Volusia County, FL-Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management
practices during free Explore Volusia programs in July. Environmental
specialists will lead snorkeling adventures, nature hikes, bike-abouts
and water trips.
Reservations are required; call 386-736-5927.
Upcoming events include:
Snorkel and swim adventure: 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 7;
and 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 20. Experience the wonders of the
underwater ecosystem and various marine species while snorkeling the
high slack tide near Ponce Inlet. Participants must bring their own
snorkeling gear and be able to swim. Those under age 18 must wear a
personal flotation device and be accompanied by an adult guardian. Meet
at Lighthouse Point Park, 500 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet.
Hickory Bluff Preserve paddle: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 12. Learn
about the Florida manatee and the area’s biodiversity during this
leisurely paddling trip on the St. Johns River. Participants must bring
a whistle, personal flotation device and a kayak, canoe or stand-up
paddleboard. Meet at Hickory Bluff Preserve, 598 Guise Road, Osteen.
Martins Dairy Trail bike-about: 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 13. Ride a
trail in the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve while learning about the
local ecosystem. Moderate skill and mountain bikes are preferred due to
rough terrain, hills and soft sand. Helmets are required. Turn north off
Turnbull Bay Road, just off of Pioneer Trail. Meet in the dirt parking
lot on Martins Dairy Road, New Smyrna Beach.
Guided hike of Spruce Creek Preserve: 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 14.
Discover the importance of estuaries while hiking through the scenic
Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. Participants can try their hand at
seine netting. Fish, bird and plant identification will be the focus of
this adventure. Wear closed-toe shoes. Meet at 3251 N. Dixie Highway,
New Smyrna Beach.
Guided hike of Scrub Oak Preserve: 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 16.
Learn about land management practices and the importance of scrub
habitat, water recharge zones and keystone species while hiking through
this conservation area. Meet at 1495 McGregor Road, DeLand.
Lake Beresford bike-about: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 22. Uncover facts
about the local environment and the importance of springs on this
bicycling tour of Lake Beresford Park. Participants will ride a segment
of the Spring-to-Spring Trail. The emphasis will be on the connectivity
of local waters. Meet at 2100 Fatio Road, DeLand.
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 wear comfortable clothes and hiking
or walking shoes.
