Get Back to Nature at Lyonia Environmental Center

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Posted On: August 19, 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 September's lineup:

Sunday Funday: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1. Staff will offer several Labor Day inspired crafts participants can make with family and friends. This program is appropriate for all ages.

Tiny Trekkers:10 to11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Children ages 2 to 7 will listen to the book "Like a Lizard," take a short hike, and make a take-home craft.

International Vulture Awareness Day: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Vultures are vital to healthy ecosystems around the world. LEC staff will share information about this fascinating species, the important role they play in the environment, and threats to their survival. There will be some images of vultures feeding. This program is appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Edible Structures Science:2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. Let the engineering fun begin by using fruit, marshmallows, cheese, and toothpicks. Make everything from geometric shapes, towers, and sculptures - all while counting, designing, and problem solving. This program is appropriate for participants ages 7 and up.

Lyonia Photography Club:10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. 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.

Birds of a Feather: 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. Learn about the birds that make their home in Lyonia Preserve. Following the talk, participants will make a take-home bird craft using upcycled materials and their own creativity. This program is appropriate for ages 10 and up.

Critter Corner: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. Stop by the LEC for a meet and greet with one of the center's resident animal ambassadors. Explore the ambassador's life at the center and learn how that animal survives in its natural habitat. This program is appropriate for all ages.

Sustainability Resilient: 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19. Volusia County's sustainability and outreach coordinator, Sergeneno Rankin, will share tips on becoming sustainably resilient. The group will take a bird's eye view at the county and learn how residents can adapt to the changing environment. During the presentation, youth will participate in a craft activity to show how osmosis in trees helps communities stay dry. After the discussion, the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will provide pizza and soft drinks. All ages are welcome.

"Sunrise Peace in the Scrub" Hike: 6:45 to 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Early risers can celebrate International Day of Peace with an early morning view over the scrub habitat of Lyonia Preserve. Hikers will listen to birds singing and search for tracks of animals that were busy overnight. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike 1.5 miles on sugar sand trails. This program is appropriate for participants ages 10 and up.

Gopher Tortoises:2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. This month's installment of Nibbles with a Naturalist will share facts about this keystone species, which digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species. The Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will provide snacks for this program, which is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Nature Film: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Celebrate World Rivers Day by watching the documentary "A Day on the River," which follows two turtle scientists who study these ancient creatures along the Rainbow River. Their research shows that turtles are indicators for the river's health. Afterward, the group will meet LEC's freshwater turtle ambassadors. This program is appropriate for all ages.

FDEP Meeting Regarding Springs: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 25. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting at the LEC regarding the DeLeon Spring, Gemini Springs, and Volusia Blue Spring basin management action plans (BMAPs). A BMAP is a framework for water quality restoration that contains a comprehensive set of solutions to achieve the pollutant reductions established by a total maximum daily load. The presentation will include background on the spring BMAPs and updates on next steps for the 2025 BMAP update, including legislative requirements. The presentation will be followed by a poster session for further discussion and questions. This meeting, which is appropriate for adults, is open to the public.

National Public Lands Day: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Join LEC staff for a deep look into the land management practices that help maintain healthy scrub habitat. The program includes a tour of the LEC gallery and a guided hike to see these land management practices in person.

Root Washing:1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Learn techniques to make your potted native plants thrive by replacing the original soil they were potted in with a more natural sandy soil. This program is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Apple Science: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. Have you ever wondered why apples turn brown? Find out why as staff leads participants ages 7 and up through experiments with different apple varieties and compares their browning rates.

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 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.