Explore Volusia Offers Free Outdoor Adventures

Posted On: November 13, 2025

Learn about Volusia County's conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs in December. Volusia County's environmental specialists will lead a variety of outdoor adventures.

Reservations are required for all programs. Contact Tommy Nordmann at [email protected] or 386-943-7081, ext. 21266.

Deep Creek Eco-buggy Tour:9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Deep Creek Preserve, 964 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach. Environmental specialists will discuss the property's agricultural history, methods of management and restoration of the native ecosystems, and native plants and animals that live there. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Spruce Creek Park Paddle:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 6171 Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange. Look for dolphins, manatees, wading birds, and other aquatic animals during this paddle through the mangroves to Strickland Bay. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County's new sit-on-top kayaks free of 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.

Lake George Eco-buggy Tour:9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Lake George Forest and Wildlife Management Area, 998 Ninemile Point Road, Pierson. Learn about the numerous recreational opportunities on the property as well as habitat restoration and management practices. Along the way, the group will look for bald eagles and other wildlife. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Wiregrass Hike:8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Wiregrass Prairie Preserve, 1751 Lopez Road, Osteen. An environmental specialist will lead a one-mile hike through Wiregrass Prairie Preserve. He will identify native plants and animals and discuss the key roles they play in this native Florida landscape. Ages 8 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Ecosystem Engineers Paddle:9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 90 Divito Drive, New Smyrna Beach. Learn how mangroves and oyster beds construct habitat for wildlife, protect our shorelines, and provide an abundance of seafood for Volusia County residents. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County's new sit-on-top kayaks free of charge. Paddlers must wear a personal flotation device and whistle. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

Gopher Tortoise Hike:8:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Deep Creek Preserve, 964 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach. An environmental specialist will lead a two-mile hike, pointing out gopher tortoise burrows along the way and explaining the important role this keystone species plays in Florida ecosystems. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.