A Forest Service landscape architect uses science and art to plan, design, build, and manage recreation opportunities on our national forests. They design spaces for people to connect to nature and create memories on public lands.
Being creative and curious are talents landscape architects need to envision solutions to challenging design problems. Ask questions, observe patterns, and sketch ideas to understand a site and its users. Seeing the big picture while also noticing the small details.
Creating a site for people to enjoy while protecting sensitive environmental and cultural resources. People are part of the ecosystem, and a good design provides a space for people to interact with their public lands in harmony with nature.
Landscape architects need to acquire skills in visual communication, drafting, sketching, conceptualizing, design, written and oral communication, and problem solving. Computers, drawing materials, photography, mapping, and field visits are important tools and processes for design.
I had the opportunity to plan and design a recreation area in Rwanda at a site that harbors endangered grey-crowned cranes. The area includes boardwalks, trails, viewing decks, and interpretive displays for visitors to learn about the wetland ecosystem of the site and the importance of conservation.
Since I was a kid, my favorite activities have been drawing and exploring wild places. Growing up within a national forest in the Southwest, I have cultivated a lifetime appreciation of public lands. As a Forest Service landscape architect, I have turned these passions into a career!
