Environmental Management
Beach Cleanup and Repairs
For beach cleanup and repair information related to hurricanes Ian and Nicole, please visit volusia.org/beachcleanup
What's New
- ReGrow Volusia
- Septic Upgrade Incentive Program
Through a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant, Volusia County received $2.2 million to provide rebates to homeowners for septic system upgrades. - ENRAC Meetings (Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee) Page
- Volusia Forward
- Low Impact Development
- Water Quality and Protecting Our Springs
- Derelict Vessel Removal from the St. Johns River
Our mission:
To preserve, protect and restore the region's unique environmental natural resources and improve and enhance the enjoyment and health of a growing population; to achieve a balance between the quality of the environment and economic interests of our citizens.
Our goal:
Ensure that development proceeds without compromising our environment. To accomplish this goal each of the various program areas issue permits and conduct routine inspections for compliance with both the county adopted minimum standards and ordinances for environmental protection. Through intergovernmental agency agreements, Environmental Management also represents and assists with enforcement of selected state and federal regulations.
Another facet of environmental protection is pollution prevention and clean up. Appropriate program staff investigate citizen complaints and violations. Emergency situations such as hazardous substance spills,fish kills, air pollution episodes, etc., are reported to Environmental Management for assessment and action.
Connect Live permits (Online Permitting)
Connect Live is designed to help you easily find the information you want. We've taken a customer friendly approach to the way our data is shown.
Educational opportunities
Volusia County has many programs that offer opportunities for youth, adults, seniors and groups to get involved in making a difference in the community while learning about the environment.
Education materials
These educational materials provide residents and visitors with information on coastal wildlife and the county's Lighting Ordinance. Order FREE brochures, newsletters, posters, table top tents and more.
Environmental Permitting
Environmental Permitting is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the county's environmental ordinances, which include trees, wetlands, gopher tortoises, and Class II Overlay.
Environmental Interactive Map Tracker
Get involved
Learn about recycling programs, waterway cleanups and other environmental initiatives.
Green Volusia - Sustainability and Resilience
Green Volusia is Volusia County Goverment's initiative to promote the sustainable use of county resources. Find out how you and your family can GO GREEN! Our website is full of helpful tips and tools for going green.
Lyonia Environmental Center
The Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC) provides visitors with a unique insight into Volusia County’s fragile ecosystems. The center promotes an understanding of the county’s natural environment, the heritage it sustains, and the challenges it faces. The Lyonia Environmental Center occupies 4,000 square feet of the Deltona Regional Library complex.
Marine Science Center
The Marine Science Center offers a wide variety of programs and activities for children and adults throughout the year. Students young and old can discover the many wonders of bird and marine life in environmentally rich Volusia County.
Natural Resources
Employees in this division protect and conserve regional ecosystems and animal and plant species through habitat conservation, restoration, education, and enhancement initiatives.
Pollution Control
Pollution Control is responsible for protecting our water resources by water quality and quantity monitoring, ensuring the proper disposal of solid waste, waste water, hazardous waste and encouraging water conservation.
Protected species
Volusia County is home to many protected species. Maintaining ecosystems is essential to conserving and protecting these and other species of animals in the county.
Upcoming events
Explore Volusia Challenge: Preserve No. 7
March 27 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Enjoy a 2.5-mile group walk in Lake George Forest and Wildlife Management Area, the seventh preserve in this year’s challenge. Learn about some of the native plants and animals that make Volusia County such an amazing place. Visit www.volusia.org/explorevolusia to learn more about the challenge. A...
Walk and Weed at Deep Creek Preserve
March 29 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join Be Floridian Now volunteers Heather Backman and Joey Stepanovic for a Walk and Weed program at Deep Creek Preserve, 964 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach. Participants will learn to identify non-native and invasive species and remove them, with a focus on Caesar’s weed. Children ages 8 and ...
Explore Volusia: Threatened and Endangered Species Eco-buggy Ride
April 1 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Hop on the eco-buggy and explore Longleaf Pine Preserve, home to some of the threatened and endangered species listed in Florida. Discover why these species are listed and what Volusia County is doing to protect them. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-to...
Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee
April 2 @1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Volusia County’s Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC) will meet in the first-floor training rooms of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
For additional information about the meeting, call Environmental Management at 386-736-592...
Sustainability and Economic Growth Summit
April 4 @7:45 am to 3:30 pm
Businesses can pick up some "green" tips at the Sustainability and Economic Growth Summit from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, at Stetson University’s Carlton Union Building, 131 E. Minnesota Ave., DeLand.
This event is presented by Green Volusia in partnership with the DeLand and ...
St. Johns River Cleanup
April 5 @8:00 am to 11:00 am
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house. The St. Johns River needs help too!
Volunteers, including boat owners, are needed for the cleanup, which will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5.
Planners hope to clean 59 miles of the waterway and river basin with the hel...
LEC: Spring in the Scrub Hike
April 5 @9:00 am to 10:00 am
Look for signs of spring on this guided hike in Lyonia Preserve and learn about the connection to the springs that feed the St. Johns River. Bring water, wear closed-toe shoes, and be prepared to hike 1.5 miles on sugar sand trails. This program is recommended for ages 10 and up.
Reservations are...
LEC: Tiny Trekkers
April 5 @10:00 am to 11:00 am
Children ages 2 to 7 will listen to “A Bear, a Bee and a Honey Tree,” take a short hike in Lyonia Preserve, and make a craft.
Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. #21028, or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lyonia-environmental-center-50947472233.
Meet at Lyoni...
LEC: Springtime Flowers Tea Party
April 5 @2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
If you like tea, upcycled crafts, and making new friends, this is the program for you! Staff will show participants how to make flowers from upcycled plastic bottles so they can reduce trash in a different way. Tea and light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center...
LEC: Gopher Tortoise Art and Hike
April 6 @2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Create a sand-art gopher tortoise using colored sand while learning what makes gopher tortoises so special. Then take a guided hike to look for gopher tortoises and their burrows. This program is suitable for adults and children 7 and up.
Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ex...
LEC: Garden Pests
April 12 @10:00 am to 11:00 am
LEC staff will share some creative ways to deal with pests in the garden. This program is for all ages.
Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028, or visit https://tinyurl.com/lec-event.
Meet at Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Wear closed toe ...
LEC: Invasive Species in Florida
April 12 @2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Florida is home to more invasive plants and animals than any other state. Staff will discuss some of the more common species, how they affect ecosystems, and what to do if you see them. This program is recommended for ages 7 and up.
Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028, or vis...
LEC: Easter Science
April 13 @2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Children ages 7 and up can explore science with a fun Easter twist. The group will see if Peeps candy will sink or float, whether they will freeze, and take part in other fun candy activities.
Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028, or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lyo...
LEC: Full Moon Night Hike
April 13 @7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
See Lyonia Preserve in a different light during this guided hike under a full moon. Wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared to hike on sugar sand trails. Headlamps or flashlights are required. This program is for adults only.
Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028, or visit h...
Explore Volusia: Carnivorous Plants Hike
April 17 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Search for carnivorous plants during a two-mile guided hike through Longleaf Pine Preserve and learn about the adaptations they have developed to survive in Florida’s ecosystems. Ages 8 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes and meet at 4551 Pioneer...
LEC: Untamed Florida
April 17 @10:00 am to 11:00 am
All ages can enjoy the beauty of untamed Florida and witness its perils during this Nature at Night program featuring a virtual journey through Florida’s freshwater springs. After the presentation, pizza and beverages will be provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center.
Meet at L...
LEC: Meet the Echinoderms
April 19 @11:00 am to 11:30 pm
Bring the family and experience an up-close and personal encounter with LEC’s sea urchins, sea stars, and sea cucumbers. This program is recommended for all ages.
Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028, or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lyonia-environmental-center...
LEC: Pressed Flower Candleholder Workshop
April 19 @2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Learn pressed flower techniques and create a beautiful take-home candleholder using upcycled materials. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. #21028, or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lyonia-environmental-center-50947472233.
...
Explore Volusia: Wading Birds of Volusia County Hike
April 22 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Discover the wading birds and other aquatic birds that live in Spruce Creek Park. Learn how to identify them and explore some of the adaptations that make these birds so unique. Ages 8 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring binoculars. Meet ...
LEC: Earth Day at Lyonia
April 22 @1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Celebrate Earth Day at Lyonia Environmental Center. Stop by anytime between 1 and 3:30 p.m. to make a seed ball, plant a seed to take home, make an Earth Day upcycled craft, hike in the preserve, explore the center’s exhibits, and visit resident animal ambassadors.
Reservations are requir...
LEC: Friday Stroll
April 25 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Lace up your hiking shoes and explore the plant and animal species that live in Lyonia Preserve’s scrub habitat. Bring water, wear closed-toe shoes, and be prepared to hike on sugar sand trails. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21...
Explore Volusia: Sleepy Hollow Paddle
April 25 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Look for native plants and animals during this leisurely paddle through Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. Wear a personal flotation device and bring a watercraft and whistle. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet. Meet at 3...
LEC: Early Riser Hike
April 26 @7:30 am to 8:30 am
Listen to wake-up songs from birds and look for animal tracks while enjoying a peaceful, guided hike in Florida’s unique scrub habitat. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike 1.5 miles on unpaved sugar sand trails. This program is recommended for ages 10 and up.
Reservatio...
LEC: Backyard Beekeeping
April 26 @10:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn how to obtain bees, the best time to order them, and how to install them in your hive. Staff will also explain what to look for when inspecting the hive.
Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028, or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lyonia-environmental-center-509474...
LEC: City Nature Challenge and ReGrow Volusia
April 26 @1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Volunteers from ReGrow Volusia will explain how to become a citizen scientist for the City Nature Challenge. After a brief explanation of the challenge and its purpose, the group will hike in Lyonia Preserve and submit photos that will be used to document the biodiversity of Volusia County. After ob...
Explore Volusia Challenge Preserve No. 8
April 30 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Enjoy a 1.5-mile group walk at Hickory Bluff Preserve, the final preserve in this year’s challenge. Learn about some of the native plants and animals that make Volusia County such an amazing place. Visit www.volusia.org/explorevolusia to learn more about the challenge. Ages 8 and up are welcome, a...
Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee
May 7 @1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Volusia County’s Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC) will meet in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
For additional information about the meeting, call Environmental Management at 386-736-5927...
Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee
June 4 @1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Volusia County’s Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC) will meet in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
For additional information about the meeting, call Environmental Management at 386-736-5927.
...
Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee
July 2 @1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Volusia County’s Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC) will meet in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
For additional information about the meeting, call Environmental Management at 386-736-5927...
Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee
August 6 @1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Volusia County’s Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC) will meet in the first-floor training rooms of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
For additional information about the meeting, call Environmental Management at 386-736-592...
Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee
September 3 @1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Volusia County’s Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC) will meet in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
For additional information about the meeting, call Environmental Management at 386-736-5927...
Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee
November 5 @1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Volusia County’s Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC) will meet in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
For additional information about the meeting, call Environmental Management at 386-736-5927...
Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee
December 3 @1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Volusia County’s Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC) will meet in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
For additional information about the meeting, call Environmental Management at 386-736-5927.
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