
A non-profit is trying to save manatees by restoring seagrass
WMNF Wavemakers with Janet and Tom
July 24, 2023
Tom Ries joins the WMNF team as a guest speaker to highlight Ecosphere Restoration Institute and the work they are doing on restoring seagrass (submerged aquatic vegetation or SAV). The Wave hosts Tom & Janet were great to talk with and they did an excellent job producing this show. Have a listen.
WMNF Wavemakers with Janet and Tom
July 24, 2023
Tom Ries joins the WMNF team as a guest speaker to highlight Ecosphere Restoration Institute and the work they are doing on restoring seagrass (submerged aquatic vegetation or SAV). The Wave hosts Tom & Janet were great to talk with and they did an excellent job producing this show. Have a listen.

Shoreline Solutions: Public-Private Partnerships for Florida's Wetlands
Podcast: People Places Planet Episode 15 Season 6
May 16, 2024
May marked American Wetlands Month and so the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) celebrated their 35th Year of recognizing individuals, communities and agencies that protect these vital ecosystems. In the past 35 years they have bestowed 225 awards, however this year ELI is highlighting past awardees via their “People Places Planet” podcast. Ecosphere’s very own Tom Ries was their 1st interviewee talking about what he’s been doing since being presented the Conservation/Restoration award in Washington DC (2013). He discussed the importance of preserving and restoring wetland systems and the most critical things that need to be done to further the protection of these important resources. Have a listen.
Podcast: People Places Planet Episode 15 Season 6
May 16, 2024
May marked American Wetlands Month and so the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) celebrated their 35th Year of recognizing individuals, communities and agencies that protect these vital ecosystems. In the past 35 years they have bestowed 225 awards, however this year ELI is highlighting past awardees via their “People Places Planet” podcast. Ecosphere’s very own Tom Ries was their 1st interviewee talking about what he’s been doing since being presented the Conservation/Restoration award in Washington DC (2013). He discussed the importance of preserving and restoring wetland systems and the most critical things that need to be done to further the protection of these important resources. Have a listen.

Sustainable Living Show
Dec 11. 2023
Tom Ries joins WMNF's Sustainable Living show with Anni Ellis and Tonya Vidovic! They discuss the advantages of implementing Living Shorelines as an alternative to hardened shorelines such as seawalls. The segment included some great questions from the audience as well as from the gracious hosts! Have a listen.
Dec 11. 2023
Tom Ries joins WMNF's Sustainable Living show with Anni Ellis and Tonya Vidovic! They discuss the advantages of implementing Living Shorelines as an alternative to hardened shorelines such as seawalls. The segment included some great questions from the audience as well as from the gracious hosts! Have a listen.

Seeking higher ground: Florida's resiliency community on frontlines of climate change
Jacksonville.com
Ecosphere has been collaborating with Admiral William McQuilkin on resiliency stories and his article was published in the Florida Times-Union. It's a great summary of the current state of Florida's coastline issues and funding opportunities to address nature-based shoreline stabilization techniques, e.g., Living Shorelines. Currently, Ecosphere is spearheading 3 Living Shoreline projects in the Tampa Bay area.
Jacksonville.com
Ecosphere has been collaborating with Admiral William McQuilkin on resiliency stories and his article was published in the Florida Times-Union. It's a great summary of the current state of Florida's coastline issues and funding opportunities to address nature-based shoreline stabilization techniques, e.g., Living Shorelines. Currently, Ecosphere is spearheading 3 Living Shoreline projects in the Tampa Bay area.

Tampa honors man who built city's first cigar factory, Ignacio Haya
Fox 13 News Jan. 17, 2023
Segment about a founding father of Tampa and the new Living Shoreline restoration at the urban park that bears his name
Fox 13 News Jan. 17, 2023
Segment about a founding father of Tampa and the new Living Shoreline restoration at the urban park that bears his name

Model Shoreline Ordinance Plans for Future Protection and Habitat Restoration
Bay Soundings, Jan. 6, 2023
Article about a model ordinance developed for Tampa Bay communities that establishes uniform standards for seawalls, while positioning living and hybrid shorelines as preferred alternatives to protect developed waterfronts from rising sea levels and storm surges.
Bay Soundings, Jan. 6, 2023
Article about a model ordinance developed for Tampa Bay communities that establishes uniform standards for seawalls, while positioning living and hybrid shorelines as preferred alternatives to protect developed waterfronts from rising sea levels and storm surges.

Tampa's Ulele Springs is a "symbol of hope" when it comes to restoring Florida's natural water sources
Creative Loafing, June 24, 2021
Restoring a forgotten spring on the edge of Tampa's urban core has brought new life to the Hillsborough River and kickstarted a thriving redevelopment of the waterfront.
Creative Loafing, June 24, 2021
Restoring a forgotten spring on the edge of Tampa's urban core has brought new life to the Hillsborough River and kickstarted a thriving redevelopment of the waterfront.

Restoring Habitat to Support Coastal Communities: A Look Back at the Recovery Act
NOAA Fisheries News, May 24, 2021
A look back at habitat restoration projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including Ecosphere's Lost River Preserve in south Hillsborough County.
NOAA Fisheries News, May 24, 2021
A look back at habitat restoration projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including Ecosphere's Lost River Preserve in south Hillsborough County.