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 December’s lineup:
Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Children ages 2 to 7 can take a short hike, make a take-home craft and listen to the book “Animals in Winter.”
Holiday upcycled ornaments: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Listen to holiday tunes, sip non-alcoholic cider and eat cookies while you create handcrafted ornaments using upcycled materials. Participants will take home several ornaments to “green” up their holiday tree or attaching to a package. This program is recommended for ages 6 and up. The Friends of Lyonia Environmental will provide refreshments.
Candy cane science: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Inquisitive kids of all ages can do some experiments and uncover the sweet science behind candy canes.
Weekday wildlife encounter: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Visit the LEC for a meet and greet with one of the center’s resident animal ambassadors. Learn what its life is like at the center and how that animal survives in its natural habitat.
Sunset over Lyonia hike: 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. LEC staff will lead this relaxing hike into Lyonia Preserve, where participants can enjoy a picturesque sunset.
Lyonia Photography Club: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. 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 (EEK): 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Children ages 6 to 12 can learn about shorebirds. Activities will include a lesson, craft and outdoor experience. Wear closed toe shoes.
Gyotaku art: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Gyotaku is a traditional Japanese form of art that fishermen used over 100 years ago to keep a record of the fish they caught. Explore the history behind this process, create your own gyotaku print using a rubber fish replica, and learn how to sign your name in Japanese. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Winter by the wetland hike: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. Look for signs of winter during this group hike to Lyonia Preserve’s ephemeral wetland. LEC staff will discuss the plant and animal species that are dependent upon this intermittent body of water
Pine tree art: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. Children 5 and older and their families can turn a pinecone into a holiday decoration as they learn fun facts about pine trees.
Nature at night: 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. Tom Scotti, founder of Ahopha Wildlife Rescue, a local nonprofit organization, will share stories from more than 25 years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation. Attendees will be entered into a prize drawing. The Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will provide snacks.
Permaculture gardening: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. Pick up some tips on how to grow more food in a limited space. The Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will give each participant a free native plant.
Peculiar poinsettia hike: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Learn about the history and customary uses of this striking plant as you hike along Lyonia Preserve’s red trail. Wear closed toed shoes, bring water and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails.
Gift the birds: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Winter is the season for giving, so why not give a gift to our feathered friends? LEC staff will share the do’s and don’ts of making a treat tree. Participants will make a hanging bird treat to take home. This program is recommended for ages 6 and up
Critter corner: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. 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, Dec. 18. 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.
“Stress less in the new year” hike: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. Getting out in nature can elevate a person’s mood and reduce stress. Shake off that holiday stress by soaking up the sights and sounds of nature while hiking Lyonia Preserve’s blue trail. Participants should be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails for approximately 2 miles.
Sea, touch and explore: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. Learn about sea stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers as LEC staff shares fun facts about these creatures and their connection to the ancient beach of Lyonia Preserve. Participants can also meet some of the center’s resident saltwater animal ambassadors.
Wildlife Wednesday walks: 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday in December. Volunteers will lead these exploratory hikes through Lyonia Preserve. Wear closed toe shoes, bring water and be prepared to hike on sugar sand.
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 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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