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!