LEC plans nature hikes, programs

Posted On: December 13, 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 January’s lineup:

Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. Children ages 2 to 7 can take a short hike, make a take-home craft and listen to the book “Mice on Ice.”

Environmental Earth Keepers (EEK): 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. Children ages 6 to 12 can learn about manatees. Activities will include a lesson, craft and outdoor experience. Wear closed toe shoes.

Legends of nature hike: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Enjoy stories passed down through generations about the plants that grow in Florida. Discover how Spanish moss was used, how longleaf pines became so valuable, and other interesting historic plant uses. Hikers will collect fallen leaves for a take-home craft project.

Cloud science: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Learn about the types of clouds and how important they are. Staff will also share some fun cloud facts. Kids of all ages can make a “cloud in a jar” to take home.

Wildlife encounter: 3 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11.  Visit the LEC for a meet and greet with one of the center’s resident animal ambassadors. Learn what its life is like at the center and how that animal survives in its natural habitat. 

Lyonia Photography Club: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. Lyonia Preserve has unlimited opportunities for photographing birds, reptiles and plants. Join volunteers from West Volusia Audubon Society for this monthly program series, which includes in-class instruction and field opportunities to hone your skills. All skill levels are welcome.

Walk your way to better health: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. Walking has many health benefits and helps reduce stress. Learn about Florida’s unique scrub habitat during this guided hike through Lyonia Preserve.

Winter treasures scavenger hunt: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 15. Learn about geocaching as LEC staff leads a scavenger hunt in Lyonia Preserve. This program is recommended for beginners ages 10 and up.

Sunset over Lyonia hike: 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19. LEC staff will lead this relaxing hike into Lyonia Preserve, where participants can enjoy a picturesque sunset.

Nature film: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 21. Watch BBC’s documentary “Life in Cold Blood: Sophisticated Serpents.” David Attenborough will examine the lives of snakes and explain how their simplistic body design has contributed to their success. The Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will serve free popcorn.

Conservation bingo: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. Bring the family to play a game of bingo and learn about sustainable options to live a greener lifestyle. Each participant will take home a reusable bag and metal straw.

Wildlife encounter: 11 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 22. Stop by the LEC’s discovery room for a meet and greet with one of the center’s resident animal ambassadors.

Springs and manatees: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22. Enjoy exploring Central Florida’s springs through a narrated presentation by nature enthusiast and LEC volunteer Joan Ferrell. She will share stories and breathtaking pictures of wildlife including Florida’s state marine mammal, the manatee.

Star party: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26. Derek Demeter, director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, will host an evening of stargazing. Participants can view the night sky through a telescope and take a laser guided tour of the constellations.  

Winter in the scrub hike: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Enjoy the cool winter air during this guided hike through Lyonia Preserve. Afterward, the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will serve hot chocolate.

All that slithers: 11:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Learn how to identify the four venomous snake species that can be found in Volusia County. Staff will explain basic snake anatomy and diet and introduce participants to one of the center’s nonvenomous snakes.

Winter nature journaling: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. Unwind, mingle and record observations in Lyonia Preserve. Bring a notebook and let your creativity flow.

Fish and turtle feeding: 2:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. Watch LEC staff feed the freshwater fish and turtles in the discovery room. Menu items include greens, waxworms and shrimp.

Wildlife Wednesday walks: 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday in January. Volunteers will lead these exploratory hikes through Lyonia Preserve.

If you will be walking through Lyonia Preserve, wear closed toe shoes, bring water and be prepared to hike on sugar sand trails.

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.