Description
GTMNERR - Guana River is a 2,600-acre coastal reserve located on a barrier island midway between
St. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida on State Highway A1A and is part of the
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine
Research Reserve.
The GTM Reserve - Guana River site contains seventeen known significant historic or prehistoric
cultural sites. Extensive shell middens exist, especially at Shell Bluff Landing and Wright's
Landing, along the Tolomato River. The Shell Bluff site also contains an early 19th century Minorcan
coquina block well and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Wright's
Landing site is believed to be the location of a 17th century Spanish mission, the Nativity of our
Lady of Tolomato. The site also contains a prehistoric earthen burial mound and has been nominated
as a National Register site.
The land was purchased with Conservation and Recreational Lands and Save Our Coast funds by the
State of Florida in 1984. The tract was privately owned and open to the public for hunting and
fishing prior to state acquisition. During the period of private ownership, the Guana River was
dammed in 1957, to flood the upstream marshes in order to enhance wintering waterfowl habitat. The
result was the creation of the present-day Guana Lake. The lake water is brackish near its southern
terminus at Guana Dam and gradually turns into a freshwater reservoir as one travels away from the
dam. Both saltwater and freshwater fish species exist in the same body of water.
Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway (Tolomato River), the Guana Tract,
which includes the Guana River Wildlife Management Area to the north, comprises some 12,000 acres
of public conservation and recreational land. For information about hunting or Guana Dam please
call the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (904) 825-6877.
What You May See at Guana River
Visitors to Guana River will find incredible wildlife. Over 230 bird species have been recorded at the Reserve.
Many live here year-round while many others enlist the site as a resting spot during spring and fall migrations.
The waters of Guana Lake contain both freshwater and saltwater fish, as well as shrimp, crabs, and more. Scenic
vistas of interior freshwater marshes as well as salt marshes, tidal creeks and estuaries await those who seek
the more peaceful aspects of a visit.
A cross section of the barrier island from east to west within the reserve reveals the following natural
communities: Atlantic Ocean beach, sand dunes, coastal strand/scrub, estuarine river (Guana River) with
associated salt marshes and tidal creeks, maritime hardwood hammock, freshwater depression marshes, pond pine
flatwoods and shell mound forest.
The Reserve abounds in natural and cultural resources. Its diverse association of nine natural communities
accounts for the presence of a wide variety of resident and migratory wildlife species. Because of the Reserve's
location near St. Augustine, it has inherited a rich history of Spanish, British and early American territorial
occupation. Historic and prehistoric artifacts found here along the Tolomato River have yielded evidence of
almost continuous human occupation for over 5,000 years.
Ticks and biting insects are common throughout the year and are especially heavy from late April through early
September.
Hours of Admission
The Guana Dam Use Area (Main Entrance) is open for fishing activities from 4 am to 11 pm.
Vehicles remaining in the parking area after 11 pm may be subject to a $250 fine and possible towing.
Trail hours and the beach access parking areas along A1A are open 8 am till sunset.
Location
GTMNERR and Guana River Road is located off A1A, 7 miles north of Vilano Beach and 10 miles south of Micklers
Road in Ponte Vedra.
The beach access points are a few miles north of Guana River Road on the west side of A1A.
Hours of Operation
The beach access parking areas are open 8am until sunset.
The GTM Guana River Trails are open for hiking and biking activities 8am until sunset. The GTM Guana River Dam
Use Area is open for fishing 4 am –11 pm. Vehicles remaining in the parking area after 11 pm may be subject to
a $250 fine and possible towing.
Entrance Fees
$3.00 Per vehicle up to 8 people.
Additional $3.00 for trailers.
$1.00 per Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers in vehicle beyond 8.
GTMNERR annual passes will soon be available for $50 plus tax
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GTM Reserve - Guana River
