Case Studies | U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

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Communities, businesses, and individuals are taking action to document their vulnerabilities and build resilience to climate-related impacts. Click dots on the map to preview case studies, or browse stories below the map. Use the drop-down menus above to find stories of interest. To expand your results, click the Clear Filters link.

Dam and spillway on the St. Francis River

Addressing Short- and Long-Term Risks to Water Supply

In 2012, water managers in Fredericktown, Missouri, saw their city's main source of water dwindle. They used the EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities program to consider options and develop plans to protect their water source.

A bridge in Toledo, Ohio

All Hands on Deck: Creating Green Infrastructure to Combat Flooding in Toledo

Staff at the City of Toledo partnered with government agencies, local businesses, and non-profit organizations to consider and begin implementing green infrastructure projects to deal with flooding. Their work also inspired a guide advising other communities how they could do the same.

The Meramec River running past Onondaga Cave State Park in Missouri.

Identifying High-Priority Conservation Lands to Enhance Flood Mitigation

Community groups are working to establish a connected ring of conservation land around St. Louis, Missouri. They're using an innovative strategy to help them target land that can also enhance their flood mitigation efforts.

Bridge over the Huron River, Bandemer Park, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Integrating Education and Stormwater Management for Healthy Rivers and Residents

The City of Ann Arbor recognized stormwater runoff as a growing threat to the quality of their water supply. They're addressing the issue with two complementary strategies.

Purdue Extension educator Hans Schmitz.

Motivating the Agricultural Community to Build Climate Resilience

Climate change adaptation isn’t always welcome as a topic of conversation, even among those who could benefit from it. A recent study hints at a possible path forward.

The lighthouse at Agate Bay, Two Harbors, Minnesota

Two Harbors: Investments in Green Infrastructure Pay Off

After devastating flooding in 1999, this Minnesota town created a stormwater management plan using green infrastructure to build resilience to future flood events.

A flood damaged aerial view of downtown Gays Mills, Wis., is shown from an UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the Army.

Using Demonstration Storms to Prepare for Extreme Rainfall

An extreme precipitation event in 2008 cost one town more than a million dollars in infrastructure repairs. Now, other municipalities can simulate how their homes, businesses, and facilities might fare if they experienced a similar event.

Photo of Lake Sunapee, NH

Watershed Protection Organizations Serve as Catalysts for Adaptation Planning

Two watershed protection organization enlisted local expertise to identify practical and achievable actions to reduce their communities' vulnerability to flooding.