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WASLA Board of Directors
President
Mike Faulkner, ASLA
President Elect
Rachel Gleeson, ASLA
Trustee
Tim Slazinik, ASLA
Treasurer
Su Wanqin, ASLA
Member at Large
Cresha Wee, ASLA
Member at Large, Eastern WA
Dan Cronan, ASLA
Member at Large, Western WA
Rhiannon Neuville, ASLA
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Hello WASLA Members,
As we close out the year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the severe weather many communities across Washington are experiencing. With flooding, landslides, and dangerous travel conditions affecting regions across the state—and a national emergency now declared—I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and dry. Please take care and check in on those around you as we weather this together.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that the Call for Educational Session Proposals for the 2026 WASLA Conference is now live! The conference will take place May 7–8 at the Tacoma Marriott Downtown, and we’re inviting session proposals from members and partners statewide. Proposals are due Friday, February 13th. This is a great opportunity to share your work, ideas, and insights with our professional community—so start thinking ahead, and we hope to hear from many of you.
As the holidays approach, I hope you’re able to find some time to rest and recharge. Whether that means enjoying a quiet moment with family, stepping away from project deadlines, or getting outside for some fresh air.
Wishing you all a safe, and peaceful holiday season.
Mike Faulkner
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2026 WASLA Annual Conference Call for Educational Session Proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference
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The Washington Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (WASLA) is issuing a Call for Educational Session Proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference, themed Reclaim.
The conference will be held May 7 & 8, 2026 at the Tacoma Marriott Downtown.
RECLAIM invites us to look closely at the landscapes shaped by industry, time, and change—and to consider how they can be revived, restored, and reimagined for the public good. Tacoma’s evolution from working waterfronts and rail corridors into beloved parks, restored shorelines, and cultural landscapes illustrates the power of design to reconnect people with place. As landscape architects, we accept the responsibility to heal damaged land, elevate local stories, and transform forgotten edges into meaningful public spaces. RECLAIM calls us to this ongoing work, celebrating the creativity and commitment that shape more resilient communities.
We are seeking energized speakers in a variety of formats:
- Panel discussions with moderators
- Roundtables
- Presentations/lectures with Q&A
- Design conversations
- Walking tours* (subject to feasibility)
Submissions:
Session Details:
- Length: 60 minutes (50 minutes presentation/workshop + 10 minutes Q&A)
- Audience: Approximately 200 engaged attendees
2026 Conference Theme: Reclaim
Building on Tacoma’s example, this year’s theme encourages proposals that explore:
- Techniques for restoring ecological health and repairing impacted land
- Adaptive reuse that honors history while creating vibrant new uses
- Approaches that foster stewardship, equity, and lasting community connections
Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES):
WASLA is an approved LA CES provider. We will assist presenters in meeting LA CES requirements and registering sessions on the national database.
Conference Registration for Presenters:
All presenters must register for the conference as either "speaker only" (free) or full-conference attendees. Lead presenters will receive further instructions upon selection.
Questions?
Contact us at [email protected] or 360.867.8820.
We look forward to receiving your proposals!
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Calling all sponsors!!!
We are happy to announce that we will have THREE events in 2026!!
- The 2026 Annual Spring Conference (Yes, our annual conference is back!)
- May 7th and 8th at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown
- The theme for the 2026 conference is Reclaim
- The 2026 WASLA Field Day
- Dates TBA – We are hoping to hold the event in late July or early August
- Location: The U District
- The 2026 Annual WASLA Awards
- Wednesday, October 21st at the Georgetown Ballroom
Interested in sponsoring WASLA? Read more about our options!
A huge thank you to Great Western Recreation, Northwest Playground, PlayCreation, Allplay Systems, Highwire, Tournesol Siteworks, Maglin Site Furniture, Basalite Concrete Products for already signing up for 2026!
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As everyone knows, landscape architects enjoy a good party. On December 4th, scores of WASLA members and affiliates gathered for a festive winter social in the offices of HBB Landscape Architecture (https://hbbseattle.com/), in Seattle.
Sponsored by Maglin Site Furniture (https://www.maglin.com/) and PLS (https://www.plswa.com/), the social was a chance to reconnect with the landscape community and hear what everyone has been up to in 2025.
Thanks to everyone who attended, and special thanks to the organizers, hosts, and sponsors!
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Northwest Playground hosts a December Virtual CEU!
As the year wraps up, join NW Playground for Designing Cross-Generational Parks, a December CEU focused on creating public spaces that truly serve every generation. Led by industry expert Mara Kaplan, this session unpacks research from Australia and pairs it with practical, real-world design strategies to help parks become vibrant destinations for all ages. From toddlers to teens, active adults to older adults, you’ll learn how intentional design choices can motivate people to visit, stay longer, move more, and genuinely connect with their community. This course is ideal for anyone looking to create parks that inspire belonging, support well-being, and bring generations together.
Date: Thursday, December 18th
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (PST)
LA CES - 1.0 PDH
Learn more and register here!
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Members now have access to free monthly PDH live webinars and recordings via ASLA Online Learning. | Read More
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A very warm welcome to our new and renewing WASLA Members:
Aubrey Weeks | Colin Owen | Kim Jacobs | Kristen Lohse
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Interested in becoming a member?
Learn more about benefits of membership.
Join today!
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Looking for the perfect job candidate?
Did you know that you can create a new job listing online on the WASLA website?
All job postings appear on the WASLA website AND are included in WASLA's monthly newsletter that goes out to over 2,000 subscribers!
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- December 18 - December Virtual CEU: Register
- May 7 & 8 - 2026 WASLA Conference - More info coming soon!
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Click here to view all upcoming WASLA and affiliate events.
Do you have an upcoming event or continuing education opportunity you'd like to share? Click here to share.
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