Washington, D.C. — August 24, 2010 — Today, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) announced the selection of nine new honorary members to the Society for their work in education, government, environmental activism and dedication to the landscape architecture profession. The presentation ceremony will take place at the ASLA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C, September 10-13.

Honorary membership is among the highest honors ASLA may bestow upon non-landscape architects in recognition of notable service to the profession. Since its inception in 1899, ASLA has inducted only 143 honorary members.

Adrian Benepe, Commissioner, New York City Parks and Recreation
Since Benepe’s appointment in 2002, he has helped turn New York City into a leading showcase of urban parks – adding over 500 acres of parkland in the past eight years. His current work advances the city’s landscape with sustainable approaches and a keen eye for good design.

Michael Dirr, Horticulturalist and Author
Dirr’s work as a horticulturist, teacher, researcher, lecturer and consultant makes him one of the greatest influences of the landscape architecture profession over the past 35 years. His seminal book, the Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, remains a must-have for landscape architects and all plant enthusiasts.

Jonathan Jarvis, Director, National Park Service
Jarvis’s life work is the protection and preservation of the country’s park systems, public lands and natural resources – beginning in 1975 as a ranger on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. He continues to create a more sustainable park system with the “Climate Friendly Parks Program,” an effort to promote sustainable operations in parks around the nation.

John King, Urban Design Writer, San Francisco Chronicle
One of the few remaining daily newspaper journalists covering architecture and design, King understands that urban design requires an interdisciplinary team. He has become a national media figure informing readers not just about the form and function of projects, but also the roles various design professionals play in creating these spaces.

Clare Cooper Marcus, Professor Emerita, University of California, Berkeley.
Marcus is internationally recognized for her pioneering research on the psychological and sociological aspects of design, particularly urban open space. Her work, including 25 years at the University of California, has influenced generations of landscape architects.

The Honorable Doris Matsui, U.S. Representative (California)
Representative Matsui has staunchly supported the landscape architecture profession since her election in 2005. She has authored two key bills central to the profession: the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2009, which requires planning bodies to incorporate green infrastructure into federal transportation projects, and The Energy Conservation through Trees Act, which would establish a grant program to encourage the planting of shade trees.

Mark Munley, Affiliate ASLA, Principal, Megawatt Energy Systems
In his former role as vice president of Firestone Building Products, Munley demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ASLA and landscape architecture for many years. He shares the profession’s mission of environmental stewardship, both professionally and personally, directly involving landscape architects in the product development process to create new options for sustainable design solutions.

The Honorable Robert Peck, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration
As head of the agency responsible for more than 350 million square feet of government space, Peck demonstrates a commitment to design excellence and the role of landscape architecture in the public realm. Because of his work, landscape architects have become equal players in the collaborative design process for federal projects.

Roy Schaller Rood, Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association
As a founding member of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, Rood laid the foundation of an allied association that continues to support ASLA’s mission of balancing the built and natural environments. Now in his 90s, Rood is revered as one of the early leaders of the landscape industry in Florida.

For nomination information and high-res images, visit:
http://www.asla.org/NewsReleaseDetails.aspx?id=28728

About ASLA

Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 16,000 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. The Society's mission is to lead, to educate and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. Members of the Society use their “ASLA” suffix after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more about landscape architecture online at www.asla.org.


Contact:

Jim Lapides
American Society of Landscape Architects
(202) 216-2371
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