The mural, painted by West Volusia Artists, is dedicated to the local people of DeLand and West Volusia Audubon Society. Visitors to downtown DeLand’s Artisan Alley are now treated to a giant, colorful mural of one of the Sunshine State’s most iconic birds: the Florida Scrub-Jay. What is a Florida Scrub-Jay? Florida Scrub-Jays are the only bird species endemic to Florida, meaning they live here and only here. They depend on oak-scrub habitat to survive, but only 15% of this special landscape type remains. It’s no surprise then, that their populations have declined by 90% since 1900, and they are listed as federally threatened. What is the Audubon Mural Project? This special DeLand painting is part of the Audubon Mural Project , a public art initiative responsible for 142 murals across the country. Where Can You See a Florida Scrub-Jay? If you’re near DeLand, head to Lyonia Preserve in Volusia County. The 360-acre preserve, owned by Volusia County, includes hiking trails and a nature center.…