Springs Restoration
Restoring Natural Spring Flow
For decades, many spring vents in Kings Bay and Crystal River were buried under algae, sand, rocks, and debris carried in by storm surges, erosion from degraded islands, and excess nutrients. These blockages restricted natural spring flow, reduced oxygen levels, and clouded the water that makes this system so unique. Save Crystal River’s springs restoration work focuses on reopening these vents and restoring natural flow so that the springs can once again support thriving eelgrass beds, manatees, fish, and other wildlife.
How We Restore the Springs
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Specialized restoration teams use carefully controlled vacuum systems to remove accumulated material from spring vents and surrounding basins. This vacuum removal process clears sand, Lyngbya, and debris that have built up over past decades from island erosion, storm surges, and habitat degradation driven by excess nutrients. Once vents and channels are cleared, natural groundwater flow is restored. Stronger flow increases oxygen, improves clarity, and helps discourage algae buildup, all of which are critical for long-term eelgrass and wildlife health. These techniques have been successfully applied in areas such as Hunter Springs and are being extended to interconnected systems like Miller’s Creek, where 18.5 acres of Lyngbya removal and seagrass planting are planned alongside spring and channel cleanouts.
Ecosystem Support: Eelgrass & Lyngbya Removal
Springs restoration is coordinated with broader ecosystem work to protect the gains made.
Lyngbya removal
Toxic blue-green algae mats are removed from springs and surrounding basins to prevent them from smothering eelgrass and blocking light.
Eelgrass planting
After springs and channels are restored, native eelgrass is planted to stabilize sediments, improve water quality, and provide essential habitat and food for manatees and fish.
Restoring spring vents, removing Lyngbya, and planting eelgrass together have already helped restore more than 120 acres of healthy eelgrass meadows across Kings Bay.
Protecting Water Quality
Restoration in the water is paired with work on land. Save Crystal River supports efforts by Citrus County and local partners to strengthen fertilizer management and other practices that reduce nutrient pollution. Lower nutrient levels help prevent new algae growth that could re-block vents and undermine restoration investments. By combining on-the-ground restoration with long-term water quality improvements, the project protects restored springs and supports cleaner, clearer water for the entire community.
Impact at a Glance
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More than 890 spring vents restored across Kings Bay
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Approximately 1,200 cubic yards of debris removed from Hunter Springs alone
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Over 120 acres of eelgrass restored and sustained through springs and shoreline projects
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Integrated projects in places like Miller’s Creek that combine channel cleanouts, Lyngbya removal, and seagrass planting
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Springs restoration directly supported by island and marsh resiliency work that reduces future sediment and nutrient loading
Future Generations: Student Planting & Education
Education and community involvement are central to long-term success. Through classroom eelgrass projects, EcoWeek activities, and student planting days, local students learn how restoring springs, protecting islands, and planting eelgrass all fit together. They see firsthand how their actions help bring the springs back to life and support the health of the entire Crystal River ecosystem.