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Ellen Leroy-Reed,  Exec Director of the  Friends of GTM Reserve will share information about what the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is, why it was established, and how others can get involved. It is an environmentally focused talk about the importance of the natural resource we often just call “Guana”. Hopefully, members can participate in one of the many activities (hikes, family seining, etc)  https://gtmnerr.org/visit/events/ 

Ellen Leroy-Reed is the executive director of the Friends of the GTM Reserve, the nonprofit citizen support organization for the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Reserve's Visitor Center is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, but its boundary of conservation lands spans over 76,000 acres south into Flagler County. The mission of the Reserve is to protect natural biodiversity and cultural resources using a scientific approach to its research, education, and stewardship. The Friends help the Reserve achieve its mission by bridging the gap in funding and resources through donations, volunteerism, and community partnerships.

Before joining the Friends, Ms. Reed served as Gala Director for the American Heart Association and owned a consultancy business specializing in sustainability and development for mission-based organizations. She has volunteered with the US Green Building Council, GlobalJax, Navy League, American Lung Association, HabiJax, and the USO. She served as a mentor with Community Connections and Junior Achievement’s JAGirl$ Program. Ms. Reed and her husband, Fred, have lived in Jacksonville for over ten years, and they have five children.

Zoom registration required.