Career Pathways Spotlight: Melanie Buffa, ASLA
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Melanie Buffa will share insights from her career journey and her role as President of the Southern California ASLA Chapter, reflecting on how leadership, service, and advocacy have shaped her path.
In this Lunch & Learn, Melanie will talk about navigating career shifts, stepping into leadership before feeling “fully ready,” and how getting involved beyond your day-to-day role can open unexpected opportunities. Attendees will leave with practical perspective on building confidence, expanding influence, and finding alignment between values and professional impact.
Register to Access Zoom Details

Life In The Time of Ice: Be Prepared (A Webinar Series)
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Life In The Time of Ice: Be Prepared
February 26 – 1st of 4 Webinars
In to the recent increase in immigration enforcement activities, the Illinois, New York Upstate and Northern CA ASLA chapters in partnership with El Merequetenque (the network of Latin American landscape architects and designers), Terremoto Topophyla Landscape Architecture, and CROW landscapes, are planning a series of webinars. | Learn More Here

AIA Pasadena & Foothill 2026 Rebuild Design Awards
2026-02-27 | CA
The AIA Pasadena & Foothill (AIAPF) 2026 Rebuild Design Awards focus on rebuilding efforts following the January 2025 wildfires in the region. Entries are open to architects, engineers, contractors, and students for projects in affected areas like Altadena, Malibu, and Pasadena, with a focus on resilient, sustainable design. Learn More Here
Project Submissions Due: February 27

LARE 4: Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management (Part 1)
2026-02-27 12:00 - 2026-02-28 17:00 | UCLA Extension’s LARE Virtual Prep Courses
Review and preparation course for the Landscape Architects Registration Exam (LARE). LARE 4 – Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management.
Note: This is a 2-day course
Register Here

Passing the Landscape Architects Registration Exam (LARE) is the final step to becoming a licensed Landscape Architect. Studying for the LARE can be confusing and stressful, but UCLA Extension’s highly regarded program provides exceptional preparation for all areas of the exam.
Each prep course is designed to focus specifically on the LARE exam you are planning to take. You can expect full-day classes filled with exam practice, tips for studying, study materials to practice on your own, and an opportunity to engage with the instructor and other students. Our workshops are intense, focused, and can help you meet your goal of licensure.
Taught by nationally recognized LARE Prep instructor Angela Woodward, our convenient one- or two-day weekend workshops are available live online in Fall and Winter quarters.

LARE 4: Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management (Part 2)
2026-02-28 08:00 - 17:00 | UCLA Extension’s LARE Virtual Prep Courses
Review and preparation course for the Landscape Architects Registration Exam (LARE). LARE 4 – Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management.
Note: Part 2 of a 2-day course
Register Here

Passing the Landscape Architects Registration Exam (LARE) is the final step to becoming a licensed Landscape Architect. Studying for the LARE can be confusing and stressful, but UCLA Extension’s highly regarded program provides exceptional preparation for all areas of the exam.
Each prep course is designed to focus specifically on the LARE exam you are planning to take. You can expect full-day classes filled with exam practice, tips for studying, study materials to practice on your own, and an opportunity to engage with the instructor and other students. Our workshops are intense, focused, and can help you meet your goal of licensure.
Taught by nationally recognized LARE Prep instructor Angela Woodward, our convenient one- or two-day weekend workshops are available live online in Fall and Winter quarters.

LARE 3: Construction Documentation and Administration
2026-03-01 08:00 - 17:00 | UCLA Extension’s LARE Virtual Prep Courses
This course helps students review and prepare for the Landscape Architects Registration Exam (LARE). It covers LARE 3 – Construction Documentation and Administration.
Register Here

Passing the Landscape Architects Registration Exam (LARE) is the final step to becoming a licensed Landscape Architect. Studying for the LARE can be confusing and stressful, but UCLA Extension’s highly regarded program provides exceptional preparation for all areas of the exam.
Each prep course is designed to focus specifically on the LARE exam you are planning to take. You can expect full-day classes filled with exam practice, tips for studying, study materials to practice on your own, and an opportunity to engage with the instructor and other students. Our workshops are intense, focused, and can help you meet your goal of licensure.
Taught by nationally recognized LARE Prep instructor Angela Woodward, our convenient one- or two-day weekend workshops are available live online in Fall and Winter quarters.

March/ April Executive Committee Meeting
2026-03-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Virtual
Monthly business meeting of the SoCal leadership

Rebuild Design Awards 2026
2026-03-28 13:00 - 15:00 | CA

Happy Passover
2026-04-01 | CA
Screenshot

World Landscape Architecture Month
2026-04-01 | CA

Happy Easter
2026-04-05 | CA

Sourcing Sustainable and Ethical Materials - A Webinar
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Jessie Buckmaster has over 15 years of experience in sustainable commercial construction and green building across California. She is a subject matter expert in evaluating healthy and low embodied carbon building materials. As Director of Sustainability for Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction she provides sustainability expertise and consultation for HDCCOo’s projects from preconstruction through certification. Jessie has completed dozens of sustainable projects including managing the Materials petal for the first Living Building in Southern California. Jessie was selected for BD+C Magazine’s 40 under 40 cohort in 2020. She has a Sustainable Building Materials certificate from ParssonsThe New School Healthy Materials Lab and holds credentials for LEED AP BD+C, LFA, and is Board Vice Chair for USGBC-CA.
Zoom Meeting Details
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Free to ASLA Members
$10 for Non Members Here

Countdown to Conference Tailgate at Urban Arena
2026-04-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Urban Arena, 3195 Red Hill Ave, Loft F, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Join us for a series of casual mixers leading up to the ASLA 2026 Conference.Food & Drinks Provided!!
Register here:
https://www.div32.com/event-details/countdown-to-conference-orange-county

Countdown to Conference Tailgate At HKLA
2026-05-05 17:30 - 19:30 | HKLA, 714 W Olympic Blvd # 800, Los Angeles, 90015, United States
Join us for a series of casual mixers leading up to the ASLA 2026 Conference.
Food & Drinks Provided!!
RSVP:
https://www.div32.com/event-details/countdown-to-conference-los-angeles

Happy Mother's Day
2026-05-10 | CA

May ExCom Meeting
2026-05-13 17:30 - 19:00 | CA
Monthly Business Meeting of the Chapter’s Executive committee

Fairmount Park Tour - SoCal Emerging Professionals
2026-05-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Izaak Walton Building, 2710 Dexter Drive, Riverside, CA
Step into the past at Fairmount Park, one of the few public parks designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers in Southern California. Discover how to plan for a 28-acre park with over a century of history with a behind-the-scenes look at its evolving master plan—plus coffee and pastries to start the morning.
Pamela Galera, FASLA will be joined by Oscar Johnson (MIG), Rosy Aranda (Cahuilla/Serrano) filmmaker and Professor, and Glenn Wenzel of the Riverside Historical Society and the Friends of Mt. Rubidoux to share what it takes to balance history, community needs, and future vision.
Stick around after for a casual, buy-your-own lunch at Tio’s Tacos and optional afternoon exploring Riverside’s arts scene including the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. And while you are in downtown check out the interactive “Still Here” mural located across from the historical courthouse.
REGISTER HERE

Firm Tour - Emerging Professionals and Students
2026-05-21 15:00 - 17:00 | RRM Design, 3765 S Higuera St #102,, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
“Join us for an upcoming firm tour at RRM’s San Luis Obispo studio, offering a behind-the-scenes look at current work and an introduction to the team. The evening will feature brief presentations across key practice areas – including parks and recreation, residential and commercial, and public safety – along with insights on post-graduate pathways. Following the tour, we will walk over to the San Luis Obispo Public Market for eats, drinks, and chats. Students and emerging professionals are encouraged to attend.”

RRM Design
3765 S Higuera St #102, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

RSVP to: Kevin Jo – kevinjo.work@gmail.com>
RSVP to: Cheryl Salazar – cheryl@playcestudio.com>

REGISTER HERE

Happy Memorial Day
2026-05-25 | CA

"Sitting Still" - A Laurie Olin Film
2026-06-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Ahmanson Auditorium / ArtCenter
Film Screening: $25 /Pre-Screening Reception + Film Screening: $50
Reception: 1:00 p.m. / Door Opens: 1:50 p.m. / Film Screening: 2:00 p.m.
Venue: Reception: Faculty Dining Room (FDR), 2F
Screening: Ahmanson Auditorium / ArtCenter
College of Design, Hillside Campus, 1700 Lida Street, Pasadena, CA 91103

REGISTER HERE

A Very Special Tailgate Reception
2026-06-18 17:00 - 19:30 | Golden Road Brewery, 2210 E Orangewood Avenue, Anaheim, CA, 92806
A tailgate reception welcoming ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen and ASLA Marketing Manager, Daniel Martin
Sponsored By Greenfields Outdoor Fitness

Free to attend, but registration required

Countdown to Conference Tailgate at RHA Community Works
2026-06-25 17:30 - 19:30 | RHA Community Works, 7111 Indiana Ave, #300, Riverside, CA, 92504, United States
Join us for a series of casual mixers leading up to the ASLA 2026 Conference. Food & Drinks Provided!!
RSVP Here:
https://www.div32.com/event-details/countdown-to-conference-inland-empire

Countdown to Conference Tailgate at Studio-MLA
2026-07-09 17:30 - 19:30 | MLA Studio, 251 South Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA, 90033
Join us for a series of casual mixers leading up to the ASLA 2026 Conference.
Food & Drinks Provided!!
RSVP Here:
https://www.div32.com/event-details/countdown-to-conference-downtown-la

CLASS Fund 43rd Annual Golf Tournament
2026-07-13 | CA

Unlocking the Magic of Community
2026-07-21 11:30 - 13:00 | Doubletree Hilton Ontario
How Parks & Recreation Create Extraordinary Places
Gain insight into current parks and recreation projects, connect with public agency leaders and AEC professionals and stay informed on key trends and opportunities shaping community spaces.
Moderator:
Doug Grove, Managing Partner, RHA Community Works
Panel:
Kyla Brown, General Manager, Parks Director: RivCOParks
Pamela Galera, Parks and Recreation Director: City of Riverside
Candice Smith, Recreation & Community Services Manager: City of Ontario Recreation & Community Services Department
Jonathan Skinner, Community Services Director: City of Lake Elsinore
Steve Lawson, Parks and Recreation Director: JCSD
Cost: $76.59 – $97.88
Reserve Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-parks-and-recreation-create-extraordinary-places-tickets-1991583204978

ASLA First Look: Virtual Learning Day
2026-07-29 11:00 - 12:45 | CA
New for 2026, First Look is a virtual pre-conference event on Wednesday, July 29 from 1:00–3:45pm ET, offering 2.0 PDH and an early preview of the conference theme, “Action! Design in Motion, Work in Progress.” It features two sessions — one on storytelling and ecology tied to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and a candid peer conversation among landscape architects — plus a first look at what’s ahead at the in-person conference.
– Free with full ASLA 2026 conference registration (access via asla.org login)
– Free if you register for the full conference by July 28 at 11:59pm ET
– Standalone registration available for anyone not attending the full conference
Learn More / Register

Volunteer Build Day - The Conference Legacy Project
2026-08-01 08:30 - 16:30 | Altadena Community Garden
For decades, the Altadena Community Garden has been a mainstay of community life for Altadena residents. Over the last 18 months, garden members and volunteers have worked tirelessly to rebuild after the devastation of the Eaton fire. This year’s ASLA Legacy Project is focused on supporting the garden rebuild, and on preserving and highlighting stories of the gardens diverse members.
We’re looking for ASLA members with landscape construction / planting experience to join us Saturday August 1 from 8:30 am – 4:30 p.m. for a Volunteer Build Day. Roll up your sleeves and work alongside other volunteers to construct and plant a new area near the garden entrance centered on an existing deck.
Please email nastassja@kounkuey.org to volunteer or with any questions.

Countdown to Conference Tailgate at Burton Landscape Architecture Studio
2026-08-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Burton Landscape Architecture Studio, 307 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA, 92075, United States
Join us for a series of casual mixers leading up to the ASLA 2026 Conference.
Food & Drinks Provided!!
RSVP Here:
https://www.div32.com/event-details/countdown-to-conference-solana-beach

Career Pathways Spotlight
2026-08-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Chris Hermann, PLA, ASLA
CEO & President | Hermann Design Group
Join us for the next installment of our Career Pathways Spotlight Series featuring Chris Hermann, founder of Hermann Design Group and a landscape architect whose 37+ year career has helped shape the Coachella Valley.
From establishing a landscape architecture department at a national multidisciplinary firm to founding Hermann Design Group in 1995, Chris has built a career spanning public parks, civic spaces, master-planned communities, resorts, and commercial development. Along the way, he’s remained deeply involved in ASLA and the broader profession through leadership, mentorship, and community service.
Whether you’re just beginning your career or looking ahead to what’s next, this conversation will offer an honest look at professional growth, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned from nearly four decades in landscape architecture.
Zoom link for registrants: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86368323630?pwd=[REDACTED]

Pro Landscaper International Awards
2026-09-01 - 2026-09-02 | CA
Juror Needed – September 1 and 2
A senior landscape architect to join us for two days next month at FutureScape USA in Santa Monica. Landscape architects, designers and contractors will be presenting their projects to the jury across September 1-2. On the second day, the jury will deliberate and decide the winners of the North & South America Heat of the 2027 Pro Landscaper International Awards. Judging will take place within show hours – between 10am-4pm – at The Barker Hangar. It’s a great opportunity to hear from peers and collaborate with others on the panel. Judges will also be given access to the VIP area at the show.
Interested individuals should reach out to Nina Mason at nina.mason@eljays44.com.
