Welcome to Footprints and Field Notes

Louisiana Master Naturalist Northwest Blog – February 2025

Kickoff Time! Get Ready for a New Year of Learning and Exploration

Welcome back, Master Naturalists! As we step into another exciting year, we have fantastic workshops, engaging events, and inspiring volunteer opportunities lined up. Whether you’re continuing your journey or just getting started, we can’t wait to explore Louisiana’s natural wonders with you.

Join Us for Orientation – February 20th!

📅 Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025

📍 Location: Red River National Wildlife Refuge

⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

👥 Led by: Larry Raymond

Our Orientation Workshop marks the start of our 2025 Master Naturalist program! We’ll introduce the year’s workshops, discuss volunteer opportunities, and go over what it means to be a Master Naturalist. This is the perfect time to reconnect with fellow members, meet new ones, and get excited for what’s ahead.

Meet Our 2025 Board Members

A big thank you to the dedicated members stepping up to lead our chapter this year:

• President: Rusty Scarborough

• Vice President & Publicity Chair: Anne Lutz

• Secretary: Sandy Roerig

• Volunteer & Continuing Education Chair: Roger Coley

We are also proud to have Anne Lutz representing us on the Louisiana Master Naturalist State Board.

2025 Workshops – Mark Your Calendars!

🌼 March 9 – Wildflowers I with Janet Creech (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

🌳 April 5 – Interpretation & Volunteering with A. Lutz, T. Jacobson, & WERLA (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

🐦 May 3 – Ornithology I with Larry Raymond (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

🦋 May 31 – Biodiversity & Ecology I with Terri Jacobson & J.M. Kelley (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

🪨 November 13 – Geology with Judy Sneed (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Louisiana Master Naturalist Association 2025 Rendezvous

We’re thrilled to invite you to the 2025 LMNA Annual Rendezvous in Baton Rouge! This year’s theme, “A River Runs Through It,” celebrates the Mississippi River and its profound influence on our region.

📅 April 11-13, 2025

📍 Baton Rouge, Louisiana

💰 Registration Fee: $100 (Includes Friday night dinner & tour, Saturday night banquet)

Why Attend?

• Exclusive Tour of the LSU Center for River Studies – Home to one of the world’s largest physical models of the Mississippi River.

• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Clint Willson, Director of the LSU Center for River Studies

• Networking & Learning – Connect with naturalists from across Louisiana, attend engaging workshops, and explore the area.

• Special Events:

🍽️ Friday Dinner at the River Studies Center (Jambalaya, White Beans, Salad, and more)

🎥 Paddle-in Movie Night (Sea of Shadows screening on University Lake!)

🍯 Beekeeping & Honey Tasting Experience

Lodging & Registration

🏨 Drury Inn & Suites – Baton Rouge (Group Rate Available!)

🚐 RV & Tent Camping Available at Waddill Wildlife Refuge and Baton Rouge KOA

📢 REGISTER HERE – Sign up starting January 1, 2025!

For more details, download the 2025 Rendezvous Schedule

Renew Your Membership & Recruit New Members!

💰 Annual Dues: If you haven’t yet, please renew your membership! We’ve made it easier than ever—now you can pay via Venmo. Four digit code needed: 7987

📣 Help Grow Our Community! Know someone passionate about nature? Encourage them to join the Louisiana Master Naturalists! The more members we have, the bigger impact we can make.

We’re looking forward to an incredible year of discovery, education, and conservation. See you at Orientation!

#LMNNW #MasterNaturalist #ExploreNature