St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com

2025 GTM Adventures in the Estuary Summer Camp
2025-06-17 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-18 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-19 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-20 08:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-23 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-24 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-25 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-26 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) and 6 more dates | 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 Guided Exploration Hike
2025-07-05 09:00 - 11:00, 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.

Nature Journaling at GTM
2025-07-10 09:50 - 12:00, 2025-08-07 09:50 - 12:00, 2025-09-04 09:50 - 12:00, 2025-10-09 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
2025-07-12 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-09 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-11 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.

Game On! St. Augustine Triathlon
2025-07-27 07:05 | Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park, 2725 Anahma Drive, St. Augstine, FL, 32084, United States
Game On! St. Augustine Triathlon is back by popular demand! The event includes an Olympic & Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike.
When: Sunday, July 27, 2025
Where: Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park
Swim * Bike * Run!
The swim takes place in the Atlantic Ocean; a scenic bike course takes you North on A1A through the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve). Then, finish with a run through the tropical “Keys-like” neighborhood and along the Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk with amazing views of the wetlands and the collection of mosaic art of local wildlife.
Start Times:
7:05am — Olympic Triathlon | Olympic Aquabike | Olympic Triathlon Relay
7:25am — Olympic Duathlon | Sprint Duathlon
7:30am — Sprint Triathlon | Sprint Triathlon Relay
Cost: Varies by event
Click event website link to register and for all additional details!
Image used is from event website.

GTM Oyster Roast & Low Country Boil
2025-09-26 18:00 - 21:00 | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach,, FL, 32082, United States
GTM Shuck Yeah! I ❤️ Estuaries! Oyster Roast & Low Country Boil
Join us for the Oyster Roast & Low Country Boil to celebrate I ❤️ Estuaries Week … an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and estuary love!
When: Friday, September 26, 2025 — 6:00pm-9:00pm
Where: GTM Research Reserve
As the sun sets over the Guana River, kick off your weekend!
There will be:
* Live music
* Oysters by Get Shuckin’
* Country boil feast
* Games and good vibes
* Celebrating the estuary and the reserve
Be sure to grab your friends and family for this sunset celebration of coastal flavors, community, and the incredible ecosystem we call home!
Cost: $100.00 per person
Click the event website link to purchase your tickets and for additional information.

GTM Fishing 101 Clinic
2025-10-02 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:30 | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach,, FL, 32082, United States
GTM Fishing 101 Clinic
Be sure to sign up for the GTM Research Reserve 5-week Fishing 101 Clinic with instructor Donna Frantz! Have fun learning the basics of fishing. She’ll introduce participant to essential techniques, regulations, and gear basics.
When: Thursdays – October 2-30, 2025 | 10:00am-11:30am
Where: GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, Classroom 2
Course Schedule:
October 2 — Welcome to Fishing!
* Meet & Greet
* Fish Identification
* Fishing Rules and Regulations
October 9 — Rigs & Knots
* Essential Knot tying
* Rig Making
October 16 — Bait Basics
* Overview of Saltwater and Freshwater Baits
October 23 — Nets, Traps & Tools
* Learn about different net types and responsible usage
October 30 — Casting & Practice
* Finish the course with open fishing and skill application at Guana Dam.
Cost: $175.00 – Members of Friends of GTM | $225.00 – Non-members
Attend all 5 classes/sessions and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a Rod & Reel!
Click the event website link to register and for all additional information. Space are limited – be sure to register as soon as possible!
