The Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback (LEBLS) Project in Yolo County when inundated with water.

Achieving Benefits for People and Nature

Traditional water infrastructure has often solved one specific problem but made others worse. Gray infrastructure—named for construction with concrete and steel—disconnects people from the environment, making us more vulnerable to flooding and droughts and degrading ecosystems. Incorporating green, nature-based solutions can help mend what’s broken, building water and climate resilience for nature, people, and our built environment. 

CLEE’s From Gray to Green work helps decision makers in California and beyond protect ecosystems and meet community needs through innovative multi-benefit solutions.

Key Staff

Headshot of Michael Kiparski

Michael Kiparsky

Director, Wheeler Water Institute

Nell Green Nylen

Senior Research Fellow, Wheeler Water Institute

Headshot of Molly Bruce

Molly Bruce

Research Fellow, Wheeler Water Institute

Headshot of Marie Grimm

Marie Grimm

Research Fellow, Wheeler Water Institute (Former)