The Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans is a community of citizens interested in engaging with the natural environment through education, stewardship, and volunteering.

In Memoriam of Joe Baucum

Joe Edward Baucum, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Barataria, LA, on February 6, 2019, with his beloved wife Cindy at his side, following a fierce and courageous battle with cancer. Joe was born on May 17, 1940, in New Boston, TX, lived in numerous interesting locations during his lifetime, and moved to Barataria, LA upon his retirement. Joe's career included military service in the Army (Purple Heart recipient) and health care administration positions in the VA. He was extremely proud of his military service and his support of veterans. However, he also had a passion for volunteering with non-profits - especially those involving the natural environment and horticulture. In recent 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. Joe actively participated in projects with numerous other non-profit organizations. Among his most fulfilling accomplishments were the planting of a forest of live oaks in the Westbank Expressway median through Marrero and Westwego, construction of a mile-long raised boardwalk through the cypress swamp in Jean Lafitte's Nature Study Park, and facilitating the installation of numerous Blue Star Memorial Markers throughout the Greater New Orleans area, dedicated to past, present and future veterans of the Armed Services. Joe and Cindy created nearly 40 years of wonderful adventures and memories together, many of which appeared in photos on their annual Christmas cards. In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by daughters Constance Little of Pueblo, CO, and Rebecca Phillips (Derek) of Austin, TX; five grandchildren, Spencer, Blair and Griffin Little, and Jordan and Taylor Phillips; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Lanita Doering, Mark Telkamp, Kevin Telkamp, Danalee Evenson, and Karyn Baucum; and numerous nephews and nieces. Joe was preceded in death by his parents William Emmett Baucum, Sr. and Jewel B. Baucum, sister Doris Buttram, and brother William Emmett Baucum, Jr. A celebration of Joe's life will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2019 in the gardens of Restaurant des Familles, 7163 Barataria Boulevard, Crown Point, LA, with memorial visitation from 9 AM until the memorial commemoration at 11 AM. In the interest of the environment and to facilitate parking, carpooling is suggested. Attendees are encouraged to take a nature walk in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park's Barataria Unit or in Jean Lafitte's Nature Study Park post celebration and enjoy what Joe loved best. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Joe's memory to Disabled American Veterans, the Wounded Warrior Project, or Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans. Mothe Funeral Home handled arrangements, please visit www.mothefunerals.com to sign the online guestbook.
Published in The Times-Picayune from Mar. 6 to Mar. 8, 2019

Please consider a donation in Joe's name below.

Become a Certified Master Naturalist

The LMN Certification Program is offered each Fall and Spring.  This certification connects you with a diverse knowledge-base in Louisiana natural history by offering academic lectures and in-the-field workshops taught by experts in the disciplines of ecology, biology, geomorphology, and resource management.  The Master Naturalist Program enables participants to learn about the nature of Louisiana's varied physiographic regions, its flora and fauna, and connections between our valued environment, culture, and economy.  For more information, click here. 
​*Registration for the Spring 2019 class is presently full.  We are accepting applications for the Fall 2019 course and the wait list for Spring 2019.  Please submit your registration now to reserve a spot or to get on a wait list*

Rendezvous 2018 

Friday, March 15 - Sunday, March 17, 2019  
Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, Louisiana

The Louisiana Master Naturalist Association (LMNA) is pleased to announce the 4th Annual Rendezvous, a statewide meeting of the seven master naturalist chapters in Louisiana.   Save the date for this event where you will obtain continuing education hours by participating in the highly informative sessions, you will meet and interact with Master Naturalists from across the state of Louisiana, and you will enjoy the wonderful environment provided by Fontainebleau State Park.  

Also, consider volunteering for one of the Rendezvous Committees.  Your help is needed to make this event a success, and you will earn your required volunteer hours.

For registration and more information visit:
http://www.louisianamasternaturalist.org/rendezvous.html
​ Stay tuned for further details as they become available.

Donate to LMNGNO

The Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans is an organization supported solely by our membership.  We accept payment by check, money order, and PayPal. 
​Please consider donating if you support our mission!

Parishes supported by LMN Greater New Orleans Chapter