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

School Programs

Printed Materials / Brochures

Other Opportunities / Information

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: Spruce Creek paddle

February 27 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a leisurely paddling trip on Spruce Creek. Learn about estuary and marsh ecosystems and the biodiversity of these important habitats. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at 2317 Creek Shore Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Volusia County’s En...

Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy tour

February 28 @11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Learn about Longleaf Pine Preserve’s plant life and lands as you ride the county’s eco-buggy. Bring lunch and a beverage. Participants will stop for lunch at the pavilion, where they will learn about local sustainability and its importance. Meet at the west entrance, 3637 E. New York Ave., DeLan...

Explore Volusia: Night paddle

March 7 @7:00 pm to 9:00 am
Skilled paddlers can explore the Indian River Lagoon and witness its beauty under the night sky. Participants may see and hear a variety of organisms including the extremely important horseshoe crab, whose blue blood saves lives. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along with a life preserv...

Explore Volusia: Nature photography

March 9 @9:00 am to 10:30 am
Professional photographer Lee Dunkel will offer tips on taking great nature shots. Bring a camera and meet at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 3251 N. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach. Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sponsors Explore Volusia to acquaint residents with the c...

Explore Volusia: Bike-about Lake Beresford

March 13 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn about the local environment and the importance of protecting the water quality of our springs as you ride the Lake Beresford Park Trail and a segment of the Spring-to-Spring Trail. The emphasis will be on the connectivity of local water bodies. Bring a bicycle and helmet. Meet at Lake Beresfor...

Explore Volusia: Indian River Lagoon Park

March 15 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a short hike around Indian River Lagoon Park to learn about the importance of barrier islands, mangroves and the health of the Indian River Lagoon. Environmental specialists will discuss plant life, water quality and local wildlife on this scenic hike. Meet at 700 Sandpiper St., New Smyrna Beac...

Explore Volusia: Brunch and learn

March 16 @9:30 am to 11:30 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. Me...

Explore Volusia: Lake Monroe paddle and picnic

March 19 @9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Enjoy a paddle from Lakeshore Drive to Gemini Springs Park and back. Participants will learn about the rich history of the area from Parks, Recreation and Culture staff. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along with a life preserver, whistle and picnic lunch. Meet at 966 Lakeshore Drive, D...

Explore Volusia: Nighttime eco-buggy tour

March 21 @7:00 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 hoping to spot a variety of species. Meet at the preserve’s east entrance, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Volusia County’s Environmental Mana...

Explore Volusia: Eco-buggy tour

March 29 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a riding tour of Deep Creek Preserve, an 8,000-acre natural and agricultural land, and 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. Volus...

Explore Volusia: Turkey talk

March 30 @8:00 am to 10:30 am
Naturalist Ed Northey will discuss the habits and vocalizations of our native subspecies of wild eastern turkey, the Osceola. Participants will learn a myriad of calls, then hike into turkey habitat using these calls to entice a tom to respond. They will also learn and use the calls of crows and owl...

Explore Volusia Logo

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

 

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