Explore nature at the LEC

Posted On: January 10, 2022

Join Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC) staff for a variety of indoor programs and outdoor hikes in February.

Registration is required; call 386-789-7207, ext. #21028. Meet at the LEC, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.

February’s programs include:

Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5. Children ages 2 to 5 can take a short hike, make a take-home craft and listen to the book “Mouse’s First Valentine.”

“Life underground” hike: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5. The southeastern pocket gopher is quite at home in the Florida scrub. Search for these underground dwelling rodents on a guided hike in Lyonia Preserve and learn about their anatomy, diet and behavior.

“Winter wonders” hike: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 6. Look for animals and tracks during this exploratory hike into Lyonia Preserve.

Damsels and dragons: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6. Florida has over 100 species of dragonflies, sometimes referred to as the helicopters of the insect world. LEC staff will share information about these beneficial, real-life damsels and dragons. Participants can join virtually or in person for this classroom presentation. An online link will be provided.

“Hearts in nature” hike: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with nature as you look for heart-shaped items during this guided hike through Lyonia Preserve’s trails.

My scaly valentine: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. An alligator mother’s love for her babies is deep. Did you know baby alligators stay with their mothers for at least two years? Join LEC staff in the Discovery Room to learn more about this crocodilian species and meet the center’s other reptile animal ambassadors. This program is recommended for all ages.

Bald eagles: 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16. Once on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle has made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts. LEC staff will explain the steps that have been taken to protect this species. They will also discuss the anatomy, diet, breeding behavior and history of the national symbol of the United States. This program is recommended for families and children ages 7-12.

Lyonia hike and LEC tour: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19. Experience Florida’s unique scrub habitat on a guided hike in Lyonia Preserve as you learn about the animals and plants that call this desert-like environment home. Following the hike, the group will tour the LEC exhibit gallery to learn about the important role scrub habitat plays in recharging the Floridan aquifer.

Snakes of Florida: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19. Florida is home to 46 species of snakes, including six that are venomous. Stop by the LEC classroom to learn how to identify some of the commonly encountered species. Following the presentation, participants can meet the center’s native, nonvenomous snake ambassadors.

Blueberry hike: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 20. Lyonia Preserve is home to many types of native blueberry plants. See if you can spot some berries during this guided hike along the Blue Trail. If you wear something blue, your name will be entered into a prize drawing.

Fantastic flurries: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20. Snow falling is one of nature’s most beautiful events. Staff will share some fun facts about snowflakes as participants make several snow themed, take home crafts. Afterward, the group will play snowman bingo. This program is recommended for children ages 6 and up as well as adults.

“Once upon a time” hike: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26. Celebrate National Tell a Fairy Tale Day by taking a guided hike in Lyonia Preserve. The group will create a fairy tale that includes scrub jays, gopher tortoises and other animals found in scrub habitat. This program is recommended for families and children ages 6-12.

Upcycled butterfly wreath workshop: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26. Learn about local butterfly species and their host plants while creating a grapevine wreath that’s perfect for welcoming springtime. Staff will guide participants in making butterflies from upcycled magazine pages to adorn their wreaths. The cost is $5 per wreath; all materials will be provided.

Native plants and you: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 27. Native plants have many benefits for wildlife and humans. Pick up some tips on creating native gardens that will allow you to experience these benefits right outside your door or window. Participants will leave with a potted plant to get them started on their journey.

Critter crunch: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27. It's lunchtime at the LEC. Join staff at the saltwater aquarium for a feeding demonstration of marine animal ambassadors. Some of the menu items include krill, seaweed and shrimp. Discover which critters enjoy that menu, their unique eating methods, and the important role each plays in our ecosystem.

Scrub strolls: 9 to 10 a.m. every Friday in February. Volunteers will lead these exploratory hikes through Lyonia Preserve.
 

Participants are asked to practice social distancing. If you will be walking through Lyonia Preserve,

wear closed toe shoes, bring water and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails.

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