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.
Explore Volusia, the educational arm of the Volusia Forever program, offers a variety of outdoor adventures in the county conservation lands, including paddling, hiking, biking, and eco-buggy tours. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Paddling, Hiking, Biking, and Eco-Buggy Programs
Programs can be found on Eventbrite, by clicking here.
- Program Participation Waiver (PDF)
- Program Participation Waiver for Minors (PDF)
- Conservation Lands Map
If you would like to sign up for our monthly newsletter, click here.
Volusia Forever
Volusia Forever was created in 2000 when the citizens of Volusia County voted to tax themselves .2 mills over 20 years to protect the County’s natural biodiversity. Voters renewed it for another 20 years during the November 2020 election. To stretch these dollars as far as possible Volusia Forever forms partnerships with federal, state, water management district, and local agencies that are committed to protecting natural resources. Approximately 39,000 acres (fee-simple and less-than-fee) have been acquired since the beginning of the program.
Mission: Finance the acquisition and improvement of environmentally sensitive, water resource protection, and outdoor recreation lands, and to manage these lands as conservation stewards in perpetuity.
Goals: Conserve, maintain and restore the natural environment and provide access for the enjoyment and education of the public; provide resources to ensure that sufficient quantities of water are available to meet current and future needs; meet the need for high-quality resource based outdoor opportunities, greenways, trails, and open space; preserve the habitat and water recharge; ensure that the natural resource values of such lands are protected and that the public has the opportunity to enjoy the lands to their fullest potential.
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.
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.
Upcoming events
Explore Volusia: Lyonia Eco-buggy Tour
April 18 @9:00 am to 10:30 am
Explore the beauty of Florida’s unique scrub habitat on Explore Volusia’s eco-buggy at Lyonia Preserve. Climb aboard for a guided journey through this rare and fragile ecosystem, home to sandy soils, hardy scrub oaks, and the threatened Florida scrub-jay. Along the way, participants will learn h...
Explore Volusia: St. Johns River Paddle
April 28 @9:00 am to 11:30 pm
Volusia County environmental specialists will lead participants down the St. Johns River to Hickory Bluff Preserve. Participants will learn about the history of the river and the plants and wildlife that make it such a unique ecosystem. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia C...
Explore Volusia: Deep Creek Adventure Hike
April 30 @8:30 am to 11:30 am
Join a Volusia County environmental specialist on a 5-mile hike through the preserve. Participants can expect a challenging but rewarding hike through pine flatwoods and cypress swamps. Participants may bring a lunch and join the group for an optional picnic at the pavilion at the conclusion of the ...
Explore Volusia: Mangroves, Oysters, and Hurricanes Paddle
May 5 @9:00 am to 11:30 am
Paddle among mangrove islands and oyster reefs near Strickland Bay and discover how these organisms, essential to the estuarine ecosystem in Volusia County, protect our shorelines from hurricanes and storm surge. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County’s sit-on-top kay...
Explore Volusia: Spruce Creek Mound Hike
May 7 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
Join environmental specialists on this hike and enjoy spectacular views of Spruce Creek. Along the way, the group will discover the history of the Spruce Creek Mound and its significance to the people who once lived here. Ages 8 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear ...
Explore Volusia: Habitat Restoration and Management Eco-buggy Tour
May 12 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join the Explore Volusia program for an eco-buggy tour of Carter Quail Ranch, 532 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach. While touring the property, participants will learn how land managers and land management technicians restore land to natural habitats and manage the land for conservation, nat...
Explore Volusia: Understanding Invasives Hike
May 14 @8:30 am to 10:30 am
Join an environmental specialist on a hike through Longleaf Pine Preserve and discover some of the invasive species found in Volusia County. Participants will learn about the negative effects invasive species have on native plants, animals, and ecosystems and how the land management team controls th...
Explore Volusia: Eyes on Seagrass Blitz Paddle
May 21 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent Carolyn Kovacs and Explore Volusia Environmental Specialist Tommy Nordmann for a paddle with a purpose. The group will learn about the seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon and report the seagrass they see as part of the Eyes on Seagrass Blitz. Paddlers mu...
Explore Volusia: Piddler Island Paddle
May 27 @9:00 am to 11:30 am
Join environmental specialists for a paddling trip through the mangroves to Piddler Island, where the group will enjoy a break on a nearby sandbar. Along the way, participants will learn about the native wildlife that inhabits this estuarine ecosystem. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use ...
Explore Volusia: Deep Creek Soil Study Eco-buggy Tour
May 29 @9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join environmental specialist Tommy Nordmann and soil expert David Griffis for a riding tour of Deep Creek Preserve. In addition to identifying plants and wildlife in the preserve, participants will learn how soil analysis informs decisions about land use and permitting. Participants will also disco...
