Jim Kolinski is Louisiana Wildlife Federation's Volunteer Conservationist of the Year!

Jim with a young Southern Broad-banded Watersnake. Jim serves countless hours lovingly caring for and feeding the creatures in his care, cleaning their habitats and meeting the public.

​The LWF awards program recognizes "individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a significant and outstanding contribution toward the protection and wise use of Louisiana’s natural resources in the previous year. Each honoree will receive a handsome wildlife statuette. The recipients will be honored at a celebratory banquet at Boudreaux's held in Baton Rouge on April 12, 2024.

Thank you, LWF! It's fantastic news that Jim Kolinski has earned the prestigious Louisiana Wildlife Federation's Volunteer Conservationist of the Year Award! 

Jim Kolinski serves as curator and environmental educator at the Black Bayou Lake Conservation Education Center in Monroe, LA. Refuge Manager Erin Bellavia says "He really works full time here, and spends a lot of his own money on the animals." Jim serves countless hours feeding the creatures in his care, cleaning their habitats and meeting the public.

Jim talks well with people of all ages and provides experiential environmental education about reptiles and fish, conveying his love and making visits special!

He not only acquires and tends to the animals and fish, but he also maintains healthy habitats and keeps the tanks sparkling clear. He tracks the growth of the reptiles and takes steps to maintain their health and handleability as wildlife ambassadors!

He has helped multiple visitors overcome snake phobia and enables many events for the Friends of Black Bayou and local Louisiana Master Naturalists. 

Thank you, Jim! Your loving care makes Black Bayou Lake Nature Education Center in Monroe, LA, accessible and wonderful.