Events

Cost for most programs are included with your entrance fee, unless otherwise noted.



April

Monday, April 28th 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Lake Guana Kayak Tour

Come experience a natural Florida adventure on Lake Guana, where freshwater meets the sea breeze. Nature abounds with regular alligator sightings in this coastal birding paradise. Lake Guana offers incredible diversity in flora and fauna because it is predominately a freshwater lake adjacent to the coast. From our stable tandem kayaks we will search for herons, egrets, osprey, gallinules, black-necked stilts, bald eagles and other water dependent species that inhabit the area.
Cost for this event is $45 per person and is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
All kayaking equipment, instruction, reserve entry fee/parking and tour are included.
Please meet at the Six Mile Landing public boat ramp 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.



May

Friday, May 2nd Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Brown Bag Lunch Lecture: “Shorebirds”

Join Ned Shuler, St. Johns County Audubon Society’s president and Least Tern Project coordinator, for a look at our local shorebirds. Explore which shorebirds use our beaches and when. Learn about habitat loss and what is being done to protect the threatened and endangered species. See how you can improve the plight of these birds by devoting just a few hours a season as a volunteer to the effort. Bring your lunches and questions for an enjoyable and informative presentation. Bring your lunches and questions for an enjoyable and informative lecture. There is no cost to attend the lecture.

Saturday, May 3 rd 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m
GTM Reserve Beach Walk

Join GTM Research Reserve Volunteer Rick Edwards for this “Beaches 101” experience; learn about the sand, the importance of the dunes and the animals that call the beach their home. Reservations are required. Please call 904-823-4500 to reserve your spot. Meet at the Guana South Beach parking lot approximately two miles north of the Environmental Education Center which is located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring water. Regular parking fees apply, $3.00 per vehicle, annual GTM pass holders FREE.

Sunday, May 4th 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Guana River Sunset Kayak Tour

Come and experience the Ripple Effect - a natural exploration of the pristine waters of the Guana River. Dolphins, bald eagles, and many other estuary dependent species salute the sunset over the Guana River on this two hour exploration of the GTM Research Reserve.
The stability of our tandem touring kayaks are the perfect viewing platform to relax, reflect and enjoy these wonders of nature.
Enjoy a serene sensation only attainable in a kayak. No experience required. This is Real Florida nature from a unique perspective.
Cost for this event is $45 per person and is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
All kayaking equipment, instruction, reserve entry fee/parking and tour are included.
Please meet at the Guana River Dam 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.
Kayak Sunset Tour

Tuesday, May 6th 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Estuary Kayak Tour of Guana River

Come and experience the Ripple Effect - a natural exploration of the pristine waters of the Guana River.
Join a professional kayak instructor/naturalist for a relaxing tour of the coastal estuary, one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. Paddling clinic and safety protocol provided before every tour. Participants will climb into a stable, double kayak and paddle out into the estuary to search for herons, egrets, osprey and other estuary dependent species that inhabit the area.
Enjoy a serene sensation only attainable in a kayak. No experience required. This is Real Florida nature from a unique perspective.
Cost for this event is $45 per person and is appropriate for people age 12 and up.
All kayaking equipment, instruction, reserve entry fee/parking and tour are included.
Please meet at the GTM Reserve Environmental Educational Center 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
What to bring: sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, camera and binoculars, bottled water.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Thursday, May 8th 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Guana River Kayak Tour

See above May 6th event for details.
Please meet at the GTM Reserve Environmental Educational Center 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Saturday, May 10th 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Guana River Sunset Kayak Tour

See above May 4th event for details.
Please meet at the Guana River Dam 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Sunday, May 11th 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Guana River Kayak Tour

See above May 6th event for details.
Please meet at the GTM Reserve Environmental Educational Center 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Sunday, May 11th 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Guana River Sunset Kayak Tour

See above May 4th event for details.
Please meet at the Guana River Dam 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Tuesday, May 13th 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friends of the GTM Research Reserve - Monthly Board Meeting

At the Environmental Education Center. The public is invited to attend. For information please contact Teri Webley at (904) 823-4527.

Wednesday, May 14th 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Lake Guana Kayak Tour

Come experience a natural Florida adventure on Lake Guana, where freshwater meets the sea breeze. Nature abounds with regular alligator sightings in this coastal birding paradise. Lake Guana offers incredible diversity in flora and fauna because it is predominately a freshwater lake adjacent to the coast. From our stable tandem kayaks we will search for herons, egrets, osprey, gallinules, black-necked stilts, bald eagles and other water dependent species that inhabit the area.
Cost for this event is $45 per person and is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
All kayaking equipment, instruction, reserve entry fee/parking and tour are included.
Please meet at the Six Mile Landing public boat ramp 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Saturday, May 17th 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Guana River Sunset / Full Moon Rise Kayak Tour

See above May 4th event for details.
Please meet at the Guana River Dam 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Sunday, May 18th 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Guided Bike Tour of Guana Trails

Join Florida Master Naturalist Craig O'Neal as we bike the upland trail systems.
The tour will cover approximately 6 to 8 miles round trip.
We will discuss topics such as the diverse and co-existing eco-systems, wildlife, as well as historical points of interest located within the Reserve. Experience parts of Guana seldom seen though hiking.
Bring your own bike - trail & beach bicycle only.
This is a moderately strenuous activity.
Helmet, closed toe shoes and water are required.
Meet at GTM Reserve Trailhead Pavilion
Entrance fee $3 per vehicle, annual GTM pass holders FREE.
Space is limited. Reservations are required. Please call (904) 823-4500 to reserve your spot.

Sunday, May 18th 9:00 am to 11:00 am
“Become an Environmental Biologist” Program Series (Adult Level)

The topic of these monthly programs is the importance of prescribed burns to the habitats of the GTM Research Reserve.
BR>Meet at the Trailhead Pavilion. There is a $3/per vehicle parking fee. Please call (904) 823-4500 to reserve your spot. Regular parking fees apply, $3.00 per vehicle, annual GTM pass holders FREE.

Sunday, May 18th 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Guana River Sunset / Full Moon Rise Kayak Tour

See above May 4th event for details.
Please meet at the Guana River Dam 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Tuesday, May 20th 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Guana River Kayak Tour

See above May 6th event for details.
Please meet at the GTM Reserve Environmental Educational Center 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Wednesday, May 21st 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Family Fun Hour featuring Suzanne Tate’s book “Tammy Turtle - A Tale of Saving Sea Turtles”.

The story will be followed by a sea turtle craft for participants to take home. This event is open to the public, including large groups; however children ages 3 to 10 must be accompanied by a parent. Participation is free, but registration required by contacting the GTM Research Reserve at (904) 823-4500. All materials for the event will be supplied.

Thursday, May 22nd 10 a.m. to Noon
Guana River Kayak Tour

See above May 6th event for details.
Please meet at the GTM Reserve Environmental Educational Center 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Saturday, May 24th 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Guana River Sunset Kayak Tour

See above May 4th event for details.
Please meet at the Guana River Dam 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Sunday, May 25th 9:00 am to 11:00 am
“Become a Junior Environmental Biologist” Program Series (Kids Level)

The topic of these monthly programs is the importance of prescribed burns to the habitats of the GTM Research Reserve. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Meet at the Trailhead Pavilion. There is a $3/per vehicle parking fee. Please call (904) 823-4500 to reserve your spot. Regular parking fees apply, $3.00 per vehicle, annual GTM pass holders FREE.

Sunday, May 25th 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Guana River Sunset Kayak Tour

See above May 4th event for details.
Please meet at the Guana River Dam 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Monday, May 26th 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Guana River Kayak Tour

See above May 6th event for details.
Please meet at the GTM Reserve Environmental Educational Center 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Wednesday, May 28th 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Lake Guana Kayak Tour

See above May 14th event for details.
Please meet at the Six Mile Landing public boat ramp 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.

Saturday, May 31st 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Puppet Show and Craft Hour Featuring “Donny Dragonfly” by Jean Drayovitch

Author and illustrator Jean Drayovitch will present a puppet show featuring her new story “Donny Dragonfly”. The puppet show will be followed by a dragonfly craft activity for participants to take home.
Ms. Drayovitch will also be available for a special book signing of “Donny Dragonfly” which will be available for purchase at the GTM Research Reserve’s Nature Store.
The event is open to the public, including large groups; however children ages 3 to 10 must be accompanied by a parent.
Space is limited. Registration is required by contacting the GTM Research Reserve at (904) 823-4500. All materials for the event will be supplied.

Saturday, May 31st 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Guana River Sunset Kayak Tour

See above May 4th event for details.
Please meet at the Guana River Dam 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
Reservation must be made in advance.
Please call Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space.



Art Exhibit - Susan van Hoek - April 8th through June 30th 2008


Susan van Hoek’s oil paintings are often described as "calligraphic, painterly, and expressionistic”. She paints a variety of subjects, including landscapes from her extensive travels. She also returns periodically to one of her favorite haunts to work on a series of Everglades paintings, hoping to share with viewers her love of the great skies, the vast "sea of grass”, and the flora and fauna of Florida's last great wilderness. She is an award-winning artist with paintings in collections throughout the U.S., Canada and the Bahamas. Her work will be available for purchase through the Friends of the Reserve in the Research Reserve’s Nature Store for the duration of the exhibit.
Note: All Nature Store purchases support the GMTNERR !



Nature Movies every Saturday and Sunday at 10 am and 1 pm
GTM Reserve Environmental Education Center Auditorium


May: “Ocean”
Which is the noisiest of all ocean animals? How much do we really know about life in the oceans? “Ocean” visits the alien world of the deep-bringing us face to face with some of the most bizarre creatures on our planet. Ocean inhabitants have always remained mysterious, yet oceans contain 99 percent of the living space on the planet-an enormous habitat for a dazzling aquatic population.
Come for the movies – Stay for the exhibits!
Admission to the Environmental Education Center is $2 for adults, $1 for children aged ten to 17 and children under ten are free.


"Creature Feature"
Live Estuary animal interaction experience
Every Saturday at 11 a.m. at the
GTM Research Reserve’s Environmental Education Center

Join the Research Reserve’s Visitor Services Specialist Tina Bouse and learn about animal habitats, food chains, and behavior. This exciting, hands-on presentation will allow visitors to get up-close and personal with creatures of all kinds in a fun and educational environment.



Once a month Saturday Nature Walks – call for dates




Environmental Films  at GTMNERR Environmental Education Center

Looking for something to do with the kids on the weekends? Head on down to the GTMNERR Environmental Education Center for the weekend film series. Movies are  shown on the “big screen” in our auditorium at 10:00 am and again at 1:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to join us! 

Admission to the Environmental Education Center is free for children under ten, $1 for children aged 10 to 17 and $2 for adults. Annual passes to the Reserve are available for $50.00 plus tax. Groups of 10 or more individuals require reservations. Regular operating hours are 9 am – 4 pm. (Closed on State Holidays)  

GTM Reserve Environmental Education Center
505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
904-823-4500
9 am – 4 pm (Closed on State Holidays)