Science & Story
Science illumines the connections among all life. Stories ground us in place and shape collective values. We weave science and story to inspire and transform.
Scientific Foundations
NatureWerks conducts research, communicates science, and supports decision-making at the intersections of:
Ecology
Social Science
Mental and Physical Health and Wellbeing
Education
Where science tells us about the world and our place in it, stories illustrate peoples’ perceptions and values. They also inspire collective action. We chronicle and cultivate stories to understand and act on what really matters to people.
Stories Shape Collective Values
Listening to Unheard Voices
Too often the voices of underrepresented and marginalized human and natural communities are left out of the story. We pay special attention to these perspectives, assist communities in owning their stories, and help facilitate platforms for these voices to be heard. The wisdom gained through the process of including multiple perspectives leads to insight and innovation.
When addressing complex problems, a handful of factors limit or encourage change. Often, these factors are human driven and cultural or political in nature. Through exploring the interplay of these human and natural variables, including stakeholder perspectives, we identify plausible courses of action.
Simplicity Amid Complexity
We develop processes and resources that empower individuals, organizations, and communities to craft their visions and stories into reality. Together, science and story provide the foundations for lasting change.
Sustaining Change
Multi-media and written stories
Stakeholder input and participatory processes
Habitat assessment and restoration
Social landscape analysis
Social license to operate
Qualitative, mixed method, and complex systems analyses
Decision-making and organizational support
Project scoping, fundraising, and implementation
Educational curricula
Workshops, trainings, and seminars
Our Products
NatureWerks has been an extremely thoughtful, intentional, and accessible partner. Their approach centers authentic engagement, ensuring that stakeholder experiences and relationships were heard and valued. Their expertise, combined with a commitment to creating an environment where research partners felt comfortable exploring, asking questions, and learning in meaningful ways, made this collaboration deeply rewarding.
Lee Guekguezian
Director of Community-Based Research Programs, UMN CURA
Stories of Science In Action
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Chasing Bird Migration Through Time
The ghost of a Great Lakes ore ship captain helps protect a natural phenomenon under threat.
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Environmental Justice Through Story
Amplifying community voices to create connections between city and green space.
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Workplace Culture at Yellowstone
Integrating lessons from the park’s ecology and the science of business management.
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Programs & Retreats
Empowering individuals and teams to grow resources, reframe challenges, and realize change.
