The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is dedicated to helping communities achieve their climate and biodiversity goals. This commitment is exemplified by the ASLA 2024 Professional Urban Design Honor Award, which was given to Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd. for their work on The Wharf’s 7th Street Park and Recreation Pier in Washington, District of Columbia.

Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, flooding, droughts, and wildfires are global challenges that require collective action. ASLA, with its 16,000 members, will continue to lead efforts in making communities and ecosystems healthier and more resilient through nature-based solutions. At the local and state levels, ASLA will remain a member of the America Is All In movement, which is committed to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

On the global stage, ASLA will continue to advance its members' climate and biodiversity goals by participating in international organizations such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA). The organization is committed to increasing investment in nature-based solutions locally, nationally, and internationally to ensure the health of future generations and ecosystems.

Nature-based solutions are cost-effective infrastructure that use or emulate natural ecological processes. For example, floodplains, living shorelines, wetlands, green roofs, tree canopies, rain gardens, bioswales, retention basins, permeable pavements can be created through a design process. These solutions can reduce construction costs by up to 30 percent and maintenance costs by up to 25 percent compared to conventional gray infrastructure. They are essential for creating healthy communities that are better prepared for long-term challenges like heatwaves and flooding.

Landscape architects play a critical role in developing nature-based solutions that address community health, biodiversity, and economic challenges. ASLA has produced research documenting the economic effectiveness of designing with nature. Sustainable design can create nearly 20 million jobs in various fields such as grounds maintenance, sustainable urban planning development, renewable energy, construction, and green technology. Investments in parks and green spaces can generate between $4 and $11 for every dollar invested due to increased tourism and enhanced community health.

Every dollar invested in ecosystem restoration returns $5 to $28 in benefits. Urban green spaces provide value from $500 to $1600 per acre per year. ASLA will advance nature-based approaches that increase collective resilience while creating economic benefits and protecting public health.

For more information about ASLA's initiatives or to contact them for media inquiries or employment opportunities, visit their official website at [ASLA's official website].