Volusia County, FL — Winding through ancient oaks, coastal marshes, and historic landmarks, the Ormond Scenic Loop is more than just a road—it’s a living tapestry of Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. Stretching 34 miles through Volusia County, this nationally designated scenic highway offers a rare blend of biodiversity, tranquility, and history. But today, this beloved corridor faces an existential threat.
Over the past decade, the Loop has become a battleground between conservationists and developers. While many see its untouched beauty as a priceless asset, others view it as prime real estate ripe for exploitation. The encroachment of high-density development has sparked alarm among residents, environmentalists, and local leaders who fear irreversible damage to the region’s fragile ecosystems.
🌿 A Grassroots Guardian: Dream Green Volusia
At the heart of the resistance stands Dream Green Volusia, a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental advocacy and action. For years, they’ve led the Defend the Loop campaign—a passionate, community-driven effort to protect the Loop’s unique resources from overdevelopment.
“Our mission is simple,” says Suzanne Scheiber, founder of Dream Green Volusia. “We want to preserve the Loop for future generations. That means protecting its wildlife, its water, its trees, and its story.”
The campaign has gained momentum through public education, strategic partnerships, and a powerful petition hosted on Change.org. . By signing, supporters voice their commitment to three key goals:
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Land Conservation: Prioritizing the purchase and protection of remaining private properties through a ‘willing sellers’ program.
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Buffer Zones: Enforcing a minimum 200-foot buffer between new developments and the Loop to safeguard its ecological integrity.
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Low Impact Development (LID): Ensuring that any new construction adheres to environmentally sensitive practices, including density restrictions and sustainable design.
These measures aim to strike a balance between growth and preservation—allowing Volusia County to evolve without sacrificing its natural treasures.
🦉 A Sanctuary Under Siege
The Loop is home to a stunning array of wildlife, including several endangered species. Its wetlands and forests serve as critical habitats for birds, turtles, and other native fauna. The area also holds deep historical significance, with roots tracing back to early settlers and indigenous communities.
Yet, each new development chips away at this legacy. Clear-cutting, runoff pollution, and traffic congestion threaten to transform the Loop from a sanctuary into a suburb.
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” warns Scheiber. “You can’t rebuild an ecosystem. You can’t recreate centuries of history.”
📣 Mobilizing the Community
Dream Green Volusia’s campaign is as much about people as it is about place. Through workshops, social media outreach, and community events, they’ve galvanized residents to take action. Volunteers have organized cleanups, planted native species, and lobbied local officials to adopt more sustainable policies.
The organization’s website, DreamGreenVolusia.com, serves as a hub for information, updates, and opportunities to get involved. Visitors can learn about upcoming projects, donate, or connect with fellow advocates. Dream Green Volusia is also active on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where they share stories, victories, and calls to action.
📞 How to Help
Supporters are encouraged to sign the petition on Change.org and spread the word. Importantly, Dream Green Volusia reminds participants that financial contributions to Change.org do not benefit the Defend the Loop campaign directly.
For those who want to do more, reaching out to Dream Green Volusia is easy. Suzanne Scheiber welcomes calls at 386-212-7721 and is eager to connect with anyone passionate about protecting Volusia County’s natural heritage.
🌎 A Road Worth Defending
The Ormond Scenic Loop is more than a scenic drive—it’s a symbol of what makes Volusia County special. In an age of rapid development, preserving spaces like the Loop is a testament to our values and vision for the future.
Thanks to Dream Green Volusia and its tireless supporters, the fight to defend the Loop continues—with hope, determination, and the belief that nature deserves a voice.
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