January 2018 – Page 2 – Louisiana Master Naturalists

As promised, here is our agenda for Tuesday’s meeting (Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m., Black Bayou Visitor Center):

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Chris Doffitt, LDWF: Louisiana’s Natural Areas Registry Program; followed by Q&A.

7:30 p.m. Business Meeting

Introduction of Board of Directors & Officers; Where we are in forming our organization.

Treasurer’s Report

LMNA Grant status; applying for 501(c)(3).

Membership & Certification Requirements; Roselie and Stephanie will take memberships at the end of the meeting. (Please note: Our By-Laws have been linked to the “About” page of this website.)

Rendezvous 2018 – April 6-8, Camp Hardtner, Pollock, La.

Upcoming Events:

Nova Clarke, Ranger – Special events at Black Bayou NWR.

FOBB? – Upcoming FOBB events.

Others?

Our 2018 Meeting Dates: April 3, July 10, Oct. 2 – In lieu of an April meeting, we might want to participate in the ULM Biology programs Bio Blitz–if you are interested.

Adjourn: 8 p.m.

No photos! All business, folks.

Although it is just a few miles south of where I live, I have neglected becoming familiar with Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area. On New Year’s Day, our LMN-NE Board Member and Treasurer Stephanie Herrmann mentioned First Day Hike on Facebook. I decided immediately to take up the challenge and wanted to go somewhere close to home, in part because it was sooooo cold. Brrrrr. Russell Sage, here I come!

IMGP8239 72-10 — The beauty of ice on a mudhole! How often do we get to see that? (Photo by Bette Kauffman)

In fact, I learned that Russell Sage is well worth many more visits. I walked down just one ATV trail–the WMA is set up primarily for hunters. So be it. I wore my hunter orange vest! And I was there for just two hours, moving slowly. Nevertheless, in the dead of winter, I enjoyed what I saw and will go back.

IMGP8281 72-10 — Palmetto (Sabal)–the first thing in the forest to go green. (Photo by Bette Kauffman)

I already shared a bunch of photos in our Facebook group, including those of my encounter with a raccoon. They aren’t quite good enough for the blog. In my excitement, I couldn’t get my most high-powered lens focused! But I always find beauty, and this outing was no exception.

I saw LOTS of birds, but the only decent shot I got is below. Many thanks to Board member Jeff Barnhill for assistance in identifying the white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).

BTW, First Day Hikes is a real thing. Next year, I hope LMN-NE will have one of its own!

Month: January 2018

Agenda: 1st Quarter Meeting

Russell Sage WMA