Volusia County, FL- Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs in October. Environmental
specialists will lead nature hikes, bike-abouts, water trips and
eco-buggy tours.
Reservations are required; call 386-736-5927.
Upcoming events include:
● Night paddle of the Indian River Lagoon: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 5. Witness the beauty of bioluminescence (the emission
of light produced by a chemical reaction within living organisms) and
observe a variety of organisms. This program is designed for skilled
paddlers. Bring a life preserver, whistle, and an electric torch or
lantern with a white light. Meet at Menard-May Park, 413 S. Riverside
Drive, Edgewater.
● Guided hike of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday,
Oct. 7. Walk through the 1,400-acre preserve, which is almost entirely in the St. Johns River Valley. Learn about land management practices while hiking through
diverse ecotones. Explore upland and wetland natural communities that
include wet flatwoods, cypress domes and wet prairies. Meet at the
preserve, 1751 Lopez Road, Osteen. Directions will be emailed upon
registration; do not use a GPS to get to the site.
● Edgewater bike-about: 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 10. Ride the
paved path from Cow Creek Road to Rotary Park and back. During this
leisurely ride, participants will learn about the habitats they pass and
the organisms that live in them. Bring a bicycle and helmet. Meet in the
parking lot on Cow Creek Road, one-quarter mile east of I-95 and
one-quarter mile south of State Road 442.
● DeLeon Springs paddle: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14. Bring a
canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a leisurely paddling trip to
view local wildlife and scenery. Meet inside DeLeon Springs State Park,
601 Ponce de Leon Blvd., DeLeon Springs. There is a fee to enter the
park. Participants may rent kayaks from the park.
● Hontoon Island State Park paddle: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct.
18. This 10-mile adventure for experienced paddlers leaves from Hontoon
Island State Park and loops down Snake Creek and back up the St. Johns
River channel. The trip will take five to six hours. Participants are
encouraged to pack a lunch for a picnic stop. Bring a canoe or kayak,
life preserver and whistle. Meet at 2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand.
● Gemini Springs bike-about: 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.
Bicycle the scenic area around Gemini Springs Park and small segments of
Lake Monroe. All ages and abilities are welcome for this six-mile trip.
Bring a bicycle and helmet. Meet at Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen
Drive, DeBary.
● Eco-buggy tour of Longleaf Pine Preserve: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 26. Look for nocturnal animals during this night ride
through the preserve’s flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps. Meet at
the east entrance, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach.
● Guided hike of Indian River Lagoon Park: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday,
Oct. 28. Explore the Indian River Lagoon while learning about the
importance of estuaries, natural uplands and wetlands. Participants will
test the water quality and learn about environmental issues affecting
the lagoon. Meet at 700 Sandpiper St., New Smyrna Beach.
Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sponsors Explore
Volusia to acquaint residents with the county’s diverse natural
habitats and land management practices.
Participants should bring water and insect repellent. They should wear
comfortable clothes and hiking or walking shoes.
