Amy Howard 2025 Friends of GTM Membership Impact Report 1 message Friends of Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve Thu, Feb 26, 2026 at 1:11 PM Reply-To: gtm_friends@gtmnerr.org To: howardamyjo@gmail.com Friends of GTM Research Reserve 2025 Membership Impact Report Celebrating a year of meaningful progress made possible by the support of our members and community at the GTM Research Reserve. Click the cover to read the issue. Key Highlights 285+ scientific publications advancing coastal science Stewardship across 76,000 protected acres 11,000+ volunteer hours contributed Revenue growth exceeding 40% Advancing the Reimagine the Estuary initiative Read Now Tips for viewing this issue: Click the link to open it Hover over the issue to reveal the menu Flip pages using arrows or swipe Zoom in or switch to full screen for a better view Print or download a copy GTM Research Reserve | Become a Member | Donate | Volunteer Friends of Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve | 450 GUANA RIVER RD | PONTE VEDRA, FL 32082 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice ============================= I couldn't download a copy because it was in Flipsnack. I used Windows Snipping Tool on each page, then used Abbyy Finereader to extract text and generate a PDF. Here is the extracted text: fclM Friends of GTM RESEARCH RESERVE Friends of GTM 2025 Membership Impact Report Advancing science, education, stewardship, and conservation through the support of our members. Friends of GTM 2025 Membership Impact Report A Year of Growth, Discovery, and Stewardship For more than two decades, Friends of GTM Research Reserve has proudly supported the mission of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR), helping ensure that one of Northeast Florida's most ecologically important landscapes thrives as a center for science, education, and conservation. The past year marked extraordinary progress across research, stewardship, community engagement, and membership growth—demonstrating what is possible when members, partners, and volunteers unite around a shared vision for protecting our estuary. Research: Advancing Science That Protects Our Coast Scientific discovery is at the heart of the Reserve's work. Since 2000, research conducted at GTMNERR has resulted in 285 scientific publications, contributing valuable knowledge to coastal science worldwide. At least 62 long-term monitoring projects and more than 200 individual research initiatives have been supported, addressing critical topics such as climate resilience, habitat health, biodiversity, and water quality. Friends of GTM directly invests in the next generation of scientists. Annually we support a University of North Florida graduate research fellow with a $20k scholarship, and Reserve-based research has contributed to 38 graduate theses and dissertations. Since 2013, research staff have partnered on or led 11 grant-funded scientific projects, expanding both regional and national collaboration. Long-term environmental monitoring provides essential data for understanding ecosystem change. The Reserve has conducted over 24 years of water quality and weather monitoring, 12 years of oyster monitoring, and 14 years of coastal wetland monitoring—datasets that are invaluable for scientists, policymakers, and conservation planners. Stewardship: Caring for 76,000 Acres of Natural Resources Stewardship efforts at GTM demonstrate measurable impact. Sea turtle nesting surveys, which date back to 1987, show an average of 300 nests annually, with a record 432 nests documented in 2022. Volunteers and staff also remove hundreds of pounds of trash each year through organized cleanups along approximately four miles of shoreline. By rotating cleanups among beaches each month, the team collectively covers the equivalent of 48 miles of shoreline annually. Biodiversity monitoring reveals the richness of the estuary: 54 species of reptiles and amphibians have been documented within the Reserve. At the same time, staff and volunteers actively manage the landscape by targeting and removing 21 invasive plant species, helping native ecosystems thrive. Collaboration: Partnerships That Multiply Impact The Reserve's success is built on collaboration. Since its designation in 1999, GTMNERR has worked with more than 30 partner organizations, including land-managing agencies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Johns River Water Management District, Florida State Parks, Florida Forest Service, St. Johns County, Flagler County, the City of St. Augustine, and the National Park Service. Academic partners include the University of North Florida, University of Florida, Flagler College, Cornell University, Villanova University, and the University of Central Florida. Collaborative workshops—such as the Technical Advisory Group, Management Advisory Group, and State of the Reserve meetings—occur roughly eight times annually, ensuring coordinated conservation and informed decision-making. Education: Inspiring the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards Education programs connect thousands of learners to the estuary each year. Approximately 80 school groups—from public, charter, private, and homeschool communities—visit annually, representing about 40 traditional schools and 15 homeschool organizations. Summer programming reaches 200 additional students, including Title I participants and underserved youth. Professional development for educators is equally impactful. About 300 teachers participate in Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE), gaining tools and curriculum that extend the Reserve's reach into classrooms across the region. Educational efforts are strengthened through partnerships with organizations such as the Surfing's Evolution Foundation, Guy Harvey Foundation, LISC, and Sharks4Kids. Volunteers: The Heart of Our Mission More than 200 active volunteers contributed over 11,000 hours of service this year—the equivalent of nearly five full-time staff positions. Volunteers built and repaired boardwalks, cared for educational animals, cleaned aquariums, monitored sea turtles and marsh habitats, staffed outreach booths at festivals and science fairs, and supported events from setup to cleanup. Their dedication quite literally sustains the Reserve's operations and outreach. Community Outreach and Public Engagement Each weekend, our dedicated volunteers lead free public programs that invite the community to explore and learn about coastal ecosystems and conservation. Every Saturday, offerings such as family seining, guided hikes, beach exploration, and cleanups engage hundreds of visitors each year and often serve as the first step toward becoming a volunteer or member. In addition, Friends of GTM delivered eight public lectures, participated in four community festivals, and hosted a wide range of educational courses including birding, wildflowers, Fishing 101, photography, kayaking certification, and wildlife tracking. While only two members-only Sip & Science lectures were held this year, plans are already underway for four confirmed events in 2026, with additional dates in development. Membership Growth and Engagement Membership reached a historic high in 2025, peaking at 525 members—nearly double the total from just two years earlier. Even more encouraging, 72% of members renewed, demonstrating strong satisfaction and commitment. With improved systems and expanded benefits, Friends of GTM aims to grow membership to 750 supporters in 2026. Visitors and Access Improvements Guana remains a beloved destination, welcoming an estimated 300,000 visitors annually. In 2025, the Reserve transitioned to a digital parking system with Premium Parking. The first six months saw revenue increase by more than 40%, though later months leveled off, resulting in an overall annual growth of nearly 5%. Even so, the system significantly improved efficiency by eliminating manual cash counting and deposit processing—saving the equivalent workload of nearly two full-time staff positions. Enhancements to connectivity are planned for 2026 to further improve visitor experience. Reimagine the Estuary: A Vision for the Future Friends of GTM launched its ambitious capital campaign. Reimagine the Estuary - A New Discovery Learning Center, a transformational initiative designed to integrate indoor learning with immersive outdoor experiences and community engagement. The project will interpret the estuary's past, present, and future while strengthening research, expanding education, advancing conservation, and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. It will also enhance ecotourism and support local small businesses that rely on a healthy coastal ecosystem. The campaign goal is $4-6 million, and early momentum has been strong. Funding secured to date includes: ■ $100,000 grant from the River Branch Foundation ■ $100,000 private gift from the Hetzel Family ■ $100,000 gift from Judy and Walter Shipley Family Fund ■ $160,000 pledge from the Friends Board President Robert Steele ■ $30,000 pledge from longtime member Joseph McCoy ■ More than $5,000 in additional member gifts The Board is also exploring endowment opportunities to ensure long-term sustainability for both the Reserve and Friends organization. Financial Strength and Growth • Overall revenue increased more than 40% • Restricted income rose 166% • Fundraising and membership revenue grew 26% • Program support spending increased 44% • Administrative expenses decreased proportionally from 29% to 27% because revenue grew faster than costs Friends of GTM experienced exceptional financial growth in 2025. This financial momentum reflects strong donor confidence and expanding community support. Looking Ahead The achievements of this year demonstrate what is possible when science, stewardship, education, and community unite. Every membership, volunteer hour, donation, and partnership contributes directly to protecting one of Florida's most remarkable ecosystems. As we move forward, Friends of GTM remains committed to expanding impact, deepening partnerships, and ensuring that the estuary continues to inspire discovery for generations to come. Together, we are not only preserving a place—we are stewarding the estuary for generations to come. Thank you for being such an essential part of this shared mission.