Welcome to  Louisiana Master Naturalist Association  (LMNA)

Join us in developing a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within our communities in Louisiana, USA!

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What does the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association do?

The primary purpose of the LMNA is to offer a statewide program that educates Louisiana citizens about their precious flora and fauna, as well as other aspects of their environment and ecosystems.  Once certified, the Louisiana Master Naturalists are required to use their talents to educate others or assist programs that promote and protect Louisiana's natural heritage.  
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Bill Fontenot Wins 2021 Caroline Dormon Award!

 Image courtesy of Janeene deClouet.
William R. “Bill” Fontenot M.S, celebrated ornithologist, native plantsman and wildlife landscape restoration ecologist announced as the latest recipient of the 2021 Caroline Dormon Outstanding Louisiana Naturalist Award! 
​ The LMNA extends hearty congratulations to William R. “Bill” Fontenot M.S, celebrated ornithologist, native plantsman and wildlife landscape restoration ecologist as the well-deserved recipient of the 2021 Caroline Dormon Outstanding Louisiana Naturalist Award. He was selected by popular vote by the LMNA board on March 29th from a shortlist of extremely deserving candidates presented to the nominations committee. He is the fourth winner since the inception of the award and it was agreed that he met and exceeded the selection criteria for the state’s premiere award for outstanding naturalist.
 
  Bill’s career as a naturalist has manifested in many ways that have had far-reaching and persistent impact in our region, and beyond. As museum curator, nature station manager, author, local columnist for over two decades he has helped educate the public about our natural heritage. As an active restoration ecologist he continues to serve as a transformative exemplar.  Read full article The Dormon Award

Rendezvous 2021 Digest

Each year Louisiana Master Naturalist members meet up and enjoy learning and camaraderie at Spring Rendezvous events!
Due to COVID-19 restrictions on public meetings the LMNA board voted unanimously to postpone the physical Rendezvous event to April 8th-10th 2022. It was also decided to instead host a series of fun and educational events and activities throughout the State in April 2021. Visit our digest page for a summary of our events and activities!

Who are the Louisiana Master Naturalists?

The Louisiana Master Naturalist Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group offering opportunities for citizens to expand their knowledge and sharpen their skills in natural history, with special focus on the diverse habitats of the Sportsman's Paradise - Louisiana.  ​"We're part of the solution #ForNature."

With Natchitoches being the state's oldest city (1714) and New Orleans one of the earliest major ports in the U.S. (1718), Louisiana has played a pivotal role in our knowledge of the flora and fauna of North America.  Naturalists arrived on many of the earliest ships and sent specimens of species then new to science back to the museums of the Old World.  Many of the early natural historians traveled Louisiana's byways, as demonstrated by John James Audubon's many contributions to our knowledge of early 1800's biota.
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We encourage you to enter the LMNA certification program and contribute to the well-being and expanding knowledge-base in natural history in Louisiana.  The Master Naturalist training, through its various chapters, will enable you to learn about the nature of the state's varied physiographic regions, and help you understand the connections among our valued environment, culture, and economy.

We are a member of the Alliance for Natural Resource Outreach Providers (ANROSP)

How do I become a Louisiana Master Naturalist?

LMNA is an inclusive organization, welcoming all adults in Louisiana regardless of gender, color or creed. In order to be certified, you must complete all requirements set forth by your chosen chapter of the LMNA.  Each chapter has different but comparable requirements to receive and maintain certification.  To receive certification, you must complete a course (40-60 hours of workshop time), volunteer some of your time to benefit the environment and community, as well as pay modest dues.  To maintain your certification, you must annually complete continuing education and volunteer hour requirements and pay dues.

Look Who's Talking At Rendezvous 2022!  

Register For  Rendezvous
​2022 Event  Information
2022 Annual Nature Photo Contest      2022 Silent Auction      2022 Bioblitz Contest

Where do educational sessions take place?

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 LMNA conducts indoor classes and field work. We are a confederation of chapters focused on regions and habitats throughout the state.  Chapters may differ in their content and approach, but the coordination will ensure consistency in quality and focus.  All present a broad overview of the state's natural history, but chapters will vary based on geography.  You may choose whichever you wish.  Chapters share presenters and enjoy co-hosting field trips with other chapters.  We host an annual state gathering - Rendezvous - to meet one another and share knowledge and ideas.

The LMNA Channel is now posting some members' educational presentations online to be enjoyed in the safety of social isolation. 
Click the image above to view Scott Courtright's exemplary presentation on Forest Bathing: Boosting Immunity and Mood, one video in a growing resource library.  Forest Bathing on LMNA Blog.
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State Logo

 While chapters may have their own logo, they are unified under the LMNA logo featuring the Anhinga. The Anhinga is an aquatic bird that may be seen throughout the state of Louisiana and particularly loves swamp environments that are iconic of the state.  Anhingas are sometimes called Snake Birds, as they forage in water, swimming with just the head and neck appearing above the water with a snake-like movement as they move along.  Since they don't have well-oiled feathers, they normally climb out of the water and spread their wings to allow them to dry.  Our logo shows a juvenile Anhinga (note the tan neck and head) in its characteristic drying pose.

Can you give any second-hand books?

An LMNA fundraising nature book sale is a regular feature at Rendezvous. Most of the books are pre-owned and donated by chapter members.  They can vary from field guides to natural history subject related novels. The books are sold at discounted prices and available for purchase at posted times at a Rendezvous table.

Our Origins: Southwest Chapter

Other state master naturalists associations/programs

Many states have Master Naturalist associations or programs.  You are encouraged to peruse the websites of some of the established programs.  Google "master naturalist programs" to see others.

Alabama Master Naturalist Program
Arkansas Master Naturalist Program
Florida Master Naturalist Program
Georgia Master Naturalist Program
Mississippi Master Naturalist Program
South Carolina Master Naturalist Program
Texas Master Naturalist Program 

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