Get Back to Nature at Lyonia Environmental Center

Posted On: June 14, 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 July’s lineup:

Chromatography: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 7. Children ages 7 and up can take part in a fun experiment by using markers and coffee filters to create a beautiful take-home flower.  

Reptile Read Along: Noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 9. Children ages 6 and up can practice their reading skills while helping LEC’s animal ambassadors with enrichment. Kids can bring their favorite book, pull up a chair, and read to Kai and Frank, Brooks and Pearl, Blaze and Egor, or Jewel. Reading is scheduled in 20-minute increments. Call to reserve a time slot.

Lyonia Photography Club: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 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 and field opportunities to hone skills. All skill levels and ages are welcome.

Popcorn and a Movie: 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14. Watch “Coral Reef Adventure” and follow two underwater photographers as they explore the declining reefs and failing health of the world’s oceans.  All ages are welcome.

Hike the Preserve with Lyonia Photography Club: 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20. Grab your camera and search Lyonia Preserve for plants and animals with volunteers from West Volusia Audubon Society

Bats: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 20. Learn about these flying mammals while enjoying snacks provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. This program is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Critter Corner: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 27. Meet and greet the LEC’s newest animal ambassador, Pearl, an albino red rat snake. Explore her life at the center and learn how rat snakes survive in the wild. This program is appropriate for all ages.

Lemonade Science Sunday: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 28. In this fun mix of edible chemistry, participants ages 7 and up will learn the science behind fizzy lemonade.

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.

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