The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
Environmental Education Center

The GTM Reserve’s Environmental Education Center provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the many functions of the coastal and estuarine ecosystem and the natural history of Northeast Florida. The center contains natural & cultural history exhibits, aquariums, an audiovisual theatre/auditorium, a laboratory, and a nature store. Outdoor recreational activities include a picnic pavilion, 10 miles of hiking trails, 4 beach access points, fishing area and 2 small boat ramps.

Learn about the importance of the estuary and the Research Reserve’s role in protecting our coastal resources. Examine live & replica inhabitants of our local estuary. Other program components may include an informative 20 minute video about the Reserve, visiting the Nature Store for books, clothing, and artwork by local artists. For groups—tour guide possibly available, ask at time of reservation.

Education Brochure 2011-12   (PDF files - Adobe Acrobat Reader required) 

SCHOOL PROGRAMS (K-16)

• Reservations Required

• Aligned to Sunshine State Standards

• 10:1 Student/Adult Ratio

• Minimum group size to reserve program is 10

• Maximum group size is 45.

• No fee for school groups with reservation

Investigate the plants and animal habitats of the Reserve on a trail walk and outdoor scavenger hunt!
Teacher must have participated in Reserve teacher workshop. (Inquire for details)

2nd Grade: Estuary Explorers Program

Learn about animal classifications and life cycles with a focus on species found at the GTM Reserve. An exhibit hall scavenger hunt, live animal interaction, and marsh observation make this a great program.

4th Grade: Estuary Explorers Program

Learn about estuary food chains! Practice observation and data recording skills in a bird identification activity. An exhibit hall scavenger hunt & live animals make this a great program.

High School/College Watershed Studies Program

• Water Quality Field Lab

• Marsh Vegetation Field Lab

• Organism Diversity Lab (seining)

• Plankton Diversity Lab

• Beach Profiling Lab

• Sand Characterization Lab

Summer Camps

Adventures on the Estuary Summer Camp Flyer   For students entering 1st - 8th Grades 

Adventures on the Estuary Summer Camp Flyer   For students entering 9th - 12th Grade 

Teacher Workshops: June 11-14, 2012

Teacher on the Estuaries Summer Workshop Flyer   For 2nd - 12th grade Teachers 

Coastal Training Program

The Coastal Training Program provides up-to-date scientific information and skill-building opportunities to individuals who are responsible for making decisions that affect coastal resources. Through this program, the Reserves can ensure that coastal decision-makers including elected officials, professional groups, and other adult audiences have the knowledge and tools they need to address critical resource management issues of concern to local communities.

Group Visit Policy:
Reservations are required for all groups interested in visiting the Reserve. No fee for school groups with reservation

All non-school groups please call for pricing information.

To make a group reservation, interested parties should call the GTMNERR at (904) 823-4500 at least a month in advance of your preferred date. Please have # of participants, and type of group (K-12, Retirement, Rotary Club, etc.) preferred dates available when calling to schedule your visit.

We look forward to sharing our educational resources with the citizens & students of Northeast Florida!

GTMNERR actively seeks public and private partners in environmental education opportunities. The success of the Environmental Education Center depends upon individual and corporate memberships, donations and contributions. The Center and Nature Store are maintained by volunteers from our Friends group.  If you are interested in volunteering your time please contact the GTMNERR Volunteer Coordinator Carly Swatek Carly.Swatek@dep.state.fl.us.

For more information about the programs at the GTMNERR please contact the GTMNERR Events Planner Diana Eissing Diana.Eissing@dep.state.fl.us . Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you!   

Links to Other Local Environmental Education Opportunities