DELAND -- Before the lazy days of summer end, outdoor enthusiasts are invited to get out and enjoy Volusia County’s conservation lands during free outdoor adventures sponsored by Volusia County’s Land Acquisition and Management Division Aug. 14, Sept. 5; and Sept 18, said Shelley Szafraniec, a Volusia County spokeswoman.
● 9 - 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14: Longleaf Pine Preserve eco-buggy tour - Participants are invited to experience pine flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps on a riding tour with exploratory stops. For this outing, participants will meet at the service gate entrance on the north side of S.R. 44 (approximately 300 feet west of Pioneer Trail). Longleaf Pine Preserve consists of approximately 12,000 acres including several large and acquisitions purchased using funds from Volusia Forever and cooperative efforts with St. Johns River Water Management District, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the City of Port Orange.
● 9 - 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5: Hickory Bluff Preserve guided hike - Explore the jewel of Volusia County’s conservation lands. Hikers will experience diverse Florida habitats including pine flatwoods, xeric oak hammock, cypress dome and swamp, plus walk the shoreline of a natural piece of the St. Johns River. Hickory Bluff Preserve, 598 Guise Road, Osteen (off of Maytown Road), is 150 acres and was acquired by Volusia County Government using Volusia Forever funds, with the assistance of a grant from the Florida Communities Trust.
● 9 - 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18: Forestry tour of Lake George Wildlife Management Area - Take an eco-buggy tour and learn about land management and forestry practices of Lake George Wildlife Management Area. Stuart Jones, Volusia County Land Manager, will explain and demonstrate forestry and timbering goals, techniques and equipment, and the products produced from tree. Lake George flora and fauna also will be observed during this outing. The Lake George Forest and Wildlife Management area is 7,800 acres and was acquired in 1990 by Volusia County Government and the St. Johns Water Management District.
For all Land Acquisition and Management Division outings, space is limited and pre-registration is required as event locations may change due to weather or road conditions. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Bonnie Cary at (386) 736-5276 or bcary@co.volusia.fl.us.
For more information about Land Acquisition and Management’s Conservation Lands Outreach programs, please visit www.volusia.org/growth/outreach.htm.