LEC plans nature hikes and programs

Posted On: September 14, 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 October’s lineup:

Creature connection: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4. Celebrate World Animal Day by meeting one of the LEC’s animal ambassadors. Learn how it survives in its natural habitat and what its life is like at the center.

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

Creepy, crawly spiders: 2:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Take a closer look at these often-misunderstood arachnids. Staff will explain what they eat, how they make their webs, and why they’re good to have around. This program is appropriate for all ages.

Wonderful wetlands hike: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. Staff will lead a hike to Lyonia Preserve’s two ephemeral wetlands. Compare the plants found there to those in nearby upland habitats and learn about the importance of wetlands for wildlife and humans. Wear closed toed shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand. This hike is appropriate for ages 8 and up.

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

The scoop on scat: 2:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Calling all excrement explorers! You can tell a lot about an animal by what it leaves behind. Staff will explain the many purposes of poop. This story of stool is appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Edible science: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Food can teach us a great deal about science. Make a special menu item and eat your creation. This program is appropriate for families and children ages 7 and up.

Spooky nature trail: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. The LEC and Deltona Regional Library are teaming up for this Nature at Night program. Start your adventure inside the library with a spooky story, then make your way to the LEC, where the spooky trail will welcome visitors every 10 minutes. You’ll learn about snakes, bats, insects, and other critters. Collect a stamp at each station to earn candy, which will be provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center.  Costumes are encouraged, but not required. The sugar sand trail is about 600 feet long.  Wear closed toe shoes. All ages are welcome.

L.I.F.E. (Learning Information on Fighting Extinction): 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Kids ages 6 and up learn about the North American right whale and conservation efforts to help them survive. Participants will make a take-home craft.

Vintage book upcycled flowers: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Turn book pages into beautiful flowers. One participant will win a paper rose bouquet. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Sunday Funday: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. Children 5 and older and their families can make a clothespin planter together. Staff will share fun facts about plants.

“Let’s hit the trails” hike: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Explore plant and animal species that live in the scrub habitat. Bring water and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Let’s get batty: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Celebrate Bat Week and learn that these amazing creatures of the night are not scary, but beneficial pollinators and the only flying mammals. Make a fun, nature inspired bat craft. This program is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Halloween among the trees: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. Little goblins can enjoy a non-spooky time that includes crafts, hot apple cider, and close encounters with some of the LEC’s scaly reptile ambassadors. Search for some creepy creature tracks along the Lyonia Preserve rusty root trail. Afterward, friendly costumed characters will hand out treats while you explore the LEC. This program is recommended for ages 5 and up.

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

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.