Resources for

Wetlands

Training

Nassau County Coastal Resilience Forum & Field Trip

On October 28, 2024, state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address coastal issues gathered at the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy in Sands Point, NY to identify opportunities to increase resilience, learn about best practices, and enhance coordination across communities. There were presentations on the Long Island Sound Resilience Resource Hub & Assistance Programs, NYSDEC Office of Climate Change updates, marsh conservation planning, bluff management and restoration, and nature-based solutions to increase shoreline resilience. There was also a guided walking tour of the resilience projects at Sands Point Preserve.

The event is hosted by Long Island Sound Study and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy and Nassau and Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation Districts.   

New York State
Erosion
Flooding
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Stormwater Management
Planning
Extreme Weather & Storms
Funding/Grants
Policies & Regulations
Wetlands
Long Island Sound Study Sea Grant NY Nassau Coastal Erosion Forum

Funding

: Oct 27 – Feb 24, 2026

Min $100K for Planning Grants, $500K for Implementation

PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program – FY26

Established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program aims to help make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. Funding is available for planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk costal infrastructure. Projects selected under this program should be grounded in the best available scientific understanding of climate change risks, impacts, and vulnerabilities, and should utilize innovative and collaborative approaches to risk reduction, including the use of nature-based solutions.

New York State
Connecticut State
Flooding
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Infrastructure
Extreme Weather & Storms
Wetlands

Training

Suffolk County Coastal Resilience Forum & Field Trip

On October 29, 2024, state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address coastal issues gathered at the Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp in Riverhead, NY to identify opportunities to increase resilience, learn about best practices, and enhance coordination across communities. There were presentations on the Long Island Sound Resilience Resource Hub, NYSDEC Climate Office updates, marsh conservation planning, bluff management and restoration, and nature-based solutions to increase shoreline resilience. There was also a field trip to Iron Pier Beach/Maidstone Landing to view and learn about a community bluff restoration project.

This event was hosted by Long Island Sound Study and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with Nassau and Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Nassau CCE, and Maidstone Landing. 

New York State
Erosion
Flooding
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Stormwater Management
Planning
Extreme Weather & Storms
Funding/Grants
Policies & Regulations
Wetlands
Long Island Sound Study Sea Grant NY Suffolk SWCD Cornell Cooperative Extension

Funding

: Dec 10, 2024

The New York Community Trust: Westchester Ongoing Competitive Grants

The New York Community Trust, which brings together the New York Community Trust, The Long Island Community Foundation, and Westchester Community Foundation offers competitive grants to nonprofits to support projects in a number of areas across New York City, Westchester, Long Island and beyond. For work on Westchester, proposals are accepted from nonprofits during the specified timeframes.

New York State
Habitat
Land Use
Environmental Health Hazards
Water Quality
Community Engagement
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Funding

: Dec 10, 2024

The New York Community Trust: Long Island Ongoing Competitive Grants

The New York Community Trust, which brings together the New York Community Trust, The Long Island Community Foundation, and Westchester Community Foundation offers competitive grants to nonprofits to support projects in a number of areas across New York City, Westchester, Long Island and beyond. For work on Long Island, proposals are accepted from nonprofits during the specified timeframes.

New York State
Habitat
Land Use
Environmental Health Hazards
Water Quality
Community Engagement
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Resource

Level of Effort:

Conservation Commissions and Natural Resource Resilience

This fact sheet for Conservation Commissions in Connecticut reviews the role of these commissions for enhancing the climate resilience of their communities. The resource was developed by CIRCA and covers the authority and duties of conservation commissions as well as detailing specific strategies and approaches.

Connecticut State
Flooding
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Water Quality
Planning
Recreation & Access
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Guidance Tool

Level of Effort:

A Guide to Permitting Shoreline Modification Projects in New York’s Tidal Waters

The permitting process for shoreline modification projects is complex and it can be daunting to know where to begin. Check out New York Sea Grant’s NEW Guide to Permitting Shoreline Modification Projects in New York’s Tidal Waters for an overview of the process informed by federal, state, and local perspectives. It is intended for permit applicants using the New York State Joint Application for shoreline construction or modification, ranging from major to minor projects such as construction of floating docks, installing natural and nature-based features, bulkhead repair, development near a wetland, dredging, and invasive species removal.

New York State
Erosion
Flooding
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Infrastructure
Policies & Regulations
Wetlands

Funding

: Dec 10, 2024

$500 - $1,000

Seed Grants Program

Awards small grants in support of grassroots efforts and community-based environmental work in New England. The Grassroots Fund utilizes participatory grantmaking to move resources to New England grassroots groups working at the intersections of Environmental Justice. The program is geared toward groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Grants support groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders, and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes.

Connecticut State
Water Quality
Green Infrastructure
Marine Debris
Waste Management
Wetlands
Community Engagement
Policies & Regulations
Extreme Weather & Storms
Recreation & Access
Planning
Incentive Programs
Infrastructure
Erosion
Stormwater Management
Environmental Justice
Economic Impacts
Aquatic Resources
Sea Level Rise
Environmental Health Hazards
Nature-based Solutions
Land Use
Habitat
Flooding

Funding

: Feb 14 – Jun 21, 2024

$50,000 - $1M

2025 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program

The primary goal of the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG) Program is the long‐term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. The program is designed to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal areas through competitive matching grants to eligible State agencies.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Wetlands

Funding

: Feb 22 – Apr 10, 2024

$100,000 - $10M

National Coastal Resilience Fund 2024

The NCRF is a national program with the goal of enhancing protection for coastal communities from the impacts of storms, floods, and other natural coastal hazards and to improve habitats for fish and wildlife. This year, NFWF will award approximately $140 million in grants for the planning, design, and implementation of natural and nature-based solutions.

New York State
Connecticut State
Erosion
Flooding
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Aquatic Resources
Extreme Weather & Storms
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Guidance Tool

CTDEEP Tidal Wetlands Guidance Document

The CTDEEP document provides information about the many ways individuals, property owners, and communities can help protect Connecticut’s tidal wetlands.  

Connecticut State
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Wetlands

Funding

: Oct 12 – Dec 15, 2023

$800M total available

FY23 Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program – New York

The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, funds are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.

New York State
Connecticut State
Flooding
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Stormwater Management
Infrastructure
Planning
Extreme Weather & Storms
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Funding

: Dec 10, 2024

up to $9,950

Long Island Sound Resilience Grant Writing Assistance Program

New York Sea Grant and Connecticut Sea Grant are providing grant preparation and writing capacity to New York and Connecticut communities that are pursuing funding for sustainability and resilience-focused projects. This technical assistance program helps municipalities and community organizations develop successful grant proposals and develop capacity for navigating the funding landscape. 

New York State
Connecticut State
Water Quality
Green Infrastructure
Marine Debris
Waste Management
Wetlands
Community Engagement
Policies & Regulations
Extreme Weather & Storms
Recreation & Access
Planning
Incentive Programs
Infrastructure
Erosion
Stormwater Management
Environmental Justice
Economic Impacts
Aquatic Resources
Sea Level Rise
Environmental Health Hazards
Nature-based Solutions
Land Use
Habitat
Flooding

Funding

: Nov 28 – Feb 24, 2024

up to $50,000

New York Climate Resilience Grant Program

The Climate Resilience Grant Program (CRGP) offers grants for projects that contribute to a world where people and nature can thrive. The goal of the program is to support partners in protecting the lands and waters critical for adapting to climate change. As climate change drives ecosystem instability, plants and animals are shifting their ranges northward. TNC has resources to support the conservation of climate resilient lands.

New York State
Erosion
Flooding
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Planning
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Guidance Tool

Level of Effort:

Resilient Connecticut: Climate Resilient Zoning

Guidance and training modules for Connecticut Zoning changes to address climate vulnerabilities. On the website there are examples of zoning policies municipalities could modify and/or adopt to enhance local climate resilience. Where applicable, model ordinances and examples of where the policies have been adopted are included.

Connecticut State
Flooding
Land Use
Sea Level Rise
Extreme Weather & Storms
Policies & Regulations
Wetlands

Mapper

Level of Effort:

CT ECO Lower Long Island Sound Watershed Land Cover Viewer

The Long Island Sound Watershed Land Cover Viewer contains all dates of land cover as well as Change To, Change From, Riparian Area Land Cover, and Impervious Surface Estimate layers. It also has many layers where HUC 12 watersheds are colored based on a single land cover. 

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Aquatic Resources
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Infrastructure
Planning
Wetlands

Mapper

Level of Effort:

CT ECO Advanced Viewer

Connecticut Environmental Conditions Online (CT ECO) is the collaborative work of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)  and the University of Connecticut Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) to share environmental and natural resource information with the general public. CT ECO’s mission is to encourage, support, and promote informed land use and development decisions in Connecticut by providing local, state and federal agencies, and the general public with convenient access to the most up-to-date and complete natural resource information available statewide.

CT ECO includes a variety of online maps and tools for viewing Connecticut’s environmental and natural resources as well as high resolution aerial imagery, elevation data, and land cover. The Advanced Map Viewer provides flexibility to turn on and off layers of the map.

Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Aquatic Resources
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Infrastructure
Planning
Wetlands

Mapper

Level of Effort:

Connecticut Sea Level Rise Effects on Roads & Marshes

To better understand how Connecticut’s coastal area marshes and roads may respond to sea level rise (SLR), Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM) was applied to Connecticut’s shoreline by Warren Pinnacle Consulting, Inc. This viewer displays the model’s results for Connecticut’s 21 largest marshes and all coastal area roads. For marshes, SLAMM was run two hundred times using alternative model inputs for key model parameters, including various SLR scenarios, to produce probability based results of likely future marsh conditions. For roads, the model uses a single SLR scenario of about 4.2 feet by 2100 from the base year of 2002. The Sea Level Rise Effects on Roads and Marshes projects is a project between CT DEEP and UConn CLEAR.

Connecticut State
Erosion
Flooding
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Infrastructure
Extreme Weather & Storms
Wetlands

Funding

: Dec 10 – Jun 1, 2023

Variable

William E. and Maude S. Pritchard Charitable Trust

The Trust funding interests include: Community development (affordable housing, economic development), Community-based health care (primary care access and delivery), Education (early education, K-12 public schools), the Environment (land and water conservation, parks and gardens), and Social services (hunger, immigration, seniors, youth development).

New York State
Habitat
Water Quality
Recreation & Access
Wetlands

Funding

: Dec 10 – Jul 28, 2023

Up to $3M

Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP)

The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) supports projects across New York State that utilize unique EPA-designated green stormwater infrastructure design and create cutting-edge green technologies. Competitive grants are awarded annually to projects that improve water quality and mitigate the effects of climate change through the implementation of one or more of the following green practices: Green Stormwater Infrastructure, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency and Environmental Innovation.

New York State
Flooding
Nature-based Solutions
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Funding

: Dec 10, 2024

The New York Community Trust: New York City Ongoing Competitive Grants

The New York Community Trust, which brings together the New York Community Trust, The Long Island Community Foundation, and Westchester Community Foundation offers competitive grants to nonprofits to support projects in a number of areas across New York City, Westchester, Long Island and beyond. For work in New York City, proposals are accepted from nonprofits anytime through the ongoing competitive grants proposal process.

New York State
Habitat
Land Use
Environmental Health Hazards
Water Quality
Community Engagement
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Funding

: May 14 – Jul 31, 2024

NYSDEC Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, reimbursement grant program that funds projects that directly improve water quality or aquatic habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. Eligible project types includes: Wastewater Treatment Improvement, Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control, Vacuum Trucks in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Areas, Land Acquisition for Source Water Protection, Salt Storage, Dam Safety Repair/Rehabilitation, Aquatic Connectivity Restoration, and Marine Habitat Restoration.

New York State
Flooding
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Infrastructure
Wetlands
Waste Management
Green Infrastructure

Funding

: May 14 – Jul 31, 2024

$50K-$3M

NYSDOS Local Waterfront Revitalization Program

Local Waterfront Revitalization Program provides grants to municipalities along New York’s coasts or designated inland waterways to advance the preparation or implementation of strategies for community and waterfront revitalization through the following grant categories: 1) Preparing or Updating a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), 2) Updating an LWRP to be more Resilient to Climate Risk,s 3) Preparing an LWRP Component, including a Watershed Management Plan, and 4) Implementing a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program or a completed LWRP Component.

New York State
Erosion
Flooding
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Economic Impacts
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Infrastructure
Planning
Recreation & Access
Extreme Weather & Storms
Policies & Regulations
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Funding

: May 14 – Jul 31, 2024

$50K-$2M for implementation grants, $10K-200K for certification grants

NYS Climate Smart Communities

The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant program was established in 2016 to provide 50/50 matching grants to cities, towns, villages, and counties of the State of New York for eligible climate change mitigation, adaptation, and planning and assessment projects. Funds are available for two broad project categories – implementation and certification. The first project category supports implementation projects related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation. The second supports planning and assessment projects aligned with NYS Climate Smart Communities certification actions.

New York State
Erosion
Flooding
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Environmental Health Hazards
Sea Level Rise
Stormwater Management
Infrastructure
Incentive Programs
Planning
Extreme Weather & Storms
Policies & Regulations
Wetlands
Waste Management
Green Infrastructure

Funding

: Jan 1 – Apr 15, 2023

~$1,500

EPOC 2022 Environmental Grant Program

The EPOC Grant Program provides non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community based groups and environmental education organizations funding for local projects that benefit the environment.

Connecticut State
Erosion
Flooding
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Environmental Health Hazards
Aquatic Resources
Environmental Justice
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Community Engagement
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Funding

: Nov 21 – Feb 8, 2024

max $500,000

DEEP Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grants

Grants are awarded for projects that address Nonpoint Source impacts in surface waters including creation and implementation of approved Watershed Based Plans.

Connecticut State
Stormwater Management
Waste Management
Wetlands
Community Engagement
Policies & Regulations
Extreme Weather & Storms
Recreation & Access
Planning
Infrastructure
Water Quality
Erosion
Environmental Justice
Aquatic Resources
Sea Level Rise
Environmental Health Hazards
Nature-based Solutions
Land Use
Habitat
Flooding

Funding

: Dec 10, 2024

Up to $5000

Community Match Fund

Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund is an innovative program that provides fast, flexible funding and support for engaging your community on wide-ranging sustainability projects. Eligible projects receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds from Sustainable CT.

Connecticut State
Stormwater Management
Waste Management
Wetlands
Community Engagement
Policies & Regulations
Extreme Weather & Storms
Recreation & Access
Planning
Incentive Programs
Infrastructure
Water Quality
Erosion
Environmental Justice
Economic Impacts
Aquatic Resources
Sea Level Rise
Environmental Health Hazards
Nature-based Solutions
Land Use
Habitat
Flooding

Funding

: Mar 20 – Sep 17, 2024

$1,000 - $4,000

Grow Grants Program

Awards small grants in support of grassroots efforts and community-based environmental work in New England. The Grassroots Fund utilizes participatory grantmaking to move resources to New England grassroots groups working at the intersections of Environmental Justice. The program is geared toward groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Grants support groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders, and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes.

Connecticut State
Water Quality
Green Infrastructure
Marine Debris
Waste Management
Wetlands
Community Engagement
Policies & Regulations
Extreme Weather & Storms
Recreation & Access
Planning
Incentive Programs
Infrastructure
Erosion
Stormwater Management
Environmental Justice
Economic Impacts
Aquatic Resources
Sea Level Rise
Environmental Health Hazards
Nature-based Solutions
Land Use
Habitat
Flooding

Funding

: Dec 10 – Feb 27, 2024

up to $2,000

The Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals Grant Program

The Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals Grant Program provides funding for local projects in Connecticut that benefit the environment. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded. Any application meeting the grant guidelines that is not successful in one cycle may reapply during any following cycle. The applications will be judged based on the environmental benefits of each project, in comparison to others. “Environmental benefits” can vary widely and successful applications have ranged from property clean-ups to environmental education.

Connecticut State
Stormwater Management
Marine Debris
Wetlands
Community Engagement
Policies & Regulations
Extreme Weather & Storms
Recreation & Access
Planning
Incentive Programs
Infrastructure
Water Quality
Erosion
Environmental Justice
Economic Impacts
Aquatic Resources
Sea Level Rise
Environmental Health Hazards
Nature-based Solutions
Land Use
Habitat
Flooding

Funding

: Nov 14 – Feb 2, 2024

up to $10,000

The Green Fund

The Green Fund seeks innovative proposals from committed organizations and individuals for activities that advance our mission which is to promote environmental quality, public health and equity in our community by providing grants and other incentives that contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future and reduce air, water and land pollution.

Connecticut State
Flooding
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Environmental Health Hazards
Sea Level Rise
Environmental Justice
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Infrastructure
Incentive Programs
Planning
Recreation & Access
Wetlands

Funding

: Aug 22 – Dec 2, 2024

up to 65-75% of fair market value

Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program

The Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program provides financial assistance to municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations to acquire land for open space, and to water companies to acquire land to be classified as Class I or Class II water supply property.

Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Water Quality
Recreation & Access
Wetlands

Funding

: May 4 – Jul 16, 2023

Over $4.5M available, divided by region

Connecticut Wetland Mitigation In Lieu Fee Program Grant

The National Audubon Society, Inc., through its state office, Audubon Connecticut, is the “sponsor” of a Connecticut “In Lieu Fee” (ILF) program. The program allows permittees to pay a fee in lieu of taking on mitigation themselves. Instead, local organizations like land trusts, and other environmental nonprofits, are given the opportunity to apply for and receive grant funding for the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of wetland and watercourse resources and associated upland buffers in the State of Connecticut.

Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Water Quality
Incentive Programs
Wetlands

Funding

: Feb 8 – Mar 27, 2023

$50,000 - $500,000

Wetland Program Development Grants

WPDGs assist state, tribal, local government agencies and interstate/intertribal entities in building programs to protect, manage and restore wetlands. WPDGs provide applicants an opportunity to develop and refine comprehensive state/tribal/local government wetland programs.

New York State
Connecticut State
Planning
Wetlands

Funding

: Dec 10 – Apr 12, 2023

$100,000 - $1,000,000

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF)

NFWF will award up to $140 million in grants to create and restore natural systems in order to increase protection for communities from coastal hazards, such as storms, sea- and lake-level changes, inundation, and coastal erosion, while improving habitats for fish and wildlife species. NFWF prioritizes projects that are community led or incorporate direct community engagement and benefit underserved communities facing disproportionate harm from climate impacts.

New York State
Connecticut State
Flooding
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Aquatic Resources
Planning
Extreme Weather & Storms
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Funding

: Dec 10 – Apr 20, 2023

$200,000 - $5M depending on category

America the Beautiful

Intended to streamline grant funding opportunities for new conservation and restoration projects around the U.S., the America the Beautiful Challenge consolidates funding from multiple federal agencies and the private sector to enable applicants to conceive and develop large-scale projects that address shared funder priorities and span public and private lands.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Planning
Recreation & Access
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Funding

: Mar 10 – May 5, 2023

$75,000 - $250,000 (~$800,000 total available- projected around 4-10 projects total)

National Estuary Program Coastal Watersheds Grant

The NEP Coastal Watersheds Grant Program is a nationally competitive grants program designed to support projects that address urgent and challenging issues threatening the well-being of coastal and estuarine areas within determined estuaries of national significance.

New York State
Connecticut State
Flooding
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Aquatic Resources
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Infrastructure
Planning
Recreation & Access
Wetlands
Waste Management

Funding

: Feb 23 – Jun 30, 2023

Up to $1M

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program annually provides grants of up to $1 million to coastal and Great Lakes states, as well as U.S. territories to protect, restore and enhance coastal wetland ecosystems and associated uplands. Eligible projects include the acquisition of real property interest in coastal lands or waters and the restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Wetlands

Min $100K for Planning Grants, $500K for Implementation

PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program

Established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program aims to help make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. Funding is available for planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk costal infrastructure. Projects selected under this program should be grounded in the best available scientific understanding of climate change risks, impacts, and vulnerabilities, and should utilize innovative and collaborative approaches to risk reduction, including the use of nature-based solutions.

New York State
Connecticut State
Flooding
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Infrastructure
Extreme Weather & Storms
Wetlands

Funding

: Dec 10 – Oct 12, 2023

Up to $250,000

North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grants: U.S. Small

The U.S. Small Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Wetlands

Funding

: Sep 9 – Nov 22, 2024

$5,000-$100,000

Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) 2025 RFA

EPA Long Island Sound Study announced the second round of this Environmental Justice program focused on the Long Island Sound watershed area within New York and Connecticut. The purpose of the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities with environmental justice concerns to address environmental issues and improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Technical assistance will be provided through LISCIF and is available to communities/organizations even if one does not submit a funding proposal.  

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Environmental Justice
Water Quality
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Funding

: Sep 1 – Dec 19, 2023

$75,000-$3M

Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Tribes and Underserved Communities

$45 million in funding is available for projects that will advance the coastal habitat restoration and climate resilience priorities of tribes and underserved communities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Through this funding, NOAA will help support community-driven habitat restoration and build the capacity of tribes and underserved communities to more fully participate in restoration activities.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Environmental Justice
Wetlands

Funding

: Jun 13 – Jan 10, 2024

$200K - $4M

NERRS Habitat Protection and Restoration BIL Competition

The NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Habitat Protection and Restoration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Competition will fund designated Reserve agencies and universities to conduct land acquisition and habitat restoration projects that support the NERRS mission. NOAA will strengthen protection of key land and water areas, improve climate resilience, enhance long-term protection of Reserve areas for research and education, and support the habitat protection goals and priorities of the National Coastal Zone Management Act.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Planning
Wetlands

Funding

: Dec 10 – Jan 31, 2024

no maximum

FY2024 Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership Funding Cycle

The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) is requesting project applications to restore and conserve habitat necessary to support coastal, estuarine-dependent, and diadromous fish species along the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Federal funding available through the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) program will be used to support the top ranked proposals. To ensure available funding is being directed most effectively, projects should be geared toward meeting ACFHP’s conservation objectives described in its Conservation Strategic Plan.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Aquatic Resources
Water Quality
Recreation & Access
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Funding

: Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2024

Typically $40,000 - $150,000 (avg $75,000)

11th Hour Racing Grants

11th Hour Racing fosters systemic change to restore ocean health — our vision for the future includes cleaner, healthier waterways through strong local stewardship and collective action around the world. By supporting local pilot programs that model best practices of sustainability, restore coastal ecosystems, and advance ocean stewardship, our grantees are creating systemic change to restore ocean health. We are working toward a future of cleaner, healthier waterways through strong local stewardship and collective action around the world. 11th Hour Racing works to facilitate this transition by supporting local solutions to global problems, led by community organizations and industry leaders.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Funding

: Mar 1 – May 13, 2024

$50K - $1.5M

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) will be seeking proposals to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound (Sound) with approximately $12 million in funding in 2024. The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Major funding is from EPA through the LISS with additional funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Avangrid Foundation.

New York State
Connecticut State
Flooding
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Aquatic Resources
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Recreation & Access
Community Engagement
Wetlands
Waste Management
Green Infrastructure

Funding

: Apr 19 – Jul 11, 2024

$250K-$3M

North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grants: U.S. Standard

The U.S. Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Wetlands

Funding

: Dec 10, 2024

NA

General Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership Habitat Conservation Project

In order to respond promptly to funding opportunities from various sources, ACFHP is soliciting applications for habitat conservation projects in need of funding that align with ACFHP’s objectives and priority habitats. The Request for Proposals is not linked to a specific funding source. Instead, newly submitted projects reviewed and approved by ACFHP will be added to our project database and recommended as funding becomes available.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Aquatic Resources
Water Quality
Recreation & Access
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Funding

: Dec 10, 2024

varies by program

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs

The NRCS offers a suite of programs and initiatives that provide technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and landowners. Relevant programs include:
1) NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
ACEP helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands or protect working farms and ranches through conservation easements.
2) NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.
3) NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.
4) NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) helps partners co-invest in impactful and innovative solutions to on-farm, watershed, and natural resource concerns.

New York State
Connecticut State
Erosion
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Water Quality
Incentive Programs
Wetlands

Case Study

East Haddam, CT

East Haddam Community Resilience Building Summary of Findings

With support from the Nature Conservancy and Sustainable CT, East Haddam organized a Community Resilience Building process and workshop, the results of which were compiled into this summary. The team engaged with community members to determine the present hazards and vulnerabilities and identify resilient solutions.

Connecticut State
Water Quality
Waste Management
Wetlands
Community Engagement
Policies & Regulations
Funding/Grants
Extreme Weather & Storms
Recreation & Access
Infrastructure
Erosion
Stormwater Management
Aquatic Resources
Sea Level Rise
Nature-based Solutions
Land Use
Habitat
Flooding

Case Study

Mamaroneck, NY

Coastal Forest Restoration at Otter Creek Preserve

Otter Creek Preserve is located along a three-mile stretch of coastline on Long Island Sound in Mamaroneck, NY. It contains 90% of the remaining productive salt marshes in Westchester County, and is an important site for migratory birds, marine life, and other wildlife. The 35-acre preserve is the largest privately-owned tidal wetland designated and protected as a nature sanctuary in Westchester County.

Following improvements made to the coastal forest and tidal marsh in 2015 and 2016 with support from the Westchester Community Foundation, in 2017 Westchester Land Trust (WLT) received NFWF LISFF funding to continue removing non-native trees, shrubs, and vines, replant with native species, and conduct expanded outreach and educational programming at the preserve.

New York State
Habitat
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Case Study

Marsh Conservation Planning for Glen Island Park

In 2023, Long Island Sound Study and Warren Pinnacle, in partnership with Westchester County and conservation groups/organizations, have developed a Plan to understand the benefits of, threats to, and recommended conservation actions for marsh ecosystems on Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, NY. The goal of the Plan is to help inform conservation and restoration efforts to maximize marsh ecosystem services under rising sea levels.

New York State
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Wetlands

Case Study

Sunken Meadow State Park Restoration

Increased development and the historic construction of a dam on Sunken Meadow Creek in the 1950’s led to reduced tidal exchange, increased water levels in the creek, poor water quality, and the proliferation of invasive species. In 2008 a number of partners (NYS OPRHP, NOAA, NYSDEC, LISS, TNC, Save the Sound, USFWS, LI Botanical Society) came together to work to restore the degraded marsh habitat around Sunken Meadow Creek, increase tidal flow, improve aquatic organism passage, limit invasives, and improve water quality. A restoration feasibility study was completed in 2010. In 2012 Superstorm Sandy blew out the dam on Sunken Meadow Creek, naturally kick-starting restoration. Following Superstorm Sandy, the project partners were able to quickly capitalize on available funding and grants, due to their prior planning efforts. A bridge was built across the Creek where the dam blew out, salt marsh habitat was restored at three locations, green infrastructure was installed in one of the parking areas to capture and treat stormwater runoff, fish passage feasibility on the creek was investigated, and education and outreach was conducted to thousands of people. These projects were completed in 2019. Now, with funding through Long Island Sound Futures Fund, Audubon NY is leading a large-scale marsh restoration project at Sunken Meadow Creek to restore important high-marsh habitat for at risk species, like the Saltmarsh Sparrow, and to increase the resilience of the marsh in the face of rising sea levels. Audubon will be working to finalize the designs and secure permits over the next two years, with on-the-ground restoration expected in 2026.

New York State
Flooding
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Water Quality
Recreation & Access
Wetlands

Case Study

Huntington, NY

Crab Meadow Watershed Hydrology Study and Stewardship Plan

This comprehensive study and plan, funded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Long Island Sound Futures Fund, identifies initial strategies to maintain and enhance the local watershed resources of Crab Meadow. It is meant to be a land management tool to guide the implementation of best practices. The plan was developed in consultation with many partners and stakeholders.

New York State
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Aquatic Resources
Water Quality
Infrastructure
Recreation & Access
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Case Study

Stony Brook, Head of Harbor and Nissequogue, NY

Marsh Conservation Planning for Stony Brook Harbor

In 2023, Long Island Sound Study and Warren Pinnacle, in partnership with committed municipalities and conservation groups/organizations, developed a Plan to understand the benefits, threats, and recommended conservation actions for the Stony Brook Harbor and West Meadow Creek marsh ecosystem. The goal of the Plan is to help inform conservation and restoration efforts to maximize marsh ecosystem services under rising sea levels.

New York State
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Wetlands

Case Study

Oyster Bay, NY and Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Marsh Conservation Planning for Oyster Bay & Cold Spring Harbor

In 2023, Long Island Sound Study, New York Sea Grant and Warren Pinnacle, in partnership with committed municipalities and marsh-conservation groups/organizations, developed a Plan to understand the benefits, threats and recommended conservation actions at seven focal areas across the harbors. The goal of the Plan is to inform local municipalities and marsh-conservation groups as to where they might focus their conservation efforts to maximize the conservation of marsh ecosystem services under sea-level rise conditions. Seven focal areas across Oyster Bay & Cold Spring Harbor: Frost Creek, Mill Neck Creek, West Shore Road, Bayville Bridge to Centre Island, Centre Island, Shore Road, and Lower Cold Spring Harbor.

New York State
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Planning
Wetlands

Case Study

Stratford, CT

Restoration of the Great Meadows Marsh

This project restored 46 acres of the Great Meadows Marsh in Connecticut that was degraded from dredge material that was dumped on site, poor drainage, and sea level rise. The marsh was also overrun with invasive plants and mosquitoes. A controlled fire was started to kill the invasive reeds growing in the marsh. Then a construction crew removed invasive plants and the dumped dredge material. Lastly, channels were carefully dug for tidal flushing which will allow the marsh to keep pace with sea level rise. Soil hummocks were constructed for Salt Marsh Sparrow habitat. Now the area continues to be monitored, assessed for resiliency, and provides a field for innovative solutions to be tested in.

Partners

Trustees: USFWS, NOAA, State of Connecticut; Project Partners: Audubon Connecticut, Town of Stratford

Connecticut State
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Recreation & Access
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Case Study

Stratford, CT

Stratford Point Living Shoreline & Tidal Wetland Restoration

This project consists of 750 feet of shoreline in Stratford, CT. The goal of the project was to protect the beach from coastal erosion and to help combat sea level rise. The steps consisted of adding a smooth cordgrass marsh, artificial shellfish reefs (reef balls), high marsh, and a coastal dune area. The site was awarded the “Best Restored Shore Area” from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. To adaptively manage the site, a second restoration project is being developed to extend the marsh seaward by 0.35 acres over an additional 250 feet of shore using a combination of bagged slipper shell and small, modular oyster castles near the marsh edge, along with additional cordgrass plantings in the intertidal zone.

Project Lead:

Sacred Heart University

Connecticut State
Erosion
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Aquatic Resources
Wetlands

Case Study

Dodge Paddock/Beal Preserve

This public greenspace was suffering from mosquito overpopulation, invasion from Phragmites, and poor tidal/stormwater drainage. The Wetland’s Habitat and Mosquito Management Program (WHAMM) created a new drainage area and tunnels, while also eliminating invasive plants. Then organizations and volunteers banded together to remove and replace invasive plant species with native plants.

Connecticut State
Flooding
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Extreme Weather & Storms
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Case Study

Old Saybrook, CT

Fenwick Living Shoreline

The purpose of this project was to mitigate 450 ft of coastal erosion on the Long Island Sound. A part of Crab Creek was moved further inland, thus allowing for beach and dune migration over time. New rock sills, plants, and sand sills were also positioned along the shore.

Connecticut State
Erosion
Flooding
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Extreme Weather & Storms
Wetlands

Case Study

Sea Cliff, NY

Scudders Pond Subwatershed Improvements

The Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee and Village of Sea Cliff completed subwatershed improvements at Scudders Pond to address stormwater drainage problems impacting the water quality of the pond and Hempstead Harbor, highlighted as a priority in the 1998 Hempstead Harbor Water Quality Improvement Plan. The improvements included dredging the pond, installing a hydrodynamic separator to intercept sediment, removing invasive Phragmites australis and replacing with native plants, realigning the stream to reduce erosion, redirecting the stormwater from residences to the bioswale, creation of a biofilter wetland area, replacement of the weir between the upper and lower ponds and weir at Shore Road.

New York State
Erosion
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Aquatic Resources
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Infrastructure
Planning
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Guidance Tool

Level of Effort:

NYSG Shoreline Management on Long Island

This fact sheet is intended to assist landowners in understanding the various shoreline management options and considerations for their shoreline.

New York State
Erosion
Nature-based Solutions
Wetlands

Guidance Tool

Level of Effort:

NYSDEC Tidal Wetlands Guidance Document

The NYSDEC document is to provide guidance on the issuance of permits for living shorelines techniques in the Marine and Coastal District Waters of New York (the Marine District) and encourages the use of green or natural infrastructure.

New York State
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Wetlands

Data

Level of Effort:

NYSDEC Tidal Wetlands Trends Analysis

The Long Island Tidal Wetlands Trends Analysis measures wetlands loss and changes in marsh condition within the Long Island Sound, Peconic, and South Shore estuaries including all or parts of Westchester, Bronx, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties between 1974 and 2005/2008. The results of this project are intended for use by environmental managers, conservation advocates and elected officials across a variety of regulatory agencies, environmental organizations, and governments.

New York State
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Wetlands

Guidance Tool

Level of Effort:

NYSDEC/NYSDOS Model Local Laws to Increase Resilience

The New York State Department of State worked with the Department of Environmental Conservation and other partners to create model local laws to help local governments be more resilient to sea-level rise, storm surge, and flooding. Cities, towns, and villages are invited to adapt model local laws to meet the resilience needs of the community with the assistance of their municipal attorneys.

New York State
Flooding
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Stormwater Management
Extreme Weather & Storms
Policies & Regulations
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Mapper

Level of Effort:

Road-Stream and Tidal Crossing Prioritization Tool – Suffolk County, Long Island

Developed by The Nature Conservancy, this tool identifies priority road-stream and tidal crossings in Suffolk County for replacement or upgrades. Prioritization is based on social and ecological criteria. Additionally, it includes data on current and future projected flooding and marsh extent under various sea level rise scenarios. The tool is meant to be a screening tool for planning efforts.

New York State
Flooding
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Infrastructure
Wetlands

Guidance Tool

Level of Effort:

USGS Coastal Science Navigator

The Coastal Science Navigator is intended to help users discover USGS Coastal Change Hazards information, products, and tools relevant to their scientific or decision-making needs.

New York State
Connecticut State
Flooding
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Wetlands

Mapper

Level of Effort:

USGS Coastal Wetland Synthesis Mapper

This mapper is intended to provide federal, state, and local managers with tools to estimate the vulnerability and ecosystem service potential of wetlands. It allows you to display information on the unvegetated to vegetated ratio (UVVR), marsh elevation, tidal range, and shoreline change rates for New York’s tidal wetlands.

New York State
Connecticut State
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Sea Level Rise
Wetlands

Guidance Tool

Level of Effort:

NYS Shoreline Monitoring Framework

The New York State Department of State (NYS DOS) developed the Statewide Shoreline Monitoring Framework to provide clear and consistent information to those planning projects to improve their shoreline resiliency.

New York State
Habitat
Nature-based Solutions
Wetlands