City of Evansville, IN | Climate Action Dashboard
© 2026
Restoring natural areas like wetlands, forests, and floodplains helps the city manage water more effectively by working with nature instead of relying only on built infrastructure. For example, the Howell Wetlands Restoration project brought back forests and wetland conditions across 35 acres in West Evansville, helping water soak into the ground and supporting native wildlife. Efforts along Pigeon Creek, like removing logjams and stabilizing banks, are also helping reconnect the river to its floodplain so water can spread out during heavy rain.
When rain falls on healthy natural areas, much of it soaks into the soil instead of running off. This process, called groundwater recharge, helps refill underground water supplies and keeps streams flowing during dry periods. At the same time, it reduces flooding by slowing down how quickly water moves across the land and helps filter out pollutants before they reach larger waterways. Overall, restoring these natural systems can lower flood risks, protect infrastructure, improve water quality, and create healthier environments for both people and wildlife.
Metrics
acres of restored natural ecosystems
Between 1/1/2024 - 12/31/2025
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Increases local resilience
Programs, policies, and practices that improve local energy reliability, infrastructure integrity, food supply, water quality, waste management, and other essential needs will improve our local energy, economic, environmental, and community resilience to climate impacts, particularly for underserved populations and neighborhoods most vulnerable to those impacts.
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Supports biodiversity
Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems and green spaces, while minimizing disruptive human activities and negative impacts, will benefit land, air, and water quality, as well as wildlife habitats, thereby enhancing biodiversity and environmental resilience.
Improves quality of life/place
Incorporating greenspace and green infrastructure in community design contributes to cleaner air and water, cooler temperatures, restorative recreational and social spaces, and a more attractive and livable community. Increasing public awareness about programs and services that will better prepare residents to cope with climate impacts will improve community resiliency and quality of life.
