Great home-school classes through the LEC – Lyonia Environmental Center

LEC offers home-school classes

Home-schooled children can learn about nature during outdoor adventures hosted by the staff and volunteers of Lyonia Environmental Center.

Upcoming programs are:

· Mighty mangroves: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 25. Learn about species that depend on estuaries as the group explores mangroves, conducts water testing, and collects aquatic species with a seine net. Meet in the pavilion at Spruce Creek Park, 6250 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange. This program is for grades 1-9. The maximum number of participants is 25.

· Eco-buggy tour: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 7. Ride Volusia County’s eco-buggy through Deep Creek Preserve, 964 S. State Road 415, New Smyrna Beach. This program is for grades 1-9. The maximum number of participants is 25.

· Gifts from nature: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 18. Hike through Lyonia Preserve to learn about sand pine trees, then make an owl ornament using items found in nature. Meet at Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. This program is for grades 1-9. The maximum number of participants is 30.

· Super scientists: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 29. Hike in Lyonia Preserve and conduct indoor science experiments. This program is for grades 3-9. The maximum number of participants is 30.

· Past, present and future: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 26. Explore maritime hammock and wetland ecosystems during a hike through Ponce Preserve Park, 4401 Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet. Children will learn about coastal plants, Native American middens, and ways to protect the environment. The program will conclude with a beach cleanup and discussion about microplastics. This program is for grades 1-9. The maximum number of participants is 30.

· Cephalopod exploration: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, April 10. Learn about these ocean dwelling creatures and examine their internal and external anatomy during a squid dissection. Meet at Lyonia Environmental Center. This program is for grades 4-10. The maximum number of participants is 25.

The cost is $6 per student. Parents must register their children atleast two weeks before each program. Contact Shari Smith at 386-789-7207, ext. #21026, or [email protected]; or Sandy Falcon at 386-789-7207, ext. #21025, or [email protected].

Learn what’s happening at the LEC at www.lyoniapreserve.com.