• Home
  • LMNA Chapters
    • Board & Officers
    • Fauna and Flora
    • Amphibians and Reptiles
    • Arthropods
    • Aquatic Ecology
    • Birds
    • Forest Ecology
    • Mammals
    • Plants
    • LMNA CHANNEL
    • River Dynamics
    • Citizen Science
  • Rendezvous 2026
    • Speakers 2026
  • The Dormon Award
  • Blog
  • Louisiana Maps
  • Resources
    • Materials
    • Useful Links
  • Ecotourism Louisiana
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Rendezvous 2024
    • Speakers 2024
    • Photo Contest 2024
    • Rendezvous 2023 >
      • Photo Contest 2023
      • Silent Auction
      • Our Leaders
      • Rendezvous 2022
      • Rendezvous 2021
    • Rendezvous 2025 >
      • Speakers
Louisiana Master Naturalist
  • Home
  • LMNA Chapters
    • Board & Officers
    • Fauna and Flora
    • Amphibians and Reptiles
    • Arthropods
    • Aquatic Ecology
    • Birds
    • Forest Ecology
    • Mammals
    • Plants
    • LMNA CHANNEL
    • River Dynamics
    • Citizen Science
  • Rendezvous 2026
    • Speakers 2026
  • The Dormon Award
  • Blog
  • Louisiana Maps
  • Resources
    • Materials
    • Useful Links
  • Ecotourism Louisiana
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Rendezvous 2024
    • Speakers 2024
    • Photo Contest 2024
    • Rendezvous 2023 >
      • Photo Contest 2023
      • Silent Auction
      • Our Leaders
      • Rendezvous 2022
      • Rendezvous 2021
    • Rendezvous 2025 >
      • Speakers


LMNA Rendezvous 2026
Acadiana

Register here

THE LOUISIANA MASTER NATURALIST ASSOCIATION INVITES ALL MEMBERS TO OUR​

Rendezvous 2026


April 10th-12th, 2026
Map of Louisiana with seven parishes of Acadiana: Jefferson Davis, Acadia, Vermillion, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Iberia
Map of Louisiana with seven parishes of Acadiana labeled: Jefferson Davis, Acadia, Vermillion, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Iberia.
Picture
Welcome to the 2026 Louisiana Master Naturalist Association Annual Rendezvous! We are thrilled to welcome both certified members and those in training, to Lafayette, Louisiana and the Acadiana region. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Acadiana,” pays tribute to the relationships between nature and the unique ecosystems and culture in the Acadiana region.


 Acadiana is not only the heart of Cajun Country, but a paradise for naturalists. Lake Martin is an excellent birding site. The UL Ecology Center is home base for native and prairie plant research, as well as bee studies and oyster research.

And Brandon Ballengee's Atelier de Nature is an amazing combination of science, research and art. Check our schedule for opportunities to visit all these sites! 

On Friday evening, join us for a special dinner at the hotel. We will view a prairie video called "Grassroots", followed by a panel discussion. Saturday's dinner will be followed by a presentation of the Caroline Dorman award, with a keynote by the award winner.

If you are an early bird, we will be hosting a happy hour at Max's with Science on the Bayou presentations from 2-4 PM on Friday.
​

We look forward to seeing you in Lafayette for the 2026 Rendezvous,
 "Rooted in Acadiana"!

Download the 2026 Rendezvous Schedule

2026_rendezvous_schedule_19dec25ga.pdf
File Size: 162 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Registration

Registration
Please fill out this Google info form in addition to paying as part of the registration process
https://forms.gle/ARMQCu6e4XwGt8cdA
​
Registration will open on January 10, 2026. The cost is $100, which includes access to the conference, Friday night’s dinner, Saturday night’s dinner at the Caroline Dormon Award Banquet and all the exciting events in our schedule.
​

For your convenience you can buy your T-shirts via the Zefi link too!
Young man modeling attractive and collectible LMNA Rendezvous 2026
Attractive and collectible LMNA Rendezvous 2026 "Rooted in Acadiana" T-shirts available.

After registering, please join our Facebook Group
We must agree with the group rules to join

Bulky American Alligator at Lake Martin
Mark Shirley will present on Alligators! Acadiana offers wonderful wildlife experiences in quintessential Cajun Country famed for majestic swamp scenes, great 'gators and magnificent birding! Add to this the warmth of good ol' Southern hospitality and a program that will educate, fascinate, and entertain.

​Menu

Event Catering Menu
 
Friday Evening
Chicken Thighs with teriyaki glaze (no stuffing)
Yellow Rice Pilaf
Vegetarian option: Eggplant parmesan
Beverages: Sweet Tea and Lemonade
​
Saturday Evening
Pork Roast
Rice Dressing
Green Bean Casserole
Vegetarian option: Pasta Primavera
Bread/Rolls
Dessert: Banana Foster’s Bread Pudding
Beverages: Sweet Tea and Lemonade
 
Lunch Options (On Your Own): See interactive map for food recommendations in and around Lafayette.
Lunch Options (On Your Own):
Lunch Options (On Your Own): See interactive map for food recommendations in and around Lafayette.
 
2026 LMNA Rendezvous: Rooted in Acadiana Interactive Map

​

Phasmid stick insect on leaf
Steve Barney will present on insects!
Acadiana Master Naturalist black and white logo with whooping crane and vegetation
Logo Design: Cole Broussard, AMN Alumnus

LMNA Photo Contest 2026

The deadline for submission is Sunday, March 8th, 2026.
  • The image in the category album with the most likes wins. In case of a tie-break, joint winners will be declared.
  • ​Voting for your choices of images commences the week of March 9th, 2026.
  • Please vote for just one image per category by filling out the Photo voting form.
  • The voting deadline will be Friday, March 27th, 2026 at midnight
Submission Form: TBD
Voting Form: TBD

Lodging Information

Homewood Suites by Hilton, Lafayette-Airport, LA
201 Kaliste Saloom Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508
Google Maps Location

Call the hotel at 337-317-8453 and say you’d like to book in the reserved “LMNA” block
 
OFFICIAL PROGRAM DATES: Friday, April 10, 2026 - Sunday, April 12, 2026
GUEST ROOM & ROOM RATE(S)
Picture
Reservations by attendees must be received on or before Wednesday, March 11th, 2026. 

​Camping
Acadiana Park Campground
1201 E Alexander St, Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 291-8388
Email: [email protected]
https://www.lafayettela.gov/ParksRecreation/acadiana-campground
$28/night


​
Acadiana Park Campground Map 1201 E. Alexander Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. Call 337 291 8388 to reserve 1 of 75 camping spots. All camp sites have water and electric service (20A, 30A, 50A)
Acadiana Park Campground Map
Lance Ardoin and Master Naturalists at White Lake Conservation Area with non-native plants.
Lance Ardoin at White Lake Conservation Area with non-native plants.

​Ready to transform your yard into a more vibrant, harmonious ecosystem? 

Smiling lady conservationist standing among the native plants that she is helping to protect!Acadiana Native Plant Project's President, Phyllis Griffard will lead our propagation greenhouse tour!

Join us for an inspiring session with Dr. Phyllis Griffard, awarded  Visionary Educator, as she introduces the Acadiana Native Plant Project (ANPP)!
Whether you have an acreage or a small patio, you have the power to improve the "ecological heartbeat" of your land. Phyllis— retired educator and dedicated ANPP volunteer—will share how this local non-profit is bringing Louisiana’s wild beauty back home.
Why you shouldn't miss this:
  • Rooted in Acadiana: Learn about the 100+ species of native wildflowers, grasses, and trees grown right here in Arnaudville and the UL Ecology Center.
  • Expert Advice: Get tips on how to choose plants that support local birds, bees, and butterflies.
  • Get Involved: Discover what you need to develop from "landscaping" to stewarding the land. Grow something that matters!​

2026 SPEAKERS PAGE IN PROGRESS 

Copyright LMNA 2026
  • Home
  • LMNA Chapters
    • Board & Officers
    • Fauna and Flora
    • Amphibians and Reptiles
    • Arthropods
    • Aquatic Ecology
    • Birds
    • Forest Ecology
    • Mammals
    • Plants
    • LMNA CHANNEL
    • River Dynamics
    • Citizen Science
  • Rendezvous 2026
    • Speakers 2026
  • The Dormon Award
  • Blog
  • Louisiana Maps
  • Resources
    • Materials
    • Useful Links
  • Ecotourism Louisiana
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Rendezvous 2024
    • Speakers 2024
    • Photo Contest 2024
    • Rendezvous 2023 >
      • Photo Contest 2023
      • Silent Auction
      • Our Leaders
      • Rendezvous 2022
      • Rendezvous 2021
    • Rendezvous 2025 >
      • Speakers