Newsletter

    Print
    February 2020  

    2020 OCASLA Strategic Planning Meeting

    The Ohio Chapter ASLA Board of Directors met on Friday, January 31st at the CML Dublin Branch for a day filled with discussing how to add even more value to our members and sponsors, promote initiatives that are important to the landscape architects of Ohio, and ways engage the future of our profession while in school. We are very excited and cannot wait for what 2020 has in store for the Ohio Chapter ASLA. 

    Back to top

    2020 OCASLA Annual Meeting + Expo

    Join the Ohio Chapter of ASLA on Friday, May 15th at The Exchange at Bridge Park for one of the biggest Chapter gatherings of the year. 

    This year's meeting offers 3 Sessions and 1 Tour that are worth 6 HSW LACES CEUs. Our Vendor EXPO will be available to all registrants throughout the day, so come see what new products they are offering for 2020!

    Click here to register!

    Early Bird Fees (ends 03/06/2020)

    • Member Ticket - Full Day $160  - Full Day without Tour $135 - Half Day $85
    • Non-Member Ticket - Full Day $225 – Full Day without Tour $200 – Half Day $150
    • Allied ASLA Member Ticket - Full Day $160  - Full Day without Tour $135 - Half Day $85
    • SCASLA Member Ticket - Full Day $35 - Half Day $30
    • Non-SCASLA Member Ticket - Full Day $45 - Half Day $40

    **Tickets May NOT Be Purchased at the Door & NO Refunds are Accepted.

    See who's already signed up!

     

    2020 Annual Meeting Agenda (6 HSW LACES CEUs) 

    Agenda is subject to change, please check back for final schedule.

    • 7:15am – 8:00am            Registration / Continental Breakfast
    • 8:00am – 8:15am            Welcome + President’s Message – Chris Laster
    • 8:15am – 9:45am            Session #1: Kimberly Garza – Atlas Labs (1.5 CEUs)
    • 9:45am – 10:30am          Break + Vendor Expo
    • 10:30am – 12:00pm        Session #2: Claire Agre – Unknown Studio (1.5 CEUs)
    • 12:00pm – 1:15pm          Lunch + Vendor Expo
    • 1:15pm – 2:15pm            Session #3: Chris Bongorno + Tom Brown – Nelson/Nygard (1.0 CEU)
    • 2:15pm – 3:00pm            Break + Vendor Expo
    • 3:00pm – 5:00pm            Session #4: Tony Murry – NBBJ | CML Dublin Branch (2.0 CEUs)
    • 5:00pm – onward             Happy Hour Vaso Rooftop Bar (Bridge Park)

    PLEASE NOTE:

    • Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes, the final session for the day is a walking tour.
    • Tickets may NOT be purchased at the door and NO Refunds are accepted.

     

    2020 Annual Meeting Sessions + Speakers Bios

    Educational Session #1 
    SPEAKER | Kimberly Garza, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP
    Founder and Principal of Atlas Labs

    Educational Session #2
    SPEAKER | Claire Agre, ASLA, PLA
    Co-Founder and Principal of Unknown Studio

     

    Educational Session #3
    SPEAKERS | Thomas Brown, Principal & Christopher Bongorno, Senior Associate 
    Nelson/Nygaard

     

    Educational Session #4
    SPEAKER | Tony Murry, ASLA, PLA 
    Senior Associate at NBBJ Design

     

    2020 OCASLA Vendor EXPO Registration

    • OCASLA Platinum and Gold Sponsor EXPO Table | FREE* (Includes 1 Lunch)
    • Vendor EXPO Table | $550 (Includes 1 Lunch)
    • Vendor EXPO Lunch | $30 (Additional Lunches for Additional Vendor Guests) 

    *Vendor Table is included in Platinum and Gold sponsorships ONLY. Silver sponsors must pay the non-sponsor rate. See the Sponsorship Flyer for more details.

    Click here to register for EXPO table!

    Contact [email protected] with any questions or special setup requirements.

     

    Student Portfolio Table

    Are you looking for summer internship students? Or better yet full-time employment opportunities for an entry-level position?

    OCASLA in conjunction with OSU, KSU, and UC will have a student portfolio table as well as a job postings table and board.

     

    Back to top

    2020 OCASLA Statehouse Day

    The Ohio Chapter of ASLA will be hosting its fifth annual In-State Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday, April 1st, 2020. See our tentative schedule below!

    We will be modeling our day based on the national ASLA Advocacy Day held in Washington D.C. each year. Please take a moment to let us know if you are interested in participating. We need your help!

    We have had many issues in Ohio to discuss with our state legislators, from water quality issues in the Toledo area, to our relationship with the Ohio Landscape Architects Board and the recently enacted Reform of Occupational Licensing / Sunset Review Law SB255

    Please Sign-Up today! Contact us with questions at [email protected]

     

    Statehouse Day Schedule:

    2019 OCASLA Statehouse Day -- Wednesday, April 1st

    Location(s): Ohio Statehouse/Ladies' Gallery/1st Floor

    Member Cost: Free; Members Only

    Agenda: (Meet at Ohio Statehouse/Ladies' Gallery for Check-In)

    1:00-1:15pm   Check-In and Registration

    1:15-1:30pm   Welcome + Ohio Legislative Update  Doug Boyer, VP of Legislative Affairs

    1:30-2:00pm   ASLA National Issues Summary  Eugenia Martin, VP of Government Affairs

    2:00-2:15pm   Guest Speaker  TBD

    2:15-2:45pm   How to talk with your Legislators?  Luther Liggett, Esq.

    2:45-3:00pm   Group Picture in Statehouse

    3:00-4:00pm   Legislative Visits  5 person maximum sign-up to each

    4:00-6:00pm   Reception  Bar 41, Renaissance Hotel

     

    Advocacy Day Links:

    iAdvocate Network - www.asla.org/IAdvocate

    Landscape Architecture Licensure in the US

    Notes and Numbers Fact Sheet

    Tips for a Successful Meeting

    Guide to Interacting with your Legislators

    Back to top

    Western Reserve: Winter Social

    Shake off those winter blues and join fellow ASLA'ers, friends and family for a night of food, drink, and shuffleboarding!

    OCASLA Western Reserve Section's annual winter social will be held at Forest City Shuffleboard in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood on Friday, February 21st from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

    The event will be catered by Twisted Taino and drink tickets will be provided for participating guests. No prior shuffleboard experience is necessary. Said experience may or may not be enhanced by aformentioned drinks. Regardless, everyone comes out a winner!

    Please feel free to invite a friend (or two), catch up with colleagues, and connect with new and prospective members.

    Registration for the festivities is $20 for members and $30 for non-members.

    Click HERE to Register today!

    Back to top

    Miami: Taking Root Event - 7th Annual Great Tree Summit

    Join us for the 2020 Great Tree Summit at Camp Friedlander near Loveland, Ohio. Learn about local tree and forest initiatives and opportunities that may inspire you and gather new insights for keeping more of the trees we have. There will be great discussion, a silent auction, exhibits, awards, networking and light refreshments!

    Keynote Presentation:
    PRESERVATION OF EXISTING TREES
    by Dr. William M. Fountain, Ph.D.
     
      
     
    Dr. William (Bill) M. Fountain is an Extension Professor in the Department of Horticulture at The University of Kentucky.  Dr. William (Bill) M. Fountain is an Extension Professor in the Department of Horticulture at The University of Kentucky.

    Bill joined the faculty in the Department of Horticulture in July 1979 and is currently professor of Arboriculture with an Extension appointment. He's involved in working with the Kentucky Chapter of ISA (a.k.a. Kentucky Arborists' Association) to provide educational programs on identification & selection, installation and maintenance, tree risk assessment and mitigation of problems and working with county Extension agents in training Master Gardeners, identification of plants, and identification of cultural and pest problems in their counties..

    He's served on ISA boards, traveled extensively overseas to provide training and to learn new practices, and been heavily involved in youth horticulture programming.

    Bill is a self-proclaimed tree-hugger and a soil worshiper who acknowledges that we are here on earth as guests of the plant kingdom. "Ahhhh, so many plants, so little time!".

    AGENDA
      9:00     Welcome and Taking Root Updates
      9:15     Tree Stewardship at Camp Friedlander
      9:30     Keynote: Preservation of Existing Trees
    10:15     Tree Management under Utility Wires
    10:45     Break / Exhibits, Networking, Auction Bids
    11:00     Awards Presentation
    11:10     Local Tree and Forest Initiatives 
                  Friends of Little Miami State Park
                  Good Natured Tree Project
                  Make a Difference Day 
                  Ohio Valley Forestry Fellowship
                  Ohio Native Plant Month
                  Open Discussion
    12:15    Closing and Silent Auction Award Winners
    12:30    Options: Camp Tour & Demo of Tree Planting
    Click here to Register.

    Back to top

    Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan: Public Open House

    Let's Talk Trees!

    Trees are critical to a healthy, vibrant community. Columbus is facing rapid growth and a changing climate over the coming years. How will we maintain and increase our tree canopy in light of these urban challenges?


    Come engage with us and learn about the impact of trees in Columbus. Tell us what you would like to see in your neighborhood!


    All input will be used to develop a long-term Urban Forestry Master Plan to care for our tree canopy for years to come!

    Please RSVP at https://www.columbusufmp.org/updates.html

     

    When:

    March 04, 2020
    6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

     

    Where:

    WYANDOT LODGE
    3228 INDIAN VILLAGE ROAD
    Columbus, OH 43221

    Back to top

    Simple + Sustainable Landscapes, Go Native in Your Yard

    The Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting a seminar titled "Simple & Sustainable Landscapes, Go Native In Your Yard" on Saturday, March 7, 2020. We are featuring presentations from five of the area's top experts in the field (or should we say garden?) A continental breakfast and box lunch are included. Registration deadline is March 1, 2020. Anyone who loves to garden is encouraged to attend!

    Sustainability in landscaping integrates environmentally sound gardening practices as part of design, installations and maintenance with little or no additional support beyond minimal water, fertilizer and seasonal care.

    Presenters inlcude:
    Pam Bennett – OSU Clark Co. Extension Educator 
    Hal Mann – Wild Ones Oak Openings Region
    Chris Gajewicz – BG Natural Resources Coordinator
    Karen Himelhan and Dave Sheidler of North Branch Nursery, Pemberville, OH

    MGV CE = 4 hours

    Cost: $40.00 (continental breakfast and box lunch included)

    Registration via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/simple-sustainable-landscapes-seminar-tickets-85296557299?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

    When:
    March 07, 2020
    9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

    Where:

    Back to top

    Miami | Cincinnati Zoo + Botanical Gardens Event: Sustainable Urban Landscape Symposium

    Sustainable Urban Landscape Symposium
    Including Landscape Elements That Innately Support Our Human Nature: 9:00AM-9:50AM
    Scott Beuerlein, Manager of Horticultural Outreach Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
    Success Stories in Storm Water Retention & Beyond at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: 9:50AM-10:40AM
    Mark Fisher, Vice President of Facilities, Planning, & Sustainability Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
    Cold Climate Cities and Successful Green Infrastructure Solutions...
    Peter MacDonagh, Director of Science & Design, The Kestrel Group, Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Part 1: Steep Slopes, Green Roofs, Rain Gardens 11:10AM-12:00PM
    Part 2: Shoreline Stabilization & Urban Forests 1:00PM-1:50PM
    Top 5 Gardening Trends: 1:50PM-2:40PM
    Joe Boggs, Assistant Professor OSU Extension Hamilton County and OSU Entomology
    Success Stories in Plant Introductions: 3:10PM-4:00PM
    Steve Foltz, Director of Horticulture Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
    One More Talk, Title TBA, Speaker TBA, 4:00PM_4:50PM

    Social Hour

    Enjoy social time with other attendees and speakers. Cash bar.

     

    TICKETS

    https://store.cincinnatizoo.org/webstore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=hort&C=suls20

    Back to top

    ASLA National: Update

    ASLA National News: January 31st, 2020

    Click HERE to download the latest news from ASLA National.

    Back to top

    Jobs

    OCASLA will update monthly any new job postings throughout the state of Ohio.

    Please click here to current postings.

    Back to top

    Classified Ads

    :

    Landscape Architect

    Full Time Professional
    Salary Range:$63,000.00 To $80,000.00 Annually

    Please see the job description for the complete overview of this position, including summary, essential functions, physical requirements, education/ qualification requirements, knowledge, skills, and additional notes.

    Summary

    Mill Creek MetroParks is seeking a Park Planner with expertise in Landscape Architecture to join our team. In this role, you will assist with creating and executing long-term and annual plans while managing and supporting all phases of project design, bidding, budgeting, and implementation, including supervising contractors and internal staff on multiple improvement projects.

    Who you are!

    • Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture 
    • Seasoned project manager with experience leading capital and infrastructure projects from planning and design through bidding, construction, and closeout
    • End-to-end project delivery expertise, including cost estimating, construction documents, contract administration, inspections, payroll and prevailing wage compliance
    • Strong collaborator and coordinator, skilled in managing consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders to achieve consensus and compliance
    • Strategic planner with experience in master planning, capital planning, grant writing, and administration of grant-funded projects
    • Technically proficient communicator, able to develop presentation-quality graphics, reports, and public presentations using industry-standard design and planning tools

    What we offer!

    • OPERS Pension with employer contribution
    • Optional Deferred Compensation
    • Medical, dental, vision, and accident benefits
    • Life insurance policy
    • 13 paid holidays
    • Paid vacation, sick, and personal time

    Who we are!

    Mill Creek Park was established in 1891 by Volney Rogers as the first park district in Ohio. The mission of Mill Creek MetroParks is to provide park, recreational, educational, and open space facilities of regional significance. In fulfilling this mission, our objectives are:

    • To be responsive to community needs
    • To be environmentally sound
    • To be adaptable
    • To be economically feasible

    APPLY HERE

    :

    We are currently seeking a creative and motivated Landscape Technical Manager to join our team in the Columbus, Ohio office. This individual will have the opportunity to work in a team-oriented environment with the chance to collaborate with EDGE team members across all offices. The ideal candidate will lead the technical development of projects from design through construction, elevating the quality, constructability, and innovation of EDGE’s work while mentoring the next generation of landscape architects.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Lead projects from Design Development through Construction Administration.
    • Oversee construction documentation, details, specifications, and Quality Control.
    • Navigate permitting, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and manage tight budgets and schedules.
    • Mentor staff by providing technical guidance, professional development support, and constructive feedback.
    • Conduct site observations and address construction challenges.
    • Contribute to internal technical knowledge-sharing and documentation standards.

    Desired Skills & Experience:

    • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture or Engineering.
    • 8+ years of professional experience in landscape architecture or related field.
    • Strong technical skills in detailing, grading, stormwater management, materials selection, and specification writing.
    • Experience in construction administration (RFIs, submittals, site observations).
    • Proficiency in AutoCAD is required.  Exposure to or familiarity with Revit, especially in a collaborative BIM environment, is an asset.
    • Experience with public realm or infrastructure projects, especially those with permitting and agency coordination.
    • Demonstrated mentorship capability and strong communication skills.

    If you’re passionate about collaborating with other design professionals to explore the boundless potential of outdoor environments, we’d love to hear from you! Please email resume and portfolio to: [email protected]

    :

    Landscape architectural firm seeking qualified landscape designer to work with senior landscape architects to develop design, site plans, specifications and costs for land development. Prepare graphic representations and models of plans using computer aided design and drafting (CADD) software. Knowledge of Rhino and ArcGIS.  Fwd. resumes to: [email protected] or by mail to: MKSK, Inc., Attn: Thomas Porto, 462 S. Ludlow Street, Columbus, OH 43215.

    2026-01-16:

    Parks Development Coordinator

    Salary

    $64,397.01 - $93,375.57 Annually

    Location 

    3600 Tremont Road
    Upper Arlington, OH 43221
    Bob Crane Community Center, OH

    Job Type

    Regular, Full-Time

    Job Number

    PR-2026PPC

    Department

    Parks & Recreation

    Opening Date

    03/23/2026

    Closing Date

    4/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

    Description

    • Upper Arlington Parks & Rec is seeking a Parks Project Coordinator to join our team. This position will play an important role in helping manage a variety of construction and renovation projects. It will work closely with City Staff, Contractors and Design Professionals to ensure that work meets project goals, as well as budgetary and schedule requirements. Examples of planned projects include updates to paths, playgrounds, pools and shelters as well as larger scale park renovations.

      JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
      As part of the Parks and Recreation team, reporting directly to the Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, this position will focus directly on the administration of parks and facility construction and renovation projects.  Responsibilities will include management of project schedules, bidding and award contracts, verifying payment applications, preparing change orders, contract administration and supervision, monitoring project budgets and assisting with public meetings.

      The City of Upper Arlington is an equal opportunity employer, striving to foster an equitable and inclusive work environment.

    Examples of Duties

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  For purposes of 42 USC 12101:

    • Develop and implement the department capital improvement plan including but not limited to parks, facilities, public lands, playgrounds, athletic fields, shelter houses, bikeways, nature trails, art facilities, and specialized facilities.
    • Administers capital improvement projects including selection and management of design consultants (e.g., prepares technical proposals for statement of qualifications, consultant selection process, manages technical design process), construction bidding process (e.g., evaluates construction bids; recommends to City Council award of contracts; develops contracts), construction management (e.g., schedules and conducts project meetings with contractors; recommends to Council construction project design changes and change orders; provides approval of all contractor pay requests; administers budget; conducts design and plan review; approves consultant pay requests; prepares and evaluates proposals and contracts for consultant services).
    • Assists the Deputy Director in the development and implementation of long-range goals and objectives for the Department incorporating the department's vision, mission and recommendations and action plan from the department's comprehensive plan and any additional guiding documents.
    • Conducts highly responsible professional, technical, and administrative work researching, developing, and monitoring state, local, federal, corporate, and foundation grants; develops a schedule of programs, projects, and activities to obtain grant funding; prepares grant applications and coordinates a wide variety of special projects from inception through completion.
    • Oversees designated areas and projects to enhance department operations and service to the community; establishes, implements and monitors operating standards for optimal and consistent service delivery.
    • Maintains licenses and certifications as required, if any.
    • Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
    • Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

    OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Performs other duties as required. (5%)

    Typical Qualifications

    • QUALIFICATIONS
      Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school and one (1) to two (2) years progressively responsible related experience; or any combination of training, education, or experience which provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

      LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
      Valid State of Ohio Driver's License and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy.

    Supplemental Information

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (* indicates developed after employment).

    Knowledge of:

    • Applicable laws, regulations, City policies, procedures, and requirements including Ohio Ethics law and Public Records law. 
    • Recreation trends and best practices.
    • Workplace safety. 
    • Budgeting
    • Government structure and process. 
    • Construction management; 
    • Community resources and services; 
    • Marketing; 
    • Public relations; 
    • Supervisory principles and practices; 
    • Project management; 
    • Grant administration; 
    • Local geographic area.

    Skill in:

    • Computer operation; 
    • Use of modern office equipment; 
    • Motor vehicle operation; 
    • Use of engineering tools/equipment; 
    • Use of surveying tools/equipment; 
    • Computer aided design (CAD) equipment and/or Geographical Information System (GIS).

    Ability to:

    • Carry out detailed but basic written or oral instructions;
    • Interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or schedule form; 
    • Deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context; 
    • Apply management principles to solve problems; 
    • Exercise independent judgement and discretion; 
    • Compile and prepare reports; 
    • Rain or instruct others; 
    • Respond to routine inquiries from public and/or officials; 
    • Prepare and deliver a speeches and presentations; 
    • Communicate effectively; 
    • Understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications;
    • Develop and maintain effective working relationships; 
    • Handle sensitive inquiries and contacts with officials and general public; 
    • Resolve complaints; 
    • Travel to and gain access to work site.

    EQUIPMENT USED:
    The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

    Standard business office equipment, motor vehicle, engineering hand/power tools/equipment, surveyor tools/equipment.

    INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONSThe employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); is exposed to possible injury from unclean or unsanitary conditions; works with moving mechanical parts of equipment of machines; ascends scaffolds/ladders; works in or around crowds; occasionally lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries objects 25 lbs. or less.

    Note:  In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered sedentary work.

    CITY VALUES:

    Incumbent must model the following established city values: Teamwork/Collaboration, Integrity, Service, Leadership, Communication, Growth, Professionalism & Ethics.


    See Official Posting HERE For more information, including Benefits and Questions.

    :

    Landscape Designer (Cleveland, Ohio) Landscape architectural firm seeking qualified landscape designer to work with senior landscape architects to develop design, site plans, specifications and costs for land development. Prepare graphic representations and models of plans using computer aided design and drafting (CADD) software. Knowledge of Rhino and ArcGIS.  Fwd. resumes to: [email protected] or by mail to: MKSK, Inc., Attn: Thomas Porto, 462 S. Ludlow Street, Columbus, OH 43215.

    Back to top