ASLA and the National Park Service have joined forces to help communities across the nation plan, design, and manage their natural cultural and recreation resources through the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program. 

RTCA assists communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats. Through an application process, community groups, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state and federal agencies can apply for RTCA technical assistance. This program welcomes landscape architects as technical experts to provide assistance. 

Hundreds of community projects across the country have benefited from this valuable ASLA-RTCA partnership. It has reached communities in all fifty states and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Typically, staff collaborations with communities last for 1 to 2 years on conservation and outdoor recreation projects.

Landscape architects in any stage of their career are welcome to participate in this partnership: Emerging professionals will gain valuable experience, and experienced designers will have exclusive opportunities to share their expertise with communities in need of technical assistance. 

Download our Step by Step Guide for more information on how to take advantage of the partnership.  

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