The GTMNERR Environmental Education Center provides a
one-of-a-kind opportunity for the rapidly growing population of
Northeast Florida to receive hands-on environmental education and
natural resource interpretation. Inside of the 21,000 square foot
Environmental Education Center is an exhibit hall, aquariums,
nature store, research laboratory, classrooms, meeting rooms and
offices. You can browse the natural history exhibits and hands-on
displays, study live animals, and shop in our nature store.
Strolling through our exhibit hall, visitors can learn about
the many functions of the coastal and estuarine ecosystem and the
natural history of Northeast Florida. Educational programs allow visitors an up close and personal view of some of the animals
that live in our estuary, including fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs,
turtles and birds. The Center's interpretive displays address many
issues affecting our area, from water resources to the plight of
endangered species. The Nature Store focuses on environmental
education with a wide variety of merchandise for all ages, from
nature guides to art to t-shirts.
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
Katie.Flynn@dep.state.fl.us .
For more information about the programs at the GTMNERR please
contact the GTMNERR Events Planner
Diana.Eissing@dep.state.fl.us . Thank you
for your support. We look forward to seeing
you!
Group Visit
Policy:
All groups of 10 or
more must have a reservation to enter the Environmental Education
Center (to allow for a pleasant & educational visit for all of
our guests).
All school groups must abide by the 10/1
chaperone/student ratio.
Maximum of approximately 25 group
participants in exhibit hall at any one time.
Teachers/Leaders may use recreational area, picnic tables, or
possibly watch a movie in the auditorium to rotate participants if
need be.
The GTM Reserve is now accepting reservations for 4th, high school, and college-aged groups. 4th grade programs are offered Mondays and Fridays. High school and college programs offered on Tuesdays. Any grade or group not mentioned should inquire about visiting the Reserve on our self-guided days. Reservations are required for any and all groups visiting the GTMNERR.
"School groups, accompanied by the
appropriate chaperone, whose purpose in visiting the GTM Reserve is
to supplement specific school curriculum, and is for educational
purposes rather than a purely recreational outing, are free of
charge." (Section 18-23.011, Specific Authority
253.86(2) FS. Law implemented 253.86 FS. History-New 10-26-04).
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!
Links to Other Local Environmental Education Opportunities
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