ASLA Oregon

May 31, 2013 Edit

in Member Benefits

May 2013 Newswire

May 30, 2013 Edit

in Member Benefits

Job Opening: Koch Landscape Architecture

posted 05/30/13
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT / LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Koch Landscape Architecture (Portland)

Koch Landscape Architecture (KLA) is looking for motivated individuals with 5 - 10 years experience for Project Manager positions. The ideal candidate must be creative, fun and a team player. Employment opportunities can be immediate. Please contact KLA Principal Steven Koch to arrange interviews and submit resume and portfolio. Resumes / Portfolios shall be submitted via email in PDF format (10mb Max) directly to Steven Koch. 

KLA Website:
www.kochla.com 

Contact: 
Steven Koch, FASLA
steven@kochla.com 
503.286.7175

May 19, 2013 Edit

in Member Benefits

ASLA Nationals Election Period Open

via ASLA Nationals

Take a moment to exercise your rights as an ASLA member and cast your vote for the 2014 American Society of Landscape Architects president-elect.  The election period is open until Wednesday, May 29.

Link to Voting Site

Election Details

April 25, 2013 Edit

in Member Benefits

Make a Connection with ASLA

 via ASLA Nationals

By joining the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), you will benefit from a wide range of educational opportunities and countless resources and tools to heighten your success and connect you with your peers.

As Your Career Connection, ASLA unites you with more than 15,000 members nationwide; membership provides local and national networking and professional development opportunities. The connections you make can help your career move forward. You also gain access to the latest news and trends in the industry—including the award-winning Landscape Architecture Magazine each month and access to affordable continuing education.

Watch the video below, to see why joining ASLA is the most important career investment you can make!

ASLA: Your Career Connection (Vimeo Link)

April 23, 2013 Edit

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Mt. Hood Section Greenroofs PDH Event

via Jesse Stemmler and Rachel Hill, Mt. Hood Section Co-Chairs

WHAT: Green Roofs 2.0 - The Next Generation of Technology and Design
WHEN: May 16th, 12:00-1:30pm 
WHERE: Lobby of the ASA Flats and Lofts, 1200 NW Marshall Street, Portland, OR
COST: $10 ASLA Members / $14 Non-Members
LIMIT: 15 person maximum 

Take a break from your day and join us for the 2nd edition of the Urban Green series. The experts at Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services are leading a noon-day tour of two of Portland’s signature green roofs. Via a walking tour of the roofs in the Pearl, we will explore burgeoning technologies and practices in green roof design while discussing the lessons learned from past projects. Don’t miss this opportunity to join fellow landscape architects and green roof experts to explore the green roof design, trends, and technologies that shape our building-top spaces.

Contact Jesse Stemmler for more information. 

Meeting Flyer - Post it in your office!

Urban Green PDH Event Homepage

April 7, 2013 Edit

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Garden Dialogues: Portland

via The Cultural Landscape Foundation

Garden Dialogues: Portland
Saturday June 1, 2013 - Sunday June 2, 2013

On June 1st and 2nd, get exclusive access to private gardens in Portland, Oregon and hear directly from the designers and their clients about their collaborative process.

How do clients and designers work together? What makes for a great, enduring collaboration? Garden Dialogues provides unique opportunities for small groups to visit some of today’s most beautiful gardens created by some of the most accomplished designers currently in practice.

Details Coming Soon!

More Information on the Garden Dialogues

More Information on the Garden Dialogues: Portland

April 7, 2013 Edit

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Intertwine Alliance Spring Summit

via The Intertwine Alliance

The Intertwine Alliance Spring Summit, Friday April 26, 2013

From wetlands to water shoes, greenways to growth strategies, the partners of The Intertwine Alliance meet twice a year to celebrate our common ground. And with successes to share, people to meet and promos to knock your ponchos off, this Spring Summit is not one to miss.

When:
Friday, April 26, 2013

Where:
World Forestry Center, Miller Hall: 4033 SW Canyon Road

Registration:
Summit attendance is free, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Participants who register before April 17 will receive a free drink ticket for Happy Hour.

Questions?
Contact Irene Vlach: irene@theintertwine.org, 503-445-0991

MORE INFORMATION and to REGISTER

April 7, 2013 Edit

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Portland Ecoroof Symposium

via Portland Bureau of Environmental Services

Portland Ecoroof Symposium 
Thursday May 2nd, 2013
World Trade Conference Center
121 SW Salmon Street, 2WTC
Portland, Oregon  97204

Cities across the world are investing in green roofs to combat urban challenges. Portland is a leader in green roofs, and we’ve learned a great deal about their benefits for managing stormwater and greening our city. We’re learning more all the time about the true costs and benefits of green roofs and how they offer a better return on investment. On Thursday May 2, 2013, join the City of Portland for a series of presentations and case studies that detail current research examining the green roof bottom line.

Who should attend?
Architects, landscape architects, designers, developers, building owners and managers, planners, engineers, and green roof professionals

What is the cost to attend?
Registration is $25. Space is limited, advance registration is required.

MORE INFORMATION

REGISTER TO ATTEND

April 1, 2013 Edit

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The Nature of Space Symposium

ASLA Oregon Chapter is pleased to announce our 2013 Symposium and Design Charrette event to be held in Portland, Oregon: THE NATURE OF SPACE

with presenting sponsor LANDSCAPEFORMS

and keynote speaker DAVID ALUMBAUGH

The nature of space is fundamental to how we design, interpret and plan our living environments. This symposium seeks to address current trends, issues and research on transformative spaces, adaptive reuse, spatial planning in landscape ecology, urban interventions and evolving issues related to how we perceive and interact with the environment.

STREET SEATS DESIGN CHARRETTE
June 14, 2013, 9:00am - 5:00pm @ Portland State University Shattuck Hall
1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201

SYMPOSIUM KICKOFF SOCIAL
June 14, 2013, 5:30pm - 7:30pm @ The Original
300 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204

THE NATURE OF SPACE SYMPOSIUM
June 15, 2013 7:30am - 5:00pm @ The Leftbank Annex
101 North Weidler Street, Portland, OR 97227

For more information and to Register vist
The Nature of Space Design Charrette and Symposium Homepage

April 1, 2013 Edit

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2013 Symposium Registration Open!

ASLA Oregon Chapter Symposium and Design Charrette 

March 27, 2013 Edit

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EP Social Hour Kickoff!

via Claire Maulhardt,
ASLA Oregon UO Student Liaison and EP Co-Chair

The ASLA Oregon Emerging Professionals Committee launches a NEW Social Hour Series for the entire ASLA Community!

THE THICKET
A Monthly Social Hour

March 28th, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Social Hour Kick-Off & Design Charrette Phase 1
The White Owl Social Club
1305 SE 8th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

The White Owl Social Club, ASLA’s new monthly Happy Hour destination, needs assistance designing their new patio space. Come take part in a design charrette focused on designing the BEST new patio in Portland and the ASLA’s new hangout! Our first happy hour will focus on designing Phase 1 of the patio.

Two free drink tickets, light appetizers and happy hour drink prices courtesy of the White Owl!

Contact Claire Maulhardt for more information.

Download Event Flyer PDF

March 17, 2013 Edit

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WVS PDH Luncheon

via Justin Lanphear, Willamette Valley Section co-chair

WHAT: Monthly PDH Luncheon Presentation: EWEB Riverfront Master Plan Update
WHEN: Friday, March 22, 2013 @ 12:00pm
LOCATION: Oregon Electric Station, 27 E 5th Ave Eugene, OR 97401

EWEB Riverfront Master Plan Update Presentation:
The EWEB Riverfront Master Plan was unanimously approved by the EWEB Board of Commissioners in June 2010. Rowell Brokaw Architects led the design team and conducted extensive public outreach and involvement to develop a community-supported redevelopment vision. During the past two years, a consulting team led by Cameron McCarthy has translated the Master Plan into land use implementation tools, which are currently under review by the Eugene Planning Commission. The Master Plan envisions a green redevelopment, with approximately 8-acres of dedicated public open space. The Master Plan includes a dynamic cultural landscape and open space framework based on layers of civic, ecological, and cultural history embedded in the site. The framework is the basis for new policy, code, and design guidelines intended to shape the future riverfront park. Representatives from Rowell Brokaw Architects and Cameron McCarthy will be on hand to present the vision, discuss the implementation tools, and update ASLA members on the current status of the project.

Kaarin Knudson
Project Designer and Planning Specialist, Rowell Brokaw Architects
Adjunct Faculty, UO School of Architecture & Allied Arts

Kaarin practices full-time as a Project Designer and Planning Specialist at Rowell Brokaw Architects in Eugene. She also teaches in the graduate and undergraduate architecture, interior architecture, and planning programs in the UO School of Architecture & Allied Arts. Her recent work includes the EWEB Riverfront Master Plan, studies for Eugene City Hall, the University Street Campus Planning Study, and new construction at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts and the Edwards Community Center near Portland.

Colin McArthur, AICP
Principal Planner; Cameron McCarthy Landscape Architecture & Planning
Adjunct Faculty; University of Oregon Department of Planning, Public Policy, and Management (PPPM)

McArthur directs Cameron McCarthy’s planning practice and has 13+ years of experience working in Oregon communities. McArthur specializes in assisting public agencies with comprehensive planning; natural resource and infrastructure planning; implementation; and development. McArthur is an adjunct instructor in the PPPM department at the University of Oregon and teaches courses in land use and growth management. McArthur’s recent work includes the I-5 Willamette River Bridge Replacement, EWEB Riverfront Master Plan Land Use Implementation, and various campus and athletics projects for the University of Oregon.

January 20, 2013 Edit

in Member Benefits

ASLA and YOU

ASLA Oregon LANDbytes JANUARY 2013 Feature:

ASLA and YOU
By Rebecca Wahlstrom

I recently sent an email out to the ASLA Oregon executive committee titled “Why Join ASLA?” to solicit their reasons for being involved with this organization. I asked them why, in these days of tight budgets and careful spending, would people want to spend a sizable amount for dues every year without knowing exactly what they were getting for their dollars. Granted, dues are often paid by people’s workplace or part of their business expense, but if one works in a multi-disciplinary environment, the value of this expense is not always appreciated. Can the membership benefits outweigh the financial aspect? I hope that in reading the following responses, it will be clear that not only is this expense appropriate, but that involvement is crucial to the health and growth of our profession. Threaded throughout the responses you will hear a strong sense of individual responsibility and giving back to the community. Read on and see why the ASLA should be a part of your professional life.

“By becoming a member, the organization offers discounts for all of the ASLA sponsored events held throughout the year. This is a great way to recoup the membership fees while continuing your education, networking and participating in ASLA events.” - Kurt Lango, ASLA, President

“I have relied on ASLA throughout my career; to establish a professional network, access resources for professional development and to engage in active dialogue with affiliate disciplines as my practice has evolved. I volunteer because I believe that as a relevant community we can support more, challenge more and explore more as design professionals than we can as individuals.” - Melinda Graham, President Elect

“Just like plants and wildlife, our individual practices exist as part of larger regional systems, and keeping up with ASLA Portland, Oregon, and National is a great way to engage that network.” - Amy Cooney, ASLA, VP Chapter Services

"Membership in ASLA Oregon is an effective way for me to connect with other like-minded professionals - both locally and nationally - to network, learn, and serve our community." - James Hencke, ASLA, Past-President

“As a recent grad in a new city, ASLA membership has been an essential step in establishing a network of mentors and professional contacts. The added benefit is that I’ve also been able to get familiar with my new community in a fun and social way.” - Claudia Sims, ASLA, Secretary

“Associating with design professionals who contribute to the well-being and livability of communities is the best way to market yourself as a landscape architect.” - Robin Lee Gyorgyfalvy, FASLA, High Desert Section Chair + Chapter Public Awareness Advocate

“It is prudent and wise to have an organization that advocates and upholds the quality of our education and the execution of our profession. So, as the ASLA advocates for our profession, I join those who advocate for the ASLA.” - Justin Lanphear, ASLA, Willamette Valley Section Co-Chair

“I joined ASLA because I believe in supporting my community. Just like National Public Radio or Friends of Trees, it takes volunteers and supporting members to make such community resources sustainable. I trust that, at a national level, ASLA is lobbying for legislation that protects the environment and promotes projects that employ Landscape Architects. While at a state level, ASLA is working with OSLAB to protect minimum standards that regulate how Landscape Architects practice and who may not do this work without a license.” - Arica Duhrkoop-Galas, Willamette Valley Section Co-Chair

“Being a member of ASLA means being part of a community that is working together to positively impact and shape our neighborhoods, our world and profession.“ - Jesse Stemmler, ASLA, Mt. Hood Section Co-Chair

“I have always felt it was a responsibility, as a professional Landscape Architect to support ASLA as the public face of my chosen career. My father was a Landscape Architect so I grew up around the profession and have seen how ASLA has helped transform the understanding and respect of the profession of Landscape Architecture. Being an ASLA member has allowed me to remain connected to the larger profession through meetings, continuing education, and social events.” - Brian Bainnson, ASLA, Trustee


The ASLA is not only for professionals, but students as well. Don Rickman, ASLA Student President, University of Oregon Chapter, was asked why he takes time for the ASLA out of his busy student schedule. He responded: The reason why I became an ASLA member was to have access to a network of professions that could provide mentorship and feedback on my career path. I hope to be able to do the same for others in the future.

As the National ASLA website states; “For more than 100 years, the American Society of Landscape Architects has promoted the landscape architecture profession and advanced the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship. As the national professional association for landscape architects, ASLA has more than 15,000 members and 49 chapters, representing all 50 states, U.S. territories, and 68 countries around the world.

ASLA members enjoy many benefits and discounts with their annual dues. Two of the most important benefits, as identified by members, are ASLA's efforts to raise awareness of the profession, and legislative advocacy on issues that matter most to the profession, including licensure.”

To find out more about joining the ASLA in promoting landscape architecture, explore the following link;

Visit the ASLA Membership Page!

November 19, 2012 Edit

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November Newswire

November 17, 2012 Edit

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Fall EP 101: Flora and Design Primer Recap

via Claudia Sims, ASLA

The ASLA Oregon Emerging Professionals Committee recently offered another great opportunity for continuing education, community building, and networking, through the Fall EP 101: Flora and Design Primer. The final class session ended with a happy hour event at the Rams Head Pub in NW Portland, where participants warmed up with seasonal beverages and exchanged their newly polished plant knowledge.

Landscape professionals, recent graduates, and a handful of individuals in related fields came together at locations all over Portland for this three session class held during the month of October. Taught by recent University of Oregon MLA grad Claudia Sims, this course offered a basic understanding of some of the most commonly used plants in the Pacific Northwest, along with discussion about the design contexts in which they would most likely be found. Every participant brought and shared a unique perspective on designing with plants, creating an ongoing and dynamic conversation.

The Emerging Professionals Committee hopes to provide additional EP 101 offerings in the future, incorporating a variety of topics and guest instructors. Keep an eye out for the next installment, and join the fun!

Check out the EP 101 Page

October 17, 2012 Edit

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MAP-21 and Landscape Architects

via Robin Gyorgyfalvy, ASLA Oregon Chapter Public Awareness Representative 

Dear Advocates,

Please join us this Thursday, October 18th @ 2:00pm EDT for a free ASLA Advocacy webinar: Staying Active on Active Transportation: Implementing MAP-21 for Landscape Architects.

The new surface transportation law, MAP-21, went into effect on October 1st. MAP-21 significantly changes the active transportation programs landscape architects access to plan and design recreational trails, streetscape improvements, bicycle and pedestrian paths, and other critical community improvement projects. This 1-hour webinar will discuss how the NEW Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes To School, and Recreational Trails programs will impact your design work and how you can get involved to ensure continued funding for these projects in your state.

A recent ASLA survey found that federal active transportation programs are critical tools for landscape architects in planning and designing projects for communities across the country. Register today to learn about all the recent changes to these programs and how your practices may be impacted.

This webinar has been registered with LA CES for 1.0 PDH (non-HSW). To receive credit, participants must successfully complete an online quiz after the webinar.

Thank you,

Roxanne Blackwell

Director, Federal Government Affairs

The American Society of Landscape Architects

June 24, 2012 Edit

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2012 Design Awards Save the Date!

 via the ASLA Oregon Chapter Design Awards Committee

Save the Date!

Join ASLA Oregon for the annual Design Awards slated for October 13th at the Tiffany Ballroom in Portland. This evening will continue the tradition of celebrating the design of our peers, while enjoying good food, drinks, and great conversation. We also are planning an number of exciting changes to the Call of Entries and the evening’s program. A new category that addresses “Transportation” and recognizes the contributions of landscape architects to the design of transportation facilities will be added - and the Boards are back! A new People’s Choice Award will be selected that evening by attendees based on the display boards. Not only will the People’s Choice Award be a surprise but firms that submitted winning entries for all other awards will not be notified early as in previous years.

This year’s jury members include: Shannon Nichol, Director of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol; Todd Johnson, Chief Design Officer of Design Workshop; Mark Hinshaw, Director of Urban Design, LMN Architects; Ronald Lovinger, Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Oregon; Anyeley Hallova, Partner with Project Ecological Development.

The Call for Entries will be mailed out in mid-July and available for download on the Oregon ASLA website.

June 3, 2012 Edit

in Member Benefits

Central City 2035 Charrette

AIA | APA | ASLA Urban Design Panel
Central City 2035 Charrette

June 7, 2012
Open to the Public for First Thursday 6pm
Museum of Contemporary Craft
724 Northwest Davis Street
Portland, OR 97209

Central City 2035 is an update to the 1988 Central City Plan, which is the existing plan and policy for downtown and central areas of Portland. In coordination with the Portland Plan, CC2035 will address challenges and opportunities in the Central City to ensure that this unique economic, transportation, cultural and educational hub will be a vibrant resource for all Portlanders over the next 25 years.

The AIA | ASLA | APA will join together over 40 members of the allied professions to explore issues, develop concepts and test ideas in an intensive day-long workshop to assist the city as it moves forward with the Central City 2035 planning process.

Come see our future.

Download PDF Flyer
More Information

June 3, 2012 Edit

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Streets Reconsidered Presentation

via Ivy Dunlap, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services

Streets Reconsidered: 
Inclusive Design for the Public Realm

Wednesday, June 13, 2012 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
1900 SW 4th Avenue, Room 2500A


Join us for an evening learning about the most innovative approaches to street design from cities around the world. Come learn how streets can be places that support transportation and community interaction, play, sustainability and more as part of the re:Streets project.

re:Streets is a multi-disciplinary collaboration focused on the planning, design and construction of streets as a method for improving our built environment. It pushes beyond the current standards to explore the future of streets and what America’s roadways would be like if they were designed for living.

Daniel Iacofano and Mukul Malhotra, MIG principals and leads on the National Endowment for the Arts-funded re:Streets project will share inspiring ideas and lead a lively discussion on the future of streets.

This presentation will also be an opportunity to explore ideas for implementing the Portland Plan’s concept of a citywide greenway network that will weave nature into the city, link neighbor to neighbor, and better connect Portlanders to streams and rivers, schools, parks, natural areas, regional trails and neighborhood hubs.

For more information contact:
Bill Cunningham, City Planner
503-823-4203, bill.cunningham@portlandoregon.gov

Anne Nelson, Environmental Program Coordinator
503-823-2584, anne.nelson@portlandoregon.gov

The City of Portland will make reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities.
Notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone 503-823-7700,
by the TTY line at 503- 823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900

May 7, 2012 Edit

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Mt Hood Section PDH Event

via Joyce Jackson, ASLA, Mt. Hood Section Co-Chair

Tour the June Delta Key Community Center –
A Living Building Challenge Demonstration Project

If you attended or missed but wanted to attend the Living Cities, How Do We Get There? session at the recent ASLA Oregon symposium and want to learn more about the living building challenge process, come to the MT Hood chapter meeting at the June Key Delta Community Center on May 31st.

Architect Mark Nye will be there to discuss how this community center was developed from an old gas station site and how it was transformed into a community asset with minimal environmental impacts.

Topics will include:
• An overview of the building and site’s fulfillment of the Living Building Challenge ‘petals’.
• Transformation of a brown field site to a usable property.
• Inclusion of the community in the programming and design process.
• Provisions for opportunities in urban agriculture and food education
• Collecting and reusing stormwater on site.

Spend an hour on the tour and then mingle with your colleagues at the Community Center.

(2) HSW PDH's are being offered at this event!.
Thursday, May 31 2012
5940 North Albina Ave., Portland, OR

Agenda:
5:30-5:45 - Gather together
5:45-6:45 - Tour and talk
6:45-7:45 - Social hour

Cost:
Free!

Maul Foster Alongi will be sponsoring the event by providing snacks and drinks.

Please RSVP to this event!

For more information and to RSVP email Joyce Jackson:
jjackson@maulfoster.com

April 7, 2012 Edit

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Upcoming Events Poster

 via Christopher Olin, ASLA Oregon Chapter Communications Chair

April is Landscape Architecture Month!

ASLA Oregon is pleased to announce our Spring 2012 Chapter lineup of Portland Events!
Join fellow like-minded student and professional peers in networking, learning and fun!

To learn more, register for events, find resources and subscribe to our mailing list visit www.aslaoregon.org.

Download Upcoming Events Flyer PDF - 11x17 Screen

Download Upcoming Events Flyer PDF - 11x17 Print

Visit ASLA Oregon's NLAM Page

Visit ASLA Oregon's Online Event Calendar

April 4, 2012 Edit

in Member Benefits

ASLA Report to Our Members

via Nancy C. Somerville, Hon. ASLA
Executive Vice President and CEO
American Society of Landscape Architects

American Society of Landscape Architects
Annual 2011: A Report to Our Members

As we dive into what promises to be another very busy year for ASLA, I wanted to take a moment to review our accomplishments in 2011. Despite a very challenging economy that has affected us all, ASLA members and their Society made real progress in raising awareness of the profession and ensuring that the profession’s voice was heard.

On August 17, 1,000 volunteers hit the streets, the parks, and the sidewalks in their communities to share examples of landscape architecture projects and to explain the benefits your work brings to people’s lives. More than 250 events, half of which involved direct, one-on-one discussions, happened almost simultaneously. Collectively, these events generated more than 80 news stories in all media, reaching an estimated 15 million people.

So who says one person can’t make a difference? There are less than 30,000 people employed in the landscape architecture field in a nation of more than 312 million. Yet we were heard, big time. And we’ve only just begun.

Working hand-in-hand with our chapters and their dedicated public-awareness volunteers, we will continue that engagement with activities at the grassroots level supported by resources created by the national office. And this April chapters across the nation will once again celebrate National Landscape Architecture Month, introducing the profession to the public through a series of standalone events while also coordinating a common public outreach on April 26, Frederick Law Olmsted’s birthday.

On the PR and communications side, much of our energy—and creativity—continues to be focused on web communications, because of the ability of the web to reach the largest audience. In 2011, the site attracted 644,000 unique visitors and more than 5 million pageviews, continuing healthy year-to-year growth.

To complement the public awareness materials, we have developed special areas on the site to serve as resources for policy makers, educators, students, and members of the other design and construction industries.

As part of the 08.17.11 events, we launched www.asla.org/design, a basic introduction to the profession as a destination for the curious public. So far, it has received more than 55,000 pageviews.

Designing Our Future: Sustainable Landscapes features 30 case studies and eight animations that detail sustainable landscape design. These resources have attracted more than 370,000 pageviews thus far, and the animations have been viewed an additional 85,000 times.

To establish landscape architects in the forefront of discussions of key issues affecting the profession, we have developed detailed resource centers around topics such as transportation, green infrastructure, and livable communities, as well as corresponding resources for residential projects.

And we continue to leverage The Dirt blog to keep our voice in the mix. The blog is widely read and syndicated, consistently ranks among the top 10 on environmental subjects, and has received some 1.3 million pageviews since relaunch in 2009

These outreach efforts provide a solid foundation to support our equally significant progress on the advocacy front, in spite of the challenging political environment in Washington.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is in the midst of a critical national rulemaking on stormwater. The process started with an EPA-commissioned National Research Council study on the effectiveness of the Agency’s current stormwater program. NRC’s conclusion: Big pipes and grey infrastructure are not going to solve the problem, but green infrastructure and low-impact development can.

To support its rulemaking, EPA asked ASLA to help document the use and effectiveness of green infrastructure approaches. We turned to you, and set an ambitious goal of 300 projects. You responded with 479 case studies, covering 43 states, D.C, and Canada. We provided all that data to EPA, and those case studies are now catalogued and available on the ASLA website. These projects are a compelling demonstration of the value of green infrastructure—and the critical role of landscape architects.

Another priority focus this year has been transportation. With the surface transportation bill coming up for renewal, we are advocating for inclusion of a federal Complete Streets policy in the legislation, along with supporting essential existing programs that support transportation alternatives, enhance community livability, and provide jobs for landscape architects.

Many of these programs came under a barrage of attacks in 2011, especially the transportation enhancements program. An example: On October 17, ASLA’s government affairs staff learned of a serious threat: Senator John McCain was preparing to offer an amendment to a fiscal year 2012 spending bill to gut the transportation enhancements program.

Since McCain did not include bicycle and trail projects on his hit list, many of our usual coalition partners opted not to challenge the proposal. So ASLA took the lead. We prepared a letter in opposition, got 12 other organizations to sign on, and put the letter into the hands of each senator’s chief of staff, legislative director, and transportation legislative assistant. And we sent out a red alert to all of you through our Advocacy Network. You responded. We had the best performance from the Advocacy Network to date, with 655 activists sending 1,338 messages to their senators over the two days preceding the vote.

It worked. The roll-call vote on October 19 was 59 to 39 to table the amendment, essentially killing it.

Your grassroots-level advocacy, combined with our D.C.-based outreach efforts, not only reversed the threat, but also raised ASLA’s profile on Capitol Hill. ASLA was cited by the influential Democratic Policy Committee as an opponent of the amendment, and multiple senate staffers cited ASLA’s opposition and outreach as a major contributing factor to votes against the amendment.

Threats are continuing, and vigilance and quick action are still required. I commend you all for your support of ASLA and your direct involvement in issues of importance to the profession and to the country. It would be easy in such very difficult and stubborn financial times to lose faith and withdraw. That’s not our style, and the relative health of ASLA and the profession is testimony to that, as are such success stories as I’ve just shared.

There’s a lot more I could tell you about, like the changes I hope you’ve been noticing in our fantastic Landscape Architecture Magazine, the second-largest Annual Meeting and largest Expo in ASLA history, and the progress of our Sustainable Sites Initiative partnership. I urge you to stay engaged and help us help you, as you all did so effectively in 2011. Thank you all.

Nancy C. Somerville

March 30, 2012 Edit

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March 2012 Newswire

March 29, 2012 Edit

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Living Future 2012 unConference

via Beth Flanagan, International Living Future Institute 

Join Cascadia Green Building Council May 2-4 for Living Future 2012, where the green building movement’s leading thinkers and practitioners come together to share their deep expertise and dearest hopes, to leap ahead as a movement and as a society. Living Future is where cutting edge practice meets inspiration and where visionaries get down to business. This three-day unConference has earned a reputation as the must-attend event for many of the green building movement's most innovative and influential leaders. This years conference will take place in Portland, Oregon and is themed “Women Reshaping the World”. For more information please go to the Living Future 2012 Website.

For questions please contact Beth Flanagan at beth.flanagan@gmail.com

Quick Links:

Living Future Website

Registration

Program and Speakers

Keynote and Reception, Dr. Vandana Shiva

March 29, 2012 Edit

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Happy Birthday, FLO!

ASLA Oregon LANDbytes MARCH 2012 Feature:

Happy Birthday, FLO!
By Rebecca Wahlstrom

What are you doing on April 26? Join the coast to coast party, celebrating the 190th birthday of Mr. Frederick Law Olmsted with all your fellow ASLA members! April 26 is a day to remember and celebrate the man who first brought to the forefront many of the ideas that we practice today in Landscape Architecture. So gather some friends, blow out some birthday candles for Mr. Olmsted, and make a wish for the continuation of great designs that stand the test of time. 

Check out more fun ways to celebrate Landscape Architecture month at www.aslaoregon.org/updates/articles/national-landscape-architecture-month.

Visit ASLA Oregon's NLAM Webpage!

March 29, 2012 Edit

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National Landscape Architecture Month!

ASLA Oregon LANDbytes MARCH 2012 Feature:

Get Ready! National Landscape Architecture Month is Coming!
By Rebecca Wahlstrom

April has been set aside by the ASLA as a month when activities happen nationwide to celebrate and promote the profession of landscape architecture. The focus of this month’s activities is “Public Health and Active Living 2012”, showing how we are addressing the major problems of obesity and chronic health problems due to lack of exercise by designing healthy community structures. This topic is a great fit for our active state – what a perfect chance to show people how we promote healthy lifestyles. Are there playgrounds or trail systems where you can show people how landscape architecture has been part of its creation? How about plaza’s where farmers markets happen or places where people wait to catch the MAX or bus? Can you get out there and let people know who designed that space? Now is the time to celebrate all you have done and promote the future of landscape architecture.

You might be asking, “what can I do?” Glad you asked! ASLA has put forward a whole webpage of ideas for activities along with detailed instructions and tips (and has a picture of Portland’s Mt. Tabor Middle School rain garden design). The below is just a sampling of what the website provides on the ‘Career Discovery Activities’ page. http://www.aslaoregon.org/updates/articles/national-landscape-architecture-month.  Boy Scout troops can learn about plants and earn a badge during your time with them; Connect with middle and high-school students and design a rain garden or reading garden; Are you a native plant expert? Visit your local high school and show them how essential native plants are to our landscape.

One doesn’t need to be hampered by this list – create your own activity that will appeal to you and the audience you wish to reach. Back on 8.17.11, the first roll-out of the Understory, the Bend folks led a design charrette, people in Springfield did a workplace information blast to enlighten their co-workers on what their department had accomplished, and Portland canvassed downtown parks. http://www.aslaoregon.org/blog/2011/9/14/dues-increase-effective-january-2012 What will Oregon do this time to celebrate landscape architecture? I believe our fit and active state is primed and ready to show off all that we have done to promote physical activity and public health to the general public and to the nation. Be creative – have fun – and be sure to let people know about landscape architecture in April!

Visit ASLA Oregon's NLAM Webpage!

March 17, 2012 Edit

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April is National Landscape Architecture Month!

National Landscape Architecture Month 2012 (NLAM) Quick Links:

NLAM HOMEPAGE 

NLAM PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN 

NLAM POSTERS FOR DOWNLOAD

CAREER DISCOVERY ACTIVITIES

NLAM 2011 RECAP

FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED & THE CAMPAIGN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

APRIL 2012 National, State and Local Activities:

04.04.12 COMMUNITY TREES FIELD CLASS

04.20.12 ASLA OREGON NORTH PARK BLOCK DESIGN CHARRETTE

04.20.12 ASLA OREGON EMERGING PROFESSIONALS SOCIAL

04.21.12 ASLA OREGON ENLIGHTENED LANDSCAPE[S] SYMPOSIUM

04.26.12 AND YOU

04.26.12 THE UNDERSTORY

04.26.12 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON A&AA CAREER SYMPOSIUM

January 10, 2012 Edit

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2012 SYMPOSIUM

Elevate your understanding of landscape by taking it to a higher level. ASLA Oregon invites you to expand your thinking over two days of inspired guest speakers, discussions and a design charrette. Join us for learning and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to earn valuable professional development hours (PDH’s).

promotional mailer PDF

more information + registration

2012 sponsorship opportunities

2012 supporting sponsor - only $100!

Your company name will be featured on the event program! 

December 20, 2011 Edit

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Landscape Architecture Mentor Program

Landscape Architecture Mentor Program

In April 2011, the ASLA Public Practice Advisory Committee posted a note in LAND E-News "Wanted: Examples of Landscape Architecture Mentor Programs." The PPAC goal was to showcase and search for shining examples of Mentor Programs that pair practitioners with students or provide excellent networking opportunities between seasoned and emerging professionals. As a result of the outreach effort, a white paper and matrix are now available with some excellent models for Mentor Programs that involve ASLA chapters, universities, private firms, and local, state, and federal agencies. As a living document, the next action is to include other Mentor Programs that have had great success or are just getting started and are looking for some guidance. Our committee request to each state is to provide us with feedback and let us know how and what your LA Mentor Program is doing. Thank you for adding your successes to this national effort.

Robin Gyorgyfalvy, ASLA, PLA
ASLA Oregon Chapter
Public Practice Advisory Committee Chair, 2011-12
(541) 383-4786
rgyorgyfalvy@fs.fed.us

Download the Mentor Programs White Paper
Download the Mentor Programs Matrix

October 20, 2011 Edit

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October 2011 Newswire