Take Homeschool Learning Outdoors with Lyonia Environmental Center

Posted On: September 1, 2026

Homeschool families can take learning beyond the kitchen table and into the natural world through a new series of hands-on programs offered by Lyonia Environmental Center during the 2026-27 school year. The programs provide a unique opportunity to supplement home learning with real-world experiences exploring Volusia County’s ecosystems, native plants and wildlife through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures.

The programs are designed for students in grades 1-9 and will be led by Lyonia Environmental Center staff and guest presenters at the center; the 360-acre Lyonia Preserve, which is home to native plants and wildlife; and other locations throughout Volusia County. Parents may attend on-site programs with their children or drop them off. Parents are required to remain with their children for all off-site programs.

Participants in outdoor programs should wear closed-toe shoes, bring drinking water and be prepared for hiking on sugar sand trails. Additional supplies, including bug spray and gloves, may be recommended for individual programs.

The 2026-27 homeschool programs are:

Invasives Out, Natives In

10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026

Lake Ashby Park, 4150 Boy Scout Camp Road, New Smyrna Beach

Students will learn about the importance of protecting local ecosystems by identifying native and invasive plants. Participants will help remove nonnative invasive species and plant native vegetation while learning how environmental stewardship can benefit wildlife and habitats. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, bug spray and gloves.

Gifts From Nature

10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026

Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona

Students will learn why removing young sand pines can benefit Florida’s threatened scrub habitat. Participants will take part in a hands-on habitat restoration project, with an opportunity to take a tree home. They also will create two upcycled ornaments. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring water and gloves.

Night Eco Buggy

5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027

Deep Creek Preserve, New Smyrna Beach

Students will ride an eco-buggy through Deep Creek Preserve to explore nocturnal wildlife. Environmental Specialist Tommy Nordmann will discuss myths and facts about nighttime animals, including owls and bats. The program will conclude with s’mores around a fire at the Deep Creek campsite. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, bug spray and a flashlight.

Love the Scrub

10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2027

Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona

Students will explore the journey of migratory birds during a guided hike through Lyonia Preserve and learn about the habitats the birds depend on. Participants will then make a suet bird feeder to take home.

Creatures of the Canal (EcoBuggy)

10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, April 7, 2027

Longleaf Pine Preserve, 4551 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach

Students will ride an eco-buggy through Longleaf Pine Preserve while learning about conservation efforts, land management practices and the preserve’s agricultural history. Participants also will use dip nets to collect and examine aquatic species found in a freshwater canal. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet and bring water and bug spray.

Registration and prepayment are required for all programs, and walk-ins are not permitted. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are secured once payment is made. Programs may be modified as needed.

The cost is $8 per child per program. Each family may have one free adult attend. A full refund is available for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance.

To register or for more information, call 386-789-7207, ext. 21026. Information also is available by contacting Shari Smith, education program coordinator, at ssmith@volusia.gov, or Alexandra Hemme, education program assistant, at ahemme@volusia.gov.