This May, the Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC) invites people of all ages to participate in a variety of activities. Join the LEC for interactive workshops, guided walks, and more! Check out the details below.
Nature at Night: Plant Like a Floridian
5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9
Discover Florida native plants and how to protect our waterways with our environmental specialist, Holly Giles. She will do a show-and-tell with Florida native plants, popular non-native plants, and invasives used for landscaping. Learn the benefits of native species, how to start substituting landscape, and how to use native beautyberry leaves to make a bug repellent. After the discussion, stay to enjoy pizza and non-alcoholic beverages provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. All ages are welcome.
Sunrise in the Scrub Hike
6:45 to 8 a.m. Saturday, May 11
Enjoy the peacefulness and early morning song of the birds in Lyonia Preserve on this guided hike led by LEC staff. Participants should dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, and bring water. The hike will be approximately 1.5 miles on unpaved sugar-sand trails. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Lyonia Photography Club: Classroom Meeting
10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11
Lyonia Preserve has unlimited opportunities for photographing birds, reptiles, and plants. Volunteers from the West Volusia Audubon Society lead this monthly program series and this session includes class instruction on photography techniques. All skill levels and camera types (from cell phone cameras to digital cameras) are welcome!
Owl Pellet Lab
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11
Owls eat their prey whole, digesting the soft tissue but are unable to digest bones, fur, and feathers. This undigested material is regurgitated in a pellet. Be a scientist for a day in this hands-on lab and examine the contents of owl pellets to learn more about what owls eat. Learn how to identify owls found in Volusia County by sight and sound. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up. The cost is $5 per pellet, payable upon arrival, and registration is required.
Mother’s Day Memories
2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 12
Sometimes, the best gift is spending quality time together learning something new and making memories. Join LEC staff to learn the art of Gyotaku or fish printing and create a take home craft. Sip hot or iced tea and enjoy cookies provided courtesy of the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center.
Nibbles with a Naturalist: Why are the Trees Screaming?
2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Join us for a recurring series, where one of our staff naturalists presents a program on cicadas. Snacks will also be provided by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. This program is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
“World Bee Day” Sunday Science
2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19
This month celebrate the bees, butterflies, and other pollinators for all they do to help the environment. During this program, discuss the pollination cycle and make a tasty treat to help celebrate World Bee Day. Recommended for families and children ages 7 and up.
Shinrin Yoku “Forest Bathing”
7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Saturday, May 25
Shinrin Yoku, a Japanese practice known as “forest bathing” is different than taking a hike. It is spending time in nature with a slower, intentional focus and connecting with it through our sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Join LEC staff and take a walk out to the small wetland of Lyonia Preserve. Spend some time in the outdoor classroom learning ways to decompress and improve health by focusing on the simple things in nature. Participants should dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring water. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Lyonia Photography Club: Preserve Hike
9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25
Lyonia Preserve has unlimited opportunities for photographing birds, reptiles, and plants. Volunteers from the West Volusia Audubon Society lead this monthly program series and this program features a hike that will provide field opportunities to hone your skills. All skill levels, ages, and camera types (from cell phone cameras to digital cameras) are welcome!
Drip Drop: Rain Barrels 101
1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 25
Discover the importance of using rain barrels to conserve water. Learn how to assemble and properly place rain barrels for water collection. Participants will be entered into a drawing to win a free rain barrel. A limited number of rain barrels will be available to purchase as a fundraiser for the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. This program is recommended for adults.
Sunday Funday: Memorial Day Craft
2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 26
The poppy is a symbol of support for veterans. In honor of Memorial Day, come make a “Remembrance Poppy” to take home or share with a loved one. This program is recommended for ages 7 and up.
For more information about these events, please visit www.volusia.org/LEC or call 386-789-7207, ext. #21028.
