Outdoor Adventures Showcase Volusia’s Natural Treasures

Posted On: September 14, 2026

From paddles to biking adventures, Volusia County's Explore Volusia programs offer residents a front-row seat to the county's most stunning natural landscapes. Environmental specialists will guide participants through unique outdoor adventures across conservation lands - all at no cost.

Spruce Creek Hike: 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2. Explore Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve at 2317 Creek Shore Trail, New Smyrna Beach. along the one-mile loop trail at the Kaye Access. Participants will meet at the Kaye Access and meander through the forest to the shores of Spruce Creek, discovering native plants and wildlife along the way. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Oyster Reefs Paddle: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 90 Divito Drive, New Smyrna Beach. Join Volusia County environmental specialists for a paddling trip through oyster reefs. Discover the important roles oysters play in habitat construction, water quality, shoreline protection, and food webs. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County's single, sit-on-top kayaks at no charge. Paddlers must wear a personal flotation device and whistle. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

Fall Flower Hike: 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, Wiregrass Prairie Preserve, 1751 Lopez Road, Osteen. Discover fall wildflowers in bloom on a one-mile loop trail. Learn how Volusia County Land Management staff restores and manages pine flatwoods habitats so these native plants can thrive. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Birding while Boating Paddle: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 3201 Sleepy Hollow Road, New Smyrna Beach. Join Volusia County environmental specialists for a paddling tour through the mangroves and estuary near Spruce Creek and Ponce Inlet. Participants will discover the unique adaptations birds have to survive in this habitat and search for migratory birds and year-round residents. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County's sit-on-top kayaks at no charge. Paddlers must wear a personal flotation device and whistle. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

Forestry and Conservation Eco-buggy Tours: 8:45 to 11 a.m. and 12:45 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Deep Creek Preserve, 946 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach. Explore a newly thinned section of forest and learn how responsible forestry can benefit native habitat and wildlife. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Heart Island Hike: 8:15 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6340 Lake Winona Road, DeLeon Springs. Learn about native plants and animals during a 2.5-mile hike through Heart Island Conservation Area, part of the 39,642-acre Lake George Wildlife Management Area. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Lake George Paddle: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Lake George Forest and Wildlife Management Area, 998 Ninemile Point Road, Pierson. Paddle the second largest lake in Florida, learn about the military history of the lake, and explore the wildlife found there. Participants will also learn about the ongoing restoration projects on the lake. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County's sit-on-top kayaks at no charge. They must wear a personal flotation device and whistle. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

Riverbend Preserve Eco-buggy Tours: 8:45 to 11 a.m. and 12:45 to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at 1411 Osteen Maytown Road, Osteen. Join the Explore Volusia program for an eco-buggy tour of the County's newest Volusia Forever property, Riverbend Preserve. Participants will learn how management plans are created and how land management staff restores native habitat. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Reservations are required for all programs. To register, search for Explore Volusia on Eventbrite or contact Tommy Nordmann at [email protected] or 386-943-7081, ext. 21266.