Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs in April. Environmental specialists will lead a variety of outdoor adventures and volunteer and learn programs.
Registration is required; call 386-736-5927.
Upcoming events include:
Bike-about Palm Bluff: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 1. Take a ride through the Palm Bluff Conservation Area and explore the eight distinct natural plant communities. Visitors may see a variety of species, including bluebirds, brown-headed nuthatch, turkeys, wading birds and raptors. Wear a helmet and bring a bicycle, preferably one with large tires. Meet in Osteen in the parking area east of County Road 415, 9.5 miles south of State Road 44 and 1.9 miles north of Howland Boulevard.
Volunteer and learn – Purple martin nest observation: 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, April 4. Learn about purple martins during this volunteer workshop at the Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd., New Smyrna Beach. Members of the Southeast Volusia Audubon Society will discuss conservation and research efforts focused on these large swallows. Participants will view the center’s purple martin nesting gourds and learn how they can contribute to research by observing and recording observations on a weekly basis.
Bike-about Edgewater: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 5. Ride the paved path from Cow Creek Road north to the end and back. During this leisurely ride, participants will learn about different habitats and the organisms that live within them. Bring a bicycle and wear a helmet. Meet in the parking lot on Cow Creek Road, a quarter mile south of State Road 442 and a quarter mile east of I-95.
Eco-buggy tour of Lake George: 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 6. Explore pine flatwoods, cypress swamps and marsh during this riding tour of the Lake George Wildlife Management Area. Lake George has the second highest population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, so keep an eye on the sky. Meet at 998 Ninemile Point Road, Seville.
Volunteer and learn – Gopher tortoises: 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday, April 10. Celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day by volunteering and learning about this keystone species at the Marine Science Center’s turtle hospital, 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet. Volunteers will learn about the gopher tortoise before embarking on a mission to improve gopher tortoise habitats and perform maintenance and repairs on areas that house gopher tortoises that were rehabilitated and released from the Marine Science Center.
Spruce Creek Preserve hike: 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 13. Learn about the importance of estuaries while hiking through the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. Participants can try their hand at seine netting as they learn about fish, bird and plant identification. Wear closed toed shoes and meet at 3251 N. Dixie Highway, New Smyrna Beach.
Volunteer and learn – Spring break beach cleanup: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 22. Celebrate Earth Day by joining Volusia County’s environmental specialists for a beach cleanup. Volunteers will learn about plastics and microplastics and their impact on the environment. Meet at Tom Renick Park, 1565 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond-by-the-Sea.
St. Johns River Cleanup: 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23. Volunteers are needed to help clean the waterway and river basin. To register and view the starting points, visit www.volusia.org/cleanup.
Blue Spring paddle: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 27. Learn about local wildlife and history during a paddling trip near Blue Spring State Park. The group will paddle through history by taking old logging canals and paddling to the springhead. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at the end of West French Avenue, Orange City, about one mile past the Blue Spring State Park entrance.
Volunteer and learn – Trail marking: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 29. Celebrate Arbor Day by installing trail markers along Deep Creek Preserve’s white trail and learning about the important role trees play in the environment. Meet at Deep Creek Preserve, 946 State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach.
City Nature Challenge: April 29 to May 2. Collaboration meets friendly competition to see not only what can be accomplished when we work toward a common goal, but also which city can gather the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people in the event. To be a part of this fun challenge, download the iNaturalist app and take pictures of nature. Learn more at https://citynaturechallenge.org.
Participants should bring water and insect repellent and wear comfortable clothes and hiking or walking shoes.
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