LEC plans nature hikes, indoor programs

Posted On: April 17, 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 May’s lineup:

Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6. Children ages 2 to 7 will listen to the book “Some Bugs,” take a short hike and make a take-home craft.

Sunday Funday: May flowers: 1 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Children 5 and older and their families can join staff members in the pavilion as they share fun facts about plant species blooming in Lyonia Preserve. Participants will make a take-home recycled flower bouquet.

Morning meditation hike: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Saturday, May 13. Bring your coffee and enjoy a few peaceful moments in Lyonia Preserve’s open-air outdoor classroom by the wetland. The group will then embark on a 1.5-mile guided hike to learn about the preserve’s flora and fauna.

Lyonia Photography Club: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13. 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.

Reptile encounter: 3 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Meet one of LEC’s reptile animal ambassadors and learn about its anatomy, diet and behavior. Bring your camera for a photo opportunity. 

Mother’s Day pollinator garden tour: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 14. Bring your mom or someone special on a guided tour of LEC’s pollinator gardens. Enjoy some quality time together while learning about native pollinators and the plants that attract them. After the tour, participants can decorate a pot to take home along with native plant seeds courtesy of the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center.

Under the sea creature encounter: 3 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17. What do sea stars have on their arms? Discover the answer to this question and other fun facts about these echinoderms. Participants will also meet some of LEC’s sea stars and other saltwater invertebrate animal ambassadors. This program is designed for children ages 2 to 8. 

Nature at Night: Horseshoe crabs: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18. May is peak spawning season for horseshoe crabs. Tess Sailor-Tynes, conservation coordinator for the Marine Discovery Center, will discuss the importance of this species and the conservation work that is being done. Afterward, participants will enjoy pizza and non-alcoholic beverages provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center.

Environmental Earth Keepers (EEK): 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20. Children ages 6 to 12 can learn about jellyfish. Activities will include a lesson, craft and outdoor experience.

Heron who? 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Florida has many species of herons. These long-legged wading birds have made an amazing comeback after once being hunted almost to extinction for their beautiful breeding plumage. LEC staff will explain the differences between the species and how you can identify them by sight and sound.

Science Sunday: Seed presents: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 21. Plant seeds are nature’s presents. LEC staff will “unwrap” some of Lyonia Preserve’s presents so participants can view the seed structure and then make their own seed gift. This program is recommended for inquisitive kids of all ages.

Leaf rubbing art: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 27. Nature provides artistic inspiration. Bring your creativity and make a beautiful card using watercolor paint and leaves found in nature. All supplies will be provided.

Save the monarchs: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 27. Did you know you can help monarch butterflies by planting their host plant, milkweed? LEC staff will discuss this species and explain how to construct a rearing cage where you can raise monarchs at home and observe their amazing life cycle before releasing them. One participant will take home a completed rearing cage and milkweed plant to get started.

Saltwater tank feeding: 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 28. 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.

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.