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
School Programs
Printed Materials / Brochures
Other Opportunities / Information
- Lyonia Environmental Center
- Marine Science Center
- More information on 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.
DeLand, FL 32720
386-736-5927
Upcoming events
Explore Volusia: Hontoon paddle
October 18 @9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Not for the beginner paddler, this 10-mile paddle leaves from Hontoon Island State Park and loops down Snake Creek
and back up the St. Johns River channel. The trip will take five to six hours, and participants are encouraged to
bring lunch to stop for a picnic. Bring a kayak, canoe or stand-up padd...
LEC - Scrub stroll
October 19 @9:00 am to 10:00 am
Environmental specialists lead free hikes through Lyonia Preserve every Monday and Friday. Participants should wear
closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar-sand trails. Meet at Lyonia Environmental
Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Reservations are requested; cal...
LEC - Brunch and learn
October 20 @9:30 am to 11:30 am
Learn about the importance of scrub habitat and keep an eye out for scrub jays, gopher tortoises and other wildlife
during a stroll through Lyonia Preserve. Afterward, meet and learn about a native animal while enjoying brunch,
which will be provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. ...
Explore Volusia: Brunch and learn
October 20 @9:30 am to 11:30 am
Learn about the importance of scrub habitat and keep an eye out for scrub jays, gopher tortoises and other wildlife
during a stroll through Lyonia Preserve. Afterward, meet and learn about an animal while enjoying brunch. Meet at
Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Volusia Co...
Explore Volusia: Thistle dismissal
October 24 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn about sea turtles, wrack lines and invasive species during this beach walk. Participants will be asked to
help remove the invasive Russian thistle from the beach. Bring gloves and meet at Frank Rendon Park, 2705 S.
Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. Volusia County’s Environmental Management Di...
Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy tour
October 25 @7:30 pm to 9:00 am
Take a night ride through Longleaf Pine Preserve’s flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps. Participants will view the
land nocturnally as they look for a variety of species. Meet at the preserve’s east entrance, 4551 Pioneer Trail,
New Smyrna Beach. Volusia County’s Environmental Managemen...
Explore Volusia: Guided hike
October 30 @9:00 am to 10:30 am
Learn about the importance of scrub habitat, water recharge zones, and keystone species while hiking through the
beautiful scenery. Participants will hike approximately 1 mile of trails and get an up close look at the land
management practices of the conservation area. Meet at Scrub Oak Preserve, 14...
Explore Volusia: Bike-about Lake Woodruff
October 31 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Ride a dirt path around a small segment of the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Receive information on
cypress and mixed hardwood swamps, and ride to areas of water impoundments where a variety of wildlife can be seen.
Participants must have a bicycle and helmet. Large-tire bikes are recommen...
Explore Volusia: Bike-about Gemini Springs
November 6 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Ride around segments of Lake Monroe and Gemini Springs Park. Participants will also get the opportunity to bike to
DeBary Hall with Parks, Recreation and Culture staff. All ages and abilities are welcome on this six-mile ride.
Bring a bicycle and helmet. Meet at Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Drive...
Explore Volusia: Lake Monroe paddle
November 8 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn about the area’s history as you enjoy a paddle around a portion of Lake Monroe to the entrance of Mullet
Lake. Bring a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at the Lake Monroe
boat ramp, 966 Lakeshore Drive, Deltona. Volusia County’s Envi...
Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy tour
November 9 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Explore pine flatwoods, cypress swamps and marsh during this riding tour of Lake George National Wildlife Refuge,
which has the second highest population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Meet at 998 Ninemile Point Road,
Seville. Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sponsors ...
Explore Volusia: Multi-activity eco-adventure
November 14 @9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Ride your bike on the Spring-to-Spring Trail, hike a portion of the boardwalk at Blue Spring State Park, and enjoy
a short kayak trip on the St. Johns River. Meet at Lake Beresford Park, 2100 Fatio Road, Orange City. Bring a
bicycle and helmet. Kayaks and personal flotation devices will be provided....
Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy tour
November 17 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Ride the county’s eco-buggy through a portion of Lyonia Preserve while looking for Florida scrub jays and learning
about the endangered scrub habitat. Land management practices and prescribed fire will also be discussed.
Meet at Lyonia Preserve, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Volusia County�...
Explore Volusia: Indian River Laggon paddle
November 20 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join a group paddle along the Indian River Lagoon to the Gabordy Canal. Participants will learn about the canal’s
history and the lagoon’s importance. Bring a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard along with a life preserver and
whistle. Wear closed-toe water shoes. Meet at Menard-May Park, 413 S...
Explore Volusia: Bike-about Deep Creek
November 27 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a ride around Volusia County’s newest conservation land, Deep Creek Preserve, and learn about the 8,000-acre
site’s forestry, agricultural history and plant communities. Bring a bicycle and helmet. Because the trail is
unpaved, larger tired bikes are recommended. Meet at 964 S. State Road 4...
Explore Volusia: Marine mammal mayhem
November 29 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn about local marine mammals from Debbie Wingfield, Volusia County’s manatee protection program manager.
Participants will test water for microplastics, discover the importance of recycling monofilament, and take a short
hike to view marine mammals in their natural habitat. Meet at Indian Rive...
