MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER

March 25, 2025 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

Don’t miss out!

**ASLA Utah Annual Conference “Landscape in the Desert” April 10th to 12th 2025** **Dixie Convention Center St. George, Utah** **REGISTER** **HERE**

***Victor Stanley Virtual Learning*** **NATURALISTIC PLANTING DESIGN PART 2 Credit: 1.0 PDH April 3rd, 2025 12:00PM MST** REGISTER HERE

**Rain Bird’s Girls Night Out Thurs., April 24th 5:30pm-7:30pm Cactus & Tropicals in Draper** **REGISTER HERE**

**Utah State LAEP Speaker Series** - **APRIL 11TH - TODD MEAD** **CLICK HERE for more details**

**Utah State LAEP Speaker Series** - **APRIL 18TH - HEATHER HENRY** **CLICK HERE for more details**

SITES Workshop

**Friday, May 2nd, 8:30am - 2:00pm ASLA Utah Offices 280 S 400 W #150 Salt Lake City, Utah.** **RESISTER HERE**

Leadership Express -

Lars Erickson, ASLA Utah President

Hello ASLA Utah!

The following is a combination of recent messages from ASLA National that I think are of value to bring to your attention again. We believe design should never be restricted—it must reflect the culture, needs, and identity of the people it serves. Landscape architects don’t impose solutions—they co-create them with communities. Through expertise, creativity, and collaboration, they design spaces that are resilient, responsive, and built for all. When design is constrained, communities lose. That’s why ASLA is committed to advocating for the leadership of landscape architects in public and private practice.

Case in point! Here’s a recent call to action through ALSA iAdvoacy:

We need your help! The future of green infrastructure and bicycle projects is under attack. The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) has issued a memo calling for the removal of these critical projects from federal grant funding. If this directive stands, communities across the country will lose essential infrastructure that enhances public health, safety, and economic opportunity.

You can take action in just one step: Sign the letter to US DOT Secretary Sean Duffy to highlight how bicycle and green infrastructure projects improve mobility, public health, climate resilience, and economic growth—and how landscape architects are leading the way in their design.

Strategic Symposium on THE STATE OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

ASLA Utah leaders recently met with invited guests in an interactive discussion to identify ideas and issues to focus Chapter efforts over the coming year. The discussion’s purpose was to build upon our strategic plan items:

Objective: Increase understanding of landscape architecture among federal, state, and local leaders.

Goal: Education and Outreach Efforts with Elected Officials & Increase public awareness of landscape architecture
Goal: Support member professional growth, education, and connection to the profession.
Goal: Strengthen the position of Landscape Architecture Licensure in the State of Utah
Goal: Promote and support the expansion of the profession and to expand the dialog to a larger audience.

Dialog centered around the following 3 questions:

What society issues are Landscape Architects best equipped/positioned to help address?
How can LA’s strengthen the position of Landscape Architecture Licensure in the State of Utah?
Why are you here today? What do you want us to know? If you would like to add your voice to the dialog please submit it through the following. SURVEY LINK

PLEASE REGISTER NOW for our Annual Conference on Landscape Architecture April 10th – 12th in St. George.

The conference theme is “Landscape in the Desert”

More info and to register CLICK HERE: 2025 ASLA Utah Conference on Landscape Architecture

DON’T MISS OUT!!!

2025 ASLA Utah Chapter Annual Conference on Landscape Architecture & Vendor Expo

“LANDSCAPE IN THE DESERT”

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 10th: Evening Social & Site Tour: Red Hills Desert Garden - Sponsored by Maglin

Friday, April 11th: Conference and Sponsor Expo. 50 Sponsor/Vendors - 8 NEW! Come & WIN amazing prizes at the vendor raffle!**

Keynote Speaker:

Whisky is for Drinking Water is for Fighting: Teal Lehto, Water Specialist, Colorado River/Watershed “Western Water Girl”

A Strong Towns Approach to Desert Livability Panel: Ed Andrechak, CSU President; Karen Goodfellow, CSU VP & Water Program Manager; Judith Rognli, CSU Livability Program Manager

Emerging Professionals: Tanner Snow: VP of Professional Development ASLA Utah Chapter
Utah Native Plants: Cameron Allcott, CTO Progressive Plants
Opening Doors & Creating Opportunities: Daniella Hirschfeld, PhD, USU Asst Prof of EP, Shalae Larsen, Principal IoLandarch, Nancy Monteith, SLC Corp Senior Landscape Architect
Desert Communities Panel: Chad Thomas, St George Economic Development Director, Lloyd Sutton, St George Active Transportation Coordinator and Eric Langvardt, Principal Langvardt Design.

RAFFLE - Thank you Sponsors for providing the prizes!

Headshots by Jared Kenitzer: Complementary & available throughout the day

Saturday, April 12th: Morning Site Visits to unique sites in St George

Walkable Street Profiles Sketch Field Session Town Square Park, Historic St George: Susan Crook, Historical Landscape Architect, Conserve Southwest
Desert Color Development Site Tour Eric Langvardt, Principal, Langvardt Design GroupDesert Color
Black Desert Resort Site Tour

Hey everyone! My name is Lauren Fern Heaton and I am currently the WiLA Representative for

our Utah State Chapter of ASLA! It has been such a fun opportunity to be able to lead and make

WiLA more prominent again in our chapter. From our WiLA+P panel to hopefully leading a

spring retreat this coming year, I am very very excited for what is to come!

Who are you and where are you from?

I am originally from West Jordan Utah in the Salt Lake Valley and I am a junior at USU currently.

There has always been a passion I have had for the environment and nature, which is why I fell

in love with Landscape Architecture immediately in the intro class. Since then I have loved living

in Logan and enjoying everything there is to offer in this valley!

Why are you interested in landscape architecture?

I love the possibilities and opportunities that come with the profession. There are so many

opportunities to make real and important change to people’s lives, ecosystems, and the world as

a whole. The combination of research, analysis, and knowledge to create great design is

something I find very very important and intriguing. The possibilities are endless with Landscape

Architecture.

What is your favorite thing about LA studio?

Like many of my fellow students would say, studio is one of the most important parts of this

profession. At USU, my absolute favorite part of the studio is the collaboration and problem

solving. We get to pick each other's brains to figure out the best possible solution and it is one of

the best feelings ever!

What is your favorite hobby?

I love reading, crocheting, and building legos! (specifically the botanical collection) Although with

studio and being in school I don’t have much time these continue to be my stress relievers and

pastime activities. I have been on the Jurassic Park book series lately and it is so so good,

highly recommend! Other than that I love being outside in summer and winter skiing and Beaver

mountain!

What do you find inspiring?

There are many things I find inspiring but one of the things that stick out in my mind is the

Women’s Military Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The experience as a whole from a physical

perspective was insanely well thought out and designed, but most of all the impact this place

had on my emotions and my spirit was immense. This reminds me of how inspired I am by

designers and humans' ability to form and create emotion and meaning from place. I am

inspired by what we can do in this profession of Landscape Architecture.

**Jurors Needed for Awards Committee**

ASLA Utah is seeking jurors for its 2025 awards program! This year, we're partnering with the Nevada Chapter for a jury swap. Utah jurors will evaluate project submissions from Nevada, playing a key role in selecting the award winners. This is a fantastic opportunity to see some of the best landscape architecture work coming out of Nevada. Interested in being a juror? Contact Critter Coughlin, ASLA Utah Membership Recognition, at critter@langvardtdesigngroup.com.

USU Student Helps Get Spiral Jetty Recognized as National Historic Place

Dennis Hinkamp

The Spiral Jetty is one of the most written about, least known historic works of art in the United States. Built by Robert Smithson in 1970, Spiral Jetty is generally regarded as the most famous example of land art. The Utah landmark was only recently listed in the National Register of Historic Places largely due to the efforts of Amy Reid. Reid, then a graduate student in the Utah State University Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, had heard of the Spiral Jetty but had not seen it until 2022. “I was one of the many people looking for safe outdoor activities during the pandemic,” she said. “People were flocking to see the jetty.”

The work is a 1,500-foot-long, 15-foot-wide counterclockwise spiral, constructed using basalt rocks, salt crystals and soil. Spiral Jetty was built on the north end of the Great Salt Lake on a former oil exploration site known as Rozel Point. Smithson chose the location because it was remote and the distinct pink color of the water contrasted with the dark rocks. It’s a little difficult to find and today there is little cell phone service in the area. Google Maps may say it is in Corinne, but that’s just the nearest city.

Visitors to the jetty pass signs to the Golden Spike National Historic Site and continue for about 16 miles on a rough, gravel. By all accounts, Smithson, who died only three years after its completion, did not want Spiral Jetty to be easily accessible.

Another intent was that it would demonstrate entropy on a grand scale. He knew the lake would rise and fall and that salt would coat the dark basalt rocks like white icing. The Spiral Jetty has at times been completely submerged beneath the Great Salt Lake while at other times it has been marooned a mile from the closest water.

“I got the idea for recognizing the Spiral Jetty as a historic place during my bio-regional class with LAEP professor Todd Johnson,” Reid said. “While working with the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, I started thinking about how people connect with the lake. They go there for bird watching, boating and just experiencing its vastness.”

Sometime during the gloom of the pandemic and the dire predictions of the Great Salt Lake drastically shrinking, Reid said she decided to embark on a project to give the Spiral Jetty the recognition it deserved. “I wanted to do something positive,” she said. “Robert Smithson selecting the Great Salt Lake for his artwork made it something to celebrate. It has national and international importance. The designation can be leveraged to support stewardship efforts through grants but does not put any restrictions on the artwork. You can touch it, walk on it or fly over it with drones."

Kirk Huffaker, principal of Kirk Huffaker Preservation Strategies helped Reid through the process, which was different from most other historic landmark preservation. “When Amy approached me about the idea to get the Spiral Jetty on the National Register of Historic Places, I knew she had hit upon something,” Huffaker said. “It fit exactly with her educational and professional direction while having deep meaning to her personally as well as to all Utahns.”

The process was very complex given multiple owners and stakeholders and working with land art rather than a typical building, he added. It involved collaboration with the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, the Dia Art Foundation, and the Holt/Smithson Foundation. Key aspects of the nomination include the artwork’s artistic significance, historical integrity, and its role as a site of cultural and ecological importance. Huffaker was part of Reid’s thesis committee that included USU LAEP faculty members Daniela Hirschfeld and committee chair Ole Sleipness.

Spiral Jetty is more than an artwork; it is a living, evolving piece that continues to inspire conversations about art, environment and human responsibility, Reid said. Its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places recognizes its enduring cultural and historical value while reinforcing its relevance in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

Smithson designed Spiral Jetty so that nature's processes could be seen in relation to it, Reid said. Every visit is different. The skies change. You notice the crunching of the sand under your feet and the clouds moving across wide-open sky. When you go out to the water, you notice the reflections of the clouds on the water change. The salt crystals build up on the rocks and then are washed away. You realize that nature is never finished.

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2025 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird

Corporate Partners
Denton House | FenceTrac | G Brown Design

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

February 27, 2025 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH FEBRUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**ASLA Utah Annual Conference “Landscape in the Desert” April 10th to 12th, 2025** **Dixie Convention Center St. George, Utah** **Early Bird** **Registration:** **CLICK HERE**

**Playspace Design Lunch & Learn Wednesday March 26th 12:00pm ASLA UT Office 280 S 400 W SLC** **CLICK HERE** **to Register**

**Utah State University LAEP Speaker Series** CLICK HERE for more details

Leadership Express - GEARING UP FOR SOMETHING BIG!

Lars Erickson, ASLA Utah President

Hello, ASLA UT!

The Executive Committee and I are busy preparing for activities, lunch & learns over the next several months. April is World Landscape Architecture Month in which we join together to advocate for the profession by highlighting the impact of landscape architecture on communities and the environment and inspire the next generation of landscape architects.

Please mark your calendars for our Annual Conference on Landscape Architecture April 10 th – 12th in St. George. The conference theme is “Landscape in the Desert” and Past President Paul Stead has been working hard to get a great line up for us. We may even get some Nevada Chapter visitors. Early bird pricing ends March 1st so register fast!

More info and to register CLICK HERE: 2025 ASLA Utah Conference on Landscape Architecture

I hope to see you at our activities and the conference. I look forward to it!

– Lars Erickson

Image credit: ASLA 2023 Professional General Design Honor Award. Hood Bike Park, Charlestown,MA. Offshoots, Inc. Peter Vanderwarker

Here are some highlights, information and reminders from National ASLA.

ASLA National used the iAdvocate Network to send this letter to all members of the new 119th Congress highlighting the work of landscape architects and encouraging legislators to collaborate with ASLA and its members as they begin consideration of infrastructure, parks and recreation, agriculture, small business, tax issues, and more. If you’re unfamiliar with iAdvocate you can learn more and sign up here: ASLA iAdvocate
In January, the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) released its latest report, Boards That Work. This report provides clear principles for policymakers considering changes to licensing board structure and operations.
Final PROWAG Rule: In December, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule adopting the Access Board’s Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) as part of its standards for new construction and alterations of transit stops in the public right-of-way. Landscape architects should incorporate PROWAG requirements in upcoming transportation projects.
New Bike Design Guide: The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) recently released its new Urban Bikeway Design Guide. Endorsed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and recognized in federal law, the Urban Bikeway Design Guide is used by hundreds of municipalities, state DOTs, and regional agencies across the U.S. and Canada to design streets that are safe and accessible for people biking.
ASLA continues to be an active member of several coalitions. Recently, ASLA has joined with members of the Outdoor Alliance for Kids (OAK) in sending a letter to Congress thanking them for supporting the EXPLORE Act and urging them to work with us on implementing key provisions of the measure. ASLA has also joined with members of the Sustainable Urban Forest Coalition in sending Congress recommendations on increased investments for tree plants and canopy coverage. ASLA has joined the new Community Impact Coalition, a group of not-for-profit organizations working together on certain tax provisions to address in the upcoming extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Bill.
The Call for Presentations for the ASLA 2025 Conference on Landscape Architecture in Washington, D.C. closed on February 18. The Annual Conference Education Advisory Committee began its review of all submissions on February 21.
The Free PDH of the Month for February and Black History Month is Design Activism: Uplifting Black and Immigrant Leadership in American Public Space Design - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/HSW). This panel explores how community design processes can be employed to celebrate the outstanding historical and cultural contribution of Black and immigrant communities.
The Awards & Honors Committee hosted a webinar titled Unlock the Secrets to Winning an ASLA Award. This webinar featured a panel of seasoned ASLA Professional Awards jury members who have reviewed some of the industry’s most prestigious submissions.

2025 ASLA Utah Chapter Annual Conference on Landscape Architecture & Vendor Expo

“LANDSCAPE IN THE DESERT”

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 10th: Evening Social & Site Visit: Red Hills Desert Garden

Friday, April 11th: Conference & Vendor Expo

Conference Topics:

Utah Natives Plants
Opening Doors & Creating Opportunity
A Strong Towns Approach to Desert Livability
Water Conservation
And much more!

Saturday, April 12th: Morning Site Visits to unique sites in St George

We are excited to head South to the warmth of St George, Utah for this year's Conference & Vendor Expo so register now and don’t miss out on the Early Bird Registration Discount! (ends May 1st)

Hope to see you in St George this year!

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah Past President

New members will be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win

First drawing: Held at the ASLA Conference in St. George on April 11, 2025.

First entry period: October 11, 2024 – April 11, 2025.

Second Drawing: Held at the ASLA Awards Ceremony in October 2025.

Second entry period: April 12, 2025 – October 12, 2025.

Additional Details:

You do not need to be present to win.
Winners will be selected at random by the ASLA Utah President via a traditional name draw.
To enter, visit ASLA Join Page or scan the QR code above.

2025 Winter Social - Energizing Gratitude for Our Sponsors

Ladd Schiess, ASLA Utah Secretary

Energy is the theme on Capitol Hill this year, and our ASLA Sponsors and Friends have brought that same energy to our chapter over the past year. Your Utah ASLA Executive Committee is working hard to keep that momentum going as we continue to promote and protect Landscape Architecture in Utah.

With the 2025 Legislative Session in full swing, this year’s Winter Social not only featured an evening of delicious Mediterranean cuisine, but also included an insightful update from our ASLA Lobbyist, Dave Kallas. After our President Lars Erickson reminded us of the value that a bunch of volunteers are giving to the profession (which is getting national notice), Dave provided valuable insights into several bills affecting licensing, landscape design and construction, and water use. He also shared behind-the-scenes details on some of this year's most significant and controversial bills, as well as follow-up from last year’s state election results. This is one of the most critical times in our professional careers to stay informed and ensure that we are known and understood in state government.

Fortunately, thanks to the support of our sponsors, we are able to benefit from the lobbying efforts and expertise of Dave Kallas to support our profession. More than just business associates, our sponsors are our friends, and they make much of what we do as a chapter possible. Their support enables us to host outstanding conferences and provides the foundation for bringing on our lobbyist. We cannot thank them enough! Please consider them first when you need a vendor or consultant.

A heartfelt thank you to our vendors, and to everyone for your continued support. I can’t wait to see you at our next chapter event – and I’m especially excited for the upcoming Conference in April down in St. George. It’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss!

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2025 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird

Corporate Partners
Denton House | FenceTrac | G Brown Design | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH JANUARY NEWSLETTER

January 29, 2025 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH JANUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**ASLA Utah Winter Social Friday, January 31st ASLA UT Office, 280 S 400 W, #150, SLC** **REGISTER HERE**

**ASLA Utah 2025 Annual Conference “Landscape in the Desert”. Dixie Convention Center, St. George, Utah April 10th to 12th, 2025** **Early Bird** **Registration:** **CLICK HERE**

**USU LAEP Portfolio Review Wednesday, February 16th, 6:00pm** Utah State University Common Studio, 2nd Floor Fine Arts Visual Bldg, Room V210

Leadership Express - 2025, IT’S GONNA BE A GREAT YEAR!

Lars Erickson, ASLA Utah President

Hello, ASLA UTAH!

As we start out 2025, I’m excited for the Chapter and all we’ve got going on, here’s a quick run down. Our lobbyist, Dave Kallas is actively pursuing our interests on the hill. He’s currently tracking the following bills:

HB114 Architects Licensing Act Amendments by Rep. Lee
HB160 Professional License Degree Amendments by Rep. Gricius
HB318 Residential Turf Modifications by Rep. Owens
HB328 Water Usage Amendments by Rep. Owens
SB92 Golf Course Amendments by Sen. McCay
SB124 Landscaping Procurement Amendments by Sen. Pitcher

April is World Landscape Architecture Month. Please mark your calendars for our Annual Conference on Landscape Architecture, April 10th – 12th in St. George. ASLA Utah Past President Paul Stead has been working hard to get a great line up for us. We may even get some Nevada Chapter visitors. Early bird pricing ends March 1st so register soon!

2025 ASLA Utah Conference on Landscape Architecture

ASLA National a new membership system. Be on the look out for a request to update your password. It’ll keep you connected to all the great content on ASLA.org. Additionally, there is exciting things happening with an upcoming SITES workshop coming in May. It’ll be a great opportunity to get plugged into that innovative rating system.

Our Winter Social is this week. It’s a chance to mingle with members and thank our Sponsors that do so much for the Chapter. I hope you can make it. If you can’t please reach out to the great vendors we have and tell them thank you for supporting ASLA Utah. Please take advantage of the lunch in learns and study groups that will be coming your way. Keep your eyes open and come on out and make the year great with ASLA Utah Chapter!

– Lars Erickson

Who are you and where are you from? My name is Mackenzie Yeager and I recently moved to Utah from my hometown of St. Louis Missouri. I did my education at Kansas State University and had a brief stint as an adjunct professor at Washington University in St. Louis. I've lived a few different places around the world but definitely identify as a Midwesterner.

Why are you interested in landscape architecture? To me, landscape architecture is like this unseen force that binds a city together. I find it interesting how designed spaces can blend with overlooked corners, creating a dynamic outdoor experience. And what's even more fascinating is how public spaces seem to develop their own distinct personalities, often diverging from the designer’s original intent. The way people instinctively and habitually interact with these places is so captivating. The first time I saw people interacting with my built work, I was totally hooked.

What is your favorite thing about LA studio? LA studios always have the best people to work with- I might be biased.

What is your favorite hobby? Outside of work I love rock climbing and nice long road trips - especially with my dog.

What do you find inspiring? Ilona Maher the 2024 US Olympic Bronze Medalist in Rugby - what a beast! Also, Nature.

**What LA project do you find inspiring?**
*City Garden by Nelson Byrd Woltz in St. Louis.* This project was my first exposure to high-end design and I got to know it as a successful park before I ever admired the material details and planting design. .

UNLA GREEN SHOW - RECAP

ASLA Utah Chapter exhibited at the Utah Nursery and Landscape Association Green Conference Expo earlier this month. As exhibitors at the conference expo, Chapter Members provided visitors with educational pamphlets, answered questions and explained benefits of membership in ASLA.

The Chapter also provided two $250 scholarships to students from Jordan Academy for Technology and Career. Student Scholarship winners, Traiton Eyre & Elizabth Urie were very appreciative as Bryce Ward, ASLA UT Treasurer, presented the scholarship to each of them.

At the booth, and conference, ASLA UT volunteers talked with lots of visitors, ranging from groups of high school students to professionals who were interested in ASLA membership, to landscape designers interested in pursuing a LAEP degree. It is so important to promote the education, participation, and importance of the LA profession. Being licensed as Landscape Architects brings extra credibility to design and construction work, and being a part of a national association that helps professionals in continuing their professional education and advocating for our profession.

Huge thank you to UNLA for providing ASLA Utah Chapter with a complimentary booth at the Expo!

Huge thank you to UNLA for providing ASLA Utah Chapter with a complimentary booth at the Expo!

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2025 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

December 26, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

**ASLA Utah Chapter wishes you Happy Holidays & a Prosperous New Year!**

UPCOMING EVENTS

————-— SAVE THE DATE ————-—— ASLA Utah 2025 Annual Conference “Landscape in the Desert”. Dixie Convention Center, St. George, Utah Friday, April 11th, 2025 **Early Bird** **Registration Begins Jan 1st**

**UNLA Green Conference January 6-7-8, 2024** Mountain America Expo Center 9575 South State Street in Sandy **REGISTER HERE**

Leadership Express - New Perspectives, Same Great View!

Lars Erickson, ASLA Utah President

Hello, ASLA UTAH!

As we close out 2024, I reflect on the progress I’ve seen in the chapter the past 18 months. I’m grateful for the many conversations and getting to know many of you more. I hope that at this holiday season you can get some time with family and friends. Plus some time to rest and recharge is always nice.

As I look forward to 2025 I’m excited to grow even more. I recently was able to get outside and look out over the Salt Lake Valley and it reminded me of the all the efforts made by those that came before me, some are known and many unknown, but I’m grateful all the same I’m excited for what’s ahead. After having served the past year, I’ve gained new perspectives and as I looked out over the Salt Lake Valley, I realize more than ever the vital role Landscape Architects play in creating a better future, established in sustainable practices and good design. We are making a difference, and I think we have been for some time. Let’s keep getting the word out!

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Lars Erickson

2025 USU LAEP Opportunities for LA Professionals

Galen Kohlbrecher, USU VP of Professional Outreach

We have a couple of exciting events for LA Professionals to participate in! If you are interested in this opportunities or have questions, please email Galen Kohlbrecher at kohlbrechergalen@gmail.com.

Lunch and Learn Opportunities for Professionals

We want to invite Landscape Architecture professionals from the Salt Lake Area to speak in front of the ASLA student chapter about a subject they think would be important to know as a student.
Inform students about a subject you are interested in.
Free Lunch
Networking Opportunities

Multi-Disciplinary Workshop

U-DOT recently published The Logan Main St. Master Plan and a couple of students want to hold a charrette that will involve USU student chapters of Engineers (ASCE), Landscape Architects (ASLA), and Planners (APA).
This Charette will be held in the Studios during February.
The initial Open House will be on February 1st. This is where we will break down our goals for the project and talk to stakeholders, city engineers, and city council members.
We will take a break and work on a final product between the Initial Open House and the Final Open House. Saturdays will be work days on Weekends where interested professionals can attend in person or on Zoom to talk to students engaged with the project.
The Final Open House will be held on Thursday, February 27th from 6:30 to 8:30, where stakeholders and members of the community will be able to attend and see what the potential Main Street could look like.

What led you to landscape architecture? Like many in our industry, my passion for landscape architecture began in my early years, helping my dad around our yard in Salem Utah. I also developed a deep appreciation for beautiful spaces through experiences like visiting Butchart Gardens. During my college years, I worked for Vision Landscaping in Utah County, where I gained valuable practical knowledge about the installation process. While that experience was beneficial, I've discovered that my true passion lies in designing and site management, which is what I focus on now. Working at G Brown has been a fantastic opportunity, allowing me to collaborate with some of the best in the field.

What is your favorite part of your practice? My favorite part of landscape architecture is seeing a project come to life, from concept to completion. As a father of three sons who love parks and trails, being involved in creating these spaces is particularly meaningful to me. I've enjoyed collaborating with contractors and city officials on various projects, and I truly appreciate how we come together to achieve our goals. Working on projects in communities that hold personal significance to me is always especially rewarding.

What is your favorite hobby? My wife and I have three sons, so we embrace any opportunity to get them outside to experience new places (and usually run around). We enjoy camping and love to travel, with Disneyland being a family favorite. Recently, I’ve also jumped on the trend of smoking meat, and this hobby now occupies a big chunk of my weekends

What do you find inspiring? I find a lot of inspiration from my travels. Experiencing different landscapes, environments, and cultures has had a significant impact on how I approach my work. I love taking those elements and finding ways to blend them with the unique environment and culture we have here in Utah. It's fun to create spaces that reflect both the beauty of faraway places and the distinct character of our local surroundings.

**Describe a notable landscape architecture project you were involved in.** Designing Juniper Canyon Trailhead and Bike Park in Herriman was a particularly enjoyable project for me.
photo credit: Troy Sorensen

Working with Herriman City was a great experience, and the trailhead park even served as a location for the Governor to sign documents. This project was also especially meaningful because my sons attended school in Herriman, and my wife taught at Herriman High. It was a full-circle moment to contribute to creating a great space for a community that has been such a significant part of our lives.

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

November 25, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH NOVEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**Luckydog Recreation - Lunch & Learn Wednesday, December 4th 2024 - 12:00pm ASLA UT Office, 280 S 400 W, #150, SLC** **REGISTER HERE**

————-—SAVE THE DATE ————-—— ASLA Utah 2025 Annual Conference Dixie Convention Center, St. George, Utah! Friday, April 11th, 2025

Leadership Express - What I know and what I don’t know!

Lars Erickson, ASLA Utah President

Hello, ASLA UTAH!

I recently came across this quote by the philosopher Socrates, “I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing”. In my position, I’ve learned that I’ve got a lot to learn about our profession. So I ask a lot of questions, like are you a member of ASLA UTAH? If they say no, I follow up with, is there a reason why? I just had this interaction with two former members, who had great insight as former Chapter Executive Committee (ExComm) members. We didn’t get to talk very long, and I’ll follow up for more insight, but they mentioned two things: 1. ASLA’s national vision didn’t match up with them and 2. they got burned out serving. I can’t directly address the first concerns right now but the second has been on my mind for a long time.

Your Utah Chapter ExCom board recently met to prepare some thank you’s to those that support the chapter. Shout out to our awesome vendors!!! Then we spent a couple hours outlining the year by each’s role and major events. I’ve asked each of them to identify 2 goals for the year, adjacent ExCom members to support and others they know to help them accomplish them. Many hands, make light work…

Please help us fill that calendar with items of real value for you. Help fill a roll or even just a task. It doesn’t need to be along commitment just a request to get involved. For my first ASK I’ll start with…

What I don’t know: A lot, please help me fill in the blanks with this simple two question survey: TWO QUESTION SURVEY - (CLICK HERE)

What would you miss from ASLA UT if it went away?
What is one thing you would like ASLA UT to focus on to support you?

What I do know: This chapter is blessed to have a group of selfless professionals who volunteer their time to coordinate the efforts of the chapter. It’s something that I’ve always admired and I look up to everyone that’s served me in the past and my biggest fear is that like the two former members, that they’ll get burned out. The mission of ASLA is “Empowering our members to design a sustainable and equitable world through landscape architecture.” and I do know that we’re better pursuing that mission together.

So, I’ll end where I began, with Socrates and some of his later collaborative work with Bill and Ted during their “Excellent Adventure”: ***“Be excellent to each other!”***. Members pre 1989/90, I’ve included a link to an AI summary of this movie reference here: BillandTed’s (This cult classic movie is worth the watch).

2025 ASLA Utah Awards Event Recap

Tyler Smithson, VP of Membership and Member Services

The 2024 ASLA Utah awards event was a lively celebration of excellence in landscape architecture, drawing professionals from across the state the evening featured a cocktail hour open buffet and awards presentation where firms and individuals were recognized for outstanding contributions to the profession.

The ceremony included awards in four categories, general design, urban design Communications and analysis and planning with winner selected for their innovation and impact on the field. Special thanks were giving to key contributors including event sponsor, UNILOCK, Jenny Sonntag the event planning guru and Tyler Smithson and Critter Coughlin for organizing this year‘s event. This year‘s event also highlighted the collaborative efforts between ASLA Utah and Arizona Chapters which jurors from both states helping to identify top-tier projects .

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

October 31, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH OCTOBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**Landscape Forms - Lunch & Learn Wednesday, Nov. 6th 2024 - 12:00pm ASLA UT Office 280 S 400 W, #150, SLC** **REGISTER HERE**

**Dear LAREy AMA Webinar** **Wednesday, November 13, 11:00am, MST** L.A.R.E. candidates can get questions answered by LA Professionals before December exam. **ASLA members Free** & **$20 for non-members**. **REGISTER HERE**

Leadership Express - Landscape Architecture: From many points of view

Lars Erickson, ASLA Utah President

Hello, ASLA Utah!

I’m fresh off ASLA National meetings in Washington D.C.. What an eye-opening experience it was to see the amazing level of effort our national leadership puts into organizing our professional association. Ever since that trip, it’s been a busy transition into the role of current President. I appreciate all that Paul Stead and Jake Powell have done over the past few years. More so now than ever. I applaud our current Chapter leadership, both past and present as Utah was identified several times for the efforts, they see our Chapter making! As a chapter we’ve got a lot to be excited about and a lot more to accomplish.

The Utah Chapter Executive Committee is meeting soon to strategically plan the next year, we have a great group of leaders who all want to add value for the membership and strengthen the practice of landscape architecture in the State of Utah. We’ll be focused on the Chapter’s Strategic Plan pursuits of:

Awareness & Advocacy – Raising the visibility and influence of the profession
Membership Services & Support – Increasing membership and expanding engagement
Supporting the Future of the Profession – Growing the profession and mentoring the next generation of Landscape Architects
Governance & Management – Providing informed, strategic leadership for the Chapter
Strategic Action Plans - Focusing on Environmental Stewardship and Diversity and Inclusion

A year ago I was challenged to define what our profession is. That began a thought process I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. I’ve come to the realization that our individual paths in this profession coalesce to define what Landscape Architecture really is. Each of our viewpoints add to the vista. I’ve realized that to understand the profession I need to better understand who you are as a professional. I believe that our true strength comes from our differences and abilities to pursue collaborative solutions to real world problems. I’m excited to start this conversation with you as Utah Chapter President. I look forward to understanding you and the profession of Landscape Architecture better!

Licensure Summit Recap

Jake Powell - Past President

ASLA National invited the Utah Chapter to present at the Council of Landscape Architecture Licensing Board (CLARB) and American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) 2024 Joint Licensure Summit. This summit brings together ASLA members, and licensing board members to discuss relevant and pressing challenges related to the profession and licensure. I was asked to attend and present on the recent outreach and legislative efforts of the ASLA Utah Chapter. To keep the Utah Chapter up to date I wanted to provide a report on the event and share some general thoughts.

The 2024 conference theme was “Empowering Opportunity” and the conference provided ample opportunities to connect with other chapter members from across the U.S. and Canada, and learn about national efforts to protect and enhance licensure. One of the general themes from the presentations and my conversations with other attendees was a concerning reminder that there remains a growing political contingent and a host of very vocal and well-organized organizations calling for, among other things, the elimination of licensure and education credentials within a broad range of professions.

I suppose that this effort may be well-meaning in its theoretical underpinnings, as these groups say their efforts are intended to eliminate perceived barriers to a workforce that is in demand and can reasonably engage in the work. However, their actions represent a concerning threat to a profession like landscape architecture, whose licensure provides assurances that those responsible for designing the physical environment are qualified, competent, and committed to doing so within a credo of ethics, professionalism, and safety.

The de-licensing rhetoric is not only growing nationwide, it is growing in the Intermountain West. We should not be surprised when this kind of language begins to pop up in Utah politics and subsequent policies

A clear message was that the profession of landscape architecture must continue to be proactive at a national level, and State Chapters must make a concerted effort to share the impact of their work with elected officials and policymakers. We need to continue to support the validity and importance of licensure for landscape architecture and other professions (allied or not). Also, we need to ensure that professionals in Utah no longer humbly and quietly do good work and let it speak for itself. You must step out of the shadows of your work and let people know that qualified, dedicated, highly trained professionals living and contributing to your community are the workforce that visualizes, collaborates, and executes the projects that are changing Utah for the better.

Another topic discussed at length was the national push for states to begin adopting CLARB’s universal standards for licensure. This effort is intended to align landscape architecture licensing requirements across states and create a standardized process for reciprocity. In CLARB’ Universal Standard successfully passing the Landscape Architects Registration Exam (L.A.R.E) will remain a requirement, however, the standard would not only allow graduates from an LAAB Accredited University with a specified number of years of experience but also alternative combinations of education and experience to similarly achieve licensure. This effort is intended to provide multiple paths to licensure without lowering the standards or rigor that ensures professional competence. After this conference, I am convinced that Utah’s Licensing Board should begin conversations with practitioners and CLARB representatives to conceive a path toward alignment with this new national standard.

It was an honor to represent the ASLA Utah Chapter and share the great efforts happening in the State of Utah!

Awards Dinner Slide Show

Thank you to UNILOCK for Sponsoring such a fun evening! Congratulations to all Award Winners!

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

September 27, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**BERLINER - Lunch & Learn Wednesday, Oct. 2nd, 2024 - 12:00pm ASLA UT Office 280 S 400 W, #150, SLC** **REGISTER HERE**

**ASLA Utah 2024 Awards Event Thursday, October 24th, 5:30-8:30pm LARK x Co Connection Studio 1603 Stratford Avenue, Salt Lake City.** **REGISTER HERE**

**ASLA National Conference 2024 October 6-9, Washington DC.** **MORE INFO HERE**

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

A few of these include:

HB343 Design Professional Services Procurement Amendments: This bill allows state departments such as DFCM to hire landscape architects as prime contractors. This was a huge win for landscape architects.

HB542/HB534 1st Substitute, Boards and Commissions Modifications: The ASLA Utah Chapter Executive Committee and Dave worked with the legislature to combine the Landscape Architecture and Architecture State DOPL Board. The new combined DOPL Board begins October 1, 2024. It was made clear that had we not engaged, the board likely would have been eliminated and brought into another larger construction trades “super board.” Instead, this combined board gives us a louder voice both on any licensure issues that arise in our profession, and the opportunity for input regarding landscape architecture to the Department of Professional Licensing.

There are other bills pertaining to licensure, such as HB58, and HB11 regarding irrigation, and other relevant items that Dave is keeping tabs on. He provides regular updates to the executive committee so that we can stay involved with what is happening on Capitol Hill. We continue to work behind the scenes to protect what we have and rally to improve the stance of landscape architecture in Utah.

This partnership with Dave Kallas has provided significant value to the LA professionals practicing in Utah, and I am glad for the insight this gives us into the legislature. Working in local government I see firsthand how slow things can move and I am really impressed with the progress that has been made on the items we have pursued.

As I step into the position of ASLA Chapter Past President, I can’t help but reflect on this past year. It’s truly an honor to be able to work with everyone at ASLA Utah. We have such a great community, and the Executive Committee is fantastic. Lars Erickson will be stepping into the roll of ASLA Chapter President. I have really enjoyed getting to know him better this last year, and I am excited for his insight as he takes the helm.

Please make an effort to thank Jake Powell, Lars Erickson, Adam Castor, Bryce Ward, Tyler Smithson, Jenny Sonntag, Ladd Schiess, Thomas Eddington, Josh Quigley, and Tanner Snow, and the rest of the sub-committee members for the time and effort they give to make all our lives that much better.

Bo Midgley

**Who are you and where are you from?** My name is Bo Midgley, I am a Senior in the Landscape architecture program at Utah State University. I had no idea what landscape architecture was until I took the intro course. When I took the hand graphics class I fell in love with the work and it has been a passion of mine since.

Why are you interested landscape architecture? I love seeing a project grow. I love to see a blank piece of paper turn into a master plan, and I love the whole process in between.

What is your favorite thing about LA studio? Collaborating with others. Getting their opinions or perspectives on a project to get the best design possible.

What is your favorite hobby? Football. During football season it becomes most of my life. For the last three years I have helped coach a little league football team for Logan High School. I love watching, playing, and coaching football.

What do you find inspiring? I find other peoples work inspiring. I love to see how other people approach a situation or problem and how the respond to it.

**What LA project do you find inspiring?** I think the LA project that stands out to me is the Wasatch House by Loci.

I remember my Freshman year we had a guest lecture from Michael Budge and he shared that project with us. I found it really inspiring and wanted to contribute to a project like that. I think the LA project that stands out to me is the Wasatch House from Loci. That was the project that made me want to become a landscape architect. I remember my Freshman year we had a guest lecture from Michael Budge and he shared that project with us. I found it really inspiring and wanted to contribute to a project like that.

LAEP Project Spotlight: A Student Analysis and Planning Award Winner

Tyler Smithson - VP of Membership & Member Services

We're excited to highlight an exceptional project from USU's LAEP department that will be receiving an award during this October's Awards Event in the student analysis and planning category. This project showcases the impressive graphic design skills and sophisticated understanding demonstrated by our talented students.

PARK’ing DAY FUN

Josh Quigley - VP of Visibility & Public Affairs

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH AUGUST NEWSLETTER

August 22, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**BioGrass Sod Farms Lunch & Learn Wednesday, Sept. 18th, 12:00pm WHERE: 8630 S. Redwood Rd West Jordan UT 84088**

**PARK’ing DAY 2024 Friday, Sept. 20th, 10am - 6pm WHERE: 9th & 9th, Salt Lake City**

**SAVE THE DATE ASLA Utah 2024 Awards Event Thursday, October 24th, 5:30-8:30pm More details soon**

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

If you are interested in getting involved with ASLA Utah Chapter contact: Tyler Smithson, @tyleraslautah@gmail.com

Inspiration from England

Geoff Ellis - ASLA Utah Memorial Fund Manager

Recently I had the opportunity to travel to England to attend the Chelsea Flower Show, the world’s premier horticultural exhibition. The displays, some of them installed at a cost of more than $100,000 each, were truly impressive and well worth seeing, although the crowds were an experience that I’m not eager to repeat. We also visited some of the most famous gardens in the southern and central parts of the country. England is renowned for its gardening tradition, and the places we saw did not disappoint.

At one end of the spectrum was Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. It represents landscape design on the grandest of scales, where an entire lake was created out of farm fields, and hundreds of acres were converted into a rolling, pastoral landscape just to provide a suitable setting for a Baroque palace of gigantic proportions. Formal gardens, vast meadows, lush forests, and miles of tree-lined promenades were planted to emphasize the importance of the estate.

At the other end of the spectrum was Barnsley House, with a relatively modest garden of four acres. It is a horticultural gem by the 20 th -century author and gardener Rosemary Verey. She began as an amateur knowing very little about garden design but soon demonstrated an instinctive talent that not only brought admirers but also commissions to design gardens for King Charles and Elton John. She combined garden styles in a thoughtful way that creates a harmonious setting rather than a clashing hodge-podge, and she popularized the idea of making herb gardens and even vegetable gardens into something ornamental rather than hiding them away.

Sissinghurst Garden offered insights not only into garden design but also the darker side of history and the brighter side of human relationships. Originally a grand Elizabethan castle, it was later used as a prisoner-of-war camp. By the time the writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicholson bought it in 1930, it was in ruins and the courtyards were full of rubbish. Yet they saw its potential and went to work creating something more beautiful and unique than they could ever have created in a more convenient empty field. He provided a firm, orderly, architectural vision for the garden, while she filled it with exuberant masses of flowers, shrubs, and vines, giving life and richness to the design. Dark green hedges and ancient brick walls divide the garden into outdoor rooms, each with a distinctive theme, such as the White Garden, the Purple Border, the Rose Garden, and the Cottage Garden. Creating Sissinghurst was a shared passion for this odd couple (you can find out more about them in the book “Portrait of a Marriage” or the television series of the same name), reflecting their unconventional yet loving marriage.

We also visited Hidcote, a beautiful estate that provided the original inspiration for outdoor garden “rooms,” and Hever Castle, the ancestral home of Anne Boleyn. Both of these places have a U.S. connection, as it was wealthy Americans who restored them in the early 20 th century and brought them to their present glory. Our tour was rounded out by Kiftsgate, Kew Gardens, Wisley Garden, Batsford Arboretum, and King Charles’ Royal Gardens at Highgrove, where we were not allowed to take photos because of security reasons. All of these places were well worth seeing, and we drooled over the lupines, foxgloves, clematis, and other flowers growing to a perfection we can only dream of in the desert.

In Utah we are not blessed with the abundant rainfall and mild climate of England, nor do we have romantic ruins and castles with hundreds of years of history. Therefore it would be difficult to create truly authentic English gardens here. Nevertheless, there is much to learn from them, such as a sense of form and color, a responsiveness to the constraints and opportunities of a site, a love of plants both for their own sake and what they can contribute to a design, and a willingness to let garden plants thrive and look their best in the locations that best suit them.

What an amazing experience it was to board a plane in SLC and arrive several hours later in a foreign country! I highly recommend traveling to see gardens in other parts of the country and other parts of the world, if you can. You will come back with fresh ideas and a new perspective on gardening in Utah.

ASLA UTAH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTION RESULTS

PRES. ELECT

JESSE ALLEN

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH JUNE/JULY NEWSLETTER

July 25, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH JUNE/JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

2024 ASLA UTAH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTION CANDIDATES

PRESIDENT ELECT CANDIDATE ———-JESSE ALLEN

I’m honored to be running for the position of President Elect for the Utah Chapter of ASLA. In the past, I’ve served on the board of the Utah Chapter of American Institute of Architects and Urban Land Institute and am familiar with the opportunities and challenges facing our profession and broader AEC industry.

My goal is to build upon the hard work of ASLA Utah’s Executive Committee over the last several years by:

continuing to implement the chapter’s strategic planning document
promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration efforts
advocating for increased public understanding and value of the profession.

One of my specific goals is to advocate for landscape architecture services to be acknowledged and added to our State’s standard fee structure for public projects. This fee structure is often referred to as the standard for many local municipalities and government agencies and currently doesn’t include landscape architecture as part of the core services.

I’ve been with GSBS Architects since 2007 and a principal with the firm since 2016. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning from Utah State University in 2004, I went to the dark side and got my Master of Architecture from University of Utah. My time at GSBS has allowed me to work on several significant Salt Lake City landmark projects, such as the redesign of the SLC Main Library Roof, Regent Street Improvement Project, Natural History Museum of Utah, Japantown Concept Design, 20-year plaza plan for the Gallivan Center, and currently the Price Computing and Engineering Building at the University of Utah. Outside of the office, I love to backcountry ski, trail run, and mountain bike. My wife and 3 children love to travel and take cooking classes wherever we go.

**TRUSTEE CANDIDATE - BRYCE WARD**
It has been my honor to serve as a trustee for our chapter, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for reelection. Over the past term, I have dedicated myself to advancing our profession and fostering a collaborative community that thrives on inclusivity and innovation

During my tenure on the board, one of our first achievements was establishing a shared space with AIA. This partnership enhanced opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, amplifying our collective impact. It has also strengthened our professional network and fostered new growth and design advocacy avenues.

Additionally, thanks to our strategic planning committee, we spearheaded developing and implementing a strategic planning document that has guided our chapter’s growth with clarity and purpose. Looking ahead, my goal is to build upon this foundation by further integrating diversity and inclusion practices. Specifically, I aim to expand opportunities and support systems for women and BIPOC professionals within our field, ensuring that our chapter reflects and embraces the rich diversity of our community.

Furthermore, our advocacy efforts have yielded tangible results, including hiring a lobbyist whose work has been instrumental in keeping part of our licensing advisory board intact and expanding the role of landscape architects in leading state landscape capital improvement projects. This achievement underscores our chapter’s influence and positions us as leaders in shaping the future of our profession statewide. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities, I am committed to leveraging my experience and leadership to elevate our chapter further. Together, we can strengthen our profession, advocate for meaningful change, and cultivate an inclusive, innovative, and resilient community.

I humbly request your support and the opportunity to continue serving you on the Board of Trustees. Together, let’s build upon our achievements and create a future where landscape architects in Utah thrive.

**SECRETARY CANDIDATE — LADD SCHIESS**
Our profession’s value and licensure have faced challenges in recent years, which has been a wake-up call. Serving as ASLA chapter secretary for the past two years, I have witnessed the importanceof ASLA to our field.

The tireless efforts of our volunteer-run chapter have safeguarded our profession. They prevented us from potentially losing licensure or, at the very least, landscape architect representation on the licensing board. (Let me emphasize that this is all being done byvolunteers and we could use more volunteers.)

I’'m grateful for the hard work and successful outcomes achieved by our chapter. On the Executive Committee, I hope to continue advocating for our profession. I kindly ask for your vote to serve another term as secretary.

For those unfamiliar with me, I’m a landscape architect at G Brown Design, residing in Bountiful. After graduating from USU’s Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning program in 2005, I pursued a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign two years later. My career has been rewarding, encompassing projects from community design to construction details.

Voting closes 6pm, Friday, August 23, 2024

VOTE HERE

Q & A with Critter Coughlin - He is the newest member of the ASLA UT Membership Sub-Committee!

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I then went to college at Penn State University studying Landscape Architecture. So I have spent a majority of my time in the Midwest. However my family moved out here to SLC when I was a freshman in college.

What led you to landscape architecture? I was drawn to Landscape Architecture through my love of design and nature. I’ve always loved art and design as well as spending time outdoors taking advantage of the beauty of nature and when I started looking at majors at Penn State, it really seemed like a great fit.

What is your favorite part of your practice? I think my favorite part of the practice is the wide range of projects that Landscape Architecture encompasses. Everyday seems to bring new and exciting projects on all different scales, one day could be focused on a residential landscape plan and the very next could be focused on a master plan for a new development. I also get to have the responsibility of creating 3D models and renderings of some of our projects, which is very exciting. I really enjoy being able to bring a project to life digitally with an artistic representation of what the finished product could look like.

What is your favorite hobby? One of my favorite hobbies is probably skiing. I try to get out to the mountains just about every weekend of the season. I have been coming out here to SLC to visit family for as long as I can remember and I think this is where my love for skiing and snowboarding started, which made my move out here for work very easy.

What do you find inspiring? I find a lot of inspiration just in the natural environments here in Utah. The mountainous landscapes surrounding the valley provide a constant stream of possibilities for inspirational ideas. I also find a lot of inspiration from my coworkers in the office. There is a lot of talent in my office and I can always rely on someone here to help with some creative ideas or even just helping me learn new techniques and strategies.

**Describe a notable landscape architecture project you were involved in:** I have been lucky enough to take part in quite a lot of projects since starting in June. One notable project that comes to mind would be Olympia, a large master planned community in Herriman.

I have worked on aspects such as planting plans, irrigation plans, and site renderings. Coming from school in the Midwest, I did not have much background in Irrigation planning or much familiarity with native Utah plants, so this project has been both fun and a great learning opportunity for me to experience new sections of Landscape Architecture. The site renderings include things such as a community park art wall, and roundabout art monuments that take inspiration from national park elements.

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH MAY NEWSLETTER

May 25, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH MAY 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**VORTEX** **- LA CES Lunch** & **Learn Comprehensive Approach to Heat Management** **JUNE 11THh, 2024 |** **12:00PM MST** ASLA UT Offices 280 S 400 W **REGISTER HERE**

**CALL FOR ENTRIES - Professional Awards Program Deadline July 1st, 5:00pm** **CLICK HERE** **for more information**

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Open Positions: President Elect, VP of Membership & Member Services, Secretary, Trustee

**CONTACT: LARS ERICKSON , ASLA UT President Elect @Lars.Erickson@kimley-horn.com to nominate yourself or someone else.**

What are a few interesting things about you? I grew up in Richfield, Utah, a small town near the middle of our state. I’m a retired 30-year Army veteran. I enlisted at a young age and served as a terrain analyst (geospatial engineer), preventative medicine specialist (public health), cannon crewmember, paralegal specialist, and human resource specialist.

What led you to landscape architecture? When I travel, I love to visit parks, arboretums, botanical gardens, and various designed landscapes. In my younger days, when stationed in Germany for almost three years, I visited many formal gardens of the Renaissance and more modern parks from Italy over to England. I particularly enjoy the English romantic landscapes and the more natural-looking parks designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in the United States.

What is your favorite part of your practice? One of my favorite parts of my practice is that I enjoy educating others in tree selection, incorporating tree diversity metrics into urban greenspaces, and using tree planting designs. I gave a presentation on tree selection at the 2024 Utah Nursery and Landscape Association (UNLA) Green Conference. My presentation caters to landscape design professionals, urban foresters, or anyone who may plant a tree. I talk about lessons learned from our tree history, the need for tree diversity, tree diversity metrics, and greenspace plans for the long term and future generations. I also address important factors of tree selection and a method for comparing trees to overcome personal biases and be more objective about matching the right tree to the planting site.

What is your favorite hobby? Some people like fantasy football. My favorite hobby is building a tree database of over 70 fields I use for tree selection, looking at survival factors, aesthetics, and architectural value. When I finish school, I will use my tree database to help with tree planting designs in urban greenspaces, following tree diversity metrics and using my horticultural knowledge to match the right tree to the planting site.

What do you find inspiring? What I find inspiring is designing greenspaces, using tree planting specifications, and using a diversity of trees in the tree planting scheme by following tree diversity metrics like Dr. Frank Santamour’s 10-20-30 formula. Trees are the backbone of greenspaces. Sadly, overplanting a particular species is a common practice. Using specific tree species can help conserve water because they use ten times less water than grass. Certain tree species are better at erosion control, stormwater management, and soil reclamation. There are so many factors and pros and cons for each tree to consider; therefore, it is essential to match the right tree to the planting site’s conditions and mitigate risks to people, structures, overhead lines, line-of-sight triangles, etc.

WELCOME NEW SPONSORS IN 2024

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

ASLA UTAH MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

Leadership Express -

Lars Erickson, ASLA Utah President

Hello ASLA Utah!

Case in point! Here’s a recent call to action through ALSA iAdvoacy:

You can take action in just one step: Sign the letter to US DOT Secretary Sean Duffy to highlight how bicycle and green infrastructure projects improve mobility, public health, climate resilience, and economic growth—and how landscape architects are leading the way in their design.

Strategic Symposium on THE STATE OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

ASLA Utah leaders recently met with invited guests in an interactive discussion to identify ideas and issues to focus Chapter efforts over the coming year. The discussion’s purpose was to build upon our strategic plan items:

Objective: Increase understanding of landscape architecture among federal, state, and local leaders.

Goal: Education and Outreach Efforts with Elected Officials & Increase public awareness of landscape architecture

Goal: Support member professional growth, education, and connection to the profession.

Goal: Strengthen the position of Landscape Architecture Licensure in the State of Utah

Goal: Promote and support the expansion of the profession and to expand the dialog to a larger audience.

Dialog centered around the following 3 questions:

What society issues are Landscape Architects best equipped/positioned to help address?

How can LA’s strengthen the position of Landscape Architecture Licensure in the State of Utah?

Why are you here today? What do you want us to know? If you would like to add your voice to the dialog please submit it through the following. SURVEY LINK

PLEASE REGISTER NOW for our Annual Conference on Landscape Architecture April 10th – 12th in St. George.

The conference theme is “Landscape in the Desert”

DON’T MISS OUT!!!

2025 ASLA Utah Chapter Annual Conference on Landscape Architecture & Vendor Expo

“LANDSCAPE IN THE DESERT”

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 10th: Evening Social & Site Tour: Red Hills Desert Garden - Sponsored by Maglin

Friday, April 11th: Conference and Sponsor Expo. **50 Sponsor/Vendors - 8 NEW! Come & WIN amazing prizes at the vendor raffle!

Keynote Speaker:

Whisky is for Drinking Water is for Fighting: Teal Lehto, Water Specialist, Colorado River/Watershed “Western Water Girl”

A Strong Towns Approach to Desert Livability Panel: Ed Andrechak, CSU President; Karen Goodfellow, CSU VP & Water Program Manager; Judith Rognli, CSU Livability Program Manager

Emerging Professionals: Tanner Snow: VP of Professional Development ASLA Utah Chapter

Utah Native Plants: Cameron Allcott, CTO Progressive Plants

Opening Doors & Creating Opportunities: Daniella Hirschfeld, PhD, USU Asst Prof of EP, Shalae Larsen, Principal IoLandarch, Nancy Monteith, SLC Corp Senior Landscape Architect

Desert Communities Panel: Chad Thomas, St George Economic Development Director, Lloyd Sutton, St George Active Transportation Coordinator and Eric Langvardt, Principal Langvardt Design.

RAFFLE - Thank you Sponsors for providing the prizes!

Headshots by Jared Kenitzer: Complementary & available throughout the day

Saturday, April 12th: Morning Site Visits to unique sites in St George

Walkable Street Profiles Sketch Field Session Town Square Park, Historic St George: Susan Crook, Historical Landscape Architect, Conserve Southwest

Desert Color Development Site Tour Eric Langvardt, Principal, Langvardt Design GroupDesert Color

Black Desert Resort Site Tour

Hey everyone! My name is Lauren Fern Heaton and I am currently the WiLA Representative for

our Utah State Chapter of ASLA! It has been such a fun opportunity to be able to lead and make

WiLA more prominent again in our chapter. From our WiLA+P panel to hopefully leading a

spring retreat this coming year, I am very very excited for what is to come!

Who are you and where are you from?

I am originally from West Jordan Utah in the Salt Lake Valley and I am a junior at USU currently.

There has always been a passion I have had for the environment and nature, which is why I fell

in love with Landscape Architecture immediately in the intro class. Since then I have loved living

in Logan and enjoying everything there is to offer in this valley!

Why are you interested in landscape architecture?

I love the possibilities and opportunities that come with the profession. There are so many

opportunities to make real and important change to people’s lives, ecosystems, and the world as

a whole. The combination of research, analysis, and knowledge to create great design is

something I find very very important and intriguing. The possibilities are endless with Landscape

Architecture.

What is your favorite thing about LA studio?

Like many of my fellow students would say, studio is one of the most important parts of this

profession. At USU, my absolute favorite part of the studio is the collaboration and problem

solving. We get to pick each other's brains to figure out the best possible solution and it is one of

the best feelings ever!

What is your favorite hobby?

I love reading, crocheting, and building legos! (specifically the botanical collection) Although with

studio and being in school I don’t have much time these continue to be my stress relievers and

pastime activities. I have been on the Jurassic Park book series lately and it is so so good,

highly recommend! Other than that I love being outside in summer and winter skiing and Beaver

mountain!

What do you find inspiring?

There are many things I find inspiring but one of the things that stick out in my mind is the

Women’s Military Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The experience as a whole from a physical

perspective was insanely well thought out and designed, but most of all the impact this place

had on my emotions and my spirit was immense. This reminds me of how inspired I am by

designers and humans' ability to form and create emotion and meaning from place. I am

inspired by what we can do in this profession of Landscape Architecture.

USU Student Helps Get Spiral Jetty Recognized as National Historic Place

Dennis Hinkamp

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2025 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

ASLA UTAH FEBRUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

Leadership Express - GEARING UP FOR SOMETHING BIG!

Lars Erickson, ASLA Utah President

2025 ASLA Utah Chapter Annual Conference on Landscape Architecture & Vendor Expo

Friday, April 11th: Conference and Sponsor Expo. 50 Sponsor/Vendors - 8 NEW! Come & WIN amazing prizes at the vendor raffle!**