- January 27, 2026
Now in its third year, the ReGrow the Loop initiative is preparing to host 16 events, all aimed at educating residents on how conservation and community involvement go hand-in-hand.
The initiative was first launched by Volusia County in June 2023 with the mission to restore and enhance the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail through education efforts on invasive plant species, native vegetation and sustainable environmental practices. The program was then expanded to include countywide events under ReGrow Volusia.
Like last year, the OSLT volunteers are leading the initiative.
"I really feel like we're all dedicated to it and doing our very best to educate the community in important environmental issues, about gardening practices, and also about the actual environment and what we have here that's so very special," said Nancy Galdo, vice chair of the OSLT.
ReGrow the Loop 2026's first event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ormond Beach Regional Library, located at 30 S. Beach St. Jennifer Winters, a protected species activity manager with Volusia County, will host a presentation titled "Protected Habitats and Species along the Loop."
In addition to Winters, the presentation will feature Allie Bernstein with the Marine Science Center, Joan Tague, with the Halifax River Audubon, and Terran McGinnis with Florida Fish and Wildlife, who will speak about right whales.
Winters said ReGrow the Loop and ReGrow Volusia help to bring people together to further conservation efforts.
"We all are a part of this community and a part of this habitat and there are small things that everyone can do," Winters said. "The more we know about our native wildlife, the better off we can all live harmoniously."
As a local who was born and raised in Volusia County, Winters said she's always learned something new during a ReGrow the Loop event. So the programs, she said, benefit new and longtime residents alike.
In addition to the Ormond Beach events, ReGrow Volusia will also host events in different centers, including the Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona, the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet and the Piggotte Community Center in South Daytona.
Galdo said this year's initiative is focusing on trees and invasive plants — particularly the Brazilian pepper, most easily identified by its bright red berries. The tree was brought to Florida in the mid-1800s for use as an ornamental plant, according to the National Park Service.
"It's always a problem, but it's getting worse," Galdo said. "We're dedicated this year to try to do something about it."
Ormond Beach Environmental Improvement Officer Laura Ureta will host a presentation at 10 a.m. on May 9 at the Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., on invasive plants.
To encourage the planting of native trees, the OSLT is partnering with Volusia County and the City of Ormond Beach for a tree giveaway in honor of Earth Day, to be held at the EDC as well. The giveaway will happen on April 18.
Last year, 500 trees were distributed at the event.
For a full list of ReGrow the Loop/ReGrow Volusia events, visit https://bit.ly/3LDCav0.
