Living Shorelines: Building Resilience with Nature

From Nature is the Solution by The Nature Conservancy

February 3, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

This episode explores how living shorelines in Salem, Massachusetts, are enhancing community resilience against climate change.

What does a truly resilient shoreline look like? In this episode, we travel to Collins Cove in Salem, Massachusetts, where a living shoreline is helping the community adapt to rising sea levels and more powerful storms. By using natural materials and ecological design, they constructed marsh habitat to support wildlife while creating a more inviting and accessible space for local residents. We explore how rethinking and rebuilding our shores using nature-based solutions like living shorelines can protect homes and infrastructure, strengthen ecosystems and shape coastlines where both people and nature thrive. Host: Chris McGuire, Ocean Program Director Also featuring: Dan Goulart, Coastal Project Manager; Emma Gildesgame, Climate Adaptation Director; Julia Knisel and Deanna Moran, Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management; Tom O'Shea, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Learn more about these nature-based solutions and how TNC is helping scale them in the state and region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Chris McGuire

Guests: Dan Goulart, Emma Gildesgame, Julia Knisel, Deanna Moran, Tom O'Shea

Topics covered

living shorelines
resilience
climate adaptation
coastal management
ecological design

Keywords

shoreline
sea level rise
natural materials
wildlife habitat
community adaptation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, The Nature Conservancy

Places: Collins Cove, Salem, Massachusetts