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: Spruce Creek paddle
June 26 @9:00 am to 11:30 am
Enjoy a leisurely paddling trip through Spruce Creek and along the Halifax River to Disappearing Island. Learn
about estuary and marsh ecosystems and the biodiversity of these important habitats. Bring a kayak, canoe or
stand-up paddleboard along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at Doris Leep...
Explore Volusia: Snorkel and swim adventure
June 27 @8:00 am to 10:00 am
Discover the wonders of the underwater ecosystem while snorkeling the high slack tide at Lighthouse Point Park, 500
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 ...
Explore Volusia: Indian River Lagoon paddle
July 3 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Paddlers may encounter manatees and dolphins during this leisurely paddling trip on the Indian River Lagoon, the
most biodiverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere. Bring a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard along
with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, ...
Explore Volusia: Multi-activity eco-adventure
July 11 @9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Bike, hike, swim and test your local environmental knowledge. Participants will ride their bikes on the
Spring-to-Spring Trail along Grand Avenue, hike a portion of the trail at DeLeon Springs State Park, and cool off
with a snorkel/swim in the spring. Each activity will be followed by questions per...
Explore Volusia: Snorkel and swim adventure
July 12 @8:00 am to 10:00 am
Learn about marine species and discover the wonders of the underwater ecosystem while snorkeling the high slack
tide at Lighthouse Point Park, 500 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: Brunch and learn
July 21 @8:00 am to 9:30 am
Learn about the importance of scrub habitat during a guided stroll through Lyonia Preserve, where you may see scrub
jays, gopher tortoises and other wildlife. Afterward, the group will learn about a native animal while enjoying
brunch provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. Wear clos...
LEC - Solar science
July 21 @2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Children ages 5 and older can make a solar print, UV bracelet and solar night light. Reservations are requested;
call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028. Meet at Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave.,
Deltona.
Explore Volusia: Bike-about Lake Beresford
July 24 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Ride the Lake Beresford Park Trail and a segment of the Spring-to-Spring Trail. Participants will learn about the
local environment and the importance of protecting the water quality of Florida’s springs. The emphasis will be on
the connectivity of local water bodies. Wear a helmet and bring a bic...
Explore Volusia: Blue Spring snorkeling program
July 27 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
Bring your snorkel gear to explore the spring habitat at Blue Spring State Park, 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City.
Participants will learn about the importance of springs while enjoying the crystal clear water. The park will
charge its regular admission fee. Those under age 18 must wear a personal f...
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...
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...
