands Project with The Nature Conservancy (The Crossing Place)
Explore More!

A new national survey conducted by U.S. Nature4Climate shows that voters across party lines support natural climate solutions more than ever, suggesting fertile ground for bi-partisan cooperation and consensus-building, opening up new avenues for climate action. Learn more.

Explore U.S. Climate Alliance‘s Climate Policy Database.

Explore Nature4Communities, a resource that shows you how nature-based solutions are critical for your community’s well-being and become a better advocate for their implementation.