Outdoor Adventures Showcase Volusia’s Natural Treasures

Posted On: August 10, 2026

From paddles to biking adventures, Volusia County's Explore Volusia programs offer residents a front-row seat to the county's most stunning natural landscapes. Environmental specialists will guide participants through unique outdoor adventures across conservation lands - all at no cost.

Hickory Bluff Hike: 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Hickory Bluff Preserve, 598 Guise Road, Osteen. This 1.5-mile hike will take participants through a variety of habitats including pine flatwoods and oak and palm hammocks. Participants will see beautiful views of the St. Johns River and learn about the native plants and animals that live there. Ages 8 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get muddy and wet.

Lake George Eco-buggy Tours: 8:45 to 11 a.m. and 12:45 to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Lake George Forest and Wildlife Management Area, 998 Ninemile Point Road, Pierson. Join environmental specialists for one of two riding tours through this popular conservation area. Learn about recreation opportunities, habitat restoration and management practices and be on the lookout for bald eagles and other wildlife. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Morning Mangrove Paddle: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Spruce Creek Park, 6171 Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange. Look for dolphins, manatees, and wading birds during this paddle through the mangroves and bays at Spruce Creek Park. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County's single, sit-on-top kayaks at no charge. Paddlers must wear a personal flotation device and whistle. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

Gemini Springs Bike and Hike: 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary. Enjoy a four-mile round-trip bike ride on the paved Spring-to-Spring Trail from Gemini Springs Park to the Gemini Springs Conservation Area. Here, participants will park their bikes and take a guided 1.6-mile hike through the conservation area, identifying native plants and animals in this wetland habitat. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get muddy and wet.

Pine Lily Eco-buggy Tours: 8:45 to 11 a.m. and 12:45 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Longleaf Pine Preserve East, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Explore the pine flatwoods and cypress swamps of Longleaf Pine Preserve on the Explore Volusia eco-buggy and help environmental specialists locate the native pine lily flower. Participants will learn how Volusia County Land Management maintains these important ecosystems for pine lilies and other native plants and animals. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

St. Johns River Paddle: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Lemon Bluff Boat Ramp, 907 Lemon Bluff Road, Osteen. Volusia County environmental specialists will lead participants down the St. Johns River to Hickory Bluff Preserve. Participants will learn about the history of the river and the plants and wildlife that make it such a unique ecosystem. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or reserve one of Volusia County's single, sit-on-top kayaks at no charge. They must wear a personal flotation device and whistle. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

Spruce Creek Paddle: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Kaye access to Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 2317 Creek Shore Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Join Volusia County environmental specialists for a two-hour paddle through the wetland marshes of Spruce Creek. Participants will launch from Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve and paddle up Spruce Creek, identifying the plants and animals that make the salt marsh habitat unique. Paddlers may bring their own watercraft or use one of Volusia County's sit-on-top kayaks free of charge. They must wear a personal flotation device and whistle. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

Reservations are required for all programs. To register, search for Explore Volusia on Eventbrite or contact Tommy Nordmann at [email protected] or 386-943-7081, ext. 21266.