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Groundwork: Conversations on Disaster Recovery
When disaster strikes, recovery is more than rebuilding—it’s a journey shaped by experience, resilience, and lessons learned along the way. These four regionally focused forums were opportunities for ASLA members to come together, share their stories, and talk openly about what worked, what didn’t, and what still needs to be done.
These discussions brought together members who have lived through wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters to reflect on challenges, exchange ideas, and explore ways to build stronger, more adaptable communities. These were real, interactive, peer-driven conversations hosted by ASLA President Kona Gray, FASLA, PLA.
A mix of practitioners involved in recovery efforts and chapter leaders from each region shared their stories, disaster impacts, and community responses. They explored how landscape architects, alongside the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, elected leaders, and community members, worked together in response, recovery, and rebuilding.
Through these discussions, ASLA sought to better understand how to support members navigating recovery and resilience.
- Regional focus: Each session centered on the unique challenges and recovery efforts in a specific part of the country.
- Exclusive to ASLA members: Forums were designed for members to connect, share, and support one another.
Hosted by ASLA President Kona Gray, FASLA, on March 18, 2025.
Groundwork: Southeast
Hosted by ASLA President Kona Gray, FASLA, on March 18, 2025, The first Groundwork: Conversations on Disaster Recovery forum focused on the Southeast, where hurricanes, flooding, and sea-level rise have reshaped communities and coastlines. Landscape architects shared powerful stories and practical strategies for navigating early recovery, rebuilding with purpose, and preparing for a more resilient future.
Groundwork: Northwest/Southwest/Hawai‘i/Alaska Region
The second Groundwork: Conversations on Disaster Recovery forum, held on April 8, 2025, explored the Northwest, Southwest, Hawai‘i, and Alaska. These regions that have faced devastating wildfires, extreme heat, powerful storms, and rapid environmental change. ASLA President Kona Gray, FASLA, led the discussion where landscape architects from across the West shared hard-won insights on recovery, resilience, and designing for a shifting climate.
Download a summary of Groundwork: Northwest, Southwest, Hawai‘i, and Alaska.
Groundwork: Great Plains / Midwest Region
The third Groundwork: Conversations on Disaster Recovery forum, held on May 6, 2025, explored the Great Plains/Midwest. Landscape architects from across the center of the country share real-world experiences navigating disaster recovery, rural resilience, and long-term adaptation. This candid discussion explores how communities are responding to tornadoes, flooding, infrastructure failures, and climate shifts—and what must change to prepare for what’s next.
Groundwork: Northeast
The fourth Groundwork: Conversations on Disaster Recovery forum, held on June 24, 2025, turned to the Northeast. Across the Northeast, communities are grappling with rising seas, stronger storms, and the challenges of aging infrastructure—while striving to protect vulnerable populations and historic places.