Our Approach and Philosophy
Sustainable ecological restoration plans and specifications are best developed by individuals who have invested significant time in mastering essential tools, such as chainsaws, drip torches, and backpack sprayers. The creation of a high-quality restoration plan that effectively integrates these implements demands hundreds of hours spent skillfully operating skid steers, tractors, mowers, and seed drills. While there is merit in pursuing certifications, accreditations, and advanced degrees, it is crucial to recognize that practical, real-world experience remains a fundamental prerequisite for developing effective professional plans and specifications. An overemphasis on academic credentials can lead to knowledge that, while impressive in theory, often results in unrealistic, impractical, and unsustainable restoration plans. Therefore, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience is essential for achieving successful ecological restoration outcomes
What We Do
Ecological and Wildlife Habitat Assessments
Vegetation Surveys
Wetland and Waterway Restoration
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Ecological and wildlife habitat assessments
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Vegetation surveys
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Rare and threatened species surveys
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Prescribed fire planning
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Invasive species management
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Wetland, pond, and stream restoration
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Planning, permitting, and design for prairie, wetland, and forestry restoration
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
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GPS Survey, Geospatial Database Development
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Drone Survey
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Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI)
Beaver coexistence
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Expert witness testimony
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Public speaking engagements
All Services
Restoration Planning
What are the Moving Parts of a Truly Sustainable Restoration Plan?
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Restoration Planning
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Floristic Quality Index
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Step by Step Restoration Plan
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Statement of Project objectives
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Site preparation
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Native seed and plant material species lists
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Implementation plan
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Maintenance plan
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Monitoring plan with clear evaluation metrics
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Project timeline
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Project budget (Opinion of Probable Cost)
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Figures and Photos
Construction Oversight and Monitoring
NRE proudly takes on the role of owner’s representative during the construction phase of restoration projects, providing invaluable oversight and detailed monitoring/reporting services directly to our clients.
We actively engage with project managers from a diverse range of companies and contractors to ensure the highest standards of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA-QC) are met. In many cases, NRE has played a pivotal role in developing the Restoration Plan or key components focused on enhancing native vegetation.
Our dedicated third-party monitoring guarantees that civil restoration projects are executed flawlessly, in strict accordance with design specifications and standards. The longevity of these projects hinges on meticulous site and soil preparation, judicious installation methods, timely execution, and unwavering maintenance—all meticulously aligned with the original design and plan to ensure lasting success.
Ecological Restoration Design and Planning
NRE is dedicated to crafting meticulous and thorough land restoration and management plans that truly make a difference. Once a plan is finalized, we seamlessly facilitate every phase of its implementation. With our extensive network of industry partners, we expertly oversee restoration projects, guiding them from the pre-permit meetings and initial site preparation to the final permit sign-off and complete establishment of the vegetation at the end of the project.
Our commitment does not end there. We also offer annual vegetation monitoring and reporting services. This ensures not only the longevity of the project, but also ensures full regulatory compliance. Partner with us for a sustainable future that exceeds expectations.
Project Funding Support
Hiring professional consultants and contractors to design, implement, and sustain ecological restoration projects can often feel daunting due to the associated costs. Fortunately, millions of dollars in funding are available to help alleviate these financial challenges. At NRE, our seasoned ecologists excel at navigating the complexities of county, state, and federal grant applications.
We offer a comprehensive range of services, from crafting grant proposals and DNR habitat stamp applications from concept to submission, to providing expert assistance with essential technical sections, including project scope, timelines, and budgets. With four decades of hands-on experience in managing ecological restoration projects, we possess an intimate understanding of the true costs and logistics involved—insights that go beyond the outdated estimates typically produced by engineers relying on obsolete actuarial tables.
Let us partner with you to bring your ecological vision to life, ensuring not just project success, but a lasting impact on our environment.
Steep Slope Stabilization
The stunning topography and rich geology of the upper Midwest have been profoundly shaped by glaciation. The regions surrounding the Great Lakes and the majestic Mississippi River often feature steep, unstable terrain, a result of extreme weather events compounded by shortsighted land use and inadequate stormwater management practices. While erosion occurs naturally and continuously, we can significantly mitigate sediment and nutrient loading in wetlands and waterways through sustainable, thoughtful practices.
Our mission is anchored in the establishment and management of resilient, deep-rooted native perennial vegetation. NRE owners have pioneered inventive strategies to combat erosion, stabilize soil, enhance water quality, and elevate the visual appeal of our landscapes, all while supporting pollinator health and fostering overall biodiversity. These transformative projects are typically set against the backdrop of the picturesque coastal bluffs of Lake Michigan, landfills, reclaimed quarries, sand mining sites, and innovative stormwater management facilities. Together, we are cultivating a more sustainable and vibrant Midwest.
Private Land Management and Restoration
Approximately 80 percent of the land in the upper Midwest is privately owned, which presents a unique opportunity to enhance biodiversity on a larger scale. By empowering private landowners to become thoughtful stewards of their land, we can make a significant impact. We accomplish this through the creation of sustainable Land Management and Restoration Plans tailored to their needs. Our dedication is reflected in the long-term relationships we cultivate with our diverse clientele of private landowners, working together to foster a more vibrant and balanced ecosystem.
Wetlands and Waterways
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Process Based/Nature Based Solutions for Stream and Wetland Restoration
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Wetland Functionality Assessment
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Wetland Delineation
Drone and GIS Services
NRE harnesses the most advanced UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology and cutting-edge software available, commonly referred to as "drones." This innovative approach has revolutionized the way professional land managers gather and analyze vital natural resource data.
Drones possess the remarkable ability to cover vast areas in significantly less time compared to traditional surveying methods, dramatically enhancing the accuracy and precision of the information collected. With their high-resolution imagery, data collected by the drone is able unveil intricate details about terrain features, vegetation health, diverse plant communities, erosional conditions, wildlife habitat quality, and water bodies, offering invaluable insights into our natural landscapes.
Throughout the monitoring phase of projects, drone surveys will consistently deliver high-resolution images from the same vantage point. Equipped with a multispectral camera, the drones will capture both RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and NIR (Near-Infrared) images. From these, drone computer software will generate NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and NDRE (Normalized Difference Red Edge Index) analyses, which reveal vital indicators such as leaf chlorophyll content, plant vigor, and stress detection. This data will empower us to visualize hydrological and vegetative conditions throughout the establishment phase of this project.
Integrating real-time, high-resolution imagery with ArcGIS Pro software provides a powerful tool for making informed land management decisions. This advanced technology significantly enhances our ability to monitor project sites effectively and efficiently, ultimately supporting our commitment to responsible stewardship of the land.
Wildlife Management
NRE owners proudly hold undergraduate degrees in Wildlife Ecology from esteemed colleges in the Midwest, where their natural resource programs are highly regarded. This solid foundation of formal education has equipped them with the essential tools for lifelong learning in their field. As passionate hunters and anglers, Dan and Clay immerse themselves in the beauty of prairies, woodlands, rivers, and lakes, where they actively pursue wild game while deepening their understanding of wildlife ecology and natural resource management.
We are firm believers that most hunters embody the spirit of dedicated conservationists. With this conviction, we enthusiastically collaborate on wildlife habitat projects alongside passionate members and leaders of renowned hunting-based conservation organizations such as Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the Ruffed Grouse Society, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Together, we strive to protect and enhance the natural world we cherish.
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Threatened and Endangered Species Surveys
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Obligate Grassland Bird Habitat
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White-tailed Deer Habitat
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Wildlife Food Plots
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Waterfowl Habitat
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Fish Surveys
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Non-Lethal Beaver Management