LEC plans nature programs

Posted On: February 23, 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 March’s lineup:

Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4. Children ages 2 to 7 will listen to the book “Bear and Duck,” take a short hike and make a take-home craft.

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

Snakes of Florida: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 5. Florida is home to 46 species of snakes, including six that are venomous. Meet staff in the LEC classroom to learn how to identify some commonly encountered species. Following the presentation, participants can meet the center’s native, nonvenomous snake ambassadors.

Weekday wildlife encounter: 3 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 8. Meet one of the LEC’s resident animal ambassadors. Learn what its life is like at the center and how that animal survives in its natural habitat. 

Nature at night: Edible plants: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9. Visit LEC’s garden and learn about the importance of native plants for wildlife. The group will then move indoors, where Lonny Reid, owner of Reid Farm Nursery, will share information on edible gardening, plant propagation, soil development and other gardening techniques. After the discussion, the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will serve pizza and non-alcoholic beverages.

Lyonia Photography Club: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11. 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.

Bald eagles: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 11. 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.

Saltwater tank feeding: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 12. Watch LEC staff and volunteers feed marine animals in a 400-gallon saltwater aquarium. Kids of all ages can also enjoy a touch tank experience with a sea cucumber, sea star and sea urchin.

Critter corner: Remarkable raccoons: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 12. LEC staff and animal care volunteers will share fun facts about raccoons. This program is designed for participants of all ages.

Springtime in the scrub hike: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18. Search for signs of spring during this seasonal hike through Lyonia Preserve. 

Snakes, turtles and lizards: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 19. Florida is home to a diverse collection of reptile species. LEC staff will share interesting facts and introduce participants to some of the center’s resident reptile ambassadors.

Life underground hike: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25. The southeastern pocket gopher is quite at home in the Florida scrub. Search for these underground dwelling rodents and learn about their anatomy, diet and behavior on a guided hike in Lyonia Preserve

All about owls: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 25. Learn about commonly seen owl species in Volusia County and how to recognize them by sight and sound. Staff will cover basic anatomy, feather design, diet and owls’ role in nature. Staff will dissect an owl pellet and identify the contents found.

Jay walking hike: 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 26. Learn some interesting facts about the threatened Florida scrub jay and practice their calls. LEC staff and volunteers will lead a group stroll into Lyonia Preserve, where you will immerse yourself in their habitat and look for scrub jays. Binoculars and cameras are suggested.

Nature movie: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Meryl Streep narrates “Wings of Life,” an intimate look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers. Popcorn will be provided courtesy of the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center.

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