Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Deputy Secretary for Land and Recreation Bob Ballard, Congressman John L. Mica, and Laurie McGilvray, Chief of the Estuarine Reserves Division of NOAA, opened the new 21,000 square-foot Environmental Education Center at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve Saturday September 24, 2005. The GTM Environmental Educational Center includes interpretive exhibits, aquariums, classrooms, reading room, teaching and working laboratories, an auditorium and an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Guana River Aquatic Preserve. Programs are offered for school teachers, students, adults and environmental professionals.

"Florida’s estuaries protect a diversity of natural resources," said Deputy Secretary Ballard. "Providing a world-class learning opportunity strengthens our efforts to protect the ecological and economic value of this important area of natural Florida, and will allow visitors and residents to learn about the reserve first hand."

"The new Environmental Education Center will help the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve fulfill all of its missions, both locally and nationally, as a member of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System," said Laurie McGilvray, Chief of the Estuarine Reserves Division of NOAA. "Research, outreach, education and stewardship will be enhanced by this beautiful facility and it will set a new standard for the National system. We are very proud to have joined with the State of Florida to bring it about."

GTM Environmental Education Center open Daily 9am – 4pm. Closed state holidays.

505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (8 miles north of Vilano Beach or 17 miles south of JTB). For more information call 904-823-4500.