In 2022, the Olmsted Network partnered with Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) to create an Olmsted category for the annual PGMS Green Star Awards. Biltmore in North Carolina was the first landscape to win the “Olmsted Property” category, which recognizes properties whose maintenance practices ensure the integrity of the historic landscape. Honorable mentions went to: Architect of the Capitol, Duke University and State of Washington Capitol Campus.
Applications for this year’s award are being accepted until June 22 (link below).
The majority of PGMS members are institutional grounds managers who work for organizations such as colleges and universities, municipalities, park and recreation facilities, office parks, apartment complexes, hotels/motels, cemeteries, theme parks, and landscape management companies.
“This awards category honors the profound influence and impact that Frederick Law Olmsted’s legacy has on landscape architecture,” says Joe Kovolyan, CGM, president of PGMS. “PGMS was thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Olmsted Network, and we look forward to an excellent submission year.”
The Green Star Awards category evaluates Olmsted and other historic properties in the following areas: landscape maintenance (20 percent); safety (15 percent); challenges (20 percent); Olmsted design and management principles (20 percent); and stewardship, education, and training (15 percent).
These historic properties have landscape management and maintenance that are carefully planned and implemented based on historic documentation. Furthermore, these properties are principally focused on retaining historic landscape authenticity. Special projects are designed to limit impacts on the historic landscape and exceptional measures are taken to protect the site/resource and to minimize construction impact.
The award will recognize institutions where the historic landscape has been thoroughly researched and documented. This work guides treatment and stewardship. In these institutions, historic preservation is a primary management/maintenance goal with a focus on protecting, preserving and retaining historic landscape features. The field staff have a clear understanding of the historic landscape and their role(s) in preserving it. In addition, the staff is provided with educational opportunities in historic landscape preservation.
The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) was established in 1911 as a professional society for the individual for education and professional advancement.
Learn more information on the PGMS® Green Star Awards®, including the photo portfolio template and application. Applications are due on June 22.
NOTE: As part of our ongoing partnership, the Olmsted Network will offer a special course on Olmsted— Who is Frederick Law Olmsted?— at the upcoming School of Grounds Management in conjunction with the PGMS annual meeting in Louisville, KY on October 15.
