Volusia County Plans Free Environmental Adventures
Posted On: November 13, 2023
Get back to nature with Volusia County’s Sustainability and Resilience Office, which is planning a variety of indoor and outdoor adventures in December.
Plant like a Floridian: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach. Environmental Specialist Holly Giles will discuss native plants and share tips on protecting waterways. She will also demonstrate various arrangements of native, non-native, and invasive plant species and show participants how to make an effective bug repellent from the Florida native plant, beautyberry. All ages are welcome for this Be Floridian Now Program. Reservations are recommended; contact Holly Giles at hgiles@volusia.org or 386-736-5927, ext. 12330, or search for Green Volusia activities on Eventbrite.com.
Carnivorous plants walk: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Longleaf Pine Preserve, 4419 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Search for pink sundews, bladderworts, and hooded pitcher plants during this three-mile walk. The guide will discuss the special adaptations of these amazing insect-eating plants and other plants and animals in the preserve. All ages are welcome for this Explore Volusia program. Reservations are required; contact Tommy Nordmann at tnordmann@volusia.org or 386-736-5927, ext. 12072, or search for Green Volusia activities on Eventbrite.com.
Sunset beach cleanup: 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Families can take part in a beach cleanup and learn how various types of trash impact sea life. Participants can enjoy the sunset afterward. This program is sponsored by Green Volusia Volunteers. Registration is required; contact Holly Giles at hgiles@volusia.org or 386-736-5927, ext. 12330, or search for Green Volusia activities on Eventbrite.com.
Plant like a Floridian: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach. Environmental Specialist Holly Giles will discuss native plants and share tips on protecting waterways. She will demonstrate various arrangements of native, non-native, and invasive plant species. She will also show participants how to make an effective bug repellent from the Florida native plant, beautyberry. All ages are welcome for this Be Floridian Now Program. Reservations are recommended; contact Holly Giles at hgiles@volusia.org or 386-736-5927, ext. 12330, or search for Green Volusia activities on Eventbrite.com.
Walk and weed at Gemini Springs: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 16. Join Environmental Specialist Holly Giles to clear the invasive Caesar weed from areas within Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Road, DeBary. After weeding, Giles will lead a walk and discuss birds, wildlife, and what is affecting the water quality of the springs. Bring garden gloves. All ages are welcome for this Green Volusia Volunteers program. Reservations are recommended; contact Holly Giles at hgiles@volusia.org or 386-736-5927, ext. 12330, or search for Green Volusia activities on Eventbrite.com.
Nocturnal animals night hike: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at Hickory Bluff Preserve, 598 Guise Road, Osteen. Learn how nocturnal animals have adapted to night life in the forest during this two-mile hike. The program will conclude with a campfire and s’mores on the shores of the St. Johns River. S’more sticks will be provided, but participants are asked to provide their own ingredients. Some flashlights and headlamps will be provided, but bring an extra one if you have it. All ages are welcome for this Explore Volusia program. Reservations are required; contact Tommy Nordmann at tnordmann@volusia.org or 386-736-5927, ext. 12072, or search for Green Volusia activities on Eventbrite.com.
Winter adaptations eco-buggy tour: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, at Deep Creek Preserve, 964 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach. Climb aboard Volusia County’s eco-buggy and learn about the special adaptations plants and animals have acquired to help them survive in the cooler, dryer months of a Florida winter. All ages are welcome for this Explore Volusia program. Reservations are required; contact Tommy Nordmann at tnordmann@volusia.org or 386-736-5927, ext. 12072, or search for Green Volusia activities on Eventbrite.com.
