Membership

The Friends of GTMNERR is a private non-profit citizen support organization established to support and enhance environmental education, stewardship of natural and cultural resources, and scientific research of the GTMNERR through volunteer initiatives, citizen involvement, and community partnerships. Membership is open to all.

The Friends are an invaluable means of coordinating our volunteer efforts. The membership helps on special work projects and participate in fun special events and fieldtrips. They provide guides and docents in exhibit and interpretive areas and help conduct tours or special programs. The Friends of GTMNERR develop and promote special events to focus attention on the GTMNERR and its special character.
The Friends of GTMNERR support the Reserve through ongoing volunteer assistance in the research and stewardship programs. They help communicate the Reserve’s specific management needs and plans to the community. The Friends also help meet educational needs by providing activities, newsletters and brochures. Special exhibits and other interpretive programs can be developed in cooperation with GTMNERR staff.

The Friends of GTMNERR will also manage the Nature Store at the GTMNERR Environmental Education Center. These funds finance the activities of the Friends of GTMNERR, including sponsorship of special exhibits, fieldtrips, programs and publications about the Reserve or its resources. They also provide additional equipment, exhibits, programs and renovations according to the needs and plans for the Reserve beyond what the Department of Environmental Protection can provide.

Friends of the GTM Research Reserve Sponsored Programs include:

• National Estuaries Day: Event support  
• Star Parties 
• Guana River Kayak tours 
• Art and photography classes for all ages 
• Host Artist Reception Wine and Cheese events (quarterly) 
• Host Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
  (over 200 volunteers/ 10,800 hours) 

Major Sponsor of Coastal Training Programs:

• Coast and Ocean Alliance meeting 
• Southeast Atlantic Right Whale Implementation Team meeting 
• Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas Management Team meeting 
• Law Enforcement Training in Archeological Regulations and enforcement  
• Archeological Monitor Training workshop 
• GIS Training for Local Governments 
• Underwater Archeology Symposium  
• Green Lodging workshop  

Provide funds to support

• Sea Turtle Monitoring program  (Fuel, nest markers/stakes and other supplies, Volunteer appreciation) 
• GTM Education program equipment and supplies 
• Busses for students participating in the Learning In Florida’s Environmental program 
• Research on the North Atlantic right whale 
• Eagle Scout project to construct information kiosk 
• Improved ADA accessibility at Guana Beach access 

Operate the Friends Nature Store

• All Nature Store Purchases Support the GTM Research Reserve's Education, Stewardship and Research Programs  

Click on the membership brochure link below for an Adobe Acrobat file that you can print, fill-in and join us.
We would love to have you as part of our organization.

CLICK HERE FOR A MEMBERSHIP BROCHURE