VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Explore nature during the month of April through one of Explore Volusia’s outdoor adventures.
Take an eco-buggy tour or bike or hike through trails across Volusia County.
Registration is required for all events. Here is what’s happening in April:
Tracks, Scat, Skulls, and Bones Eco-Buggy Tour:
- Tuesday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Deep Creek Preserve, 964 S. SR-415 in New Smyrna Beach
Hop on the eco-buggy and discover how tracks, scat, and bones can be used to determine the presence of animals and to identify them. All ages are welcome and closed-toe shoes are required.
Carnivorous Plants Bike Ride:
- Friday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Longleaf Pine Preserve (east entrance), 4551 Pioneer Trail in New Smyrna Beach
Discover some of the many carnivorous plants that call Volusia County home during a leisurely bike ride on the dirt roads through Longleaf Pine Preserve. The ride will be approximately five miles round trip. Ages 10 and up are welcome and children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must bring their own bike, helmet and closed-toe shoes.
Sunset and S’mores Paddle:
- Tuesday, April 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 90 Divito Drive in New Smyrna Beach
Join Explore Volusia for a sunset paddle to the Turnbull Bay Canoe Campsite at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. Marshmallows will be provided for roasting around the campfire, but make sure to pack dinner. Following the campfire, a full moon will light the way on a paddle back to Divito Drive. Ages 10 and up are welcome and children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must provide their own watercraft (kayaks or canoes), personal flotation devices (PFDs), and whistles. PFDs must be worn while paddling.
Wildflowers Walk:
- Friday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Hickory Bluff Preserve, 598 Guise Road in Osteen
Join Explore Volusia for a hike, approximately two miles, through Hickory Bluff Preserve and discover many of the flowers native to Volusia County. Learn how to use ID guides and phone apps to help identify the flowers seen. All ages are welcome and children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes.
Lunch and Learn Eco-Buggy Tour:
- Tuesday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Longleaf Pine Preserve (west entrance), 3637 E. New York Avenue in DeLand
Tour the western side of Longleaf Pine Preserve on the eco-buggy. There will be a stop at the pavilion near the campsite to enjoy lunch and learn more about the Be Floridian Now and Green Volusia Volunteers programs. All ages are welcome and children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and bring lunch.
For more information, contact Explore Volusia environmental specialist Tommy Nordmann at tnordmann@volusia.org or 386-736-5927.