From runoff to resilience: The restoration of Tampa Bay
From runoff to resilience: The restoration of Tampa Bay
During the 1970s and ‘80s, decades of dredging and runoff severely threatened Tampa Bay's water quality. But the true story of this estuary is one of incredible environmental transformation.
Because healthy gardens rely on a healthy environment, we support conservation leaders like Tampa Bay Watch to build a more resilient planet together. Discover how one person’s passion united a community to restore these coastal ecosystems for everyone.
How Tampa Bay Watch got started
Peter Clark recognized his community’s desire for a cleaner bay. In 1993, he founded Tampa Bay Watch to empower everyday citizens, local governments and corporations to take a hands-on role in restoring their local waters.
Learn by doing
The Bay Grasses in Classes program engages local students in habitat restoration efforts. What begins as a hesitant step into the mud becomes a lifelong commitment to the Earth and ocean.
The Discovery Center at St. Pete Pier
The Discovery Center nurtures curiosity for marine life in Tampa Bay by highlighting the local ecosystems. This translates into an active appreciation for oceans everywhere.
Building a resilient shoreline
Powerful hurricanes washed away the recent restoration at Maximo Park. Tampa Bay Watch transformed this devastating loss into a foundation for a stronger, more resilient shoreline.
Environmental stewardship in action
Building lasting resilience requires strong partners. Since 2015, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation has protected our bays and estuaries as a core commitment to environmental stewardship. Partnering with Tampa Bay Watch brings this mission to life by empowering the Florida community to restore its coast.
Tampa Bay Watch also belongs to our National Partner Network (NPN). Reaching millions, the NPN unites experts to solve environmental challenges.