Southwest Louisiana Master Naturalists Application for Course Enrollment
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About Us
The Southwest Louisiana Master Naturalists (SLAMN), a chapter of the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association (LMNA), offer a science-based program that educates Louisiana citizens about their precious flora and fauna. Once certified, Southwest Louisiana Master Naturalists are required to use their talents and knowledge to educate others or assist programs that promote and protect Louisiana’s natural heritage.
Master Naturalist Program Information
You are applying for the Spring 2022 Program. Participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are accepted, you will be required to pay a $200 course fee which covers the cost of the course and the first year’s dues for SLAMN. Each 6 hour workshop consists of both lecture and field instruction. Program workshops will be on approximately every other Saturday from late January to June and predominantly occur within 1.5 hours of Lake Charles.

You must be 18 years or older to apply.  Incomplete registration forms will not be accepted. Sending in an application does not guarantee a position in the course.

Registration for the spring 2022 course will close by 21 January 2022 at midnight.

Refunds may be issued up to the day of the first workshop.

Attendance of all workshops is encouraged. Participants are required to attend a minimum of 8 workshops.

Spring 2022 Program Workshop Topics and Scheduled Dates
• Overview and Naturalist Skills (January 22)
• Citizen Science (TBA)
• Longleaf Pine Ecology and Botany (TBA)
• Coastal Ecology (TBA)
• Bird Study (TBA)
• Amphibian and Reptile Study (TBA)
• Cajun Prairie Ecology & Pollinators (TBA)
• Fungi and Mushroom Study (TBA)
• Aquatic Invertebrate Study (TBA)
• Riverine Ecology and Fish Study (TBA)
• Land Ethic and Backyard Habitat (TBA)
• Public Outreach (TBA)

Certification Requirements
To earn a certification as a Southwest Louisiana Master Naturalist, participants must have attended 8 program workshops and complete the course project. To maintain certification, the individual must complete 20 hours of volunteer service, 8 hours of continuing education in the field of natural history, and payment of $15 annual membership dues beginning the year after initial certification and each year thereafter.

SLAMN certification and membership is open to any individual who has successfully completed the SLAMN program and maintains the annual certification requirements. Though our area of focus is the 6 parish SWLA area (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, and Vernon parishes), membership is not limited to SWLA residents.

Membership is open to anyone 18 years of age or older, regardless of race, national origin, income, gender, and sexual orientation. Some field portions of the course will be conducted on uneven terrain, though we do make every effort to accommodate physical disabilities. Contact us (swlamasternaturalists@gmail.com) if you have any questions regarding our course and this policy prior to applying.
Background Check
SLAMN reserves the right to perform an online background check.
Code of Conduct
Participants are expected to uphold high standards that ensure the safety and well-being of the SLAMN, its affiliates, their staffs, volunteers and clients. Participants will uphold all individuals’ rights to dignity, self-development and self-direction. Participants will accept supervision and support from designated project managers or others in oversight positions while engaging in training or volunteer activities, and will conduct themselves in a courteous, caring, and responsible manner with focus on respect, trustworthiness, fairness and good citizenship. Participants are expected to respect, adhere to and enforce the rules, policies and guidelines set forth by the SLAMN and its affiliates and any programs to which they are specifically assigned. Participants are charged with performing their duties in a safe, responsible and timely manner.
Preparation
While participating in these workshops, please be aware that many activities take place outside in various weather conditions with extended periods of standing or walking. You may be exposed to biting insects, extreme temperatures, slippery surfaces, etc. We recommend the following items to prepare you for these conditions and to assist you. These items are not provided by SLAMN. Other items may be needed based on specific workshop conditions.  
• Hiking/rubber boots
• Rain gear if needed (jacket/pants)
• Outdoor clothing (for both cold and hot weather)
• Lunch and Water
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, long sleeves)
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle/Thermos
• Binoculars (for certain workshops)
• Hand Lens (such as a 10x loupe)
• Field guides (we can provide recommendations)
• Field Notebook
• Camera
• Cell Phone/Smartphone

How to Apply
To apply to join the 2022 Southwest Louisiana Master Naturalist Program, fill out the following application. You can also print and mail or email the following application to the secretary:
Patty Palmer
2711 Edgewood Lane
Lake Charles, LA 70605
pmpalmer8@hotmail.com

Please keep a copy of this application for your records and as a reference material.  If you do not receive verification of the receipt within 1 week, please email us! swlamasternaturalists@gmail.com

Application
Full Name *
Preferred Name for Name Tag (if different from full name) *
Street Address *
City *
State *
Zip *
Phone Number (preferred) *
Phone Number (alternate)
Email Address *
T-shirt Size *
Do you allow us to share only your phone number and email address with active members and course participants at the first workshop.  This is essential to smoothly coordinating carpools and communicating field trips. *
Student Rate
SLAMN now offers a student rate of $100 for the course fee.  This rate is available to full time students and recent graduates.  Are you a student enrolled full-time or have graduated less than 1 year prior to January 1, 2022?  If yes, you’ll be contacted by our treasurer to provide documentation. *
We will only accept 20 applicants in the 2022 course.  If the course is full, you’ll be notified by email or mailed letter to the address above.  Would you like to be placed on a waiting list for the next available course (provided the 2022 course is already full when you’ve sent in this application). *
Final Comments and Acceptance of Terms
Please initial each statement below.
I understand that this completed form does not guarantee my enrollment in the 2022 course.  If I’m accepted, the course fee of $200 (or student rate) must be paid by check to the treasurer. *
I understand that attending all workshops is highly recommended, and that I am required to attend at least 8 scheduled workshops. *
I understand that I must complete 20 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of continuing education as approved by SLAMN annually to maintain certification beginning January 1, 2023. *
I understand that the title “Southwest Louisiana Master Naturalist” or “Louisiana Master Naturalist” is not to be used prior to my fulfillment of the course requirements or for any purpose not expressly approved by the SLAMN board. *
Signature and Approval
My signature below is verification that I am at least 18 years of age, that I have read and understand the above guidelines, and that I am willing to abide by the specified rules.  I certify that the information set forth is true and accurate, and I authorize SLAMN and/or its affiliates to verify the information. *
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