The Olmsted Network invites you to Washington, D.C. for Defending Common Ground: An Olmsted Parks Intensive, happening October 23–25.

This year’s gathering is designed to empower conservancies, friends groups, and park advocates of all sizes with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to preserve and enhance Olmsted parks and places. Attendees can earn up to 9 PDH, LA CES/HSW credits.

The event kicks off Thursday with an optional guided tour and a festive opening reception at the UCC Church on G St NW. On Friday morning, Lauren Meier, ASLA Fellow-Elect, will open the conference with a deep dive into the Olmsted firm’s influential work in the nation’s capital.

Program Highlights

Topics covered throughout the conference will include:

• Fundraising strategies
• Local, regional, and national advocacy
• Legal protections for parks
• Community engagement strategies
• Comprehensive and organizational planning

These sessions will be led by an impressive lineup of experts and peers from across the country, including:

• Peter F. Viteretto, FASLA, PLA, Heritage Landscapes
• Faye Harwell, FASLA, RLA, Rhodeside Harwell
• Lauren Meier, ASLA Fellow-Elect, Historic Landscape Consultant
• Will Cook, Cultural Heritage Partners
• Anna McCorvey, 11th Street Bridge Park
• Bill Reininger, Tower Grove Park
• Robert Doyle, City Parks Alliance
• Andre Burton, George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Special Events 

Your $350 ticket includes:

• All presentations and panels
• Behind-the-scenes tours of the U.S. Capitol Grounds, the National Mall, and the National Zoo
• Our annual awards dinner on Friday evening
• Two breakfasts, two lunches and snacks
• The opportunity to mingle with park leaders and Olmsted Network partners from across the country
• A swag bag 

For an additional $50, you can join an exclusive tour of the Olmsted Collections in the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress. Space is limited, and this tour is almost full—register soon to reserve your spot!