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.
November’s events include:
Guided hike of Lyonia Preserve: 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1. Learn about the endangered Florida scrub habitat, land management practices and prescribed fire as you walk through Lyonia Preserve. Participants
will see the preserve’s plants and animals including Lyonia’s most precious resident, the Florida scrub jay. Meet at the preserve’s entrance, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.
Spring-to-Spring bike-about: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Ride from Gemini Springs to DeBary Hall Historic Site and back on this six-mile cycling tour. All ages and abilities are welcome. Bicycle helmets are required. Meet at Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary.
DeLeon Springs paddle: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10. View local wildlife and beautiful scenery during this leisurely paddling trip. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at DeLeon Springs State Park, 601 Ponce de Leon Blvd. There is a fee to enter the park. Kayaks are available for rental.
Nature photography: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Bring your camera and meet Lee Dunkel at Deep Creek Preserve, 964 S. State Road 415, Samsula. The professional photographer will offer tips on capturing great nature photos.
Deep Creek bike-about: 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. Take a ride around Volusia County’s newest conservation land and learn about the 8,000-acre site’s forestry, agricultural history, and plant communities. Larger tired bikes are recommended because the trail is a unpaved road. Bicycle helmets are required. Meet at Deep Creek Preserve, 964 S. State Road 415, Samsula.
Bethune Park paddle: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17. View Florida’s magnificent wildlife and scenery during this leisurely paddling trip along the Indian River Lagoon. Participants may encounter manatees and dolphins. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at Mary McLeod Bethune Park, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach.
Deep Creek eco-buggy tour: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21. Take a riding tour of Deep Creek Preserve and learn about the site’s important plant communities. Participants may see Sherman’s fox squirrel, carnivorous plants, and Volusia County’s endemic pawpaw in bloom. Meet at 964 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach.
Post-Thanksgiving cleanup: 9 to 11 am. Saturday, Nov. 25. Work off a bit of the T-day feast, volunteer and have some fun. Meet at Sun Splash Park, 611 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. The group will hit the beach and pick up debris. Bring a bucket and gloves. All ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Laura Albert LAlbert@volusia.org for more information.
Heart Island eco-buggy tour: 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. Take a ride through Heart Island Conservation Area, which is part of the 35,280-acre Lake George Wildlife Management Area. Natural communities include basin swamps, floodplain swamps, basin marshes, baygalls, blackwater streams, hydric hammocks, mesic flatwoods, and scrub. A land management specialist from the St. Johns River Water Management District will lead the tour and provide information about the lands. Meet in the parking area just north of the intersection of State Roads 40 and 11.
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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