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The Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge (LMNGBR) is a chapter of the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association focusing on the natural and cultural history of Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. Founded in the Summer 2015 as a 501c3 non-profit organization, LMNGBR provides an educational program for participants to obtain status as a Certified Master Naturalist dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities.
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LMNGBR BOARD
President: Amanda Marshall
Vice President: Bonnie D'Antonio
Treasurer: Alice Miller
Secretary: Meghan Perez
At-Large Members: Krista Adams, Katherine Gividen
Board Members: Alok Kharey, Caroline Wolf, Cathy Hansen, Colette Dean, Grace Bartel, Jane Patterson,
Janine Kharey, Jerri Becnel, Lori Radunzel-Davis, Lydia Nichols-Russell, Nanette Olivier, Natalie Poole, Terry Kidd.
Vice President: Bonnie D'Antonio
Treasurer: Alice Miller
Secretary: Meghan Perez
At-Large Members: Krista Adams, Katherine Gividen
Board Members: Alok Kharey, Caroline Wolf, Cathy Hansen, Colette Dean, Grace Bartel, Jane Patterson,
Janine Kharey, Jerri Becnel, Lori Radunzel-Davis, Lydia Nichols-Russell, Nanette Olivier, Natalie Poole, Terry Kidd.
Officers
President
AMANDA MARSHALL, PhD
Amanda is an Environmental Scientist in the Water Quality Standards and Assessment Section at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). She received both a B.S. in Biology with a focus on ecology and an M.S. in Public Policy with a focus on environmental policy from Georgia Tech. She then earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy from Southern Illinois University in 2017, during which she was the recipient of a National Science Foundation IGERT Fellowship in the field of Watershed Science and Policy. In her free time, Amanda enjoys indoor rock climbing and painting, volunteers with the BREC Green Force performing trail maintenance and invasive plant removal, is the current Secretary of the Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge Chapter promoting native plants, and is very involved with supporting the mission of LMNGBR.
AMANDA MARSHALL, PhD
Amanda is an Environmental Scientist in the Water Quality Standards and Assessment Section at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). She received both a B.S. in Biology with a focus on ecology and an M.S. in Public Policy with a focus on environmental policy from Georgia Tech. She then earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy from Southern Illinois University in 2017, during which she was the recipient of a National Science Foundation IGERT Fellowship in the field of Watershed Science and Policy. In her free time, Amanda enjoys indoor rock climbing and painting, volunteers with the BREC Green Force performing trail maintenance and invasive plant removal, is the current Secretary of the Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge Chapter promoting native plants, and is very involved with supporting the mission of LMNGBR.
Vice President
BONNIE D'ANTONIO
Bonnie is one of the founding members of the LMNGBR and a Baton Rouge native. With a background in Biology/Forensic Entomology and a career in Information Technology, Bonnie uses her broad knowledge of various topics to offer assistance where needed within the organization. She has been on various committees over the years, including the workshop committee and communications committee. She has also been a workshop facilitator, as well as serving on the board as a Member-at-Large at various times. She is also a member of Wild Ones of Greater Baton Rouge and a member at Hilltop Arboretum. Her passions include animal behavior, native plant gardening, and hiking.
BONNIE D'ANTONIO
Bonnie is one of the founding members of the LMNGBR and a Baton Rouge native. With a background in Biology/Forensic Entomology and a career in Information Technology, Bonnie uses her broad knowledge of various topics to offer assistance where needed within the organization. She has been on various committees over the years, including the workshop committee and communications committee. She has also been a workshop facilitator, as well as serving on the board as a Member-at-Large at various times. She is also a member of Wild Ones of Greater Baton Rouge and a member at Hilltop Arboretum. Her passions include animal behavior, native plant gardening, and hiking.
Treasurer
ALICE MILLER
Alice Miller, born and raised in Hong Kong, got her undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada, and an MBA from LSU. She and her husband, Richard, had worked and lived in Hong Kong and Singapore for several years before settling in Baton Rouge. They have two children, Jasmine and Justin.
Alice retired in late 2019 after 26 years as the Chief Financial Officer at Kean Miller Law Firm. In 2020, Alice joined the LMNGBR Spring class and fell in love with the wonders of nature. She enjoyed the classes and outings and making new friends during Covid. Though she is still a "newbie," she is committed to lifetime learning and exploring. Alice is a Master Gardener, volunteer at Hilltop Arboretum and a Green Force member with BREC.
ALICE MILLER
Alice Miller, born and raised in Hong Kong, got her undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada, and an MBA from LSU. She and her husband, Richard, had worked and lived in Hong Kong and Singapore for several years before settling in Baton Rouge. They have two children, Jasmine and Justin.
Alice retired in late 2019 after 26 years as the Chief Financial Officer at Kean Miller Law Firm. In 2020, Alice joined the LMNGBR Spring class and fell in love with the wonders of nature. She enjoyed the classes and outings and making new friends during Covid. Though she is still a "newbie," she is committed to lifetime learning and exploring. Alice is a Master Gardener, volunteer at Hilltop Arboretum and a Green Force member with BREC.
Secretary
MEGHAN PEREZ
Meghan is a graduate of the Fall 2023 class. She became a board member and volunteered to serve as Secretary in May 2024.
MEGHAN PEREZ
Meghan is a graduate of the Fall 2023 class. She became a board member and volunteered to serve as Secretary in May 2024.
Board Members
ALOK KHAREY
Alok completed his LMNGBR training in the Fall of 2021 and became a board member in March 2022. He was born in Nottingham, England, and immigrated to Louisiana in 1981. He attended LSU where he met his wife, Janine Kharey, and earned a BS in business administration in 1988. In 1991, Alok earned a JD from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. In 1992, he served as a judicial clerk in Lake Charles. He has worked as a research attorney in Baton Rouge for thirty-two years.
Alok and Janine are founding members of Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge. They are the proud parents of two professional engineers working to save the planet from the effects of climate change.
Alok completed his LMNGBR training in the Fall of 2021 and became a board member in March 2022. He was born in Nottingham, England, and immigrated to Louisiana in 1981. He attended LSU where he met his wife, Janine Kharey, and earned a BS in business administration in 1988. In 1991, Alok earned a JD from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. In 1992, he served as a judicial clerk in Lake Charles. He has worked as a research attorney in Baton Rouge for thirty-two years.
Alok and Janine are founding members of Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge. They are the proud parents of two professional engineers working to save the planet from the effects of climate change.
CAROLINE WOLF
CATHY HANSEN
Cathy is a native and lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. With a professional background in information technology, she enjoys learning about and observing technological solutions that advance the study of the natural world. She uses her computer skills to volunteer for organizations she is involved with. She has always found balance by spending time outdoors in nature. Some of her interests include birdwatching, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, photography, and travel. Cathy is a graduate of the Fall 2018 Master Naturalist program. She joined the board in 2020 and served three years as Secretary.
Cathy is a native and lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. With a professional background in information technology, she enjoys learning about and observing technological solutions that advance the study of the natural world. She uses her computer skills to volunteer for organizations she is involved with. She has always found balance by spending time outdoors in nature. Some of her interests include birdwatching, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, photography, and travel. Cathy is a graduate of the Fall 2018 Master Naturalist program. She joined the board in 2020 and served three years as Secretary.
COLETTE DEAN
Colette Dean joined LMNGBR during the planning stages of the program in the spring of 2015 and facilitated the bird class for the pilot program. She became an official Louisiana Master Naturalist of Greater Baton Rouge the following spring and served as President in 2020-2021. She has served on the Board of Directors for the LSU Hilltop Arboretum for more than 15 years, and is a Louisiana Master Gardener (class of 2003). Her background is in public relations, event planning, fundraising and feature writing, and in her career she has served numerous community organizations, including Volunteers in Public Schools, Runnels School, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, Girl Scouts, and the Junior League of Baton Rouge. She was a former editor of The Southeast News, and currently serves as a feature writer for The Advocate.
Colette Dean joined LMNGBR during the planning stages of the program in the spring of 2015 and facilitated the bird class for the pilot program. She became an official Louisiana Master Naturalist of Greater Baton Rouge the following spring and served as President in 2020-2021. She has served on the Board of Directors for the LSU Hilltop Arboretum for more than 15 years, and is a Louisiana Master Gardener (class of 2003). Her background is in public relations, event planning, fundraising and feature writing, and in her career she has served numerous community organizations, including Volunteers in Public Schools, Runnels School, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, Girl Scouts, and the Junior League of Baton Rouge. She was a former editor of The Southeast News, and currently serves as a feature writer for The Advocate.
GRACE BARTEL
Grace is a Louisiana native who affectionately says she has cypress knees in her soul. After earning her M.A. in English studying Environmental Humanities at the University of Delaware, Grace returned to Louisiana and became a master naturalist in the fall of 2024. As a member of the Communications Committee, she uses her background in writing and publishing to help edit LMNGBR’s monthly newsletter. Grace is also a BREC Green Force volunteer, and she enjoys reading, writing, and birding in her free time.
Grace is a Louisiana native who affectionately says she has cypress knees in her soul. After earning her M.A. in English studying Environmental Humanities at the University of Delaware, Grace returned to Louisiana and became a master naturalist in the fall of 2024. As a member of the Communications Committee, she uses her background in writing and publishing to help edit LMNGBR’s monthly newsletter. Grace is also a BREC Green Force volunteer, and she enjoys reading, writing, and birding in her free time.
JANE PATTERSON
Jane became a board member in July 2023. She served as Vice President of the chapter until July 2024.
Jane became a board member in July 2023. She served as Vice President of the chapter until July 2024.
JANINE KHAREY
Janine’s lifelong passion for the natural world is intertwined in her many iterations. Beginning with her work as an artist and illustrator, through children’s programming in public libraries, motherhood, and her career as an educator. Instilling enduring curiosity about the natural world is also integral to her current focus on empowering ordinary people to believe their actions, no matter how small, can impact the world for the better. Janine is a graduate of the LMNGBR class of Fall 2021, Founding President of Wild Ones GBR, a Master Gardener, and curator of a 250 plus native plant habitat in East Baton Rouge.
Janine’s lifelong passion for the natural world is intertwined in her many iterations. Beginning with her work as an artist and illustrator, through children’s programming in public libraries, motherhood, and her career as an educator. Instilling enduring curiosity about the natural world is also integral to her current focus on empowering ordinary people to believe their actions, no matter how small, can impact the world for the better. Janine is a graduate of the LMNGBR class of Fall 2021, Founding President of Wild Ones GBR, a Master Gardener, and curator of a 250 plus native plant habitat in East Baton Rouge.
JERRI BECNEL
I completed the coursework for LMNGBR in the spring of 2020. I have always had a love for the outdoors. Being a part of the Naturalist community gives me many opportunities to learn more about our natural world while meeting many interesting like-minded people. As one of the coordinators of the Baton Rouge outings committee, I hope you will join us for some fun while we explore some of Louisiana's best spots for enhancing our knowledge of local flora and fauna.
I completed the coursework for LMNGBR in the spring of 2020. I have always had a love for the outdoors. Being a part of the Naturalist community gives me many opportunities to learn more about our natural world while meeting many interesting like-minded people. As one of the coordinators of the Baton Rouge outings committee, I hope you will join us for some fun while we explore some of Louisiana's best spots for enhancing our knowledge of local flora and fauna.
KATHERINE GIVIDEN
Katherine is a dedicated Louisiana Master Naturalist and an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist who genuinely loves sharing her passion for the environment. Having served as President of both the Louisiana Master Naturalist state board and the Greater Baton Rouge chapter, she works hard to promote conservation and education in our community. She also serves on the board of Atelier de la Nature and coordinates Cajun FrogWatch of Louisiana.
In 2018, Katherine was honored with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year for her efforts in educating others about conservation in Louisiana. She has served as the Vice President of the Baton Rouge Area Audubon Society and also serves as Vice President of the Louisiana Hiking Club. Additionally, Katherine is a certified instructor for American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid training, making sure others are equipped to handle outdoor emergencies. Her approachable nature and commitment to the community make her an invaluable asset to our group!
Katherine is a dedicated Louisiana Master Naturalist and an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist who genuinely loves sharing her passion for the environment. Having served as President of both the Louisiana Master Naturalist state board and the Greater Baton Rouge chapter, she works hard to promote conservation and education in our community. She also serves on the board of Atelier de la Nature and coordinates Cajun FrogWatch of Louisiana.
In 2018, Katherine was honored with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year for her efforts in educating others about conservation in Louisiana. She has served as the Vice President of the Baton Rouge Area Audubon Society and also serves as Vice President of the Louisiana Hiking Club. Additionally, Katherine is a certified instructor for American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid training, making sure others are equipped to handle outdoor emergencies. Her approachable nature and commitment to the community make her an invaluable asset to our group!
KRISTA ADAMS
Krista Adams, a New Orleans native, has lived in the Baton Rouge area since 1997. She spent her childhood years enjoying the outdoors at her grandparent’s camp in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Additionally, she developed a love of nature from her father, Gary Salathe, the founder of the Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative.
While passionate about all things nature, Krista is especially fond of Purple Martins and other native birds. Krista has become known as a Purple Martin enthusiast and enjoys teaching others about one of America’s most well-loved songbirds. She often speaks at educational events and has several Purple Martin conservation sites that she manages in Louisiana. Krista visits local schools and provides educational activities for the students about Purple Martins and other wildlife. In May 2019, Krista hosted her first Purple Martin event at North Park in Denham Springs where she and her family have a Purple Martin colony. Krista’s hope is that her conservation efforts will not only help the birds, but also encourage families to enjoy the outdoors.
Krista works at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine department. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University and received a BA degree in Office Administration and Management. She is a graduate of the 2019 LMNGBR class and joined the Baton Rouge chapter's board of directors in 2020. She is currently serving on the Executive Committee as a Member-At-Large. Krista is a member of several birding organizations including the Purple Martin Conservation Association, Louisiana Ornithological Society and the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. She resides in Denham Springs with her husband. They have four daughters and two granddaughters.
If you are interested in learning more about Purple Martins or having Krista present at your event, please contact her at [email protected] or 225-931-4177.
Krista Adams, a New Orleans native, has lived in the Baton Rouge area since 1997. She spent her childhood years enjoying the outdoors at her grandparent’s camp in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Additionally, she developed a love of nature from her father, Gary Salathe, the founder of the Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative.
While passionate about all things nature, Krista is especially fond of Purple Martins and other native birds. Krista has become known as a Purple Martin enthusiast and enjoys teaching others about one of America’s most well-loved songbirds. She often speaks at educational events and has several Purple Martin conservation sites that she manages in Louisiana. Krista visits local schools and provides educational activities for the students about Purple Martins and other wildlife. In May 2019, Krista hosted her first Purple Martin event at North Park in Denham Springs where she and her family have a Purple Martin colony. Krista’s hope is that her conservation efforts will not only help the birds, but also encourage families to enjoy the outdoors.
Krista works at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine department. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University and received a BA degree in Office Administration and Management. She is a graduate of the 2019 LMNGBR class and joined the Baton Rouge chapter's board of directors in 2020. She is currently serving on the Executive Committee as a Member-At-Large. Krista is a member of several birding organizations including the Purple Martin Conservation Association, Louisiana Ornithological Society and the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. She resides in Denham Springs with her husband. They have four daughters and two granddaughters.
If you are interested in learning more about Purple Martins or having Krista present at your event, please contact her at [email protected] or 225-931-4177.
LORI RADUNZEL-DAVIS
LYDIA NICHOLS-RUSSELL
NANETTE OLIVIER
Nanette Olivier, born and raised on a Louisiana bayou, made her way to Baton Rouge 34 years ago following stints in Lafayette and Illinois. She holds an undergraduate degree in piano performance and a masters degree in education (special education). After retiring from the Louisiana Department of Education, she completed the LMNGBR program (spring 2018). Nanette enjoys wandering through our state’s lush swamps, hiking in the mountains, exploring the world of birds, and learning about the plants and insects in our environment. In other words, she is very much a generalist and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about promoting the stewardship of our environment on behalf of future generations. She and her husband have two children and one precious grandchild. Nanette became a board member in March 2022. Nanette is also serving as the Chair of our Quarterly Meeting Committee.
Nanette Olivier, born and raised on a Louisiana bayou, made her way to Baton Rouge 34 years ago following stints in Lafayette and Illinois. She holds an undergraduate degree in piano performance and a masters degree in education (special education). After retiring from the Louisiana Department of Education, she completed the LMNGBR program (spring 2018). Nanette enjoys wandering through our state’s lush swamps, hiking in the mountains, exploring the world of birds, and learning about the plants and insects in our environment. In other words, she is very much a generalist and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about promoting the stewardship of our environment on behalf of future generations. She and her husband have two children and one precious grandchild. Nanette became a board member in March 2022. Nanette is also serving as the Chair of our Quarterly Meeting Committee.
NATALIE POOLE
Natalie is from Grand Lake, Louisiana, but currently resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. She graduated from McNeese State University in 2008 with a B.S. in Health and Human Performance. While she has always loved the outdoors, her interest in better understanding and preserving native flora and fauna came while she was a zookeeper at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Natalie is a graduate of the 2018 fall Master Naturalist class.
Natalie is from Grand Lake, Louisiana, but currently resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. She graduated from McNeese State University in 2008 with a B.S. in Health and Human Performance. While she has always loved the outdoors, her interest in better understanding and preserving native flora and fauna came while she was a zookeeper at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Natalie is a graduate of the 2018 fall Master Naturalist class.
TERRY KIDD