THE LOUISIANA MASTER NATURALIST ASSOCIATION INVITES ALL MEMBERS TO OUR
Rendezvous 2026
April 10th-12th, 2026
Map of Louisiana with seven parishes of Acadiana labeled: Jefferson Davis, Acadia, Vermillion, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Iberia.
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 Workshop and Presentations Descriptions and Schedule!
RegistrationPlease 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 10th, 2026 and close on Wednesday April 8th. 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 Zeffy link too! 
Attractive and collectible LMNA Rendezvous 2026 "Rooted in Acadiana" T-shirts available.
After registering, please join our Facebook Group
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Steve Barney will present on insects!
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Learn about Prothonotary Warblers' nesting behaviors at LMNA Rendezvous 2026!
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Fresh oysters on the half-shell courtesy of Co-pilot.
The LO-SPAT project is a Louisiana-led initiative advancing oyster sustainability through genomic selection and aquaculture innovation. By breeding oysters that tolerate low salinity and partnering across institutions, LO-SPAT helps protect our coastal ecosystems and seafood heritage! See Speakers Page Learn more at Rendezvous 2026!
Look at Our Line-up of 2026 Speakers!
Logo Design: Cole Broussard, AMN Alumnus
LMNA Photo Contest 2026Voting begins! Check out the entries. Provide a "star" rating for each photo in each category. Categories are divided into separate pages.
2026 Rendezvous Photography Contest Voting Form link https://form.jotform.com/260695357397069
Lodging InformationHomewood Suites by Hilton, Lafayette-Airport, LA
201 Kaliste Saloom Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508 Google Maps Location Please use this link to book your room: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/lftkshw-907-fab45b1d-7db4-463d-8308-ef25ec708a5b/ OFFICIAL PROGRAM DATES: Friday, April 10, 2026 - Sunday, April 12, 2026 GUEST ROOM & ROOM RATE(S) 
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
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Drawn to Nature: Artist Naturalists Celebrating Louisiana’s Biodiversity
Left: Carolina Parrot, Plate 26 from the Bird of America by John James Audubon, Princeton Edition, offset lithograph on watercolour paper,
1985, hand-embellished. Right: Crow Poison by Susan David, silkscreen limited edition, tan Arches, 2025, Hand-embellished.
The ecosystems and species of our state have been the subjects of art for centuries and continue to inspire artists today!
Atelier de la Nature invites you to this group exhibition featuring works by historic artists/naturalists John James Audubon (1785-1851), Mark Catesby (1683-1749), Lorenz Oken (1779-1851), Rex Brasher (1869-1960) and others that depicted Louisiana species, alongside contemporary artists that have taken the Louisiana Master Naturalist program including Susan David, Martha Garner, Carey Hamburg. David Herbert, Chris Kingwell, and others.
The exhibition will be on view during the 2026 Louisiana Master Naturalist Rendezvous organized by the Acadiana Master Naturalists and run through May 2nd as part of the Fete de la Nature Bioblitz held May 2nd at Atelier de la Nature. An artist reception with wine and cheese will be held for Rendezvous participants on Saturday April 12 from 3 to 4 PM. Read more in the file linked below!
Atelier de la Nature invites you to this group exhibition featuring works by historic artists/naturalists John James Audubon (1785-1851), Mark Catesby (1683-1749), Lorenz Oken (1779-1851), Rex Brasher (1869-1960) and others that depicted Louisiana species, alongside contemporary artists that have taken the Louisiana Master Naturalist program including Susan David, Martha Garner, Carey Hamburg. David Herbert, Chris Kingwell, and others.
The exhibition will be on view during the 2026 Louisiana Master Naturalist Rendezvous organized by the Acadiana Master Naturalists and run through May 2nd as part of the Fete de la Nature Bioblitz held May 2nd at Atelier de la Nature. An artist reception with wine and cheese will be held for Rendezvous participants on Saturday April 12 from 3 to 4 PM. Read more in the file linked below!
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Ready to transform your yard into a more vibrant, harmonious ecosystem?
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!
LMNA Silent Auction 2026
Please start thinking about your gifts to contribute for our LMNA Silent Auction 2026, as this is one of our group's key fund-raising activities and our funds could do with a helpful boost, thank you!
We'd like each chapter to provide a basket of locally produced 'goodies' from our respective areas.
We'd like each chapter to provide a basket of locally produced 'goodies' from our respective areas.
Copyright LMNA 2026