Ecosphere Restoration Institute

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.Created in 2007 to foster public and private partnerships for environmental restoration, we have facilitated 25 projects that have restored more than 350 acres of critical habitats and enhanced over 2,200 acres in Hillsborough County alone. In addition, we have fostered a dozen living shoreline projects restoring over 3 miles of eroded coastlines. Our expertise in building innovative partnerships has secured $10 million in grants and $11 million in matching funds involving participants ranging from federal agencies, regional/local governments, and large industries to small businesses, community groups and citizen-volunteers.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 2.6 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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