ASLA Central States is a regional conference hosted by rotating ASLA Chapters: Nebraska/Dakotas, Iowa, Prairie Gateway, St. Louis, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

The 2026 Conference theme is Living Narratives, celebrating the stories we tell through design: stories that inspire, educate, and connect. Living Narratives explores how culture and ecology shape landscapes that are meaningful, resilient, and rooted in community. “Living” signifies the past, present, and future contexts of the places we design, while “Narratives” refers to the storytelling power those places hold.

We aspire to highlight work that embraces inclusivity, addresses historic inequities and systemic challenges, and honors the dignity of all living beings through thoughtful, respectful design.