Anticipates Grand Reopening of the RNR Building

The LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources/Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries Alumni Association concluded an active year despite being evicted from our “home” during renovation of the RNR building. Over 30 alumni and faculty members gathered at Efferson Hall for the 2024 annual general meeting and crawfish boil, where they received updates from Dr. Matt Lee, vice president of agriculture and dean of the college of agriculture, and Dr. Allen Rutherford, director of the LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources and executive associate dean of the LSU College of Agriculture. Both RNR and the College of Agriculture are experiencing growth in undergraduate enrollment. The alumni association was able to provide over $5,000 in support to RNR students and programs during 2024.

The Burden Bioblitz, hosted by Burden Museum & Gardens and sponsored by RNR, was attended by over 100 RNR students, faculty and staff. Teams combed the site and participated in bat monitoring, nocturnal birding, nocturnal entomology, birding, aquatic entomology, electroshocking for fish, herping, and plant and fungi identification. Over 410 unique taxa were identified on site.

Dr. Erik Johnson, director of conservation science for Audubon Louisiana and 2011 RNR graduate, was the guest speaker for the fall presentation of Science Thursday. His topic, “Birds need a Carbon-neutral Future – Pros and Cons of Wind Energy in the Gulf of Mexico,” was timely and drew participation both in-person and via Zoom.

A tentative date for the 2025 annual general meeting and grand reopening of the RNR building is targeted for Saturday, August 23 on campus. Watch for alerts via email and on the website as the date approaches for returning to the space on campus.

RNR continues to need both your participation and financial support. A 2025 membership renewal form is included in this publication, or renewals may be made online by credit card on the RNR website. We strongly encourage combined membership for $100 annually, which includes memberships to the SRNR/FWR Alumni Association, the LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association and the LSU Alumni Association. Your support enables students to participate in conferences, undergraduate research and other experiential learning opportunities.

Officers of the SRNR/FWF Alumni Association are:

• Olivia Barry, president
• Connor Gilbert, president-elect
• Luke Laborde, secretary/treasurer
• Tanner Jones, at-large board member
• Dugan Sabins, at-large board member
• Michael Sullivan, at-large board member
• Justin Thayer, at-large board member

Contact information for officers is available on the RNR website. Officers serve two-year terms, with elections scheduled for the 2025 annual general meeting. Anyone interested in running for a position should contact Dr. Luke Laborde at llaborde@agcenter.lsu.edu.