Get Back to Nature at Lyonia Environmental Center

Posted On: February 19, 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 for all events; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028, or visit https://tinyurl.com/lec-event.

Here’s March’s lineup:

Tiny Trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1. Children ages 2 to 7 will listen to “If you Plant a Seed,”  take a short hike in Lyonia Preserve, and visit the LEC garden and seed library. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike on sugar sand trails.

Snakes of Florida: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 1. Florida is home to more than 45 species of snakes, including six that are venomous. Stop by the LEC classroom to learn about their anatomy and how to identify some commonly encountered species. Following the presentation, participants can meet one of the center’s native, nonvenomous snake ambassadors. All ages are welcome.

Birding with Babies and Toddlers: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1. After a short educational session in Lyonia Preserve's pavilion, young participants will be given recyclable “practice binoculars” for a hiking experience that will introduce babies and toddlers to common birds that can be seen in Florida scrub habitat. Bird songs will be played, and pictures will be encountered along the trail to create a birding experience for little ones. This program is appropriate for families with babies and toddlers.

Wednesday Wildlife Walk: 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 5. Join LEC staff for an exploratory hike through Lyonia Preserve. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails. This program is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Bring Your Parent to Camp Day: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8. Parents can experience the fun of camp firsthand by attending this program with their child. The group will learn about Florida's unique scrub habitat through a guided hike, lessons, games, and live animal encounters. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, be prepared to hike on sugar sand trails, and bring water and a packed lunch. An afternoon snack will be provided. This program is designed for children ages 7 to 13 and their parents. Space is limited, and preregistration and payment are required. The fee is $15 per student with one parent free. Add a sibling for $10 or an extra parent for $6.  

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

Raptor Talk: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13. Join Dianna Flynt for this Nature at Night program. Flynt recently retired from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, where she was the expert on injury assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of over 700 raptors annually. She will explain the features of feathers – including function, maintenance, and the growth process – and discuss feather identification and reading the health of a bird by its feather condition. The Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will provide pizza and beverages. This program is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Lyonia Photography Club Hike: 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, March 15. Lyonia Preserve has unlimited opportunities for photographing birds, reptiles, and plants. Budding photographers can take advantage of this hike to hone their skills. All skill levels, ages, and camera types (from cellphones to fancy digital cameras) are welcome.

ReGrow Volusia Presents Backyard Tips for Eastern Bluebirds: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15. Learn how to attract these migratory thrushes your yard using native plants. One participant will win a bluebird house. This program, which is sponsored by ReGrow Volusia, is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Saltwater Tank Feeding Experience: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15. Join staff at the saltwater aquarium for a feeding demonstration of marine animal ambassadors. Menu items include krill, seaweed, and shrimp. Discover which critters enjoy that menu, their unique eating methods, and the important role each plays in our ecosystem. This program is recommended for all ages.

St. Patrick’s Day Fun with Mirrors: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16. Learn about reflection while having fun with mirrors and making a four-leaf clover and rainbows. Kids can even turn themselves into  a leprechaun. This program is recommended for ages 7 and up.

Backyard Beekeeping, Part 1: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22. Are you ready to take up an interesting hobby that promotes healthy honeybee populations? Learn how to get started during this first session of a six-part series. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Upcycled Spring Wreath Workshop: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22. Staff will show participants how to make an indoor spring floral wreath using cardboard egg cartons. Space is limited. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Springtime in the Preserve Hike: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 23. Search for signs of spring during this guided hike through Lyonia Preserve. Bring water, wear closed toe-shoes, and be prepared to hike on sugar sand trails. This hike is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Friday Stroll: 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, March 28. Lace up your hiking shoes and explore the plant and animal species of the scrub habitat in Lyonia Preserve. Bring water, wear closed-toe shoes, and be prepared to hike on sugar sand trails. This stroll is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Sunrise in the Scrub Hike: 7 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29. Bring your coffee and join LEC staff for a two-mile guided hike in Lyonia Preserve. Bring water, wear closed-toe shoes, and be prepared to hike on sugar sand trails. This hike is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Upcycled Paper Butterfly Workshop: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29. Learn about local butterfly species and turn upcycled magazine pages into beautiful butterflies. Participants will take home several paper butterflies and enter a drawing to win a butterfly wreath. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Rainbow Science Sunday: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30. Learn how rainbows are formed while making some of your own. This program is appropriate for participants ages 7 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.