If you are a newcomer to the area, the northeast corner of Volusia County contains a magical pristine jewel that is known to longtime residents who have fought the battle to keep it preserved. There is a thirty-four-mile state and national scenic highway called the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail with four state parks, numerous city parks, and intriguing history. The locals came to call the road affectionately the “Loop”. If visiting the Loop, you will experience a diverse ecological area along the coast containing a beach, forest, river, and the Tomoka basin. Fishing, hiking, kayaking, bird watching, bicycling, swimming, and driving on the scenic road are some popular activities for tourists and locals. Over the course of many years, residents have shown up repeatedly to speak in support of land conservation and the attempt to reduce the damage done by development in the area. The most recent was in 2021 with the Defend the Loop campaign launched by Dream Green Volusia, a not-for-profit organization located in Volusia County. Dream Green Volusia initiated talks between the developer of Plantation Oaks and the County of Volusia concerning the buffer along the scenic road. Volusia County purchased approximately 36 acres along the road at Plantation Oaks on Old Dixie Highway. The Defend the Loop signs sprung up everywhere and were representative of support for protecting the area. It turns out the historic Old Kings Road ran through the land bordering the Plantation Oaks development. Deemed historic land, it qualified to be purchased by taxpayer ECHO funds to be placed in conservation. As a result, the future now holds a walking trail coming to the west side of Old Dixie Highway.

Today, the Defend the Loop campaign is striving for land conservation, litter control, underground utilities, addressing safety measures along A1A, and wildlife crossings in the mainland forest. The newest distribution of Defend the Loop signs supports the ReGrow the Loop pilot program Volusia County has started. The initiative was brought forward by Volusia County District 4 Representative, Troy Kent and resident Alan Burton. The goal is to restore native plants and remove invasive species through community engagement. Residents along the scenic highway will have opportunities to learn about the importance of native flora and fauna in the area. Attend a ReGrow the Loop workshop and receive a free native tree. The next workshop is “Inviting Wildlife, Pollinators, and Birds”, on Saturday, September 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Ormond Beach Public Library. For the full workshop schedule visit DreamGreenVolusia.com. 
So next time you are planning an outing, drive the Loop, the best kept secret in northeast Volusia County. The roads creating the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail are A1A, Granada Blvd., Beach St., Old Dixie Highway, Walter Boardman Lane, Highbridge Rd. and John Anderson Dr. There is so much more to explore. Nature and History do not disappoint. 
 
Suzanne Scheiber is a 36-year resident of Ormond Beach and founder of Dream Green Volusia. Visit: DreamGreenVolusia.com
Photo credits: Tree canopy, Suzanne Scheiber
Gopher Tortoise, Snowy Egret and White Ibis, Fairchild Oak, Alyssa Michaud Photography