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
- October Conservation Lands Program Schedule
- November 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: Hickory Bluff paddle
October 23 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Explore the ecosystems along the St. Johns River as you learn about the Florida manatee and the area’s
biodiversity. Bring a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at 598
Guise Road, Osteen. Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sp...
Explore Volusia: Hontoon Island hike
October 25 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a three-mile hike through Hontoon Island State Park and learn about the 1650-acre habitat. See evidence of
Native American habitation over thousands of years. Meet at 2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand. Volusia County’s
Environmental Management Division sponsors outdoor education programs to ac...
LEC - Bats: Beauty of the beasts
October 26 @1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Bats are not the creepy, scary and vicious animals they are sometimes believed to be. However, bats do rank
very high on the list of most disliked species and are greatly misunderstood. Encouraging bats to nest near
your house with a bat box is a natural way to repel annoying insects in yo...
Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy tour
October 29 @7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Take a night ride through Longleaf Pine Preserve’s flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps. Participants will view the
land nocturnally while keeping an eye out for a variety of plant and animal species. Meet at the preserve’s east
entrance, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Volusia County’...
Explore Volusia: Tracks, scat and skulls
October 31 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a ride through the Heart Island Conservation Area, part of the 35,280-acre Lake George Wildlife Management
Area. Learn about local wildlife and participate in an activity to determine which animals have been in the area.
Meet at 6348 Lake Winona Road, De Leon Springs. Volusia County’s Envi...
LEC - Books, buttons and bouquets
November 3 @2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Upcycle old books and buttons into beautiful fall flowers during this fun, festive workshop. Staff and participants
will share stories of their favorite books over tea and cookies. A drawing will be held for a book and button
floral arrangement. Space and materials are limited. Advance registrati...
LEC - I'm thankful for whooo?
November 24 @2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Sip some apple cider and make some new friends as we reflect on the people we are thankful for. Participants will
upcycle materials to create a unique owl inspired card and ornament. Space and materials are limited. Advance
registration is required; call 386-789-7207, ext. #21028. Meet in ...
