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
- Click here for 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 click here and leave your email address.
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 - Scrub stroll
April 27 @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...
Explore Volusia: Rethink reptiles
May 3 @9:30 am to 11:30 am
Stop by Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona, to get a close encounter with the center’s
resident reptiles. The program will include a short hike followed by a presentation on the life history of
reptiles, problems with invasive species, and the role of snakes in their natural s...
Explore Volusia: Indian River Lagoon paddle
May 10 @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: Bike-about Gemini Springs
May 15 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a six-mile bike ride around segments of Lake Monroe and Gemini Springs Park. All ages and abilities are
welcome. Bicycle and helmet are required. Meet at Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary. Volusia County’s
Environmental Management Division sponsors Explore Volusia to acquaint r...
Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy tour
May 18 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn about plants and animals of the wetlands during this leisurely ride through Longleaf Pine Preserve’s
flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps. Meet at the preserve’s east entrance, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach.
Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sponsors Explore Vol...
Explore Volusia: Deep Creek bike-about
May 19 @8:00 am to 10:00 am
Learn about the forestry, agricultural history and plant communities of the 8,000-acre Deep Creek Preserve.
Participants may see the endemic Rugel’s pawpaw in bloom. Bicycle and helmet are required. This is an unpaved road,
and larger-tired bikes are recommended. Meet at 964 S. State Road 415, Sam...
Explore Volusia: Paddling trip
May 23 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn about local wildlife and history during this leisurely paddling trip to Blue Spring State Park. Participants
will also learn about water quality and the importance of Florida’s springs as manatee refuges. Bring a kayak,
canoe or stand-up paddleboard along with a life preserver and whistle. M...
Explore Volusia: Guided hike
May 25 @9:00 am to 10:30 am
Learn about the importance of scrub habitat, water recharge zones and keystone species while hiking through this
conservation area. Participants will hike one mile of trails and get an up-close look at land management practices.
Meet at 1495 McGregor Road, DeLand. Volusia County’s Environmental M...
Explore Volusia: Snorkel and swim adventure
May 31 @10:00 am to 12:00 pm
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 ...
