Entertainment along the Guana River and Reserve

Patrician Price announced to Historic City News readers that February holds some new and exciting adventures already planned for the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, located at 505 Guana River Road in Ponte Vedra Beach.

The Research Reserve is named after the three rivers that make up the estuary — Guana, Tolomato, and Matanzas River; two of which, the Tolomato and Matanzas Rivers, being part of the Intracoastal Waterway.

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve is established as a protected area for long-term research, education and stewardship. The Reserve System’s place-based approach of applying science and monitoring data to guide coastal management, policy, education and stewardship is unique — providing long-term weather, water quality and biological monitoring as well as opportunities for scientists and students to conduct research and learn in a “living laboratory and classroom” setting.

Hours and Admission:

Environmental Education Center
•9am – 4pm 7 days a week
•Closed on State Holidays
•$2.00 for Adults
•$1.00 for Children 10 – 17
•FREE for Children 9 and younger

Trails and Beach Lots
•8am – sunset 7 days a week
•$3.00 per vehicle up to 8 people
•$1.00 per pedestrian, bicyclist, & extra passengers in vehicle beyond 8

Guana Dam
•4am – 11pm 7 days a week
•$3.00 per vehicle up to 8 people
•$1.00 per pedestrian, bicyclist, & extra passengers in vehicle beyond 8

 

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 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 online at http://gtmnerrculturalhike.eventbrite.com or call 904.823.4500.

GUIDED TRAIL WALK AT RIVER TO SEA PRESERVE, MARINELAND
— Free and Open to the Public —
On  Wednesday, February 5, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., join other nature lovers on 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 https://gtmnerrmarinelandtrail.eventbrite.com/?ref=ecal.

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 RESERVE MEETING
— Open to the Public —
The Friends of the GTM Reserve will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 11, from 5 to 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. For further information, please call Teri Webley at 904.823.4527.

GUIDED BEACH EXPLORATION
— Beach Stroll and Discovery —
On the third Saturday of the month from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., join GTM Research Reserve Docents 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. Park at the GTM Research Reserve South Beach Access Lot, 1798 Ponte Vedra Blvd (A1A), Ponte Vedra, FL 32082. 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 ages 10-17, and children under ten are free. Space is limited so please RSVP. You can make reservations at http://gtmnerrbeachexploration.eventbrite.com/ or call 904.823.4500. Please provide your email and phone number, in case we need to cancel due to inclement weather.

GTM RESEARCH RESERVE MARINELAND LECTURE
— Free and Open to the Public —
This lecture series is held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. at the GTM Research Reserve Marineland Field Office, 9741 N Oceanshore Blvd in the town of Marineland. The series is designed to help inform the public about their coastal natural world. This month, Gary Raulerson, Ph.D., assistant manager at the GTM Research Reserve will discuss “Mangroves in Northeastern Florida.” Dr. Raulerson earned his Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, where his research involved examining differences in decomposition by snails and crabs in natural and restored mangrove forests in South Florida. These events are FREE so space is limited and reservations are requested. Reservations can be made online at https://gtmnerrmarinelandlecture.eventbrite.com/?ref=ecal or call 904.823.4500.

MARINELAND BEACH WALK
— Free and Open to the Public —
On Friday, February 21, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., a GTM Research Reserve volunteer guide will give a free interpretive Beach Walk at the River to Sea Preserve Oceanside in the town of Marineland. Learn how beach vines and sea oats help anchor dunes and why the dunes need protecting. See a variety of shorebirds and learn about the various seashells and mollusks found ashore. Learn about the history of beach sand and coquina rock. Meet your guide at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve Marineland field office on the west side of A1A, located at 9741 Ocean Shore Blvd., southern end of the town of Marineland. See the GTM Research Reserve sign and a temporary Event sign posted at the entrance at A1A. Please make reservations by calling 904.823.4500 or RSVP online at http://gtmnerrmarinelandbeach.eventbrite.com.

FAMILY SEINING AT THE GTM RESEARCH RESERVE
— Free and Open to the Public —
Join GTM Research Reserve Docents the 4th 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; however, meet the Docents at the Environmental Education Center, 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra 32082. Please RSVP online at https://gtmnerrfamilyseine.eventbrite.com/?ref=ecal or call 904.823.4500.

MATANZAS INLET GUIDED HIKE
— Free and Open to the Public —
On  Saturday, February 22, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., a GTM Research Reserve expert volunteer, 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 guide at the Westside parking lot on Hwy A1A, north of the Inlet Bridge, no later than 8:30 a.m. Reservations are required so please call 904.823.4500 or go online to https://gtmnerrmatanzashike.eventbrite.com to register.