A place for wildlife and you for 49 years
Be a Friend of the Sanctuary
To help Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary with a personal donation, become a member.
Be a Part Of
Our Mission
The mission of Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is to protect native habitats and wildlife while providing opportunity for people to discover and connect with nature.
Annual Giving
End of Year 2024
Help keep MLTNS open! Please make an End of Year donation, L&R Donation or Memorial Donation. Click here to make your tax deductible donation to “The Nature Sanctuary”.
Happening Now!
Celebrate Martha Lafite’s 2025 theme Bridging Art & Nature with hands-on experiences that bring the world of art and nature together. Click below for information about our gallery, art classes, and Plein Air event!
“A Day at the Creek, Oil on Canvas by Eileen McCoy”
Martha Lafite will be
the host site for
Bridging Art & Nature Plein Air
on October 5, 2025
Community members are encouraged to participate as an artist. Cash prizes will be awarded! Not an artist? Come as an observer as artworks are created surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature at the sanctuary. Stay for the judging at 4 pm and the opportunity to purchase art!
Your Journey
Experience Nature
The area is open for hiking, nature study, birding, photography, sketching and relaxing in the beauty of the natural world.
A Place in Time
History and Pictures
MLTNS has an incredible history that begins with Martha Lafite, extends from the 1996 Center expansion to the enjoyment of nature and programs that are found here today.
1911 – 1975
Martha Lafite Thompson
Leave only footprints,
take only memories
Martha grew up in Liberty and graduated from Liberty High School. She married Omar Thompson, who owned and operated a greenhouse and nursery. In 1954 the Thompsons purchased 53 acres of land, which is now the west section of the Nature Sanctuary.
They enlisted the aid of Audubon members to begin restoration of the property and Martha worked with local attorney, Conn Withers, to establish her vision of the Nature Sanctuary.
For more info on Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary and MLTNS History, click here.