LEC plans virtual nature programs

Posted On: August 30, 2021

Join Lyonia Environmental Center staff for a series of virtual programs that focus on Volusia County’s native plants and wildlife.

Registration is required; call 386-789-7207, ext. #21028. An online link will be provided for virtual programs.

Fabulous feathers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4. Feathers are for much more than flying. They give birds their beautiful colors, provide warmth and can even help attract a mate. Learn about the intricate design of feather structure and function and follow along with staff to make feathers from paper.

Scratching the surface: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4. Have you experienced the irritating itch of a chigger bite? Learn about these small creatures that pack a punch. LEC staff will discuss chigger anatomy, their role in nature, and bite prevention and relief.

Learn how to track animals: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5. Animal droppings are a great clue to determining which animals live in an area. Listen to a story about how to track animals by their scat, tracks and more. Get an up close look at some of our scat and track replicas, and learn some fun and interesting facts. This program is designed for children ages 7-12.

Lionfish: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Lionfish are native to the Indo-Pacific, but are now

established in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Learn how divers are combating this invasive species and ways the rest of us can help without even getting in the water.

Bobcats and panthers: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Lauren Barth of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will share fun facts about these native members of the feline family. She will explain where the big cats are found, their biology, their role in the environment, and how to tell them apart. She will also discuss potential problems, including livestock and pet loss, and provide details on how to prevent conflicts so that we may coexist with these remarkable animals.

Create a wildlife habitat: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12. Learn how to create a wildlife haven in your backyard or on your balcony, no matter how big or small your space is. LEC staff will explain how to attract birds to your space with the right plants, food and shelter. They will also share tips on identifying your visitors.

Video game animals:1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12. Did you know the characters from some popular video games were designed using real life animals? Join LEC staff for a fun glimpse into some of these inspirational critters, including how they defend themselves, what they eat and where they live.

Florida mollusk mania: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. The empty shells we see on the beach were once the home of living creatures. LEC staff will explain the differences among aquatic gastropods, bivalves and cephalopods. Participants can share photos of their own shells as the group learns how to identify some of the common species found on Florida beaches.

Photosynthesis: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Learn why leaves change colors in the fall and follow along as staff demonstrates how to make a leaf rubbing.

Owl pellet discovery lab: 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22. Children ages 7 and up can learn about the unique adaptations that help owls capture their prey and survive the night life. While dissecting an owl pellet, staff will discuss the birds’ silent hunting methods and what they eat.

Right plant, right place: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. Learn about Florida friendly gardening, which conserves water and lessens our impact on the environment. After the program, one participant will win a 30-gallon rain barrel.

Sandhill cranes: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. These amazing birds can stand 4 feet tall and have a wing span up to 6 feet wide. Their unique call can be heard almost a mile away. Learn where they live and how we can share the environment with these beautiful birds.

Learn about other upcoming events at www.lyoniapreserve.com.