Volusia County, FL-Take a walk on the wild side as Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC) presents the second annual Wildlife Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18.
The festival will feature Florida wildlife presentations, environmental displays, and guided tours of Lyonia Preserve.
The 360-acre preserve is home to a variety of mammals, including bobcats, raccoons, armadillos, opossums, rabbits and foxes. Reptiles include gopher tortoises, six-lined race runners and a variety of
snakes. More than 70 species of birds, including the threatened Florida scrub jay, also live in the preserve.
LEC staff will lead guided hikes to look for birds at 9 a.m., discuss scrub habitat at 11 a.m., and share information about gopher tortoises at 2 p.m.
Eco-buggy tours of Lyonia Preserve will be offered at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Space is limited. Advance registration is required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.
Wildlife presentations in the Deltona Amphitheater will include the eastern indigo snake at 10 a.m., native wildlife and crocodilians at 11 a.m., birds of prey at noon, the Florida black bear at 1 p.m., and Florida bats at 2 p.m.
Staff and environmental exhibitors will offer nature-themed displays and activities as well as a kids zone. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Hikers are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and be prepared to hike on sugar-sand trails.
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.
Image courtesy of Lyonia Environmental Center.
Copyright Southern Stone Communication 2017.
