VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Lyonia Environmental Center is offering a series of educational and family-friendly nature programs throughout September.
Several programs feature collaborations with local partner organizations, including the West Volusia Audubon Society and the Volusia County Public Library.
The lineup begins Saturday, Sept. 5, with Forest Bathing in the Scrub from 8 am to 9 am at Lyonia Preserve, focusing on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku for participants ages 12 and older.
Later that morning, staff will host International Vulture Awareness Day from 10:30 am to 11 am, featuring an educational look at vultures with discretion advised due to images of carrion. On Sunday, Sept. 6, an Animal Encounter program from 2 pm to 2:45 pm will allow visitors of all ages to interact with one of the center’s resident animal ambassadors.
On Saturday, Sept. 12, volunteers from the West Volusia Audubon Society will lead the monthly Lyonia Photography Club at Lyonia Preserve from 10 am to 11 am for all skill levels. That afternoon, a Suminagashi Art class from 2 pm to 3:30 pm will teach paper marbling techniques to participants ages 12 and older, with all materials provided.
On Sunday, Sept. 13, the center will observe International Chocolate Day with Chocolate Unwrapped from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., covering chocolate history, flavor science, and a guided tasting for participants ages 10 and older.
Activities move outdoors to Gemini Springs on Saturday, Sept. 19, for a Sound Bath Meditation session from 8 am to 9 am for ages 15 and older.
Later that morning, an adult Beekeeping class from 10 am to 11 am will compare top-bar and Langstroth hive designs at the center, followed by a show-and-tell session and question-and-answer period.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, families of all ages can celebrate Zero Emissions Day from 2 pm to 2:45 pm with clean-energy games and a shared pledge.
On Friday, Sept. 25, the center will celebrate National Public Lands Day with a guided hike through Lyonia Preserve from 9 am to 10 am under the theme “Caring for Our Shared America” for ages 10 and older.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, ReGrow Volusia will offer a winter gardening workshop from 10 am to 11 am, followed by Nature Neighbors: Stories and Science, a joint program with the Volusia County Public Library, from 11 am to noon, focusing on trees and Florida scrub-jays for young children.
The monthly schedule concludes on Sunday, Sept. 27, with Edible Science: “Apple Science,” from 2 pm to 2:30 pm, for ages 7 and older, exploring why apples brown through hands-on experiments.
Reservations are required for all programs, and space is limited for select events. Community members can reserve spots by calling 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.
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