Small things? BIG Impact! Coastal Cleanup & Estuarine Day

How to make a big impact? How to make my small difference? How to be part of change?? For me it was those Publix shopping bags. You know: remembering to take them with you, choosing to use them rather than plastic bags...a relatively easy planet-friendly thing you can do, but something requiring a little forethought.

The GOOD NEWS? There are some great *GREEN* things you can do that don't require planning or commitment beyond this or next weekend. If you're taking the fam to the beach this weekend anyway, why not get in on the good vibrations??

International Coastal Cleanup Day (Saturday, Sept. 17) - All you have to do is show up at the GMT NER Reserve's Education Center, willing to help clean up. Collect garbage, pay attention. Your data will be collected and the whole wide world will benefit from your helping hands. For more info, see us online or call 904.823.4500.

National Estuaries Day (Saturday, Sept. 24) - Filled with family fun including a treasure hunt, this is a helping hand everyone can feel great about! Get into the spirit with our pirate theme and hunt while you learn more about the Reserve and all it has to offer. All you have to do to get in on action is BE THERE. There's a $5 charge per car, and these proceeds go to support the work of the NERR. More info? 904.823.4500 or DM me. Can't wait to see you out there!

And please don't forget OceanWise! Coming up October 15, this is the signature annual fundraising event for the Friends of the GTM Reserve. More info? DM us, or call 904.823.4500. Or just stay tuned - more info coming online as the event gets closer.

Reminders: You can make a difference this week. Really.

Just a reminder: it's a busy week! Next week brings National Estuarine Day, but one small step at a time, right?

9/15 (7-8 pm): Fossils on Florida's Beaches
Presented by Jake Fitzroy, GTM NERR's interpretative ranger, this is a GREAT chance to find out about collecting fossils on the beach. (Did you know those shark teeth you've been collecting are hundreds of thousands - maybe even millions - of year old?) You're even invited to bring that bucket of stuff you've been collecting - Jake will help you identify it. Don't miss it - I've been and it's FUN. Location: Nocatee Welcome Center. It's free but please RSVP to Rachel Robertson at 904.924.6858.

9/17 (8 am - 11 am): International Coastal Cleanup Day
Since 1986 over 6 MILLION volunteers in 127 countries have taken part in this event, removing trash and recording invaluable data. Check in at the GTM NERR Education Center OR our Marineland location between 8 and 9 am. More info is at www.gtmnerr.org, or 904.823.4500. So, can you make a difference? You can. Yep. Really.

International Coastal Cleanup Day

How great is this?
I already wrote to you guys about International Coastal Cleanup Day, so all I have to do is remind you that it's Saturday, September 17. At GMT NERR, we'll be signing you up at the Guana River Road AND Marineland locations between 9 and 11 that morning. And all the details are here.

I figure all you really need me for on this one is to remind you of the date. Because who doesn't want to help clean up our beloved beach? This holiday weekend, we took a long walk that ended in an armload of recyclable trash, left near the north walkover in a neat heap, as though with the assumption someone would pick it up. Someone did, of course, but if I hadn't, that someone might have been a sea turtle, a fish, a snake or marsh rabbit....well, you get the idea. But September 17 gives you a chance to walk down the beach, pick up the unwanted AND RECORD DATA about it. You can make a difference. I sure hope to see you out there.

Coming attractions (calendar edition)

For your convenience, here's a list of upcoming events you can mark on your calendar. Details on each will be available in dedicated blog posts.

9/15 (7-8 pm): Fossils on Florida's Beaches
Presented by Jake Fitzroy, GTM NERR's interpretative ranger, this is a GREAT chance to find out about collecting fossils on the beach. (Did you know those shark teeth you've been collecting are hundreds of thousands - maybe even millions - of year old?) You're even invited to bring that bucket of stuff you've been collecting - Jake will help you identify it. Don't miss it - I've been and it's FUN. Location: Nocatee Welcome Center. It's free but please RSVP to Rachel Robertson at 904.924.6858.

9/17 (8 am - 11 am): International Coastal Cleanup Day
Since 1986 over 6 MILLION volunteers in 127 countries have taken part in this event, removing trash and recording invaluable data. Check in at the GTM NERR Education Center OR our Marineland location between 8 and 9 am. More info is at www.gtmnerr.org, or 904.823.4500.

9/24 (10 am - 3 pm): National Estuaries Day
This event has a TON of activities associated with it, including live music, a presentation by H.A.W.K.E., with live birds of prey, guided kayak trips, and an archaeological bike tour. It's going to be great fun for the whole family. There's a $5 fee per carload, which supports the educational, research and stewardship activities @GTM NERR. More info to come in a blog post here, or you can check www.gtmnerr.org, or call 904.823.4500.

10/15 (6 pm - I don't actually know): OceanWise
This is the major fundraising event hosted by Friends of the GTM Reserve, dedicated to funding the wide range of research undertaken at the reserve by local and visiting scientists, educational opportunities provided to local teachers and kids, and the stewardship of this magical place, which is so dear to so many of us. In its second year, OceanWise promises to exceed the high bar that was set last year. The event begins with a cocktail hour featuring beer, wine and appetizers and continues to entrees prepared by leading chefs at local restaurants who share our passion for sustainable seafood, and will include a silent auction (BIG fun, and great stuff!) We have some AMAZING sponsors to thank, too, but will include in the blog post, because we believe you want to know what local businesses go above and beyond in support of local non-profits and treasures, like the Reserve. Tickets are available online (www.gtmnerr.org; follow the "OceanWise" path) and are limited to 200 attendees, so get them while you can. Drinks, great food, friends old and new...We can't wait to see you there!