 | ReGrow the Loop Garners Attention |
| The past year has been an exciting time for the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail. Since the implementation of Volusia County's ReGrow the Loop initiative last May, we have met regularly with other environmentally-concerned groups to discuss ways to help educate and involve the public in preserving our precious natural resources. Programming was created by each group to engage residents in learning about our native flora and fauna, and we're proud of the accomplishments that were realized when all of us focused on a singular issue. As part of the OSLT's education mission, we'd like to share a presentation about ReGrow the Loop that was made during the annual Florida Scenic Highway's meeting held in Mount Dora this past spring. Nancy Galdo, our Vice-Chair, and Kalan Taylor, the administer of the ReGrow the Loop program and Volusia County employee, were one of five presenters who outlined ways in which they are enhancing their scenic byways. The ReGrow the Loop presentation was very well received and many commented on the importance of preserving and re-foresting the tree canopies along their own roadways. | |  | A Fascinating Prescribed Burn |
| On Sunday, May 5th we were proud to sponsor a prescribed burn trail walk in Bulow Creek State Park as part of the ReGrow the Loop initiative. This was an amazing opportunity to learn all about the prescribed burn process and we thank Bulow Plantation Park Service Specialist Mark Adams and Todd Backhaus, "the Burn Boss," for making this event a very special experience. Upon arrival, Mark led the group down a trail to where Todd was waiting with two trucks and equipment to demonstrate how prescribed fires are started and controlled. Todd described the "prescription" for a successful burn, the types of burns, what time of year is best and why different types of burns are needed. He noted that burns are conducted in Bulow Creek only when there is a north wind so that the smoke will blow over the Tomoka basin and not into neighborhoods or the highway. Those who conduct these burns must be on standby for perfect conditions -- and even when conditions are perfect -- a sea breeze can come up in the afternoon and blow smoke into unwanted areas. Because of this, they try to finish up their burns by early afternoon. |  | Todd Backhaus, aka "the Burn Boss," demonstrating how prescribed burns are started with a drip torch. Upon igniting the fire, he quickly put it out with a "flapper," just one of many tools used during prescribed burns. "I'm not a firefighter," he joked, "I'm a fire lighter!" | Wildfires are a huge part of Florida's natural environmental process but with widespread development, prescribed burns are absolutely essential in keeping our local ecosystems healthy. We now have a greater understanding on what experienced professionals go through to help keep us safe and our natural areas healthy. It is something to both celebrate and applaud! | | Consider a Florida Road Trip! |
| Summer is here and though the weather may be hot, it's the perfect time to take a road trip! Did you know the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail is one of 27 Florida Scenic Highways in the State and one of only 6 that has National Byway designation as well? Many Floridians aren't really aware of these celebrated roadways and the wonderful cultural, recreational and, of course, scenic opportunities they offer. We'd like to highlight these special highways that, like the Loop, any Floridian with a car can travel to and enjoy! |  | | |  | Experiencing a New Nature Trail |
| On Saturday May 11th the OSLT sponsored a nature walk through the newly established Volusia County nature trail along the west side of Old Dixie Highway near Plantation Oaks Blvd. Naturalist and photographer Paul Rebmann led us through a canopy of old oaks, palm trees and palmetto scrub, pointing out the many native plants that could be seen from the path. False indigo, rusty lyonia, coral bean, grape vines, coontie ferns, string ferns, Spanish moss and air plants were just a few of the native species he identified. For those who would also like to explore this new trail, it runs in a south to north direction and the total, round-trip length is about two miles. Paul Rebmann is a Florida Master Naturalist and nature photographer who has lived in Ormond by the Sea for the past 28 years. He is a longtime member of both Halifax River Audubon and the Florida Native Plant Society, and he currently serves on the board of the Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park. Paul's photography has appeared in several field guides and periodicals such as Backpacker magazine and many of his images can be purchased online in various formats at paul-rebmann.pixels.com. He also maintains the website wildflphoto.com with photographs and information about more than 960 Florida plant species and nearly 550 animals. |
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 | | We are happy to share that Lagerheads, the casual beachside pub and grill located along AIA in Ormond by the Sea, recently became a sponsor of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail. Sponsorships are a great way for local businesses to promote their offerings as they support us in our efforts to educate the community about the Loop. Lagerheads is pet friendly and is known for its beautiful ocean views and cool breezes. Featuring nightly live music, they are open for lunch, dinner, and breakfasts on the weekends. Check out their website below for their business hours, menu and more information! | | |
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| New! | | Thank you to the Ormond Beach Historical Society for offering to sell OSLT merchandise in their historic MacDonald House gift shop. Thanks also to OSLT Board member Gayle Woodley for making this collaboration possible! | | |
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Our June Meeting - You're Invited! |
| Wednesday, June 26th; 5:30 pm
Ormond Beach Public Library, Sandpiper Room
30 South Beach Street
Ormond Beach FL 32174 Doors open at 5 pm and the meetings starts at 5:30. |
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To Attend Remotely: For those attending remotely, please sign on 15 minutes early. We have had some audio difficulty getting everyone online so our Team will be working out any technical difficulty before the 5:30 meeting starts. |
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The Mission of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail Byway organization is to protect and enhance the Loop by serving as a focused source of education, community outreach and enhancements projects consistent with our volunteer resources and guidelines of the Florida Scenic Highway and National Scenic Byway programs. |
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Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail Corridor Management Entity, Inc. |
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