Loyola University New Orleans has long-established formal educational and research programs in field ecology, environmental education, and communications supported by multiple interdisciplinary programs (Environment Program, Center for Environmental Communication, Department of Biological Sciences). Our faculty have decades-long experience in these areas and sought to more deeply and significantly engage the general public in natural history education than simply presenting public outreach lectures. Together with other expert naturalists in our area, several of our faculty founded the Greater New Orleans Chapter Master Naturalist Program in 2010. Six other Louisiana Chapters were created as a result. State Master Naturalist Programs have been established in 49 U.S. states, based on a model like the more well-known Master Gardener Programs. The goals of all MNPs are to support natural history knowledge and expertise of the general public, who engage with expert naturalists to learn species identification and achieve and maintain deep understanding of local and regional ecological communities in a given Chapter’s region. Participants completing training and in-service field ecology projects are certified as Master Naturalists.
Results/Conclusions
Loyola Faculty/Environment Programs founded LMNGNO and hosts on-campus meetings, web archives and databases, as well as providing faculty with expertise who serve as expert instructors of training workshops. Participants engage in intensive workshops to learn all aspects of our regional natural history. Since 2012, over 350 participants (ages 18-80) have completed the training program consisting of approximately 40 to 50 hours of natural history-oriented, in-the-field training aimed at creating or expanding awareness and understanding of plants and animals, their natural habitats, and the important roles they play in natural ecosystems, including natural and anthropogenic environmental issues (wetland loss, invasive species, sea-level rise, land/hydrological transformations, climate change impacts). These field workshops engage participants with our local National Park, and regional State and National Wildlife Refuges. NPS and USFWS staff have participated as both students and instructors. Our work in serving as the lead institution for this Master Naturalist Chapter has broadened and deepened our relationships with the general public and in supporting our local natural areas. Our relationships with NPS and USFWS have been significantly enhanced and has led to their working with us to develop environmental education and research and outreach programs, including their assistance in getting our students summer internships, and jobs as graduates. K-12 teachers who have participated are now partners for our Teacher-Certification majors.