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
Historic Walking Tours
Our first tour of the season will depart from the train station at 2pm on Sunday, May 26th and tour the North of Riverside.
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The Great Garlic Mustard Pull
A big thank you to all tha helped at the Scout Cabin on Saturday, May 11, 2013 and make the 2013 Garlic Mustard Pull a success
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Newsletters
Winter Newsletter released!
Check out the 2013 Spring Newsletter today and learn more about FLOS.
2013 Poetry and Imagery Contests
Entries are now closed for the Society’s annual Reflections on Riverside Poetry Contest and new high school Imagery Contest. Winners to be announced later in May.
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Landscape Workdays
Our next workday will be at Blythe Park on Saturday, June 1st from 9am to noon.
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Membership
It is time to renew your membership for 2013! If you are not yet a member you can join today online.
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50/50 Tree Planting Program
Olmsted Society Members
Save 75% on 50/50 Tree Planting Program
Annual Meeting January 18, 2013
Friday January 18, 2013 7:00PM Riverside Township Hall Meeting agenda included a review of 2012 activities and accomplishments, nominees for 2013 Officers and Board of Directors, and a lecture by Julia Bachrach who spoke to the recently released second edition of her book entitled “The City in a Garden: A History of Chicago’s Parks,” a [...]
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2012 Poetry Contest
“REFLECTIONS ON RIVERSIDE” 2012 POETRY WINNERS The judges of this year’s “Reflections on Riverside” Student Poetry Contest had a difficult task, as over 200 students accepted the Society’s challenge to reflect upon Riverside’s natural areas and convey their impressions in poetic form. At year-end awards ceremonies throughout Riverside, each young poet was awarded a gold [...]
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Trees and Changing Climate
On Wednesday, February 20 at 7pm in the Great Room of the Riverside Public Library, Guy Sternberg spoke on how trees will be affected by global warming and the associated increase in frequency of extreme droughts, flooding, and temperatures that are expected to occur in coming decades.
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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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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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