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Archive for April, 2011

In the Classroom

This story comes from Matthew Latham a Landscape Architect from the Ohio Chapter:

I had the privilege of presenting the profession of Landscape Architecture to about twenty students in Mrs. Nicole Scholten’s “Drawing and Painting” class at Clark Montessori High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.  In addition to giving the “Be a Landscape Architect” presentation found on the ASLA website, I also showcased a few of my own projects and was able to dialogue with the students about the challenges associated with the projects, how Landscape Architects often act as problem solvers, and how fine art can be incorporated into projects.  We then had a short activity where I asked each student to:

  • Think of a landscape that had a special significance for him/her.
  • Draw a single element within that landscape.
  • Share the landscape and element chosen and tell why it is special to him/her.

At the beginning of the presentation, I asked the students if they had heard of landscape architecture before.  Surprisingly, about two-thirds of them raised their hands.  This was significant to me since I never heard of the profession of landscape architecture before initially entering college to study architecture.

I’m not sure whether or not I won any aspirants to the profession.  However, I did notice on the back wall of the classroom there were posters detailing “Careers in Art.”  One of them showcased architecture, but there were none about landscape architecture, which makes me glad I was there to let them know about the profession.

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Snaps to that: http://www.townofcary.org/Sunshine/Agendas___Minutes/Staff_Reports/Landscape_Architecture_Month_Proclamation.htm

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Check out the enthusiastic efforts of Texas to promote their meeting.  And yes, you can find them on PR Log.  It’s so hot right now. 

 

Houston, Galveston Mayors Proclaim “Landscape Architecture Month”

 

April 25, 2011 (Galveston, Texas) – The Gulf Coast will be washed in green as the Houston and Galveston mayors simultaneously declare April “National Landscape Architecture Month” on Thursday, April 28th, 2011.   The profession of Landscape Architecture industry involves analysis, planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land.  In other words, they make a giant impact while leaving a tiny footprint.  The Texas chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) showcases the best in this industry at its yearly conference April 28th and 29th at Moody Gardens in Galveston. 

“Our theme this year is “Say Hello to Renewal,” said Kolby Davidson, State Conference Chair. “We’re bringing our conference to a region of the state that continues to excel in its commitment to preservation of natural resources, whether in times of development or in times of recovery.”

Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski will present his proclamation in person as he addresses conference goers Thursday morning.  In recognizing the Landscape Architecture industry, the cities of Houston and Galveston trumpet a powerful call around the country.  These are cities already positioned as leaders as they tackle new projects that seek to enhance the quality of life for their residents while demanding respect for the natural areas they embrace.  In Houston, the “Discovery Green” project offers a sparkling, engaging and beautiful playground for people of all walks of life to enjoy and share.  Galveston’s Tree Project will eventually place 50,000 trees on the island, an investment in renewal in a part of the state with that has weathered some of the most powerful storms on record.

The proclamation in Galveston reads in part, “Landscape architects, through their spirit and practice, teach people to be wise stewards of the natural and built environment.”  The Houston mayoral proclamation goes on to commend those who dedicate their careers to enhancing our lands. “Landscape architects engage in a professional practice that directly affects, enhances and safeguards, the health, safety and welfare of the public,” the Houston proclamation declares.

The 2011 Texas ASLA conference will feature spectacular vendor displays, a high-powered slate of speakers and award the best of the best in a slew of design categories.

Learn more about the Texas ASLA conference by visiting the conference website.  Be sure to check out the blog, and we hope to see you in Galveston!

About the American Society of Landscape Architects  

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 15,597 members and 48 chapters, representing all 50 states, U.S. territories, and 66 countries around the world.

 And more…

Texas ASLA Conference 2011- There’s an App for That!

 

April 18, 2011 (Galveston, Texas) – Getting connected at the Texas conference of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is now as simple as powering up your smart phone. The Conventionist App will allow landscape architecture industry experts and visitors easy access to all information surrounding the TX ASLA Conference in Galveston.  The Conventionist App will take the focus off of maps and schedules, and direct it back to the important work of preservation and protection of our resources. The Texas ASLA’s yearly conference will be April 28th and 29th at Moody Gardens in Galveston. This year’s theme: Say Hello to Renewal!

Moody Gardens isn’t hard to find; it’s a staple of Galveston visitors’ guides.  But conference schedules as well as exhibit and lecture hall locations are sometimes more difficult to navigate.  Now they will be available at guests fingertips.  With a simple tap, Conventionist will download all the details of this year’s conference, directly to users’ phones or iPads.  Events, maps, news feeds and more will be at the ready. What’s more – Conventionist will allow conference goers to add specific events to their schedules to help them keep track of activities.

“We do a lot of our work outside, the old fashioned way.  But we also recognize we do business in a highly digital world.” said Kolby Davidson, State Conference Chair. “Offering our guests the convenience of the Conventionist App makes our conference more tech friendly and also makes the statement that we are a leader in embracing technology as it benefits our work and communications.”

Some of the programs and speakers at the 2011 conference include a presentation on green roofs, experts on topics ranging from pollination to park space and an address by Galveston Mayor Ed Jaworski.

Learn more about the Texas ASLA conference by visiting the conference website.  Be sure to check out the blog, and we hope to see you in Galveston!

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These Michigan State University research students just left Washington DC for the P3 Competition and demonstrations on the Washington Mall. They were the only landscape architecture team selected to come to Washington DC and compete. Go Spartans! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVOx2AsU-Hc&feature=related

More on the P3 – People, Prosperity, Planet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b88I_38vjvo&NR=1

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PR Log Shines

Lookin’ for a fun, FREE, easy way to distribute your press release? 

http://www.prlog.org/

Georgia’s latest: http://www.prlog.org/11448056-landscape-architects-glimpse-economic-hope-on-the-horizon.html

Connecticut: http://www.prlog.org/11439697-landscape-architecture-exhibit-at-state-office-building-celebrating-national-la-month.html

New Mexico: http://www.prlog.org/11446322-new-mexico-landscape-architects-celebrate-national-landscape-architecture-month.html

I challenge every chapter to place a press release on PR Log.

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“So we look forward to the day when the leadership of landscape architecture will finally transcend a tired and irrelevant industrial fine art project, and help to bring about the exciting urban renaissance that is, as evidence suggests, entirely possible.”

How is our PR meeting this challenge?

http://www.planetizen.com/node/48993

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“April is both Autism Awareness and Landscape Architecture Month, so it seems fitting to do a blog post about the intersection of Autism and the way that the natural world can help people of all abilities.” Sounds like a great way to introduce a conversation about LA with the lay public.  Thoughts? 

http://www.healinglandscapes.org/blog/2011/04/april-autism-awareness-landscape-architecture-month/

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LAM Magazines Laying About?

Get them in the hands of those ill informed about the profession. Going to the dentist – drop one in the waiting room, off to get your license renewed - drop one next to someone whose day looks ruined by the DMV. A little Landscape Architecture turns that frown upside down.   Let’s not completely associate LAM with places we wait our lives away so make sure to spruce up your coffee shop and library with a few copies as well. 

Want to track your magz, highlight NLAM, and ASLA?  Find out how many people took the bait?  Me too!  California Sierra of “let’s LAND them in the coffee shop fame” created these stickers to do just that.  Have you seen those QR codes?  Everyone from JC Penny to your Great Aunt Yula has signed on.  Turns out you can track who scans. 

Here is the pdf of the stickers followed by Sierra’s three steps to success:

NLAM_Stickers

1. Buy the Avery 10 label/sheet mailing labels at an office supply store (Sierra grabbed theirs at Office Max. Make sure its Avery since the file was set up on an Avery template. I’m pretty sure they are a nationally distributed brand. Their local FedEx/Kinkos even sells them in the store) They come conveniently in packs of 100, just enough for 50 magazines, barring a misprint.

2.  Take the pdf in to a copy store on a usb drive (It was less than $10 to print enough for the 50 copies)

3.  Apply the stickers wherever you want in/on the magazine: on the cover, , on an insert, on the back etc. There is a NLAM ad on page 14. Don’t get too tacky now… 

Link to waterproof stickers as Landscape Architecture, excitement, and coffee result in spills.   

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Media Advisory

Step one:  Call me for help generating media lists.

Step two: Read through media pitch advice on this blog.

Step three: Put together a fun and easy media advisory and rock out.

Please see this example from Washington’s recent efforts: 

MEDIA ADVISORY                                                       

Contact:  Your Name

Your Title with Chapter

(123)456-7891

youwillwinpublicity@asla.org 

A Call to a Community: Joining National Landscape Architecture Month and Celebrating Earth Day

 

What:  Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary Work Party   

                                                                               

Why:   Join together to help maintain this nature park so it can continue to support the community and local wildlife

Who:   The Washington Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (WASLA), Friends of Narbeck, the Boy Scouts, Boeing Employees, local community members and YOU!      

When:  Saturday April 16th, 9:30-12:30 AM

Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary

6921 Seaway Blvd. in Everett

       

Where: Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary

6921 Seaway Blvd. in Everett

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Everett&state=WA&address=6921+Seaway+Blvd

Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary was created as mitigation for the Snohomish County Airport expansion.  The project resulted in a 48-acre wetland and wildlife park  that was created from a former landscape materials dump near Paine Field in Everett.  Constructed in 2000, the project includes eight acres of wetland creation and enhancement, fifteen acres of buffer enhancement, a boardwalk and jogging path around the 19-acre Narbeck Swamp.   Come see a local sustainable park, eleven years in the making.  WASLA Executive Committee member, Courtney Landoll of the Watershed Company, will talk about native planting on the project, the challenge of invasive species, and the importance of community buy-in.  WASLA past-president Kellye Hilde, Parks Project Manager at the City of Sammamish, will talk about the issues that parks in our region face today.

The work party will include trimming of alder to preserve views and maintain environmental education, refreshing the parking lot planting beds, removal of invasive plants,  refreshing the overlooks, picnic areas, and signs, and general park clean-up.  Please bring your favorite shovel and pruners; we will have some gardening equipment available if you don’t have your own.  Be prepared to cut, clip, pull, clean and enjoy a great morning. Please join us on Saturday, April 16, 2011.  We will begin at 9:30 am with coffee, fruit and muffins and finish our work by 12:30 pm.  Please invite your co-workers, friends, and family to the party.

Even sustainable sites need love and maintenance in order to succeed.  We look forward to seeing you at the park.  Get your Earth Day public services done early.  Earth Day is April 22.

 

About ASLA

 

Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. The Society’s mission is to lead, to educate and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. Members of the Society use their “ASLA” suffix after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more about landscape architecture online at www.asla.org.

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The Question of Our Lifetime

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