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 June’s lineup:
Critter corner: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, June 5. Explore the LEC and meet the center’s animal ambassadors. Staff will handle the animals and answer questions.
Saltwater tank feeding: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 5. Join staff 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 our ecosystem.
Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11. Children ages 2 to 7 can take a short hike, make a take-home craft and listen to the book “To the Beach.” Wear closed toe shoes,bring water and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar sand trails.
Rain barrel workshop: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11. Discover the importance of using rain barrels to conserve water and learn how to assemble and properly place your rain barrel for water collection. A limited number of rain barrels will be available for purchase.
Summer science Sunday: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, June 12. Staff will guide participants ages 5 and older through some fun science experiments.
Nature film: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 12. Two groups of plants exhibited such intriguing behavior that a century and a half ago they attracted the attention of Charles Darwin. These same plants – orchids and carnivorous plants – still fascinate scientists today. Watch “Plants Behaving Badly” in the LEC classroom. It will be shown in two one-hour Increments so you can experience the plants’ world of deceit and treachery. Popcorn will be provided.
Secret weapons: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 18. Many insects spit, spray, sting and bite in response to being disturbed or threatened. Sometimes an insect’s physical appearance itself can be a type of self-defense. Learn about insects, scorpions, spiders and other creatures that use these tactics and how these adaptations have helped them survive for centuries. Participants ages 8 and up will use critical thinking skills and personal creativity while making a take home craft.
Creature feature: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 18. There are over 4 billion classified species of insects, and some of them are Mother Nature’s own pest control. Learn about beneficial bugs during this classroom and virtual presentation. Pick up some tips on how to encourage beneficial insects to visit your garden. An online link will be provided to those who choose to participate virtually.
Sunday fun day: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, June 19. Children ages 5 and up can make solar bead bracelets with their families. Staff will share fun facts about butterflies, their lifecycle and importance to the ecosystem. Staff will share fun facts about the sun, ultraviolet rays and the importance of wearing sun protection.
Nature film: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 19. Watch “Animals with Cameras” and explore the secret side of the animal kingdom where camera-wearing animals film their stories. Sprint across the savanna with a cheetah, plunge into the ocean with a seal, and swing through the trees with a chimp. Popcorn will be provided.
Slithering Saturday: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Warmer weather can mean an increase in snake activity. LEC staff will provide an introduction to snakes, one of nature’s most misunderstood reptiles. After the presentation, participants will meet the center’s resident reptile ambassadors and learn the important role they play in the ecosystem.
Nature film: 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, June 26. Watch “Vanishing of the Bees,” which takes a piercing look at the economic and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of honeybees. The documentary also provides viewers with tangible solutions they can apply to their everyday lives. The bees have a message, but will we listen? Popcorn will be provided.
Pollinator power: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 26. Do you like chocolate, strawberries or honey? Then thank the bees, butterflies, bats and birds for these delicious treats! Staff will explore pollination and the animals that make it happen through games, crafts and a pollinator themed snack. This family fun event, sponsored by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center, is recommended for children ages 7 and older.
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. The center is closed on Mondays. Admission is free.
Learn what’s happening at the LEC at www.lyoniapreserve.com.
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