Outdoor Adventures Showcase Volusia’s Natural Treasures

Posted On: October 13, 2026

From paddles to eco-buggy 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.

Spruce Creek Mound Hike: 8:15 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 1755 Martin's Dairy Road, Port Orange. Join environmental specialists on a 2-mile hike and enjoy spectacular views of Spruce Creek. The group will discover the history of the Spruce Creek Mound and its significance to the people who once lived here. Ages 8 and older are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Spruce Creek Park Paddle: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Spruce Creek Park, 6250 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange. Discover native plants and wildlife during this group paddle among the mangrove islands near Strickland Bay. Bring your own watercraft or use one of Volusia County's single, sit-on-top kayaks without charge. Paddlers must wear a personal flotation device and carry a whistle. Ages 10 and older are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

Scrub Oak Preserve Hike: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Scrub Oak Preserve, 1495 McGregor Road, DeLand. Learn about the flora and fauna that live in this Florida scrub habitat and search for the resident Florida scrub jays, the only bird species endemic to Florida. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

St. Johns River Paddle: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Lemon Bluff Boat Ramp, 907 Lemon Bluff Road, Osteen. Volusia County environmental specialists will discuss the St. Johns River's history, plants and wildlife during this group paddle to Hickory Bluff Preserve and back. Bring your own watercraft or reserve one of Volusia County's single, sit-on-top kayaks at no charge. Paddlers must wear a personal flotation device and carry a whistle. Ages 10 and older are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

Longleaf Pine Eco-buggy Tours: 8:45 to 11 a.m. and 12:45 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Longleaf Pine Preserve East, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach. Environmental specialists will point out the native plants and animals coexisting in the pine flatwoods and cypress swamp ecosystems and explain how Volusia County Land Management staff maintains these beautiful places. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

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.