LEC Plans Hikes And Summer Programs

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Deltona, FL-Explore nature during free outdoor hikes and indoor programs at Lyonia

Environmental Center (LEC), 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.

Programs will begin in the center’s classroom. They are free unless

otherwise indicated. Reservations are requested and may be made by

calling 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.

June’s lineup includes:

· Reptile adventures: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1. Education

staff will explain the difference between alligators and crocodiles and

share some interesting facts about each of these crocodilian species.

Afterward, the group can meet the center’s reptile animal ambassadors.

· Florida’s fabulous butterflies: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday,

June 3. Staff will discuss these important pollinators and their vital

role in our ecosystems, identify some of the winged beauties that can be

found in Central Florida, and explain how you can attract them to your

garden. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a free milkweed

plant.

· “Bees – Tales from the Hive”: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 4.

Watch this PBS documentary to see things you never imagined about

bees, hear things only bees hear, and discover facts about their strange

and complex lives.

· Extraordinary echinoderms: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10.  Sea

stars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins make up this advanced group of

invertebrates. Learn about their anatomy, feeding habits, the important

role they play in nature, and their connection to the ancient beach in

Lyonia Preserve. Afterward, join staff for a hands-on experience with

the center’s saltwater invertebrates.

·“Watermark”:  2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 11. This Canadian

documentary explores our relationship with water and how it shapes

humanity. Popcorn will be provided. Snacks and beverages may be

purchased in the gift shop.

·Slithering Saturday: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17. Meet LEC’s

reptile animal ambassadors and learn about Florida’s state reptile,

the American alligator. Encounter several native and exotic species of

snakes and learn about the important role native species play in our

ecosystem.

· “Invasion of the Land”: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 18. In this

documentary, David Attenborough reveals how invertebrates first left the

seas to colonize the land over 400 million years ago. Since then they

have become the most successful group of animals, adapting to every

environment on earth. Now, for every human there are 200 million of

them.

· Tiny trekkers: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 24. Children ages 2

to 5 can listen to the book “Let it Shine,” take a short hike, and

make a take-home craft.

· Summer Science Saturday: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24. Conduct

some fun science experiments, including a color symphony and floating

paper clips, and explore insect specimens under the microscope.

· Double feature: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 25. The Eyewitness

DVDs, “Ocean” and “Shark,” will bring you face-to-face with some

of the most bizarre creatures on the planet.

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 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.

The programs are sponsored by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental

Center. To learn more about the volunteer group, visit

www.lecfriends.com.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017