Lyonia Environmental Center announces September programs Get up close and personal with nature during free hikes and classes at Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC) in September. Upcoming programs include: · Shark sense: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1. Learn about these magnificent predators as LEC education staff covers species identification, life span, diet and myths. Participants can test their sense of smell to see if they could find predators by hunting like a shark. · Septic tank system care: 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Albert Royster, an environmental specialist with Volusia County Health Department, will lead a workshop on septic tank care. He’ll offer maintenance tips, discuss 26 common septic crashers, and explain the importance of having septic tanks serviced regularly. · Tiny trekkers – At home with the gopher tortoise: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Children ages 2 to 5 can read a book about these burrowers, take a short hike, and make a craft to take home. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the LEC. · Wading birds of Florida: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. David Hartgrove of the Halifax River Audubon Society will give some pointers on identifying wading birds, which enchant birdwatchers with their long necks and elegant stances. · Family game day: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. Bring the family to the LEC to play Birdopoly, Earthopoly, Bug Bingo and Reptile Bingo. Families can also work on puzzles; investigate specimens under a microscope; and meet the center’s resident hedgehog, bearded dragon and albino corn snake. · Spider species of Florida: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. DeLand naturalist John Serraro will discuss the diversity, beauty and ecological importance of arachnids and point out the few species that pose a danger to humans. He will bring live specimens for viewing. · Scrub strolls: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Monday and Friday. Environmental specialists will lead hikes through Lyonia Preserve. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar-sand trails. · Earth’s recyclers: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. The LEC’s education staff will explore the life cycle of mushrooms and explain how these decomposers recycle by breaking down organic matter. Afterward, the group will examine specimens under a microscope. · Popcorn and a movie: 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. Watch “Scourge of the Lionfish” to learn more about this invasive species and the steps being taken to reduce their growing numbers in the Caribbean Sea and off North America’s Atlantic coast. The Friends of the LEC will provide free popcorn. Bottled water, chips and candy will be available for purchase. · Flower anatomy: 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 19. Children ages 8 to 13 can learn about the parts of flowers and how flowers help plants to reproduce. · Family picnic and hike: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Pack a snack and join the LEC staff for a hike to the Lyonia Preserve pavilion. Participants will learn about scrub animals and plants along the way. · Up close with nature: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Orlando photographer Mark Harris will offer tips on taking close-up images of plants and animals. After the indoor workshop, he’ll lead participants into Lyonia Preserve, where they can apply the techniques in the field. · Wetland wonders hike: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Join LEC educators on a guided hike to the two ephemeral wetlands in Lyonia Preserve. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar-sand trails. · Animal track identification hike: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. LEC staff will lead a hike into Lyonia Preserve to search for scrub animals. Participants will be given animal track identification sheets and will be taught how to identify, interpret and follow animals in the preserve. · Jumpin’ jellyfish: 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. Learn what jellyfish eat, where they’re found, if they’re edible, and other fishy facts. Kids of all ages can make a take-home jellyfish craft after the discussion. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 386-789-7207, ext. 21028. Lyonia Environmental Center offers a unique insight into Volusia County’s fragile ecosystems through hands-on displays and computer-based learning modules. It’s part of the Deltona Regional Library complex at 2150 Eustace Ave. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Learn what’s happening at the LEC at lyoniapreserve.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:31:08 +0000
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