LEC plans nature hikes, indoor programs

Posted On: January 24, 2023

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 February’s lineup:

Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Children ages 2 to 7 can take a short hike, make a take-home craft and listen to the book “Hibernation Station.”

Upcycled card craft: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 4. Use upcycled materials and items found in nature to create several unique Valentine’s Day cards. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring items from home if you’d like to add personal touches to your creations. This program is designed for all ages.

Environmental Earth Keepers (EEK): 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Children ages 6 to 12 can learn about Florida scrub jays. Activities will include a lesson, craft and outdoor experience.

Birds, bagels and brew hike: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Join LEC staff in the Lyonia Preserve pavilion for bagels and coffee provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. Staff will share birdwatching tips and discuss the Project FeederWatch bird monitoring program. Afterward, the group will venture out on the trails to observe some birds and submit their findings.

Sunday Funday: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Children 5 and older and their families are invited to meet in the Lyonia Preserve pavilion to learn what journey sticks are and make one from items found in nature.

Preparing your garden for spring: 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8. It’s time to cultivate your green thumb. Learn how to get your garden ready for the growing season. Attendees will receive a free native plant from the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center.

Wildlife encounter: 3 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8. Stop by the LEC’s discovery room for a meet and greet with one of the center’s resident animal ambassadors.

Heart science: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12. Get ready for Valentine’s Day by conducting fun experiments with candy instead of eating it. This program is recommended for inquisitive kids of all ages.

Nature at night: Trail talk: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16. Join Maggie Ardito, president of River-to-Sea Loop Alliance, for an update on what’s happening with Volusia County’s trails. After the discussion, the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will provide pizza and non-alcoholic beverages.

Lyonia Photography Club: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. 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. This month, a staff member from the Explore Volusia program will lead a hike through the preserve and discuss the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Nature homes hike: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Search for animal homes along the trails of Lyonia Preserve. The 360-acre preserve is home to numerous nests, spider webs and burrows.

Ectothermic adventures: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Learn about reptiles and how they stay warm in the winter during this indoor adventure. Meet some of the LEC reptile ambassadors and conduct a fun experiment to learn more about how these cold-blooded creatures gain and disperse body heat. This program is suggested for ages 6 and up.

Nature art hike: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. Focus on shapes and textures found in nature during this hike through Lyonia Preserve. After the hike, participants will use natural materials to create nature prints to take home. 

Nature’s ninjas: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. Can you walk through the woods without being detected? Discover how animals use different skills to escape from predators and capture their prey.

Cleaning Volusia: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Environmental Specialist Sondra McCulloch will share information about common household hazardous materials and explain the best way to remove them from your home. She will also discuss the upcoming St. Johns River Cleanup and Volusia County’s derelict boat removal program.

Saltwater tank feeing: 9 to 9:30 a.m. and 3 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Watch LEC staff and volunteers feed marine animals in a 400-gallon saltwater aquarium. Kids of all ages can enjoy a touch tank experience with a sea cucumber, sea star and sea urchin.

Heart health hike: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. Get your heart pumping as you hit the trails of Lyonia Preserve and enjoy some fresh air.

Soil science: 2:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. LEC staff will explore the role soil plays in plant growth and explain how scientists classify soil and the unique living things that live in it. Participants will make “edible soil” to uncover the different layers. This program is recommended for children ages 7 and older and their families.

Wildlife Wednesday walks: 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday in February. 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.

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