GTM Reserve offers volunteer orientation
Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve will offer a new volunteer orientation on Friday, Sept. 6. Interested volunteers will learn about the background and history of the reserve, volunteer opportunities and the benefits of volunteering at GTM.
Meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 6 at the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
After completing the volunteer application at gtmnerr.org/volunteer, contact volunteer coordinator Abby Kuhn at Abigail.Kuhn@FloridaDEP.gov to ensure that it was received.
Afterschool art program still has openings
First Coast Cultural Center still has a few available openings for the Kick StART afterschool program at the following schools on these days: Picolata Crossing (Monday), PV/PV-Rawlings (Monday), Palencia (Tuesday), Ocean Palms (Tuesday), Freedom Crossing Academy (Wednesday), Palm Valley Academy (Friday) and Landrum Middle School (Wednesday, sixth grade).
Students (kindergarten through sixth grade) will learn from master artists from around the world. These weekly, 90-minute adventures will incorporate music, culinary experiences and a variety of art mediums.
Enroll at firstcoastculturalcenter.org. Members receive a discount. For more information, contact Kimberly Sheridan at 904-280-0614, Ext. 1205.
Nature journaling event is Sept. 5
Join nature journaling instructor Elaine Bergstrom at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve to explore the wonders at the reserve on Sept. 5. Each month focuses on different topics using words, pictures and numbers to learn more about what we observe.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Trailhead Pavilion, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water, sunscreen and binoculars are recommended. The event is free but online registration is required.
To register, go to gtmnerr.org/visit/events.
Hastings library to reopen at Harris Center
The Hastings Branch Library will resume its regular services and hours at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at its temporary location inside the W.E. Harris Community Center, 400 E. Harris St., Hastings.
Parking for the branch is through the first gate. A new book drop will be placed inside the main entrance of this parking lot. The Hastings Branch Library will be located in rooms 402 and 403.
Clients visiting the St. Johns County Health and Human Services (HHS) office in room 401 can park in the lot accessed through the second gate. HHS will hold office hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays. For more information on these services, call 904-209-6140.
Materials checked out from the branch before the closure on Aug. 3 will not be due until Sept. 9.
GTM Reserve offers course on birding
A five-week course on birding, “If You Can Name It, You Can Love It,” will start Sept. 6 at Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Learn about what makes the area supportive of many bird species and how to use birding applications to enhance your ability to identify birds and create a personal bird list. You will also practice your skills in the field.
Meet from 10 to 11:30 p.m. at the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. Register at gtmnerr.org/visit/events.
The price for the course is $175 for members of Friends of the GTM Reserve and $225 for non-members.
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday inside the Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Road. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, tea, seasonal treats, soap, jewelry, plants and more.
Explore the beach at GTM Research Reserve
Join others at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM) for a guided exploration hike 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Learn about the Guana peninsula’s natural biodiversity, expansive cultural history, vital estuarine resources and current efforts to protect these resources.
Meet at GTM Research Reserve Trailhead Pavilion west of the Guana Dam, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended. The event is free but online registration and a $3 fee for parking are required. To register, go to gtmnerr.org/visit/events.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
