Olmsted Network
PARKS, PLACES & PEOPLE
The Olmsted Network is the first and only national organization dedicated to championing Olmsted parks, places and principles through advocacy, education and stewardship.
Learn
Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903)
Frederick Law Olmsted was born in Hartford, CT, in 1822. It wasn’t until he was 43 years old that he decided to devote himself fully to landscape architecture. His experiences as a farmer, journalist for The New York Times, administrator and public servant all influenced his later thinking and career.
Learn about Frederick Law Olmsted
Experience
Parks, Landscapes & More
Olmsted created some of the most iconic and recognizable landscapes in North America, including Central Park in New York City, the Emerald Necklace in Boston, Jackson Park in Chicago and the park systems of Louisville, Rochester and Buffalo.
Explore the Olmsted Trail
Research
Design Theory, Principles & Philosophy
Over a period of nearly 100 years, the Olmsted firm had thousands of projects throughout the United States, Canada and other countries. Explore the Master List of Design Projects, the Olmsted Papers Project, Olmsted’s Theory & Design Principles and more.
View ResourcesGet Involved
Become a champion for Parks, Places & People, and all Olmsted landscapes. Now more than ever, public parks and green spaces are critical to individual well-being, strong communities, vibrant economies and a healthy planet. Use our tools and templates to learn more and advocate for parks everywhere.
Partner
Join the Olmsted Network
Help us preserve and protect historic Olmsted landscapes; provide advocacy and technical assistance at the national and local level; offer key resources and educational material about Olmsted landscape designs; provide regular conferences and online forums for park leaders and the public; and publish and promote scholarship.
Learn more about the Olmsted NetworkFeatured Events & Stories
Featured post
Sue Breitkopf named President of the Olmsted Network
The Olmsted Network is proud to announce the appointment of Sue Breitkopf as its new President, effective May 27, 2025. Breitkopf brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience and a deep commitment to public landscapes and civic engagement. In this role, she will lead the Olmsted Network’s national efforts to advance the advocacy, education and […]
Featured event
Olmsted Network Partner Conference
Please join us this October in Washington, D.C. as the Olmsted Network continues its work to cultivate, connect, educate and champion conservancies and friends groups across the country. Our goal is to ensure that all of our partners— no matter big or small— have an arsenal of knowledge and a network of support to help preserve […]