Explore Volusia Offers Free Outdoor Adventures

Posted On: September 18, 2025

Learn about Volusia County's conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs in October. 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 386-822-1684.

Carnivorous Plants Hike:8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Longleaf Pine Preserve, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Florida is home to 31 native species of carnivorous plants, more than any other state. Discover some of the species found in Volusia County and learn about the adaptations these plants have developed over time to survive in Florida's ecosystems. Ages 8 and up are welcome for this guided, two-mile walk. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Wading Birds Walk:8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Spruce Creek Park, 6250 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange. Learn how to identify the wading birds and other aquatic birds that call Volusia County home 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.

Longleaf Pine Eco-buggy Tour:9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Longleaf Pine Preserve, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Hop on Volusia County's newly renovated eco-buggy and join environmental specialists for a tour of Longleaf Pine Preserve. Participants will pass through a variety of native habitats including pine flatwoods and cypress strands, and the guide will identify the plants and animals along the way. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Sleepy Hollow Paddle:9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 3251 N. Dixie Highway, New Smyrna Beach. Discover native plants and animals during this leisurely paddle along Spruce Creek. Emergency whistles and personal flotation devices are required. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of the county's sit-on-top kayaks with paddles and flotation devices provided. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

Water Lettuce Paddle:9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Deering Preserve, 1615 Osteen Maytown Road, Osteen. Volusia County environmental specialists and a Stetson University professor will take participants down Deep Creek in search of water lettuce. The group will assist the professor with sampling and research while enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife at the preserve. Paddlers must bring their own watercraft, personal flotation device, and emergency whistle. Ages 12 and up are welcome, and 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. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Lake George State Forest, Bluffton Recreation Area, 1345 Bluffton Road, Astor. Florida Forest Service staff will discuss forest management, recreation, and habitat management during this ride through the Dexter Mary Farms tract. Meet at the multi-use parking area at the intersection of St. Johns River Road and Bluffton Road off State Road 40. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes. For more information, call Cindy Venuti at 386-384-5259.

Reservations are required for all programs. Search for Green Volusia activities on Eventbrite.com or contact Tommy Nordmann at [email protected] or 386-736-5927, ext. 12072.