Staff, volunteers and friends of the GTM Research Reserve celebrated its 20th anniversary with a reception Aug. 16 at the Visitor Center in Ponte Vedra Beach. The official designation date of the GTM Research Reserve was Aug. 19, 1999.
Michael Shirley, Northeast Florida regional administrator, welcomed guests and thanked volunteers. On average, volunteers give a collective 10,000 hours each year to support the reserve.
Staff was on site to answer questions and to help visitors explore the estuary through virtual reality headsets. Brad and Esther Mahanes experienced the VR headsets firsthand.
“It’s really impressive,” Brad Mahanes said. “It’s a tremendous educational opportunity.”
He said the headsets would give students of all grade levels the chance to experience the estuary without having to travel to the site. And more people could “explore” the area without additional pressure on the environment.
Candace Killian, upland resource coordinator, fed American alligators in the new reptile exhibit that also includes several snakes. Later, professional storyteller Debra Weller entertained the crowd with a tale about a roseate spoonbill, stork, pelican and egret concerned about the water quality in the estuary. They sang and made noise to get the attention of town leaders and biologists who took notice and worked together to solve the problem.
Finally, the birthday cake decorated in shades of blue was cut and served to guests.
“Thanks to our volunteers, we’ll be here at least another 20 years,” Shirley said.
Visitor center hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday at 505 Ponte Vedra Blvd. in Ponte Vedra Beach. Admission and parking are free at the visitor center.
