Get Back to Nature at Lyonia Environmental Center

Posted On: January 14, 2025

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, or visit https://tinyurl.com/lec-event.

Here’s February’s lineup:

Critter Corner: 9:30 to 9:50 a.m. and 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. This program will be offered in Deltona Regional Library for National Take Your Child to the Library Day. Meet one of LEC’s animal ambassadors and learn about its life at the center and how it survives in its natural habitat. This program is appropriate for all ages.

Tiny Trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Children ages 2 to 7 will listen to “A Long Winter’s Nap,” take a short hike in Lyonia Preserve, make a craft, and meet a turtle ambassador.

Shadow Science: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2. Will Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow and see his shadow? Celebrate Groundhog Day with shadow science activities and fun facts about groundhogs. This program is appropriate for participants ages 7 and up.

Lyonia Photography Club: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. 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.

Rain Barrel Workshop: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 8. Learn how to make a rain barrel for water collection. Make your plants, wallet, and the environment happy. Staff will cover the benefits of collecting rainwater and some best practices for making rain barrels. A limited number of rain barrels will be for sale. The program is appropriate for adults.

Prepare for the Great Backyard Bird Count: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. Learn about the Great Backyard Bird Count, which is scheduled for Feb. 14 to 17, and discover how to contribute data from your own backyard using the Merlin and eBird apps. After the information session, join staff for a short hike to practice citizen science skills. This program is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Wildlife Wednesday Walk: 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. Volunteers will lead this exploratory hike through Lyonia Preserve. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike on sugar sand. This walk is designed for ages 8 and up.

On Patrol in Alligator County: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13.  Bob Lee, a veteran wildlife officer and author, will describe the excitement and dangers game wardens face every day. This Nature at Night program, co-sponsored by Deltona Regional Library, is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Forest Bathing Basics: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Feeling the winter blues? Explore the wonders of Lyonia Preserve and learn the basics and benefits of forest bathing. This practice, also known as Shinrin-Yoku, has been shown to be effective in reducing stress levels, boosting the immune system, and helping with depression. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to walk on unpaved sugar sand trails. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Pinecone Flowers Workshop: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Learn how to turn pinecones into beautiful, long-lasting flowers and enter a drawing for a spring pinecone flower arrangement. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. All materials will be provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. This program is recommended for ages 15 and up.

Great Backyard Bird Count: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. Join staff for a quick refresher on the Merlin and eBird apps and then head out to the Lyonia Preserve trails to observe and report the birds you see. Continue your observations when you get home. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails. This program is appropriate for ages 12 and up. 

Florida Scrub Jay and Wildlife Festival: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. The festival will feature Florida wildlife presentations, environmental displays, kids’ activities, and guided hikes and eco-buggy tours of Lyonia Preserve. An early-bird hike will kick off the day at 9 a.m. Admission is free, and food will be available for purchase from food trucks.

Sea, Touch and Explore: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Have you ever wanted to learn more about sea urchins, sea stars, and sea cucumbers? Staff will share fun facts about these creatures and their connection to the ancient beach of Lyonia Preserve. All ages can meet some of the center’s saltwater animal ambassadors up close.

Friday Winter Stroll: 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28. Bundle up, lace up your hiking shoes, and enjoy a brisk hike through Lyonia Preserve. LEC staff will point out the plant and animal species that call scrub habitat their home. Participants should bring water, wear closed-toe shoes, and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up.

The LEC offers insights into Volusia County’s ecosystems through hands-on displays and educational programs. It’s part of the Deltona Regional Library complex at 2150 Eustace Ave. 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.