The Center for Nature-Based Solutions – The Center for Nature-Based Solutions at Naples Botanical Garden is a research, education, and applied science program dedicated to harnessing the power of nature to solve environmental and societal challenges. Nature-based solutions are interventions using nature’s template to improve ecosystem health, support biodiversity, improve economic conditions, and enhance human well-being.

Beach Dune Restoration – Beach dunes are the first line of defense against water and wind damage. Armed with extensive research on natural coastal ecosystems, the Garden has developed a dune restoration strategy that uses an array of native plants that capture and accumulate sand, while also providing wildlife habitat.

Water Management – Southwest Florida suffers periodic algal breakouts, a problem linked to excess nitrogen and phosphorus carried by stormwater into ponds, canals, rivers, and the Gulf. The Garden’s stormwater management system provides a model for using plants to purify runoff. The system includes bioswales, such as the Hamilton Avenue Bioswale, lake banks with native plant buffers, a rain garden, and a miniature Everglades ecosystem at the heart of the property.

Prescribed Fire as a Nature-Based Solution – Fire is a critical land management tool in Florida that encourages the growth of new plants, promotes seed distribution, and, critically, reduces accumulated plant matter that could fuel a wildfire. The Garden began a prescribed burn program in 2023 and successfully completed three. Safety precautions include the creation of firebreaks to contain the blaze to its designated area and the removal of vines and low-growing branches to keep the fire from climbing into the canopy. A certified burn manager, his team, and other regional conservation partners join our fire-certified staff in conducting this operation.

Conserve Magazine – Conserve, the Garden’s conservation focused magazine, is distributed annually to Garden Members and supporters. Read on to discover more of what is happening on these 170 acres and beyond.