Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Client: Friends of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge & US Fish and Wildlife
Scope: Exhibit Design and Fabrication
Visitors to Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge enter the facility by traversing an immersive underwater karst landscape with rock formations, aquifers and rock ledges overhead and along the sides, replicating the experience of swimming with the Manatees.
The main exhibit area features a shimmery blue landscape mimicking waves on the outer periphery, while schools of fish, paddle boarders, and waterfowl can be seen overhead. Welcome to the underwater world of Manatees!
A manatee mother and calf displayed in a central display introduce visitors to manatee biology. Exhibits along the perimeter interpret manatee habitat, detail unique geology of Three Sisters Springs, and describe manatee preservation efforts.
Visitors learn how their behaviors impact watershed water quality and what they can do to help preserve the unique environment keeping manatees healthy and safe.