DeLand, FL - If you're looking for something to do outdoors and want to get a better look at our environment, sign up for one or more of the Explore Volusia programs. During the month of November, environmental specialists will lead nature hikes, a bike-about, paddling trips, and eco-buggy rides.
You do have to pre-register for the programs and each is limited to eight persons in order to follow CDC social distancing guidelines.
Registration must be done at least 48 hours in advance of the chosen program. Registration is done by calling 386-736-5927.
Here's the list of events for November and you can find them every month at volusia.org
Callalisa Creek paddle: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Enjoy a backwater paddle through a maze of mangroves. Participants will navigate oyster beds, learn about mosquito canals, and see a variety of birds. Bring a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at Callalisa Park, 598 S. Peninsula Ave., New Smyrna Beach.
Lyonia Preserve hike: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9. Learn about the endangered Florida scrub habitat, land management practices, and prescribed burns during this guided hike. Experience the flora and fauna of the scrub and meet Lyonia’s most precious resident, the Florida scrub-jay. Meet at 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.
Lake Woodruff guided hike: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10. Walk through the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge as you learn about the refuge’s 22,000-acre habitat and discover diverse wildlife. Discuss ways to be snake-safe in the field and how snakes play a vital role in the sustainability of an ecosystem. Meet at 2045 Mud Lake Road, DeLeon Springs.
Lake George eco-buggy tour: 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Explore pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and marsh during this eco-buggy tour. Lake George has the second-highest population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, so participants may see one. Meet at 998 Ninemile Point Road, Seville.
Spruce Creek paddle: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. Learn about estuary and marsh ecosystems and the biodiversity of these important habitats. Bring a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 2317 Creek Shore Trail, New Smyrna Beach.
Multiple activity eco-adventure: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Bike, hike, swim, and test your local environmental knowledge during this outdoor adventure. Participants will ride their bikes on the Spring-to-Spring Trail along Grand Avenue, hike a portion of the trail at DeLeon Springs State Park, and cool off with a snorkel/swim in DeLeon Springs. The park will charge its regular admission fee. Bring a bicycle, helmet, and snorkel mask. Meet at 1991 W. Plymouth Ave., DeLand.
Deep Creek eco-buggy tour: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Take a riding tour of this 8,000-acre natural and agricultural land to learn about important plant communities. Participants may get a close-up view of carnivorous plants and the rare Sherman’s fox squirrel. Meet at 964 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach.
Longleaf bike-about: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24. Learn about the plants and animals of the wetland during this leisurely ride through Longleaf Pine Preserve’s flatwoods, cypress domes, and swamps. Bring a bike and helmet and meet at the preserve’s east entrance, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach.
Participants should bring water and insect repellent. They should wear comfortable clothes and hiking or walking shoes.
