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Aquatic Preserves

Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve

NEWS     |     RESOURCES     |     CALENDAR

Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve is within the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) between the Palm Coast and St. Augustine. The GTMNERR encompasses a more extensive area on Florida’s northeast coast between Jacksonville and Palm Coast. 

History

Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve was established in 1970. The preserve was designated as an Outstanding Florida Water on March 1, 1979. Pellicer Creek is surrounded by national, state and county conservation areas, making it one of the last undisturbed tidal marsh creek systems along Florida’s east coast. The surrounding watershed includes over 15,000 acres of protected land, including Moses Creek Conservation Area, Princess Place Preserve, Matanzas State Forest, Fort Matanzas National Monument, The River to Sea Preserve, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and Faver-Dykes State Park.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities

The GTMNERR has a robust volunteer program that offers opportunities to participate in various activities, including:

  • Education programs
  • Biological surveys
  • Water quality sampling
  • Restoration activities

Visit the Friends of the GTM Research Reserve website for information on how to volunteer.

Events

Scientific Information

Northeast Florida has a long history of human interaction with nature. There is a comprehensive documentary record of human settlement and landscape modifications dating back to the earliest settlements. The historical record reveals that Native American, Spanish, French, British and American inhabitants adapted to the area in a variety of ways. Evidence of these adaptations can be seen in the burning, clear-cutting, plowing, dredging, filling, ditching and drainage throughout the area.

Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve, located in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, is part of the Barrier Island District and the Atlantic Coastal Complex. This region is characterized by beach ridge strand plains and coastal terraces formed by prehistoric waves, currents and changing sea levels. These terraces are parallel to the present-day Atlantic shoreline and become progressively higher from east to west.

Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve is one of the most pristine estuarine/riverine systems along Florida's east coast and has exceptional biological and aesthetic value. The preserve’s undisturbed salt marshes provide habitat for a variety of wading birds. It is part of the northern watershed of the Upper East Coastal Basin. The preserve is fed by several tributaries from the west including Hulett, Pringle, Stevens, Dave and Schoolhouse branches. 

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Types
Estuary, salt marsh 

Invertebrates
Blue crabs

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Clapper Rails, Little Blue Herons, Wood Storks

Reptiles
American alligator

Fish
Redfish (red drum), Snook

Conservation Efforts

Pellicer Creek is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, giving it additional protection through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The submerged lands of the preserve are managed under Chapter 18-20, Florida Administrative Code, which applies stricter standards and criteria for activities like dredging, filling and building docks than those that apply to other sovereignty submerged lands in the state. These restrictions are important to maintaining the natural conditions of the preserve.

Ongoing Research

Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve is the sentinel site for the GTMNERR’s System Wide Monitoring Program. This site was chosen because the Pellicer Creek watershed was nearly undeveloped when the monitoring program began, allowing GTMNERR scientists to track changes as the area grows and make informed decisions on conservation management. Pellicer Creek is also the largest freshwater source to the southern portion of the GTMNERR. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Year-round

Not at this time.

Yes. Aquatic preserves often are adjacent to other conservation areas that may have nesting birds or other easily disturbed wildlife. Please do not let your pet run free in areas not designated for pets, and please pick up after your pet to avoid hazardous pathogens in our coastal waters. 

Follow current FWC saltwater fishing regulations.

Follow current FWC boating regulations.

Seagrass is protected within aquatic preserves; avoid shallow waters and raise motor if over seagrass. Damage to seagrass can result in a fine up to $1,000. 

Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

ADA accommodations are specific to each access point and the managing entity for that site. An ADA kayak launch is available via Faver-Dykes State Park.

If accessing Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve by land, state park or county park fees may apply. Donations to support work in this aquatic preserve can be made at Friends of the GTMNERR website.

Learn how to get involved at Friends of the GTMNERR website.

Partner Groups

  • Flagler County
  • Faver-Dykes State Park
  • St. Johns River Water Management District
  • University of Florida
  • University of North Florida
  • Flagler College
  • Friends of the GTM Research Reserve