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.
Conservation Lands Programs
- August Conservation Lands Program Schedule
- September Conservation Lands Program Schedule
- Conservation Lands Map
School Programs
Printed Materials / Brochures
Other Opportunities / Information
- Lyonia Environmental Center
- Marine Science Center
- Volusia County's Fertilizer Ordinance
- Other Educational Opportunities
- Summer Camps
- Volunteer Volusia
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. In addition, citizens will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of Florida, its habitats, and the uniqueness of its qualities through the exploration of our conservation lands. Various programs such as water body paddles, bike hikes, and water testing will be offered throughout the year.
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.
We have created a course catalog that lists all of the educational program offerings within Environmental Management. There is also a list of brochures and fact sheets for a variety of plants, animals and subjects available for the public to download. We plan to develop additional multi-media materials to broaden our ability to educate our residents and visitors.
If you see a course of interest please contact Environmental Management at 386-736-5927 for more information.
If you would like to be put on our mailing list for announcements of scheduled classes throughout Environmental Management, including the MSC, LEC and Conservation Lands, please sign up for our mailing list.
Locations
Marine Science Center
100 Lighthouse Drive
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
386-304-5545
Lyonia Environmental Center
2150 Eustace Ave.
Deltona, FL 32725
386-789-7207
Volusia County Environmental
123 West Indiana Ave. Room 202
DeLand, FL 32720
386-736-5927
Upcoming events
Explore Volusia: Blue Spring snorkeling
August 28 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
Bring your snorkel gear to explore the spring habitat at Blue Spring State Park and learn about the importance of
springs while enjoying the crystal clear, 72 degree water. Participants must be able to swim. Those under age 18
must wear a personal flotation device and be accompanied by an adult guar...
Explore Volusia: Indian River Lagoon paddle
September 4 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Paddlers may encounter manatees and dolphins as they explore the Indian River Lagoon during this leisurely
paddling trip. Bring a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at Mary
McLeod Bethune Park, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Volusia ...
Explore Volusia: Guided hike
September 5 @9:00 am to 10:30 am
Take a hike through Longleaf Pine Preserve’s flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps. Participants will learn about the
connections between soils and the plant and animal communities of the wetlands. Meet at the preserve’s west
entrance, 3637 E. New York Ave, DeLand. Volusia County’s Environmen...
LEC - Nature's fall fairies
September 8 @3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Nature provides many materials we can use to create unique crafts. LEC staff will guide participants in creating a
whimsical fairy take-home ornament made from items found in nature. Pre-registration is required as space and
materials are limited. Meet in Lyonia Environmental Center's classr...
Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy tour
September 17 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a riding tour of this 8,000-acre natural and agricultural land to learn about important plant communities.
Participants may see Volusia County’s carnivorous plants and the Sherman’s fox squirrel. Meet at 964 S. State Road
415, New Smyrna Beach. Volusia County’s Environmental Management...
Explore Volusia: DeLeon Springs paddle
September 18 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Enjoy Florida’s scenery and wildlife during this leisurely paddling trip. Bring a kayak, canoe or stand-up
paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at DeLeon Springs State Park, 601 Ponce de Leon Blvd.,
DeLeon Springs. There is a fee to enter the park. Participants may rent kayak...
LEC - Nature film
September 21 @2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
“Vanishing of the Bees” takes a piercing investigative look at the economic, political and ecological
implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee. The film examines our current agricultural landscape
and celebrates the ancient and sacred connection between man and the honeyb...
Explore Volusia: Edgewater bike-about
September 24 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Ride the paved path from Cow Creek Road to Rotary Park and back. Participants will learn about different habitats
and the organisms that live within them. Bicycle and helmet are required. Meet in the parking lot on Cow Creek
Road, a quarter-mile south of State Road 442.t of the 35,280-acre Lake Geor...
Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy tour
September 26 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a leisurely ride through Longleaf Pine Preserve’s flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps. Participants will learn
about the plants and animals of the wetlands. Meet at the preserve’s east entrance, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna
Beach. Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sp...
