Posted On: February 3, 2020
Visitors and residents arriving at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) Thursday, Feb. 6, will get to experience the wonders of Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC) from right inside the airport.
Staff from the LEC will greet airport guests in the baggage claim area from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The interactive “Wildlife Festival on the Fly” will feature the center’s live animal ambassadors – including both native and non-native snakes, a skink lizard and bearded dragon. Staff will also have information about the Wildlife Festival, which will be held from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Feb. 8 at the LEC, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. The festival will feature Florida wildlife presentations, environmental displays, kids’ activities, and guided hikes and eco-buggy tours of Lyonia Preserve. An early bird hike will kick off the day at 8 a.m.
The 360-acre preserve is home to a variety of mammals, including bobcats, raccoons, armadillos, opossums, rabbits and foxes. Reptiles include gopher tortoises, six-lined race runners and a variety of snakes. More than 70 species of birds, including the threatened Florida scrub jay, also live in the preserve.
“Anytime we can cross promote the wonderful services offered by Volusia County, it’s an enhanced airport experience for our guests, whether they are just visiting or they call this area home,” said Airport Marketing & Customer Service Director Joanne Magley. “We received positive feedback when the Volusia County Public Library presented ‘Books on the Fly’ at the airport, handed out complimentary books, and shared information about the library system’s services and programs. For this event, we are excited to showcase the county’s environmental wonders and all the LEC offers.”
Lyonia Environmental Center offers insights into Volusia County’s fragile ecosystems through hands-on displays and educational programs. It’s part of the Deltona Regional Library complex at 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
For more information, contact Director of Marketing & Customer Experience Joanne Magley at jmagley@volusia.org.