Lyonia Environmental Center

Lyonia Preserve has unlimited opportunities for photographing birds, reptiles and plants. Volunteers from the West Volusia Audubon Society lead this monthly program series, which includes in-class instruction and field opportunities to hone skills. All skill levels and ages are welcome. Free. Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.

Learn about the birds that make their home in Lyonia Preserve. Following the talk, participants will make a take-home bird craft using upcycled materials and their own creativity. This program is appropriate for age 10 and up. Free. Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.

Florida historian and author Brian Polk will shed light on the role of American presidents in Florida. Although no presidents were born in the Sunshine State, they have had a connection here through wars, diplomacy, environmental issues, assassination plots, politics, the Cuban Missile Crisis, gangsters and natural disasters. Their decisions played a part in shaping […]

Stop by the LEC for a meet-and-greet with one of the center’s resident animal ambassadors. Explore the ambassador’s life at the center, and learn how that animal survives in its natural habitat. This program is appropriate for all ages. Free. Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.

Volusia County’s sustainability and outreach coordinator Sergeneno Rankin will share tips on becoming sustainably resilient. The group will take a bird’s-eye view at the county and learn how residents can adapt to the changing environment. During the presentation, youth will participate in a craft activity to show how osmosis in trees helps communities stay dry. […]

Early risers can celebrate International Day of Peace with an early-morning view over the scrub habitat of Lyonia Preserve. Hikers will listen to birds singing and search for tracks of animals that were busy overnight. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike 1.5 miles on sugar-sand trails. Appropriate for age 10 and […]

Learn about this keystone species, which digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species. The Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center will provide snacks for this program, which is appropriate for age 12 and up. Free. Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.

Celebrate World Rivers Day by watching the documentary A Day on the River, which follows two turtle scientists who study these ancient creatures along the Rainbow River. Their research shows that turtles are indicators for the river’s health. Afterward, the group will meet LEC’s freshwater turtle ambassadors. This program is appropriate for all ages. Free. […]

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting regarding the DeLeon Springs, Gemini Springs and Volusia Blue Spring basin management action plans (BMAPs), a framework for water-quality restoration that contains a comprehensive set of solutions to achieve the pollutant reductions established by a total maximum daily load. The presentation will include background […]

Join LEC staff for a deep look into the land-management practices that help maintain healthy scrub habitat. The program includes a tour of the LEC gallery and a guided hike to see these land-management practices in person. Free. Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.

Learn techniques to make your potted native plants thrive by replacing the original soil they were potted in with a more natural sandy soil. This program is appropriate for age 12 and up. Free. Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.

Have you ever wondered why apples turn brown? Find out why as staff leads participants age 7 and up through experiments with different apple varieties and compares their browning rates. Free. Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.