Friends of The GTM

Estuary Fest
2025-09-27 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
GTM Research Reserve’s (GTMNERR) Guana River serves as a backdrop for Estuary Fest 2025. Friends of GTM Research Reserve will host this event celebrating National Estuaries Week. This free, family-friendly event will include food trucks, music, games, seining, guided hikes, educational booths and entertainment! The GTMNERR staff will be on hand to introduce everyone to the reserve’s education, research, resource management, and collaborative programs, the estuary and its inhabitants. GTMNERR partners and organizations will also provide exhibits.
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!

Moonlight Hike
2025-10-04 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-06 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Experience the GTM Trails after dark! Enjoy exclusive after-hours access for a peaceful, self-guided Moonlight Hike from 8-10 p.m. Normally closed by sunset, the trails will be open for a self-paced moonlight hike, providing a peaceful chance to explore nature after dark under the full moon.

$10 – Pre-registration (credit card online).
$20 – Day-of (cash only at the trailhead).

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to guarantee you a spot. Flashlights or headlamps recommended. Take in GTM Research Reserve in a whole new light!
REGISTER HERE!

Family Seining
2025-10-11 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Guana Dam, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Join GTM Research Reserve on the second Saturday of each month for a guided family seining activity. Pull a seine net through Guana Lake, collecting species of fish, crabs, and other habitats. Learn about the animals and their roles. All necessary gear, including waders and boots, will be provided.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Do I need a reservation to attend?

Yes, register online by following the links provided above.

If I can’t make it, how do I cancel my reservation?

When you register, you receive an email confirmation with information about canceling.

How old does my child need to be to attend?

There is no age limit, but your child must be at least three feet tall to hold the seine net.

What should I wear?

Appropriate clothing for the outdoors is recommended. Dress in layers and prepare for any type of weather. Closed-toe shoes are encouraged and wearing flip-flops is discouraged. We provide booties and waders, but you can bring your gear.

What should I bring?

A reusable water bottle (that can be filled up onsite), insect repellent (strongly recommended), sunscreen, and binoculars/cameras are suggested.

Can I bring my dog?

Family pets/dogs cannot attend the family seining, as they may distract participants and disrupt native wildlife.

Where should I meet my guide?

CLICK HERE for a Google Map. Your guide will be waiting at Guana Dam, 15 minutes before the scheduled program. The event begins at 9 am.

What will I catch?

The seine nets catch various types of fish, crabs, shrimp, shells, and plant life.

Are there any fees?

Only a $3/vehicle fee for parking. Park, scan QR code (premiumparking.com) or text the lot number and follow directions.

Is there anything else to see afterward?

Have lunch at the Trailhead Pavilion and explore one of the many trails. You will also have access to the beaches at the South, Middle, and North access lots (for which your parking tag will apply for same-day use, as well as get your $3 worth). Tour the Visitor Center free of admission. It is open Tuesday- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beach Exploration
2025-10-18 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Join GTM Research Reserve docents for a beach walk. Learn about the animals that call the beach their home, plus discover seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience the entire family will enjoy. The hike begins at the Visitor Center where you learn about the different habitats on GTM’s beautiful seashore. Afterward, the group heads to the beach for a salty adventure. Parking is in front of the Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center Address: 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.
Please CLICK HERE to reserve a spot online for the Beach Exploration.
Do I need a reservation to attend?

Yes, register online by following the links provided above.

If I can’t make it, how do I cancel my reservation?

When you register, you receive an email confirmation with information about canceling.

What should I wear?

Appropriate clothing for the outdoors is recommended. Dress in layers and prepare for any type of weather. Closed-toe shoes are encouraged but not required. Hats protect your skin from the sun, along with sunscreen. Bug spray is also suggested.

What should I bring?

A reusable water bottle (that can be filled up onsite), insect repellent (strongly recommended), sunscreen, and binoculars/cameras are suggested.

Where should I meet my guide?

CLICK HERE for a Google Map. Your guide will be waiting at the GTM Visitor Center, 15 minutes prior to the scheduled hike.

How long is the walk?

The walk is about half a mile, round trip. The hike leaders guide everyone ~0.25 miles, one way. You can continue or turn around if necessary. At any point during the hike, visitors can take swim breaks in the beautiful ocean.

What will I learn?

The GTM Research Reserve interpretive guide discusses where the restless sand comes from, where it’s going and its refusal to stay put. Ask why the sand is fine or coarse and how it got its color. Learn about coquina rocks, dune flowers, sea birds, shells, and the humble gopher tortoise that digs deep burrows and comes out to dine on prickly pears along the dunes.

How old does my child need to be to attend? Can I push a stroller?

There are no age restrictions for this hike, but the Florida heat can be uncomfortable for small children. You can push a stroller; however, we strongly recommend strollers with large beach-capable wheels.

I have a bad back. Can I still participate in this hike?

The hike is moderately paced with soft sand terrain. Join the hike if you feel comfortable walking through beach sand for about half of a mile.

Can I bring my dog?

Family pets/dogs cannot join the educational hikes, as they may distract participants and disrupt native wildlife.

Is there anything else to see afterward?
If you like, stay at the beach longer and collect shells, swim in the ocean, or lie in the sun. You can purchase a $3 parking pass to enjoy the Dam area, where visitors fish, and rent kayaks or paddle-boards. Hike one of the beautiful trails, head to one of the three beach lots, or hang out in the Visitor Center to learn more about the reserve’s natural surroundings.

Monthly Beach Cleanup
2025-10-25 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-22 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Meet at the Visitor Center for a brief orientation and instructions at 9 a.m. where gloves and trash bags will be provided. You will be directed to a specific beach for cleanup. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended. No signup is required.

Wildlife Track & Sign Lecture with Marcus Reynerson
2025-11-07 16:00 - 17:30 UTC | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
An Introduction to Reading the Language of the Land
Every time we step outside, we step into a world filled with stories—subtle signs of life that reveal the movement and behavior of wildlife all around us. One of the oldest human skills is the ability to interpret these signs. In this evening lecture, you’ll discover how tracking offers a powerful ecological lens for reading the living landscape.
Join professional naturalist and CyberTracker evaluator Marcus Reynerson for a dynamic 90-minute presentation and Q&A as he explores:

Basic wildlife foot physiology and morphology
The natural history of landscapes
Clear print identification
Concepts in behavior and wildlife sign interpretation
How wildlife interacts with terrain
The art of inquiry, questioning and nurturing curiosity

Whether you’re a naturalist, educator, biologist or nature enthusiast, this lecture will inspire you to look at the world in a new way—through the eyes of a tracker.
Lecture: The Fundamentals of Wildlife Tracking with Marcus Reynerson
Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, 4-5:30 p.m.
$25 Friends Members; $75 Non-Members
Free with Certification Registration
(Register HERE for Wildlife Track & Sign Certification Course)
REGISTER HERE FOR LECTURE ONLY!

Wildlife Track & Sign Certification
2025-11-08 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
COURSE OVERVIEW
Whether you’re an experienced biologist or a curious naturalist, this two-day field certification blends assessment and deep learning in wildlife tracking. The CyberTracker Track & Sign Evaluation is an internationally recognized, professional-level certification system that hones your ability to identify, interpret and understand wildlife tracks and signs—while fostering a powerful connection with the land.
This unique experience is equal parts test and immersive workshop. You’ll be challenged to interpret a variety of wildlife signs—then receive immediate feedback in an engaging, group-learning format. Evaluators emphasize learning over scoring, and no prior tracking experience is necessary.
Whether you’re a naturalist, educator, biologist or nature enthusiast, this lecture will inspire you to look at the world in a new way—through the eyes of a tracker.
WILDLIFE TRACK & SIGN CERTIFICATION
Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 8-9, 2025, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day
REGISTER HERE!

Valentine's Day Beach Cleanup
2026-02-14 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Guana Middle Beach Access Parking Lot
Join GTM Research Reserve on Valentine’s Day and show some love to our beaches! Spend as much or as little time as you like. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Participants will receive a complimentary Aquatic Preserves water bottle as a thank-you for helping clean our beaches! Meet at the Middle Beach Parking Lot between 10-11 a.m.

Family Hike - Leave No Trace Scavenger Hunt
2026-03-28 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | Guana Trailhead
Join us for a guided family experience that blends nature exploration with mindfulness. Together, families will participate in a Leave No Trace scavenger hunt while practicing observation, reflection and curiosity in the natural world.
This interactive program encourages teamwork, shared discovery and meaningful time outdoors — helping families slow down, connect and learn together.
Instructor: Erin Tyson, M.Ed., LMHC | Mandala Wellness
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Space is limited.

Shuck Yeah! I ❤️ Estuaries!
2026-09-18 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Celebrate I ❤️ Estuaries Week with a sunset evening of coastal flavors, community and a shared love for the estuary.
Shuck Yeah! is a casual oyster roast and Low Country boil at the GTM Research Reserve, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Guana River. The evening will be emceed by John Bachman and filled with great food, live music and coastal fun.
Your ticket includes:

Fresh oysters by Get Shuckin’
Low Country boil feast
Live music by Sea Level
Craft cocktails by Jon Mateer
Beer and wine
Sunset views
Games and coastal-inspired fun

Grab your friends and join us for a Friday night celebration of good food, good company and the incredible estuary we call home.
Join us for Shuck Yeah!
$125 Members | $175 Non-Members
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Pearl Sponsor — $2,500
Only 1 Available
• Top logo placement across event marketing
• Speaking opportunity at the event
• Premium signage placement
• 4 tickets included
Reef Builder — $1,000
Limited Availability
• Logo featured on event emails and signage
• Verbal recognition at event
• 2 tickets included
Half Shell — $500
• Logo placement on event signage
• Recognition during the event
• 1 ticket included
All sponsorships directly support GTM Research Reserve science, education, conservation, and stewardship efforts.
Become a Sponsor: Shuck Yeah! Sponsorship Form

Whales & Dolphins | Six-Week Educational Course
2026-09-30 10:30 - 12:00 UTC | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Join us for a six-week journey into the world of North Atlantic Right Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins along Northeast Florida’s coast. Through expert presentations, film, discussion, and a guided sunset beach walk, you’ll explore the science, conservation, and stories behind some of the ocean’s most remarkable animals.
Whether you’re a lifelong marine mammal enthusiast or simply curious about the incredible wildlife found along our coast, this course offers a unique opportunity to connect with the ocean in a meaningful way.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Session Dates
Wednesdays: September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, and November 4
Instructor
Terran McGinnis, Founder, Wild Lessons
Time
10:30 AM – Noon
October 28 session meets at 5:30 PM for a sunset beach walk at Vilano Beach.
Location
GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center
Registration
Friends of GTM Members: $175
Non-Members: $225
Course Topics
Week 1: North Atlantic Right Whale
Learn about the North Atlantic Right Whale — one of the world’s most endangered whales — who returns each winter to our Northeast Florida waters to give birth and raise calves. Despite the challenges facing this species, this session offers a hopeful and empowering look at conservation efforts making a difference.
Week 2: “Last of the Right Whales” Film Screening
Experience the powerful documentary Last of the Right Whales, following the migration of North Atlantic Right Whales and the people dedicated to protecting them. The film explores the impacts of climate change, ship strikes, and fishing gear entanglements while sharing a message of hope for the future of the species.
Week 3: Marineland Right Whale Project
Discover the incredible work being done through the Marineland Right Whale Project and learn how researchers, conservationists, and everyday citizens are helping protect these remarkable animals.
Week 4: Common Bottlenose Dolphin
Explore the behavior, anatomy, hunting strategies, and social lives of our local bottlenose dolphins, along with the conservation challenges they face in Florida waters.
Week 5: Sunset Dolphin Beach Walk
We’ll head outdoors for a guided sunset beach walk at Vilano Beach, traveling south toward Porpoise Point. Along the way, we’ll discuss dolphin behavior and coastal ecology while enjoying one of the most scenic spots in St. Augustine. Dolphin sightings are possible, but not guaranteed.
Week 6: Marineland Dolphin Adventure — Past, Present, and Future
Take a look back at the fascinating history of Marineland, the world’s first oceanarium, and explore how it transformed our community’s relationship with dolphins and marine conservation from 1938 to today.
REGISTER NOW
