Eco-Educational Programs with the
GTM NERR
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Eco-Educational Programs with...
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park |
Faver-Dykes State Park
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What are Eco-Educational Programs?
As we define it, they are programs that teach about the interaction between living things and
their environment. Whether you get there by kayaking, walking or riding makes no difference, the
goal is still the same. The tours listed on this page are designed to teach guests about the
different ecosystems in our area. They are all lead by professional biologists/naturalists.
ENJOY!
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The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM NERR) encompasses approximately
55,000 acres of salt marsh and mangrove tidal wetlands, oyster bars, estuarine lagoons, upland
habitat and offshore seas in Northeast Florida. It contains the northern most extent of mangrove
habitat on the east coast of the United States.
The coastal waters of the GTM Reserve are important calving grounds for the endangered Right Whale.
Manatees, Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons find refuge in the
reserve.
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The GTM NERR provides research and environmental education opportunities and practical information for
coastal decision-makers to improve the management of coastal natural resources. Properties within the
Reserve boundary are entirely in public ownership and managed by various local, state and federal
entities, and their protected status serves as an excellent site to provide a long-term database for
management of our valuable coastal resources.
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The GTM Reserve Tour
An On-water Nature Experience
Difficulty level: Easy
Prerequisite: None
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This naturalist lead tour is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about one of northeast Florida's
most precious jewels, the coastal estuary. You'll begin this experience at the new Environmental
Educational Center of the GTM NERR. GTM Reserve education staff will give an informative introduction
to coastal system and the educational center before getting on the water. Then we'll all climb into a
stable, double kayak and paddle out into the estuary. Along the way, we will search for herons, egrets,
osprey and other water dependent species that inhabit the area. But most importantly, you'll learn
about what makes this coastal system so special and in need of protection.
The tour fee includes entry to the GTM Reserve, so upon completion of the tour, feel free to have a
closer look around at the exhibits or hike the 9 miles of upland trails.
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Cost: $45 per person (includes all kayaking equipment, instruction,
reserve entry fee and tour, and bottled water)
Duration: 2 hours
Who: Adults 15+ years of age
Where: Meet at the GTM Reserve Environmental Educational Center
Dates & Times: Please refer to our calendar for dates and times.
What to bring: Spare change of clothing, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, camera
and binoculars
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Click here for policies on reservations and cancellations
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All participants are required to fill out a Liability Waiver upon arrival.
(Liability waiver.pdf)
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If you do not see the menus above, click the link below.
COPYRIGHT 2005
COASTAL OUTDOOR CENTER, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
291 Cubbedge Road
St. Augustine, FL 32080
904-471-4144
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