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 39,000 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: St. Johns River Paddle
August 25 @9:00 am to 11:30 am
Volusia County environmental specialists will lead participants down the St. Johns River to Hickory Bluff Preserve. Participants will learn about the history of the river and the plants and wildlife that make it such a unique ecosystem. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or reserve one of Volus...
Explore Volusia: Hickory Bluff Hike
September 2 @8:15 am to 10:30 am
This 1.5-mile hike will take participants through a variety of habitats including pine flatwoods and oak and palm hammocks. Participants will see beautiful views of the St. Johns River and learn about the native plants and animals that live there. Ages 8 and up are welcome, and children must be acco...
Explore Volusia: Lake George Eco-buggy Tour
September 4 @8:45 am to 11:00 am
Join environmental specialists for a riding tour through this popular conservation area. Learn about recreation opportunities, habitat restoration, and management practices and be on the lookout for bald eagles and other wildlife. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. W...
Explore Volusia: Lake George Eco-buggy Tour
September 4 @12:45 pm to 3:00 pm
Join environmental specialists for a riding tour through this popular conservation area. Learn about recreation opportunities, habitat restoration, and management practices and be on the lookout for bald eagles and other wildlife. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult....
Explore Volusia: Morning Mangrove Paddle
September 11 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Look for dolphins, manatees, and wading birds during this paddle through the mangroves and bays at Spruce Creek Park. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County’s single, sit-on-top kayaks at no charge. Paddlers must wear a personal flotation device and whistle. Ages 10 a...
Explore Volusia: Gemini Springs Bike and Hike
September 15 @8:15 am to 11:30 am
Enjoy a four-mile round-trip bike ride on the paved Spring-to-Spring Trail from Gemini Springs Park to the Gemini Springs Conservation Area. Here, participants will park their bikes and take a guided 1.6-mile hike through the conservation area, identifying native plants and animals in this wetland h...
Explore Volusia: Pine Lily Eco-buggy Tour
September 16 @8:45 am to 11:00 am
Explore the pine flatwoods and cypress swamps of Longleaf Pine Preserve on the Explore Volusia eco-buggy and help environmental specialists locate the native pine lily flower. Participants will learn how Volusia County Land Management maintains these important ecosystems for pine lilies and other na...
Explore Volusia: Pine Lily Eco-buggy Tour
September 16 @12:45 pm to 3:00 pm
Explore the pine flatwoods and cypress swamps of Longleaf Pine Preserve on the Explore Volusia eco-buggy and help environmental specialists locate the native pine lily flower. Participants will learn how Volusia County Land Management maintains these important ecosystems for pine lilies and other na...
Explore Volusia: St. Johns River Paddle
September 23 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Volusia County environmental specialists will lead participants down the St. Johns River from Lemon Bluff Boat Ramp to Hickory Bluff Preserve. Participants will learn about the history of the river and the plants and wildlife that make it such a unique ecosystem. Paddlers may bring their own watercr...
Explore Volusia: Spruce Creek Park Paddle
September 29 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Join Volusia County environmental specialists for a two-hour paddle through the wetland marshes of Spruce Creek. Participants will launch from Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve and paddle up Spruce Creek, identifying the plants and animals that make the salt marsh habitat unique. Paddlers may bring...
