Conservation Lands Outreach

UPCOMING SCHEDULED EVENTS

Guided hike of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve
9 - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011
End of Rudman Road, Osteen

Take a three-mile guided hike with Florida Trail Association leaders to experience the preserve and learn about the plants and animals that live there. Meet at the end of Rudman Road in Osteen.

Guided hike
Longleaf Pine Preserve
3637 E. State Road 44, DeLand
9 - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011

Take a four-mile guided hike to see a variety of natural communities including pine flatwoods and cypress domes. Meet at the preserve’s west entrance.

Star tour of the night sky
Wiregrass Prairie Preserve
1751 Lopez Road, Osteen
5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2011

Take a leisurely tour of the night sky with astronomy teacher Hugh Ward Jr. at Wiregrass Prairie Preserve. Dr. Ward will comment on the visible planets and other celestial objects as participants observe the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. Bring a folding chair, insect spray, flashlight and your own telescope, if you have one. Arrive before sunset. Road conditions are rough.

Nature Into Art—Holiday Style
Deep Creek Preserve
964 South State Road 415
New Smyrna
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011

Nature will inspire and give us the materials to open our minds and hands to the creative holiday spirit through this adventure. After a short observational hike to collect materials, participants will gather to create several pieces of art from clay, sand, leaves, sticks, seeds and vines. Artists from the Gateway Center for the Arts will lead creative activities. All the products we create will allow us to take our natural experience home to enjoy. This program is open to adults and families. Adults are encouraged to participate. Wear comfortable clothes that match the weather and bring water to drink. There is no charge, and materials will be provided. Space is limited. Please register.

Backpacking the Florida Woods
Deep Creek Preserve
964 South S.R. 415
New Smyrna Beach (Samsula area)
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012

Florida Trail Association members will share their knowledge of hiking, backpacking and camping as we hike with our packs, set up a demonstration camp and cook lunch on the trail. Beginning backpackers and those that are thinking of becoming beginning backpackers are welcome to join us. This is the ideal opportunity to learn from folks that have been hiking and camping in the woods for years. All ages are welcome.

Nature Photography Part 1- Get to Know Your Digital Camera
Bicentennial Youth Park
3300 New York Ave., DeLand
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012

David Baker, Retired Educator and Nature Photographer, will lead this indoor hands-on learning about your digital camera workshop. Bring your camera and owner's manual. Part 2 of David's workshop be April 14 and will take us out into the natural world to practice what we've learned.
Space is limited, please register.

Beginning Birding
Beresford Park
2100 Fatio Road, DeLand
9 a.m. to noon Feb. 18, 2012

Learn from the experts as West Volusia Audubon birders explain and demonstrate birding techniques and equipment. They’ll also teach tips for bird identification. Then we’ll hike the trails at Beresford Park and practice our budding birding skills. Bring binoculars and bird identification books if you have them. Wear hiking or walking shoes, bring water to drink.

Talking Turkey Hike
Deep Creek Preserve
964 South S.R. 415
New Smyrna (Samsula area)
8 to 11 a.m.Saturday, March 3, 2012

Learn and discuss the habits and vocalizations of our native sub-species of wild eastern turkey, the Osceola, from Ed Northey, Volusia County Environmental Specialist. Participants will learn a myriad of calls then go on a hike into turkey habitat using these calls, hopefully enticing “tom” to respond. Hikers will also learn and use the calls of crows and owls while learning their role in the spring woods.
Wear comfortable clothes that match the weather and hiking or walking shoes. Bring water to drink.

Insects—Good or Bad?
Hickory Bluff Preserve
End of Guise Road, off Maytown Road, Osteen
9 a.m. to noonMarch 24, 2012

What are the true bad bugs? Explore the world of insects on a hike lead by entomologist Ray Jarrett, Florida Department of Agriculture. 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.

Plant Communities—Neighborhoods of Plants
Hickory Bluff Preserve
598 Guise Road, Osteen
9 a.m. to noon April 7, 2012

Does the natural landscape of Volusia County look all the same to you? Natural areas are made up of many plant communities—neighborhoods of plants that depend on different habitat conditions. Take a hands-on learning hike lead by Randall Sleister, Volusia County Land Management Manager; David Griffis, University of Florida IFAS Extension Agent; and Dr. Cindy Bennington, Stetson University Plant Ecology Professor. Learn about these communities and their resident plants and trees. These soil, plant and ecology experts will help us examine and discover the reasons why plants live in specific communities.

Nature Photography--Naturally Digital Part 2
Deep Creek Preserve
964 South S.R. 415, New Smyrna Beach (Samsula area)
9 a.m. to noon April 14, 2012

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. Bring your camera. The class will include hands-on field experience with participants doing nature photography armed with their new shooting tips. Space is limited. Please register.