Volusia County, FL- Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management
practices during free Explore Volusia programs. Environmental specialists will lead a variety of outdoor adventures on land and water.
Reservations are required; call 386-736-5927.
July’s events include:
·Martin’s Dairy bike-about: 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, July 6.
Learn about the local ecosystem as you ride along trails in Spruce Creek
Preserve. Moderate skill is preferred due to rough terrain, hills and
soft sand. Bring a bicycle and helmet. Mountain bikes are most
appropriate. Turn north off Turnbull Bay Road just off Pioneer Trail,
and meet in the dirt parking lot on Martin’s Dairy Road, New Smyrna
Beach.
· Bird and learn: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, July 7. The raptors of
Marine Science Center will travel to Lyonia Environmental Center for an
avian learning adventure. Volunteer Coordinator Laura Albert will
discuss the birds’ flight, hunting skills and habitats. Meet at Lyonia
Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.
·Snorkel and swim adventure: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July
12. Learn about marine species and the underwater ecosystem while
snorkeling the high slack tide near Ponce Inlet. Participants must bring
their own snorkeling equipment and be able to swim. Those under 18 must
wear a personal flotation device and be accompanied by an adult guardian
at all times. Meet at Lighthouse Point Park, 5000 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet.
· Highbridge paddle: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 14. Bring a
kayak and learn about strategies for restoring mangroves, oyster beds
and salt marshes in the Tomoka River and the importance of these
habitats. Ethical angling will be discussed. Those who want to fish must
bring fishing gear and a Florida saltwater fishing license. Meet at
Highbridge Park, 39 Highbridge Road, Ormond Beach.
· Blue Spring snorkel program: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July
19. Bring your snorkel gear to explore the spring habitat at Blue Spring
State Park and learn about the importance of springs. Participants must
pay the park entrance fee. The park is at 2100 W. French Ave., Orange
City.
· Hickory Bluff paddle: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 21. Explore the
ecosystems of the St. Johns River during this leisurely paddling trip.
Participants will learn about the area’s biodiversity and the
wonderful Florida manatee. Bring a life preserver and whistle along with
a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard. Meet at 598 Guise Road, Osteen.
· Longleaf bike-about: 7:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22. Learn
about the plants and animals of the wetlands during a leisurely ride
through Longleaf Pine Preserve’s flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps.
Large-tire bikes are recommended; helmets are required. Meet at the east
entrance, 4551 Pioneer Trail, 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.
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