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
LEC - Brunch and learn
August 18 @8:00 am to 9:30 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: Green Springs bike-about
August 21 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Ride the first segment of the East Central Regional Rail Trail from Green Springs to State Road 415 and back. All
ages are welcome on this 11.4-mile round trip. Bicycles and helmets are required. Meet at Green Springs Park, 994
Enterprise-Osteen Road, Enterprise. Volusia County’s Environmen...
Explore Volusia: Hurricane preparedness
August 23 @9:00 am to 10:15 am
Florida Master Naturalist Terry Bledsoe will lead a discussion on the history, impacts and significance of these
natural phenomena. She will also share hurricane preparedness tips and look at the history of Doris Leeper Spruce
Creek Preserve. Meet in the dirt parking lot on Martins Dairy Road, New S...
Explore Volusia: Snorkel and swim adventure
August 29 @11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Learn about marine species and discover the wonders of the underwater ecosystem while snorkeling the high slack
tide at Lighthouse Point Park, 5000 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet. Participants must bring snorkel gear and be able
to swim. Those under age 18 must wear a personal flotation device and be...
Explore Volusia: DeLeon Springs paddle
September 5 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
View local wildlife and beautiful scenery 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 kay...
Eco-buggy tour of Deep Creek Preserve
September 6 @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 endemic paw paw, carnivorous plants and the Sherman’s fox squirrel. Meet at
964 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach. Volusia County’s Environ...
Explore Volusia: Snorkel and swim adventure
September 12 @11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Discover the wonders of the underwater ecosystem while snorkeling the high slack tide at Lighthouse Point Park,
5000 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet. Participants must bring their own snorkeling gear and be able to swim. Those
under age 18 must wear a personal flotation device and be accompanied by an...
LEC - Scrub stroll
September 14 @9:00 am to 10:00 am
Environmental specialists lead 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 and may b...
Explore Volusia: Hickory Bluff Preserve
September 19 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Explore the natural world on an upland and swamp hike of the St. Johns River watershed to compare habitat
characteristics. Meet at 598 Guise Road, Osteen. Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sponsors
Explore Volusia to acquaint residents with the county’s conservation land...
Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy tour
September 20 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a leisurely ride through the preserve’s flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps. Participants will learn about the
plants and animals of the wetlands. Meet at the east entrance, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Volusia
County’s Environmental Management Division sponsors Explore Volusia ...
Explore Volusia: Bike-about Edgewater
September 24 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Ride the paved path from Cow Creek Road to Rotary Park and back. During this leisurely ride, participants will
learn about different habitats and the organisms that live within them. A helmet and bicycle are required. Meet at
the parking lot one-quarter east of I-95 and one-quarter mile south on Cow...
Explore Volusia: Highbridge Park paddle
September 26 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Learn about strategies for restoring mangroves, oysters and salt marsh in the Tomoka River. The importance of these
habitats and ethical angling also will be discussed. Participants are encouraged to bring their fishing gear to
test their skills. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fi...
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...
