Interactive Learning Experiences and Eco-tourism at GTM Research Reserve
Learning and vacation or Eco-tourism?? Yes! Take time to explore, learn about, or help our fabulous Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR). The Visitor Center is located just a few miles north of the beautiful, waterfront Inn at Camachee.
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is a collaboration between Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center/Guana Dam is found on A1A, north of St. Augustine, the Reserve covers over 76,000 acres of conservation lands in northeast Florida from Ponte Vedra Beach to Palm Coast. The GTM Research Reserve is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country that focuses on research, education, and stewardship.
Things to Do!
Trail Guides - These guides offer the public the opportunity to explore the habitats, identify organisms, and visit cultural sites with the help of visual aids. They can be used with or without the accompaniment of a GTM Research Reserve staff member or volunteer.
Self-Guided Yellow Trail Guide - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tG97L4XeFs39Y6digAAHZ6CJVTs6YrTp/view?p...
Nature Guide (web version) for identifying organisms - https://drive.google.com/file/d/131TS2URPR1p2RzDb2_sfw86fX0PB-y4A/view
Nature Guide (print version) for identifying organisms - https://drive.google.com/file/d/13uSrRbjgFA5a-Fof1uJNXEGrBjAq75vL/view
Nature Guide Scavenger Hunt - This document pairs as an activity to be completed while using the Nature Guide. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sGC6eSyVAYp983cQxOhilUaFAsTJuxQT/view
Scavenger Hunts at the GTMNERR Research Reserve's Visitor Center Exhibit Hall - Quizizz Scavenger Hunts can be done onsite here. You will need to ask the Front Desk staff for assistance with the WIFI.
How to use Quizizz:
Make sure you are connected to the Guest WIFI.
Select a Quizizz link below, then select “Practice” and “Play Quiz”.
Select “Play Live”. You will be directed to either sign-up through Google or by email, or skip for now.
You can choose to play solo, play with friends, or use the flashcard version of the game.
K-4th Grade Exhibit Hall Quizizz Scavenger Hunt - This interactive scavenger hunt is made for K-4th grade students and will prompt visitors to fully explore the exhibits located in the GTM Research Reserve’s Visitor Center. From sharks’ teeth to live snakes and turtles, explore the Exhibit Hall to see what you can find! Follow the link here: https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5ebede295c8124001b2011fb
5th-8th Grade Exhibit Hall Quizizz Scavenger Hunt -This interactive scavenger hunt is made for 5th-8th grade students and will prompt visitors to fully explore the exhibits located in the GTM Research Reserve’s Visitor Center. From sharks’ teeth to live snakes and turtles, explore the Exhibit Hall to see what you can find! Follow the link here: https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5ebef3ad3f3095001b1e104e
Beach Clean-Ups
Marine Debris Clean-up: Marine debris is human produced trash that ends up in or near bodies of water. It can cause many issues including ingestion, entanglement, habitat damage, and even the introduction of invasive and non-native species.
How can you help? You can conduct your own marine debris cleanup on the beach to help the environment. Print your own materials and gather your own equipment or contact the GTM Research Reserve’s education department (education@gtmnerr.org; 904-823-2292) to borrow theirs. Please take one more helpful step and enter the data for the trash you collected into the apps listed below. This helps scientists communicate to decision-makers important information such as the need for specific types of trash receptacles or the need for public information campaigns.
Marine Debris Cleanup Resources
Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup® - https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/international-coastal-cleanup/
CleanSwell App - https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/international-coastal-clean...
Marine Debris Cleanup - Remember to use safety equipment when handling marine debris. https://docs.google.com/document/d/141rVqX2OIjB_zueY0iK0m8OlTpuliwPUgfUI...
Beach Scavenger Hunt – Use this resource to find interesting treasures on the beach: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fJ_QVlC1Vs5mLRjvqkU8mn3lXTAgAr1J4wIV...
Check out this page for other self-guided resources even after you return home - https://gtmnerr.org/self-guided-resources/
At the end of your day exploring, learning, or helping the environment, your lovely waterfront room awaits at the Inn at Camachee Harbor. Call 904-825-0003 to check availability now!