Get Back to Nature at Lyonia Environmental Center

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Posted On: July 16, 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 for every program except the Summer Bash; call 386-789-7207, ext. #21028.

Here's August's lineup:

Summer Bash:1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2: Join the LEC and Deltona Regional Library for carnival games, law enforcement vehicles, temporary tattoos, a children's bicycle helmet giveaway, and the opportunity to meet some of the LEC's animal ambassadors. All ages are welcome. Reservations are not required.

Tiny Trekkers:10 to11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3. Children ages 2 to 7 will listen to the book "I Hear You, Ocean," take a short hike, and make a take-home craft.

Dissolving Seashells: 2:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4. During this Sunday Science program, participants will use hands-on experiments to test different shells to see how ocean water conditions affect them and other animals in our oceans. This program is appropriate for ages 7 and up.

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

Rain Barrels 101: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 10. Discover the importance of using rain barrels to conserve water. Learn how to assemble and properly place your rain barrel for water collection. A limited number of rain barrels will be available to purchase as a fundraiser for The Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. This program is recommended for adults.

Popcorn and a Movie: 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11. Watch "The Secret Lives of Seashells" and discover the abundant varieties of seashells on the shores of the Bahamas. Popcorn will be provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. All ages are welcome.

Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Beekeeping is a great way to bond with family, learn new skills, enhance your vegetable garden, play a critical role in our ecosystem, and enjoy honey made from flowers in your own yard. Meet a beekeeper and learn all about beekeeping, including the equipment, techniques, and types of hives.

Alligators: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Learn about alligators during this month's installment of Nibbles with a Naturalist. One of the LEC staff naturalists will tell you everything you want to know about Florida's state reptile. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. This program is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Popcorn and a Movie:2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. "Florida's Wild Side," a Schoolyard film production, looks at the Sunshine State's iconic wildlife as told through the eyes of residents. Popcorn will be provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. All ages are welcome.

Snakes of Florida:10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Florida is home to 46 species of snakes, including six that are venomous. Stop by the LEC classroom to learn 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.

Scrap Gardening: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Don't toss it, plant it! Join LEC staff to learn this ingenious way to grow vegetables from kitchen scraps and leftovers. This program is open to all ages.

Kitchen Science Sunday: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25. Instead of heading to the store, let's grab a few healthy ingredients and make our own tasty gummy bears. This program is appropriate for ages 7 and up.

Saltwater Tank Feeding Experience: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. 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.

If you will be walking through Lyonia Preserve, wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike on sugar sand trails.

The LEC 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.