Â鶹ÊÓƵ

ÌýÌýLearn more about ASLA, the student affiliate chapter for landscape architects and plant lovers

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) serves as a gateway for student landscape architecture and environmental design, and meets every Monday from 12-1 pm on the third floor of the ENVD building. They regularly participate in landscaping activities on campus, such as tree planting and ecological research. We’re here with Ella Seevers and Maddie Veasey who are the co-presidents of the Student Affiliate Chapter of ASLA at CU.Ìý

Responses edited for length and clarity.Ìý

Photo taken by Ella Seevers on her annual trip to Glenwood Springs for rock climbing.Ìý

ÌýÌýWhat exactly is landscape architecture?

Seevers: It’s any design that’s outside of architecture or urban planning. A good example would be land bridges or stormwater management. There’s also a whole realm of adaptive reuse, like turning old railroad tracks into parks and trails.Ìý

ÌýÌýHow does ASLA contribute to student life at CU?

Seevers: It’s a good community for extracurriculars in general. It’s a great way to get outside and talk to other plant-loving people!

ÌýÌýTop 3 reasons to join?

Veasey: One, it’s a really excellent community, we’re all really close. Two, if you're thinking about going into landscape architecture, this is one of the best professional development opportunities you can have. Three, it brings joy to be thinking about plants, they make us very happy! I personally have 100+ houseplants.Ìý

ÌýÌýWait. You have over a 100 houseplants?

Veasey: It started during COVID-19 and I wanted to bring the outside in. I guess I just got one, and then I couldn’t stop! I have to avoid going to the plant store now.Ìý

ÌýÌýThat’s really impressive, speaking as someone who can’t even keep one houseplant alive. Talk to me about why it’s so important to bring so much attention to plant life.

Seevers: You can’t care about something to the point of wanting to protect it if you don’t have a personal connection to it. It’s very important to me that we protect the natural environment.

ÌýÌýLast one. Describe the club in one word.

Veasey: Biophilia. Bio means life, and philia means love. It’s basically just a love of nature.Ìý

Interested in joining? Join the and follow @cu.asla on Instagram for more information!

Ellie Chase is studying journalism at CMDI, with a minor in business. She covers students and student news at the college.