Skip to main content
Start of main content

Three Sisters Springs Bank Stabilization

Restoring a critical winter refuge for endangered manatees

  • 300

    Manatees Seek Refuge on Cold Winter Days

  • 250K

    Visitors

  • 3

    Main Springs

  • Crystal River, Florida

    Crystal River, Florida

Stabilizing a sensitive environment

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.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
Southwest Florida Water Management District

We’re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

End of main content
To top