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: Spruce Creek Paddle
February 17 @9:00 am to 11:30 am
Participants will launch from the preserve and paddle up Spruce Creek. Along the way, the group will identify the plants and animals that make the salt marsh habitat so unique. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County’s new sit-on-top kayaks free of charge. Wear a perso...
ReGrow the Loop: Dream Green Volusia’s Fifth Annual Hike
February 22 @2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
2–4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, meeting at Bulow Woods Trail on Walter Boardman Lane; presented by Dream Green Volusia with Mark Adams, Tomoka Basin park ranger.
Lyonia Environmental Center will offer a variety of free educational and familyfriendly nature public programs throughout January. Reservat...
Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy at Night
February 23 @5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Discover what creatures lurk in the night! Hop aboard the eco-buggy and learn about the myths and facts of some of Volusia County’s nocturnal animals, including owls and bats. Afterward, the group will enjoy s’mores by the fire at the Deep Creek campsite. All ages are welcome. Children must be a...
ReGrow Volusia: Here Today – Gone Tomorrow: Birds That Pass Through Volusia County
February 28 @10:00 am to 12:00 pm
10 a.m.–noon Saturday, Feb. 28, at Ormond Beach Regional Library; presented by Joan Tague, president of Halifax River Audubon.
Lyonia Environmental Center will offer a variety of free educational and familyfriendly nature public programs throughout January. Reservations are required for all pro...
Explore Volusia: Birding while Boating Paddle
March 3 @9:00 am to 11:30 am
Join environmental specialists on a paddle among the mangroves near Strickland Bay and discover native wading birds, raptors, and shorebirds. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County’s sit-on-top kayaks free of charge. They must wear a personal flotation device, and eme...
Explore Volusia: Wildflower Walk
March 5 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
Join environmental specialists for a 1.5-mile hike through Hickory Bluff Preserve and discover flowers native to Volusia County. Ages 8 and up are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes and meet at Hickory Bluff Preserve, 598 Guise Road, Osteen.
Meet at Deep...
Explore Volusia: Longleaf Pine Preserve Eco-buggy Tour
March 10 @9:00 am to 11:30 am
Hop on the eco-buggy and take a riding tour through pine flatwoods and wetland areas. An environmental specialist will identify plants and animals and discuss land management practices and recreation opportunities. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes...
Explore Volusia: Longleaf Pine Preserve Eco-buggy Tour
March 10 @1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Hop on the eco-buggy and take a riding tour through pine flatwoods and wetland areas. An environmental specialist will identify plants and animals and discuss land management practices and recreation opportunities. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes...
Explore Volusia: Nighttime Eco-buggy Exploration
March 12 @7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Listen to and learn about Lyonia Preserve’s nocturnal animals during this Nature at Night program. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes and meet at Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.
Reservations are required. Search for Exp...
Explore Volusia: Turnbull Bay Paddle
March 24 @9:00 am to 10:30 am
Learn how to identify the plants and animals that live in the bay’s canals and creeks during this group paddle. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County’s sit-on-top kayaks free of charge. They also must wear a personal flotation device and emergency whistle. Ages 10 ...
Explore Volusia: Citizen Science at Carter Quail Ranch
March 31 @8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Grab your fishing gear and join environmental specialists for a citizen science opportunity. Cast your line and assist Volusia County Land Management with identifying fish species present in the ponds. This is a catch-and-release event. Participants must provide their own fishing gear. Ages 8 and up...
