A letter from Robin Fordyce in the ASLA Nebraska Dakotas Chapter newsletter:

 
As your Chapter president, I am so encouraged to be continuing the excellent efforts of those before me while advancing the Chapter into a new decade. Things are changing rapidly, particularly in recent weeks. The world we have become accustomed to is shifting, re-focusing, and evolving. Ever flexible, we, as Landscape Architects, have the unique talent to adapt. We will take part in shaping the world on the other side of this pandemic. I don't know about you, but as I sit here writing this while working from home, I am seeing more and more individuals and families OUTSIDE - walking, biking, scavenger-hunting. These are the kinds of activities that will thrive, with a greater focus on health and physical and mental well-being. Landscape Architects see the opportunity this creates to reset our habits, our focus, and our efforts to support the communities where we live. Because, as we know, nothing improves physical and mental health like being outdoors!

I am sorry I won't get to see you at this year's Central States Conference, but this will pass, and we look forward to seeing you all here in Omaha in 2021! Our planning committee, led by Katie Swanson, has worked hard to put together a wonderful event. We look forward to sharing more details with you as we regroup for next year. We will continue to schedule and share CEU and virtual learning opportunities throughout the coming months as we know these are important to many of our members.

Last year we saw a great resurgence of involvement among our members and partners and took some time to plan a way forward. This year it's time to put the plan to action. Our Executive Committee is working hard implementing our strategic plan, which includes recommendations for Chapter advocacy, public outreach/support, and membership retention. I am particularly excited to explore ways we can support the future of our profession and organization with a focus on community service, education, and outreach. While that may be a challenge now, it remains important.

I am so thankful to Jennifer and all current and past volunteers for their leadership and support. We will see our way through the challenges before us, and dare I say, be better for it.

As seen in LASN magazine, December 2020.