Welcome to The Frederick Law Olmsted Society
In 1868, landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and his partner, Calvert Vaux, were commissioned to plan a unique community just west of Chicago, Illinois. The result was Riverside, a beautiful community along the Des Plaines River, complete with curving lanes, abundant greenery, and gas street lights. One hundred years later, the Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside was formed.
In 1970, Riverside was named a National Historic Landscape District.
Latest News
Membership
Explore Riverside in a whole new way: Become a member of the Olmsted Society for 2012.
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Landscape Workdays
A whopping 618 hours of community service were logged during the Workdays in 2011! Thanks to all who took the time to give back to the community. Look for our 2012 schedule early in the new year.
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Historic Walking Tours
Our 2012 Walking Tour schedule is now available for the new year!
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Newsletters
Winter Newsletter released!
Check out the 2011 Winter Newsletter today and learn more about FLOS.
Sawed, Dug, Dragged and Chipped
Our work along the riverbank continues with clearing along Riverside Road. See additional photos from our October 22nd Workday.
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FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED SOCIETY LANDSCAPE WORKDAY
On August 13th & September 17th, dozens of volunteers removed Buckthorn & grapevine to reveal a view of our river. Our goal is to open up the view along the entire length of Riverside Road & into Miller Woods.
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Unearthed Treasures
The Olmsted Society Landscape Committee met early on August 13, 2011 to decide how we are going to tackle clearing the riverbank. After hearing from experts, we began removing invasive buckthorn along one stretch of the river by Olmsted Road. When we finished we had hauled away three truckloads of debris, found two antique bottles [...]
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History of Dams in Riverside, IL
100% Phase II documents and the FLOS Dam Committee response is now available for review.
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Salt Creek Greenway Association
The Olmsted Society has partnered with the SCGA in support of their mission to identify, preserve and promote the resources of the Salt Creek Greenway. Take a moment to learn more of what the SCGA has to offer!
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2011 Poetry Contest
This year a record 138 students participated in the “Reflections on Riverside” poetry contest! Winners have been announced and the winning poems are now available for your enjoyment. Thanks to those who joined us for the Poetry Reading and Reception on Thursday July 28th at the Riverside Library.
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GUIDED NATURE WALK OF ZOO WOODS
Olmsted Society member and Master Steward of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, John Kolar, led a guided nature walk of Zoo Woods. Two different walks were available on Saturday, April 30.
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GUIDED NATURE WALK OF WAUBANSEE PRESERVE
On Saturday June 4th, Olmsted Society member and Master Steward of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, John Kolar, led a guided nature walk of Waubansee Preserve.
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Spring Cleaning
On Saturday, May 14th, we were joined by a new volunteer, a bird, who stayed with us all morning. Eight volunteers endured a windy and cold day to weed then mulch the area. Join us for the next Olmsted Society landscape workday on Saturday, June 25th at Scottswood Commons.
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The Great Garlic Mustard Pull
On Saturday, April 16 the Olmsted Society hosted “The Garlic Mustard Challenge” at the Scout Cabin. To learn more about garlic mustard and to see what happened…
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2010: Restoration Award
The 2010 Restoration Award is presented to Giuseppe Zappani for brickwork and limestone restoration to the historic Arcade Building.
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Olmsted Signature Tote Bag
Show your support for the Fredrick Law Olmsted Society and shop in style with our Signature Tote Bags! Help reduce the use of plastic bags. Great for trips to the Library or sustainable shopping at your local grocer.
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Landscape Resources
Multiple Riverside landscape resources are available through our site. Please feel free to explore. Recently added are landscape plans from Olmsted member John Kunka.
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