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
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. Join us May 19th at the Scout Cabin for the GREAT Garlic Mustard Pull.
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The Great Garlic Mustard Pull
On Saturday, May 19th, the Olmsted Society will host “The Garlic Mustard Challenge” at the Scout Cabin. To learn more about garlic mustard and to see what happened last year…
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Housewalk 2012: HOMEwork
This year’s housewalk, “HOMEwork: A Look Inside the Homes of Riverside Architects and Interior Designers,” is unique because it includes residences owned by local architects and interior designers.
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Reflections on Riverside
It’s that time of year again! Spring is springing and the Olmsted Society is accepting entries for our 5th annual “Reflections on Riverside” Student Poetry Contest.
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Shunde, A Chinese Eco City District Design Competition
Our May lecture features local Riverside architect Paul Sterner who recently won a eco-design competition for the city of Shunde in China.
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History of Dams in Riverside, IL
On Thursday, April 26th, a meeting was held at Village Hall to address concerns regarding the Hofmann Dam project. More comments to follow pending receipt of information from the ACE
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Newsletters
Spring Newsletter released!
Check out the 2012 Spring Newsletter today and learn more about FLOS.
FRED
On April 26th, to commemorate the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted, Riverside’s Olmsted Society kicked off the FRED festivities with a birthday party at Centennial Plaza. Look for more FRED activities this summer leading up to the main event in August!
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Historic Walking Tours
Our 2012 Walking Tour schedule is now available for the new year!
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Membership
Explore Riverside in a whole new way: Become a member of the Olmsted Society for 2012.
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Arbor Day 2012
Scottswood Commons received a much needed facelift on Arbor Day…
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Annual Meeting January 13, 2012
Olmsted Biographer Justin Martin, author of Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted, was the Guest Lecturer at the Annual Meeting of the Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside on January 13, 2012. Martin’s book is a lively read detailing Olmsted’s life and works, including his “masterpiece of social engineering” and model village [...]
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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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Riverside Cruise Nights
The Olmsted Society will be participating in the Riverside Cruise Nights this summer. Stop by Thursday, June 14, between 6pm and 8pm and say hi!
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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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