Jan. 14, 2010
Pat Kuehn, APR, CPRC
Community Information Specialist

February programs focus on geocaching, Florida scrub jays and other animals

The Lyonia Environmental Center will offer educational programs focusing on geocaching, Florida scrub jays and other animals in February.

• “Cache away, Part one!” from 10 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Feb 6: Scrub Jays can hide 6,000 to 8,000 acorns each fall and can retrieve up to two-thirds of them without using a GPS unit! How would we live without GPS? Learn to read an old-fashioned compass and learn other navigational skills to get around Lyonia Preserve. Use the compass to orienteer the preserve while looking for clues to find a hidden treasure. Participation is free with paid admission to the LEC.

• “Courtship in the Animal Kingdom” from 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11: Explore the instinctual courtship behaviors of many different species in the Animal Kingdom. This humorous program is suggested for ages 18 and over.

• “Bird Bonanza” at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13: Join birding expert Michael Brothers in an expedition to find the charismatic Florida scrub jay and some other flighty co-habitants of the scrub. Participation is free with paid admission to the LEC.

• “Scrub Jay Festival” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. The Florida scrub jay is the only bird unique to Florida, making this threatened species an important part of Florida’s natural heritage. This family event will offer guided nature walks in Lyonia Preserve, live music in the Deltona Amphitheater, children’s activities, environmental presentations, and displays at the LEC and in Lyonia Preserve.

• “Nesting in the Scrub” from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25. Nesting isn’t just for the birds! Come learn about different ways animals can nest in the scrub. Participation is free with paid admission to the LEC.

• “Energy Extravaganza” from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27: Come visit us anytime between 10 and 4 for a day of experimentation. Bring out your inner scientist and have fun with some of our classroom experiments and learn how to create some of your own!

• “Cache Away…Part two” from 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, Feb. 27. Back for more treasure hunting? This time we made it a little harder! Build on your orienteering skills and learn how to “Geocache” using a GPS unit. Program requires completion of Cache Away, Part I, or previous GPS/compass/orienteering knowledge. Participation is free with paid admission to the LEC.

• “Weekly Scrub Stroll” at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Take a journey through Lyonia Preserve to learn about various topics relating to scrub habitat and other ecosystems. This program involves a hike in the preserve. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, bug spray and hats. Space is limited, so please call to reserve your place.

• “Love Letters to the Earth”. E-mail or bring us a letter showing us just how much you love the Earth. Letters will be displayed in the Environmental Center throughout February, so please submit your letter early! Letters can be e-mailed to lgilsenan@co.volusia.fl.us or mailed to Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona, FL 32725.

Advance registration is requested 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. Call to find out details regarding membership benefits.

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 contact LEC staff at (386) 789-7207.

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