LEC plans nature hikes, programs

Posted On: August 11, 2022

Discover Volusia County’s native plants and wildlife during outdoor hikes and indoor programs at Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC), 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.

The free programs will begin in the center’s classroom. Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. #21028.    

Here’s September’s lineup:

Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. Children ages 2 to 7 can take a short hike, make a take-home craft and listen to the book “Count Down to Fall.” Wear closed toe shoes, bring water and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails.

Ant lions: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. Did you know ant lions can spend several years in their larval state before becoming a flying insect? Also known as doodlebugs, ant lions are small but fierce predators of ants. Join LEC staff to learn more about these amazing insects and view their pit fall traps.

Critter corner: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4. Bring the family to the LEC discovery room to meet the center’s animal ambassadors. Trained staff will handle the animals and answer questions.

Saltwater tank feeding: 2:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4. Join employees at the saltwater aquarium as they feed the center’s marine animal ambassadors. Menu items include krill, seaweed and shrimp. Discover which critters enjoy that menu, their unique eating methods, and the important role each plays in the ecosystem.

Lyonia Photography Club: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. Lyonia Preserve has unlimited opportunities for photographing birds, reptiles and plants. Join volunteers from the West Volusia Audubon Society for this monthly program series, which includes classroom instruction and field opportunities to hone your photography skills. All skill levels are welcome. 

Reptile Bingo: 2:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. Bring the family to enjoy some friendly competition and learn about reptiles during a round of Reptile Bingo. Participants can meet some of LEC’s reptile ambassadors after the game.

Plants for Pollinators BioBlitz: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. The LEC will take part in the National Recreation and Park Association’s annual BioBlitz, a national campaign to raise awareness and involve the  community in the worldwide pollinator crisis. Learn how to use the iNaturalist app and help staff find 50 species in Lyonia Preserve. This program is recommended for ages 7 and older. Wear closed toe shoes, bring water and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails.
 

Waterscopes: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. Create a waterscope, which you can use to discover the world below the water’s surface. Staff will provide guidance and materials.

Nature branch weaving: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. Learn basic branch-weaving techniques during this outdoor class. This program is designed for families and children ages 5 and up. Space is limited.

Critter corner: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. Bring the family to the LEC discovery room to meet the center’s animal ambassadors. Trained staff will handle the animals and answer questions.

Aquarium scavenger hunt: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18. Using careful observation skills and drawings, explore the LEC’s aquarium habitats and the animals that live there. The person who makes the most discoveries will win a prize.

Walking sticks: 9:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. The southern two-striped walking stick is a master of chemical warfare. Learn about these amazing sharp shooters during a short walk in Lyonia Preserve.

Snake-o-rama scavenger hunt: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Learn about Florida’s venomous and non-venomous snake species as you search for clues revealing fun facts about these scaly, slithering creatures. Participants can also meet one of LEC’s snake animal ambassadors.

Nature explorers: 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 25. Enjoy some screen-free family time while exploring the natural world. Join staff on a tour of the LEC pollinator gardens and learn about the plants and pollinators that are visiting. Each participant will go home with a pollinator seed packet.

Water cycle bracelets: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. Children 5 and older and their families can learn about the water cycle while making a take-home bracelet in Lyonia Preserve’s outdoor pavilion.

Lyonia Environmental Center offers insights into Volusia County’s fragile ecosystems through hands-on displays and educational programs. It’s part of the Deltona Regional Library complex at 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

Learn what’s happening at the LEC at www.lyoniapreserve.com.