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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: Katherine Gividen
Vice President: Jane Patterson
Treasurer: Alice Miller
Secretary: Cathy Hansen
At-Large Members: Krista Adams, Bonnie D'Antonio
Board Members: Ali Aldridge, Tracey Allen, Honora Buras, John Hanley, Maryann Hoskins, Alok Kharey, Jenifer Kidd, Vicki LaPlace, Amanda Marshall, Nanette Olivier, Natalie Poole, Art Scarbrough, Zelena Williams.
Vice President: Jane Patterson
Treasurer: Alice Miller
Secretary: Cathy Hansen
At-Large Members: Krista Adams, Bonnie D'Antonio
Board Members: Ali Aldridge, Tracey Allen, Honora Buras, John Hanley, Maryann Hoskins, Alok Kharey, Jenifer Kidd, Vicki LaPlace, Amanda Marshall, Nanette Olivier, Natalie Poole, Art Scarbrough, Zelena Williams.
Officers
President
KATHERINE GIVIDEN
Katherine is a Louisiana Master Naturalist, as well as an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist. She serves as Vice President on the Louisiana Master Naturalist state board, and President of the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge chapter. She serves on the board of Atelier de la Nature as Secretary. She is the chapter coordinator of Cajun FrogWatch of Louisiana. Katherine received the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year for 2018 for her work to educate citizens about conservation in Louisiana. She serves as Vice President of the Baton Rouge Area Audubon Society. Katherine is a certified instructor for the American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid training.
KATHERINE GIVIDEN
Katherine is a Louisiana Master Naturalist, as well as an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist. She serves as Vice President on the Louisiana Master Naturalist state board, and President of the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge chapter. She serves on the board of Atelier de la Nature as Secretary. She is the chapter coordinator of Cajun FrogWatch of Louisiana. Katherine received the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year for 2018 for her work to educate citizens about conservation in Louisiana. She serves as Vice President of the Baton Rouge Area Audubon Society. Katherine is a certified instructor for the American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid training.
Vice President
JANE PATTERSON
JANE PATTERSON
Treasurer
ALICE MILLER
Alice Miller, born and raised in Hong Kong, obtained her Bachelor degree in Finance & Economics in Simon Fraser University of British Columbia, Canada. She met her husband, Richard, while working at Exxon HK. As part of the foreign assignment, they worked and lived in Singapore for 2 years before settling in Baton Rouge.
Alice and Richard have 2 children, Jasmine (26) and Justin (24). While working as full time CFO at the Kean Miller Law Firm, Alice earned her MBA degree at LSU in 2000. She regularly volunteered at the Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, served as board member at the Capital Area United Way, and the Friends of Atchafalaya. After 26 years of service at the firm, Alice retired in late 2019.
In 2020, Alice joined the Spring class of LMNGBR, fell in love with the wonders in nature and enjoyed the classes, outings and making new friends during Covid. Though she is a "newbie," she is committed to life time learning and exploring. Alice is also undergoing the Green Force Training offered by the BREC Conservation.
ALICE MILLER
Alice Miller, born and raised in Hong Kong, obtained her Bachelor degree in Finance & Economics in Simon Fraser University of British Columbia, Canada. She met her husband, Richard, while working at Exxon HK. As part of the foreign assignment, they worked and lived in Singapore for 2 years before settling in Baton Rouge.
Alice and Richard have 2 children, Jasmine (26) and Justin (24). While working as full time CFO at the Kean Miller Law Firm, Alice earned her MBA degree at LSU in 2000. She regularly volunteered at the Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, served as board member at the Capital Area United Way, and the Friends of Atchafalaya. After 26 years of service at the firm, Alice retired in late 2019.
In 2020, Alice joined the Spring class of LMNGBR, fell in love with the wonders in nature and enjoyed the classes, outings and making new friends during Covid. Though she is a "newbie," she is committed to life time learning and exploring. Alice is also undergoing the Green Force Training offered by the BREC Conservation.
Secretary
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 work for her church and other organizations she is involved with. She has always found balance by spending time outdoors in nature. Some of her insterests include birdwatching, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, photography, and travel. Cathy is a graduate of the Fall 2018 Master Naturalist program.
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 work for her church and other organizations she is involved with. She has always found balance by spending time outdoors in nature. Some of her insterests include birdwatching, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, photography, and travel. Cathy is a graduate of the Fall 2018 Master Naturalist program.
Board Members
ALI ALDRIDGE
Ali was born in New Orleans. She lives in St. Francisville, LA. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg with a degree in business administration. She works for the Louisiana Public Service Commission in Baton Rouge. She grew up near Louisiana’s gulf coast, and swamplands. She enjoys trail hiking, and learning about native plants. She is looking forward to continuing to learn about Louisiana’s natural environment, and serving on the board.
Ali was born in New Orleans. She lives in St. Francisville, LA. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg with a degree in business administration. She works for the Louisiana Public Service Commission in Baton Rouge. She grew up near Louisiana’s gulf coast, and swamplands. She enjoys trail hiking, and learning about native plants. She is looking forward to continuing to learn about Louisiana’s natural environment, and serving on the board.
ALOK KHAREY
Alok became a board member in March 2022.
Alok became a board member in March 2022.
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 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.
ART SCARBROUGH
Art retired from the petrochemical industry in 2003 after thirty‐one years of service, primarily in environmental operations. In retirement, he serves on the boards of several local nonprofits including the Baton Rouge Unit of the Herb Society of America and the Baton Rouge Cat Club, in addition to the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge. His primary focus areas are governance and protocol. A former wing commander for the Louisiana Wing Civil Air Patrol as Colonel Scarbrough, Art is still active with primary responsibilities for government relations and homeland security. Art is the Senior Druid with Highland Oak Nemeton, an affiliate Grove of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Art served as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam conflict.
Art retired from the petrochemical industry in 2003 after thirty‐one years of service, primarily in environmental operations. In retirement, he serves on the boards of several local nonprofits including the Baton Rouge Unit of the Herb Society of America and the Baton Rouge Cat Club, in addition to the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge. His primary focus areas are governance and protocol. A former wing commander for the Louisiana Wing Civil Air Patrol as Colonel Scarbrough, Art is still active with primary responsibilities for government relations and homeland security. Art is the Senior Druid with Highland Oak Nemeton, an affiliate Grove of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Art served as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam conflict.
BONNIE D'ANTONIO
Bonnie became a board member in June 2022 and is serving on the Communications Committee.
Bonnie became a board member in June 2022 and is serving on the Communications Committee.
HONORA BURAS
Honora grew up in south Baton Rouge, exploring the fields and woods that have since been lost to suburban sprawl. Her life work has been focused on changing how we live within the landscape ‐ affecting the environment, our safety, and our quality of life. After earning a BS from LSU in Horticulture, she moved to Prairieville to manage Oak Haven Farms Nursery, building it into a regional destination for native and unusual plants. In mid‐career, after serving 3 years as Curator of the LSU Herbarium, she earned a Master of Natural Sciences in Botany and Geography while teaching Botany labs and assisting The Nature Conservancy with conservation projects. Later managing LSU Burden Research Plantation Ornamental Plant Division, she continued to study and promote the use of natives in the landscape, also assisting the Master Gardeners and BR Green. For the last 18 years, she has focused on conservation, community resilience and ecosystem restoration as a Coastal Resources Scientist with the State’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. She is most proud of her work developing and implementing the State’s Coastal Forest Conservation Initiative, conserving over 40,000 acres of forests for future generations. Her other passion is travel, exploring the diversity of landscapes and cultures of the world.
Honora grew up in south Baton Rouge, exploring the fields and woods that have since been lost to suburban sprawl. Her life work has been focused on changing how we live within the landscape ‐ affecting the environment, our safety, and our quality of life. After earning a BS from LSU in Horticulture, she moved to Prairieville to manage Oak Haven Farms Nursery, building it into a regional destination for native and unusual plants. In mid‐career, after serving 3 years as Curator of the LSU Herbarium, she earned a Master of Natural Sciences in Botany and Geography while teaching Botany labs and assisting The Nature Conservancy with conservation projects. Later managing LSU Burden Research Plantation Ornamental Plant Division, she continued to study and promote the use of natives in the landscape, also assisting the Master Gardeners and BR Green. For the last 18 years, she has focused on conservation, community resilience and ecosystem restoration as a Coastal Resources Scientist with the State’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. She is most proud of her work developing and implementing the State’s Coastal Forest Conservation Initiative, conserving over 40,000 acres of forests for future generations. Her other passion is travel, exploring the diversity of landscapes and cultures of the world.
JENIFER KIDD
Jenifer became a board member in March 2022. Jenifer is also serving as Co-Chair of our Programming Committee.
Jenifer became a board member in March 2022. Jenifer is also serving as Co-Chair of our Programming Committee.
JOHN HANLEY
John completed his LMNGBR Master Naturalist training in December 2020. He served as LMNGBR Board President from 2021-2022.
As an accomplished amateur photographer, he has contributed several articles and nature photos to The Buzz, LMNGBR’s e-newsletter. He is one of several local photographers helping to document the progress of the Cajun Prairie inspired meadow at LSU Hilltop Arboretum.
After retiring from the Louisiana Department of Education in 2018, John decided to pursue his interest in habitat gardening. His garden goals are “to attract bees, birds and butterflies and to create beauty.”
John lives in Baton Rouge and is a member of the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Association, the Louisiana Photographic Society and Friends of Hilltop Arboretum. He has a B.A. in English Education from Nicholls State University and an M.A. in Humanities from LSU.
John completed his LMNGBR Master Naturalist training in December 2020. He served as LMNGBR Board President from 2021-2022.
As an accomplished amateur photographer, he has contributed several articles and nature photos to The Buzz, LMNGBR’s e-newsletter. He is one of several local photographers helping to document the progress of the Cajun Prairie inspired meadow at LSU Hilltop Arboretum.
After retiring from the Louisiana Department of Education in 2018, John decided to pursue his interest in habitat gardening. His garden goals are “to attract bees, birds and butterflies and to create beauty.”
John lives in Baton Rouge and is a member of the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Association, the Louisiana Photographic Society and Friends of Hilltop Arboretum. He has a B.A. in English Education from Nicholls State University and an M.A. in Humanities from LSU.
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. 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 louisianapurplemartins@gmail.com 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. 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 louisianapurplemartins@gmail.com or 225-931-4177.
MARYANN HOSKINS
Maryann grew up as a tomboy in western Kentucky. She always preferred to play with bugs, rather than dolls. She attended Tulane University and Tulane Law School before settling in New Orleans. By day, Maryann is an attorney, specializing in medical malpractice defense. Her happiest times are spent in the woods with her Labrador Retriever, Chip. Maryann is passionate about most things in nature, especially birding. She is also an avid nature photographer. Maryann is a graduate of the Fall 2013 LMNGNO class and the Fall 2019 LMNGBR class. Maryann served on the LMNA Board of Directors for several years and helped organize Rendezvous, the state meeting of all Master Naturalist chapters in Louisiana, from 2016-2019.
Maryann grew up as a tomboy in western Kentucky. She always preferred to play with bugs, rather than dolls. She attended Tulane University and Tulane Law School before settling in New Orleans. By day, Maryann is an attorney, specializing in medical malpractice defense. Her happiest times are spent in the woods with her Labrador Retriever, Chip. Maryann is passionate about most things in nature, especially birding. She is also an avid nature photographer. Maryann is a graduate of the Fall 2013 LMNGNO class and the Fall 2019 LMNGBR class. Maryann served on the LMNA Board of Directors for several years and helped organize Rendezvous, the state meeting of all Master Naturalist chapters in Louisiana, from 2016-2019.
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 and Coordinator of the Mammals workshop.
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 and Coordinator of the Mammals workshop.
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.
TRACEY ALLEN
Tracey is currently the LMNGBR Programming Committee Chairperson and a certified Master Naturalist. She graduated with an Animal Research Degree under the College of Agriculture from the University of Louisiana where she worked with primates including chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans, various farm animals, armadillos, rabbits, mice, rats, and opossums. She went on to graduate with a Master’s degree in Nursing from Loyola University of New Orleans and is currently working in human research at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Her love of nature comes from exploring the Appalachian Mountains and the Louisiana Swamps with her family. Her grandparents were always watching birds and their son, her uncle, eventually became a professional bird photographer and lecturer who influenced her love of birds. She is a member of the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club and her hobbies include hiking, kayaking, exploring, fossil and rock hunting and birding.
Tracey is currently the LMNGBR Programming Committee Chairperson and a certified Master Naturalist. She graduated with an Animal Research Degree under the College of Agriculture from the University of Louisiana where she worked with primates including chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans, various farm animals, armadillos, rabbits, mice, rats, and opossums. She went on to graduate with a Master’s degree in Nursing from Loyola University of New Orleans and is currently working in human research at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Her love of nature comes from exploring the Appalachian Mountains and the Louisiana Swamps with her family. Her grandparents were always watching birds and their son, her uncle, eventually became a professional bird photographer and lecturer who influenced her love of birds. She is a member of the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club and her hobbies include hiking, kayaking, exploring, fossil and rock hunting and birding.
VICKI LAPLACE
Vicki is a retired high school science teacher who went into Biology, at least partially hoping to become a naturalist. She learned that although she loved Biology and loved to teach it, becoming a naturalist was not part of the curriculum. Now that she's retired, she has the chance to do so. She loves learning about everything, but ecology and plants are her strongest areas of interest. She likes to garden and spends time observing the interactions among different organisms and the nonliving environment in her garden.
Vicki is a retired high school science teacher who went into Biology, at least partially hoping to become a naturalist. She learned that although she loved Biology and loved to teach it, becoming a naturalist was not part of the curriculum. Now that she's retired, she has the chance to do so. She loves learning about everything, but ecology and plants are her strongest areas of interest. She likes to garden and spends time observing the interactions among different organisms and the nonliving environment in her garden.
ZELENA WILLIAMS
Zelena joined LMNGBR in 2018, graduating with the 2018 Fall cohort. From 2018-2019, she served on the LMNGBR Board and as both Forest Ecology Workshop Coordinator and Field Trip Committee Chair. She stepped down to focus on her Master of Public Administration degree, which she will receive in December 2022 from Louisiana State University. She received her BA in Journalism from Howard University in Washington, D.C. In mid-2021, Zelena rejoined the LMNGBR Board. An avid hiker, Zelena’s current research interests include conservation ecology, indigenous conservation and sustainability practices, and expanding her knowledge of local flora and fauna. Zelena is particularly passionate about the cultural and ecological preservation of the island of Barbuda, where her maternal brethren are from; and encouraging opportunities and efforts for BIPOC communities to be exposed to the outdoors, sub/urban agriculture, yoga, and green lifestyles.
Zelena joined LMNGBR in 2018, graduating with the 2018 Fall cohort. From 2018-2019, she served on the LMNGBR Board and as both Forest Ecology Workshop Coordinator and Field Trip Committee Chair. She stepped down to focus on her Master of Public Administration degree, which she will receive in December 2022 from Louisiana State University. She received her BA in Journalism from Howard University in Washington, D.C. In mid-2021, Zelena rejoined the LMNGBR Board. An avid hiker, Zelena’s current research interests include conservation ecology, indigenous conservation and sustainability practices, and expanding her knowledge of local flora and fauna. Zelena is particularly passionate about the cultural and ecological preservation of the island of Barbuda, where her maternal brethren are from; and encouraging opportunities and efforts for BIPOC communities to be exposed to the outdoors, sub/urban agriculture, yoga, and green lifestyles.