Conservation Lands Outreach

Upcoming scheduled events

Snakes – Florida Critters That Deserve Our Respect
Saturday, April 5, 2008
9 a.m.-12 noon
Bicentennial Youth Park
3300 New York Ave., DeLand
(1 mile east of the Volusia County Fairgrounds)

Jim Duby, Seminole County Natural Lands Manager and herpetology expert, will lead an odyssey of the snakes of our area. Participants will learn about snakes and observe Jim’s collection, then go on a short hike of the flatwoods and swamp to learn about their natural habitat. Wives tales and mistruths will be uncovered and the fascinating biology of snakes will be discussed along with the important role they play in ecosystems.

Nature Photography--Naturally Digital
Saturday, April 5, 2008
2 - 5 p.m.
Bicentennial Youth Park
3300 New York Avenue, DeLand
(1 mile east of the Volusia County Fairgrounds)

Do you want to learn how to take better photographs of animals and plants in their natural setting? If you are shooting digital photographs with any level camera, you can improve your chances of getting that “perfect” shot with some practical shooting techniques and “technical” adjustments to your camera. David Baker, Environmental Educator, will teach digital photographic techniques for amateur photographers from novice to advanced. Participants should bring their cameras and are welcome to bring their favorite photographs to share with the class. The class will also include hands-on field experience with participants doing some nature photography armed with their new shooting tips.

Insects—Good or Bad?
Saturday, April 12, 2008
9 a.m.-12 noon
Hickory Bluff Preserve
End of Guise Rd., off Maytown Rd.
Osteen

What are the true bad bugs? Explore the world of insects on a hike lead by Ray Jarrett, Environmental Scientist. This insect adventure will include inspecting insect traps and netting specimens to learn about the diverse insects in the habitats around us. We’ll also learn about the exotic insects that are invading Florida and the problems that they cause.

Moon and Star Tour
Saturday, April 12
8 - 10 p.m.
Wiregrass Prairie Preserve

Dr. Hugh Ward, Seabreeze High School Astronomy teacher, will lead an exploration of the question "Why is the moon so important to humans?" In addition, we will observe many features on the surface of the moon during the first part of the night sky tour. Once the moon has set, we will turn our attention to the constellations and planets visible.

Bring along any kind of large or small binoculars, or telescopes if you can. They will really enhance this particular tour.

Earth Day Hike and Bike
Saturday, April 19, 2008
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Longleaf Pine Preserve
Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach

What better way to celebrate the Earth than to get out in the natural world and experience it on foot or bike? Participants that prefer walking can take a 5-mile guided hike and those that prefer biking can take a 6-mile bike ride through Longleaf Pine Preserve. The bike trail will be on mostly hard packed road with occasion muddy areas.

Wear comfortable clothes that match the weather, hiking or walking shoes and bring water, snack and lunch in a backpack.

Earth Night Hike
Saturday, April 19, 2008
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Longleaf Pine Preserve, East Entrance
Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach

In celebration of Earth Day experience Longleaf Pine Preserve as it retires for the evening. Dale Samler, Daytona Beach College Biology Instructor will lead us on a night hike through pine flatwoods and cypress domes. Wear clothes that match the weather and shoes that can get wet. Bring insect spray, flashlight and water to drink.
Space is limited, please register.

Tyke Hike
Friday, April 25, 2008
9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Lyonia Preserve
Deltona

The half-mile loop at Lyonia is a great trail to hike with your little ones. Leave the stroller behind and let your youngsters explore at an unhurried pace. This walk is especially for children ages 2-7 years and their parent(s).

Space is limited. Email Jenny Nelms to register: lminterns@co.volusia.fl.us

Plein Air Paint Out
Saturday, May 3, 2008
9 a.m.-12 noon
Hickory Bluff Preserve
End of Guise Rd., off Maytown Rd.
Osteen

How many colors do you see in the river?

Experience natural Florida and the St. Johns River through the perspective of "plein" or in the open air painters—artists who paint outside. Sandra Wilson, artist and founder of the DeBary Art League and Gateway Center for the Arts, will lead a “paint out” along the scenic shore of the St. Johns River at Hickory Bluff Preserve in Osteen for her art students and public participants of all ages.

After learning the basics of color and paint from Sandra, participants will try their hand at creating their own paintings. No artistic talent necessary, just a sense of creative adventure! Materials provided. Bring folding chair. Free to adults and families.

Mosses, Liverworts and Ferns—Florida’s Green Carpets
Saturday, May 10, 2008
9 a.m. -12 noon
Bicentennial Youth Park
3300 New York Avenue, DeLand
(1 mile east of the Volusia County Fairgrounds)

Discover the world of moses, liverworts and ferns, beautiful yet simple plants that form green carpets in moist Florida habitats. This will be a lab and field exploration led by Dr. Bill Grey, Rollins College.
Space is limited. Call to register:

Nature Into Art
Saturday, June 14, 2008
9 a.m. - 12 noon
Bicentennial Youth Park
3300 New York Avenue, DeLand
(1 mile east of the Volusia County Fairgrounds)

Nature will inspire and give us the materials to open our minds and hands to the creative spirit through this adventure. After a short observational hike to collect materials, participants will gather in the Bicentennial Youth Park classroom to create several pieces of art from mud, leaves, sticks, seeds and vines. One project for the adult participants will be walking stick wood carving under the instruction of Dorie-Ann Padgitt, Florida Master Naturalist. All of the products that we create will allow us to take our natural experience home to enjoy.

Open to adults and families--Adults are encouraged to participate.
Wear comfortable clothes that match the weather and bring water to drink.
No charge, materials provided. Space is limited, please register.