2025 GTM Adventures in the Estuary Summer Camp
2025-07-22 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-23 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-24 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-25 08:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach,, FL, 32082, United States
2025 GTM Adventures in the Estuary Summer Camp

Designed for young adventurers/explorers, GTM’s Summer Camp is a hands-on experience at Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve. Campers will explore the wonders of estuarine habitats, learn about marine life and water conservation, and discover the crucial role estuaries play in our environment.
Estuary Summer Camp Times:
Monday-Thursday — 8:00am-4:00pm | Arrive between 8:00am-9:00am and be picked-up between 3:00pm-4:00pm
Fridays — 8:00am-2:00pm | Camp will end early — campers should be picked-up between 1:00pm-2:00pm
*Please note – a $50.00 late fee will apply for any camper picked up late.
Summer Camp Schedule:
June 2-6, 2025 — Ages 6-8 & 9-12
June 9-13, 2025 — Ages 6-8 & 9-12
June 16-20, 2025 — Ages 6-8 & 9-12
June 23-27, 2025 — Ages 6-8 & 9-12
STEAM Camp — July 21-25, 2025 — Ages 12-15
Click the event website link to reserve your spot and for complete details, including cost.

GTM Beach Cleanup
2025-07-26 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-23 09:00 - 11:00 | GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
On the fourth Saturday of the month, help remove marine debris and microplastics off the beach during GTM Beach Cleanup — 9:00am-11:00am. Enjoy the beautiful view and being out in nature while helping clean up the beach!
Meet at the Visitor Center for a brief orientation and instructions. That’s where you’ll pick up gloves and trash bags that are provided. If you have your own, please bring them. Then you’ll be directed to a specific beach for cleanup.
No need to sign up ahead of time. Open to the public. Just show up to lend a hand.
Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, and reusable water bottle!
Questions? Call 904-380-8600
Image used is from GTM event.
Please Note: There is no September cleanup. Instead we are participating in the International Coastal Cleanup on September 20.

GTM Guided Exploration Hike
2025-08-02 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-06 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Guana Trailhead, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Join us at the Guana Trailhead on the first Saturday of the month from 9:00am-11:00am for a GTM Guided Exploration Hike.
Learn about the cultural history of the Guana Peninsula as well as the natural biodiversity of the reserve. Find out about the peninsula’s 5,000 years of human history, including how native peoples used estuarine resources. What was European plantation life like? What are the current efforts to learn about and save these resources?
Meet at the GTM Research Reserve’s Trailhead Pavilion located West of the Guana Dam around 8:45am; hike begins at 9:00am.
Wear clothing appropriate for the season as well as comfortable, closed toe shoes. Don’t forget your bug spray, sunscreen, and your reusable water bottle (can be filled onsite). And, of course, your binoculars and/or camera.
The event is free, but there is a $3.00 per vehicle parking fee. Cash only.
Please RSVP by clicking on the event website link to register.

Specialty Summer Camp - Exploration Camp
2025-08-04 07:30 - 17:30, 2025-08-05 07:30 - 17:30, 2025-08-06 07:30 - 17:30, 2025-08-07 07:30 - 17:30, 2025-08-08 07:30 - 17:30 | The Ketterlinus Gym, 60 Orange Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
Specialty Summer Camp – Exploration Camp – Grades 3rd – 5th

St. Johns County Parks & Rec Specialty Summer Camps – Exploration Camp is an engaging week of outdoor exploration. Kids will join a SJC Park Naturalist to explore outdoors, attend field trips every day, and participate in kayaking, fishing, beach cleanups, and more.
Camp Information
Grades 3rd – 5th (based on most recent grade completed by start of camp)
August 4-8, 2025 — 7:30am-5:30pm
Activities take place from 9:00am-4:30pm
Cost: $150.00
Click the event website link to register and for all additional info.

Nature Journaling at GTM
2025-08-07 09:50 - 12:00, 2025-09-04 09:50 - 12:00 | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach,, FL, 32082, United States
Join nature journaling instructor Elaine Bergstrom for ‘Nature Journaling at GTM Research Reserve’. Usually held on the first Thursday of the month (except for January and July) from 9:50am-12:00pm.
Explore the wonders at the reserve! Each month will focus on a different topic using words, pictures, and numbers to learn more about what we observe.
Meet at the Visitor Center lobby for the location.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. A hat, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and binoculars are recommended.
Free – however, please click the event website link to register … and for all additional information.
There is a $3.00 fee if you park at the Guana Dam.

Family Seining
2025-08-09 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Guana Dam, 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra, FL, 32082, United States
Join GTM Research Reserve staff and/or volunteers on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 9:00am-11:00am for a guided Family Seining activity. Please meet at the Guana Dam Recreational Area 15 minutes prior.
Visitors will get the chance to pull a seine net through Guana Lake collecting species of fish, crabs and other marine life. You’ll learn about the animals and their roles in Guana Lake.
All necessary gear including waders and boots will be provided.
Be sure to bring your insect repellent, sunscreen, water (including reusable water bottle) and hat … and wear appropriate clothing for outdoors. You might want to bring your binoculars and/or camera as well.
Space is limited! Reserve a spot online by clicking on the event website link.
The event is free; however, there is a $3 per vehicle parking fee.

GTM Beach Exploration
2025-08-16 09:00 - 11:00 | GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Join GTM Research Reserve docents from 9:00am-11:00am on the 3rd Saturday of the month for a Beach Exploration walk. Learn about the animals that call the beach home while collecting seashells and sharks teeth. This is a “Beaches 101” experience the entire family will enjoy.
The hike begins at the GTM Visitor Center where you will learn about the different habitats on GTM’s beautiful seashore. The group will then walk across the street to the beach for this salty adventure!
After the walk, you can come back to the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, enjoy our many miles of trails, or spend the day on the beach!
The event is free. However, be sure to click on the event website link to reserve your spot! Registration is required.
No fee for parking in front of the Visitor Center.
Please Note: There is no Beach Exploration in September. Instead we are participating in the International Coastal Cleanup.

Waterway Cleanup
2025-09-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Moultrie Creek Boat Ramp, 4805 Shore Drive, St. Augustine, FL, 32086, United States
Waterway Cleanup
Be a part of the Waterway Cleanup! SJC Parks & Rec has partnered with Recycle St. Johns and the Matanzas Riverkeeper for a Waterway Cleanup! Help with removal of trash and debris from Moultrie Creek!
When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 — 10:00am-1:00pm
Where: Moultrie Creek Boat Ramp
Sign up today to help keep our waterways clean! They’re vital to the health of our environment, wildlife, and local communities!
Please pre-register by clicking the event website link. Be sure to include everyone in your party.

Evenings at Whitney Public Lecture Series
2025-09-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Lohman Auditorium at Whitney Lab, 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, United States
2025-2026 Evenings at Whitney Public Lecture Series
Join us at Whitney Laboratory for Marine Studies for the Free public lecture series. Presentations are on current science topics plus subjects from ongoing research programs at the lab. Speakers are recognized experts in their fields who welcome questions and discussion.
When: 2nd Thursday of Month — 6:00pm-7:00pm || Fall — September-December / Summer — January-May
The lectures are free as well as parking. No reservations are necessary … just show up.
Online options are also available.
Click on the event website link for all additional details.

Nature Book Club
2025-09-17 09:30 - 10:30 | Canopy Shores Pavilion, 804 Christina Drive, St. Augustine, FL, 32086, United States
Join SJC Parks & Rec for their monthly Nature Book Club … centered around celebrating our natural areas. Come share your love for nature and literature! Each month we’ll explore books highlighting nature, conservation, and the beauty of local parks.
Where: Canopy Shores Pavilion
When: Usually the 3rd Wednesday of the Month | 9:30am-10:30am
September’s book is The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger
Ages 14+
Free – however, please click the event website link to sign up today!
Questions? Call 904-209-0333.

International Coastal Cleanup 2025
2025-09-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Vilano Beach Pavilion, 2752 Anahma Dr., Vilano Beach, FL, 32084, United States
Join volunteers from around the globe for International Coastal Cleanup 2025! This day is dedicated to cleaning up our beaches and waterways! As part of the Ocean Conservancy’s effort to #TrashFreeSeas, let us work together in taking care of our environment!
When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9:00am-11:00am
Meet at: Vilano Beach Pavilion
Hosted by Sol Margin Fishing & Conservation Foundation and Keep St. Johns County Beautiful. They’ll be logging the types and number of trash collected using the Clean Swell app. The app is SUPER user-friendly and can even help engage you as you participate in the cleanup. Instructions about the app will be emailed to you upon registration. The app is a great tool to help us track our impact.
Open to All ages — however, parents must accompany their children!
Bring your family, friends and neighbors. Don’t forget those church or civic groups! Students and Adults can receive a “Service Hour” letter upon request.
What better way to help spruce up our beaches! Let’s work together to take care of our environment!
Rain or Shine Event! Give-Away and Prizes at the end of clean-up!
Please to sure to register all participants by clicking the event website link!
And, each participant needs to check in upon arrival.

International Coastal Cleanup at GTM
2025-09-20 09:00 - 11:00 | GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
International Coastal Cleanup at GTM
Join us to kick-off National Estuaries Week (September 20-27) by participating in the International Coastal Cleanup at GTM! The GTM Research Reserve is partnering with the with the Ocean Conservancy in hopes of compiling debris data and joining hands to think globally by acting locally.
When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 — 9:00am-11:00am
Meet at the Visitor Center for a brief orientation and instructions at 9:00am. You will be directed to a specific beach for cleanup.
Gloves and trash bags will be provided.
Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended.
No sign-up is required … just show up!

GTM Wildflower Course
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-27 10:00 - 11:30 | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach,, FL, 32082, United States
GTM Wildflower Course
Join us at GTM for a 5-week Wildflower Course. Experience the beauty and science of native Florida wildflowers! The course blends classroom instruction with real-world fieldwork. Instructor Richard Thomas will teach you how to identify and appreciate the diverse wildflowers of the GTM Research Reserve.
Class Days: Saturdays, September 20 through October 18, 2025 — 10:00am-11:30am
Where: GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center – Classroom 2
What You Will Learn:
* September 20 — Introduction to GTM Habitats & Florida Wildflowers
Overview of barrier islands, marshes, and microclimates that shape local plant life.
* September 27 — Plant Parts & ID Practice
Learn key leaf and flower structures; practice with real samples in the garden.
* October 4 — Backyard Wildflowers & Invasives
Tips for native gardening at home and how to recognize invasive species.
* October 11 — Observation Ethics & Technology
Explore tools like iNaturalist and best practices for plant photography and documentation.
* October 18 — Guided Field Session
Apply your new knowledge on GTM’s trails in a hands-on guided walk.
Cost: $175.00 — Members of Friends of the GTM Reserve | $225.00 — Non-Members
Click the event website link for all additional information and to register.

Homeschool Birding
2025-09-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Alpine Groves Park, 2060 SR 13N, St. Johns, FL, 32259, United States
Homeschool Birding
Calling all homeschoolers … SJC Parks & Rec and St. Johns Regional Audubon is offering an exciting program all about birds! Discover the fascinating world of local birds. Join them for a hands-on morning walk where students will get the opportunity to learn birding skills and techniques.
If you have binoculars … please don’t forget to bring them.
When: Friday, September 26, 2025 — 10:00am-11:30am
Where: Alpine Groves Pavilion
Cost: Free … however, please click the event website link to register. Open to all ages.
Questions?? Call 904-209-0333.

Parks & Crafts Art Program
2025-09-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Nease Beachfront Park, 3171 Coastal Highway, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
Parks & Crafts Art Program
Join SJC Parks & Rec for their monthly Parks and Crafts Art Program. The program is designed for both beginners and art enthusiasts and offers a creative experience outdoors. Enjoy the art of crafting while surrounded by nature.
Featuring a variety of art activities with all materials provided.
September’s program is “Trash to Treasure”. You’ll use recycled and found materials to make your own one-of-a-kind artwork. From bottle caps to cardboard … what once was trash/junk becomes treasure!
When: Friday, September 26, 2025 –5:30pm-7:00pm
Where: Nease Beachfront Park – Outdoor Education Room
Open to all ages!
Cost: Free, however, please click the event website link to register.
For additional information, call Kelly Ussia at 904-209-0335.

Estuary Fest 2025
2025-09-27 10:00 - 14:00 | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach,, FL, 32082, United States
Estuary Fest 2025
Join the Friends of GTM Research Reserve when they host Estuary Fest! Free and family-friendly – this event celebrates National Estuaries Week! It’s a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about our estuary and enjoy a day out.
When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 — 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: GTM Research Reserve
What’s Happening
* Educational activities and hands-on learning stations
* Environmental and educational vendors
* Local Vendors
* Live music by Taco Cat (all day)
* Storytime at 11:00am and 1:00pm – with author Mischele Miller (Riley the Right Whale and His Friend, Kyle)
* Delicious food from African Love Kitchen and BFND
* Activities for all ages
GTMNERR staff will be on hand to introduce everyone to the reserve’s education, research, resource management, and collaborative programs as well as the estuary and its’ inhabitants. GTMNERR partners and organizations will also provide exhibits.
No registration necessary … just show up!

Fire in Florida's Natural Ecosystems Program
2025-10-01 14:00 - 15:00 | St. Johns County Public Library Main Branch, 1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd., St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
Fire in Florida’s Natural Ecosystems Program
Join SJC Parks & Rec Outdoor Recreation Supervisor Kelly Ussia for a fascinating look at the science behind wildfires, prescribed burns and their importance to our native landscapes. Discover how fire plays a vital role in keeping Florida’s ecosystems healthy and balanced.
When: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 — 2:00pm-3:00pm
Where: Main Branch SJC Public Library – Meeting Room
Designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Click the event website link for additional information.
