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What is a Master Naturalist?

Master Naturalists are citizen volunteers dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities. To become a certified Master Naturalist, one must successfully complete a comprehensive training program encompassing diverse facets of the natural world. Once certified, the Master Naturalist is expected to perform a number of hours of volunteer service each year and expand and maintain their knowledge via continuing education programs.

LMNGBR provides this training via scientific, research-based education to the general public in order to foster a better understanding of the local natural ecosystems and promote conservation and preservation of native plant and animal life and habitats within the Greater Baton Rouge Area.

Who can join?

Membership in LMNGBR is open to anyone aged 18 and over who supports the goals of our organization. There are two categories of membership: Active and Patron Members.

Active Member: An Active Member has completed the LMNGBR training program, fulfills the required number of volunteer service and continuing education hours each year, and is current on annual dues. Active members have full privileges within the organization, e.g., voting, eligibility to hold office or serve on committees, etc.

Patron Member: A Patron Member pays dues annually but has neither completed the training program nor performs the volunteer or continuing education requirements. Patron Members may not vote, but based on continuing dedication and support to LMNGBR, they may be eligible for service on the board or on committees at the discretion of the board. Patron Members may not hold an executive office.

Membership in either category shall not be denied or abridged based on sex, race, age, color, religion, national origins, disabilities, or any other artificial barrier.

What is involved in the LMNGBR training program?

The training program currently consists of an orientation meeting and 10 workshops on various topics relating to the natural history of the Greater Baton Rouge area; the entire course takes place over a period of approximately 5 months. To earn certification as a Louisiana Master Naturalist of Greater Baton Rouge, trainees must attend the orientation meeting and a minimum of 8 of the 10 workshops.

Each workshop is approximately 6 hours in length and generally comprises both a classroom and a field component. The fee for the course is $225, which includes the first-year membership dues and program materials. For more information on enrolling in the training program, click here.
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Master Naturalists in Training!

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Searching for migratory birds during the Bird Study Class at Mary Ann Brown Nature Preserve.
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Stream Ecology Workshop: Katherine Gividen and Matthew Herron seining the riffle habitat on the Comite. — at Blackwater Conservation Park.
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Leopard Frog and a Marbled Salamander found on the field walk with the state herpetologist during the Herpetology Class.

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