Volusia County recently issued the following announcement.
Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs in February. Environmental specialists will lead a variety of outdoor adventures and volunteer and learn programs.
Registration is required; call 386-736-5927.
Upcoming events include:
Wiregrass hike: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1. Download the iNaturalist app and bring your smartphone to Wiregrass Prairie Preserve to learn how to combine technology and nature. Participants will get a short introduction on how to use the app, which helps anyone become a naturalist during everyday hikes. Meet at 1751 Lopez Road, Osteen.
Spruce Creek paddle: 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 3. Learn about the biodiversity of estuary and marsh ecosystems during this group paddling trip through Spruce Creek. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 3251 N. Dixie Highway, New Smyrna Beach.
World Wetland Day: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 5. 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 mats. Meet at the Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd., New Smyrna Beach
Bike-about Gobblers Lodge: 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9. Ride the East Central Regional Rail Trail from Gobblers Lodge east toward Interstate 95 and back. During this leisurely ride, participants will learn about the area’s habitats and the organisms that live in them. Bicycle and helmets are required. Meet at the Gobblers Lodge trailhead off Maytown Road, Osteen.
Landfill tour and Adopt-a-Road cleanup: 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 10. Learn about the importance of proper disposal of trash, see what happens to trash at the landfill, and then participate in the Adopt-a-Road program by doing a roadside cleanup. Meet at the Tomoka Landfill, 1990 Tomoka Farms Road, Port Orange. Park at the office building on the right.
Longleaf eco-buggy tour: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15. Take a ride through Longleaf Pine Preserve while learning about its vegetation and the importance of the lands. Participants are asked to bring a bagged lunch for a stop at the pavilion, where they will learn about marine mammals and their importance in the ecosystem. Meet at west entrance, 3637 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Participants will need to walk one-tenth of a mile to load onto the eco-buggy; if you are not able to make the walk, mention this at registration so arrangements can be made.
Longleaf hike: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16. Take a walk through Longleaf Pine Preserve’s flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps. Participants will learn about the connections between soils and the plant and animal communities of the wetlands. Meet at the west entrance, 3637 E. New York Ave, DeLand.
Great Backyard Bird Count: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19. Meet at Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona, for an informative session about the Great Backyard Bird Count and the Florida scrub jay. Participants will venture out into Lyonia Preserve to count scrub jays and other birds for the global count.
Indian River Lagoon paddle: 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23. Explore the northern end of the Indian River Lagoon while paddling from Riverbreeze Park to surrounding areas. Participants may see manatees, dolphins and many species of birds. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at 250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill.
Participants should bring water and insect repellent and wear comfortable clothes and hiking or walking shoes.
Original source can be found here.
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