EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine November 2018 | Page 36

The Impact of
Ecotourism
V
& Activities
olusia County offers a diverse mix of natural areas.
Nature-Based
by Jacqueline Bodnar
“The County’s Environmental Management Division
From the many miles of beautiful, sandy, ocean-front sponsors numerous Explore Volusia programs to acquaint
beaches to the acres of woods teeming with trails, there residents and visitors with the County’s conservation lands
are plenty of opportunities to explore rivers, swamps, scrub and land management practices, including tours of our trails,”
habitat, and beyond. Whether you want to head out in a boat to explains Timothy Baylie, the recreation and culture director for
dive the artificial reefs, take in a dolphin seeking excursion, or Volusia County Parks.
rent a kayak to explore, there are lots of options to choose from.
Such activities have major economic influence on the state, as
well as right here in our county.
Ecotourism vs. Nature-Based
Nature-based activities are those that get people out in nature,
enjoying a wide variety of things, including jet skiing, boating,
charter fishing tours, and more. Ecotourism, on the other hand,
are those activities that come with interpretive education, so
participants gain an understanding of our local habitats and
conservation issues.
Both ecotourism and nature-based activities exist in the
county, and with the many natural opportunities the area has
to offer there is a lot of room for growth. Such activities add to
Biking/Walking Trail
The county currently has 38.7 miles of multi-use trails, with
the experience of those who visit the area, even if it wasn’t the an additional 21.2 miles under construction due to be completed
original purpose of the visit. this fall. The trails are part of the St. Johns River to Sea Loop
and the Coast-to-Coast Trail. These trails bring in tourists for
Local Planning
Volusia County has made strides in offering ecotourism
a variety of events. Bike Florida 2018, held in the spring, went
from Edgewater to Titusville and had a positive economic impact
opportunities. Some of the options for exploration include on the area, bringing in an estimated $887,000 into the local
Cracker Creek, the Great Florida Birding Trail, Lyonia economy, as 600 people participated. In addition, attendees spent
Environmental Center, Marine Discovery Center, and the an estimated $108,500 more on hotels, bars, restaurants, and
Environmental Discovery Center. The county also offers a variety attractions over the course of this annual event.
of ecotourism options each month, scheduling events such as eco-
The Coast-to-Coast will span 250 miles from St. Petersburg to
buggy rides in wooded areas, guided kayak paddles, and hikes Titusville when it is completed. Currently, it’s 80% finished and
through a variety of habitats. is expected to be completed within the next five years. There are
| 36 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE