Welcome to Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM), FL!
Located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
As with any Park Caches remember to bring Bug Repellent, Hydration, a CITO Receptacle and also, Don't Forget to Express Your Appreciation to the Park Personnel for allowing us the opportunity to pursure our Great Hobby on These Lands!!! Please take the moment to replace the geocache as found or better so that it remains secure and safe!!
About the park: The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses approximately 73,352 acres of salt marsh and mangrove tidal wetlands, oyster bars, estuarine lagoons, upland habitat and offshore seas in Northeast Florida. The GTM Reserve is located in the East Florida subregion, south of Jacksonville and sandwiching St. Augustine. It contains the northernmost extent of mangrove habitat on the east coast of the United States, some of the highest dunes in Florida, measuring 30-40 feet, and one of the few remaining "inlets" in northeast Florida not protected by a jetty thus presenting an easy study of what an inlet might have looked like in the past. The coastal waters of the GTM Reserve are also important calving grounds for the endangered Right Whale.
Fees are:$3.00 per vehicle up to 8 people. $1.00 per Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers in vehicle beyond 8 to this area of the GMT recreation. The Reserve is open all year. The hiking trails are opened from 8:00 AM to SUNSET.
Recreational Activities that can be enjoyed at the GMT
- Beach-going.
- Bicycling.
- Birding and other wildlife viewing.
- Boating.
- Camping.
- Canoeing/kayaking.
- Fishing.
- Hiking.
- Horseback riding.
- Picnicking.
You are encouraged to visit the GTM Research Reserve’s Environmental Education Center to learn more about the Reserve. The center provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the many functions of the coastal and estuarine ecosystem and the natural history of Northeast Florida. Staff-led programs are offered to school teachers, students (high school, college, and 7th grade LIFE program with partner schools), adults and environmental professionals. Volunteer-led programs are offered to 4th grade students. Other grade levels can participate on a self-guided visit or a guided tour by a GTM Research Reserve volunteer if available. Other programs at the center include Coastal Science Seminars, brown bag lunch programs on the first Friday of the month, guided walks, and nature movies on the weekends. Please call (904) 823-4500 for a list of special events and guided walks. Admission Fee to the Environmental Education Center is Adults $2.00, Children (10-17) $1.00, Children under 10 - Free. The Center is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed on state holidays)
