April is National Landscape Architecture Month

By Jodie Carter

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recently designated April as National Landscape Architecture Month. This April the theme will be Design for Active Living, showcasing community designs that affect residents?EUR??,,????'??? daily activity levels, influencing their overall health. According to Susan Jacobson, FASLA and president of the ASLA, ?EUR??,,????'??the change from a pedestrian to a commuter lifestyle has fueled an American epidemic of obesity, particularly among children.?EUR??,,????'?? April?EUR??,,????'???s theme is meant to remind and encourage landscape architects to incorporate active living into their design.

Studies echo Jacobson?EUR??,,????'???s sentiments; community resources, like parks, sidewalks, and walking and bicycle paths have been found to encourage and increase activity among residents, resulting in improved health.

Throughout April, many ASLA chapters will participate with local students to determine safe walking and biking routes between their home and school. Landscape architects can participate by using the checklist found on the National Center for Bicycling & Walking web site which details steps to create community ?EUR??,,????'??report cards?EUR??,,????'?? where community members can rate their area?EUR??,,????'???s accessibility to walkers and bikers.

For more information log on April?EUR??,,????'???s National Landscape Architecture Month activities, including a link to ?EUR??,,????'??walkability and bikability checklists,?EUR??,,????'?? log on to www.asla.org/lamonth.