Issue No. 21/November 2024

ReGrow the Loop Returns in 2025

Last year, the OSLT participated in an exciting initiative organized by Volusia County, ReGrow the Loop. This highly successful program was supported by the City of Ormond Beach and a number of local non-profits including UF/IFAS, Pawpaw Native Plant Society, Halifax Audubon Society, Dream Green Volusia, Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail and Tomoka State Park. ReGrow the Loop presented a variety of educational programs and events between January-May 2024. The program garnered a lot of public attention and we are excited to share that there is a 2025 ReGrow the Loop program in the works for next year. While still in the planning stages, and with a few changes, this initiative will offer the residents of Volusia County a wealth of information through educational activities. Once the event calendar is complete, we will be sure to let you know!

Components of the 2024 ReGrow the Loop Program

Regenerate plant coverage by increasing the number of plants/trees along the loop using the right plant, right place principle and providing (1) one tree to households.

Elevate awareness of the ReGrow the Loop initiative via mass media.
Gather community at monthly educational activities with topics specific to flora and fauna along the loop with an emphasis on what can be done to help them both flourish.
Reclaim the Loop from invasive plant species through education and volunteer removal events/ activities.
Offer a ReGrow the Loop pledge where residents can commit to adopting practices that will sustain the loop and be recognized for their commitment.
Work to attract more wildlife and pollinators along the Loop by providing resources on landscaping for wildlife.

,Robert Harrison: Senior Maintenance employee, Volusia County Parks and Recreation at the kiosk in Bicentennial Park

New Informative Kiosks on the Loop

We're pleased to announce that new visitor information has been added to two kiosks along the Loop! At Highbridge Park one side of the kiosk by the boat ramp now includes a map of the Loop and a poster highlighting Florida native plants and animals. At the Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park on A1A, on the trail side of the kiosk, there is wonderful information about sea turtles, along with Loop highlights and a map. Our thanks to the Volusia County Department of Parks and Recreation for allowing us to display these posters and for assisting us with their installation.

Shoring Up A1A

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun work in preparation for the installation of secant sea walls along A1A in North Peninsula State Park and Ormond By The Sea. Road crews are clearing vegetation and removing boulders along the east side of the road to ready the area for drilling and the placement of the walls. This is a primary concern for FDOT as A1A is a major evacuation route and must be protected from future erosion. The above photo was taken from the beach and shows boulders being removed - and the dune flattened and expanded to allow for heavy machinery. Drills to install the secant wall are now in place on A1A north of Highbridge and in the mid-Ormond by the Sea area. Look for updates about this construction on the our Facebook page or visit FDOT's website: CLICK HERE

Additional sand is dumped on the beach side of the dune, providing added land mass and support for the large equipment needed to install the secant sea walls.

Community Fun at Riverfest!

The Riverfest Seafood Festival, held at The Casements this past weekend, was a lot of fun and the perfect opportunity to share our enthusiasm for the Loop with both children and adults. Delicious fresh seafood, live music, kiddie games and gorgeous 76 degree weather ensured that a fabulous time was had by all!

Children loved "fishing" at the OSLT booth. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who helped make our experience at Riverfest so rewarding - we appreciate your energy and time!

Our November Meeting

Wednesday, November 20th

5:30 pm

Ormond Beach Public Library

Sandpiper Room
30 South Beach Street
Ormond Beach, FL

*Doors open at 4 pm.

To Attend Remotely:

For those attendlng 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 problems before the 5:30 meeting starts.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 223 439 347 037

Passcode: iJbZAq

Dial in by phone

+1 850-739-5589,,623868788# United States, Tallahassee

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 623 868 788#

Join on a video conferencing device

Tenant key: 11384774@t.plcm.vc

Video ID: 113 644 915 4

More info

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.