Friends of The GTM

Nature Journaling
2026-09-03 09:50 - 12:00, 2026-08-06 09:50 - 12:00, 2026-06-04 09:50 - 12:00, 2026-05-07 09:50 - 12:00, 2026-04-02 09:50 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
On the first Thursday of every month, join nature journaling instructor Elaine Bergstrom at GTM Research Reserve to explore the wonders at the reserve. Each month focuses on a different topic using words, pictures and numbers to learn more about what we observe. Meet at the Visitor Center lobby.
CLICK HERE to reserve a spot online.
Frequently asked questions:
What should I wear?

Please wear clothing that is appropriate for the outdoors. It’s recommended to dress in layers and prepare for any weather.

Can I bring my dog?

Not during the Nature Journaling event. Otherwise, dogs are permitted on GTM trails and beaches if they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please remember that all dogs must remain on a leash, and the owner must promptly clean all waste. Please be mindful of other visitors when bringing a dog.

What should I bring?

Please bring a reusable water bottle, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen (strongly recommended), and binoculars.

Where should I meet my guide?

Visitor Center.

If I run late, where do I find the group?

The Visitor Center staff will be able to direct you to the group’s location upon your arrival.

What will I learn from this?

Each month focuses on a different topic using words, pictures, and numbers to learn more about what we observe.

Are there any fees?

There is a $3 fee per vehicle. Park, scan QR code (premiumparking.com) or text the lot number and follow directions.

Is there anything else to see afterward?

There are 6 hiking trails that you can explore at the GTM Trailhead Pavilion. GTM’s Visitor Center is also open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Enjoy the beach and collect shells, swim in the ocean, or lay in the sun – have a family day! A $3 parking pass is required for parking at the Trailhead, dam, and GTM beach accesses.

Ocean to Estuary: A Tidal Journey
2026-08-15 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-18 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-20 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-16 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | River to Sea Preserve, 9805 Ocean Shr Blvd., St. Augustine, FL, 32080, United States
What changes as land meets the sea? Join us for an immersive walk from the Atlantic Ocean to the Matanzas River estuary, crossing dunes, maritime forest and mangroves.
EXPLORE COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
Dunes & Beach — How do sea oats, beach morning glory and coquina rocks protect and shape the shoreline?
Maritime Hammock—What roles do trees, vines, ferns and epiphytes play in providing habitat and shelter?
Mangrove Estuary—Why is this area called the “Nursery of the Sea?” Discover marsh grasses, mangroves, oyster bars, fish, crabs and birds.
BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST
How healthy is our local estuary? Join our citizen science team to investigate.
What do salinity, pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, plankton, wildlife, plants, weather and tides tell us about ecosystem health?
Collect real data and use evidence to explore estuary vitality.
HANDS-ON & INTERACTIVE
What tiny details reveal the big picture? Use Discovery Cards, jeweler’s loupes and field tools to observe, question and discover.
Share your findings and help build understanding of Florida’s coast.
No science experience needed—just curiosity!
REGISTER HERE!

Beach Exploration
2026-08-15 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-18 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-20 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-16 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; there is no parking fee.
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/camera 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 a moderately paced with soft sand terrain. Join the hike if you feel comfortable walking through beach sand for about half of a mile.

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, 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.

Family Seining
2026-08-08 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-11 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-09 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-11 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 own 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?

Yes, but keep in mind that all dogs must remain on a leash, and all waste must be promptly cleaned by the owner. To be part of the seining activity, two hands are needed. Please be mindful of other visitors when bringing a dog.

Where should I meet my guide?

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

What will I catch?

The seine nets catch various types of fish, crab, 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, might as well get your $3 worth). Tour the Visitor Center free of admission. It is open Tuesday- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Guided Exploration Hike
2026-08-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-06 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-02 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-04 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Guana Trailhead, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Visitors learn about the Guana Peninsula’s natural biodiversity, expansive cultural history, vital estuarine resources, and current efforts to protect 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.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Do I need a reservation to attend the hike?
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/camera are suggested.

Where should I meet my guide?

CLICK HERE for a Google Map. Your guide will be waiting at the Trailhead Pavilion around 8:50 a.m. The hike begins at 9 a.m.

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.

How long is the hike?

The hike is less than 2.2 miles round trip and follows the Yellow Trail (CLICK HERE for a Trail Map), and takes less than 2.0 hours.

Are trails accessible for strollers?

The trails are not paved and have loose sand. Only strollers with big, rugged wheels are recommended.

Is there anything else to see afterward?
If you like, have lunch at the Trailhead Pavilion. Then, try out one of the other trails. Enjoy the Dam area, where visitors fish, and rent kayaks or paddleboards. Head to one of the three beach lots or hang out in the Visitor Center to learn more about the reserve’s natural surroundings.

Introduction to Nature Journaling with Watercolors
2026-07-16 09:50 - 12:00, 2026-04-16 09:50 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
If you are new to nature journaling, you will be guided through this introductory class by instructor Elaine Bergstrom, using watercolors. Each month focuses on a different topic with words, pictures, and numbers to learn more about what we observe. Meet at the Visitor Center lobby.
CLICK HERE to reserve a spot online.
Frequently asked questions:
What should I wear?

Please wear clothing that is appropriate for the outdoors. It’s recommended to dress in layers and prepare for any weather.

Can I bring my dog?

Not during the Nature Journaling event. Otherwise, dogs are permitted on GTM trails and beaches if they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please remember that all dogs must remain on a leash, and the owner must promptly clean all waste. Please be mindful of other visitors when bringing a dog.

What should I bring?

Please bring a reusable water bottle, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen (strongly recommended), and binoculars.

Where should I meet my guide?

Visitor Center.

If I run late, where do I find the group?

The Visitor Center staff will be able to direct you to the group’s location upon your arrival.

What will I learn from this?

Each month focuses on a different topic using words, pictures, and numbers to learn more about what we observe.

Are there any fees?

There is a $3 fee per vehicle. Park, scan QR code (premiumparking.com) or text the lot number and follow directions.

Is there anything else to see afterward?

There are 6 hiking trails that you can explore at the GTM Trailhead Pavilion. GTM’s Visitor Center is also open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Enjoy the beach and collect shells, swim in the ocean, or lay in the sun – have a family day! A $3 parking pass is required for parking at the Trailhead, dam, and GTM beach accesses.

Nature Journaling
2026-07-09 09:50 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Join nature journaling instructor Elaine Bergstrom at GTM Research Reserve to explore the wonders at the reserve. Each month focuses on a different topic using words, pictures and numbers to learn more about what we observe. Meet at the Visitor Center lobby.
CLICK HERE to reserve a spot online.
Frequently asked questions:
What should I wear?

Please wear clothing that is appropriate for the outdoors. It’s recommended to dress in layers and prepare for any weather.

Can I bring my dog?

Not during the Nature Journaling event. Otherwise, dogs are permitted on GTM trails and beaches if they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please remember that all dogs must remain on a leash, and the owner must promptly clean all waste. Please be mindful of other visitors when bringing a dog.

What should I bring?

Please bring a reusable water bottle, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen (strongly recommended), and binoculars.

Where should I meet my guide?

Visitor Center.

If I run late, where do I find the group?

The Visitor Center staff will be able to direct you to the group’s location upon your arrival.

What will I learn from this?

Each month focuses on a different topic using words, pictures, and numbers to learn more about what we observe.

Are there any fees?

There is a $3 fee per vehicle. Park, scan QR code (premiumparking.com) or text the lot number and follow directions.

Is there anything else to see afterward?

There are 6 hiking trails that you can explore at the GTM Trailhead Pavilion. GTM’s Visitor Center is also open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Enjoy the beach and collect shells, swim in the ocean, or lay in the sun – have a family day! A $3 parking pass is required for parking at the Trailhead, dam, and GTM beach accesses.

Moonlight Hike
2026-06-27 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-02 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Experience the GTM Research Reserve under the glow of the full moon! Enjoy exclusive after-hours access for a peaceful, self-guided Moonlight Hike. Normally closed at sunset, the trails will open under the full moon for a unique opportunity to explore the reserve in a whole new light.
This is a self-paced experience designed for quiet reflection and nighttime nature viewing.
Registration:
• $10 – Pre-registration (credit card online)
• $20 – Day-of (cash only at the trailhead)
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to guarantee your spot.
Flashlights or headlamps are recommended.
REGISTER HERE!

GTM Monthly Beach Cleanup
2026-04-25 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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 9:00 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.

Ocean to Estuary: A Tidal Journey
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | River to Sea Preserve, 9805 Ocean Shr Blvd., St. Augustine, FL, 32080, United States
What changes as land meets the sea? Join us for an immersive walk from the Atlantic Ocean to the Matanzas River estuary, crossing dunes, maritime forest and mangroves. Meeting locations will alternate between the River to Sea Preserve and Bing’s Landing.
EXPLORE COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
Dunes & Beach — How do sea oats, beach morning glory and coquina rocks protect and shape the shoreline?
Maritime Hammock—What roles do trees, vines, ferns and epiphytes play in providing habitat and shelter?
Mangrove Estuary—Why is this area called the “Nursery of the Sea?” Discover marsh grasses, mangroves, oyster bars, fish, crabs and birds.
BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST
How healthy is our local estuary? Join our citizen science team to investigate.
What do salinity, pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, plankton, wildlife, plants, weather and tides tell us about ecosystem health?
Collect real data and use evidence to explore estuary vitality.
HANDS-ON & INTERACTIVE
What tiny details reveal the big picture? Use Discovery Cards, jeweler’s loupes and field tools to observe, question and discover.
Share your findings and help build understanding of Florida’s coast.
No science experience needed—just curiosity!
REGISTER HERE!

An Evening for the Estuary
2026-04-16 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | Hyatt Place at Vilano Beach
Enjoy a memorable evening featuring a welcome cocktail and appetizers, a family-style dinner prepared by Chef Michael, and coffee and dessert, with live music by Sea Level. Explore our silent auction showcasing one-of-a-kind GTM Research Reserve adventures and experiences. All proceeds benefit the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve), advancing conservation, education and stewardship of the reserve.
Dress Code: Coastal Chic – Think sundresses, breezy resort wear, and stylish yet comfortable attire perfect for an elegant night by the shore.
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
