March 2026 Quarterly Newsletter

March 2026

The ASLA Fund is the engine that powers our profession's future—driving career discovery, Climate & Biodiversity Action, supporting vital research, Professional and Student Awards, supporting students at the conference, and expanding the public's understanding of landscape architecture.

This work is made possible by the generosity of our donors, including our 176 dedicated Founders Club members. Your commitment allows us to dream bigger, reach further, and invest in the critical programs that define the future of our field.

This quarter, we are proud to share how your support is driving progress in two of our most vital mission areas: inspiring the next generation of designers and tackling the urgent challenges of our changing climate.

We believe every child should have the opportunity to discover the magic of landscape architecture. Thanks to your support, we are reaching young learners through high-impact collaborations and hands-on resources.

Future City Competition Finals

The Future City Competition Finals were held in February in Washington, DC, where regional championship teams from middle and high schools across the United States and around the world convened to present their city models. The competition has engaged over 92,000 students, making it the largest participation in the program's history. This year's theme, 'Farm to Table' challenges students to think, design, and build across a variety of STEM-centered ecosystems to create innovative solutions. As the only design organization represented within the STEM competition, ASLA was a Special Award Sponsor for the Edible City Design Excellence Award, which highlights exemplary ideas that elevate city life through the design of productive, regenerative food landscapes. Special thanks to our member judges—Dennis Carmichael, FASLA; Bel St. John Day; Alison Kennedy, ASLA; and Jieya Yu, ASLA—for mentoring these future leaders.

Disney Paper Parks

We are thrilled to highlight the Disney Paper Parks: Dream Big with Design Special Edition. This collaboration brings the principles of landscape architecture to life through hands-on, printable activities. By engaging with these resources, students explore place-making and design, planting the seeds for a lifelong passion for the profession.

The ASLA Fund is committed to positioning landscape architects as leaders in climate adaptation and biodiversity. Your contributions are directly funding the research needed to prove the value of nature-based solutions.

New Research Grant Opportunity

We recently announced a call for proposals for a new research grant focused on Inland Flooding. This initiative will provide evidence-based strategies for communities facing increased flood risks, showcasing how landscape architecture can protect both people and ecosystems.

Climate & Biodiversity Action

Our ongoing research initiatives continue to provide the professional community with the tools and data necessary to advocate for resilient, biodiverse landscapes. From carbon sequestration to habitat restoration, we are building the knowledge base for a sustainable future.

Save the Date! Accelerating the Profession

World Landscape Architecture Month is just around the corner, and this year the ASLA Fund is doing something different. From April 13–15, we are launching a high-energy, 72-hour challenge to Accelerate the Profession. This 3-day sprint will bring together a collective of ambassadors, firms, and students to power the future of landscape architecture.

Keep an eye on your inbox for a dedicated email next week with full details on how you can participate in this 72-hour window of action, including a matching pool to double your impact. If you would like to sign up to be an ambassador, it is not too late!

Upcoming ASLA Fund-Supported Programs

• Professional and Student Awards: We are proud to support the recognition of excellence in the field. Submissions are now being accepted for the ASLA Professional and Student Awards.

• Conference Student Support: This September, the ASLA Fund will help send the next generation of leaders to the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture.

The strength of the ASLA Fund lies in its members. With 176 Founders Club members now standing with us, our collective voice is stronger than ever.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for all you do to support the ASLA Fund.

With gratitude,
The ASLA Fund Team

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