Explore Volusia offers outdoor adventures

Posted On: June 28, 2021

Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs in July. Environmental specialists will lead a variety of outdoor adventures.

Registration is required; call 386-736-5927.

Upcoming events include:

Indian River paddle: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 2. Explore the Indian River Lagoon while paddling from Seminole Rest Park to surrounding areas. Participants may see manatees, dolphins and many species of birds. Bring a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at 207 River Road, Oak Hill.

Help clean the beach: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 5. Volunteers are needed to help clean up firework debris and other trash left on the beach after the Fourth of July holiday. Volusia County environmental specialists will explain how trash and other obstacles interfere with sea turtle nesting and hatchlings. Meet at the Flagler Avenue pavilion in New Smyrna Beach. The Flagler Avenue parking lot requires a pass or daily fee. Street parking is also available. Call 386-736-5927 to register. For more information, email clmiller@volusia.org.

Blue Spring snorkel adventures: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, and Tuesday, July 20. Bring your snorkel gear to explore the wonders of the spring habitat while enjoying the crystal clear, 72 degree water. Participants must be able to swim and have their own equipment. Those under age 18 must wear a personal flotation device and be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times. The park will charge its regular admission fee. Meet at Blue Spring State Park, 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City.

Seine netting: 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 8. Try your hand at seine netting at Spruce Creek Park.

Participants will use a 70-foot basket seine net to observe a variety of local organisms. They will also learn about microplastics, the harm they are causing in the environment and ways to cut down on the impact. Meet at 6250 S. Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange.

Spruce Creek paddle: 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, July 15. Learn about estuary and marsh ecosystems and their biodiversity during this leisurely paddling trip along Spruce Creek. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 3251 N. Dixie Highway, New Smyrna Beach.

Beach bike-about: 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 22. Take a leisurely, five-mile ride from Esther Park to Ponce de Leon Inlet and back. Cyclists will learn about wrack lines, marine mammals, sea turtle nesting and more. Bring a helmet and a large-tired bicycle. Meet at 551 Esther St., New Smyrna Beach. Parking is free for Volusia County residents with a parking permit.

Volunteer and learn: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 30. Cultivate your green thumb by doing basic garden maintenance in the raised garden beds and pollinator garden at Lyonia Environmental Center. This may including weeding, soil preparation, planting and watering. Volunteers will learn about pollinator gardens and their importance for bees, birds and butterflies. There will also be a conversation about native plants for home gardens. Call 386-736-5927 to register. Contact clmiller@volusia.org with questions.

Participants should bring water and insect repellent. They should wear comfortable clothes and hiking or walking shoes.

Explore Volusia staff has established public program procedures based on current guidelines. These procedures are subject to change based on guidance at the local, state and federal levels. Contact staff for more information.