Public Comment Now Open for The Nature Record Draft Assessment

Posted by Public Affairs on March 30, 2026

The draft assessment of The Nature Record (previously known as United by Nature) — the first comprehensive, independent, evidence-based assessment of the state of nature in the United States — is now available for public review.

From March 2 through May 31, anyone can review the draft assessment and share input through the public comment portal or by participating in virtual or in-person engagement events hosted across the country.

What is The Nature Record?

The Nature Record examines the status, trends and future of nature in the United States, and how changes in nature are shaping our lives, communities, and economy. Nature influences the air we breathe, the water we drink, the homes we build, the stability of our climate, the health of our brains and bodies, and the strength of our local economies. Even for those who don’t focus on environmental issues every day, these connections are constant and deeply woven into daily life.

The Nature Record is an independent team of nearly 200 leading scientists, researchers, experts, and practitioners. Their work is rooted in science, guided by communities, and enriched by public participation. Together, they’re creating a clear, accessible picture of nature across the nation and the role it plays in everything from local economies to public health and community resilience.

How to participate

The Nature Record team invites individuals, organizations, and communities to review the draft Assessment and share their perspectives. You can engage in several ways:

Submit comments through the online public comment portal
Participate in virtual engagement events featuring Assessment authors
Attend in‑person events hosted in communities across the United States

The draft assessment, event listings, and more information are available on The Nature Record website.

Attend an upcoming event or tune into a webinar to learn more from Nature Record authors about the Assessment contents:

April 1 | 12 – 1:30 PM PT

Webinar: How Do Changes in Nature Shape Our Lives (Part 1)?
Virtual
Learn more & register

April 15 | 12 – 1:30 PM PT

Webinar: How Do Changes in Nature Shape Our Lives (Part 2)?
Virtual
Learn more & register

April 22 | Dallas, TX

EarthX 2026
Hilton Anatole
Learn more

April 26 | Bismarck, ND

Public Engagement Event
North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
Learn more

View from Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument - Pilot Rock. Credit: Bob Wick/BLM CC BY 2.0

April 29 | 12 – 1:30 PM PT

Webinar: Taking Action to Improve Nature for All
Virtual
Learn more & register

A flock of greater flamingos in the Doñana wetlands, where up to 30,000 are recorded, making them a major ecotourism attraction. Doñana is Europe’s most important wetland for waterfowl. Credit: Rubén Rodríguez, EBD-CSIC

May 7 | Tupper Lake, NY

Public Engagement Event
The W!ld Center
Learn more

ESA Past-president Jane Lubchenco assists with coral transplants in Florida on April 20, 2010. Dr. Lubchenco returned to Oregon State University after serving as under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) administrator from 2009-2013 Credit: NOAA.

May 14 | San Diego, CA

Public Engagement Event
San Diego Natural History Museum
Learn more

July 12 | Milwaukee, WI

2026 North American Congress for Conservation & Restoration
The Baird Center
Learn more

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