- December 8, 2025
The plant identification walk at the Environmental Discovery Center was well attended on Saturday. Photo by Jacque Estes
Volunteer Hanh Nguyen led more than 30 people of all ages on an hour and a half walk, identifying plants along the way. Photo by Jacque Estes
Henry Namdar and his mom Jessica check out a clipping of dog fennel. Photo by Jacque Estes
Participants were invited to pick a berry from the Simpson Stopper plant to taste. Photo by Jacque Estes
Volunteer and guide Hanh Nguyen points out some small flowering plants along Division Ave. Photo by Jacque Estes
Jayda Oyola, 7, snapped photos during the walk. Jayda came with her family from DeLand to visit cousins and to go on the walk. Photo by Jacque Estes
Campbell Adderley, 10, took notes at the butterfly garden. The home schooled student was there to enjoy, and as part of her studies. Photo by Jacque Estes
Guide Hanh Nguyen made sure everyone got to do more than look at the flora. Cutting were handed around for closer inspection. Photo by Jacque Estes
Nora Gradydon, 5, of Ormond Beach, studies a plant clipping held by Leah Davis, 7, also of Ormond Beach. Photo by Jacque Estes
Touching was encouraged on this walk and Leah Davis took the opportunity to check out plant leaves. Photo by Jacque Estes
A large crowd turned out for the Saturday event at the Environmental Discovery Center. Reservations are needed, especially for the indoor events. Photo by Jacque Estes
The crowd of people that followed volunteer Hanh Nguyen around the Environmental Discovery Center at Central Park on Saturday was almost as eclectic as the plants she was pointing out. Nguyen has been a volunteer at the center for the past year and a half.
The first stop, on the hour and a half tour, was at the butterfly garden and, as if on cue, butterflies began flitting behind Nguyen, as she talked about which plants attracts butterflies.
Ten-year-old Campbell Adderley looked the part of a student as she took notes throughout the tour. In fact, the home schooled student was on a studies field trip with her mom.
Jane and Jim Bounds were the first to arrive. The couple lives in Orlando but also own a home they rent in Ormond-by-the-Sea, and were looking forward to their first tour of the park.
“I receive their programs in my email,” Jane Bounds said. “I like to have something to do and to get outside.”
For her husband it was a chance to get away from everything. Something he described as “a complete life change.”
On this tour, participants are encouraged to smell, touch, and even taste the plants. The Simpson Stopper was one berried plant that Nguyen suggested they “taste” but not eat a lot. Another plant, the invasive Brazilian pepper often causes some gardeners to break out in a rash on their arms, not a big problem if you know dog fennel crushed up (never eaten) and rubbed on the rash will provide relief.
The programs are offered nearly every Saturday and cover a variety of subjects. More than 30 people showed up for this program, and since it was outside, there was no space issue. Had it been an inside event, those who had not preregistered would not have been able to attend due to space restrictions.
Events are advertised on the Ormond Beach Leisure Services website and in the calendar section of OrmondBeachObserver.com. Reservations for upcoming events can be made in person at the center (601 Division Ave.), or by calling the Leisure Services Department at 615-7081.
