Conservation. Collaboration. Community.
Ecosphere Restoration Institute is a non-profit organization with deep roots in the Tampa Bay region and an outstanding track record of success in cutting-edge conservation techniques.
Originally founded in 2003 as PEER, we changed the name in 2007 to better reflect our core activities: to foster public and private partnerships for environmental restoration. Twenty plus years later, we have facilitated 88 projects that have restored more than 400 acres of critical habitats and enhanced over 3,200 acres in Hillsborough County alone. In addition, we have fostered dozens of living shoreline projects restoring over 3 miles of eroded coastlines. Our expertise in building innovative partnerships has secured $11 million in grants and $12 million in matching funds involving participants ranging from federal agencies, regional/local governments, and large industries to small businesses, community groups and citizen-volunteers.
See our at-a-glance map of completed and current projects.
Our streamlined operational structure allows us to emphasize direct, in-ground restoration to benefit fish, wildlife and people, by:
Originally founded in 2003 as PEER, we changed the name in 2007 to better reflect our core activities: to foster public and private partnerships for environmental restoration. Twenty plus years later, we have facilitated 88 projects that have restored more than 400 acres of critical habitats and enhanced over 3,200 acres in Hillsborough County alone. In addition, we have fostered dozens of living shoreline projects restoring over 3 miles of eroded coastlines. Our expertise in building innovative partnerships has secured $11 million in grants and $12 million in matching funds involving participants ranging from federal agencies, regional/local governments, and large industries to small businesses, community groups and citizen-volunteers.
See our at-a-glance map of completed and current projects.
Our streamlined operational structure allows us to emphasize direct, in-ground restoration to benefit fish, wildlife and people, by:
- Creating or enhancing habitat for manatees, waterfowl, wading birds and economically important fish and shellfish.
- Restoring wetlands that improve water quality and absorb storm surges, reducing property damage and mitigating the long-term effects of rising seas.
- Building innovative “living shorelines” that employ natural, organic materials such as native plants and oyster reefs instead of hardened seawalls to reduce erosion while providing habitat for marine life.
- Providing outdoor recreational opportunities for the 3.1 million residents of the Tampa Bay watershed through paddling trails, boardwalks, observation towers and hiking trails.
- Employing 86 local companies and contractors, from engineering and survey firms to heavy equipment operators to archaeologists and wildlife biologists.
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Who We Are
Small but mighty. That's how we like to describe ourselves. Our non-profit status and dedicated team allow us to operate with low overhead, spending grant funds and local contributions where they matter most -- on restoring our natural legacy for future generations. Our streamlined approach works. Ecosphere projects have received numerous regional and local awards for environmental excellence, and securing millions of dollars in grant to leverage local funds. In 2013, Ecosphere founder and President Tom Ries was honored with a National Wetlands Award from the National Environmental Law Institute in Washington, DC. Learn more about our team |
What We Do
We know that the best natural areas in the Tampa Bay watershed are not always in public ownership, and that governments and non-profits can't buy all the land they would like to preserve. That's where we come in, working collaboratively with both private and public partners to restore land that might not otherwise be protected. From small "frog ponds" used by amphibians and wading birds, to curvy creeks flanked by statuesque sabal palms, we focus on work that benefits the fish, wildlife and people of Tampa Bay. We're especially proud of our contribution to the local economy through our commitment to hiring local businesses at every stage of our restoration projects. Take a closer look at what we do |
Seagrass Restoration Milestone Reached!
Ecosphere Restoration Institute, together with AquaTech Eco Consultants, is proud to share that we’ve reached a major milestone: 100 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) restored across Florida!
This effort, funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, is one of the largest statewide seagrass restoration initiatives ever undertaken. These underwater meadows are vital for fish, shellfish, and manatees, while also helping stabilize sediments, improve water clarity, and capture carbon.
The best news? We’re not stopping here. With funding secured for the next two years, we’re already set to restore an additional 70 acres, continuing to rebuild critical seagrass habitats in areas like the Indian River Lagoon, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota Bay.
Together with our partners, we’re proving what science-based practices and collaboration can achieve. Every acre brings us closer to healthier waterways, thriving wildlife, and a stronger future for Florida’s coasts.
Read more here.
This effort, funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, is one of the largest statewide seagrass restoration initiatives ever undertaken. These underwater meadows are vital for fish, shellfish, and manatees, while also helping stabilize sediments, improve water clarity, and capture carbon.
The best news? We’re not stopping here. With funding secured for the next two years, we’re already set to restore an additional 70 acres, continuing to rebuild critical seagrass habitats in areas like the Indian River Lagoon, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota Bay.
Together with our partners, we’re proving what science-based practices and collaboration can achieve. Every acre brings us closer to healthier waterways, thriving wildlife, and a stronger future for Florida’s coasts.
Read more here.
It is imperative that we act now to stop Florida’s spiraling seagrasses losses, and Ecosphere is ideally suited for this effort because of our long and successful track record in restoring coastal habitats,” said Tom Ries, president of Ecosphere Restoration Institute.
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