Keeping Up: Maintenance and Management of Ecologically Vibrant Landscapes is officially here! We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Atlas Lab’s Brenna Castro Carlson alongside Haven Kiers who completed this remarkable 16-month research initiative through the Landscape Architecture Foundation Research Grant in Honor of Deb Mitchell.
While designers often focus on what gets built, this research asks an equally important question: How do we ensure ecologically rich landscapes continue to thrive long after construction is complete? Through interviews, case studies, and analysis of public and institutional landscapes, the research explores the systemic barriers, management practices, and opportunities that influence long-term biodiversity. It offers practical strategies for rethinking how maintenance is planned, funded, and practiced, helping move our profession beyond installation and toward lasting ecological performance.
“The success of an ecological landscape isn’t measured on opening day—it’s measured by how well it is stewarded over time.”