California Landscape Design

Greetings from the New Sustainability and Advocacy Co-Chairs!

The New Year is here, and we are excited to step into our roles as your new California Chapter Sustainability and Advocacy representatives. Our plans for “what comes next” would not be possible without the incredible progress and achievements made during years past by committed APLD members and leaders. We encourage you to take a few worthwhile moments to read this article from the APLD California Chapter Newsletter, June 2016, written by Maureen Decombe, describing the important linkages between APLD advocacy, our roles as professional landscape designers, and the watershed approach to landscapes.

The advocacy committee is always up to something, even if members around the country aren’t aware of all the details outside of their own backyard. Much of the work our committee does is behind the scenes or at the local level. The bulk of what this committee has historically focused on has been reactionarily battling the curbs on our ability to practice. However, this year we wanted to take a stab at some pro-active PR for ourselves, so we focused our print message on highlighting a few key projects around the country. Be sure to check on previous national newsletters for those articles. Additionally, we’ve kept busy this past year with a handful of other items…

Ramie Allard is one of the founding members of the Greater Los Angeles district. She has been in charge of the CA Chapter purse strings for five years. Knowing absolutely nothing about accounting—other than what we all do for our own businesses—Ramie answered the frantic call to help and took on the role of Treasurer. She has been a “treasured” member of our board, always a rock-steady presence, especially helpful to me in her dual role of Vice President this past year (and unofficial board sommelier).

Mary Fisher, FAPLD has worn many hats over the years—usually one piled on top of the other—including CA Chapter President. She will long be remembered for driving the sponsorship program to the level that it is today. Most importantly, it is in the nurturing of these relationships where Mary has been invaluable, as we consider our sponsors to be part of our APLD family.

About a year ago, Mary saved this newsletter from an almost certain death. Even though Mary will no longer be a member of the board, she will continue at the helm of California Landscape Design. So, keep that hat on, Mary!

Amelia Lima, FAPLD has been a member of several APLD chapters around the country and has been certified for over 19 years. We are grateful that she finally settled in California. Amelia started the San Diego district, then moved to the CA Chapter board. After serving as CA Chapter President, she moved into the Advocacy Chair position. She is living proof that if you speak from the heart, with passion and grace—with or without an enchanting Brazilian accent—you can effectively get your message across and be a strong voice for the cause.

Laura Morton, FAPLD was the first President of the Greater Los Angeles district and then moved to the CA Chapter board. After serving as Chapter President, she continued on the board as Membership Chair and then Sponsorship Chair. She has basically been serving the board since Day One. Laura….where will we be without your larger than life personality, your creative spirit, your passion, your compassion and your beautiful singing voice???

Maureen Decombe has not officially been on the Chapter board this past year. However, I simply cannot write this without including her.  Maureen’s service to APLD dates back to the beginning of this century! I will bet that most members that see Maureen’s behind-the-scenes machinations don’t even remember that she was CA Chapter President in 2009. Most know her as a strong voice and leader of the charge in our advocacy and sustainability efforts for many years. Simultaneously, since 2014, she has almost single-handedly revamped our website and has created systems that run every aspect of the chapter.  Maureen has been absolutely tireless in her efforts and I honestly don’t know how we are going to fly with our own wings, as she ever so steadily weans us off on our own.

All of these beautiful women have been kind and generous to me beyond measure. We have bolstered each other professionally and personally. We have broken bread together, laughed, and cried together.  

From the bottom of my heart—and I know I speak for many—thank you.