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.
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.
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
November 23 @9:30 am to 11:30 am
Keep an eye out for scrub jays, gopher tortoises and other wildlife as you ride through the scrub habitat of Lyonia Preserve. Afterward, the group will meet and learn about a native animal while enjoying brunch provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. There is a limit of 25 participan...
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 ...
November 26 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Paddle from Menard May Park to the Gabordy Canal and back. Participants will learn about the canal’s history and the importance of the lagoon. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Wear closed-toe water shoes. Meet at 413 S. Riverside Drive, Edgewat...
December 5 @9:00 am to 10:30 am
Learn how the natural world has solved some of our most difficult problems. Biomimicry shows us how structures and systems are modeled after biological processes and entities. Meet at Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park, 700 Sandpiper St., New Smyrna Beach.
Volusia County’s Environmental Manageme...
December 10 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn about important plant communities during this riding tour of Deep Creek Preserve. 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.
Volusia County’s Environmental Management Divisi...
December 12 @9:00 am to 11:30 am
Look for marine mammals during this leisurely paddling trip leaving from Mary McLeod Bethune Park. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach.
Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sponsors ...
December 14 @9:30 am to 11:30 am
Learn about the importance of scrub habitat as environmental specialists guide you on a stroll through the diverse landscape of Lyonia Preserve. Keep an eye out for scrub jays, gopher tortoises and other wildlife. After the hike, we’ll talk about a native animal while enjoying the brunch provided ...
December 17 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a ride through the 1,400-acre Wiregrass Prairie Preserve, which is situated almost entirely in the St. Johns River Valley. Explore upland and wetland natural communities, including wet flatwoods, cypress domes and wet prairies. Learn about land management practices while riding through the dive...
December 19 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Search for endangered right whales during this five-mile ride from Esther Street Beachfront Park to Ponce DeLeon Inlet and back. Participants will learn about the majestic animals’ feeding, migrations and general biology. Wear a helmet and bring a bicycle; large-tired bikes are recommended. Meet a...
December 21 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a ride through St. Johns River Water Management District’s Palm Bluff Conservation Area and explore the eight distinct natural plant communities. With its wide variety of habitats, this is a great place to go birding. Visitors may see a variety of species, including bluebirds, brown-headed nu...
December 24 @9:00 am to 11:30 am
Enjoy a backwater paddle through a maze of mangroves. Participants will navigate oyster beds, learn about mosquito canals, and see a variety of birds during this paddle. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at 598 S. Peninsula Ave., New Smyrna B...
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123 W. Indiana Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 736-2700
from 8am to 5pm
Monday through Friday
123 W. Indiana Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 736-2700
123 W. Indiana Ave
DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 736-2700
from 8am to 5pm
Monday through Friday