The American Society of Landscape Architects' New York Chapter Salutes The Nature Conservancy

ASLA to honor the Conservancy at November dinner

New York, October 20, 2008 — The New York Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (NY ASLA) today announced that the Nature Conservancy, the world’s leading conservation organization, is this year’s recipient of the President’s Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations outside the field of landscape architecture that have significantly increased awareness of the profession in the public eye. It is with the award winner’s assistance that ASLA is able to promote landscape architecture in the New York metropolitan area.

“The Conservancy’s achievements as well our shared values and mission make it a natural fit to be honored,” said ASLA President-Elect Susannah Drake. “We are both striving to conserve resources, protect habitats and improve the quality of life. Our profession is grateful for their contributions and I very much look forward to highlighting their extraordinary achievements at our annual dinner in November.”

The Nature Conservancy has been selected to receive this prestigious award for their outstanding success in applying principles that landscape architects use as the basis for good design: conservation, restoration, sustainability, reduction of non-native invasive species and the maintenance of freshwater systems. Furthermore, the Conservancy has promoted environmental programming and partnerships with local organizations that have raised awareness of the principles of stewardship and the role of communities and volunteers in the shared mission to invest in the environment. As global leaders in the conservation movement, the Conservancy has forged exemplary collaborations and financial alliances that repeatedly demonstrate the all-around profitability of sustainable conservation.

Landscape architecture has been leading the charge in sustainable design, ecological balance and habitat protection for over a century since legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted founded the ASLA in 1899. Since its own founding in 1946, the Nature Conservancy has given the environmental movement invaluable traction through scientific research, public education and advocacy.

“We are honored that ASLA has decided to recognize The Nature Conservancy's achievements in New York and our global mission,” said Acting State Director of the Nature Conservancy of New York, Kathy Moser. “ASLA’s long commitment to the stewardship of natural environments, whether they are in private or public settings, has helped to enrich the lives of people everywhere.”

ASLA’s honor will be bestowed upon The Nature Conservancy on November 6. Kathy Moser, will receive the award on behalf of the worldwide organization at ASLA’s annual dinner fundraiser. The event is open to the public and reservations are required. Additional information can be found at: www.nyasla.org, or by contacting Jane Cooke at jcooke@nyasla.org and 212-269-2984.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.

Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the national professional association representing landscape architects. Beginning with 11 original members, ASLA has grown to more than 18,000 members and 48 chapters, representing all 50 states, U.S. territories, and 42 countries around the world. ASLA promotes the landscape architecture profession, and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship.