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Oct. 30, 2009
Shelley Szafraniec, APR, CPRC
Community Information Specialist

November outings on Volusia County conservation lands

Environmental enthusiasts are invited to enjoy Volusia County’s conservation lands during free outdoor adventures sponsored by Volusia County’s Land Acquisition and Management Division.

• 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, Nov. 7: Capture nature through painting - Experience natural Florida through the perspective of plein air painters - painters who paint outside during this adventure at Longleaf Pine Preserve. Sandra Wilson, artist and founder of the DeBary Art League and Gateway Center for the Arts, will lead a “paint out” for her students and public participants of all ages. After learning the basics of color and paint, participants will create their own paintings. Participants also will take the eco-buggy to different areas of the preserve to paint. No artistic talent is necessary, just a sense of creative adventure. This outdoor opportunity is free and materials are provided. However, participants are asked to bring folding chairs. For this outing, participants will meet at the service gate entrance on the north side of S.R. 44 (approximately 300 feet west of Pioneer Trail).

• 9 - 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12: Lyonia Preserve guided hike - Take a guided hike of Lyonia Preserve and learn about endangered Florida scrub habitat. Hikers will see and experience the flora and fauna of scrub and meet Lyonia’s most precious resident, the Florida scrub jay. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes that match the weather and hiking or walking shoes. Lyonia Preserve is adjacent to the Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.

• 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, Nov. 21: Nature photography - Bring your camera and interest in taking pictures of the wonders of natural Florida and learn how a photographer captures the best photos of wild places and critters during this outdoor adventure at Bicentennial Youth Park, 3300 New York Ave., DeLand. Local photographer Scott Helfrich will share his photos and skills, after which participants will take a hike and try their hand at taking photos. Participants should wear comfortable clothes that match the weather and bring water to drink.

• 1 - 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7: Eco-buggy tour of Lyonia Preserve - Fall is a great time to explore Florida scrub. Participants are invited to take a riding tour of Lyonia Preserve and learn about the unique plant and animal species, such as the Florida scrub jay, that make scrub habitat a special ecosystem. Lyonia Preserve is adjacent to the Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave. Deltona.

For all of Volusia County Land Acquisition and Management Division outings, space is limited and pre-registration is required; event locations may change due to weather or road conditions. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Bonnie Cary at (386) 736-5276 or bcary@co.volusia.fl.us. For more information about Land Acquisition and Management’s Conservation Lands Outreach programs, visit www.volusia.org/growth/outreach.htm.

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