President's Letter: July 2025

Dear Fellow Landscape Architecture Professionals,

July is here, bringing with it the intense heat and summer thunderstorms. It also marks the beginning of the final quarter of our executive board term, which concludes in October. As you’ll see in the “Chapter News” section of this newsletter, our 2025-2026 election ballot is now open! I’m deeply proud of the many members stepping up into leadership roles. Please take a moment to cast your vote and help shape the future of our chapter.

I'm also excited to share that one of our members has recently been recognized at the national level: Robert “Bob” Hruby has been elected to the ASLA Council of Fellows, Class of 2025! Fellowship is among the highest honors ASLA bestows, recognizing individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the profession. Bob was nominated by the chapter in the Works category, and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement. He will be formally elevated later this year during the Conference on Landscape Architecture in New Orleans. Congratulations, Bob!

Last month, several members came together on a sunny Friday morning to tour three fantastic play spaces in Prince George’s County. The tours were led by Sparks@Play and Landscape Structures, and we were also joined by colleagues from the Potomac Chapter. Just last week, we hosted an advocacy webinar with our lobbyist, covering the outcomes of the recent legislative session and previewing capital-funded projects. This information will soon be available to all members on our website. You may have seen our June Media List shared on social media in celebration of Pride Month. This new series, launched by our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, highlights design-related books, films, and stories during key cultural moments throughout the year. We look forward to continuing this effort in the months ahead.

On the national front, I want to call attention to a serious threat to public lands and local parks. The proposed FY26 federal budget includes major cuts to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)—a program that has helped fund countless park projects, especially in underserved communities. LWCF is funded without taxpayer dollars, and these cuts would have far-reaching consequences. I urge you to join ASLA in advocating for full funding of the LWCF. Using ASLA’s iAdvocate platform, contacting your congressional representatives only takes a minute—and every voice makes a difference.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting events planned. Early bird registration is now open for our Orioles Outing at Camden Yards—come enjoy a classic summer evening with fellow members as the O’s take on the Yankees, complete with unlimited food at the club level. Many thanks to Country Casual Teak for generously sponsoring this event.All proceeds will support our chapter’s advocacy and scholarship efforts. In August, we’ll head out for a tour of the REED Center in Middletown, and co-host a joint happy hour with AIA Baltimore at Floura Teeter’s office. I hope to see you there.

Have a safe and restorative summer!

Sincerely,

Michael Pullano, PLA, ASLA

President, Maryland ASLA Chapter