RONNIE SIEGEL received the B.A. degree in natural science and fine arts from Colgate University and an M.LA. (master’s degree in landscape architecture) from the University of Pennsylvania. As principal of Swire Siegel, Landscape Architects, she has promoted the use of native plants, conservation of water, and storm water recharge in her landscape architectural projects in Southern California. Her architectural work has focused on the design of nature-based play environments for children in urban areas. She has promoted the benefits of open space design for children as a guest lecturer for the World Forum on Nature Education in Nebraska and for similar conferences around the world. In addition, Ronnie created a Global Interactive Art Project called Carry the EARTH, which collected stories from around the world from 2018-2023 and she has written and illustrated a fictional children’s book DISPLACED: A Story About Climate Change and How Displaced Animals Ring the Alarm.
Ronnie is actively promoting climate action within her professional organization, the American Society of Landscape Architects. As a member of the ASLA Climate Action Committee she is helping to prepare resources to help landscape architects across the country better address climate change mitigation and adaptation in their work.