Click Here to Register!
Please join the Palm Beach / Treasure Coast Section and the Emerging Professionals for a Sketch Walk sponsored by Playmore.
Time & Duration:
June 14th, 10am -1:30pm
ASLA Florida Town Hall
Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
Connect with chapter leadership and fellow members for a brief, informative session covering key updates, legislative news, conference highlights, member benefits, and ways to get involved. Bring your questions and ideas—this is your chance to engage and be heard!
Meet the Speakers:
Helen Cohen
Helen holds both BSLA from Cornell University and an MLA from the University of Michigan. She has worked for the past 19 years with Urban Design Studio in West Palm Beach Florida where she is a Senior Landscape Architect. Her practice spans a wide range of project types from institutional to private sector where she focuses on full-service project management and design for projects seeking zoning entitlements. A member of ASLA’s Florida Chapter since 2008, Helen became involved as a volunteer serving as 2017 ASLA Florida’s state conference chair and as Education Chair for three years before holding her current position as Member at Large for Education and Research. She was recently elected to serve as President Elect for the ASLA Florida chapter and will step into this role following the ASLA National Conference on Landscape Architecture in late October 2024.
Alex Fenech
While embracing and practicing sound leadership, mentorship and continuous education continue to be a staple in Alex’s professional journey. His involvement with ASLA through various committees and initiatives has been a key to his growth, and now serves as Trustee of the ASLA Florida Chapter. Championing a “lead by example” mentality, he serves as Principal with the Hitchcock Design Group’s South Florida Office. With a focus on his elevating his craft in executing projects in the region, he has put mentoring members of the team and nurturing the next generation of landscape architects at the forefront of his career. Alex received a BLA from Michigan State University in 2011.
Diana Ferguson
Diana joined Rutledge Ecenia in January 2011 as an attorney and lobbyist. Her practice is concentrated in the areas of environmental and administrative law, regulated industries and government relations. She currently provides governmental advocacy services for several clients, including businesses, local governments, associations, and non-profit organizations. Prior to joining the firm, Diana provided legislative counsel to the Florida Association of Counties. In that capacity, she lobbied numerous environmental issues as well as other local government issues.
Leigh Gevelinger
Leigh is the founder and lead landscape architect of Coastal Vista Design, bringing diverse experience from design-build work to large-scale planning across coastal Southwest Florida. She launched her firm to foster an innovative, community-focused design culture.
Leigh has led the transformation of hundreds of properties and played a key role in Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. A dedicated member of ASLA Florida, she actively mentors students, supports local charities, and advocates for the profession. Outside of work, she’s a proud wife, mom of three, and outdoor enthusiast who leads by example.
Leah Heinzelmann
Leah Heinzelmann traveled over 1,500 miles to begin her career at Cotleur & Hearing in June of 2016. She is a Wisconsin native who attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and graduated with a double major in landscape architecture and music performance. Leah is a registered landscape architect and has gained experience working on various projects in Martin County, St. Lucie County, and Indian River County. Her work has involved designing and planning outdoor spaces, including parks, commercial spaces, master plan communities and other landscapes. This past June, Leah became an Associate Partner at Cotleur and Hearing and looks forward to continual growth with the company. In 2022 Leah became President-Elect for the American Society of Landscape Architects Florida Chapter and will become President this November. Apart from her career, Leah has a passion for strength training. She has become deeply involved in powerlifting and CrossFit, and she actively competes in meets across the state of Florida and Nationally.
Adam McCollister
is a dynamic project manager and registered landscape architect known for aligning project teams with client goals while fostering innovative, solutions-driven design. Rising from entry-level designer to licensed professional and project manager in just four years—a journey that often takes a decade—Adam has proven his natural leadership and commitment to excellence.
In 2019, he was recognized as the Florida Chapter ASLA Exceptional Emerging Professional of the Year and was elected Chapter President later that year, a testament to the high regard of his peers.
Currently, Adam continues to contribute to the profession as the Chair of the 2025 ASLA Florida Annual Conference Planning Committee, leading efforts to organize a pivotal event for landscape architects across the state.
Kevin White
Kevin White is a Senior Landscape Architect with England Thims & Miller Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida. Kevin received his Bachelor of Science, College of Agriculture, University of Florida and his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida- 2002 (1st graduating class of the 5-year accredited program). Kevin has been a committed member of ASLA Florida for 24 years and has served in various roles including President of the Chapter and currently serves as the Member at Large for Advocacy and Licensure.
ASLA Florida 2025 Annual Conference & Expo
Ponte Vedra Beach | July 15 - 17
Our 2025 Annual Conference + Expo theme for Ponte Vedra Beach is Nature's Course: Finding Balance in Changing Tides. This theme emphasizes the vital role of landscape architects as creative thought leaders in addressing the dynamic relationship between ecology, economy, and community. As these forces shift and often conflict, design and advocacy becomes a powerful tool for finding balance. Through innovative approaches, landscape architects are uniquely positioned to guide the transformation of our environments, ensuring a sustainable and balanced future that respects natural systems while meeting human needs. This conference will explore strategies for fostering resilient, thriving communities that respond to the challenges of our changing world. Sessions will explore innovative skillsets, techniques, ideas, materials, technology, approaches, and lessons learned to move landscape architects forward and create lasting connections.
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If you are an ASLA Member in a different state, please reach out to info@aslaflorida.org for the registration code!
About the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, 32082
Cut Off Date: June 20, 2025
Book your room in the ASLA Florida Room Block!
An unforgettable getaway awaits you at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa. Ideally situated in Ponte Vedra Beach, just a short distance from Jacksonville, our resort is right next door to the famed TPC Sawgrass golf club. We're pleased to offer exclusive privileges with the golf complex, play a round and take a lesson while you're here. Gorgeously designed rooms, suites and family-friendly villas boast every imaginable comfort, and many feature balconies or terraces. In addition to being steps from TPC Sawgrass, the resort also showcases four sparkling pools and pampering treatments at the Sawgrass Spa. Take a short complimentary shuttle ride to our oceanfront Cabana Beach Club, which offers direct access to Ponte Vedra Beach. Delicious local fare is on the menu at our seven resort restaurants and lounges. For those hosting events near Jacksonville, our 90,000+ square feet of accessible indoor/outdoor venue space and superb planning and catering services make us a memorable destination for any gathering.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Platinum Sponsor: Gold Sponsors:
Questions?
Please reach out to info@aslaflorida.org
Join us for our 2025 Annual Conference + Expo, July 15th - July 17th at the beautiful Sawgrass Marriott.
One 10x10 Exhibit Booth Available!
Click Here to learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities!
Exhibitor Schedule:
Monday, July 14
Tuesday, July 15
Wednesday, July 16
Additional Important Exhibitor Information:
Tackling the Water and Biodiversity Crisis in Florida: The OUTSIDE Collaborative
August 13, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET
ASLA Florida Members: $25 | Non-Members: $35 | Student: $10
The vital issues of rapid growth, water supply issues, biodiversity loss and the effects of climate change require us to change traditional landscape practices. Hear from a practitioner, nursery owner and university researcher on the development of a sustainable approach to the landscape transect from design to implementation and maintenance. The OUTSIDE Collaborative is made of a diverse group of stakeholders and practitioners who are passionate about building as sustainable future. Through the power of collaboration, they are learning and applying the latest methods in holistic sustainable landscaping, development, place-making, and conservation. Collaborators include landscape architects, landscape companies, local and state government representatives, researchers, students, water management districts, engineers, non-government conservation groups, developers, home builders and environmental and ecological consultants. The work is affecting a diverse group, not limited to developers and policy makers, nursery growers, contractors, landscape maintenance personnel, new and longtime homeowners, jurisdictions, academics, and landscape architecture practitioners.
Learning Objectives
This session will provide 1.5 CEC through DBPR and LACES.
**Please be sure to provide your LA license number in your registration if you want to receive credit.**
Christina Hite,FASLA, LEED AP
Dix.Hite + Partners
Christina (Chris) Hite, FASLA, LEED AP is a Founding Partner at Dix.Hite + Partners, bringing more than 35 years of extensive experience in a holistic landscape architecture practice for both public and private clients. As Chairman of the Board and consulting principal, Chris has helped define Dix.Hite as a firm with a national reputation for excellence. Chris received a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia in 1987, and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Florida in 2012. Chris has led and designed a wide range of projects, ranging from parks and multi-model transportation projects to the design of residential spaces, with an emphasis on placemaking for communities. She fosters the advance and influence of the landscape architecture profession through leadership in design, practice, academic, and community service, and is the current President of the OUTSIDE Collaborative, working to shift the landscape paradigm with research, policy, culture, and industry through collaboration to position landscapes as a vital solution to sustainability. She was recognized for her excellence in leadership and management by her peers nationally and elevated to Fellow in the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Pierce Jones, PhD
Emeritus Professor, University of Florida
Pierce graduated from UF in 1980 with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He is a recently retired Professor from the University of Florida where he established and directed the Program for Resource Efficient Communities, an interdisciplinary group that promotes the adoption of “best design, construction and management practices” in master planned developments. The program directly participated in land development and building projects that adopted and demonstrated “green” practices. He sits on the board of the OUTSIDE Collaborative, a non-profit dedicated to increasing the adoption of sustainable landscape practices. He currently provides consulting services on sustainable development practices.
Tim Sallin
Co-CEO, Cherrylake
Tim Sallin is the Co-CEO of Cherrylake, an integrated horticulture and landscape company, and IMG Citrus, a leading Florida fresh citrus company. Under his leadership, both companies prioritize sustainability, innovation, and community impact. Passionate about regenerative agriculture and sustainable landscapes, Tim advocates for collaborative efforts that reconnect people with nature.
He serves as Treasurer of The OUTSIDE Sustainable Landscape Collaborative and Secretary of 1000 Friends of Florida, both nonprofits dedicated to environmental and community betterment. Tim also hosts The Ground Up Podcast, which focuses on building resilience, biodiversity, and sustainability from the ground up.
MISSION STATEMENT
CONTACT US
ASLA FLORIDA P.O. Box 841 Pensacola, FL 32591 Office: 850.480.7332
Email: info@aslaflorida.org