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ASLA Fund Catalyst Award
Honoring Leaders Who Advance Landscape Architecture
About the ASLA Fund Catalyst Award
The ASLA Fund Catalyst Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose work demonstrates the power of landscape architecture to create healthier, more equitable, and more resilient communities.
The award celebrates leadership that moves ideas into action—through community impact, research and innovation, education and mentorship, or long-term stewardship.
The Four Pillars
Every nominee is evaluated against four core criteria that represent the diverse ways landscape architecture drives change:
Impact & Justice
Championing the rights of all people to a healthy, safe, and resilient environment.
Innovation & Research
Advancing science-based, implementable solutions and new ways of practice.
Leadership & Mentorship
Expanding the discipline's reach through education, workforce development, and K-12 outreach.
Sustained Commitment
Demonstrating long-term stewardship and a holistic, enduring commitment to community well-being.
2026 INAUGURAL RECIPIENT
Green Schoolyards America and Sharon Gamson-Danks
We are proud to name Green Schoolyards America and its founder, Sharon Gamson-Danks, as the inaugural recipients of the ASLA Fund Catalyst Award.
Selected from a distinguished national pool of nominees, Green Schoolyards America was recognized for its transformative work in "nature-based school grounds." Under Sharon’s leadership, the organization has turned asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant public infrastructure—proving that these spaces are essential for urban cooling, stormwater management, and daily student health.
The Advisory Council praised the organization as the "best all-around match" for the award, specifically noting its success in bridging the gap between professional design, public policy, and deep community mentorship.
Inaugural Award Ceremony
Date: September 17, 2026, 4:45 pm
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
Event: ASLA 2026 Conference on Landscape Architecture
Calling all Founders Club Members to join us in Los Angeles as we officially present the first-ever Catalyst Award to Sharon Gamson-Danks and celebrate the profound impact of Green Schoolyards America.
Not a Founders Club Member?
Thank You to the ASLA Fund Advisory Committee!
The ASLA Fund extends its sincere thanks to the members of our ASLA Fund Advisory Council for their extraordinary time, insight, and commitment to the ASLA Fund and its mission. This inaugural award would not be possible without their dedication to identifying and elevating the people and organizations that strengthen our profession.
Contact the ASLA Fund
For more information about the ASLA Fund, donations, or programs, contact:
Development Manager
202-216-2366