Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs each month. Environmental specialists will lead a variety of outdoor adventures and volunteer and learn programs. 

Registration is required; call (386) 736-5927. 

Volusia County Environmental Management • 123 West Indiana Ave. Room 202
DeLand, FL 32720 • (386-) 736-5927
http://www.volusia.org/explorevolusia

Upcoming events include:

Volunteer & Learn – Holiday Beach Cleanup January 1, 10:00 am to 12:00 am, Sunday

Happy New Year! After the New Year celebrations, the beach can be left with trash and debris. Join us to help clean up and start the New Year with a clean beach as you learn about the North Atlantic Right Whale. It will be a whale of a good time! Meet at: Sun Splash Park, 611 S. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach

Volunteer and Learn – Purple Martin Gourd Raising & Observation January 4, 9:00 – 11:00 am Wednesday

Join us at the Marine Discovery Center to learn about Purple Martins. We need volunteers to observe the nest weekly and record the observations. This workshop will explain what is involved in this observation and discuss the importance of contributing to research. After the orientation, we will raise the Purple Martin nesting gourds. Meet at the Marine Discovery Center at 520 Barracuda Blvd, New Smyrna Beach.

Volunteer and Learn – National Bird Day January 5 9:00 to 11:00 am, Thursday

Volunteers will construct prototypes of concrete trees for the new raptor enclosures and help make enrichment toys for the resident birds. Please start saving empty tissue boxes, paper rolls, newspaper, etc. to construct enrichment toys. After volunteering, we will tour the bird boardwalk to learn about the bird residents and the work at the bird hospital. We may even get the opportunity to meet a bird up close! Participants will meet at the Marine Science Center parking lot at 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet

Volunteer and Learn – Shuck and Share January 7, 9am to noon, Saturday

Learn about water quality in the Indian River Lagoon and how oysters contribute to improving water quality. Then volunteer to help preserve the lagoon by making oyster bags that will be used to restore the shoreline. Meet at the Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd., New Smyrna Beach

Eco Buggy Tour – Deep Creek Preserve January 10, 9:00 – 11:00 am Tuesday

Take a riding tour of this 8,000-acre natural and agricultural land to learn about important plant communities. Participants may get the opportunity to see a close-up view of carnivorous plants, and an uncommon sighting of the Sherman’s fox squirrel. Meet at 964 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach.

Bike-About – Edgewater January 17, 9:00 – 11:00 am Tuesday

Ride the paved path from Edgewater, off Cow Creek Rd., north to the end and back. During this leisurely ride participants will learn about different habitats and the organisms that live within them. Bicycle and helmets are required. Meet at the parking lot 1⁄4 south on Cow Creek Rd. The first road after the bike overpass heading east, approximately 1⁄4 mile east of I-95.

EV Monthly Challenge – Longleaf Pine Preserve January 18, 9 am – 10:30 am Wednesday

Participants will hike the orange trail following the Explore Volusia iNaturalist January challenge. A guide will help participants to navigate the iNaturalist app and give details about the Explore Volusia monthly challenge. Meet at 3637 E. New York Ave., DeLand, Fl 32724.

Florida Arbor Day – Volunteers Needed January 20, & 21, 1- 4pm Friday, 9am to noon, Saturday

Volunteers needed to help distribute trees, inform on best planting practices, and educate the community about the importance of trees for water and air quality. We will have a brief training session to prepare you for your role during this event. Giveaway locations include Lyonia Environmental Center (Deltona), Marine Science Center (Ponce Inlet), Stetson Aquatic Center (Deland), Tiger Bay State Forest (Daytona), and the Marine Discovery Center (NSB).

Guided Hike – Clark Bay Conservation Area January 24, 1:00 – 2:30 pm Tuesday

Take a walk on this wonderful conservation area that has a looping trail of approximately five miles. With uplands and pine mesic flatwoods participants will get the opportunity to see a variety of habits along this beautiful wildlife corridor.From I-95 take Exit 261 and travel west on Rte. 92 toward Deland for approximately 13.5 miles and turn right onto Kepler Road. Follow it .4 miles and turn right onto Old Deland Road. Follow it for about 1.0 miles and turn left into the Clark Bay Conservation Area parking lot GPS reading: N 29° 04.545’, W 081° 14.980’

Guided Hike – IRL Preserve Park January 25, 9:00 – 10:30 am Wednesday

Take a short hike around Indian River Lagoon Park to learn about the importance of barrier islands, mangroves, and the health of the Indian River Lagoon. Environmental specialists will discuss plant life, water quality, and local wildlife on this scenic hike. Meet at 700 Sandpiper St., New Smyrna Beach.

Manatee Festival Tabling Volunteers January 29, 3 hours shifts between 8:30 – 5:30, Sunday

Help set up, interact with guests, and clean up. Our table will have information about environmental issues and education opportunities. Enjoy the festival after your shift. Meet at Blue Springs State Park.

Waterbody Paddle – Bethune Park January 31, 9:00 – 11:00 am Tuesday

Bring a canoe, kayak, or SUP for a leisurely paddling trip to view local wildlife and beautiful scenery. Leaving from Mary McCleod Bethune Park participants may encounter manatees and dolphins while exploring the waters of the Indian River Lagoon. Must have Kayak/Canoe/SUP, life preserver and whistle. Meet at 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach (West side of road, heading south turn right on ladyfish Ave, first left and park in the dirt lot).