On February 29, we held a Regional Conference with the ASLA Maryland Chapter. The theme of Waterfront, Climate, and Equity attracted more than 110 registrants, who enjoyed a full day of programming, with 6.0 PDHs offered. ASLA President Wendy Miller, RLA, FASLA kicked off the event. After COVID-19 hit, our Chapter quickly pivoted and held our annual Awards Gala on the scheduled date of May 14, but virtually, on Facebook Live.

Keynote Speaker, Paul Tukey, Glenstone Museum's Chief Sustainability Officer, served as our emcee. Because of the virtual format, we were able to give him more time for his address and attendees earned 1.0 PDH/HSW. Having the event hosted on Glenstone's Facebook page (in addition to ours) allowed us to reach more than 180 people, many more than at our in-person event. It also gave us the opportunity to reach a broader audience. Special thanks to Paul and the Glenstone Museum for making the event so successful.

 

Nine professional awards were presented at our virtual Awards Gala and are currently on display at our online exhibition, hosted by the AIA DC Chapter's District Architecture Center. Another pivot from our annual in-person exhibition, which is providing more time for the exhibition at no cost to the award winners. You can view the online exhibition at our website. Two webinars were hosted, providing case studies of each of the nine
award-winning projects.

Our Chapter delivered a new and different webinar in August: Exploring Voice in Landscape Architecture: Focus on Race and Gender. A diverse group of panelists told their stories about how they felt when their voices weren't being heard and how they found their way through to being heard successfully. Attendees participated in discussions in facilitated Zoom breakout rooms, after the initial presentations by panelists. Our Chapter is considering various ways to continue the discussion and noting lessons learned.

In addition to virtual programs, our Chapter continues to be involved in advocacy, specifically licensure in DC and Virginia. We are supporting the Virginia Chapter's efforts to fight deregulation of licensure in their state. We are thrilled to announce that after years of working toward licensure in DC, the first licensed Landscape Architects have been approved this year. Difficulties in the DC licensure application process remain, however, and our Chapter (and ASLA National) continue to work to help improve the process for everyone.

At our virtual fall Planning Retreat, our Chapter Executive Committee will discuss more ways to move us and our members forward in 2021.

As seen in LASN magazine, December 2020.