The Olmsted Medal

This medal was instituted in 1990 to recognize individuals, organizations, agencies, or programs outside the profession of landscape architecture for environmental leadership, vision, and stewardship.
Submission Period Open

Submissions Due February 2, 2026

Nominations may be made by an ASLA professional member or an ASLA chapter. Nominations are to be kept confidential. Nominees should not be made aware of their nominations or asked to participate in the preparation of their nomination materials.

Start a Nomination

The Medal honors Frederick Law Olmsted, considered the founder of the American landscape architecture profession and steward of the environment.

Eligibility: Individuals, organizations, agencies, or programs outside the landscape architecture profession that have demonstrated consistent and effective environmental leadership, vision, and stewardship. Nominations for individual are accepted only for those living when submitted. In the event a nominee passes away during the review process, their nomination will remain under consideration for posthumous recognition.

Frequency: One medal is awarded annually.

Questions?

Contact the Honors and Awards Manager. You can also call 202-216-2331.


Email [email protected]

Previous Recipients

  • 2025   Chicago Region Trees Initiative
  • 2024   Gowanus Canal Conservancy
  • 2023   The Cultural Landscape Foundation
  • 2022   National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP)
  • 2021   NYC Playgrounds Program
  • 2020   The Garden Conservancy
  • 2019   Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)
  • 2018   Forterra
  • 2017   Atlanta BeltLine Inc. and Atlanta BeltLine Partnership
  • 2016   The Hon. Michael Nutter
  • 2015   Design Trust for Public Space
  • 2014   Adrian Benepe, Hon. ASLA
  • 2013   Renata von Tscharner, Hon. ASLA
  • 2012   U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Hon ASLA
  • 2011   S. Richard Fedrizzi, Hon. ASLA
  • 2010   The Hon. Ken Salazar Sec. of the Interior
  • 2009   The Center for Planning Excellence
  • 2008   Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • 2007   Great Valley Center
  • 2006   Mayor Richard M. Daley, Honorary ASLA
  • 2005   The Honorable Wangari Maathai, PhD, Honorary ASLA
  • 2005   Charles E. Beveridge, PhD, Honorary ASLA