Volusia County Moms

Seeing the Scrub Jay in Deltona

If you are a looking for something fun and educational to do with the kids, think about
taking them to the Lyonia Preserve, located in Deltona, to learn about the scrub jay. The bird is only found in that area of the country and you can take a short nature walk on a trail through their habit. You will spot some scrub jay nests and may get to catch a glimpse of the beautiful blue bird.

The nature walks are on a sandy path and are easy enough for young children to do. While you are there, step into the Lyonia Environmental Center to learn about the environment through hands-on interactive displays. Or listen in on a one of their classes to learn about everything from spiders and snakes to birds and plants. The Lyonia Preserve and Lyonia Environmental Center are gems in Volusia County.

Here are some pictures from the scrub jay festival, held February 20, 2010. The festival featured activities for kids, environmental and educational displays and activities, nature walks, and more. Watch for it to be held each February.

 

 

January Activities at Lyonia Environmental Center

The Lyonia Environmental Center has announced their planned activities for January. Here's the list so you can start planning!

Residents can learn how to incorporate “green living” into their new year with a
series of programs at the Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC) in January.
Educational programs will include:
“Greening your new year’s resolution” from 11 a.m. - noon Saturday, Jan. 2; and
from 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7. Learn easy tips on how to “green”
your lifestyle. Participation is free with paid admission to the LEC.

“Plan your landscape for the year” from 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, Jan. 9; and
from 1 - 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. Learn how to incorporate native plants and
butterfly gardening into your existing landscape. Participation is free with
paid admission to the LEC.

“Recycling: Get green and organized all at once!” from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 14; and from 11 a.m. - noon Saturday, Jan 30. Staff will explain
the do’s and don’ts of household recycling and show participants how they can
get started composting. Participation is free with paid admission to the LEC.

“Florida Arbor Day at the LEC” from 10 - 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. Test your
tree-identification skills with certified arborist Ray Jarrett on this hour-long
hike through Lyonia Preserve. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and
bring water and bug spray. Participation is free with paid admission to the LEC.

“Creative consumers” from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. Learn multiple
uses for common household organizational items. Learn where you can purchase
green organizational products and how to use them in innovative ways.
Participation is free with paid admission to the LEC.

“Weekly scrub stroll” from 10 - 11 a.m. every Tuesday through Friday. Attendees
take a one-hour hike through Lyonia Preserve to learn about scrub habitat and
other ecosystems. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and hats and bring
water and bug spray. The fee is $3. Space is limited.

Advance registration for all programs is requested and may be made by calling
(386) 789-7207.

Admission to the LEC is $5 for teenagers and adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for
children ages 3 - 12, and free for children 2 and under. Annual memberships are
available for $15 for students and senior citizens, $25 for individuals, and $45
for families.

The LEC is part of the Deltona Regional Library complex at 2150 Eustace Ave. It
is open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; from 9 a.m. -
7:30 p.m. Thursdays; from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and from 1 - 5
p.m. Sundays.

For updates on what’s happening at the LEC, visit www.lyoniapreserve.com or call
(386) 789-7207

(Manatee exhibit at the Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona, Florida)