Lyonia Environmental Center Plans Nature Programs
Posted On: January 26, 2024
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 February’s lineup:
Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. Children ages 2 to 7 will listen to the book “Woodpecker Wants a Waffle,” take a short hike, and make a take-home craft.
World Wetland Day: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. Celebrate World Wetland Day with a short presentation in the classroom featuring the importance of wetlands. Topics will include water quality, flood prevention, and wildlife habitat. After the presentation, take a guided hike to the small wetland to see the beauty firsthand.
Introduction to Container Gardening for Small Spaces, Part 1: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. This is the first of a two-part series on gardening for small spaces. The first class is a general introduction to container gardening. The second class will be a more in-depth, hands-on class and will be held two weeks after the first class. It is recommended to attend Part 1 before taking Part 2. People who complete both classes will be entered to win a 3.5-foot-tall Greenstalk tower garden complete with soil and seeds. Participants will be encouraged to document their gardening progress and become gardening ambassadors. This program is recommended for adults.
Life Underground Hike: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4. 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 during a guided hike in Lyonia Preserve
Nature at Night: North Atlantic Right Whales: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8. Julie Albert, director of the Right Whale Sighting Network Blue World Research Institute, will explain why North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, their threats, why they visit Volusia County’s offshore waters, and what we can do to help protect them. After the discussion, the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will serve pizza and nonalcoholic beverages. All ages are welcome.
Lyonia Photography Club: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. 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.
Scrub Bingo Hike: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. 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 you will mark them off on 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.
Valentine’s Day Science: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. Get a jump on Valentine’s Day with some cool experiments. This program is appropriate for children ages 7 and older.
Sunrise in the Scrub Hike: 7 to 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Bring some coffee and join LEC staff on a guided hike in Lyonia Preserve. This 1.5-mile hike is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Owl Wisdom: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 17. Learn about owls and what makes them so fascinating with Gina Holt, owner of Wild About Birds. She may bring an owl with her. This program is appropriate for all ages.
Introduction to Container Gardening for Small Spaces, Part 2: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. This is the second of a two-part series on gardening for small spaces. People who complete both classes will be entered to win a 3.5-foot tall Greenstalk tower garden complete with soil and seeds. Registration opens Feb. 6. Participants will be encouraged to document their gardening progress and become gardening ambassadors. This program is recommended for adults.
Introduction to Birding for Families: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Birding is a great activity for the whole family. Join LEC staff to learn the basics of identifying birds. After learning the techniques, the group will put them into practice on a hike in the preserve. Bring binoculars if you have them and load the Merlin Bird Identification app on your phone if you want use it. This program is recommended for families with children ages 7 and up.
L.I.F.E.: King cobras: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Join staff for the monthly L.I.F.E. (Learning Information on Fighting Extinction) series, 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 king cobra. This program is recommended for ages 6 and up.
Upcycled Spring Wreath Workshop: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Make an indoor spring floral wreath using cardboard egg cartons. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Winter by the Wetland Hike: 10:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 25. Look for signs of winter during this hike to Lyonia Preserve’s large ephemeral wetland. LEC staff will discuss the plant and animal species that depend on this intermittent body of water.
Wildlife Wednesday walks: 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday in February. 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.
