Restoring a critical winter refuge for endangered manatees

Three Sisters Springs Bank Stabilization

On Nature Coast’s Kings Bay, Three Sisters Springs is home to warm, crystal clear waters. When an eroding shoreline started to cause trees to fall into the river, it not only impacted human visitors, it threatened endangered manatees that use the springs as a critical winter refuge. The Southwest Florida Water Management District engaged us to restore the eroding banks and stabilize the shoreline for the future.  

We created a unique design using soil-filled Envirolok bags, small diameter pebble interfacing, and large rock riprap placement in a stacked formation that would fit the historical look of previous stabilization measures, but with a more permanent solution. Native plants common to coastal hammocks and wetlands were added to the design to soften and naturalize the look of the project. During construction, we observed and documented activities to help ensure the restoration efforts met the envisioned design.

Today, Three Sisters Springs continues to be a favorite destination for both manatees and the tourists that come to see them.