County Plans Explore Volusia Programs

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Spring to Spring Trail

Volusia County, FL- Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs in November.

Environmental specialists will lead bike-abouts, a paddling trip, guided

hike and eco-buggy tour.

Reservations are required; call 386-736-5927.

Upcoming events include:

· Guided hike of Longleaf Pine Preserve: 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday,

Nov. 3. Get an early start on this walk through the preserve’s

flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps. Participants will learn about the

connections between soils and the plant and animal communities of the

wetlands. Meet at the west entrance, 3637 E. New York Ave., DeLand.

· Star tour: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Explore the night

sky with retired astronomy teacher Dr. Hugh Ward at Wiregrass Prairie

Preserve, 1751 Lopez Road, Osteen. Dr. Ward will comment on the visible

planets and other celestial objects as participants observe the night

sky through telescopes and binoculars, which will be provided. Bring a

folding chair, insect spray, flashlight and telescope, if you have one.

Arrive before sunset. Road conditions are rough.

· Eco-buggy tour of Lyonia Preserve: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov.

11. Take a ride through Lyonia Preserve and learn what makes this

endangered Florida scrub habitat such a special place. Participants will

see the scrub’s plants and animals, including Lyonia’s most precious

resident, the Florida scrub jay. Land management practices and

prescribed fire on the site will also be discussed. Meet at 2150 Eustace

Ave., Deltona.

· Photograph nature along Lake George: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday,

Nov. 12. Professional photographer Lee Dunkel will offer tips on

capturing nature photographs. Bring a camera and meet at 998 Ninemile

Point Road, Seville. Learn more about Dunkel at www.leedunkel.com.

· Deep Creek Preserve bike-about: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Pedal Deep Creek Preserve and learn about the site’s forestry,

agricultural history and plant communities. Larger tired bicycles are

recommended, because the trail is an unpaved road. Helmets are required.

Meet at 964 S. State Road 415, Samsula.

· Eco-buggy tour of Lake George Wildlife Management Area: 9 to

11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18. Explore pine flatwoods, cypress swamps and

marsh as you ride in Volusia County’s eco-buggy. The park has the second

highest population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Meet at 998

Ninemile Point Road, Seville.

· Guided hike of Hickory Bluff Preserve: 9 to 11 a.m. Monday,

Nov. 21. Compare habitat characteristics during an upland and swamp hike

of the St. Johns River watershed. Meet at 598 Guise Road, Osteen.

·Blue Spring paddle: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22. Bring a

canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard for this leisurely paddling trip to

Blue Spring State Park. Paddlers will explore the spring while learning

about local wildlife and the area’s history. They will also learn about

water quality and the importance of Florida’s springs as manatee

refuges. A life preserver and whistle are required. Meet at the end of

West French Avenue in Orange City. The launch is about one mile past the

park entrance.

·Green Springs bike-about: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Experience the natural world as you ride the East Central Regional Rail

Trail from Green Springs to State Road 415. All ages are welcome on this

11.4-mile round trip. Bicycle helmets are required. Meet at Green

Springs Park, 994 Enterprise-Osteen Road, Enterprise.

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.