As 2026 enters its final months, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is looking back at a year marked by environmental action, professional advocacy, and new opportunities for collaboration. In October, the ASLA released its 2025 annual report highlighting efforts to advance landscape architecture while addressing challenges facing the profession.

 
A major initiative was Landscape Architecture 2040, an updated Climate & Biodiversity Action Plan led by Meg Calkins, FASLA. The strategy establishes goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing carbon sequestration and restoring biodiversity through 2040, with actions outlined for 2026-2030.

ASLA also helped preserve the profession's educational pipeline in Nebraska. After the University of Nebraska-Lincoln proposed eliminating its landscape architecture program, ASLA's Nebraska/Dakotas chapter and national organization mobilized community support, collecting nearly 2,300 signatures and 230 letters. The university ultimately confirmed the program would remain available.

Professional connections also took center stage at ASLA's 2025 conference in New Orleans. Nearly 5,700 attendees and 324 exhibiting companies gathered for Beyond Boundaries, where former Mayor Mitch Landrieu discussed equitable, climate-resilient communities.

Together, these efforts illustrate ASLA's priorities heading into 2026: strengthening professional pathways, advancing environmental responsibility and expanding landscape architecture's role in shaping communities.

https://www.asla.org/about/annual-reports/2025-annual-report

As seen in LASN magazine, November 2026.