Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve, Florida

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
Environmental Education Center Celebrates Their Three Year Anniversary with National Estuaries Day - September 27, 2008

The 21,000 square-foot Environmental Education Center at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve officially opened on Saturday September 24, 2005. The $6.2 million project includes interpretive exhibits, aquariums, classrooms, reading room, teaching and working laboratories, an auditorium and an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Guana River Aquatic Preserve. Staff-led programs are offered to school teachers, students (high school, college, and 7th grade LIFE program with partner school), adults and environmental professionals. Volunteer-led programs are offered to 4th grade students. Other grade levels can participate on a self-guided visit or guided by a GTM Research Reserve volunteer if available.

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 and 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, 3 beach access points, fishing area and 2 small boat ramps.Other programs at the center include Coastal Science Seminars, a brown bag lunch program the first Friday of the month and guided walks and nature movies on the weekends. Please call 904-823-4500 for a list of special events and guided walks.

The Environmental Education Center is open daily 9am – 4pm with the exception of State holidays. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children age 10 to 17 and free for children under age 10. (GTM
Reserve annual pass holders get in free!). In the center there are a variety of nature exhibits and Scavenger hunts for the kids (and adults) to complete. There is also a 15 minute introductory video. That plays in the AV room all day. Located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. (Off A1A 8 miles north of Vilano Beach/St. Augustine or 17 miles south of J.T.Butler Blvd. Jacksonville Beach. 904-823-4500).