Explore Volusia Offers Free Outdoor Adventures

Posted On: October 13, 2025

Learn about Volusia County's conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs in November. Volusia County's environmental specialists will lead a variety of outdoor adventures.

Reservations are required for all programs. Contact Tommy Nordmann at [email protected] or 386-943-7081, ext. 21266.

Spruce Creek Overlook Hike:8:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 1755 Martin's Dairy Road, New Smyrna Beach. Join this 2.5-mile hike, learn to identify native plants and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views of Spruce Creek from the bluffs above. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Hickory Bluff Hike:8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Hickory Bluff Preserve, 598 Guise Road, Osteen. This 1.5-mile hike will wind through a variety of habitats, including pine flatwoods and oak and palm hammocks. Hikers will also enjoy beautiful views of the St. Johns River and learn about the native plants and animals that live there. Ages 8 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get muddy and wet.

Spruce Creek Paddle:9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 2317 Creek Shore Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Paddlers will embark on a two-hour paddle through wetland marshes from Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. Along the way, the guide will identify the plants and animals that make the salt marsh habitat of Spruce Creek unique. Bring your own watercraft or use one of Volusia County's sit-on-top kayaks free of charge. Paddlers must bring a whistle and wear a personal flotation device and closed-toed shoes that can get wet. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Black Bear Lunch and Learn: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Longleaf Pine Preserve, 3637 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Hop on the eco-buggy with a Volusia County environmental specialist and a bear biologist from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. After a short walk from the parking lot to the eco-buggy, participants will take a riding tour of the preserve and then learn about Florida black bears while eating lunch at the campsite pavilion. All ages are welcome. Bring your lunch and wear closed-toe shoes.

St. Johns River Paddle: 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Lemon Bluff Boat Ramp, 907 Lemon Bluff Road, Osteen. Take a paddling trip along the St. Johns River to Hickory Bluff Preserve and back. Participants will learn about the river's history and what makes it unique. Bring your own watercraft or use one of Volusia County's sit-on-top kayaks free of charge. Paddlers must bring a whistle and wear a personal flotation device and closed-toed shoes that can get wet. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.