To be an EcoTour Guide it is important to know the local organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship. In St Augustine, FL we are paddling the three rivers of the GTM Reserve – Here is an example using their history, how they were formed, and what makes them unique.
Kayaking the three rivers of the GTM Reserve is a unique way to experience the beauty and bounty of the coastal waterways in and around St. Augustine, Florida. Kayakers can learn more about the area’s history as they paddle along, while also safely exploring local wildlife such as dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and birds in their natural habitat. With almost 60 miles of interconnected creeks, marshes, lagoons, and other tidal bodies, this ecotour offers an opportunity to observe how these watery paths were formed over time. Experienced guides teach kayakers how to stay safe and can tell you what makes each river different as you go.
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) in St. Johns County is known for its abundance of rivers and estuaries that flow through the region. Three rivers in particular, the Tolomato River, Matanzas River, and Guana River, are particularly significant to the area’s history and ecology.
The Tolomato River was formed by a series of tidal creeks that eventually merged together to form one larger river. Oysters, shrimp, ducks, manatees, and dolphins are just a few of the many animals that have called it home throughout history. Today, it serves as a vital link in the Intracoastal Waterway, connecting the coastline from Maine to Texas. Because of canals like the one connecting the Tolomato to the San Pablo Creek, it is possible to go from Maine to Miami without ever going out into the ocean. The important habitats for many species of fish, birds and other wildlife is experiencing serious erosion because of unfettered boat traffic since the 1920’s
The Matanzas River has a long history in St. Johns County, dating back to the early 1500s when Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first explored the area. The river is fed by several tributaries including Moses Creek, Moultrie Creek, Sisters Creek, Doctors Creek, San Sabastian River, Salt Run, Long Creek, Pellicer Creek and Palm Valley Creek. It is home to a variety of animal species such as dolphins, manatees, shorebirds and sea turtles and serves as an important nursery habitat for shrimp and fish.
Finally, the Guana River is one of the most intriguing rivers in St. Johns County with its origins traced back to Native American inhabitants who lived along its banks centuries ago. Today it provides vital habitat for several species of wildlife and is an important source of freshwater for the area. Its unique ecology is made up of saltwater marshes, freshwater wetlands, sand dunes, maritime, and mangrove forests.
Each of these three rivers has a unique history and provides important habitats for many different species living in the GTM Reserve. Together they form an important part of St Johns County’s natural heritage which must be carefully preserved to ensure future generations have access to its beauty and resources.
