Discover Volusia County’s native plants and wildlife during outdoor hikes and indoor programs at Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC), 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. The free programs will begin in the center’s classroom. Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. #21028.
April 2022
Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2. Children ages 2 to 5 can take a short hike, make a take-home craft, and listen to the book “A Home for Bird.”
Kid connection – decomposition: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Children ages 6 to 13 will learn how long it takes for everyday trash items to decompose. Staff will focus on ways to minimize our negative impact on the planet and develop a sustainability mindset. Participants can join in person or virtually for this classroom presentation. An online link will provided to virtual participants.
Bald eagles in the wild: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3. Jeffrey Rich – a wildlife biologist, author and nature photographer – has chronicled the daily lives of America’s favorite bird, the bald eagle. Using photos of the birds in action, he will share insights into the birds’ habitat, feeding habits, mating patterns and the care of their young. Participants can join in person or virtually for this classroom presentation. An online link will be provided to virtual participants.
“Looking for lupine” hike: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9. LEC staff will lead an exploratory hike into Lyonia Preserve to search for the rare and beautiful lupine plant and other native species it shares its habitat with.
Natural dye eggs: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Did you know you can use items from your cupboard and fridge to color Easter eggs? LEC staff will show you how to make beautifully colored eggs at home using items like tea, beets, blueberries, onions, cabbage and spices. Participants can join in person or virtually for this classroom presentation. An online link will be provided to virtual participants.
Hike and learn – eastern cottontail rabbits: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, April 10. Eastern cottontail rabbits run fast in a zig-zag pattern to escape predators. Join this guided hike in Lyonia Preserve to learn more about these behaviors, their diet, and role in the food chain and ecosystem.
Amazing animal skeletons: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 10. Bone for bone, humans are similar to certain animal species yet differ from others. Meet in the Discovery Room as staff compares different animal skulls and animal tracks. They will also classify bones by shape and size to help determine what the animals eat. This activity will allow participants to make observations about the similarities and differences between animals and people.
Community cleanup in Lyonia Preserve: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16. Get a head start on Earth Day by participating in a clean-up of Lyonia Preserve and the surrounding area with LEC staff and volunteers.
Egg-stravaganza in the scrub: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16. Learn about the creatures that call scrub habitat home during this fun egg hunt. Participants can collect points found in their eggs and trade them in for prizes. One egg will contain a golden ticket.
Earth Day fun: 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 22. Mini-naturalists ages 2 to 7 can celebrate Earth Day by playing a fun, interactive game that teaches them all about this special day. After the classroom activities, an LEC volunteer will lead a short hike around LEC’s pollinator garden.
“An ancient tale” hike: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 23. Take a hike on the ancient dunes of Lyonia Preserve and learn about one of Earth’s ancient creatures, the horseshoe crab.
Under the sea: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23. What happens to a crab that loses its claw? How did one low tide wreck the entire Greek army? Learn the answers to these questions and discover what makes coastlines so alluring as you watch the Eyewitness DVD, “Seashore.” Following the short film, participants will experience a hands-on encounter with some of LEC’s saltwater resident invertebrates. Feel free to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
"Life in color" scavenger hunt: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, April 24. Learn about the significance of the color red during this 1.5-mile guided hike along Lyonia Preserve’s red trail. Test your observation skills to see how well you can spot this vibrant color along the route. If you wear something red, your name will be entered into a prize drawing.
Critter corner: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 24. Florida black bears can smell food from a mile away. All ages can learn about this species and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Participants can join in person or virtually for this classroom presentation. An online link will be provided to virtual participants.
“For the birds” hike: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 30. National Go Birding Day is celebrated on the last Saturday in April every year. Learn how to identify and observe our feathery companions during this guided hike into Lyonia Preserve.
Nature film: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30. Join staff for a showing of “Fabulous Frogs.” These amphibians have been around for more than 250 million years, evolving into some of the most amazing and diverse creatures on Earth. They are a vital part of our ecosystems, but today they are facing mass extinction around the globe. Will we be able to save the frogs? Feel free to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to showing.
Scrub strolls: 9 to 10 a.m. every Friday in April except April 15. Volunteers will lead these exploratory hikes through Lyonia Preserve. If you will be walking through Lyonia Preserve, wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike on sugar-sand trails.
Lyonia Environmental Center 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 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
Learn what’s happening at the LEC at www.lyoniapreserve.com.
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