Case Study
Project
Stabilization of Bluff at Sands Point Preserve
In partnership with Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, an innovative cliff face stabilization system, engineered by Long Island based company Coastal Technologies Corp (CTC), was deployed as a pilot on Oct. 30th, 2022 at a steep & loose coastal moraine bluff located at The Sands Point Preserve, NY. The pilot project was designed to test the efficacy of this system to secure and stabilize sediment under constant erosive pressure preventing vegetation from taking hold. This bluff was selected due to its very high rate of stormwater & aeolian erosion. American beach grass, bayberry, beach plum & rose plugs, all protected from erosive forces, have thrived. Slope erosion was prevented by the devices, and all plants were successfully held against the slope, exactly as designed.
In July 2025, the Nassau County Soil & Water Conservation District (NCSWCD) directed a pilot with Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions on one of the Preserve’s steep bluffs and included periodic bluff monitoring. The 3,600 sq. ft. installation was completed quickly and required no slope repitching or site preparation. The Cliff Stabilizer grids held loose sediments in place and sheltered the diverse, bluff-adapted native plants until deep root systems could establish. After one year, the Cliff devices were removed with no adverse effects on the slope or vegetation. These same Cliff Stabilizers were then redeployed & replanted to stabilize additional bluff areas.
In late 2025, the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy received funding through the Restore America’s Estuaries National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program. The award will support a new stabilization project covering 20,000 sq. ft. and be planted with four dozen bluff-evolved native species. This will not only perverse the coastal bluffs, but will provide significant native habitat for pollinators, birds and other species.
Eighteen (18) Cliff Stabilizer devices were driven into the escarpment using a battery-powered tool and plant plugs were planted into the cubbies. The test field was then coincidentally subjected to three days of storms caused by Hurricane Ian. All Cliff Stabilizer devices remained firmly in place, as did all the planted vegetation. No erosion occurred in the device footprint. Stormwater erosion was evident at control areas, with all control test plugs planted outside the cubby devices being washed away. The site was left unattended, with zero maintenance. The site was accessed on May 30, 2023, six months after initial deployment for preliminary readout - Slope erosion was prevented by the devices, and all plants were successfully held against the slope, exactly as designed. On September 27th, 2023 the site was assessed and the established vegetation was assessed after some of the devices were removed, stable vegetation was left behind. The pilot project seems to be a success and Sands Point Preserve Conservancy is looking for additional funding to expand the project at the site.