Mission
In 1997 the JSR Foundation was formalized as the charitable arm of the American Society of Landscape Architects - Colorado/Wyoming Chapter with a mission to continue the legacy of Jane Silverstein Ries’ stewardship of the land. Today, the Foundation recognizes and supports sustainable and innovative projects and programs that conserve, improve and enhance the built and natural environments. The Foundation offers scholarships, grants, educational opportunities, events and programs that make the spirit of places endure in the Rocky Mountain region.
What We Do
In addition to year-round engagement with organizations and professionals across the fields of landscape architecture, urban design, engineering, ecology, maintenance, programming and preservation of public spaces, the Jane Silverstein Ries Foundation leads two annual award-based efforts to celebrate individuals and groups that embody the spirit of Jane's legacy.
JSR AWARD
Since 1983, the JSR Foundation Award is an annual tradition that recognizes a person, group or organization that demonstrates a pioneering sense of awareness and stewardship of land-use values in the Rocky Mountain region.
JSR SCHOLARSHIP
The JSR Foundation awards scholarships to students who demonstrate a passion for preserving, improving and enhancing public spaces through responsible and innovative land use and design.
About Jane Silverstein Ries, FASLA
As the first woman to pursue a career in landscape architecture in Colorado, Jane Silverstein Ries, FASLA, was a pioneer. She graduated from the Lowthorpe School of Landscape Architecture in Groton, Massachusetts in 1932, and by 1934 had already opened her own landscape architecture office in Denver. Jane held the third landscape architecture license in the State of Colorado. Her career in landscape architecture spanned nearly six decades. Jane was ahead of her time with her philosophy of incorporating native plants and materials into her designs and built her projects to reflect, preserve and restore the natural environment. She was a strong voice in issues of land use and fought to conserve prairie, mountain landscapes, wildlife and urban spaces.
In 2005, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) awarded Jane the ASLA Medal, the highest honor bestowed on landscape architects. To date, she is one of three female recipients of the medal.
View our video "An Interview with Jane Silverstein Ries" to learn more about how Jane Silverstein Ries, FASLA, championed the spirit of places.
JSR – Denver Public Library Archive Collection >>
Link to Denver Public Library - Online Exhibit >>
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