As GEI’s Ecological Practice Leader for the northeast, Laura Schwanof collaborates with multiple GEI branch offices, mentors junior staff, and lends support in ecological inventory, endangered and threatened species surveys, wetland assessment and delineation, environmental permitting, conservation planning, and site restoration services. She is adept at preparing landscape restoration designs, technical specifications and details, oversight of field installations, and development of stormwater management, erosion, and sediment control plans.

Laura’s experience has focused on the NY-NJ-CT tri-state coastline and the associated estuarine ecosystems, as well as the erosion, water quality, and flooding problems facing coastal communities in the dynamic marine environment. Her professional design skills have been acutely focused on wetland restoration and coastal stabilization projects that protect rare species, promote indigenous plants, and incorporate innovative bioengineering techniques wherever practical and feasible. She has conducted training programs for universities, professional organizations, Land Trusts, New York Sea Grant, and the Cooperative Extension Program focused on living shorelines, habitat analyses, and wetland restoration.