Louisiana Master Naturalists – Northeast engages in hands‑on projects that support our mission of education, stewardship, and community service across the natural landscapes of northeast Louisiana. Our projects strengthen partnerships, expand public understanding of natural history, and contribute meaningful data to conservation efforts.
| St. Thomas on the Bayou Nature Trail | Initiated 2021 by Care-of-creation committee | Biodiversity survey, Interpretation | Survey completed, Signage in-progress |
| Highland Parks Wetland Trail | March 2023 | Biodiversity survey, Interpretation | Completed |
| Black Bayou Lake Phenological Trail Signage | Initiated March 2025 | Facilitating Phenological Citizen Science | In progress |
| NABA Butterfly Count | Biodiversity survey | Completed 2023, 2024, 2025 | |
| Southeast Rare Fungi Challenge | August 2023 – December 2028 | Biodiversity survey | Ongoing |
A record of our chapter’s work in conservation, education, and community science.
🌱 Ongoing Projects
🐾 Citizen Science & Biodiversity Monitoring
- iNaturalist Biodiversity Documentation Members contribute thousands of observations across our 12‑parish region, supporting species inventories, ecological research, and public education.
- Seasonal Monitoring Programs Frog call surveys (Frog Walks), butterfly counts, bird monitoring, and phenology tracking continue throughout the year.
- Workshop‑Based Field Data Collection Each workshop—birds, herpetology, plants, aquatic life, fungi, insects—generates new data for regional biodiversity understanding. This has resulted in documentation of Parish, State, National and Global records with provisional naming of species that don’t match known records including a fungus that grows on rocks from Sicily Island.
🌳 Stewardship & Habitat Support
- Restoration Park Habitat Engagement Ongoing involvement in ecological education and stewardship at this urban wetland site. Our members helped restore the southwest beavers’ dam when it was breached by storm water.
- Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Support Continued collaboration with refuge staff for workshops, trail use, and public outreach events.
- Native Planting & Invasive Species Removal Member‑driven projects to improve habitat quality in font and back yards, local parks and natural areas.
📚 Education & Outreach
- Public Nature Walks & Demonstrations Members lead walks for schools, civic groups, and community events.
- Festival & Event Outreach LMN‑NE maintains a presence at regional events to share natural history knowledge and promote conservation: Celtic Fest, Ouachita Green Fall Family Funfest, FoBB Fall Celebration.
- Workshop Program (Cyclical) Natural history workshops offered each year, contributing to certification and community learning.
🌟 Completed Projects
🐍 Herpetology Workshop Series at Black Bayou Lake NWR
A recurring, highly successful workshop led by regional experts, including ULM’s Prof. Emeritus John L. Carr.
🦋 LMN‑NE Hosts LMNA Rendezvous 2024
Our chapter hosted the statewide Rendezvous weekend, bringing naturalists from across Louisiana together for learning, field trips, and fellowship.
🌾 Restoration Park Ecology Workshops
Multiple years of hands‑on field instruction in wetland ecology, restoration principles, and species identification.
🐟 Watershed Dynamics & Hydrology Field Workshops
A full workshop exploring hydrology in action, including field demonstrations and applied watershed science.
🍄 Mycology Forays & Fungal Documentation
Seasonal fungi workshops and forays are contributing to regional fungal biodiversity knowledge.
Our members have observed multiple Parish records, State records and provisionally named species! http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/230499285
🐦 Birding Workshops & Seasonal Bird Walks
Instructional birding events supporting both beginners and advanced birders.
🌎 Signature LMN‑NE Initiatives
📸 iNaturalist Project Participation
Members contribute to numerous biodiversity projects, including:
- Local ecology projects (Kiroli Park, Restoration Park, Highland Park Wetland Trails)
- Regional herpetofauna documentation
- BioBlitz events (Briarwood, City Nature Challenge)
- Fungi and rare species initiatives These projects strengthen the chapter’s scientific contributions and public engagement.
🧭 Naturalist Training Program
A structured certification pathway requiring seven workshops and a capstone project, offering deep engagement with Louisiana’s natural history.
🤝 Partnerships & Community Engagement
LMN‑NE collaborates with:
- Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Local universities and professors
- Conservation nonprofits
- Municipal parks and nature centers These partnerships expand our reach and impact across the region.
🌼 How Members Can Get Involved
- Join a workshop or field project
- Contribute observations to iNaturalist
- Volunteer at outreach events
- Assist with stewardship activities
- Propose a new project aligned with LMN‑NE’s mission
Louisiana Master Naturalists - Northeast 