LEC plans nature hikes and programs

Posted On: December 28, 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 January’s lineup:

Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Children ages 2 to 7 will listen to the book “What Do Roots Do?” take a short hike and make a take-home craft.

Intro to container gardening for small spaces, part one: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. This is the first of a two-part series for adults. The first class is a general introduction to container gardening. The second class, which will be held Jan. 20, will be a more in-depth, hands-on class. Those who complete both classes will be entered to win a 3.5-foot-tall Greenstalk tower garden complete with soil and seeds. Space is limited, so register early. Participants will be encouraged to document their gardening progress and become gardening ambassadors.

New year, new you hike: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7: Burn off some of those holiday calories as you explore the beauty of Lyonia Preserve on a guided hike. Breathe some fresh air and focus on the goals you have set for yourself this new year. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up.

“Winter sunset over Lyonia” hike: 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Break up your work week or wrap up your day with this fun and relaxing stroll into Lyonia Preserve. LEC staff will be your guides as you enjoy a picturesque sunset in the great outdoors. Bring a flashlight. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Lyonia Photography Club: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13. 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 as well as opportunities in the field to hone your skills. All skill levels are welcome!

L.I.F.E.: Key deer: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. 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 Key deer. This program is recommended for ages 6 and up.

Rockin’ and reading with Rusty: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. Kids ages 5 to 8 can join LEC’s mascot, Rusty the Scrub Jay, for story time and interactive fun. Learn about the threatened Florida scrub jay and bring your camera to capture a photo with Rusty.

Nature at night: Star party: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. Derek Demeter, director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, will host an evening of stargazing. He will set up telescopes and provide a laser guided tour of the constellations. An indoor program will be provided if the weather is inclement. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Intro to container gardening for small spaces, part two: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. This is the second of a two-part series for adults. Those who complete both classes will be entered to win a 3.5-foot-tall Greenstalk tower garden complete with soil and seeds. Space is limited, so apply early. Participants will be encouraged to document their gardening progress and become gardening ambassadors.

Snow science Sunday: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21. Families and children ages 7 and older can explore the science of snow. It may not be snowing in Volusia County, but you can still make your own melting snowman.

Be my upcycled valentine: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. Get a jump start on a unique gift for your favorite valentine. Participants will upcycle glass bottles and learn how to make roses from pipe cleaners. The Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will provide all materials. One participant will win a pipe cleaner flower bouquet. This program is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Wildlife Wednesday walks: 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday in January. LEC volunteers lead participants of all ages on 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.