Ecological Planning and Design Directory

The Ecological Planning and Design Directory is a wealth of tools and techniques for achieving sustainable development that is both environmentally sensitive and cost-effective. The Directory presents a set of best practices that individuals, businesses, governments, and other organizations can implement to the benefit of their communities. 

Biodiversity and Natural Habitats

• Biodiversity Value of Residential Areas
• Protecting Nature in Your Community: A Guidebook for Preserving and Enhancing Biodiversity
• Green Infrastructure Vision Plan
• Atlas of Biodiversity
• DuPage County Natural Areas Study
• Fox River Watershed Biodiversity Inventory
• Influencing Public Infrastructure Design and Implementation

Conservation Design

• Conservation Design Resource Manual: Language and Guidelines for Updating Local Ordinances
• Changing Cost Perceptions: An Analysis of Conservation Development
• Conservation Development in Practice
• Blackberry Creek Alternative Futures Project
• Blackberry Creek Watershed Alternative Futures Fiscal Impact Study

Sustainable Development

• Sustainable Development Principles for Protecting Nature in the Chicago Wilderness Region
• Sensible Tools for Healthy Communities
• Building Sustainable Communities Series and the Sustainable Development Guidebook
• Beyond Brownfields Sustainable Redevelopment

Natural Landscaping

• Source Book on Natural Landscaping for Local Officials
• Natural Landscaping for Public Officials: Design and Management Guidelines

Water Resource Protection

• Restoring and Managing Stream Greenways: A Landowner's Handbook
• From Stockyards to Spawning Beds: A Handbook of Bank Restoration Designs for the Chicago River and Other Urban Streams
• Stream Biodiversity Protection and Protection Priorities
• A Guide to Stormwater Best Management Practices
• Living with Wetlands
• Chicago Wilderness and NIPC Watershed Inventory