About
Our Mission
The Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans (LMNGNO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a community of knowledgeable and engaged stewards of Louisiana’s unique natural environment.
Through comprehensive, science-based education and volunteer opportunities, we connect people with the rich ecology of the Greater New Orleans region and empower them to become active conservationists. Explore our story, meet our team, and discover how we collaborate to protect our precious natural heritage.
Our History
The Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans chapter was established to address a growing need for accessible, in-depth environmental education within the community.
Recognizing the unique ecological significance of Southeast Louisiana, our founders envisioned a program that would train passionate volunteers to become informed advocates and caretakers of our local ecosystems. Since our inception, LMNGNO has graduated numerous certified Master Naturalists who contribute significantly to conservation efforts through volunteer service, education, and citizen science across the Greater New Orleans region.
We remain committed to providing high-quality training and fostering a network dedicated to Louisiana’s natural future.
LMNGNO Leadership
President: Janna Wisniewski, Ph.D.
Vice-President: Tres Fisher
Treasurer: Michele Mire, CPA
Secretary: Janell Simpson, Ph.D. secretary@louisianamasternaturalistsgno.org
Past President: Julia Lightner
Board of Directors 2025
(Date following name is expiration year for their term)
- Meg Adams, retired civil engineer (2026)
- Byron Almquist, owner Canoe and Trail Adventures (2027)
- Andrew Barron, Senior Water Resource Coordinator & Quality Assurance Manager (2027)
- Frank P. Boimare III, M.S., M.F.A., librarian (2026)
- Kismet R. Collins, M.D., physician (2027)
- Courtney Egan (2025)
- Leonard (Tres) Fisher, III, Attorney (2026)
- Albert P. (Rusty) Gaudé, Area Fishery Extension Agent (2025)
- Jim Grice (2026)
- Craig Hood, PhD, Professor, Invited Member (2025)
- Tanee Janusz, environmental educator and Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (2025)
- Julia Lightner, biologist, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (2025)
- Tricia Leblanc, nature educator (2027)
- Joe Llewellyn, retired National Park Service Superintendent and Land Resources Branch Chief (2026)
- Michael Massimi, Coastal Ecologist, Invasive Species Specialist (2025)
- Marianne Maumus, M.D., Ochsner physician (2027)
- Rue McNeill, Executive Director of Northlake Nature Center (2026)
- Michele M. Mire, CPA, LA Master Gardener, native plant and wildlife enthusiast (2026)
- Mary Mysing-Gubala, Ph.D., retired teacher (2025)
- Ann Plicque, M. M., gardener, outdoorswoman (2027)
- Janell Simpson, Ph.D., retired teacher (2024)
- Rebecca Stilling, LCSW, social worker (2027)
- Robert (Bob) A. Thomas, Ph.D., Professor (2026)
- Bill Van der Meer, (2025)
- Janna M. Wisniewski, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (2025)
Our Partners
LMNGNO Awards
Donald Muir Bradburn Outstanding Louisiana Master Naturalist Award, Greater New Orleans Chapter
The late Dr. Donald Muir Bradburn (1924-2012) was a pathologist and life-long naturalist, most noted for his photography – especially the scenery and natural history of Horn Island, Mississippi. His wife, Anne, shares his love of nature and earned her Master of Science degree with a study of the plants of Horn Island.
LMNGNO wishes to honor the outstanding graduate of each class whose enthusiasm, attitude, dedication to learning, collegiality with classmates, and expansion of knowledge is considered by present classmates to deserve the honor of being named the Donald Muir Bradburn Louisiana Master Naturalist Award winner.
Since the honoree is chosen solely by class members, it is important that each class member determines who exemplifies the goals of LMNGNO:
- to become better educated in natural history of the GNO region.
- to demonstrate enthusiasm for the course objectives.
- to be a leader among like-minded participants.
- to be prepared for classes and actively participate in workshops.
- to show dedication to volunteerism and natural history service to others.
- to exemplify the character and image of a Certified Louisiana Master Naturalist.
| Class | Award Winner |
|---|---|
| Spring 2013 | Lauren Hull |
| Fall 2013 | Byron Almquist |
| Spring 2014 | Janell Simpson |
| Fall 2014 | Jackson Blalock |
| Spring 2015 | Christopher Johnson |
| Fall 2015 | |
| Spring 2016 | Kaye London |
| Fall 2016 | Rebekah Lloyd |
| Spring 2017 | David Bull |
| Fall 2017 | |
| Spring 2018 | Nicole Moody |
| Fall 2018 | Alanna Frick |
| Spring 2019 | Kismet Collins |
| Fall 2019 | Dale Campo |
| Spring 2020 | Seth Nehrbass |
| Fall 2020 | Gardner Goodall |
| Spring 2021 | Jacqueline Taylor |
| Fall 2021 | Tom Rogers |
| Spring 2022 | Karen Marshall |
| Fall 2022 | Tim Green |
| Spring 2023 | Arnoldo Vanegas |
| Fall 2023 | Julie Wood |
| Spring 2024 | Susan Brower |
| Fall 2024 | Alex Landry |
Paul Percy Viosca, Jr. Outstanding Naturalist Award, Greater New Orleans Region, presented by the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans
Paul Percy Viosca, Jr. (1892-1961), was a native New Orleanian who loved the habitats of Louisiana from early childhood and worked professionally to conserve and understand its rich environment. He was a renowned scientist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, owned the private business Southern Biological Supply, and was among the first environmental consultants. His many publications on Louisiana’s coastal wetlands are classics in the field and widely read today.
This award may be given annually to a person who has made outstanding contributions to the field of natural history in the Greater New Orleans region. The nominee is not required to be affiliated in any way with LMNGNO, but should reside in the LMNGNO service area. The Viosca Award winner receives life membership in LMNGNO.
| Award Winners | |
| 2017 | David Muth |
| 2020 | Dinah Margarden |
| 2021 | Byron Almquist |
| 2022 | Pon Dixson |
| 2023 | Linda Auld |
| 2024 | Nancy L. Newfield |
Joe Baucum Volunteer of the Year Award, Greater New Orleans Region, presented by the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans
The late Joe Baucum (1940-2019) had a passion for volunteering with non-profits – especially those involving the natural environment and horticulture. In his later years, he served on the boards of Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans, the state Louisiana Master Naturalist Association, Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful, Better Swamps & Garden Club, Jefferson Parish Council of Garden Clubs, the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, and Louisiana Urban Forestry Council. This volunteer award honors Joe’s commitment to LMNGNO and his example of selfless service to this organization.
| Award Winners | |
| 2023 | Liz Sigler |