Public invited to the opening session

March 21, 2022, Alexandria/Pineville – Louisiana Master Naturalist Association will convene its annual statewide meeting called “Rendezvous” Friday, April 1. The public is invited to their opening session 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Pineville Convention Center.

Area residents interested in the natural world and how to conserve it are especially invited to learn about LMNA and how to activate a local chapter. LMNA president Bob Thomas will introduce the organization, talk about its mission and goals, and provide information about how to get involved.
LMNA president-elect Bette Kauffman will present information about nearby Camp Hardtner, a rich natural area, and resource that is enrolled in the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program.

Thomas is a professor of biology at Loyola University and a herpetologist. His research in Belize led to a newly described species of snake being named after him. He is the founder of LMNA and its first president. Kauffman is a professor emerita of communication at the University of Louisiana Monroe. The material she will present is based on her Master Naturalist certification project, which was conducted as part of the process of enrolling Camp Hardtner in the LNH Program.

Day two of Rendezvous (April 2) will be devoted to workshops and field trips for members and their guests, culminating Saturday evening with announcement of the 2022 recipient of LMNA’s Caroline Dormon Outstanding Louisiana Naturalist award. A press release naming the recipient and providing additional information about the award will be provided a few days in advance.

Day three of Rendezvous (April 3, Sunday morning) offers members a nature walk at Camp Hardtner with Dr. Kauffman and Fungi Foray led by Dr. David Lewis, President Emeritus of the Gulf States Mycological Society and co-author of “Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States- A Field Guide to Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida”.