2025 Fellows: Lee R. Skabelund, FASLA, Prairie Gateway Chapter

Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
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Lee Skabelund has advanced the practice and impact of landscape architecture through research, teaching, and community service focused on how restored ecosystems and place-based mixed-species green roofs and green infrastructure can make cities more livable for people and larger ecological systems. For more than three decades, he has been committed to learning through integrated planning/design, local advocacy, project implementation, and long-term observation and assessment of created and restored systems, data collection in the field, and hands-on management of green infrastructure systems within local communities. His commitment to improving how green roofs and other green infrastructure are designed, implemented, and managed in the Great Plains and similar climates is exceptional, revealed by his efforts to disseminate ideas through articles, presentations, and workshops at international, national, regional, and local venues. Lee established an unparalleled green roof research hub at Kansas State University featuring six distinct green roof environments devoted to understanding the use of native plants and other adaptive plant species in green roof environments and was internationally recognized with the Research Award of Excellence from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities in 2021. An ASLA member since 1990, Lee has helped develop and refine ASLA's environmental policy statements and has served as Chair/Co-Chair and long-term adviser (2002-present) for the Ecology and Restoration PPN and Reclamation and Restoration Professional Interest Group. He is widely recognized as a valued educator, dedicated researcher, and persistent advocate for expanding and deepening the influence of landscape architecture. Lee's work is characterized by thoughtful reflection and meaningful action, working closely with the broad range of individuals who research and shape green roofs, low-impact green infrastructure, and ecosystems, including designers, students, maintenance workers, community members, professionals, and scientists.