Hartford, CT April is World Landscape Architecture Month (WLAM), an international celebration of landscape architecture. Established by the American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA), World Landscape Architecture Month introduces the public to the profession by showcasing landscape architect-designed spaces around the world.

In celebration of WLAM locally, the Connecticut Chapter of ASLA (CTASLA) will hang an extensive exhibit on 150 feet of wall space in the State Legislative Office Building (Lower Concourse), running from April 17-28. The poster exhibit will explain the profession’s role in the built environment and stewardship of land, and showcase the award-winning work of Connecticut landscape architects.

Eleven projects by eight firms were selected winners in CTASLA’s 2017 Connecticut Professional Awards competition. Select images from these award-winning works can be viewed at www.ctasla.org.

WLAM also holds special meaning for CT landscape architects because Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., considered the “father of landscape architecture,” is a CT native, who gained his love of landscape during his formative years in the CT Valley. 

To help celebrate the Olmsted heritage (which includes dozens of parks, estates, and other works by the Olmsted Brothers firm, which was active well into the 1900s after Olmsted Sr.’s death), CTASLA will host a conference at The Lyceum on April 28. The event — “Olmsted Parks in Transition: Respecting the Past, Planning for the Future” — will explore whether historic parks can accommodate the changing needs of cities while maintaining the integrity of their original design. The program includes a free showing of the hour-long documentary, “Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America,” with introduction by director Lawrence Hott. The movie begins at 3:30 p.m., and the public is invited (registration required).

Then, on April 29, in partnership with the National Association for Olmsted Parks, CTASLA will conduct a bus tour of several Olmsted parks, where participants will learn about the history and evolution of these important community resources.

Find out more about the conference and bus tour at http://www.ctasla.org. To learn more about Olmsted’s Connecticut heritage, see http://www.OlmstedLegacyTrail.com.

The public is encouraged to explore #WLAM2017 on Instagram and other social media outlets throughout the month to see inspirational examples of work by landscape architects. (According to ASLA, the campaign reached more than 1.18 million people in the first week of April.)

About ASLA: “Green since 1899,” ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in 48 professional chapters (there are nearly 300 members in Connecticut). ASLA and its local chapters advance the profession of landscape architecture through education, advocacy, and awareness. Learn more at http://www.asla.org.