Visit the GTM Research Reserve for a Natural Experience

Explore this beautiful, natural landscape through free guided eco tours, trail and beach hikes.

It’s a long name, but so worth knowing and visiting. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve) is one of the most treasured natural preserves on Florida’s Historic Coast.

This beautiful, natural landscape is home to a wide diversity of plants, animals and sea creatures teeming with life from the ocean to its forests. And visitors can experience it all through free guided eco tours, trail and beach hikes and all sorts of family activities throughout the year.

Guided Exploration Hike of the GTM Research Reserve
Learn about the area’s 5,000 years of human history, how the native peoples used the vast resources of the estuaries, and what European plantation life was like as you explore the Guana Peninsula during this guided hike. 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. Reservations are required and space is limited. 904-380-8600 www.gtmnerr.org Hikes take place on the first Saturday of every month from 9-11 a.m.

Family Seining at the GTM Research Reserve
Learn how to pull a seine net, collect fish and crabs as you learn about their habitats and role in the environment. Waders and boots provided. The program is included with regular admission to the reserve and takes place in the Environmental Education Center. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-380-8600 www.gtmnerr.org Seining takes place on the second Saturday of every month from 9-11 a.m.

Matanzas Inlet Hike
On this guided interpretive walk around the Matanzas Inlet you’ll learn about the inlet dynamics and movement of the sand as the sea constantly rearranges the shore. Explore the incredibly rich and diverse communities of plants and animals throughout the ecosystem and witness how hurricanes have affected the inlet. This event meets at the Matanzas Inlet west parking lot. This event is free, but registration is required. 8655 A1A S., St. Augustine. 904-380-8600 www.gtmnerr.org

River-To-Sea Preserve Trail Walk
Take a walk on the wooded trail to the Matanzas River at the River-to-Sea Preserve. Learn about old Florida's moss-laden trees, seasonal flowering shrubs and Native American lore, including how they used various plants for food, beverage and medicine. The event is free, but online registration is required. 9805 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Marineland. 904-380-8600 www.gtmnerr.org

Beach Exploration at GTM Research Reserve
Learn about the animals that call the beach their home, as well as seashells and other interesting facts--an experience that the entire family will enjoy. The hike begins at the Visitor Center where you will learn about the different habitats on our beautiful seashore then it’s off to the beach. Parking for this event is located in front of the visitor center. There is no fee for this lot, but registration is required. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-380-8600 www.gtmnerr.org Third Saturday of every month, 9-11 a.m.

GTM Research Reserve Beach Clean Up
Pitch in and help keep our natural treasure pristine. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM) conducts a beach cleanup on every fourth Saturday of the month. Why not enjoy coastal views and the great outdoors while helping remove debris and microplastics from the beach? Gloves and trash bags provided at a different meeting location each month. Visit www.gtmnerr.org for information on where to meet. Clean up takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month, 9:30 a.m.