January 2020

Tiny Trekkers “Over and Under the Snow”

from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4th.

Follow along with us as we read a book about a

secret world of squirrels, hares, bears, bullfrogs, and many

other animals who live through the winter snow, safe and warm.

Then take a short hike and create a craft to take home. This

program is recommended for children ages 2-5.

“Central Florida Butterflies” from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday,

January 4th. Florida has one of the highest diversities of butterflies in the

United States. In this program, John Serrao will highlight more than 80

species, ranging from the smallest, the eastern pigmy blue, to two of the

largest, the eastern tiger and giant swallowtails. This program not only emphasizes

the beautiful diversity of colors and patterns exhibited by our butterflies, but also

many of their caterpillars, host plants, and some of their predators.

Nature Film Series: “North America: No Place to Hide” from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 4th. A world of extreme storms and unpredictable blizzards,

his land tests all those who set foot on it. From bunker building prairie dogs to the

fastest land animals on the continent, the fight to survive shapes all who dare call this

place home. Join us for this classroom movie showing of this nature film series.

Popcorn is provided. Drinks are available for purchase.

“A New Year, A New You Hike” in Lyonia

Preserve from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Sunday, January

5th. Begin 2020 by burning off some of those

holiday calories as we explore the beauty of Lyonia

Preserve on a guided hike. Breathe some fresh air

and focus on the goals you have set for yourself this new year.

Participants should dress for the weather, bring water and wear

closed toed shoes. We will be hiking on unpaved, sugar sand trails for

approximately 1.5 miles.

Popcorn and a Movie-“Earth: One Amazing Day” from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 11th. From BBC Earth Films, comes the long awaited –

Earth: One Amazing Day, an astonishing journey revealing the power of the

natural world. Over the course of one single day, we track the sun from the

highest mountains to the remotest islands, from exotic jungles to urban jungles.

Astounding breakthroughs in filmmaking technology bring you up close and

personal with a cast of unforgettable characters. This film is the enchanting big screen

family friendly adventure that spectacularly highlights how every day is filled with more

unseen dramas and wonders than you can possibly imagine- until now! Popcorn

is provided free. Drinks will be available for purchase.

E.E.K. Children’s Program from 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 12th. Join us as we kick start a

new program for kids ages 6-12. The Environmental

Earth Keepers (E.E.K.) program will focus on a

variety of environmental topics that will help students gain

knowledge about the world around us and promote environmental

stewardship through direct contact with the natural world. Each

program will include a lesson, craft and outdoor experience. This

month’s topic will focus on marine mammals. Participants should dress

appropriately for the weather and wear closed toed shoes.

“Colorful Confusion” Creature Feature from 2:00-2:30 p.m. Thursday,

January 16th. Monarchs are orange, scrub jays are blue, black and white

snakes have a message for you. Have you ever wondered how animals use

color in nature, or wanted to know what these colors mean? Join one of the

LEC’s experienced Animal Care volunteers to learn how color is used in nature.

From animals to plants, learn what these colors mean in nature. This program is

designed for participants ages 2-8. We strongly encourage participants to ask

questions, explore and have fun!

Tiny Trekkers “Slow Down for Manatees” from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday,

January 18th. Follow along with us as we read a book about sharing our waters with

manatees. Then take a short hike and create a craft to take home. This program is

recommended for children ages 2-5.

“Life in Color” Scavenger Hunt Hike in Lyonia

Preserve from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday, January

18th. LEC staff will lead participants on a guided hike

along Lyonia Preserve’s Red trail where we will learn about the

significance of the color red in nature. Test your observation skills to

see how well you can spot this vibrant color along the route. Wear

something red and your name will be entered into a drawing to win a

prize! Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, bring

water, wear closed toed shoes and be prepared to hike approximately 1.5

miles on unpaved, sugar sand trails.

Popcorn and a Movie “Chasing Ice” from 2:00- 3:30 p.m. Sunday,

January 19th. “Chasing Ice” is the story of one man’s mission to change the

tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet.

Deploying revolutionary time-lapse cameras across the brutal Arctic, a multi-year

record of the world’s changing glaciers was captured. These hauntingly beautiful

videos compress years into seconds and capture ancient mountains of ice in

motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate. “Chasing Ice” depicts a

photographer trying to deliver evidence and hope to our carbon-powered planet.

This film is rated PG-13. Popcorn is provided free. Sodas are available for purchase.

“Jay Walking” from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Saturday,

January 25th. This program spotlights our

threatened Florida scrub jay. You’ll start by

learning their calls and interesting facts about their

lifestyle. Then we’ll take a stroll with LEC staff into the

Lyonia Preserve to immerse yourself in their habitat in hopes of

spotting a scrub jay. Binoculars and cameras are suggested. Closed

toe shoes are required and be prepared for the weather.

“Nature Hoarders” from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Saturday, January 25th.

Scavenge, save, store! Unlike humans, animals can’t run to the supermarket

to fulfill their basic needs. Take part in a journey around Lyonia Environmental

Center and Lyonia Preserve to discover the ways animals adapt to ensure

survival through winter by scavenging, saving and storing!. We’ll discuss strategies

and methods used by different animals to assist them with storing up for the

winter season. Afterwards, we will pretend to be Florida Scrub jays and “cache”

our own acorns away for the winter. The participant with the most recovered

acorns will be in the running for a prize to take home courtesy of The Friends of

Lyonia Environmental Center.

“The First Snow” from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday,

January 26th. Although it is rare to see snow falling

in Florida, it is one of nature’s most beautiful events. Join

LEC Education staff to learn some interesting fun facts about

snowflakes as we spend the afternoon making several snow themed

take home crafts. This program is recommended for children ages 6

and up as well as adult participants. Sip a cup of hot cocoa while we finish

up with a fun game of snowman bingo, you may even win a prize!

Guided Scrub Strolls at 9 a.m. every Monday & Friday in January except

January 20th. LEC staff will lead these guided hikes in Lyonia Preserve.

Strolls will be offered every Monday & Friday from 9:00 am –10:00 am. It is strongly

suggested that participants wear closed toed shoes, bring water, and be prepared to

hike on unpaved sugar sand trails.

Space is limited. Pre-registration is strongly suggested and can be done by calling

(386) 789-7207 ext. # 21028. Please arrive 10 minutes before the program to sign in.

We are able to provide many of our programs free of charge thanks to the generous

support of The Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. To continue this support of

our education programs, your donations are always appreciated. To learn more

about the friends group and to donate please visit http://www.lecfriends.com/.