ASLA UTAH OCTOBER 2026 NEWSLETTER

LEADERSHIP EXPRESS

Devon Dillinger, ASLA Utah President

**Hello Utah ASLA!**

It is hard to believe we are already nearing the end of October! There has been quite a bit happening within our Chapter, and I wanted to take a moment to share some of the things we have been discussing and working toward.

Last week, I attended the ULI Utah Trends Conference in Salt Lake City, where much of the conversation focused on Utah’s continued growth, changing demographics, housing, transportation, and the future of our communities. As I listened to the presentations, I kept thinking about how much of this relates directly to landscape architecture. We have an important role to play in shaping how our communities grow, from our parks and public spaces to water conservation, urban forestry, and the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods. However, I also think we have opportunities to do more to make sure our profession is part of these conversations.

That ties into some of the work happening within our Chapter. Our Executive Committee continues to discuss advocacy efforts related to professional licensing, state policies, and opportunities to engage with local governments and other professional organizations. These efforts are not always the most visible part of what ASLA does, but they are important to protecting and advancing our profession here in Utah.

Looking ahead, we have some great Chapter activities coming up. On Thursday, November 19th, we have our Lightning Talks event at LOCI, with the theme “Things Not Related to Landscape Architecture, Until They Are”; Then, on Thursday, December 17th, we will join for a little friendly competition with ASLA, APA and AIA for Trivia Night at Denton House. These events are great opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, meet new people, and enjoy some time together outside our day-to-day work.

I also want to recognize the many volunteers and committee members who continue to work behind the scenes on membership, student engagement, climate action, historic preservation, professional development, and Chapter events. There is a lot of work involved in keeping our Chapter active, and I appreciate the time and energy everyone contributes.

As we look ahead to 2027, I would love to hear from our members about where you think ASLA Utah should be focusing its efforts. Are there issues affecting your practice, opportunities for collaboration, or things you would like to see our Chapter do differently? Please do not hesitate to reach out. Your ideas and involvement are what help make this organization valuable.

I hope to see many of you at an upcoming Chapter event!

UPCOMING EVENTS

**THIRD THURSDAY**

**LIGHTENING TALKS hosted by LOCI**
**WHERE: 859 S 800 E, Salt Lake WHEN:Thurs,Nov. 19th, 6:00pm**
**REGISTER HERE**

Investing in the Future of Landscape Architecture in Utah

Advocacy doesn't happen on its own. It requires a strong voice, strategic relationships, and the resources necessary to protect and advance our profession.

The ASLA Utah Chapter is committed to ensuring that landscape architects are represented in legislative and regulatory discussions that impact our work, our businesses, and the communities we serve. Effective advocacy helps preserve professional licensure, strengthen recognition of the profession, and ensure landscape architects have a seat at the table when important decisions are being made across Utah.

To support these efforts, the Chapter is expanding opportunities for firms and organizations to invest directly in advocacy. In addition to our longstanding Corporate Partner sponsorship, we are introducing two enhanced levels of support: Advocacy Partner and the Utah Landscape Architect Advocacy Board. We’re grateful to the firms who have already committed as Advocacy Board members and Partners, and we need more to strengthen our advocacy impact.

Recent discussions with state policymakers have focused on increasing landscape architects' involvement in public projects, particularly where site planning, irrigation design, and water conservation are critical considerations. These conversations continue to reinforce the importance of educating decision-makers about the value landscape architects bring to the planning, design, and stewardship of Utah's built and natural environments.

Participating firms will have opportunities to engage in advocacy discussions, connect directly with the Chapter's lobbyist, and help inform conversations on issues affecting the profession. These partnerships provide a meaningful way to stay informed, contribute to the Chapter's advocacy priorities, and help strengthen the profession's voice at the state level.

Simply put, your financial support makes advocacy possible. By investing in these efforts, your firm helps fund the work necessary to protect, promote, and advance landscape architecture throughout Utah. Together, we can ensure that landscape architects continue to have a strong voice in shaping policies, projects, and communities across our state.

Please review the attached sponsorship information for partnership levels, benefits, and participation details. Questions? Want to become an Advocacy Partner Contact: Bryce Ward, ASLA Utah Treasurer at wardwb@gmail.com or Jenny Sonntag, Executive Director at uaslaexecutivedirector@gmail.com.

Thank you for supporting the future of landscape architecture in Utah. ASLA Utah Executive Committee

Park(ing) Day Recap

McKenna Montgomery, VP of Visibility and Public Affairs

Its that time of the year! With colder weather and winter just around the corner, ASLA Utah was excited to highlight the green spaces that bring us so much joy and advocate for more creative and contextually relevant open space opportunities. Every year on the 3rd Friday of September, ASLA Utah embraces the movement called PARK(ING) DAY! This global event repurposes two parking stalls into a mini park for the day, providing a much needed contrast from the harsh reality of our parking lots and how much space of our public realm they consume!

This year we teamed up with Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP), Landscape Forms, Progressive Plants, and SynLawn to complete our transformation from asphalt to lush park setting. We set up our “park” in the heart of bustling downtown Salt Lake with lawn games, sidewalk chalk and a varitety of native plants to educate passerby of the importance of planting native species.

The weather was perfect and we have many people stop by, to draw, play games and hear about the importance of Landscape Architecture. Thank you to everyone who helped make Parking Day 2026 a success! Looking forward to Parking Day 2027!

**https://qanr.usu.edu/laep/extension/design-charette**

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2026 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

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