---
title: "Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/0d96f9b6-7492-46c7-a507-b15bf6e856e9
source_url: "https://floridaaquaticpreserves.org/managed-areas/national-estuarine-research-reserves-nerrs/guana-tolomato-matanzas-national-estuarine"
stack: https://stacklist.com/stack/1392ef50-107f-439b-9952-9f86a1eefee9
summary: "Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) is a 75,761-acre protected area in northeast Florida stretching from Ponte Vedra to Palm Coast, featuring diverse ecological habitats, two aquatic preserves, and rare maritime vegetation communities. The reserve serves as a natural field laboratory under the U.S. Coastal Zone Management Act, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and offers recreational activities including fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife observation."
tags: "estuarine-reserve, coastal-management, florida-protected-areas, wildlife-observation, aquatic-preserve, recreation, conservation"
key_entities: "Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (location), Florida (location), Ponte Vedra (location), Palm Coast (location), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (organization), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (organization), National Estuarine Research Reserves (concept), Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (concept), Guana River Marsh Aquatic Preserve (location), Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve (location)"
classification: "reference"
content_hash: "sha256:493b0126ce277f7a8a44705c0f91dc0610e728fe147453352ae8caec2be905ea"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 4058
visibility: public
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status: "final"
---

# Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Area Information Photo Gallery Public Opportunities Scientific Information Conservation and Research FAQ Managed Areas National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRs) Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve NEWS     |      RESOURCES     |      CALENDAR The GTMNERR stretches from Ponte Vedra to Palm Coast. The GTMNERR is known for its diverse ecological and cultural resources. It contains many unique features, such as a climatic transition zone, globally rare maritime hammock and coastal strand vegetation communities, and one of the few remaining natural inlets in northeast Florida. The reserve boundary includes twelve distinct management units and is home to two Aquatic Preserves: Guana River Marsh Aquatic Preserve (GRMAP), and Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve (PCAP). GTMNERR is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) protected areas established under the U.S. Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 as a natural field laboratory. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) provides funding and guidance for the 30 reserves that make up the NERR System, while a state partner manages each reserve daily and works with local partners. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the managing state partner for the three Florida NERRs. GTMNERR specifically is a bar-built estuarine ecosystem featuring a variety of habitats. Message From The Manager Along with the Guana Buffer Preserve, the Guana River Marsh Aquatic Preserve serves as the hub and headquarters of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve). The estuary and uplands of the Guana River has been a valued resource for centuries of human populations with many changes taking place over time. View More Florida's Designated Paddling Trails Boat Ramp Finder FL Coastal Access Guide Management Plan Area Information County St. Johns, Flagler Established 1999 Acres 75,761 Type of Aquatic Body Bar-built estuarine ecosystem Visitation status The Guana Dam is open seven days a week from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Marineland office is open to the public for events and classes only. Recreational Activities Fishing, wildlife observation, kayaking, canoeing, motorized boating, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding VISITATION INFORMATION The Visitor Center 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082  Phone: 904-380-8600  9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday  Closed on Sunday, Monday and state holidays  Annual passes available for $50 plus tax  Guana Dam   4 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week  $3 cash per vehicle up to eight people plus tax  $1 cash per pedestrian, bicyclist and for extra passengers in a vehicle beyond eight plus tax  Guana Trails and Guana Beach Lots 8 a.m. to sunset, 7 days a week $3 cash per vehicle up to eight people plus tax $1 cash per pedestrian, bicyclist and extra passengers in a vehicle beyond eight passenger  Parking Parking is dependent on each access location. GTMNERR Visitor Center Guana Dam Guana Trailhead Guana Beaches (North, Middle and South) Boat Access/Ramps Florida Boat Ramp Finder Paddling Trails FL Coastal Access Guide Facilities The GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and is closed on state and federal holidays. Guana Preserve beaches and trails are open seven days a week from 8:00 am to sunset. The Guana Dam is open seven days a week from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm. The Marineland office is open to the public for events and classes only.  Recreational Activities Fishing, wildlife observation, kayaking, canoeing, motorized boating, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding are generally allowed throughout the NERR, but each managed area has specific regulations. These activities are allowed in the areas managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (GRMAP, PCAP, Guana Preserve). HISTORY The site selection process for Florida’s east coast NERR began in September 1991, with the identification of candidate estuaries in the Florida East Coast Carolinian and West Indian biogeographic regions identified by the NERR System. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas ecosystem was selected as the preferred alternative by a committee of scientists, environmental educators and coastal managers based on its overall potential for scientific research and environmental education opportunities and because of its relatively pristine condition. The GTMNERR was officially designated on Aug. 19, 1999. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers can get involved with education and outreach, research assistance, estuary cleanups and more. Visit Friends of the GTM Research Reserve to learn how to get involved. Events State of the Reserve in late February EstuaryFest in September, EstuScary in October International Coastal Cleanup in September Educational Opportunities The GTMNERR offers engaging educational programs for K-12 and higher education students, both in and out of the classroom. The team makes GTM’s research data easy to understand and exciting. Programs blend GTM’s science, research and monitoring efforts to provide a comprehensive and locally focused educational experience. The reserve offers guided tours including exploration hikes, family seining, Matanzas Inlet walks and river to sea preserve walks. GTM also houses the GTMNERR Visitor Center at the Guana Preserve, which offers several educational opportunities. Educational programs include guided field trips for classes and teacher resources. Interpretive signs are located throughout the GTMNERR. SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION Archaeological Information The appearance of the lands and waters within the GTMNERR is the result of a long interaction between humans and nature. The region is of special interest because of the comprehensive record of European settlement and landscape modifications beginning at an early date. The detailed records of the mid-16th century, Native American, Spanish, French, British and American inhabitants indicate that these cultures adapted in very different ways. Burning, clear cutting, plowing, dredging, filling, ditching and drainage are all evident throughout the historical record. The first inhabitants of northeast Florida probably appeared during the Late Glacial Transition, 10,000 to 13,000 years ago. As sea level rise slowed to its pre-industrial rate, water resources, small game and plant resources became more accessible. This condition enhanced settlement in coastal locations. By approximately 5,000 years ago the coastal environment of Florida had become similar to the present-day situation.  Geological Information The GTMNERR overlies strata common to northeastern Florida. Sediments interpreted to have been deposited during the Holocene include the recent barrier islands and beaches, and many of the lowland areas of salt marsh and mangroves. Quartz sand and shell fragments are common in the beach environments, with quartz sand and some clay found in the salt marshes. Older beach ridges interpreted to be Pleistocene, such as the Guana Peninsula, are coquinoid limestone of the Pleistocene Anastasia Formation, exposed on the southern beach in the GRMAP (east of Sombrero Creek) and are some of the older sediments and rocks in GTMNERR. The Anastasia Formation is also near the surface and exposed on several beaches from Matanzas Inlet southward, and along the Matanzas River and the Intracoastal Waterway in the southern portion of the GTMNERR. The Anastasia Formation is late Pleistocene. Due to erosion along the coastline during periods of lower sea level, the Anastasia Formation is not always present and GTMNERR has the most northern recognized coastal exposure of the formation.   Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Information From its geomorphological structure to the species found within, the area of the GTMNERR encompasses many unique features that make it an important site for ecological conservation, research and environmental education. The following list highlights some of the reserve’s significant features:  • It is a bar-built estuary characterized by barrier islands that run parallel to the coastline, separated from the ocean. It also includes one of the few remaining natural inlets in northeast Florida, at the Matanzas River, which has never been dredged.  • In contains large, contiguous stands of globally rare maritime hammock and coastal strand vegetation communities.  • It serves as an important habitat for migrating species and as a critical feeding and resting location for migrating shorebirds and raptors along the North American Atlantic flyway. Many species find refuge within the reserve. Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Type Xeric Hammock, Mesic Hammock, Maritime Hammock, Hydric Hammock, Mesic Flatwoods, Basin Marsh/Marsh, Shell Mound, Beach Dune, Coastal Scrub, Salt Marsh, Marine Unconsolidated Substrate, Brackish Waterways, Mangrove Wetlands, Coastal Strand, Beaches, Open Ocean Animals, Plants and Ecological Systems Nesting and Migrating Birds Least terns, painted buntings, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, oyster catchers and many more Mammals North Atlantic right whales, manateess Reptiles Three species of nesting sea turtles, American alligators, dusky pygmy rattlesnakes Fish Red fish (red drum), blue crabs, scalloped hammerhead sharks  Other Species  Multiple varieties of plankton, Eastern oysters, Atlantic brief squid A full list of species can be found in the management plan . Conservation Efforts Estuaries stand as critical ecological hubs, and at GTMNERR, we recognize and celebrate their profound importance. The NERR is committed to studying and preserving these estuarine environments, as they play a crucial role in maintaining water quality, mitigating coastal erosion and acting as buffers against storm surges. GTMNERR’s partnership with The Management Advisory Group and the Technical Advisory Group ensures that the latest research guides sustainable management practices. As a result, GTMNERR advances scientific knowledge while preserving estuarine ecosystems for nature and local communities. For example: Habitat Conservation: Tidal wetlands in the GTM estuary are shifting from salt marshes to mangrove forests as a result of fewer hard freezes, which will change food webs and increase carbon storage. Ongoing research will help us understand how to protect these beloved habitats.  Oyster Health Monitoring: The GTM estuary abundant oyster population plays an important role in water quality by filtering 60% of GTM's water every two weeks. GTMNERR staff monitor the health of the oysters and water quality to ensure these benefits endure. Land Management and Conservation: Land managers look to the locally relevant research conducted at GTM to guide conservation practices such as prescribed fire and maintain coastal strand vegetation, a critical habitat type. Ongoing Research Water Quality and Weather: As a NERR, staff at GTM monitor short-term variability and long-term changes in water quality and weather. Within the GTM boundary, there are SWMP four water quality stations: Pine Island, St. Augustine, Ft. Matanzas and Pellicer Creek. These data are essential to understanding the health of the estuary and informing research projects involving other aspects of the estuarine ecosystem, including plankton, wetlands, fish and more. Additionally, staff collect monthly water samples in the Guana River and Lake.  Coastal Wetlands: Coastal wetlands, including salt marshes and mangroves, provide nursery habitat for fish, crabs and shrimp; filter pollutants; absorb flood waters; and contribute to quality of life in Northeast Florida. Monitoring the health of these wetlands involves tracking vegetation changes, sediment elevation and shoreline erosion. Satellite imagery is used to track these habitats’ fluctuation and inform research on the recent expansion of mangroves into saltmarsh. Within the GTMNERR boundary, coastal wetland area has decreased over 25% since 1990. Scientists continue to study the drivers of this change and restoration techniques to mitigate the lost habitat.  Plankton: Plankton play a significant role in the estuarine food web and are sensitive to changes in water quality. Significant plankton population growth can lead to harmful algal blooms and fish kills. Like most research at the GTMNERR, scientists focus their plankton studies monitoring changes over time, determining what causes those changes, and assessing how those changes will impact the broader ecosystem including humans.  Oysters: Oysters and the reefs they form are culturally and ecologically significant in Northeast Florida. They provide habitat for fish, prevent shoreline erosion, improve water quality and are a food source for many animals, including humans. Staff researchers and volunteers monitor a set of oyster reefs within GTM every winter to monitor their condition and assess changes.  Frequently Asked Questions When is the best time of year to visit? Year-round Are there guided tours or educational programs available? Yes. Can I bring pets? Yes. Dogs are allowed at the Guana Preserve on a leash no more than 6 feet away. Please do not let your pet run free in areas not designated for pets, and please pick up after your pet to avoid hazardous pathogens in our coastal waters. Aquatic preserves often are adjacent to other conservation areas that may have nesting birds or other easily disturbed wildlife.  What are the safety guidelines? Any rules or procedures for boating and fishing here? Follow current FWC saltwater fishing regulations: https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ Follow current FWC boating regulations: https://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/ Seagrass is protected within aquatic preserves; avoid shallow waters and raise motor if over seagrass. Damage to seagrass can result in a fine up to $1,000.  What do I do if I see an injured animal? Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922 ). Is this preserve ADA accessible? ADA accommodations are specific to each access point and the managing entity for that site.  Are there any fees associated with visiting? Are donations accepted? $3 per vehicle at the Guana Preserve. Other sites within the NERR may have their own fees. How can I get involved in conservation or volunteer efforts? Learn how to get involved here . Partner Groups NOAA’s Office of Coastal Management NERRS National Estuarine Research Reserve Association Friends of GTM Research Reserve View List of Areas Collapse List of Areas Filter Areas: Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve GTMNERR Completes First Phase of Acoustic Telemetry Array Last week, Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve completed the first phase of its aquatic acoustic telemetry array when Stewardship Coordinator Matt Bernanke deployed 11 receivers in the Matanzas River and its tributaries, bringing the total number of receivers within the NERR to 33. June 16th, 2026 View More Spring TOTE Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) hosted its annual Spring TOTE (Teachers on the Estuary) professional development training in partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation. GTMNERR also partnered with Awareness and Appreciation Coordinator Maya Bhalla-Ladd from the Coral Reef Conservation Program to debut a new set of educational lessons teachers will soon be able to reserve and take into the classroom. March 24th, 2026 View More Trash Cleanup Success This month, Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve’s (GTMNERR) resource management team had a very successful trash cleanup day.  They collected 751 pounds of trash, including two tires weighing 57 pounds. A group from St. Johns County, led by Kelly Ussia, kayaked to the spoil island and met everyone there, so more trash was collected than usual. March 10th, 2026 View More More Stories from Our Team Map Zoom Override 120.00%