A lens into nature: Ormond Beach celebrates Earth Day at the EDC

The annual event featured a tree giveaway for residents.

By Suzanne McCarthy
| 1:00 p.m. April 25, 2023

Danny Young, a Leisure Services volunteer, Caleb Santos, 6, and Isaac Santos, 7 spot a rare bird. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Residents line up to receive a free tree, courtesy of the city. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Residents pick out a free tree at the EDC. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Volunteer Zachary Stohner helps with the Earth Day celebration. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Residents could receive a free tree during the Earth Day celebration. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Environmental exhibitors were on hand during the event. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Ormond Beach resident Jaree Hale checks out the UF IFAS Extension tent. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Jaree Hale, of Ormond Beach, speaks with UF IFAS Extension volunteer Elizabeth Milliken and Master Gardener Irene Herring. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Master Gardener Irene Herring. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Girl Scout Troop 731 Brownie Charlotte Bartlome, 8, and her mother Michelle Bartlome. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Carissa Memic, 13, and her father Mark Smith speak with Lindsey Bessent and Samuel Kegel, Florida Fire Service foresters. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Carissa Memic, 13, and her father Mark Smith. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Ormond Beach resident Sharon Mihahyak and Patrick Lanigan, of Zev Cohen and Associates, discuss the invasive Brazilian pepper plant problem. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Adalyn Steele, 8, checks items off her scavenger hunt list. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Families enjoy the inside of the EDC. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

A sign points to the tree giveaway drive-thru at the EDC. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Patrick Lanigan, of Zev Cohen and Associates. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Caleb Santos,6; and Isaac Santos, 7; listen as Danny Young, a Leisure Services volunteer, explains foraging. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Caleb Santos, 6; and Isaac Santos, 7; listen as Danny Young, a Leisure Services volunteer explains foraging. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Leisure Services volunteer Danny Young and Caleb Santos, 6. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Caleb Santos, 6, Isaac Santos, 7, and Leisure Services volunteer Danny Young. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Isaac Santos, 7, looks through a telescope. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

The city of Ormond Beach's celebrated Earth Day Environmental Discovery Center for the first time on Saturday, April 22, an event featuring a tree giveaway. Florida-friendly live oak, red maple, Dahoon holly and bald cypress trees were available for Ormond Beach residents.

Previously, Earth Day celebrations were held at City Hall.

Environmental exhibitors were on hand, including the Florida Native Plant Society, Florida Forest Service and University of Florida IFAS Extension Master Gardners to inform and engage the public. Visitors enjoyed guided nature tours through Central Park, classroom presentations discussing environmental issues as well as activities and games for kids.

Located at 601 Division Ave, the Environmental Discovery Center is a 2,000-square-foot educational facility designed to be a self-guided experience, giving visitors a close-up look at the diverse ecosystems of Ormond Beach. The center is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 pm.