Welcome to the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association Program (LMNA)
The Louisiana Master Naturalist Association offers an opportunity for citizens to expand or sharpen their skills in natural history, with special focus on the diverse habitats of the Sportsman's Paradise - Louisiana.
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. Most of the early natural historians traveled Louisiana's byways, as demonstrated by John James Audubon's many contributions to our knowledge of early 1800s biota.
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.
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. Most of the early natural historians traveled Louisiana's byways, as demonstrated by John James Audubon's many contributions to our knowledge of early 1800s biota.
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.
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.
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. |
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How do I become a Louisiana Master Naturalist?
In order to be certified, you must complete all requirements set forth by the chosen chapter of 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, and continuing education hours, as well as pay modest dues. To maintain your certification, you must annually complete continuing education and volunteer hour requirements and pay dues.
Where do educational sessions take place?
LMNA is 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.
What chapters exist in Louisiana?
Please visit our chapter page for a current list of chapters.
Parishes Currently Targeted/Served by LMNA Chapters
Legend:
Parishes Currently Targeted/Served by LMNA Chapters
Legend:
- Green - Northwest Chapter
- Blue - Northeast Chapter
- Rose - CenLa Chapter
- Tan - Southwest Chapter
- Red - Acadiana Chapter
- Yellow - Greater Baton Rouge Chapter
- Turquoise - Greater New Orleans 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
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