DEBARY, Fla. — DeBary Hall Historic Site is hosting a series of community programs and family activities throughout October.
The monthly lineup features outdoor recreation and educational presentations covering local history, ecology, and practical skills. Guest speakers for the program series include museum curators, state wildlife biologists, and master gardeners.
The programming begins with a Historic Bike Ride at 9 am Friday, Oct. 2. The nine-mile guided tour leads cyclists from DeBary Hall Historic Site to Lake Monroe Park and back. Participants will learn about the area’s history, including early Native American inhabitants and the development of Gemini Springs Park. Riders must bring their own bicycle and helmet, and children over age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Advance reservations are required; call 386-668-3840.
At 1 pm Saturday, Oct. 3, the venue will host a presentation titled “Truly Off the Beaten Path in Northeast Florida.” Zach Zacharias, senior curator of education and history curator at the Museum of Arts & Sciences, will describe natural wonders, scenic drives, and historical locations within a two-hour drive of Daytona Beach. Highlights include Bio Lab Road, 9-Mile Road, and Fort King National Landmark. The talk is part of the Lemonade Lectures series, which includes complimentary lemonade and light refreshments.
A guided bird walk called “Wing it Wednesday” is scheduled for 8:30 am Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Lake Monroe Park. Staff from DeBary Hall will lead attendees while teaching park history, cultural significance, and live bird identification by sight and sound. Attendees can watch for species including the tufted titmouse, barred owl, and northern mockingbird. Participants should meet in the far-left parking lot of Lake Monroe Park, located at 975 U.S. Highway 17-92 in DeBary, near the trail entrance.
An Upcycled Gardening Lunch & Learn workshop is set for 11:30 am on Thursday, Oct. 8. Sarah Palvelchak, a certified Master Gardener, will present creative methods for reusing everyday household items in garden settings to save money and reduce waste. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch and gardening questions to the discussion.
Line dancing lessons will take place at 5:30 pm on Thursday, Oct. 15, and Thursday, Oct. 29. DeBary Hall staff will teach beginner line dances set to various genres of music for $5 per class. Additionally, a free story time program called Kids Corner will take place at 9:30 am on Friday, Oct. 16, and Friday, Oct. 30, featuring stories, songs, and activities designed for preschoolers and open to children of all ages.
A presentation on state wildlife is scheduled for 1 pm Saturday, Oct. 24. Olivia Williams, a bear biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will discuss black bear biology, behavior, management challenges, and how to coexist safely with wildlife. The event is part of the Lemonade Lectures series and includes light refreshments and lemonade.
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