Awards & Recognition
“Tom and the Ecosphere team… have turned a stagnant eyesore into an urban oasis” ”
— Richard Gonzmart, Fourth Generation "Caretaker", Columbia Restaurant Group“Tom and Ecosphere consistently go the extra mile and literally donates hundreds of hours of his time towards improving our environment through habitat restoration.”
— Nicole Adimey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region“Tom has expertise in environmental restoration design, developing public private partnerships, finding creative funding and construction oversight and his work has been recognized with many awards.”
— Stan Kroh, Senior Manager of Land & Stewardship Programs, Tampa Electric Company“I am so impressed by the care and quality of the restored areas and love seeing the natural beauty of Florida brought back.”
— Commissioner Stacy White, Hillsborough County Commission“[Ecosphere] is the face and vision of wetland restoration in southwest Florida.”
— Marti McGuire, Assistant Program Manager, NOAA Restoration Center, SE Region“Ecosphere has had a huge impact on the riverfront behind [Stewart Middle Magnet School]. Our students are learning about conservation and river ecosystems that they cannot get in a classroom.”
— Lynn Langford McDaniel,
Science Teacher SMMS
We are honored to receive recognition that reflects the collective effort of our team, our partners, and our supporters to restore and protect our coastal ecosystems.
2025
Award of Outstanding Contribution Hillsborough City-County Planning Commission for Newman Branch Project
2024
Natural Resources & Environment Award Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council for the Ignacio Haya Living Shoreline Project
2023
Future of the Region Award 1st Place, Natural Resources + Environment/Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council for Ignacio Haya Linear Park Living Shoreline and Water Improvement Project
2016
Future of the Region Award 1st Place/Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council for Newman Branch Phase II Habitat Restoration Project
Environmental Project of the Year/Tampa Bay Association of Environmental Professionals for Newman Branch Phase II Habitat Restoration Project
2015
Future of the Region Award 2nd Place/Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council for Newman Branch Phase II Habitat Restoration Project
Ulele Springs Restoration named 10 "Waters to Watch" by the National Fish Habitat PartnershipCharles A. McIntosh, Jr. Award/Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council for Water Works Park / Ulele Springs Restoration
2014
Gulf Guardian Award from the Gulf of Mexico Program for Newman Branch Creek.
Urban Excellence Award/Public Sector for Tampa Downtown Partnership for Ulele Springs Restoration
National Resources Conservation Award/National Military Fish and Wildlife Association for the MacDill AFB Habitat Restoration Project
2013, 2012
Golden Mangrove Award/Tampa Bay Estuary Program for Ulele Springs Restoration
Ecosphere President Thomas Ries received a National Wetlands Award from the National Environmental Law Institute in Washington, DC for his leadership in wetland restoration.
2008
Community Design Award of Excellence/Hillsborough County Planning Commission for Newman Branch Fisheries Habitat Restoration
2007
Hillsborough County Planning Commission Environmental Award for Hooker’s Point Stormwater Retrofit Project
2004
Wolf Branch Creek Restoration Project, National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials, “2004 Environmental Award”
2002
Future of the Region 1st Place/Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council for Palmetto Estuary Preserve
Gulf Guardian Award/US Environmental Protection Agency for Palmetto Estuary Preserve