FLORIDA ESTUARIES: THE GUANA RESERVE

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 Celebrate National Estuaries Week

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve - Photo by Donna Kaluzniak©


Estuaries are ecosystems where rivers meet the sea. Typically, fresh water and salt water meet to form brackish water that changes with the tides. Plants and animals in estuaries must be adaptable to these changes. Estuaries also serve as buffer zones, providing flood protection, preventing erosion and filtering pollutants. They provide safe areas for numerous fish, shellfish, and birds, including many threatened and endangered species.

There are only 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the United States. The Guana Reserve is one.

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Reserve), sometimes called Guana Reserve, is right down the road from my house! 

Map of the GTM Reserve
The GTM Reserve protects 76,760 acres in Northeast Florida, from Ponte Vedra Beach to Palm Coast--from 30 miles north to 30 miles south of St. Augustine.

The GTM Reserve encompasses the three rivers in its title: The Guana River, Tolomato River, and Matanzas River. Within the reserve are salt marshes, estuarine lagoons, mangrove wetlands, and some of Florida's highest dunes. Offshore waters are part of the reserve as well, which are calving grounds for the endangered Right Whale.

Within the GTM Reserve are other aquatic preserves, state parks and forests and the Fort Matanzas National Monument. Many historical artifacts have been found in the reserve, including evidence of a Spanish mission. 

 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides funding, national guidance and technical support for the estuary. Daily oversight is the responsibility of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). And a network of volunteers, Friends of the GTM Reserve help with research, monitoring, and hands-on activities.

What Activities are Allowed?

Fishing at Guana Lake in the GTM Reserve
Fishing at Guana Lake, GTM Reserve - Photo by Donna Kaluzniak©
 The GTM Reserve offers numerous ways to appreciate nature. Fishing, kayaking, shelling and other water-based activities are common. 

Hiking, biking and horseback riding are also allowed. 

Guided hikes are a great way to learn more about the ecology, historical, and cultural aspects of the reserve. There are also family seining events and beach exploration hikes through the Visitor Center. 

Egrets, pelicans, gulls and terns a the GTM Research Reserve at the Guana River
Birds Abound at the GTM Reserve -Photo by Donna Kaluzniak©
Wildlife is abundant, and the reserve is a great place for photographers. Some areas are prohibited from walking or parking due to sensitive vegetation or endangered species, so be aware of your location. Also, some wildlife can be dangerous.

The GTM Reserve headquarters is in Ponte Vedra Beach, co-located at the Environmental Education/Visitor Center. Guided hikes, classes and educational events are scheduled through the Center. Monthly Beach Cleanups are also arranged there also.

Staff and volunteers at the Center are happy to give you information about the GTM Reserve, including the various trails, activities, wildlife, and historical finds. You can join their email list to be updated with all the events. They also support research and conservation activities.

The Center has beautiful displays, an aquarium, amphibian display, classrooms, teaching/research labs, an auditorium and outdoor amphitheater. They are now expanding it to include Reimagine the Estuary - A New Discovery Learning Center.

Research Activities

Research activities look at how environmental factors affect coastal ecosystems--including climate/storms, nutrient loading (nitrogen and phosphorus), and invasive species. 

They monitor changes in coastal wetlands, using satellite and other data to measure changes in vegetation, sediment and shoreline erosion. The health of oysters is measured, as they filter over 60 percent of the estuary every two weeks. 

The System Wide Monitoring Program also measures changes in water quality and weather. Research at the Matanzas River estuary is especially important, as it is the only inlet that has never been dredged.

The GTM Reserve engages citizen scientists to help collect data and monitor biodiversity in the reserve.

The Matanzas River Meets the Atlantic Ocean - Photo by Donna Kaluzniak©

What Can You Do to Help Your Local Estuary?

If you live near an estuary, there are often activities and educational events associated with it. For instance, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program encourages citizen volunteers to help with activities like removing invasive plants. If your estuary has educational programs, classes, or guided walks - participate.

You can also help by removing invasive species in your own yard or city. You can also help by preventing stormwater pollution.

Geek Out

Check out the State of the Reserve.


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