Explore Volusia
Mission statement: To provide education opportunities to residents and visitors of Volusia County, through our satellite facilities and on our Conservation Lands, to learn about our diverse local natural surroundings through the exploration of the wonderfully diverse habitats of Volusia County.
Explore Volusia, the educational arm of the Volusia Forever program, offers a variety of outdoor adventures in the county conservation lands, including paddling, hiking, biking, and eco-buggy tours. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Paddling, Hiking, Biking, and Eco-Buggy Programs
Programs can be found on Eventbrite, by clicking here.
- Program Participation Waiver (PDF)
- Program Participation Waiver for Minors (PDF)
- Conservation Lands Map
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Volusia Forever
Volusia Forever was created in 2000 when the citizens of Volusia County voted to tax themselves .2 mills over 20 years to protect the County’s natural biodiversity. Voters renewed it for another 20 years during the November 2020 election. To stretch these dollars as far as possible Volusia Forever forms partnerships with federal, state, water management district, and local agencies that are committed to protecting natural resources. Approximately 39,000 acres (fee-simple and less-than-fee) have been acquired since the beginning of the program.
Mission: Finance the acquisition and improvement of environmentally sensitive, water resource protection, and outdoor recreation lands, and to manage these lands as conservation stewards in perpetuity.
Goals: Conserve, maintain and restore the natural environment and provide access for the enjoyment and education of the public; provide resources to ensure that sufficient quantities of water are available to meet current and future needs; meet the need for high-quality resource based outdoor opportunities, greenways, trails, and open space; preserve the habitat and water recharge; ensure that the natural resource values of such lands are protected and that the public has the opportunity to enjoy the lands to their fullest potential.
Printed Materials / Brochures
Other Opportunities / Information
Volusia County is home to a vast array of biodiversity and aesthetically pleasing habitats. Its water resources range from our beautiful Ocean to Estuarine Marine life, and extend to the St. Johns River where fresh water pours out of natural springs. Inland, Volusia County has conservation lands which are part of a statewide effort to provide a wildlife corridor and natural habitat where bear, deer and other wildlife live and thrive in the wild.
By visiting our two site facilities, the Marine Science Center (Ponce Inlet) and Lyonia Environmental Center (Deltona), visitors will be afforded the opportunity to truly Experience Natural Volusia while learning from knowledgeable staff members and volunteers.
We encourage everyone to explore the exceptional habitats that encompass Volusia County. Please keep checking the calendar and websites for exciting and adventurous programs on Volusia County’s Conservation Lands, the Marine Science Center, and the Lyonia Environmental Center.
Upcoming events
Explore Volusia: Heart Island Hike
October 22 @8:15 am to 11:00 am
Learn about native plants and animals during a 2.5-mile hike through Heart Island Conservation Area, part of the 39,642-acre Lake George Wildlife Management Area. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Meet at 6340 Lake Winona Road, DeLeon Spr...
Explore Volusia:
October 26 @8:45 am to 11:00 am
Join Explore Volusia for an educational tour of Lake George State Forest. Florida Forest Service staff will discuss forest management, recreation, and habitat management on an eco-buggy tour of the Dexter Mary Farms tract in Lake George State Forest. Meet at the multi-use parking area at the interse...
Explore Volusia: Lake George Paddle
October 27 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Paddle the second largest lake in Florida, learn about the military history of the lake, and explore the wildlife found there. Participants will also learn about the ongoing restoration projects on the lake. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County’s sit-on-top kayaks a...
Explore Volusia: Riverbend Preserve Eco-buggy Tour
October 30 @8:45 am to 11:00 am
Join the Explore Volusia program for an eco-buggy tour of Volusia County's newest Volusia Forever property, Riverbend Preserve. Participants will learn how management plans are created and how land management staff restores native habitat. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adu...
Explore Volusia: Riverbend Preserve Eco-buggy Tour
October 30 @12:45 pm to 3:00 pm
Join the Explore Volusia program for an eco-buggy tour of Volusia County’s newest Volusia Forever property, Riverbend Preserve. Participants will learn how management plans are created and how land management staff restores native habitat. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an a...
Explore Volusia: Spruce Creek Mound Hike
November 10 @8:15 am to 11:00 am
Join environmental specialists on a 2-mile hike and enjoy spectacular views of Spruce Creek. The group will discover the history of the Spruce Creek Mound and its significance to the people who once lived here. Ages 8 and older are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-t...
Explore Volusia: Spruce Creek Paddle
November 12 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Discover native plants and wildlife during this group paddle among the mangrove islands near Strickland Bay. Bring your own watercraft or use one of Volusia County’s single, sit-on-top kayaks without charge. Paddlers must wear a personal flotation device and carry a whistle. Ages 10 and olde...
Explore Volusia: Scrub Oak Preserve Hike
November 13 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
Learn about the flora and fauna that live in this Florida scrub habitat and search for the resident Florida scrub jays, the only bird species endemic to Florida. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Meet at Scrub Oak Preserve, 1495 McGregor Ro...
Explore Volusia: St. Johns River Paddle
November 17 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Volusia County environmental specialists will discuss the St. Johns River’s history, plants and wildlife during this group paddle to Hickory Bluff Preserve and back. Bring your own watercraft or reserve one of Volusia County’s single, sit-on-top kayaks at no charge. Paddlers must wear a personal...
Explore Volusia: Longleaf Pine Eco-buggy Tours
November 19 @8:45 am to 11:00 am
Environmental specialists will point out the native plants and animals coexisting in the pine flatwoods and cypress swamp ecosystems and explain how Volusia County Land Management staff maintains these beautiful places. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-...
Longleaf Pine Eco-buggy Tour
November 19 @12:45 pm to 3:00 pm
Environmental specialists will point out the native plants and animals coexisting in the pine flatwoods and cypress swamp ecosystems and explain how Volusia County Land Management staff maintains these beautiful places. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-...
