FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 26, 2015
CONTACT: Patrician
Price, 904-823-4506
GTM RESEARCH RESERVE HOSTS VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
~The
volunteer force is a vital part of the reserve’s daily operation~
PONTE
VEDRA BEACH - The Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine
Research Reserve will host two volunteer orientation events at the Environmental
Education Center (EEC). The first orientation will be held on Friday, Feb. 6 at
10 a.m. with the second event scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28 beginning at 10
a.m.
Anyone
interested in volunteering in a natural setting with a focus on conservation is
encouraged to attend. During the orientation, volunteers will learn the
background and history of the reserve, along with the expectations and benefits
of being a volunteer. A tour of the EEC is also provided.
"Volunteers are the heart of our organization," said
Michael Shirley, director
of the GTM Research Reserve. "They give us the ability to accomplish our
management and conservation goals at a faster pace and higher level."
Each volunteer opportunity,
although different, plays an important role at the GTM Research Reserve. Volunteers
assist with resource management, ecosystem science, education and
administrative activities.
Some of the projects in which volunteers participate are:
-
The
Estuary Explorer Program: provide education and information
about the reserve and functions of an estuary to second and fourth grade
students.
-
Estuaries
101: help with an environmental education program offered to
middle and high schools. Students will perform water quality monitoring and
fish seining on the lake and river, as well as, beach profiling and sand
analysis.
-
Outreach
Program Facilitators: assist with off-site events, distribute literature, answer
questions about the reserve and present programs to community
organizations.
-
Trail
Guides: lead groups through the trails while interpreting the history,
wildlife and habitats that can be found in the reserve.
-
Invasive
Species Control: assist staff with identification and removal of invasive plant
species from the reserve. Training is provided.
-
Front
Desk Greeter: assist with visitors, answer phones, collect entrance
fees and perform clerical duties.
For more information or to register for this event, please contact
Volunteer Coordinator Shannon Rininger at 904-823-4500 or email Shannon.Rininger@dep.state.fl.us. To fill out a volunteer application in advance, click here.
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