May

12
It’s our river, let’s protect it!
10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12
St. Johns River Alliance Executive Director Mark Middlebrook will discuss the importance of the St. Johns River to our ecosystem. Learn what we can do to protect this precious resource for generations to come. This program is free.

16
Got water?
10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 16
Join News-Journal environmental writer Dinah Volyes Pulver as she discusses the state of Central Florida’s water resources. This program is free.

19
Raptors of Florida at Lake Ashby Park
9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19
LEC staff will lead a guided exploration in search of Florida’s raptor species. Learn about their lifestyle and behavior and how to identify raptors in the wild. Bring your camera so you can capture these majestic free flyers. This program is free. Meet at Lake Ashby Park, 4150 Boy Scout Camp Road, New Smyrna Beach.

26
Water’s journey
10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 26
Explore the hidden rivers of Florida during this indoor underwater exploration. LEC staff will explain how our lives are intertwined with the water we drink as we trace the path of water through the Florida aquifer. This program is free.

June

2
Signs of wildlife
9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 2
LEC staff will lead a hike through Lyonia Preserve in search of animal tracks, nests and other signs of wildlife. This program is free.

2
Tiny trekkers: June bug
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 2
Read a book about bugs with staff, take a hike, and make a craft to take home with you. The fee is $3 per child. One adult per child will be admitted free. This program is recommended for children ages 2 to 5.

9
It’s a bug’s life!
10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9
Ed Northey from Volusia County’s Mosquito Control Division, will discuss mosquitoes, their role in our ecosystem, and some misconceptions surrounding these insects. This program is free.

16
Insects of the scrub
9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 16
Head out to the preserve with LEC staff to look for the insects that inhabit the scrub. Learn how to identify certain insects and what roles they play in the scrub habitat. This program is free.

20
Gopher tortoise: landlord of the scrub
2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 20
Environmental Specialist and Protected Species Coordinator Danielle Dangleman will discuss the importance of gopher tortoises to scrub habitat and their role in the scrub’s ecosystem. Learn what other animals live in gopher tortoises’ burrows and why it is important to protect this species. This program is free.

23
All a flutter!
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 23
Join LEC staff for a butterfly search in Lyonia Preserve and learn how you can attract butterflies to your garden. Learn about the butterfly’s life cycle and how to identify different species of butterflies.