Welcome: What's an Estuary?

Welcome to the Estuary Examiner! This blog will introduce you to more than you ever wanted to know about an estuary. You know ... where the river or rivers meet the ocean. It's brackish water (a mixture of fresh water with salt water). We will examine all the wonderful kinds of migratory birds, shore birds, fish, oyster reefs, plants, mangroves, turtles, raccoons and lots of reptiles that live in the estuary, and much more.

Gopher Tortoise

There are 29 national estuarine research reserves across the country with a focus on education, research and stewardship. But, I am going to share information about the one where I work, GTM Research Reserve in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. We’ll examine oyster monitoring, some of the educational programs and stewardship programs going on in the estuary and salt marsh. We’ll take a tour through the Exhibit Hall and visit with our juvenile terrapin turtles! And we’ll explore all the activities and events that are happening every day.

Kayaking at sunset on the Guana River.

 
I look forward to showing you around and sharing some interesting facts. I hope these weekly insights into this special place will entice you to get out and explore!