Upcoming activities at the Guana Research Reserve

The Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve invites local Historic City News readers to participate in their regularly scheduled and special events; dedicated to the preservation of an unspoiled and undeveloped natural treasure, that is home to sea turtles, land tortoises, porpoises, manatees, roseate spoonbills, North Atlantic right whales as well as a vibrant ecosystem and it subsystems.

Unless otherwise noted, all events and activities take place at:
Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
505 Guana River Road
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Saturday, February 9; 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Second Saturday Trail Hike
Tuesday, February 12; 5 – 6 p.m. Friends of the GTM Research Reserve Meeting
Saturday, February 16; 8:30 – 10 a.m. Guided Beach Exploration
Tuesday, February 19; 10 – 11 a.m. Marineland Monthly Lecture
Wednesday, February 20; 9 – 10:30 a.m. Matanzas Inlet Guided Hike
Saturday, February 23; 8:30 – 10 a.m. Family Seining Activity
Wednesday, February 27; 9 – 10:30 a.m. Marineland Guided Trail Hike

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.

FRIENDS OF THE GTM RESEARCH RESERVE MEETING
— Open to the Public —
The Friends of the GTM Research Reserve will hold its monthly meeting from 5 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 12. The public is welcome to attend. For further information please call Teri Webley at (904) 823-4527.

MONTHLY MARINELAND LECTURE
— Free and Open to the Public –
On Tuesday, Feb. 19, 10 to 11 a.m., Lauren Flynn, Restoration Coordinator at the GTM Research Reserve, will give a one year progress report on the GTM Research Reserve Community Oyster Shell Recycling and Living Reef Restoration Project. She will discuss the past year’s efforts in recycling shell and building the reefs, monitoring efforts at the site and ways that you can help to make this project successful. The GTM Research Reserve is located on the west side of A1A at Ocean Shore Blvd, at the southern end of the Town of Marineland. See the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve sign. Due to limited space, please make reservations online at http://gtmnerrmarinelandlecture.eventbrite.com or by calling (904) 823-4500.

MATANZAS INLET GUIDED HIKE
— Free and Open to the Public –
On Wednesday, Feb. 20, 9 to 10:30 a.m., GTM Research Reserve volunteers Jim Gleason and Ron Ceryak will take hikers to the shore to learn about Inlet dynamics and more. At the north end of the Inlet is a bird sanctuary where hikers might see wood storks and least terns. They will also learn about seashells, coquina rock, dune vegetation, heavy minerals, mollusks, dune vegetation, and the history of beach sand. Gleason and Ceryak are volunteer guides with the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve at the Marineland Field Office, which is where you will meet for the Guided Walk. The GTM Research Reserve is on the west side of A1A at Ocean Shore Blvd at the southern end of the Town of Marineland. See the GTM Research Reserve sign and a temporary event sign posted at the A1A entrance. Please RSVP online at http://gtmnerrmatanzashike.eventbrite.com/ or by calling 904-823-4500.

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.

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 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.

GUIDED TRAIL WALK AT RIVER TO SEA PRESERVE, MARINELAND
— Free and Open to the Public–
Join GTM Research Reserve volunteer Ron Ceryak on Feb. 27 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for a guided hike in Flagler County’s “River to Sea Preserve” along a mile-and-half trail through wooded coastal hammock to the Matanzas River. Expect to learn about nature’s bountiful vegetation and observe signs of wildlife. Hear tales of Native American lore, including how Indians made use of various plants for food and medicinal purposes. Meet the guide in the parking lot of the River to Sea Preserve. See the River to Sea Preserve sign located on the west side of A1A at the southern end of the town of Marineland. A directional “NERR” road sign will also be placed at the entrance. Be sure to wear comfortable, closed toe shoes. Please RSVP online at http://gtmnerrmarinelandtrail.eventbrite.com or by calling (904) 823-4500.