LEC plans nature hikes and programs

Posted On: November 29, 2023

Discover Volusia County’s native plants and wildlife during outdoor hikes and indoor programs at Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC), 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.

Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. #21028. Here’s December’s lineup:

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

Holiday upcycled ornaments: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Listen to holiday tunes, sip hot chocolate, and create a few ornaments using upcycled materials. Space and supplies are limited. This program is recommended for ages 6 and up.

Nature movie: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Watch “Magic of the Snowy Owl” and follow a team of intrepid filmmakers as they provide an intimate look at the snowy owl, a bird made popular by Harry Potter's faithful companion, Hedwig. Though "snowies" naturally stand out for their beauty, intelligence, and charm in their bleak Arctic home, it is their determination and survival skills that are truly magical. Popcorn and hot cocoa will be provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. All ages are welcome.

Nature at night: Neighborhood birds: 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Follow along as Eli Schaperow, a board member of West Volusia Audubon Society, shows the many bird species of Volusia County through photographs. Schaperow will explain how to identify different species easily. After the discussion, the group will enjoy pizza and nonalcoholic beverages provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. All ages are welcome.

Lyonia Photography Club: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. Lyonia Preserve has unlimited opportunities for photographing birds, reptiles, and plants. Volunteers from West Volusia Audubon Society lead this monthly program series, which includes in-class instruction and opportunities to hone your skills in the field. All skill levels are welcome.

Parents’ day out: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Need to do some holiday shopping without the kids? Drop them off at the LEC, where staff will lead them through a fun day filled with a hike in Lyonia Preserve, holiday themed games, arts and crafts, and live animal encounters. The cost is $10 per child. Participants should bring their own lunch. Space is limited. This program is open to children ages 6-12.

Edible science: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Explore your senses and create an edible treat during this science program, which is appropriate for families and children ages 7 and up.

Winter sunset over Lyonia hike: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. Take a relaxing stroll into Lyonia Preserve as day shifts into night. LEC staff will be your guides as you enjoy a picturesque sunset in the great outdoors. Wear closed toe shoes and bring water and a flashlight. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Sand pine removal volunteer project: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Help Environmental Management staff remove sand pine trees from the scrub habitat in Lyonia Preserve. Volunteers will learn about the dynamics of scrub habitat and why it’s important to remove sand pine trees. They can take home a “Charlie Brown” tree for the holidays (for this event only). Wear closed toe shoes and bring water, a hand saw, loppers, and garden gloves if you have them. All ages are welcome.

L.I.F.E.: Red pandas:10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Join staff for the monthly series L.I.F.E. (Learning Information on Fighting Extinction), where participants travel around the globe to learn about threatened and endangered species and the conservation efforts being made to help them survive. Each program consists of a lesson and a craft or art project. This month will feature the red panda. This program is recommended for ages 6 and up.

Scrub Bingo hike: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Lace up your hiking shoes and join LEC staff for a hike in the preserve, with a twist. The guide will point out the sights and sounds that make Lyonia Preserve unique, and hikers will mark them off on the provided Bingo cards. There’s a prize for the first person to correctly mark a row and call out “Bingo.” Wear close-toe shoes and bring water. This program is appropriate for families and children ages 7 and up.

Candy cane science: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Use the scientific method to conduct a science experiment with candy canes. This program is appropriate for families and children ages 7 and up.

I spy a poinsettia hike: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23. Test your observation skills and see how many hidden poinsettias you can find along Lyonia Preserve’s red trail. One participant will take home a potted poinsettia courtesy of the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. Wear red for an extra chance to win the draw. Wear close-toe shoes and be prepared to hike 1.5 miles on unpaved sugar sand trails. This hike is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Outstanding otters: 2:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23. Sure, otters are adorable, but did you know they’re also an important keystone species? Learn more about otter species found around the world, their habits and characteristics, and challenges to their survival. This program is appropriate for all ages.

Sunrise in the scrub hike: 7 to 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30. Bring your coffee and join LEC staff on a guided hike in Lyonia Preserve. Participants should wear close-toed shoes and be prepared to hike 1.5 miles on unpaved sugar sand trails. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Vintage book flowers: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30. Turn book pages into beautiful flowers. One participant will win a paper rose bouquet. Space is limited. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Wildlife Wednesday walks: 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday in December. LEC volunteers lead participants of all ages on these exploratory hikes through Lyonia Preserve. Bring water, wear closed toe shoes, and be prepared to walk on sugary sand trails.

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.