Registration Eligibility
PA-DE ASLA Members and Nonmembers and Student Members and Nonmembers
Start Date
04/10/2025
End Date
04/12/2025
Description
The Olmsted Woods, located on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, have faced significant challenges due to drought, stormwater runoff, and the broader impacts of climate change and urban development. Named after the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.—one of the founding members of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)—the woods are rooted in Olmsted's master plans for the Cathedral grounds, completed in 1910 and 1924. These plans emphasized the preservation of this five-acre woodland area as a sanctuary for contemplation and reflection, and they were advanced and implemented with the assistance of Florence Bratenahl.
Today, the Olmsted Woods are cared for by the All Hallows Guild, which, alongside various design partners, has undertaken extensive efforts to preserve and restore this vital natural space. The Guild first collaborated with landscape architect Andropogon in 1997, establishing a long-term relationship that continues to thrive. A comprehensive ten-year plan was developed, incorporating a range of green stormwater infrastructure practices designed by Michele Adams at Cahill Associates, who later founded Meliora Design. Additionally, Andropogon led a forest restoration and invasive management plan to rejuvenate the area.
Recently, Meliora and Andropogon revisited the site to inspect and monitor the stormwater safeguards implemented two decades ago, as part of their work to develop a new Watershed Restoration Framework Plan for the Woods. This presentation aims to examine the successes and challenges faced over 25 years of continuous work on this five-acre site. We will explore the lessons learned from these efforts, highlighting both effective strategies and areas for improvement in the ongoing stewardship of the Olmsted Woods.
Location
Gettysburg, PA
Distance Learning
No
Course Equivalency
No
Subjects
Historic Preservation
Sustainable Development & Design
Health, Safety and Welfare
Yes
Hours
1.0
Learning Outcomes
1. We will show strategies for honoring the historical significance of the Olmsted Woods, including the contributions of Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr and the intentions behind the original master plans for the Washington National Cathedral grounds, while meeting the modern demands of an urban green space in the era of climate change.
2. We will evaluate the various restoration and preservation strategies implemented by the All Hallows Guild and their design partners, assessing the effectiveness of green stormwater infrastructure and forest restoration practices.
3. Key lessons learned from 25 years of continuous work on the Olmsted Woods will be identified, highlighting successful strategies, challenges encountered, and insights that can inform future ecological restoration projects.
4. The presenters will examine the impacts of climate change on the Olmsted Woods and discuss strategies for enhancing the site's resiliency, including adaptive management practices that can mitigate future environmental challenges.
Instructors
Jose Almiñana, Richard Farella, and Michele Adams
Course Codes
Provider
Pennsylvania/ Delaware Chapter ASLA