National Estuaries Day this Saturday, September 24th

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research invites Historic City News families to celebrate National Estuaries Day and to explore the thriving estuarine habitat on Saturday, September 24th, with two Family Seining events at Guana Dam, and a Family Fishing Clinic at the Environmental Education Center.

National Estuaries Day celebrates the unique habitats where rivers meet the sea. Florida’s estuaries provide more than 95 percent of the state’s recreational and commercial industries fish, crustaceans and shellfish. Estuaries also improve water quality in nearby rivers, filtering future drinking water.

“The National Estuaries Day activities being held across the country focus on the importance of unique coastal habitats,” said director, Michael Shirley. “We are excited to host these family seining events and family fishing clinic and educate our local community about the wildlife living within the estuary and how vital it is to the ecosystem.”

Family Seining
Guana Dam
8:30-10:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

At the Family Seining events, various fish and crab species can be collected with a seine net, and then, participants can learn about them with their guide. This event and all necessary gear, including waders and boots, are provided. To register for a family seining event, click here.

Family Fishing Clinic
Environmental Education Center, Classroom 2
12:00-2:00 p.m.

The Family Fishing Clinic is a two-hour educational event for youth ages 5-15 (and parents). The reserve will provide bait, hooks, weights and sinkers, bobbers and floats, and drinking water. Participants should bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, fishing rod and reel, fishing line, and valid saltwater fishing license (anyone over 16). To register for the family fishing clinic, click here.

For more information, please call 904-823-4500.