April Proclaimed Landscape Architecture Month

US-wide events to focus on career discovery, sustainability

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has proclaimed April 2009 as National Landscape Architecture Month. ASLA’s 48 chapters across the country, as well as the national headquarters in Washington, D.C, will celebrate with public outreach activities to introduce the profession as a green career choice to children, parents and educators.

“The profession encompasses the design of anything imaginable in the space around, between, or even on top of buildings,” said ASLA President Angela Dye, FASLA. “For students interested in the environment, conservation, and a blend of science and artistic expression, a career in landscape architecture may be a great choice.”

April encompasses Earth Day on April 22 and the birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted on April 26, founder of the American landscape architecture profession. Examples of planned activities this month include job shadowing with landscape architects and hands-on demonstrations of sustainable practices, such as how to build a green roof and how to design a reading garden. Many activities are open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend. Visit www.asla.org/lamonth for a complete listing of events all over the USA.

Landscape architecture is a leading “green collar” job, and U.S. News & World Report named the profession among the best career choices for 2009. The average salary and bonus for landscape architects is more than $85,000, with those just starting their careers making in excess of $48,000. Professionals entering the field typically hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture.

Landscape architects work with architects, city planners, civil engineers and other professionals and play an important role in environmental protection by designing and implementing projects that respect both the needs of people and of the environment. Career opportunities include the development and preservation of open spaces, recreation areas, wildlife refuges, zoos, parks, golf courses and transportation systems.

About ASLA
Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 18,200 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. The Society's mission is to lead, to educate, and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. Members of the Society use their “ASLA” suffix after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession.

Further Information:
American Society of Landscape Architects
636 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001-3736 • USA
Tel.: +1 202-898-2444
Fax: +1 202-898-1185
eMail: info@asla.org
web: www.asla.org