ASLA and the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) announced that the Testing Ground: Adapting Fairways to Resilient Barrier Isle Ecosystems in Jekyll Island, by the landscape architecture firm Design Workshop and their client the Jekyll Island Authority has won the ASLA/IFLA 2025 Global Impact Award.
The ASLA/IFLA Global Impact Award is presented to a project in the Analysis and Planning category of the annual ASLA Awards. The award is given to a work of landscape architecture that demonstrates excellence in addressing climate impacts through transformative action, scalable solutions, and adherence to ASLA’s and IFLA’s climate action commitments.
The Jekyll Island restoration project reverses decades of sea-level rise and the loss of biodiversity and cultural landscapes. It transforms an aging golf course into thriving native habitats—restoring longleaf pine savannas, salt marshes, and sweetgrass prairies. In honoring the island’s ecological heritage and resilience, the project sets a national model for coastal restoration and sustainable development.
“Our collaboration with the Jekyll Island Authority and local experts reimagines what former golf courses can be—resilient landscapes that elevate ecology, experience, and cultural connection. Georgia holds one-third of the East Coast’s vital salt marshes; therefore, repurposing degraded and underutilized coastal areas sets a vital national precedent,” said Emily McCoy, Principal-in-Charge at Design Workshop. “By blending science, art, and community insight, the project addresses sea-level rise, biodiversity loss, and freshwater challenges with creativity and purpose.”
In using strategic restoration and adaptive management, the project seeks to enhance biodiversity, climate resilience, and soil health. The landscape architects behind the project removed turfgrass and invasive plants, reintroduced fire-adapted native plants, and designed habitats for target species. Their vision transforms the landscape into interconnected habitats that support threatened and at-risk species while increasing ecosystem stability, showing how landscape architecture can help mitigate the effects of climate change. They also repurposed existing infrastructure to anticipate sea-level rise and increased storm surges.
The restoration is also notable because it honors Jekyll Island’s rich cultural history, especially the Gullah Geechee people. Reintroducing sweetgrass pays homage to their traditional craft, while interpretive trails, art, and educational displays immerse visitors in the island’s complex ecological and cultural narratives and legacies. Elevated boardwalks and a living classroom provide firsthand learning experiences, fostering environmental stewardship and public appreciation for coastal ecosystems.
The Global Impact Award was announced as part of the ASLA 2025 Professional Awards. This year, 35 winners in multiple categories showcase innovation and represent the highest level of achievement in the landscape architecture profession. Read more in the awards press release.
Award recipients and their clients will be honored in person at the awards presentation ceremony at the ASLA 2025 Conference on Landscape Architecture in New Orleans, October 10-13.
Jury: General Design, Residential Design, Urban Design & Landmark Award
Jury Chair: Thomas Balsley, FASLA, SWA/Balsley
Members:
C.L. Bohannon, FASLA, University of Virginia School of Architecture
Carol Coletta, Coletta and Company
L. Irene Compadre, ASLA, Arbolope Studio
Adam Greenspan, FASLA, PWP Landscape Architecture
Matt Hickman, Architectural Record
David Hocker, FASLA, Hocker Design Group
Shannon Nichol, FASLA, GGN
Jury: Analysis & Planning ASLA / IFLA Global Impact Award, Research, Communications & Landmark Award
Jury Chair: Diane Fernandez Bibeau, ASLA, City of Boston
Members:
Sierra Bainbridge, ASLA, MASS Design Group
Francisco Brown, Metropolis Magazine
Keiko Tsuruta Cramer, ASLA, WRT
Claire Latané, FASLA, Cal State Poly Pomona / Design with Mental Health in Mind
Adrian Smith, FASLA, City of New York
Bo Yang, FASLA, University of Arizona
Adam Yaracs, AIA, IKM Architecture
IFLA Representative: Monica Pallares Trujillo, IFLA America Region
CELA Representative: Bo Zhang, ASLA, Oklahoma State University
LAF Representative: Signe Nielsen, FASLA, Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P.C.