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On the calendar in Ponte Vedra

11 upcoming events from Oct 3, 2026 through Dec 19, 2026.

Event inventory updated Sep 25, 2026.

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Guided Exploration Hike

Visitors learn about the Guana Peninsula’s natural biodiversity, expansive cultural history, vital estuarine resources, and current efforts to protect these resources. Meet at the GTM Research Reserve’s Trailhead Pavilion located west of the Guana Dam. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. There is a $3 per vehicle parking fee. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER . Do I need a reservation to attend the hike? Yes, register online by following the links provided above. If I can’t make it, how do I cancel my reservation? When you register, you receive an email confirmation with information about canceling. What should I wear? Appropriate clothing for the outdoors is recommended. Dress in layers and prepare for any type of weather. Closed-toe shoes are encouraged but not required. Hats protect your skin from the sun, along with sunscreen. Bug spray is also suggested. What should I bring? A reusable water bottle (that can be filled up onsite), insect repellent (strongly recommended), sunscreen, and binoculars/camera are suggested. Where should I meet my guide? CLICK HERE for a Google Map. Your guide will be waiting at the Trailhead Pavilion around 8:50 a.m. The hike begins at 9 a.m. Are there any fees? Only a $3/vehicle fee for parking. Park, scan QR code (premiumparking.com) or text the lot number and follow directions. How long is the hike? The hike is less than 2.2 miles round trip and follows the Yellow Trail ( CLICK HERE for a Trail Map), and takes less than 2.0 hours. Are trails accessible for strollers? The trails are not paved and have loose sand. Only strollers with big, rugged wheels are recommended. Is there anything else to see afterward? If you like, have lunch at the Trailhead Pavilion. Then, try out one of the other trails. Enjoy the Dam area, where visitors fish, and rent kayaks or paddleboards. Head to one of the three beach lots or hang out in the Visitor Center to learn more about the reserve’s natural surroundings.

Guana Trailhead / 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

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Family Seining

Join GTM Research Reserve on the second Saturday of each month for a guided family seining activity. Pull a seine net through Guana Lake, collecting species of fish, crabs, and other habitats. Learn about the animals and their roles. All necessary gear including waders and boots will be provided. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER . Do I need a reservation to attend? Yes, register online by following the links provided above. If I can’t make it, how do I cancel my reservation? When you register, you receive an email confirmation with information about canceling. How old does my child need to be to attend? There is no age limit, but your child must be at least three feet tall to hold the seine net. What should I wear? Appropriate clothing for the outdoors is recommended. Dress in layers and prepare for any type of weather. Closed-toe shoes are encouraged and wearing flip-flops is discouraged. We provide booties and waders, but you can bring your own gear. What should I bring? A reusable water bottle (that can be filled up onsite), insect repellent (strongly recommended), sunscreen, and binoculars/cameras are suggested. Can I bring my dog? Yes, but keep in mind that all dogs must remain on a leash, and all waste must be promptly cleaned by the owner. To be part of the seining activity, two hands are needed. Please be mindful of other visitors when bringing a dog. Where should I meet my guide? CLICK HERE for a Google Map. Your guide will be waiting at Guana Dam, 15 minutes prior to the scheduled program. The event begins at 9 am . What will I catch? The seine nets catch various types of fish, crab, shrimp, shells, and plant life. Are there any fees? Only a $3/vehicle fee for parking. Park, scan QR code (premiumparking.com) or text the lot number and follow directions. Is there anything else to see afterward? Have lunch at the Trailhead Pavilion and explore one of the many trails. You will also have access to the beaches at the South, Middle, and North access lots (for which your parking tag will apply for same-day use, might as well get your $3 worth). Tour the Visitor Center free of admission. It is open Tuesday- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Guana Dam / 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

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Beach Exploration

Join GTM Research Reserve docents for a beach walk. Learn about the animals that call the beach their home, plus discover seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience the entire family will enjoy. The hike begins at the Visitor Center where you learn about the different habitats on GTM’s beautiful seashore. Afterward, the group heads to the beach for a salty adventure. Parking is in front of the Visitor Center; there is no parking fee. The Visitor Center address: 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. Please CLICK HERE to reserve a spot online for the Beach Exploration. Do I need a reservation to attend? Yes, register online by following the links provided above. If I can’t make it, how do I cancel my reservation? When you register, you receive an email confirmation with information about canceling. What should I wear? Appropriate clothing for the outdoors is recommended. Dress in layers and prepare for any type of weather. Closed-toe shoes are encouraged but not required. Hats protect your skin from the sun, along with sunscreen. Bug spray is also suggested. What should I bring? A reusable water bottle (that can be filled up onsite), insect repellent (strongly recommended), sunscreen, and binoculars/camera are suggested. Where should I meet my guide? CLICK HERE for a Google Map. Your guide will be waiting at the GTM Visitor Center, 15 minutes prior to the scheduled hike. How long is the walk? The walk is about half a mile, round trip. The hike leaders guide everyone ~0.25 miles, one way. You can continue or turn around if necessary. At any point during the hike, visitors can take swim breaks in the beautiful ocean. What will I learn? The GTM Research Reserve interpretive guide discusses where the restless sand comes from, where it’s going and its refusal to stay put. Ask why the sand is fine or coarse and how it got its color. Learn about coquina rocks, dune flowers, sea birds, shells, and the humble gopher tortoise that digs deep burrows and comes out to dine on prickly pears along the dunes. How old does my child need to be to attend? Can I push a stroller? There are no age restrictions for this hike, but the Florida heat can be uncomfortable for small children. You can push a stroller; however, we strongly recommend strollers with large beach-capable wheels. I have a bad back. Can I still participate in this hike? The hike is a moderately paced with soft sand terrain. Join the hike if you feel comfortable walking through beach sand for about half of a mile. Is there anything else to see afterward? If you like, stay at the beach longer and collect shells, swim in the ocean, or lie in the sun. You can purchase a $3 parking pass to enjoy the Dam area, where visitors fish, rent kayaks or paddle-boards. Hike one of the beautiful trails, head to one of the three beach lots or hang out in the Visitor Center to learn more about the reserve’s natural surroundings.

GTM Research Reserve / 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

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