Founded by Larry Weaner in 1992, NDAL has partnered with the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania and the Connecticut College Arboretum on an annual symposium for landscape professionals. This two- day program has developed a dedicated following within the professional landscape community and has featured many of the leading figures of contemporary landscape design. To express the importance of interdisciplinary interaction, the series has also presented experts from related fields including ecology, architecture, history, anthropology, photography and art.

Other NDAL programs have been co-sponsored by numerous horticultural and ecological organizations across the United States, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden; the Atlanta Botanic Garden; The National Wildlife Federation; the Morton Arboretum in Chicago, Illinois; and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.

NDAL also administers and utilizes a field station for research and education, The Walkabout Center of Laurita Vineyards. Located in New Egypt, New Jersey, this 250-acre property integrates contemporary agricultural practice, green architecture, historic restoration, natural areas management, and ecological garden design. The center is open to the public and serves as a living example of the techniques promoted by NDAL.

In order to further its mission, NDAL regularly engages in new educational partnerships with ecologically oriented institutions throughout the United States.