ATHENS, GA – On the evening of October 1, interested parties from across the University of Georgia and beyond gathered to discuss the upcoming National Nature Assessment, or NNA1.

This nationwide collaboration aims to better understand the role of nature in the lives of people across the country. IRIS Professor of Practice Todd Bridges serves as one of eleven Chapter Leads. Bridges’ team, which includes IRIS Director Dr. Brian Bledsoe, will author the chapter on “Nature and Risk, Resilience, and Security in the U.S.,” evaluating how nature contributes to and supports U.S. defense systems, technology, and infrastructure. 

In his welcoming remarks, Bridges described the NNA1 as one of the most important projects in his career. College of Engineering Dean Stephan Durham and Odum School of Ecology Dean Mark Hunter also gave opening remarks, followed by an introduction from Dr. Tessa Francis, Chief of Staff for the National Nature Assessment project.

At the event, attendees discussed the Zero-Order Draft (Chapter Annotated Outlines) of the assessment, raising awareness of the project and allowing opportunities for public comment as the author teams begin their work.

Led by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, NNA1 will evaluate U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, biodiversity, and their contributions to our economy, health, culture, climate and equity. The engagement event held in Athens was one of five in-person sessions, currently being held across the country. These free public engagement events will inform the content of the Assessment chapters and include information sharing, Q&A sessions, and collaborative round table discussions.

The NNA1 Zero-Order Draft is currently available for public comment. Learn more at globalchange.gov/nna.

Many thanks to our collaborators with the U.S. Global Change program that helped make this event possible, Dr. Tessa Francis and Courtney DeLoatch-Hill!