ASLA UTAH DECEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**UNLA Green Conference**

**Come visit the ASLA Utah Booth at the UNLA Green Conference January 5-7th, 2024** Mountain America Expo Center 9575 South State Street in Sandy **REGISTER HERE**

**ASLA UT Winter Social**

**Friday, January 30th ASLA UT Office, 280 S 400 W,** **RSVP HERE**

**USU Speaker Series**

**Lost in Translation**
**Carlos Licon**
*Associate Professor & Graduate Program Director,* Utah State University
Friday, January, 23rd 4:00pm
**Click Here to Join Lecture**

2026 ASLA Utah Annual Conference

May 7th-8th 2026

The Ballpark at America First Square home of the Salt Lake Bees

THURSDAY, May 7th 6:30-8:30 PM — Evening Social/Tour

FRIDAY, May 8th - Conference and Vendor Expo

2026 Conference Pricing:

ASLA Member $250
Allied Professional eg: AIA/UNLA/ACEC Member $250
Non-Member: $275
- Want to save $50? JOIN ASLA NOW! The savings for this event covers Utah Chapter dues! Plus gains access to all ASLA Benefits!
- Have questions about membership? Reach out to anyone on the Executive Committee!
Emerging Professional: $100
Student $45
Non-LAEP Student: $100
ASLA UT SubCommittee Member: $100
Conference Speaker: $150

***ASLA Utah wishes you Happy Holidays & a Prosperous New Year!***

LEADERSHIP EXPRESS -

Jesse Allen, ASLA Utah President

I find the holidays to be a time when I have a bit more room to breathe, recenter, and think strategically about the year ahead. I’ve never been one for specific New Year’s resolutions; instead, I like to focus on fine-tuning and making shifts in overall direction. One way I do that is by getting important conferences, events, and milestones on my calendar early, so my time and attention align with what matters most.

One of the events I’m prioritizing is the ASLA Utah Annual Conference, taking place May 7–8th at the new Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan. Conferences like this help us grow professionally, reconnect with colleagues, support the vendors and partners who sustain our chapter, and elevate the profession. Lars Erickson, our Past President, is working closely with the planning team to curate a thoughtful and impactful lineup of speakers and sessions, and I encourage you to read more about what’s in store in his note elsewhere in this newsletter.

In addition to the conference this year, I remain focused on two core priorities during my term as President that are both centered on strengthening recognition of landscape architecture.

One priority is building greater awareness and understanding of landscape architecture among public entities. Working alongside Thomas Eddington, our Vice President of Advocacy, and our lobbyist Dave Kallas, we are focused on strengthening relationships at the state and municipal levels. This work helps ensure that landscape architects are engaged in public projects and policy discussions, reinforcing the role our profession plays in shaping healthy, resilient, and connected communities across Utah.

Another priority is improving how we communicate what landscape architects do to the public, to our clients, and to each other. Building on research from the FrameWorks Institute and ASLA National, we know that people better understand and value our profession when we lead with how our work benefits people, strengthens communities, and improves quality of life. Being more intentional about this shift helps make our impact clearer and more relatable.

As we move into the year ahead, I encourage each of you to think about your own priorities. I hope that includes attending our Annual Conference, engaging in chapter events, and being intentional about how you talk about our work. Participation doesn’t look the same for everyone, but together we can strengthen the chapter, elevate the profession, and increase the impact of landscape architects across Utah.

Here's to an engaged and impactful year ahead!

LALA 2nd Annual Wreath Making Social

McKenna Montgomery, VP of Visibility & Public Relations

LALAs (Ladies in Landscape Architecture) gathered for their second annual holiday wreath making event at Amy Reid’s home. This event brought together 13 women from the local landscape architecture community here in Utah. The wreaths were made activity foraged foliage.

The atmosphere was cozy with the best snacks and drinks with thoughtful conversations about landscape architecture, career paths, and shared experiences in the profession.

This and other LALA gatherings have been great at creating connection, community, creativity, and support for women within the field. Those interested in getting involved with LALAs or attending future events are encouraged to reach out and join this growing network of women in landscape architecture.

**DEAR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT**

Please take a minute and submit a question RIGHT NOW: **dearlautah@gmail.com**

Dear Landscape Architect is a monthly feature from ASLA Utah exploring the art, ethics, and evolving practice of landscape architecture — written to spark conversation, reflection, and renewed care for our living medium. Submit your question to dearlautah@gmail.com.

Did you miss last month? Here is the link to a question about continuing education and the core of Landscape Architecture: October’s Dear Landscape Architect

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2025 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support! Looking forward to seeing you all in 2026!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird

Gold Sponsors
Belgard | Hunter/FX Luminaire | LuckyDog Recreation | MADRAX/Thomas Steele | Victor Stanley

Silver Sponsors

Corporate Partners
Denton House | FenceTrac | G Brown Design