2025 Regrow the Loop
The Regrow the Loop initiative, a community-driven pilot program focused on restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail in Volusia County, was launched in June 2023. This one-year effort successfully united residents, volunteers, and local organizations to remove invasive species, plant native trees and vegetation, and create habitats for wildlife and pollinators. By prioritizing education, conservation, and community involvement, Regrow the Loop has become a model for other scenic highways across Florida to follow.
During the program, 123 trees were planted on public and private land, representing a significant step toward fostering a greener landscape and regenerating native plant coverage. To complement these efforts, 21 educational programs, including workshops and walk-and-talk sessions, engaged 332 participants. These events raised environmental awareness and empowered individuals to take meaningful action. Additionally, 221 participants pledged to adopt sustainable practices, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing the local ecosystem.
Building on the program’s success, community partners from the pilot initiative, led by the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail (OSLT), will continue to lead Regrow the Loop with support from Volusia County where applicable. These efforts will include hosting educational workshops, sharing informational resources, organizing volunteer events to remove invasive plant species, and donating trees for planting along the Loop. Most events are free except where noted and open to all Volusia County residents. The ongoing collaboration ensures that the Loop remains a vibrant and thriving natural treasure for future generations.
For more information about the initiative’s continuation, please contact the OSLT at ormondscenicloop@gmail.com.
Program Components
| R |
egenerate plant coverage by increasing the number of plants/trees along the loop using the right plant, right place principle and providing (1) one tree to households. |
| E |
levate awareness of the ReGrow the Loop initiative through mass media. |
| G |
ather community at monthly educational activities with topics specific to flora and fauna along the loop with an emphasis on what can be done to help them both flourish (i.e., What’s on my Loop Series?) |
| R |
eclaim the loop from invasive plant species through education and volunteer removal events/ activities. |
| O |
ffer a ReGrow the Loop pledge where residents can commit to adopting practices that will sustain the loop and be recognized for their commitment. |
| W |
ork to attract more wildlife and pollinators along the Loop by providing resources on landscaping for wildlife |
Educational Workshops
| Workshop | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| May | |
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Top 20 Natives For Beachside Gardens Presenting: Katie Tripp, Ph. D. Katie. Owner, Natural Beauty Native Florida Landscapes |
Saturday, May 10 |
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Nature Walk - Tree ID Presenting: Laura Ureta, Arborist, City of Ormond Beach, and Bryce Merritt, Florida Dept. of Agriculture. |
Saturday, May 17 |
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Beachcombing on N. Peninsula State Park Presenting: Nancy Galdo, OSLT Vice Chair and lifelong seashell collector |
Tuesday, May 20, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
