Ready to explore Volusia County’s natural beauty with your family without spending a fortune or getting lost on the trails and waterways? Well, I’ve discovered the perfect solution right in our backyard—Explore Volusia programs!
Explore Volusia offers a variety of outdoor programs, from guided hikes and paddles to eco-buggy rides, making it easy and fun to learn about our local ecosystems. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or just looking for a relaxing day out in nature, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? These programs are either free or super affordable, so you can bring the whole family along without breaking the budget.
I started signing up for events with my kids, and now we’re hooked. Each outing is not only educational but also a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories.
Ready to find new places to explore in Volusia County? Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
- What is Explore Volusia?
- Why Participate in Explore Volusia Programs?
- Guided Paddle through Rivers and Bays
- Guided Hike through Local Trails
- Eco-buggy Fun through Volusia Woods and Scrub Lands
- Volunteer Walk and Weed
- Tips for a Good Explore Volusia Outing
- My Experience with Explore Volusia and Green Volusia Volunteers
- Time to Explore!
What is Explore Volusia?
To understand Explore Volusia, we first need to talk about Volusia Forever, which was established in 2000. Volusia County residents voted to tax themselves to protect the county’s ecosystems and renewed their commitment again in 2020. Since then, nearly 38,000 acres have been preserved.
Volusia Forever works to safeguard natural areas, ensure clean water, and maintain green spaces for future generations. Their goal is to conserve land, support healthy ecosystems, and offer opportunities for the public to explore and appreciate these protected spaces.
Explore Volusia is the hands-on side of this effort, designed to get people outside and connected to the local environment. With guided hikes, paddles, and other activities, residents can enjoy nature while learning about the importance of protecting it—all in a fun, engaging way.
Why Participate in Explore Volusia Programs?
Explore Volusia offers a unique chance to get out and experience our local ecosystems up close, all while having a great time. Whether you’re going solo or bringing along family and friends, it’s the perfect way to spend time together while deepening your connection to nature.
Best of all, these programs are either free or low-cost for county residents. Compared to similar activities offered by businesses, which can easily cost $35 or more, Explore Volusia is a budget-friendly option for enjoying the outdoors. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to inspire a love and respect for the environment in kids as they discover the importance of protecting our ecosystems and wildlife.
Guided Paddle through Rivers and Bays
If you enjoy paddling but need guidance or simply want a structured experience, a guided paddle with Explore Volusia is perfect.
Explore Volusia events do not provide gear. So make sure you bring paddling gear for yourself and your family:
- Canoe, kayak, paddleboard
- Paddles
- Life jacket/Personal flotation device
- Whistle
- Sun protection
- Proper clothing
All paddles are geared to the people who sign up. There are age restrictions, so make sure you read the event details carefully. If you have any questions, you can reach out to the organizer.t details carefully. If you have any questions, you can reach out to the organizer.
Guided Hike through Local Trails
Most people have been on a hike and feel pretty comfortable on the trails, but having a knowledgeable guide takes the hike to a whole new level. A guide will highlight many cool, engaging, and unique things you might overlook otherwise, from the threatened Florida scrub-jay, only found in Florida scrub habitats, to invasive plant species like the Florida holly (officially named the Brazilian pepper tree).
And, of course, a guide will answer all your questions.
There’s also something wonderful about being out in the woods with an expert. It can remove any nervousness or fear of hitting the trails.
Always check event details for age restrictions, necessary gear, and other important information.
If you are new to hiking in Florida, check out my post “Discover the Wild Side: A Guide to Hiking in Florida”.
Eco-buggy Fun through Volusia Woods and Scrub Lands
Riding on an eco-buggy is a great way to get out into the woods with a lot less effort. Although there will still be some walking, the eco-buggy does most of the hard work.
An eco-buggy is a covered trailer with benches that is pulled by a small truck or tractor. This makes it easier to cover more ground, see more interesting things, and learn more without all the hiking.
During your ride, you will make various stops to examine the area. Your guides will have magnifying glasses, microscopes, and other tools to help you take a closer look at the area’s plants and animals.
Volunteer Walk and Weed
This walk and weed program is part of Green Volusia Volunteers. Joining a Green Volusia Volunteer program is a great way to give back to your community while also enjoying a social atmosphere and a short walk.
During the program, you will learn about invasive plant species in the area and how to best remove them to minimize their spread.
There will be complimentary water or lemonade and bug spray.
These programs are generally open to all ages, but be sure to check event details for specific requirements.
Tips for a Good Explore Volusia Outing
After exploring with Explore Volusia for a while, I’ve picked up some tips to help you make the most of your outings.
- Sign up for this newsletter so you know what events will be offered and when registration opens.
- Follow Green Volusia on Eventbrite, where all events are shared, including Explore Volusia, Green Volusia Volunteers, and other programs
- Read the description carefully and pay close attention to:
- age restrictions
- activity
- what to bring
- If you have questions, reach out to Tommy Nordmann ( tn*******@vo*****.org ) or (386) 736-5927, ext. 12072.
- Sign up for the event!
Register Early!
Once you know you can attend an event, sign up right away. Do not wait. Many of the programs fill up quickly. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve found an event I’m interested in, and it’s already full. You can sign up for the waitlist if an event is at capacity.
Large Group?
Whether you have a large family or are planning to go with friends, you can all sign up under one name so you are all accounted for and no one gets left out. I once coordinated schedules with my homeschool group and then had everyone sign up separately, and it was a disaster. Some of us got spots, and the rest of us didn’t.
My Experience with Explore Volusia and Green Volusia Volunteers
It took me way too long to learn about Explore Volusia and Green Volusia Volunteers, but since we’ve started attending, my kids and I have had great experiences. So far, we have done a walk and weed and a guided paddle. We are also signed up for an upcoming eco-buggy.
After each event, my family also comes back with new knowledge. I have a 12- and 15-year-old, and they are hard to impress. They also know quite a bit, so to see them excited about an outing, telling others about the activities, or correcting me because of what they learned at an event (whoops) is quite impressive.
Time to Explore!
Check out Explore Volusia events on Eventbrite if you are ready to sign up for an activity.
Interested in learning more about our local ecosystem? Check out Lyonia Environmental Center and the Marine Science Center.