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42 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

Jacob Battista, Purdue University

Student

Scholarships

2021 Annual | 43

he Connecticut Chapter of ASLA Historically we have awarded one or
currently offers two student two scholarships per year. As a result of the
scholarship programs to Con- charitable contributions this year, we were
able to award a record six student scholar-
T necticut residents, in order to ships, two at the high school level and four
at the college level. The recipients of our
encourage awareness of the study and pro- 2021 scholarship awards are featured on
fession of landscape architecture. This year, the following pages.
in recognition of the fact that scholarships The longstanding Karen Ann Shopis-
are a significant means to reach out to, and Fox Memorial Scholarship is given annu-
support, students interested in the land- ally to students enrolled in an accredited
scape architecture field, the ASLA Con- landscape architecture program at the
necticut Executive Committee has priori- college/university level.
tized increasing the number of scholarships Since 2018 we have also extended our
awarded. ASLA Connecticut members and scholarships to support and encourage high
sponsors have responded with generous school seniors entering the profession of
donations throughout the year, and espe- landscape architecture through the award-
cially at the annual holiday party, in order ing of the ASLA Connecticut Landscape
to support the next generation of landscape Architecture Environmental Stewardship
architects. Scholarship for High School Seniors.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
SCHOLARSHIP FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Amanda Nackowski | Middletown High School

Amanda Nackowski is an 18-year-old high school senior from Middletown
High School. She has always loved plants and has been studying horticulture
for four years through her school’s agriculture program and FFA chapter. She
loves gardening and has won the Vegetable Production Proficiency Award for
two years in a row during her involvement in the Mattabeset FFA. Amanda
has also received several merit scholarships due to her academic excellence
and agricultural skills. She will be attending SUNY College of Environmental
Science and Forestry in the fall as a Landscape Architecture major.

Caroline Klumac | Westhill High School

Caroline Klumac is a senior at Westhill High School in Stamford and will be
headed to the University of Vermont next year to major in environmental
studies. Throughout high school she has been a member of the Stamford
Regional Agriscience Program where she is currently serving as the chapter
secretary and takes a wide range of classes on agricultural topics. During the
summer, Caroline works at Fairgate Farm, which is a sustainable community
farm dedicated to fighting food insecurity. She also volunteers with the
Stamford Food Scrap Recycling Program, which is a growing sustainable
initiative in her city.

44 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

KAREN ANN SHOPIS-FOX MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Michael Grigoriou | University of Connecticut

Michael Grigoriou was raised into college, where he entered
in Suffield, Connecticut, and the University of Connecticut
graduated from Suffield High as a freshman with a major
School in 2019. In high school, he in Design/Technical Theater,
served as scenic designer for the learning valuable skills in hand
school’s Drama Club, developing drafting, drawing, and computer
an interest in the ephemeral rendering. While he still maintains
nature and storytelling ability of a love of theater, he felt that the
design. This interest carried over theater industry was not the
right fit for him and switched to
Landscape Architecture at UConn
because of the combination of
design with a more logical and
structured technical component.
Michael approaches landscape
architecture with a strong attitude
towards design, influenced by his
appreciation of architecture and
theater. The skills he learned from
theater have helped to deepen
his passion for his current course
of study, because he feels every
site is a stage and every design
a story. Michael believes that the
world can be changed through
design, and that he has gained
the necessary skills to move into
the future to implement change
through landscape architecture.

Bird sanctuary
design, from Spring
2021 portfolio.

2021 Annual | 45

KAREN ANN SHOPIS-FOX MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Jacob Battista | Purdue University

are what inspired him to pursue grew up with, Jacob revels in the
landscape design, allowing him value and variety of a new experi-
to create works that are both ence. He believes travel is one of
functional and beautiful. the greatest forms of education
Jacob recently completed a a person can receive and seeks it
year-long internship with Studio out as much as possible. Addi-
dwg in Austin, Texas and will be tionally, Jacob is an avid photog-
heading back to Purdue Univer- rapher and enjoys flying drones
sity in the fall to complete his and working with computers
senior year. While the heat and while also going back to his roots
cacti of Texas are a far throw through hiking, biking, and occa-
from the forest and cold that he sionally getting lost in the woods.

Jacob Battista grew up in Win-
chester, Connecticut, surrounded
by woods and wildlife. It was in
that environment that he de-
veloped his love for the natural
world, exploring the woods be-
hind his house, catching critters,
and climbing trees to get a new
perspective. From these experi-
ences he learned the importance
of conservation, the therapy of
nature, and the value of the out-
doors firsthand. His interests in
the intersection of art and science

Design for affordable
housing development

in Indianapolis, IN.

46 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

KAREN ANN SHOPIS-FOX MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Victor Cizik | University of Connecticut

Victor Cizik is from Drawings for a space to view the winter and summer solstice. The use of deciduous
Danbury, Connecticut trees is crucial for the shade in the summer, and for their ability to allow sun rays to
and is a student at the enter in the winter. A sun dial is implemented to view the movement of the sun in both
University of Con- seasons.
necticut majoring in
landscape architecture. 2021 Annual | 47
He enjoys being out in
natural settings through
such activities as hiking,
running, exploring, and
traveling. He chose
landscape architecture
as his major because
it includes two of his
passions: design and
nature. His future career
goals include a focus
on urban design and
the planning of parks,
streets, and recreational
spaces in big cities as
well as densely popu-
lated suburbs. Victor is
eager to design areas
that are well connected
with the environment
to create spaces where
people can have fun and
be entertained by na-
ture. Victor will continue
his studies as a junior
at the University of
Connecticut this fall.

KAREN ANN SHOPIS-FOX MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Oliver Zych | California Polytechnic State University

Oliver Zych, of Weston, Connecticut, has long been interested in landscape
design and looks forward to being able to shape and add beauty to the world
through his work. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
degree at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Oliver
was also the inaugural recipient of the chapter’s Landscape Architecture
Environmental Stewardship Scholarship for High School Seniors in 2019.
Just finishing up his second year of college, Oliver is deep into his landscape
architectural studies, including learning the design process, hand drafting,
computer drafting, and site engineering. He is looking forward to completing a
studio internship next year in order to see landscape architecture in practice and
to gain real-world design experience.

Coastal resiliency concept
incorporating a living break-
water to reduce wave force
and a wharf design (“Sea
Center”) centered around edu-
cating people about marine
ecosystems, specifically
oysters and oyster reefs.

48 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

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52 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

The “Brady Bunch” posing on Zoom and
hard at work on a site assessment.

University of

Connecticut

2021 Annual | 53

Introducing the Class of 2021

Class of 2021 landscape architecture
students conducting field work for
their Site Engineering class.

UConn’s Class of 2021 has faced we are proud of our seniors for standing strong
and navigating with us through these trying and
immense challenges throughout its journey with unique times.
the Landscape Architecture Program. Not only The 2021 seniors are a small and close-knit
has this cohort endured the struggles of coping group. They are creative and communicative — a
with learning during a pandemic, but they have group of skilled students with accomplishments
done so while our program is undergoing profound that include scholarships and awards from ASLA
changes. Over the last three years, this class has Connecticut. Additionally, one of the students
seen retirements and the hiring of new tenure- was recently admitted to the Rhode Island
track faculty. Dr. Sohyun Park joined the program School of Design’s (RISD) graduate program.
in Fall 2018, and I (Dr. Mariana Fragomeni) Through these trying times, these students still
joined in January 2020. With the guidance of managed to find internships, were involved with,
our program coordinator, Peter Miniutti, and the and lead, our ASLA Connecticut student chapter,
valuable support of our dedicated adjunct faculty and worked alongside faculty as undergraduate
— Natalie Miniutti, Tracey Miller, Phil Barlow, and research assistants. It was a pleasure to teach this
Jeffrey Peracchio — we have been able to keep class throughout their journey in the program,
our program moving forward. More importantly,

54 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

and I am grateful for all the memorable times LAs understand the critical roles that landscape
we have had in the classroom and on field trips. architects should play in producing environmen-
This interactive and inquisitive cohort welcomed tally sound, socially equitable, vibrant, and healthy
me first as an adjunct and later as an assistant outdoor spaces.
professor. I have enjoyed interacting with them, and We are very proud of the seven graduates of
it was a pleasure to watch them mature since their the UConn Landscape Architecture’s Class of 2021.
sophomore year. I am hopeful and excited for what the future holds
Throughout their time at UConn, the students for them. We hope they will keep in touch so we
have been involved in several service-learning can be a testament to their accomplishments. We
projects in the state. Even in these trying times, will miss them. It was a pleasure to see them grow
we received support from volunteers who joined in our program.

We are very proud of the seven graduates
of the UConn Landscape Architecture’s
Class of 2021. I am hopeful and excited for
what the future holds for them.

our classes from across the state to discuss and Please join me in welcoming our seniors to the
share their professional experiences and serve as landscape architecture profession, and keep them
jury members to critique our students’ work. As we in mind if you are looking for new employees.
are the only accredited program in the state, the Congratulations LA@UConn Class of 2021!
support and involvement of ASLA Connecticut,
local firms and professionals, and institutions are — Mariana B. Alfonso Fragomeni
essential for our students. These young, aspiring Assistant Professor

UConn Class of ’21 on a site visit to Bridgeport, CT, led by Dr. Sohyun Park, together with UConn Alumnus Raul Irizarry
(Class of ‘19) and LA graduate student Pan Zhang.

2021 Annual | 55

UCONN GRADUATING SENIOR 

Sybren Hoekstra

Why did you choose to study landscape it appears forgotten by the city. My goal
architecture? was to transform this abandoned bridge
I decided to study landscape architecture into a space where people could unwind,
because I see great value in the land itself sit down, enjoy the views, smell the flowers
and also in how we, as humans, live on in the raised planters, and feel a sense of
the land. I think it is important for people pride for their city. My plan also has a
to have equal access to open space. I also strong focus on ecology as plants were
think it is important that we, as humans, mainly chosen to attract pollinators into
see and protect the value of our planet’s this urban setting. This pocket park was an
ecology.  exciting project which I thoroughly enjoyed
designing.
What was your favorite project and why? 
One of my favorite projects at UConn was What are your plans post-graduation?
for our community planning class. The My post-graduation plan is to pursue a
site was located in downtown Bridgeport, career within landscape architecture or
CT, on an abandoned drawbridge which is related fields, where I can utilize the skills
now used by the residents as open space. I’ve learned in the past four years.
However, the current condition of this site
is a plot of grass with a few benches and

My goal was to transform this
abandoned bridge into a space
where people could unwind, sit
down, enjoy the views, smell the
flowers in the raised planters, and
feel a sense of pride for their city.

56 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

UCONN GRADUATING SENIOR 

Collin Sitz

Why did you choose to study landscape Landscape architecture is a craft
architecture? where the books you read only seem
I chose to study landscape architecture to open up more opportunities for
because it’s such an interesting blend of learning than progressing towards
art and science. It’s a craft where the any sort of end.
books you read only seem to open up
more opportunities for learning than What are your plans post-graduation?
progressing towards any sort of end. My plans post-graduation are to work at a
smaller firm, seek licensure, and continue
What was your favorite project and why?  educating myself on ecology and horticul-
My favorite project in my time as a stu- ture. I hope to one day work on regenera-
dent at UConn was my work on the HEEP tive designs at my own firm and continue
pollinator garden. It represented a great contributing to a more biophilic future.
instance of improvisation for me, which
I think is a truly undersung aspect to any
great project, whether that be in the design
or in its execution.

2021 Annual | 57

UCONN GRADUATING SENIOR 

Ely-Anna Becerril

Why did you choose to study landscape I love how the spaces we create
architecture? become memories for people and
I chose to study landscape architecture can also be a driver for change.
because it perfectly blended science and
art. Growing up I loved to be creative so I ing a system to better connect surrounding
knew I wanted to be able to express myself neighborhoods and retrofitting abandoned
creatively within my academic and profes- alleyways into lively neighborhood gath-
sional career. This is why I switched from ering points. Many schools are in the area
being a natural resources major. I fell in and I noticed that a commonly used route
love with the tight-knit studio environment for young children to commute to school
and knew it was where I really belonged. I was surrounded by cemeteries. I decided to
also love how the spaces we create become include pocket parks and colorful resting
memories for people and can also be a spots along the sidewalk as well as bright
driver for change. murals of notable figures of color buried in
those cemeteries along the fences to provide
What was your favorite project and why?  a passive educational opportunity.
My favorite project that I’ve done within
the LA program is titled Corridors to Con- What are your plans post-graduation?
nection which was an urban design proj- My plans are to land a second landscape
ect in Hartford, CT. I enjoyed it because architecture internship or an entry-level
I was able to target main issues within position where I can gain more experience
an unrepresented neighborhood through and start my journey towards licensure. I
creative design. Walkability, connectivity, plan on attending graduate school down
livelihood, and connection to cultural and the road as well to study urban planning,
historical roots were top priorities within design, and sustainability concepts in depth.
the program. I particularly enjoyed creat-

58 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

UCONN GRADUATING SENIOR 

Stephen Kelly

Why did you choose to study landscape spaces for students in K through 5th grade
architecture? to empower themselves to learn and play at
I chose to study landscape architecture af- their own pace. I have always been drawn
ter a first semester as an engineering major. towards healthy interfaces between hu-
After a certain number of excel sheets I mans and ecology, and I feel as though this
had begun to question whether engineer- project was my most successful design in
ing would fulfill my creative and artistic that regard.
impulses. Landscape architecture presented
itself as a more compelling opportunity for What are your plans post-graduation?
real-world problem solving. My interest My post-graduation plans are to continue
in local ecology in high school would also working with William Kenny Associates in
translate nicely to landscape architecture. Fairfield, CT, where I can further develop
my practical design skills in an office with
What was your favorite project and why?  particular sensitivity towards preserving
My favorite project was our design for a natural systems. Eventually I’d like to work
proposed Mansfield Elementary School in in New York City, designing public spaces
Program Development Class. In keeping and engaging directly with communities.
with the class, the program was a com-
plex balance of safety, enrichment, spatial I have always been drawn towards healthy
connectivity, and ecological engagement. interfaces between humans and ecology.
My design follows the general theme of
habitat succession in harmony with child-
hood development. I attempt to weave
ecological palettes of meadow,
shrubby meadow, orchard,
and mature forest to build
unique and functional

2021 Annual | 59

UCONN GRADUATING SENIOR 

Aujahdai Ambrose

Why did you choose Buildings are cool but the pure beauty and
to study landscape benefits of nature — amazing, and I get to
architecture? play a part in designing places within.
Before moving to the
United States I knew
I was interested in
the field of architec-
ture, but I had yet to
learn about landscape
architecture. When
it came to looking at
schools I looked more
into types of archi-
tecture and stumbled
upon landscape ar-
chitecture and fell in
love with the thought
of being able to
connect people with
nature. The universe
agreed and led me to
UConn’s landscape
architecture program.
Buildings are cool but
the pure beauty and
benefits of nature —
amazing, and I get
to play a part in de-
signing places within.
Now I am at the stage
of realizing that my
big interest is more
urban and working
with communities,
and also with my love
and experience with
working with children,
which is an area I
want to further 
explore.

60 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

UCONN GRADUATING SENIOR 

Junyi Shi

Why did you choose to study landscape in a local community network meeting.
architecture? During the meeting, I learned about the
The reason I chose to study landscape local residents’ yearning for waterside
architecture is hard to tell as I wasn’t sure parks. Therefore, I divided this parking lot
if I liked this major before I studied it. But into two parts, one as a green parking lot,
after in-depth study, I was deeply attracted planting rain gardens and bioswales to fil-
by the sense of responsibility and creativity ter surface water to solve water pollution.
shouldered by this career. I think landscape The other part is made into a kindergarten
design is a bridge that can bring harmony park and adult recreation center so that
between nature and mankind. people of all ages are welcomed. I also set
up fishing areas and kayak areas along the
What was your favorite project and why?  river to enrich the water activities of local
My favorite project was a parking lot people. In the final presentation to our
design in Bridgeport’s riverfront. I am clients, they praised my idea. This sense of
really interested in urban design and I think accomplishment continues to inspire my
many existing urban facilities waste unique enthusiasm for the landscape architecture
resources and even harm nature. How to profession.
observe these problems and communicate
solutions with clients is a very challenging What are your plans post-graduation?
and fulfilling thing. Through field investiga- After graduating from UConn, I will
tions and data analysis, the current parking continue my studies at the Rhode Island
lot has caused a lot of pollution problems School of Design (RISD). Because I worry
to the nearby river, and the empty concrete my current ability is not good enough to
lot hinders the surrounding residents from really accomplish a design, I think going to
visiting the riverfront. In order to solve the graduate school is very necessary for me.
problem of water pollution and community I applied for the RISD MLA program and
engagement at the same time, I participated was admitted.

After in-depth
study, I was
deeply attracted
by the sense of
responsibility
and creativity
shouldered by
this career.

2021 Annual | 61

UCONN GRADUATING SENIOR 

Andy Lau

Why did you choose to study landscape as if they were at “home.” This project in
architecture? particular taught me a lot about not only
I chose to study landscape architecture for the culture and lifestyle in Brazil, but also
its mix of science and most importantly the how to accommodate the lifestyle of the
art element that comes with the profession. people who may be using these landscapes
I love the idea of researching new methods in my future designs, whether it would be
of manipulating the landscape and recre- a playground for children or a residen-
ating it in an artistic way. I have always tial home for a large family. 
enjoyed drawing and sketching since I was
a little kid, and to turn my hobby into a What are your plans post-graduation?
career will allow me to be passionate about My plans after I graduate will be to pursue
landscape architecture for a long time.   a career as a landscape designer/architect
and to become a valuable contributing
What was your favorite project and why?  teammate for a future company. I would
My favorite project that I have done is the also like to pursue a role of being a mentor/
Symbolic Landscape project where I had advisor for other incoming landscape archi-
to create a space that represents the culture tecture students who I can help, similarly
and the people of Brazil. It was a very en- to how mentors of my own have benefited
joyable project for me, especially learning me in the past. However that goal is still
about the culture of Brazil and using what in the far future as I myself have much
I had learned to create a landscape that to learn about the landscape architecture
would allow people native to Brazil to feel profession itself. 

I love the idea of researching new
methods of manipulating the landscape

and recreating it in an artistic way.

62 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

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Genius of Connecticut, State Capitol,
Hartford (photo by Jeffrey H. Mills)

Advocacy

2021 Annual | 67

B eginning in October last year,
our Advocacy Committee met
bi-weekly to discuss the advance-
ment of landscape architecture
in our state. These meetings involved both
broad and detailed discussions on oppor-
tunities and threats facing our profession.
The Committee’s purpose is to support
Connecticut landscape architecture pro-
fessionals by helping guide outreach to
local and state government, local and state
agencies, and business interest groups. The
Committee reaches out and communicates
to those outside the landscape architec-
ture profession in order to share that our
knowledge, skills, and abilities as land-
scape architects are essential in addressing
the needs of Connecticut’s public and the
environment.
With 2021 being a long legislative
session for our state government, our com-
mittee’s focus during the winter and spring
months was preparing for, and responding
to, the activities occurring virtually at the
state house with a focus on ASLA and the
CT Chapter’s priorities. While the com-
mittee is made up of volunteers, it is made
more effective with the help of our pro-
fessional lobbyist, TCORS Capitol Group
LLC. Last fall, ASLA Connecticut renewed
its contract with TCORS to continue pro-
viding lobbying and management support

Part of a stormwater management system for a
1,000-plus-car parking lot, designed by Thomas
Graceffa, ASLA, of South Windsor. A flat-bottomed,
continuous dry infiltration bed runs the length of all
islands (totaling over a mile in combined length),
allowing a significant savings on surface inlets and
piping, while the native plantings visually divide the
parking areas and provide seasonal interest.

68 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

Transport Hartford Academy ASLA Connecticut provided
testimony on bills impacting
pedestrian safety, stormwater
management, smart development,
and other legislation of concern
to landscape architects.

for our legislative agenda. In concert with • Grant more power to local authorities
TCORS, the Advocacy Committee re- to establish pedestrian safety zones
mained attentive to the activities of our leg-
islature: poised to respond against threats • Establish a greenways commemorative
to practice, ready to step up in support of, account
or in opposition to, relevant bills, and with
the ultimate goal of moving Connecticut • Establish a pilot program to use
towards a stronger social, economic, and automated traffic enforcement safety
environmental future. devices
Two areas of legislative activity on
which ASLA Connecticut was particularly We offered written testimony in support
engaged were the issues of social equity and of this bill because landscape architec-
climate change/resiliency. As is evident by ture leadership is critical in creating safer,
the state and national activity surrounding human-scaled pedestrian infrastructure
these topics, the 2021 general session took including complete streets and greenways.
them on with great enthusiasm. Knowing
successful solutions to these issues must HB 6441, a bill concerning climate change
involve landscape architects, we remained adaptation, provides for the establishment
ever vigilant to how the numerous bills or- of a “stormwater authority” within each
biting these topics took shape and offered municipality. This stormwater authority
testimony and other “behind the scenes” would be charged with the management,
action in their defense and critique. education, and administration of their
Bills on which we have offered testimony community’s stormwater infrastructure.
are as follows: In assuring that municipalities are able to
utilize the myriad of expertise necessary
HB 5429 looks to: in addressing these complex challenges,
• Increase pedestrian safety by granting ASLA Connecticut offered testimony in
right-of-way to pedestrians who have support of language revisions which would
indicated that they are going to use a make funds available to a broader range of
crosswalk design professionals, including landscape
• Increase fines for drivers using cell- architects.
phones
• Establish a fine for drivers impeding a SB 924 looks to require a study be execut-
walkway or a bike lane with their open ed on the impact of expected retirements
door from the Connecticut Department of
Energy and Environmental Protection (CT
DEEP) on its functioning and efficacy. Also

2021 Annual | 69

included for study under the bill are the po- Recently, the Connecticut Urban For- Photo: Jeffrey H. Mills
sitions funded by the Passports to the Parks est Council (CUFC) undertook a project
program, bearing in mind the increased aimed at improving the statewide urban
demand on Connecticut parks during the forest canopy. A substantial grant has been
COVID-19 pandemic. We offered testimo- provided through DEEP in support of this
ny in support of this bill because we believe project — an indication that greater fund-
that a gap in staffing at DEEP could lead ing for these and many other important
to a large loss of institutional knowledge green infrastructure initiatives will become
and that regular maintenance is key to available in the coming years.
successful outdoor spaces as public demand Aside from the legislative activities and
increases. our summer plans with DEEP and CUFC,
the Advocacy Committee has raised a voice
SB 1024, a bill drafted by Desegregate whenever barriers to practice arise. While
Connecticut, with assistance from a vast this has only happened a handful of times,
coalition that included ASLA Connecticut, the Committee remains in close commu-
AIA Connecticut, and CCAPA, and many nication with our state licensing board in
others, looks to encourage smart develop- advocating for our licensed practitioners as
ment in Connecticut and strengthen com- they strive to serve their clients in as unen-
munities by creating more diverse housing cumbered a manner as possible.
options. ASLA Connecticut offered written The balanced social, economic, and en-
testimony in general support of portions vironmental perspective (the sustainability
of the bill with recommendations for how model) that landscape architects champion
the bill could be modified to gain broader in our work has become principle in how
acceptance. policy is shaped at all levels of government.
As experts in this perspective, landscape
Following the legislative session, due to architects are poised to grow and strength-
end in early June, the Advocacy Committee en the individual and community needs of
plans to meet with representatives from our stakeholders. If you would like to get
the Connecticut Department of Energy involved in our committee, need support
and Environmental Protection Forestry on something happening in a town where
Division (CT Forestry) to learn more about you practice, or just want to share your
their State Forest Action Plan and to share perspective as a landscape architect on
with them ways that landscape architects pieces of potential legislation, please do not
can support their mission. Connecticut hesitate to contact us. As your advocates,
forests, whether urban, suburban, or rural, we welcome learning more about what
are essential to our quality of life. Minor policy is important to you as practitioners
changes to these precious resources have an and we look forward to working with you
immediate effect on our local, community, and advocating for you.
regional, and statewide ecology. Whether
by reducing heat-island effect, reducing — ASLA Connecticut Advocacy Committee
air-born pollutants, or preserving essential
habitats, landscape architecture enhances
these resources and we support CT Forest-
ry’s mission to keep Connecticut forested.

70 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

The Advocacy Committee
plans to meet with
representatives from CT
DEEP’s Forestry Division to
learn more about the State
Forest Action Plan and
share ways that landscape
architects can support
their mission.

2021 Annual | 71

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2021 Annual | 73

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74 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

Pollinator magnet, purple coneflower (Echinacea
purpurea). Photo by Aris W. Stalis, ASLA.

Design

Talk

2021 Annual | 75

DESIGN TALK 2021

Service to the Community

D esign Talk is a section of our For anyone looking for a ready-made land-
Annual devoted to the personaliza- scape architecture project to join, below are two
tion of landscape architecture and wonderful opportunities looking for volunteers
the design process. It is a chance in the coming year:
to get beyond the “where” and
the “what” of landscapes and their features • This coming fall, Groundwork Bridgeport,
and into the “who” and “why” and “how” the The National Park Service, ASLA Connecticut,
landscapes were created. This year we asked and the Program of Landscape Architecture at
Connecticut landscape architects to share their the University of Connecticut will be collaborat-
volunteer activities or projects, as a way of ing through the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation
showing some of the who, why, and how of Assistance (RTCA) Program (www.asla.org/
local community landscape-based projects. ContentDetail.aspx?id=58476). The focus will be
Landscape architecture is a broad discipline, on creating rehabilitation plans for one or more
with practitioners working on landscape sites along the Pequonnock River through a com-
projects large and small, for public, private, munity charrette process. Landscape architects
and non-profit clients. Within these projects, are needed to lead the design team for each site
landscape architects work to address social and coordinate the efforts of UConn students,
and environmental issues as well as aesthetics, Groundwork Bridgeport students, community
function, construction, and more. members, and other stakeholders.
As you will see on the following pages,
landscape architects use their skills when they • Preparations for the Olmsted 200 celebra-
volunteer on town committees and for non-profit tions are currently underway. The chapter will
community groups. They enhance and support be marking the bicentennial of Frederick Law
schools, sports leagues and community parks. Olmsted’s life and legacy through a variety of
They speak up for the environment and for our offerings:
historical and cultural resources. And they do it
with the signature landscape architecture skill- – Providing coverage of FLO2022 topics in
blend of listening, advising, coordinating, and The Connecticut Landscape Architect or
balancing of social and environmental ideals Annual publications.
with the economic and “on the ground”
demands of real-world projects. – Adding new entries to the Olmsted Legacy
For some practitioners, volunteering is a Trail (www.olmstedlegacytrail.com).
steady, lifelong practice. For others, however,
it can be next to impossible to find the time to – Planning and hosting educational events.
volunteer while building a career, building a
landscape architecture practice, or while raising In order to produce the full range of pro-
a family. For those without a regular volunteer gramming and content, we will need help from
practice, there could be pockets of time early in members outside of our usual committees. If you
one’s career when volunteering is an ideal way to have ideas for impactful stories or events, we
explore different aspects of landscape architec- want to hear from you!
ture, or conversely, later in one’s life in order to
add variety to a career that is on a smooth and Please contact [email protected] to become
steady track. involved with the RTCA or Olmsted 200
opportunities.

— Lauren Wholey, ASLA, Editor

76 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

DESIGN TALK 2021

Design Review in
Glastonbury

T he Town of Glastonbury Town of Glastonbury Community Beautification Committee saved a five-foot-
has a long history of pro- diameter black oak tree from removal by recommending that the sidewalk
viding landscape design curve around the tree with sufficient space to avoid the root zone. Oak tree
review, establishing its Commu- located on Oak Street, Glastonbury.
nity Beautification Committee
(CBC) in 1966. The CBC is a The Superintendent of Parks shaded, pedestrian-friendly urban
seven-member advisory com- is the town liaison for CBC and environments, supportive of local
mittee appointed by the Town provides valuable insights from businesses and economic activity.
Council to set standards and the Parks and Recreation Depart- I have thoroughly enjoyed
promote comprehensive plans ment’s budget and from its expe- serving on the Community Beau-
for landscaping public spaces, rience in maintaining public land- tification Committee over the
and to review and recommend scapes. This knowledge assists past 10 years, especially knowing
landscape plans submitted by the in developing various low-main- our activities result in enhancing
Office of Community Develop- tenance strategies. For example, public and private landscapes for
ment for approval to Town Plan the experience of maintaining the enjoyment of the residents,
and Zoning Commission. municipal properties with a high visitors, and wildlife inhabitants
The CBC reviews landscape percentage of perennials has led of Glastonbury.
designs over a range of property CBC to frequently advocate for a
types and looks to strengthen the tree in place of a shrub or a shrub Debra De Vries-Dalton, asla
cultural, historical, and environ- in place of some perennials. Land Canvas, PLLC
mental aspects throughout the The CBC seeks to collaborate
community, saving and pro- through an open dialog and ex-
tecting mature trees whenever change of ideas with the project
possible during the design phase owner’s landscape architect,
and always looking to plant new soil scientist, and design team,
trees. We encourage a diversity of enhancing plans to refine com-
native plants for wildlife habitat munity beauty and to provide
and pollinator support, but recog-
nize some urban sites are more
suitable for non-native plants and
we support the use of green in-
frastructure to control stormwater
naturally and aesthetically.
The CBC coordinates closely
with other town departments.
The Conservation Commission
and CBC work together in rec-
ommending removal of invasive
species in both existing areas and
those appearing in planting plans,
such as Norway Maples.

2021 Annual | 77

DESIGN TALK 2021

Corning Fountain Planting

Bushnell Park, Hartford

O n Thursday, May 20, 2021 The Native American
volunteers gathered to plant Medicine Wheel was the
over 250 perennials and shrubs inspiration for the planting
around the Corning Fountain in Hart- designed by Heidi Hajna.
ford’s Bushnell Park. The project was Due to the short supply
a collaboration between the Bushnell and high demand for plant
Park Foundation, the City of Hart- material in 2021, several
ford, and Freeman Companies, LLC. of the plants required
The soil was prepped ahead of time substitutions.
by the Hartford Parks Department
and was ready for planting when the
Freeman Company volunteers, Parks
Department staff, and Bushnell Park
Foundation members arrived at 9:00
a.m. The first step was laying out the
plantings according to the planting
plan designed by Heidi Hajna, ASLA,

The Corning Fountain is located on the west side
of Bushnell Park in downtown Hartford, CT.

78 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

Photographs: Jordan Herpich, Freeman Companies Director of the Landscape Architecture Studio
at Freeman Companies. Heidi is on the Bush-
Top: Grant Losapio and Kate Montgomery, members of nell Park Foundation Board of Directors and
the Freeman Companies Landscape Architecture Studio, volunteered her time to bring the board’s vision
coordinated the layout of the plants in the field according of a medicine wheel-inspired planting design
to the planting design. Middle: Charmaine Craig of the into reality. 
Foundation Board (left) describing her first memories of The four quadrants of the planting sur-
the park after moving to Hartford from Jamaica.  round the Corning Fountain and contain
Bottom: Members of the team pose in the fountain after plants that bloom red, yellow, white, and
completing the planting installation (left to right): Kate, blue. The inspiration for the design came
Mike, Conor, Kevin, Myles, Vincent, Grant, and Jeff.  from Charmaine Craig, another member of
the Bushnell Park Foundation Board, who
first discovered the park decades ago when she
moved to Hartford from Jamaica. She fell in
love with the park after discovering the bright
colored blooms around the fountain. She
recently learned the planting required renova-
tion and advocated for a design that was more
reflective of the Native Americans featured in
the fountain. While the Corning Fountain stat-
ue and the symbol of the medicine wheel both
share mixed histories, the colorful planting
design is meant to bring more recognition to
the Saukiog and Oneida people who lived on
the land for generations before the Corning
Family.
After the plants were laid out according
to the plan, Grant Losapio, ASLA and Kate
Montgomery, ASLA, gave a quick plant-
ing demonstration. Then the volunteers got
to planting while Vincent Boyce from the
Department of Public Works followed up
with the mulch. Before finishing the remaining
planting and mulching, volunteers took a break
to enjoy a pizza lunch and view from the top of
the Memorial Arch organized by Bushnell Park
Foundation manager, Mary Zeman. Freeman
Companies plans to assist with the annual
mulching and maintenance of the garden each
spring. Next time you are in the park, make
sure to stroll by the fountain, check out the
newly installed design, and say hi to Vincent if
you see him out watering. 

Kate Montgomery, asla
Freeman Companies, LLC

2021 Annual | 79

DESIGN TALK 2021

In For A Penny, In For Pound Ridge

O ver the years Louis Fusco Landscape Pound Ridge (NY) Village Green plan and rendering
Architects has been approached by a (above). Louis Fusco Landscape Architects is currently
number of non-profit groups in need completing the final construction drawings, with
of design and consulting services. If and when groundbreaking scheduled to commence this fall.
their mission aligns with ours, or when we just
cannot find it in our heart to say no, we ac-
quiesce and give it our all. These projects are
handled in our office in the same manner we
would our ongoing clients. They have brought
us immense satisfaction and closer to the
communities we work in.
We have been involved with the Pound
Ridge Partnership (poundridgepartnership.org)
and their Green Streets initiatives since as far
back as 2012 when the Partnership approached
us for assistance with their Scotts Corners’ Main
Street streetscape improvements program.
What began with the creation of a vest pocket
park, and a proposal for new LED streetlights,
ultimately led to helping the town acquire a
1.2 Million NYS TEP Streetscape Enhancement

80 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

Plan for the
Historic Marble
School House,
Eastchester, NY.

Program grant. Along the way we have assisted These projects are handled in
the Partnership on a number of their non-profit our office in the same manner
town and park enhancement projects. we would our ongoing clients.
Through a connection with the Eastchester They have brought us immense
town planner, the Historic Marble School House satisfaction and closer to the
approached us for help with their site renovations, communities we work in.
providing an opportunity for our office to learn
about the history of this unique library and learn- of invasive species removal and responsible re-
ing facility and to research the implementation of planting of their town. We have been approached
some native old-world plantings. by their organization to create appropriate planting
The Pound Ridge Green project began plans to establish a unified landscape vocabulary.
with a generous donation by a local resident to Most recently we were approached by the
acquire a centrally located in-town parcel previous- Pound Ridge Dog Park (poundridgedogpark.com)
ly contaminated by a long-time gas station and to assist with developing a park for their group.
mechanic shop. Our office completed the design
development plans and is currently completing the Louis Fusco, asla
final construction drawings, with groundbreaking Louis Fusco Landscape Architects
scheduled to commence this fall.
Growing Pound Ridge (growingpoundridge.org)
is another local non-profit with an ongoing history

Growing Pound Ridge Rendered Section.

2021 Annual | 81

DESIGN TALK 2021 So before…and
very after.
They’ve got your backstop
The new spectator-safe press box doubles as a
A s a landscape architect at BL Companies, secure outdoor storage area for field supplies,
I was approached by members of the maintenance equipment, and two field tractors.
Mystic Little League for advice on a The plan also called for a full-depth foundation
few recreational upgrades they were that was not currently within the existing
considering for their baseball fields in Mystic, building footprint.
CT. The league had the means to construct the
improvements yet lacked the funding for both the
construction and the design plans necessary for the
local permitting to make the project a reality. In
the spirit of giving back to our local communities,
BL Companies took on the task of site and building
design, permit plan preparation, and local permit-
ting assistance for the replacement and upgrade of
an outdated press box.
The plan called for a spectator-safe press box
area in the approximate same location as the ex-
isting press box with a way to maintain the front,
which abutted an existing field backstop. BL Com-
panies devised plexiglass panels to protect individ-
uals in the press box second level and also pushed
the press box out a few feet off the backstop allow-
ing room for maintenance of both the press box
and the backstop. The area created was isolated by
means of gates to prevent passage directly behind
the home plate area. This area doubles as a secure
outdoor storage area for field maintenance equip-
ment. The plan also called for a full-depth foun-
dation that was not currently within the existing
building footprint. This afforded a larger-than-
normal first floor storage area for field supplies,
maintenance equipment, and two field tractors.

82 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

BL Companies worked with the Little and construction administration. The result
League on the phasing of this project to is a safe, secure press box and maintenance
allow for fiscal flexibility in bringing the area that can be utilized and enjoyed by the
entire project to reality. BL Companies pro- parents and youth of Mystic Little League
vided landscape architecture, as well as ar- for years to come.
chitectural assistance, with site plan layout,
grading, building design, local regulatory Dominick Celtruda, asla
permit assistance, community engagement, BL Companies

2021 Annual | 83

DESIGN TALK 2021

Preservationist, Advocate, Friend
(and a pretty decent docent)

I have served for several years on I also serve on the annual Awards
the boards of both New Haven Committee, nominating preservation projects,
Preservation Trust and Friends of individuals and organizations for exemplary
Grove Street Cemetery, in New Haven. projects, visiting sites, doing photography, and
For New Haven Preservation Trust writing up press releases.
(NHPT) I serve on the Board of Directors, And I conduct tours of historic
which meets monthly for general business, neighborhoods, particularly those related to
and on the Preservation Committee. Among landscapes, such as East Rock Park (National
other things we: Register), downtown urban renewal areas, the
Green (National Landmark), the Farmington
• review demolition threats to buildings Canal Greenway, Hillhouse Avenue Historic
and sites and advocate for alternatives District, and a number of Yale University
areas.
• meet developers and advise on historic Part of my role with New Haven Preser-
values and potential resources, such as vation Trust is to raise awareness of landscape
tax credits for preservation cultural heritage values, both to the general
public but also particularly to other Board
• award small grants for worthy preserva- members. See: nhpt.org.
tion projects  

• advise the chief preservation officer on
projects and interactions with the City
(we have a legal advisory relationship to
the City Historic District Commission)

Above: Channing Harris
(above) with Grove Street
Cemetery staff and other
volunteer landscape architects
from Towers|Golde, installing
plantings at the cemetery’s
front border. Left: Giving a
tour of restored landscapes at
Yale University as part of an
ASLA Connecticut program
in 2009.

84 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

Channing’s efforts have
led to the development
of a map and guide to
notable trees to help
visitors learn about the
horticultural resources of
Grove Street Cemetery.

As a member of the Board of To find an arboretum tour go to “Explore/Visiting/Tours” at
the Friends of Grove Street Ceme- grovestreetcemetery.org. Also see “bulletins” under media. Or
tery, a National Historic Landmark, visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/grovestreetcemetery.
I have focused on raising awareness
of the horticultural resources in our Channing Harris, asla
18 acres. We just achieved recogni- Towers|Golde LLC
tion as an Arboretum (at the lowest
tier). A map and guide to notable
trees has been created and we have
mounted small plaques on 40 trees
within the cemetery. I have also
facilitated and designed replanting
projects and have a particular love
of the cemetery’s history in all its
aspects. I have given tours about
the landscape and horticultural
heritage of the cemetery and I am
the editor of our newsletter, The
Bulletin.

Channing leading a tour of East Rock Park for the New Haven Preservation Trust and New
Haven Arts & Ideas Festival in 2013. (“This is what it looks like to have 125 people on a tour…”)

2021 Annual | 85

DESIGN TALK 2021

Weaving Community Fabric in a Historical Context

T he S/L/A/M Collab- Existing conditions and Master Plan. KMCC parking lot. Multiple
orative (SLAM) was restaurants garland the street,
recently approached When we visited the prop- all within walking distance
by the Wethersfield erty with the client, it became from the center. Keeping
Historical Society (WHS) with clear that there were several WHS’s larger goal of a po-
a need for assistance to obtain opportunities for connection on tential greenway in mind, we
a 2021 AARP Community the property. While the prop- investigated eligible surround-
Challenge grant. With many erty was originally designed ing properties in the historical
improvement ideas in mind, by landscape architect Weld district and the connections
their primary focus was on the Thayer Chase, the original idea that could be made. Ultimately,
Keeney Memorial Cultural Cen- of the flower garden was never the project will be about place-
ter (KMCC), a building located installed. A trail hammered out making, wayfinding, and com-
on Wethersfield town property. by venturesome visitors con- municating WHS’s desire for a
Bordering another WHS-owned nects to the Buttolph-Williams better-connected community.
building, the Hurlbut-Dun- House, and a historic cemetery
ham house, both embrace the is just a minute’s walk from the
historical and social landscape
of the area, blending well with
the Main Street surroundings.
While the KMCC is set up to
be the first stop for visitors
to the historic area, working
as both a visitor center and
museum, WHS wanted it to
feel more like a destination
and have more physical and
visual connectivity to the fabric
of the community, including
the adjacent restaurant, Lucky
Lou’s Bar and Grill, which is
in the Deming-Standish House,
and another adjacent historical
treasure, the Buttolph-Williams
House. Located conveniently
across the river, SLAM was in
a perfect position to help. For
the firm, it was an opportunity
to get to know a local commu-
nity better as well as for a new
landscape architect, myself, to
be mentored by a veteran land-
scape architect, Dan Granniss,
ASLA.

86 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

Grant money is being Not many people can do what
sought after for the initial phase we do as landscape architects ,
to create a pocket park between and it is important to give back to
the Keeney Memorial Cultural our communities whenever we can .
Center and Hurlbut-Dunham
House, and to create connectivi- Phase One Concept Plan.
ty to Lucky Lou’s and Buttolph-
Williams House. Looking fur- Hurlbut-Dunham House. Below Left: Lucky Lou’s Bar and Grill.
ther into the future, we included Below right: Keeney Memorial Cultural Center.
master plan ideas to illustrate
how these short-term goals 2021 Annual | 87
could be connected to a larg-
er vision for the properties to
continue to enhance the largest
Historical District in the State.
Design cues from throughout
the district were used to guide
the master planning of this
zone of the campus, such as
the Joseph Webb House garden
area across the street, to create
a cohesive fabric. Also of note is
the outdoor spaces are designed
to be flexible to support events
and small and large group gath-
ering throughout the campus to
support a diverse community.
At SLAM, we place the
same value in pro bono work
as we do for a billable project.
By creating a budget specifically
for this purpose, our employees
can dedicate their time during
a normal workday, instead of
trying to squeeze it in on nights
or weekends. We are lucky to be
at a size where we can do this.
It is rewarding to build these
relationships and we encourage
others to do the same when the
opportunities arise. Not many
people can do what we do as
landscape architects, and it is
important to give back to our
communities whenever we can.

Ellen Fallon-Senechal,

Assoc. asla

The S/L/A/M Collaborative

DESIGN TALK 2021

The Teacher

Striving to grow the mind
With her students, plant a garden
It is not just a flower, but what
really will grow?
Community, ecology
A meal — yes.
They gather, pollinators, children
Touching, smelling, seeing,
hearing, tasting
They are a part of our world
Providers of honey, apples,
strawberries
And the smiles, of course.

Aris W. Stalis, asla
Aris Land Studio

Aris Stalis worked with Mary Servino, of
the Discovery Magnet Middle School in
Bridgeport, to plan and install numerous
pollinator gardens. (“It is the teacher who
really is worthy of the credit,” says Aris.)
Also a great thanks to Grillo Soil Services
for supplying mulch and compost, and
Planters’ Choice Nursery for plant material.

88 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture

2021 Annual | 89

DESIGN TALK 2021

Sound Principles Hamden Mill River watershed,
which is the primary watershed
I fell into my position on the Hamden Inland Wetlands located in Hamden. Working
Commission (Hamden IWC) when a neighbor, upon on this project has so far been
learning I was a landscape designer and new to the area, a collaboration of the Ham-
suggested I apply. While I knew next to nothing about den IWC with the Mill River
the town commission and review process when I started, being Watershed Association, Ham-
on the Hamden IWC has allowed me to learn about the permit den Land Conservation Trust,
application process from both sides of the table, as a voting com- Save the Sound, and Hamden
mission member, and as a landscape architect submitting plans to Eagle Scouts. Other local civic
town commissions all over New England and the east coast. groups, from community civic
Recently, being on the Hamden IWC has led to another, sec- associations to churches to
ond volunteer activity, when a Hamden IWC member mentioned schools are potential collabora-
seeing a person toss unwanted mail into a storm drain as if it tors as we move forward. Being
were a trash receptacle. The Hamden IWC is now taking on the part of this project has con-
task of obtaining storm drain medallions and distributing them nected me to a large network
to volunteer groups to install on storm drains throughout the of local environmental and
community groups. I would
love to be able to do more
volunteer work than my small
contributions but for now I am
doing what I can with the time
I have, and doing so has shown
me that while there is more
volunteer work than I can find
time to participate in, thank-
fully there are many hands and
hearts working to make our
communities cleaner and safer
for all.

Lauren Wholey, asla

BL Companies

While there is more volunteer work than I can
find time to participate in, thankfully there are
many hands and hearts working to make our
communities cleaner and safer for all.

90 | Connecticut Landscape Architecture