ECOLOGY
The reserve is located on a barrier island that is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on
the west by the Tolomato River (Intracoastal Waterway). From the gentle slope
of the beach the sand dunes rise abruptly to a height of 30 to 40 feet. These
dunes are vegetated by pioneer plants, including sea oats (which are protected
by law), railroad vine, panic grass and a few others. These plants are responsible
for the growth of the dunes as they catch the blowing sand and hold it in
place. West of the present dune system, the remains of older dunes are now
covered by thick vegetation, forming the coastal strand. West of the coastal
strand across from Guana Lake and River lies a peninsula where more mature
habitats can be found, including hardwood hammock and pine flatwoods.
This variety of habitats
leads to a diverse collection of flora and fauna. Coastal strand, hardwood
hammock and pine flatwoods provide the most protection and shelter, therefore,
these areas support the most plant and animal species. It is here that a large
variety of insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals make their home.
Over 177 species of birds have been identified, including bald eagle and osprey.
Tracks of large mammals, including gray fox, white-tailed deer and bobcat,
are often seen along paths. The beach/dune system provides suitable conditions
for numerous animal species from tiny invertebrates to birds to large reptiles.
Two threatened species, least terns (colonial nesting birds) and loggerhead
sea turtles, use the beach as nesting areas.
These diverse natural areas and their abundant and varied wildlife account for the almost constant human occupation of the area. Evidence discovered
on the property dates back almost 5,000 years to the Indians of the Orange
Period (2500-1000 B.C.). Additional finds show that the area has been inhabited
not only by these early Indians, but by later groups of Indians leading up
to occupation by the early Spanish. Spanish influence on the area is evident
from the name "Guana" which is a Spanish word meaning "palm," and also from historical records dating back to 1592 that suggest that Ponce
de Leon's first landing and explorations may have taken place on what today
is the park. Historical records also indicate that the Spanish established
a mission over 300 years ago along the Tolomato (The Nativity of Our Lady
of Tolomato). The exact site of the mission remains unknown.
For more information, contact:
Guana Tolomato National Estuarine Research Reserve
505 Guana River Road
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-823-4500
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