Louisiana Master Naturalists, Northwest Chapter
Board Members
The Louisiana Master Naturalist Association trains citizens of the Bayou State to be effective volunteers to take part in Conservation Through Education.
Rusty Scarborough B.S., C.I.G., C.I.T.
President
Rusty is a founding member and graduated in the first Master Naturalist class in 2015 and he teaches Interpretation class for the group. He is the Park Manager at Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park in Shreveport. Rusty has been a Master Falconer for over 30 years. He has trained and hunted with a number of birds including Red-tailed hawks, Harris’s hawks, Kestrels, Red-shouldered hawk, Cooper’s hawk, Ferruginous/Harris’ hybrid and golden eagles. Rusty flies a cast of captive bred Harris’s hawks and a Red-tailed hawk. Rusty currently serves as President of the Arkansas Hawking Association. Rusty is also an avid flint knapper. Rusty holds certifications with the National Association for Interpretation as Certified Interpretive Guide (C.I.G.)and Certified Interpretive Trainer, (C.I.T.). Rusty has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation with a minor in Microbiology from Louisiana Tech University.
Email me: rscarborough@caddo.org
Anne Lutz C.I.G.
Vice President
Anne received her Master Naturalist certification in 2018 and is currently serving on the State Board for Louisiana Master Naturalists. She is an educator and naturalist dedicated to connecting people with Louisiana’s diverse ecosystems. As the current Education Coordinator for Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation, Anne develops engaging programs and special events that inspire curiosity and stewardship of the natural world. Anne has led initiatives such as nature camps, hands on wildlife experiences, and citizen science projects. She currently organizes events like Art in the Park, Family Adventure Day and Wild Child Summer Camps at Walter B. Jacobs Nature Park. Passionate about fostering a love for nature, Anne works closely with volunteers, local experts, and community organizations such as U.S. Forestry, LDWF and Ducks Unlimited to create meaningful outdoor learning opportunities. When not leading programs, she enjoys exploring wild places, contributing to citizen science and bush crafting.
318-220-6026
Larry Raymond B.S, M.S.
Treasurer
Larry is a founding member and graduated in the first Master Naturalist class in 2015. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree and Master’s degree in biological sciences from NLU (now, ULM). His emphasis in school was vertebrate biology with advanced courses in ichthyology (fishes) and herpetology (amphibians and reptiles). He also has training in plant identification, especially trees and flowering plants. He spent his career with the Parish of Caddo Parks and Recreation Department (now, retired). He was an adjunct instructor of biological sciences at LSUS for approximately 25 years and have been teaching at BPCC as an adjunct instructor of biology for the past six years. He is an avid birder and frequently spend time in the local forests looking for unusual plants. He has spent countless hours researching the breeding biology and natural history of local frogs and salamanders.
318-347-3134
Pending
Secretary
Pending
Email me: Pen ding
Emily Allemand B.S.
Board Member
I am a passionate naturalist with a deep love for the outdoors, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in field and organismal biology from Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS). My academic background has equipped me with a strong foundation in the life sciences, which I continue to build on through my personal interests and professional experiences. In addition to my formal education, I have always been drawn to nature and wildlife. I am an avid birdwatcher, hiker, and photographer, often spending my free time exploring the diverse ecosystems of Louisiana and beyond. My camera and binoculars are never far from hand, as I enjoy capturing the beauty of the natural world and learning more about the species that inhabit it. After completing my degree, I had the privilege of working as an environmental educator along the coast of Alabama. This experience allowed me to share my passion for nature with others, leading field trips, teaching about local ecosystems, and promoting environmental stewardship. As a Louisiana Master Naturalist, I am excited to continue expanding my knowledge, connecting with like-minded individuals, and contributing to the conservation of our unique natural landscapes.
Email me: emilysmithla@yahoo.com
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John Michael Kelly
Board Member
Independent Naturalist/Botanist
John Michael is a native of Bossier Parish. Since his youth he has studied outdoor skills and natural history, and for nearly a decade he has given talks on outdoor topics. In addition to his roles on the board of the Louisiana Native Plant Society (VP) and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, he spends his free-time researching the plant communities and flora of the region. He has authored more than two dozen peer-reviewed journal articles, habitat assessments, and research reports. He writes a periodical column on tree Identification for the Louisiana Forestry Association. He is currently employed by the U.S. Forest Service on the Caney Ranger District of Kisatchie National Forest.
Email me: kelley.johnmichael@gmail.com
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Louisiana Master Naturalists Northwest Chapter 