ASLA UTAH APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**SUSTAINABLE SITES Workshop**

**Friday, May 2nd, 8:30am - 2:00pm ASLA Utah Offices 280 S 400 W #150 Salt Lake City, Utah.** **RESISTER HERE**

***Victor Stanley Virtual Learning*** **NATURALISTIC PLANTING DESIGN On Demand:** REGISTER HERE

***Victor Stanley Virtual Learning*** Designing Change: Supporting Grassroots Advocacy & Coalition Building for Climate Resilience **On Demand:** **REGISTER HERE**

Leadership Express -

Lars Erickson, ASLA Utah President

Hello ASLA UT!

“One must wait until the cool of the evening to know how good the day has been.” - Sophocles

What a great conference we just had in St. George! One last shout out to Paul Stead and everyone that helped to put on a first-class event. I came away 1) INSPIRED, 2) INFORMED and 3) REFRESHED.

1. INSPIRED by many wonderful interactions, reconnections, introductions, and great tour and discussion on desert plant material led by Ryan White at the Red Hills Desert Garden and continued the next day by Cameron Allcott with Progressive Plants with a thoughtful review of the plants we specify, should specify and what we should know to be better designers with them.

We were inspired to continue the dialog of inclusion in our practices with a fun and interactive discussion led by Daniella Hirschfeld, Nancy Montieth and Shalae Larsen. They did a wonderful job of listening, learning and opening doors of communication for everyone to benefit from opportunities around us with just a little more understanding.

2. We were INFORMED on the existential threat we face in the west on water use by Western Water Girl Teal Lehto, Desert Livability and Conserve Southwest Utah. I’ve never had a better explanation of the issues facing Colorado River water users like that. Truly well done!

We also had an engaging discussion led by St. George Economic Development Manager Chad Thomas, Active Transportation Coordinator Lloyd Sutton and Planner Eric Langvardt on developing communities in the arid west.

3. I was REFRESHED by the opportunity to get out and interact with peers to do a street audit of Downtown St. George and tour-built projects at Black Desert and Desert Color. I was wonderful to see behind the scenes, get added perspective and rub shoulders with those making a difference in the community. Plus, I’d never done a street audit in the past where I witnessed a horse get parallel parked. Truly, once in a lifetime!

It was also refreshing to see so many vendors and day to day supporters of our practice at their booths. They make our efforts so much easier and better with their insights and knowledge.

Thank you again for all the support.

Next week we have our Chapter Presidents Council (CPC) where Jesse Allen and I will meet with all the other ASLA chapter presidents and discuss issues and ideas affecting the practice of Landscape Architecture. I’m excited about all that we’ve done and for what’s ahead!

- Lars Erickson, ASLAUT Chapter President

“LANDSCAPE IN THE DESERT” 2025 ASLA Utah Chapter Annual Conference on Landscape Architecture

W. Bryce Ward celebrates 20 years of membership with the ASLA Utah Chapter

W. Bryce Ward, ASLA, is celebrating his 20-year membership anniversary with the ASLA Utah Chapter. He is an accomplished landscape architect, urban designer, planner, volunteer, and advocate. Bryce currently serves his second term as Trustee for the ASLA Utah Chapter, focusing on implementing the goals and objectives of both national and local ASLA initiatives. He has also served as President of the chapter and has contributed to the strategic planning and advocacy efforts, including spearheading the development of our chapter’s strategic plan, and establishing a shared space with the AIA to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Bryce graduated from Utah State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. He furthered his education by completing a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Environmental and Sustainable Policy between 2011 and 2014. Throughout his professional career, Bryce has contributed to several significant public and private projects and currently works in business development for Landscape Forms. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is an avid outdoorsman who prioritizes spending quality time with his family.

Bryce's dedication to the field of landscape architecture is evident through his active involvement in professional organizations and his commitment to sustainable design practices. His work not only enhances the built environment but also fosters community engagement and environmental stewardship. As he marks two decades with ASLA, Bryce continues to inspire peers and emerging professionals alike with his passion and leadership in the landscape architecture community.

**Jurors Needed for Awards Committee**

ASLA Utah is seeking jurors for its 2025 awards program! This year, we're partnering with the Nevada Chapter for a jury swap. Utah jurors will evaluate project submissions from Nevada, playing a key role in selecting the award winners. This is a fantastic opportunity to see some of the best landscape architecture work coming out of Nevada. Interested in being a juror? Contact Critter Coughlin, ASLA Utah Membership Recognition, at critter@langvardtdesigngroup.com.

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2025 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird

Corporate Partners
Denton House | FenceTrac | G Brown Design