Healthcare Design has a number of sister publications, all healthcare related, covering everything from clinical research and practices to the exploding market of healthcare information technology. Since healthcare is at the core of them all, there are common threads that run through our coverage. And occasionally, one of the stronger threads works its way to the top of the tangle in a way that can’t be ignored.

We talk about the power of the natural environment in maintaining and improving health all the time here. And as the research mounts and urban environments get more squeezed and healthcare facilities take new forms, the need for adjacent, innovative, cost-effective natural spaces grows. And it’s not just the acute care market: It’s just as important for any and all residences and facilities serving seniors, as well as behavioral health centers.

Healthcare Design, Environments for Aging, Long-Term Living, and Behavioral Healthcare are teaming up to present an opportunity for landscape designers to step up and be recognized for the work they do under unique circumstances. Our new competition, The Landscape Architecture Awards for Healthcare Environments, welcomes entries across all these types of projects. Details can be found by clicking the link in the previous sentence, but the clock is ticking—entry forms are due September 20, with all project details and materials submitted by October 18. Entries will be judged by a jury of experts in the field and will be featured in a special digital publication as well as in the pages of our magazines.

We know there’s amazing work happening out there, and it’s important work that deserves to be recognized. We’re looking forward to seeing the fruits of your labor.