The Friends of Lyonia Preserve is an organization that has made its mission the support and promotion of Lyonia Preserve and Environmental Center and all that makes this place special, including Florida’s only endemic bird species – the beautiful Florida Scrub Jay.

The Friends group is a project of the West Volusia Audubon Society, and our goal is to encourage people to visit Volusia County’s Lyonia Preserve and Environmental Center and learn more about what makes Florida scrub special and why it is worth protecting.

Through thousands of educational and outreach initiatives, the Friends group and many partners have worked to increase awareness about this gem located in Deltona, Florida. The Preserve is special to so many people – from lifelong birders traveling to Florida to see a curious blue and grey bird, to amateur animal lovers who can’t believe their luck when a scrub jay lands on their head or hand, to environmentally minded people who want to see the rare blooms of a sky blue lupine, to locals who want a run with a little bit of elevation, and everything in between.

The Environmental Center hosts educational talks, kid-friendly programs, guided hikes, animal ambassadors of all types, and a dedicated, knowledgeable staff ready to share their love of Lyonia Preserve with you.

We provide support to the LEC in a number of ways from helping lead expert guided hikes and educational programs, to providing financial support for programs and initiatives, and through outreach events and our popular Facebook and Instagram pages.

If you’re interested in supporting our mission, first, we’d encourage you to make plans to visit Lyonia Preserve and experience it for yourself! But additionally, we have volunteer opportunities where you can help on the ground, and we have an online store where you purchase merchandise or give donations – both of which directly support our mission of education and preservation.