A Bold New Vision
A campaign to transform how people experience, understand,
and protect one of Northeast Florida’s most remarkable natural treasures.
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
A New Discovery Learning Center
76K
Acres of Costal Ecosystem
5,600
Students on Class Trips Per Year
600
Bird and Fish Species
300k
Annual Visitors Expected
Our Goal:
A $12 Million Investment in the Future
Reimagine the Estuary is the first major capital campaign launched by Friends of GTM Research Reserve. It is an ambitious effort to build for today, plan for tomorrow, and ensure this remarkable place continues to educate, connect, and inspire.
The campaign will raise $12 million:
- $6 million to transform the Visitor Center into a dynamic Discovery Learning Center.
- $6 million to establish an endowment that will sustain educational programming, stewardship, research, and operations while reducing reliance on changing government funding.
In just a few short months, more than $1.8 million has already been committed. Now, we need your help to fully reimagine the estuary for the kayakers, birdwatchers, students, scientists, and conservation leaders of tomorrow.
DISCOVERY LEARNING CENTER
Bringing Science to Life.
Serving as a bridge between science and the community, the Discovery Learning Center will bring to life decades of environmental research into engaging visitor experiences that help people move from simply visiting the estuary to understanding it, valuing it, and ultimately becoming its stewards.
For the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the GTM Research Reserve each year to hike, birdwatch, fish, kayak, cycle, explore, and conduct research, the center will provide new opportunities to connect with the estuary and understand the science behind its conservation.
Elementary school students walking off the bus and into the center today may become the marine biology students, researchers, educators, and advocates who protect the estuary tomorrow.
Healthy estuaries protect our coast, support thriving fisheries and wildlife, improve water quality, strengthen our local economy, and enrich the quality of life for everyone who calls Northeast Florida home.
WHY FRIENDS OF GTM
Proven Leadership.
Lasting Impact.
Friends of GTM has a long record of connecting people to the GTM Research Reserve through education, research, advocacy and community support.
Today, the Reserve is:
- Home to more than 76,000 acres of protected estuarine habitat
- One of only 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the United States
- Visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year
- Supported by 200+ dedicated volunteers
- A destination for students, educators, researchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike
The momentum has already begun. With more than $1.8 million committed toward the campaign, together we can create a Discovery Learning Center that will serve our community for decades to come.
WHY NOW
Beyond the Visitor Center.
For more than two decades, the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center has welcomed hundreds of thousands of students, residents, and visitors. But the exhibits, originally created in 2005, no longer reflect today's science, technology, or the immersive learning experiences visitors expect.
At the same time, many people who live just miles away still do not know the GTM Research Reserve exists, or understand the extraordinary estuary protected in their own backyard.
The Discovery Learning Center will meet this moment.
Through immersive exhibits, hands-on learning, and compelling stories of science and conservation, it will help more people discover the Reserve, understand why estuaries matter, and feel inspired to protect them for generations to come.
WHY IT MATTERS
Investing in What Matters Most.
The Discovery Learning Center will be more than a renovation — it will be a lasting investment in our community, creating opportunities for learning, conservation, and connection for decades to come.
Your support will help:
- Inspire future environmental leaders through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
- Connect our community to the science, beauty, and importance of the estuary.
- Expand educational opportunities for students, teachers, families, and lifelong learners.
- Advance scientific research by making science accessible and engaging for the public.
- Strengthen conservation efforts by inspiring stewardship and informed action.
- Support eco-tourism and the local economy by creating a destination that attracts visitors year-round.
- Leave an enduring gift that benefits our community while protecting the estuary.
Research
Recreation
Volunteer
CONSERVATION
Protecting 76,000 acres of salt marsh, mangroves, oyster reefs, and tidal creeks.
EDUCATION
Doubling student engagement to 5,000+ annually with hands-on outdoor classrooms.
DISCOVERY
Home to 62 active monitoring programs and 200+ ongoing research projects.
WAYS TO GIVE
Your Gift. Your Legacy.
The future of the Discovery Learning Center will be built by people who believe in protecting the places that define our community. Every gift—large or small—helps create experiences that educate, inspire, and foster a lifelong commitment to conservation. Together, we can build something that will benefit generations to come.
Whether your investment is transformational, spread over several years, or made as a meaningful one-time gift, every contribution brings the Discovery Learning Center one step closer to reality.
Make a
One-Time Gift
Make an immediate impact with a gift that helps bring the Discovery Learning Center to life.
Make a Multi-Year
Pledge
Spread your impact over multiple years while helping bring the Discovery Learning Center to life.
Friends Legacy
Circle
Lifetime giving of $10,000 or more honors an enduring commitment to GTM and includes membership for life.
Lead the Way. Shape the Future.
The Reimagine the Estuary campaign offers meaningful opportunities for individuals, families, foundations, and businesses to create a transformational investment.
We are currently seeking philanthropic leadership investments of $250,000 or more to help bring the Discovery Learning Center to life while demonstrating a powerful commitment to education, conservation, scientific research, and our community.
Leadership gifts may also be directed to the campaign endowment, creating permanent support for educational programming, stewardship, research, and ongoing operations.
Naming opportunities throughout the Discovery Learning Center provide donors with an opportunity to create a visible and enduring connection to one of Northeast Florida's most treasured natural resources.
To discuss a leadership investment, endowment giving, or available naming opportunities, please contact:
DaleAnn Viger
Executive Director, Friends of GTM Research Reserve
e-mail: [email protected]
telephone: 904-380-8610
Donor Recognition.
Every gift to Reimagine the Estuary represents a lasting investment in our community and the future of the Reserve. We are proud to recognize the generosity of those whose vision and leadership are helping bring this campaign to life.
From meaningful annual contributions to transformational leadership gifts, donors will be recognized through a variety of opportunities that celebrate their commitment while inspiring others to join the campaign.
Public Funding
- NOAA PAC grants for Discovery Center upgrades — $1,225,000
- FDEP capital improvement funds — $250,000
Philanthropic Commitments
- River Branch Foundation — $100,000
- Hetzel Family — $100,000
- Judy and Walter Shipley Family — $100,000
- Joseph McCoy — $30,000
With sincere gratitude to all of our sponsors, supporters, and donors for making this vision possible.
The Future Starts with You
The decisions we make today will shape how future residents, students, researchers, and visitors experience one of Northeast Florida's greatest natural treasures.
Together, we can create a place where curiosity is ignited, science comes alive, and our community builds a deeper connection to the estuary.
Every contribution moves us one step closer to transforming this vision into reality.
