ReGrow the Loop aims to restore natural beauty

Posted On: June 1, 2023

Volusia County Government has launched ReGrow the Loop, an exciting one-year pilot program to restore and enhance the natural beauty of the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail in Ormond Beach. The wildly popular loop is a 30-mile double loop of roadways traversing some of the most beautiful and diverse natural scenery remaining in coastal central Florida. 

The county has partnered with the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County and other local organizations to eradicate invasive plant species, increase native vegetation, attract more wildlife and pollinators, and share information about sustainable practices residents can adopt to protect the county’s natural beauty.

Ormond Beach resident Alan Burton, who donated $1,000 to support the project, said, “We have an opportunity to get our hands dirty, plant a tree and nurture our environment not only for ourselves, but also for future generations.”

Residents who live along the loop – and anywhere in Volusia County – can get involved by signing a pledge, attending a workshop, and organizing or participating in a loop volunteer event. Each participating household will receive a ReGrow the Loop sticker and a native three-gallon tree at one of the tree giveaway events that will be scheduled this fall or summer 2024.

The first in a series of free, monthly educational activities and events will be offered from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at the Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St. Speakers will provide information and resources to amplify the existing beauty of the loop and ensure its preservation. Register at https://tinyurl.com/32yj2jjy.

The pilot program was approved by the County Council on April 4. In the future, similar projects may be implemented in other environmentally sensitive areas of the county.

For more information, visit https://www.volusia.org/regrowtheloop or contact Sheila Hutchinson at 386-822-5778 or volusia@ifas.ufl.edu.