Lab Co-Directors Share Nature-Based Insights with National Caucus of Environmental Legislators

Stone Living Lab Co-Directors Katie Dafforn and Joe Christo presented to members of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators on two occasions recently.

In July, Christo joined the organization’s Ocean Challenges and Opportunities session during their 2025 National Forum in Boston and presented on the Lab’s work, focusing on the benefits that nature-based approaches can have for urban areas. Other presenters during the session focused on ocean policy and the marine economy.

Then, in October, Dafforn and Christo joined the organization’s New England Blue Economy Tour, and led a site visit with the group to the Lab’s Living Seawalls project site in Boston at Fan Pier.

Through the two events, the Lab was able to connect with legislators from 14 states and share information and insights about how nature-based approaches are working in Boston Harbor, as well as engage in conversations about how the lessons learned here may be applied in other states as well.

Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,300 environmentally committed state legislators from all 50 states and both parties. NCEL provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on environmental issues. The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators’ mission is to empower a nonpartisan network of legislative champions to protect, conserve, and improve the natural and human environment. NCEL’s vision is state leadership that advances a clean and healthy environment for all.