The Lower Wabash River has suffered ecological degradation, including loss of aquatic habitats due to various perturbations, such as nutrient pollution from agricultural lands within the greater watershed. These issues pose a growing threat to downstream receiving waters and overall ecosystem health within the greater Mississippi River Watershed and the Gulf of Mexico.

To address these concerns, Verdantas partnered with The Nature Conservancy to develop a comprehensive ecosystem enhancement plan. Built on a foundation of collaboration and scientific rigor, the project brought together community insight and technical expertise to create a holistic strategy that was both practical and impactful. Tackling these challenges required a coordinated, data-driven framework to guide conservation efforts and support effective stakeholder engagement. Verdantas began by engaging local stakeholders, ensuring that the planning process reflected regional priorities and on-the-ground realities. This input helped shape a broader technical approach that combined agricultural Best Management Practice (BMP) evaluation with targeted floodplain restoration planning.

Using the USGS SPARROW model, the team analyzed nutrient loads across HUC 8 and HUC 12 subwatersheds, identifying areas where BMP implementation would yield the greatest benefit. These findings guided outreach to landowners and helped focus conservation efforts where they would be most effective. In addition, Verdantas applied its proprietary Ecological Floodplain Inundation Potential (EcoFIP) methodology—developed in-house—to assess more than 200 miles of the Lower Wabash River. This analysis identified floodplain areas with the highest potential for ecological uplift, particularly for supporting waterfowl, shorebirds, and wetland habitats. By integrating specific metrics and criteria to meet TNC goals and ensure capability NRCS conservation programs, the team was able to prioritize restoration opportunities and develop conceptual designs for two high-value sites.

These efforts culminated in a comprehensive planning framework that addressed immediate restoration priorities while also supporting long-term environmental goals. By combining stakeholder engagement, geospatial modeling, and innovative tools like EcoFIP, Verdantas delivered a cohesive strategy to improve water quality and strengthen the ecological integrity of the Lower Wabash River.