The American Society of Landscape Architects, founded in 1899, is the national professional association representing landscape architects. ASLA has grown to 15,203 members and 49 chapters, representing all 50 states, U.S. territories, and 62 countries around the world, plus 72 student chapters. Membership is open to all landscape architects as well as students and others interested in the professions issues, values, and goals. ASLA promotes the profession and advances its practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship. ASLA works to increase the publics awareness of and appreciation for the profession of landscape architecture and its contributions to quality of life. ASLA is an active advocate for the profession at the local, state, and national levels on public policy involving licensure, the environment and sustainable design, livable communities, surface transportation, historic preservation, and storm-water management issues, among others.