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
If you would like to sign up for our monthly newsletter, click here.
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: 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...
Explore Volusia: Spruce Creek Hike
October 2 @8:15 am to 10:30 am
Explore Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve by way of a one-mile loop trail at the Kaye Access to the preserve. Participants will meander through the forest to the shores of Spruce Creek, discovering native plants and wildlife along the way. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an ad...
Explore Volusia: Oyster Reefs Paddle
October 7 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Join Volusia County environmental specialists for a paddling trip through oyster reefs. Discover the important roles oysters play in habitat construction, water quality, shoreline protection, and food webs. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County’s single, sit-on-top k...
Explore Volusia: Fall Wildflower Hike
October 9 @8:15 am to 10:30 am
Discover fall wildflowers in bloom on a one-mile loop trail. Learn how Volusia County Land Management staff restores and manages pine flatwoods habitats so these native plants can thrive. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Meet at Wiregras...
Explore Volusia: Birding while Boating Paddle
October 13 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Join Volusia County environmental specialists for a paddling tour through the mangroves and estuary near Spruce Creek and Ponce Inlet. Participants will discover the unique adaptations birds have to survive in this habitat and search for migratory birds and year-round residents.
Paddlers may brin...
Explore Volusia: Forestry and Conservation Eco-buggy Tours
October 15 @8:45 am to 11:00 am
Explore a newly thinned section of forest and learn how responsible forestry can benefit native habitat and wildlife. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Meet at Deep Creek Preserve, 946 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach.
Reservations a...
Explore Volusia: Forestry and Conservation Eco-buggy Tour
October 15 @12:45 pm to 3:00 pm
Explore a newly thinned section of forest and learn how responsible forestry can benefit native habitat and wildlife. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Meet at Deep Creek Preserve, 946 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach.
Reservations a...
Explore Volusia: Heart Island Hike
October 22 to 15th
Learn about native plants and animals during a 2.5-mile hike through Heart Island Conservation Area, part of the 39,642-acre Lake George Wildlife Management Area. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Meet at 6340 Lake Winona Road, DeLeon Spr...
Explore Volusia: Lake George Paddle
October 27 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Paddle the second largest lake in Florida, learn about the military history of the lake, and explore the wildlife found there. Participants will also learn about the ongoing restoration projects on the lake. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County’s sit-on-top kayaks a...
Explore Volusia: Riverbend Preserve Eco-buggy Tour
October 30 @8:45 am to 11:00 am
Join the Explore Volusia program for an eco-buggy tour of Volusia County's newest Volusia Forever property, Riverbend Preserve. Participants will learn how management plans are created and how land management staff restores native habitat. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adu...
Explore Volusia: Riverbend Preserve Eco-buggy Tour
October 30 @12:45 pm to 3:00 pm
Join the Explore Volusia program for an eco-buggy tour of Volusia County’s newest Volusia Forever property, Riverbend Preserve. Participants will learn how management plans are created and how land management staff restores native habitat. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an a...
