Landscape Architecture Merit Badge
Free Resources and Answers
Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Indoor, outdoor site visits
Best For: Scouts interested in design, nature, planning
Hands-On Level: Moderate
Eagle Required: No
The Landscape Architecture merit badge gives you a chance to explore how outdoor spaces are planned and designed. You will look at places such as parks, gardens, trails, and public spaces. You will learn how people use these areas and how good design can make them work better.
As you work on the badge, you will practice basic design skills. You will make sketches, think about plants and materials, and consider how a project affects the land. You will also learn how landscape architects balance the needs of people with care for the environment.
This badge may help you see familiar places in a new way. You will start to notice why paths, trees, open areas, and other features are placed where they are. You will also learn about landscape architecture as a career and how it combines design, science, planning, and outdoor work.
The requirements for this merit badge were updated effective January 1, 2025.
Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Requirements and Workbook
Download the Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Requirements
Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Workbook / Worksheet (2026)Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Pamphlet
Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Printable Requirement Check Off Sheet
Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Answers and Resources
Help with Answers for Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Requirements
Find specific helps for some of the Landscape Architecture merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.
Requirement 1: Visit
Go to a completed landscape project that a landscape architect has designed. Before you visit the site, obtain a plan of the design from the landscape architect if one is available.
Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Requirement 1 Helps and Answers
Requirement 1: Visit a Landscape Project
What You Need To Do
Visit a completed project designed by a landscape architect. Get a copy of the project plan before the visit if one is available.
Helpful Tips
- Ask the landscape architect or site manager for a copy of the project plan.
- A project plan may show paths, plants, buildings, water features, and other parts of the site.
- Bring the plan with you during the visit.
- Compare the plan with the finished site.
- Look for features such as walkways, seating areas, lighting, trees, gardens, and drainage areas.
- Check how people move through and use the space.
- Look for changes between the plan and the finished project.
- Take notes or photos if the site allows them.
Leader Tips
- Help the Scout find a nearby project designed by a landscape architect.
- Contact the site or landscape architect before the visit.
- Encourage the Scout to use the project plan while walking through the site.
- Ask open questions about how the finished space matches the plan.
Requirement 2: Design
After completing requirement 1, discuss the following with your merit badge counselor:
- Tell whether the design had separate spaces, a defined point of entry, a clear path system, and sun and shade variety.
- Discuss how any structures, the designated seating, eating, or parking areas suited the overall design.
- Explain how the design reflected consideration for the comfort, shelter, and security of the users.
- Discuss how the choice of trees, shrubs, and ground covers used in the project contributed to its appeal and function.
Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Requirement 2 Helps and Answers
Requirement 2a: Review the Layout
What You Need To Do
Discuss how the project was divided into spaces. Include the entrance, paths, and mix of sunny and shaded areas.
Helpful Tips
- Look for separate areas with different uses.
- A park may have play areas, gardens, open lawns, and quiet spaces.
- A clear entrance helps people know where to enter.
- Paths should connect the main parts of the site.
- Wide paths may serve large groups or busy areas.
- Shade can come from trees, shelters, or buildings.
- Sunny areas may support lawns, gardens, or gathering spaces.
- A good layout helps people move through the site with ease.
Resources
Leader Tips
- Ask the Scout to use notes from the site visit.
- Encourage the Scout to describe specific parts of the project.
- Use open questions about entrances, paths, sun, and shade.
- Let the Scout connect each feature to how people use the space.
Requirement 2b: Review Structures and Use Areas
What You Need To Do
Discuss how structures and areas for sitting, eating, or parking fit the project. Include how these features supported the purpose and style of the space.
Helpful Tips
- Structures may include shelters, walls, bridges, fences, or signs.
- Seating should be placed where people are likely to stop.
- Eating areas need enough room for tables and people.
- Parking areas should connect safely with entrances and paths.
- Materials can help features match the rest of the site.
- Benches may face gardens, water, play areas, or views.
- Shelters can provide shade and protection from rain.
- Good placement keeps busy uses away from quiet spaces when needed.
Resources
Leader Tips
- Ask the Scout to name specific structures and use areas.
- Guide the Scout to connect each feature with its purpose.
- Ask how the location of each area affected the whole design.
- Keep the discussion tied to the project from Requirement 1.
Requirement 2c: Review Comfort, Shelter, and Security
What You Need To Do
Discuss how the design met the needs of people using the space. Include comfort, protection from weather, and features that helped people feel safe.
Helpful Tips
- Trees and shelters can provide shade.
- Walls, plants, or buildings may block strong wind.
- Benches give people places to rest.
- Lighting can make paths and gathering areas easier to use.
- Clear paths help people find their way.
- Open views can make an area feel safer.
- Railings and barriers can protect people near slopes or water.
- Accessible paths and seating help more people use the site.
Resources
Leader Tips
- Ask the Scout to connect each feature with a user need.
- Include different users, such as children, older adults, and people with disabilities.
- Discuss both daytime and evening use when it fits the site.
- Encourage examples from the actual project.
Requirement 2d: Review the Plant Choices
What You Need To Do
Discuss how trees, shrubs, and ground covers added to the look and use of the project. Include the purpose of several plant choices.
Helpful Tips
- Trees can provide shade and define spaces.
- Shrubs can create borders or separate areas.
- Ground covers can protect bare soil.
- Plant roots can help reduce erosion.
- Flowers and berries may support birds and pollinators.
- Different colors and textures add visual interest.
- Native plants may need less water and care once established.
- Plant size matters near paths, signs, buildings, and views.
Resources
Leader Tips
- Ask the Scout to name several plants or plant types from the site.
- Guide the Scout to connect each plant with a purpose.
- Include both appearance and function in the discussion.
- Use the project plan if it lists the plants used.
Requirement 3: Plants
Identify five shrubs, five trees, and one ground cover, being sure that you select examples of different shapes, sizes, and textures. With the help of your counselor or a local nursery, choose plants that will grow in your area. Bring pictures of the different planting materials or, if possible, examples of their branches, leaves, or flowers to a group such as your troop or class at school. Be prepared to tell how you might use each in the design of a landscape and the maintenance that would follow.
Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Requirement 3 Helps and Answers
Requirement 3: Identify Landscape Plants
What You Need To Do
Identify five shrubs, five trees, and one ground cover that grow in your area. Show pictures or plant samples to a troop, class, or other group, and describe how each plant could be used and cared for.
Helpful Tips
- Choose plants with different shapes, sizes, and textures.
- A local nursery can help you find plants suited to your climate and soil.
- Trees may provide shade, screen views, mark entrances, or add height.
- Shrubs may form borders, create privacy, or add flowers and color.
- Ground covers can fill open areas, protect soil, and reduce erosion.
- Bring clear photos or safe samples of leaves, flowers, or branches.
- Keep a list with the name of each plant and its main use.
- Check how much sun, water, and space each plant needs.
- Some plants need regular pruning or watering.
- Other plants need little care after they are established.
Resources
Leader Tips
- Help the Scout find reliable local plant information.
- Encourage a varied group of plants instead of similar choices.
- Ask how each plant would fit into a real landscape.
- Guide the Scout to include basic care for every plant.
Requirement 4: Improve
After obtaining permission from the appropriate authority, look at and study a place of worship, school grounds, or a public building and identify where most people arrive by bus or car. Then do the following:
- Using a measuring tape, measure and draw the main site entry and its nearby area. Define the scale of your drawing. Be sure to include the driveway and sidewalk or path that leads to the building’s main entry. Indicate any sidewalks, structures, trees and plants, lights, drains, utilities, or other site furnishings within the study area. Make two copies of this plan and save the original, then do 4b and 4c using the copies.
- On one copy, use directional arrows to indicate where the water drains across the site, where ditches occur, and where water stands for a longer period of time.
- Decide how you can make the place safer and more comfortable for those using it. Redesign the area on another copy of the plan. You may want to include new walks, covered waiting areas, benches, space-defining plantings of trees and shrubs, and drainage structures.
Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Requirement 4 Helps and Answers
Requirement 4a: Measure and Draw the Entry Area
What You Need To Do
Get permission to study the main arrival area at a place of worship, school, or public building. Measure the area and make a scale drawing that shows the main entry, driveway, paths, and other nearby features.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the area where most people arrive by car or bus.
- Get permission before measuring or studying the site.
- Use a measuring tape to record distances.
- Pick a clear scale for the drawing.
- Include the driveway and the main path to the building.
- Show sidewalks, buildings, walls, and other structures.
- Mark trees, shrubs, lights, drains, and utilities.
- Include benches, signs, fences, and other site features.
- Label important parts of the plan.
- Make two copies of the finished plan and keep the original.
Resources
Leader Tips
- Help the Scout choose a site with safe access.
- Make sure permission is received before the visit.
- Guide the Scout in choosing a useful drawing scale.
- Check the plan for the main site features before copies are made.
Requirement 4a: Measure and Draw the Entry Area
What You Need To Do
Use one copy of the site plan to show how water moves through the area. Mark ditches and places where water stays for a longer time.
Helpful Tips
- Use arrows to show the direction of water flow.
- Water usually moves from higher ground to lower ground.
- Look for slopes in pavement, grass, and planting areas.
- Mark all visible drains and drainage channels.
- Show any ditches in the study area.
- Mark low spots where water may collect.
- Puddles, mud, and water stains can point to drainage problems.
- Check areas near sidewalks and building entrances.
- Keep drainage marks clear and easy to follow.
Leader Tips
- Guide the Scout around the site after rain when possible.
- Ask the Scout to connect slopes with water flow.
- Help separate direct site evidence from guesses.
- Keep the work focused on the area shown on the plan.
Requirement 4c: Redesign the Entry Area
What You Need To Do
Use the second copy of the plan to redesign the area. Add changes that could improve safety and comfort for the people who use the site.
Helpful Tips
- Look for places where people and vehicles may cross.
- New sidewalks can create safer walking routes.
- Covered waiting areas can provide shade and rain protection.
- Benches can give people a place to rest or wait.
- Trees and shrubs can define spaces and guide movement.
- Good lighting can improve visibility near paths and entrances.
- Drainage structures can reduce standing water.
- Keep plants away from areas where they could block views.
- Leave enough room for people with wheelchairs or other mobility needs.
- Show all proposed changes clearly on the plan.
Leader Tips
- Ask the Scout to connect each change with a real site problem.
- Guide the Scout toward practical changes that fit the space.
- Include safety, comfort, access, and drainage in the discussion.
- Let the Scout make the final design choices.
Requirement 5: Careers
Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in landscape architecture. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.
Landscape Architecture Merit Badge Requirement 5 Helps and Answers
Requirement 5: Explore Landscape Architecture Careers
What You Need To Do
Identify three careers that use landscape architecture skills. Choose one career to research in detail, then discuss your findings and your interest in the career with your counselor.
Helpful Tips
- Start with three careers connected to outdoor design, land use, plants, or construction.
- Choose one career for deeper research.
- Find the education or training needed to enter the field.
- Check for licenses, certifications, or other required credentials.
- Look at the experience employers may expect.
- Research costs for college, training, exams, tools, or other needs.
- Find current information about job openings and starting pay.
- Check how workers can move into higher positions or new roles.
- Include possible long-term career goals.
- Use reliable sources such as colleges, professional groups, and government career websites.
- Share whether the work fits your interests and skills.
Careers To Consider
- Landscape architect
- Urban planner
- Environmental designer
- Garden designer
- Park planner
- Golf course architect
- Land restoration specialist
- Landscape contractor
- Landscape ecologist
- Landscape project manager
- Horticulturist
- Environmental educator
Resources
Leader Tips
- Help the Scout choose careers with a clear link to landscape architecture.
- Guide the Scout toward reliable and current career information.
- Ask questions about daily work, training, costs, and job prospects.
- Let the Scout decide whether the career seems like a good fit.
Resources
More Merit Badge Resources
The Landscape Architecture merit badge helps Scouts see how outdoor spaces are planned and shaped. It fits well in the merit badge program because it teaches design, observation, and problem-solving. Scouts learn how people and nature interact, which adds depth to the wide range of topics offered. The badge shows that the program includes creative and practical subjects, not only outdoor skills.
This badge also connects to others that explore the environment and design. Scouts who enjoy it might look at Architecture, Environmental Science, or Gardening. These badges help them understand how planning and stewardship work together. The variety gives Scouts many paths to explore their interests.
Learn More about Scouts BSA
The Landscape Architecture badge supports the larger Scouts BSA program by teaching planning, teamwork, and careful thinking. Scouts learn to look at needs, limits, and safety. This builds personal growth and supports leadership because good leaders observe and plan before acting.
It also encourages fitness and citizenship. Scouts spend time outdoors, learning how good design invites healthy activity. They also see how public spaces serve communities. This helps them understand their role in caring for shared places and making choices that support others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I learn when working on the landscape architecture merit badge?
You learn how to plan and design outdoor spaces like parks, school grounds, and public areas. You study how to use plants, paths, seating, and other features to make spaces functional, safe, and beautiful.
Do I need artistic skills to earn the landscape architecture merit badge?
Basic drawing skills help, but you don’t need to be an artist. You’ll practice simple sketches and maps. The focus is on planning and understanding design principles, not creating perfect drawings.
What types of places can I visit for the landscape architecture merit badge?
You can visit parks, public buildings, school grounds, or any designed outdoor area. Choose a place where you can see how paths, plants, and seating areas are arranged. Be sure to get permission before visiting and measuring any site.
Why do I need to study water flow for the landscape architecture merit badge?
Water flow affects the safety and usability of a space. Understanding how water drains, stands, or flows across a site helps you make better design choices to avoid flooding, slippery spots, and erosion.
How can learning about plants help me with the landscape architecture merit badge?
Knowing about trees, shrubs, and ground covers helps you understand which plants work best in a design. You’ll learn to choose plants based on shape, size, and texture to make spaces attractive and useful. You’ll also learn about plant care and maintenance.
Do I need special tools to complete the landscape architecture merit badge?
No special tools are needed. A measuring tape, pencil, and paper are the basics. If available, colored pencils and a ruler can help with drawing. Most of the work is observing, measuring, and making simple sketches.
Are there any careers related to the landscape architecture merit badge?
Yes, there are many careers! Landscape architects, park planners, urban designers, garden designers, and land restoration specialists all work in landscape architecture. Learning about these jobs can help you decide if you want a future in this field.
How long does it take to complete the landscape architecture merit badge?
The time depends on your pace and access to sites to visit and measure. Most Scouts complete it over a few weeks, allowing time to study a site, learn about plants, and practice making drawings.
Can I earn the landscape architecture merit badge without a counselor?
You need a merit badge counselor to guide you and sign off on your work. They answer questions, help you understand requirements, and check your work to make sure you’ve learned the skills.
What skills will I use later from the landscape architecture merit badge?
You’ll learn planning, observation, and design skills. These are helpful for any project that involves organizing a space, like setting up a garden or planning an event layout. You’ll also learn problem-solving, which is useful in many situations.
Designing the Outdoors!
The landscape architecture merit badge introduces Scouts to the art and science of designing outdoor spaces. Earning this badge helps Scouts learn how to make public areas—like parks, school grounds, and trails—both useful and beautiful. Scouts explore how plants, walkways, seating, and other features come together in a design. They also see how small details like shade, water flow, and lighting improve the comfort and safety of these spaces.
One important part of the landscape architecture merit badge is studying a real landscape design. Scouts get to visit a site, take measurements, and draw a scaled plan of the area. They learn about water drainage, observe the placement of paths and seating, and look for ways to improve the site. This hands-on experience shows Scouts how planning and design make a big difference in public spaces.
Another key skill Scouts learn is plant selection. They study different types of trees, shrubs, and ground covers, learning how each can enhance a landscape design. Understanding plant choices helps Scouts make spaces that are not only attractive but also sustainable and easy to care for.
By the end of the landscape architecture merit badge, Scouts have a new way of looking at the outdoors. They see how thoughtful design can make spaces welcoming and functional. This badge gives Scouts the chance to practice planning, creativity, and problem-solving, which can be useful in many careers and hobbies.
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