Explore Volusia
Mission statement: To provide education opportunities to residents and visitors of Volusia County, through our satellite facilities and on our Conservation Lands, to learn about our diverse local natural surroundings through the exploration of the wonderfully diverse habitats of Volusia County.
Explore Volusia, the educational arm of the Volusia Forever program, offers a variety of outdoor adventures in the county conservation lands, including paddling, hiking, biking, and eco-buggy tours. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Paddling, Hiking, Biking, and Eco-Buggy Programs
Programs can be found on Eventbrite, by clicking here.
- Program Participation Waiver (PDF)
- Program Participation Waiver for Minors (PDF)
- Conservation Lands Map
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Volusia Forever
Volusia Forever was created in 2000 when the citizens of Volusia County voted to tax themselves .2 mills over 20 years to protect the County’s natural biodiversity. Voters renewed it for another 20 years during the November 2020 election. To stretch these dollars as far as possible Volusia Forever forms partnerships with federal, state, water management district, and local agencies that are committed to protecting natural resources. Approximately 38,000 acres (fee-simple and less-than-fee) have been acquired since the beginning of the program.
Mission: Finance the acquisition and improvement of environmentally sensitive, water resource protection, and outdoor recreation lands, and to manage these lands as conservation stewards in perpetuity.
Goals: Conserve, maintain and restore the natural environment and provide access for the enjoyment and education of the public; provide resources to ensure that sufficient quantities of water are available to meet current and future needs; meet the need for high-quality resource based outdoor opportunities, greenways, trails, and open space; preserve the habitat and water recharge; ensure that the natural resource values of such lands are protected and that the public has the opportunity to enjoy the lands to their fullest potential.
Printed Materials / Brochures
Other Opportunities / Information
Volusia County is home to a vast array of biodiversity and aesthetically pleasing habitats. Its water resources range from our beautiful Ocean to Estuarine Marine life, and extend to the St. Johns River where fresh water pours out of natural springs. Inland, Volusia County has conservation lands which are part of a statewide effort to provide a wildlife corridor and natural habitat where bear, deer and other wildlife live and thrive in the wild.
By visiting our two site facilities, the Marine Science Center (Ponce Inlet) and Lyonia Environmental Center (Deltona), visitors will be afforded the opportunity to truly Experience Natural Volusia while learning from knowledgeable staff members and volunteers.
We encourage everyone to explore the exceptional habitats that encompass Volusia County. Please keep checking the calendar and websites for exciting and adventurous programs on Volusia County’s Conservation Lands, the Marine Science Center, and the Lyonia Environmental Center.
Upcoming events
Explore Volusia: Wiregrass Prairie Hike
December 18 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
An environmental specialist will lead a one-mile hike through Wiregrass Prairie Preserve. He will identify native plants and animals and discuss the key roles they play in this native Florida landscape. Ages 8 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.
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Explore Volusia: Ecosystem Engineers Paddle
December 19 @9:00 am to 11:30 pm
Learn how mangroves and oyster beds construct habitat for wildlife, protect our shorelines, and provide an abundance of seafood for Volusia County residents. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County’s new sit-on-top kayaks free of charge. Paddlers must wear a personal f...
Explore Volusia: Gopher Tortoise Hike
December 30 @8:30 am to 11:00 am
An environmental specialist will lead a two-mile hike, pointing out gopher tortoise burrows along the way and explaining the important role this keystone species plays in Florida ecosystems. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Meet ...
Explore Volusia: Gemini Springs Bike and Hike
January 6 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary.
Enjoy a short, two-mile bike ride on the paved Spring-to-Spring Trail from Gemini Springs Park to the Gemini Springs Conservation Area. Here, you will park your bikes and take a guided 1.6-mile hike through the ...
Explore Volusia: Pine Tree ID Hike
January 9 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at Longleaf Pine Preserve, 3637 E. New York Ave., DeLand.
Join an environmental specialist for a one-mile hike and learn how to identify common pine tree species in Volusia County. Participants will also learn how pine flatwoods forests are restored and managed ...
Explore Volusia: Carter Ranch Eco-buggy Tour
January 13 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Hop on the eco-buggy for an introductory tour of one of the newest properties managed by Volusia County. Participants will learn about the history of this property, as well as site acquisition, site assessment, and management plan development for newly acquired prop...
Explore Volusia: Deep Creek Eco-buggy Tour
January 13 @1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Deep Creek Preserve, 964 S. S.R. 415, New Smyrna Beach.
Hop on the eco-buggy and join environmental specialists for a tour of Deep Creek Preserve. Learn about the property’s agricultural history, methods of management and restoration of the native ecosystems, an...
Explore Volusia: Martin’s Dairy Hike
January 16 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 1755 Martins Dairy Road, New Smyrna Beach.
Take a three-mile guided hike on the Old Kings Road Loop at Martin’s Dairy. Changes in terrain and elevation will provide a challenge for hikers as they move through various eco...
Explore Volusia: Water Lettuce Paddle
January 23 @9:00 am to 12:00 pm
9 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 23, at Deering Preserve, 1615 Osteen Maytown Road, Osteen.
A Volusia County environmental specialist and a Stetson University professor will take participants down Deep Creek in search of water lettuce. The group will assist the professor with sampling and research whi...
Explore Volusia: Sleepy Hollow Paddle
January 27 @9:00 am to 11:30 am
9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 3251 N. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach.
Take a group paddling trip through the mangroves to Piddler Island, where the group will enjoy a break on a nearby sandbar. Along the way, participants will learn about the native wil...
Explore Volusia: Tiger Bay Eco-buggy Tour
January 28 @10:00 am to 12:00 pm
10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Tiger Bay State Forest, 4315 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.
Celebrate Prescribed Fire Awareness Week by seeing how Florida Forest Service equipment is used in the field. Forest rangers will answer questions about equipment, prescribed fire, ...
