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.
Conservation Lands Programs
- July Conservation Lands Program Schedule
- August 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
LEC - Nature film
July 21 @2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Watch “Bees: Tales from the Hive” and see things you never imagined about bees, hear things only bees hear, and discover facts about their strange and complex lives. Snacks and drinks will available for purchase.
Meet at Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.
Reservations...
Explore Volusia: Bike-about Lake Beresford
July 23 @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, the importance of protecting the water quality of springs, and the connectivity of local water bodies. Wear a helmet and bring a bicycle. Meet at Lake Beresford Park, ...
Explore Volusia: Blue Spring snorkeling program
July 30 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
Bring your snorkel gear to explore the spring habitat at Blue Spring State Park and learn about the importance of springs while enjoying the crystal clear, 72-degree water. Participants must be able to swim. Those under age 18 must wear a personal flotation device and be accompanied by an adult guar...
Explore Volusia: Ponce Inlet snorkeling adventure
August 1 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
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...
Explore Volusia: Hurricane hike
August 6 @9:00 am to 10:15 am
Florida Master Naturalist Terry Bledsoe will lead a discussion on the history, impacts and significance of hurricanes during a hike through Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. She will also share hurricane preparedness tips and shed light on the preserve’s history. Meet 2317 Creek Shore Trail, New...
Explore Volusia: Highbridge paddle and fish
August 8 @8:30 am to 10:30 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...
Explore Volusia: Ponce Inlet snorkeling adventure
August 14 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
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...
Explore Volusia: Sharks in the park
August 20 @9:00 am to 10:30 am
Shark enthusiast Marilyn Sullivan will share fascinating facts about sharks during a presentation at Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park, 700 Sandpiper St., New Smyrna Beach.
Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sponsors Explore Volusia to acquaint residents with the county’s cons...
Explore Volusia: Blue Spring paddle
August 22 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn about wildlife, water quality and the importance of springs during this leisurely paddling trip near Blue Spring State Park. Bring a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at the end of West French Avenue, Orange City, about one mile past the park e...
Explore Volusia: Blue Spring snorkeling
August 28 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
Bring your snorkel gear to explore the spring habitat at Blue Spring State Park and learn about the importance of springs while enjoying the crystal clear, 72 degree water. Participants must be able to swim. Those under age 18 must wear a personal flotation device and be accompanied by an adult guar...
Katrina Locke
Sustainability & Natural Resources Director
klocke@volusia.org
Trey Hannah
Education Coordinator
thannah@volusia.org
Danielle Ramsey
Sustainability and Volunteer Coordinator
dramsey@volusia.org
Reservations:
386-736-5927
