Landscape Architect Articles

2016 ASLA Chapter Reports: Connecticut ASLA Chapter12-05-16 | Feature

2016 ASLA Chapter Reports
Connecticut ASLA Chapter

Andy Brand gives a tour of Broken Arrow Nursery (Hamden, Conn.) at CTASLA's August program, "Plants in the Landscape: Favorites and the Unusual."

Throughout 2016, the Connecticut Chapter of the ASLA maintained its tradition of providing high quality, high value continuing education programs in support of its members, allied professionals and the green industry. Programs organized by the chapter, totaling more than 24 PDH/HSW, included training on Pavers, Porcelain and Stone; the Custom Stone Fabrication Process; Plants in the Landscape; Balancing Economic Development with Historic Preservation; Water, Water, Everywhere (Residential Design Expo); and Designing Trails & Greenways.

CTASLA hosted an event at the state Capitol in Hartford on April 28 as part of the chapter's recognition of World Landscape Architecture Month. The reception, inside the stunning Legislative Office Building, was in part a celebration of the new State Veterans Memorial in neighboring Minuteman Park, a project designed by member landscape architects. Furthering the chapter's advocacy efforts, relationships with key state agencies were nurtured during the year.

From left: Aris Stalis, ASLA; Dominick Celtruda, ASLA; and Joseph Kelleher, ASLA at the chapter's April reception at the State Legislative Office Building. The event was in part a celebration of the new State Veterans Memorial in neighboring Minuteman Park, a project designed by landscape architects.

Meetings with department heads enabled discussion of barriers facing landscape architects, leading to greater inclusion of landscape architectural services in the state's call for consultants on built works projects.

The Connecticut Landscape Architect (the chapter's magazine) and its color Annual book were mailed to members as well as hundreds of key decision-makers influencing the built environment in Connecticut and the region. These publications highlight the chapter's Professional Awards winners, as well as case studies and other accomplishments and initiatives.

Increasing the chapter's exposure to key audiences, CTASLA was an exhibitor at the annual conferences of the Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetland Commissions, and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, both full-day events.

The Connecticut Chapter of the ASLA celebrates World Landscape Architecture Month annually during the month of April

In June, CTASLA awarded $2,500 in scholarships to each of two worthy students from the University of Rhode Island and Cornell University as part of the Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial Scholarship. (Now in its 14th year, the chapter has awarded more than $60,000 in scholarship funds to students pursuing education in landscape architecture.) And, for the first time, the chapter formed an Emerging Professionals section to be a resource and create opportunities for networking and training for members new to the profession.

CTASLA looks forward to instituting a strategic plan in 2017 and building on its successes!

As seen in LASN magazine, December 2016.