Landscape architects, like Christina Moon, work to connect nature with the needs of communities in urban development. They are skilled in designing outdoor spaces, blending art, science, and environmental sustainability to create functional and beautiful environments. You can see their work in parks, gardens, downtown areas, and natural landscapes.
With a career that has spanned from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to the grassroots level of city planning, Christina offers a unique perspective on how we can develop more vibrant, connected, and sustainable communities.
In this post, we will explore her career path and learn about her thoughts on community engagement and the importance of connecting people with nature. Whether you are a professional considering a career change, a parent wanting to nurture a sense of community service in your children, or simply curious about the role of a landscape architect, her experiences can provide valuable lessons and inspiration.
The Journey to Became a Community-Focused Landscape Architect
From blueprint to treetop, Christina's path has been anything but ordinary. Her passion for shaping spaces and nurturing nature led her on a unique journey through the world of design. After earning a bachelor's in architecture, she chose to continue her education by earning her master's in landscape architecture. Now, as one of the rare few licensed landscape architects in the country, she brings a fresh eye to every project she manages.
Whether she's sketching out a new park or advising on which mighty oak to plant, her background shines through. She's proof that with the right mix of education, experience, and enthusiasm, you can cultivate a truly one-of-a-kind career.
Though her titles have changed throughout the years, her career has always been driven by a profound passion:
"I want to bring and connect nature to people in a way that's meaningful to them, which is why I became a landscape architect."
This mission statement summarizes the core of her work and the impact she strives to achieve in every project she tackles.
Her professional story includes a chapter at NASA, followed by multiple roles serving municipal governments. These diverse experiences have given her valuable insights into the inner workings of public institutions and reinforced the importance of community-focused work. Reflecting on her time in local government she notes,
"I loved working for municipalities because I gained such respect for them. The people you get to work with and the experiences I had helping people in the community are something I will never forget."
This sentiment highlights the often-overlooked rewards of careers in public service, beyond just financial compensation. Looking back, she finds immense satisfaction in her portfolio of work, particularly in projects involving public spaces.
"When I can drive around and think, 'I remember when we worked on that project,' there are so many other rewards besides finances."
This sense of tangible, lasting impact serves as a powerful motivator for many serving in public service roles.
Mastering the Art of Connected Communities
A hallmark of every successful project is community engagement. Christina believes effective community engagement involves more than just presenting ideas to the public. It requires active listening and incorporating diverse feedback into the planning process for public projects. She considers the most successful community engagements as involving a good cross-section of the demographics living in the area, ensuring that a wide range of voices are heard and considered.
However, she also acknowledges the challenges in achieving this goal. "It's hard, and it takes a lot of effort to get people to events," she admits. To overcome this, she suggests being strategic and targeted in outreach efforts. She emphasizes the importance of understanding where different community groups gather and how they prefer to receive information when making your engagement plan.
When asked about the crucial skills needed for those working within in the community, she emphasizes the importance of active listening.
"You need to really listen. It's something I'm not great at, but I'm always practicing active listening, understanding what they say, and 'is this what I hear you say,' and then getting clarification on that."
But listening is only part of the equation. She also encourages those new to community work to share their own experiences with people they're tasked to serve.
"Don't be afraid to talk. You can't be too personal; share experiences so people have a way to engage with you."
She believes this two-way communication helps build trusting connections and makes interactions more meaningful.
Nurturing Future Change-Makers
Her commitment to community service also influences her parenting style. She teaches her children the value of being productive members of society by encouraging them to contribute to the community in ways that match their interests. She feels this positively impacted their community and helped her children discover their passions and strengths.
For parents looking to involve their children in community service, she offers two practical pieces of advice to help them find ways volunteer:
Begin with local resources
"Check out your city's website," she suggests. "I worked for the City of Fort Worth and was surprised to find that many people never used the website, even though it's packed with resources and information!"
Pursue your interests
"Whatever you're passionate about, just search for it online. Whether it's young kids, plants, the zoo, or anything else, start by exploring your local community first."
Finding Your Place in Community Service
For adults, she emphasizes the importance of finding and connecting with others who share your interests. She advises you to consider looking into things that "even slightly" interest you, and then find organizations that focus on and expand upon those interests.
She feels that this approach not only leads to personal growth but can also open doors to unexpected opportunities. She illustrates this point with a personal anecdote:
"I remember volunteering with an organization and meeting someone who happened to need a landscape architect. I was able to bring in a new client to my firm just because I volunteered that day and talked to someone new."
This story perfectly demonstrates how choosing to volunteer in your community not only helps others and worthy causes but can also lead to both personal fulfillment and professional opportunities.
She also points us that serving in your community does not have to include grand gestures or full-time commitments. It can start with small actions, driven by personal interests and a willingness to learn and connect with others. As she puts it, "Just find your passion."
For those considering a career change or exploring new paths in community service, she offers encouraging words: "Life is too short to worry about failing. Just try it." She emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts and being open to new experiences. Her journey, which has spanned various sectors and roles, highlights the value of embracing change.
"I learn this lesson all the time - to trust. I just fail, and then I realize later on that I have been on the right path all along."
She also feels that there are always new doors of opportunities waiting to be opened. When asked about her dream project, she shared,
"I would teach people how to use medicinal plants that are around us everywhere. There's so much medicine, healing, physical and spiritual through plants."
The intersection between nature and community health represents emerging approaches to urban planning and community wellness, highlighting the potential for green spaces to serve multiple purposes in our cities and neighborhoods.
Your Journey Starts Now
The next time you stroll through a park, take a moment to appreciate the thought behind every tree and pathway. Landscape architects like Christina Moon craft these spaces while keeping community needs front and center.
Christina's secret? She listens. Before drawing a single sketch, she taps into local wishes and concerns. It's like piecing together a giant green puzzle, with each resident contributing a vital piece.
But this isn't just about parks, neighborhoods, or cities. It's about how change happens – through teamwork, diverse voices, and shared effort. Christina's approach shows us that blending nature with urban life takes an intentional collaborative approach.
So, what's your special skill? That hobby or wild idea you've been nurturing might be exactly what your community needs. Don't hold back – reach out and get started on that dream project or career.
Remember, vibrant communities grow from individual actions. Your contribution, however small, could spark something incredible. As you help your community thrive, you'll find yourself flourishing too!
Additional Information
Visit these resources about some of the topics Christina mentioned:
Learn more about the field of landscape architecture and the steps to becoming licensed in your state at The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
How to earn your arborist certificate at The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Learn more about the power of plants with Rosemary Gladstar or try some recipes from Rose Mountain Herbs.
Find native Texas grasses and wildflowers at Native American Seed Company if you're living in and around native prairies.