July adventures at Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas Reserve

Education Coordinator Kenneth Rainer reported to Historic City News this week that July will be a busy month at the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, offering something entertaining and educational for readers with a wide array of interests.

Most of the upcoming adventures are free to attend, some require a parking fee.

GUIDED CULTURAL HIKE
Free and Open to the Public
On the first Saturday of every month from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., visitors can learn about the cultural history of the Guana Peninsula during a guided cultural hike. Find out about the peninsula’s 5,000 years of human history, including how native peoples used estuarine resources, what European plantation life was like and current efforts to learn about and save these resources. Meet at the GTM Research Reserve’s Trailhead Pavilion located west of the Guana Dam. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes. There is a $3 per vehicle parking fee. Please RSVP by going to http://gtmnerrculturalhike.eventbrite.com or by calling (904) 823-4500.

FRIENDS OF THE GTM RESERVE MEETING
Open to the Public
The Friends of the GTM Reserve will hold its monthly meeting from 5 to 6 p.m. on July 9. The public is welcome to attend. For further information please call Teri Webley at (904) 823-4527.

SECOND SATURDAY TRAIL HIKE
1.5 mile guided walk through Guana Trails
The GTM Research Reserve will host a trail walk every 2nd Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Join GTM Research Reserve staff and/or volunteers for a 1.5 mile walk that the entire family will enjoy. Meet at the GTM Research Reserve’s Trailhead Pavilion located west of the Guana Dam. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes. There is a $3 per vehicle parking fee. Please RSVP by going to http://gtmnerr2ndtrailhike.eventbrite.com or by calling (904) 823-4500.

MORE THAN YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT…fish!
Free and Open to the Public
On the second Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon, visitors can learn more than they ever wanted to know about plant and animal life found in estuarine habitats. Get a closer look at a new topic every month. July 13 will explore fish you can find here at the Reserve. The program is free with paid entrance and will take place at the Environmental Education Center located at 505 Guana River Rd in South Ponte Vedra Beach. Please RSVP by going to http://gtmnerrwantedtoknow.eventbrite.com or by calling (904) 823-4500.

MATANZAS INLET GUIDED HIKE
Free and Open to the Public
On Tuesday, July 16, from 8:30 to10 a.m., GTM Research Reserve expert volunteers, in partnership with the National Park Service, will take hikers to the Matanzas Inlet shores to learn about inlet dynamics and movements of sand as the sea constantly rearranges the land. Learn about seashells, sea birds, coquina rock, dune vegetation, heavy minerals, mollusks, the habits of crabs, and the history of beach sand.
Meet your guides at the Westside parking lot on Hwy A1A, north of the Inlet Bridge, no later than 8:30 a.m. Reservations are required; please call 904-823-4500 or go online at http://gtmnerrmatanzashike.eventbrite.com/.

GUIDED BEACH EXPLORATION
Beach stroll and discovery
On the third Saturday of the month from 8:30 to 10 a.m., join GTM Research Reserve volunteers Rick and Roz Edwards for a beach walk at the Guana South beach location. Learn about the animals that call the beach their home as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. There is a $3/per vehicle parking fee. After the walk, visit the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center (EEC) or enjoy our many miles of trails. The EEC is located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach FL 32082. Admission fee into the EEC is $2 for adults, $1 for children age 10-17 and children under ten are free.
Space is limited so please RSVP. You can make reservations at http://gtmnerrbeachexploration.eventbrite.com/ or by calling (904) 823-4500. Please provide your email and phone number in case we need to cancel due to inclement weather.

GUIDED TRAIL WALK AT RIVER TO SEA PRESERVE, MARINELAND
Free and Open to the Public
On Wednesday, July 24, 8:30 to 10 a.m. join other nature lovers in a guided walk by GTM Research Reserve volunteers through the wooded hammock between the ocean and the Matanzas River. Expect to learn about the bountiful native vegetation along the trail. Observe signs of wildlife including the resident ospreys. Learn how Native Americans made use of various plants for food and medicine.
The Preserve is located at the south end of the Town of Marineland across from the ocean. Turn west at the River to Sea Preserve entrance. You will see a temporary directional event sign posted at the drive. Follow the lane to the parking lot where you will meet your guide. Please reserve by calling 904-823-4500 or RSVP online at http://gtmnerrmarinelandtrail.evenbrite.com.

FAMILY SEINING ACTIVITY
Free and Open to the Public
Join GTM Research Reserve docents the last Saturday of every month from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. for a family seining activity. Visitors will get the chance to pull a seine net through Guana Lake, collecting species of fish, crabs and more, and then learn about the animals and their roles in the habitat. All necessary gear including waders and boots will be provided. The program is free with paid entrance and will take place at the Guana Dam Recreational Area. Please RSVP by going to http://gtmnerfamilyseine.eventbrite.com by calling (904) 823-4500.