District 6 Commissioner Nick Lovely celebrated the opening of the Dee Ranch Preserve in Deltona, Florida, during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. This new preserve, developed by Conservation Florida, transforms land previously designated for intense development back into natural habitats, promoting ecotourism in the area.

The preserve, which is open from dawn to dusk, offers a variety of trails for residents and visitors to explore. Commissioner Lovely highlighted the proximity of the preserve, noting it is just a seven-minute drive from his home. He emphasized the ecological significance of the area, which is home to several rare and threatened species.

In addition to the preserve's opening, plans for a new nature center funded by Volusia Echo Funds were announced. This center aims to further enhance Deltona's ecotourism appeal and provide educational opportunities about the local environment.

The preserve features diverse habitats, including scrub oaks and scrubby flatwoods, and efforts are underway to manage invasive species through partnerships with agricultural programs. Commissioner Lovely encouraged the community to visit the preserve, stating it offers something for everyone, from nature walks to wildlife observation.

Overall, the Dee Ranch Preserve represents a significant investment in conservation and community recreation, with future developments promising to enhance its role as a local ecological and educational resource.