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.
Here’s October’s lineup:
Bring on fall hike: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Look for the beginning signs of fall on this guided hike along Lyonia Preserve’s orange and red trails. Wear closed toe shoes, bring water and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand.
Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Children ages 2 to 7 can take a short hike, make a take-home craft and listen to the book “Wonderfall.” Wear closed toe shoes, bring water and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails.
Colors of autumn: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Bring the family to learn about the seasonal color variations that occur in nature, then create a mini fall tree craft from natural and recycled materials.
Wonderful wetlands hike: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2. Take a guided hike to Lyonia Preserve’s two ephemeral wetlands, where the group will compare the plants found in these upland habitats. Participants will also learn about the importance of wetlands for wildlife and people. Wear closed toe shoes, bring water and be prepared to hike on sugar sand.
Seed balls: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2. Learn the science behind seed balls, then make some of your own to take home.
Creature connection: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4. Celebrate World Animal Day by visiting the LEC for a meet and greet with one of the resident animal ambassadors. Learn what their life is like at the center and how that animal survives in its natural habitat.
Lyonia Photography Club: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Lyonia Preserve has unlimited opportunities for photographing birds, reptiles and plants. Join volunteers from West Volusia Audubon Society for this monthly program series, which includes in-class instruction and field opportunities to hone your skills. All skill levels are welcome.
Environmental Earth Keepers: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Children ages 6 to 12 can learn about photosynthesis and fall leaves. Activities will include a lesson, craft and outdoor experience. Wear closed toe shoes.
Fall wreath workshop: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Sip apple cider while creating a grapevine wreath from items found in nature.
Fabulous fungi hike: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. Learn how to identify the various fungi that grow in Volusia County, including the edible ones. Afterward, the group will look for mushrooms growing in Lyonia Preserve. Wear closed toe shoes, bring water and be prepared to walk on sugar sand.
Diving into the past: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. Join scuba diver Derek Demeter as he describes some of the amazing prehistoric animals he has uncovered while exploring rivers and oceans around Florida. Demeter, director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, will also describe some of the distant planets that might have oceans and life.
Nature film: 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 15. Watch five film crews follow a variety of bird migrations through 40 counties during this showing of “Winged Migration.” Popcorn will be provided.
Radical reptiles: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. The center’s reptile ambassadors include species from Florida and around the world. Stop by the Discovery Room to learn about their anatomy, diet and care.
Critter corner: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. Explore the LEC and meet the center’s animal ambassadors. Staff will handle the animals and answer questions.
Saltwater tank feeding: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. Join employees at the saltwater aquarium as they feed the center’s 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 the ecosystem.
Family game day: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Bring the whole family for environmentally themed board games. Afterward, participants can examine specimens under a microscope and learn about the center’s animal ambassadors.
Sea urchins: 10 to 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Meet the center’s sea urchins and pick up some fun facts about these amazing echinoderms. Staff will describe their anatomy, diet and role in ocean ecology.
Acorn art: 10:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 23. Children ages 5 and over and their families can learn some fun facts about acorns as they create a nature-based craft together.
Nature film: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23. Celebrate World Rivers Day by watching two turtle scientists studying turtles in the Rainbow River in “A Day on the River.” Afterward, participants can meet the LEC’s freshwater turtle ambassadors.
Halloween treat bags: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Decorate trick or treat bags using upcycled materials.
Halloween science: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Children ages 6 and up can make fake blood, slime and bubbling potions.
Halloween among the trees: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Parents can bring their little goblins for a non-spooky time that includes crafts, hot apple cider and close encounters with the LEC’s reptile ambassadors. Kids will search for creature tracks in Lyonia Preserve and receive treats as they explore the center.
Gardening for bats: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Bats love to feast on moths and beetles. By planting flowers that bloom at night, you’ll help attract these insects and provide a nutritious meal for beneficial bats. Staff will share tips for creating an inviting habitat for bats and identify some of the plants that may attract them. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a bat box.
Wildlife Wednesday walks: 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday in October. Volunteers will lead these exploratory hikes through Lyonia Preserve. Wear closed toe shoes, bring water and be prepared to hike on sugar sand.
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 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.
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