The landscape design of Naumkeag, the result of collaboration between Fletcher Steele and Miss Mabel Choate, was central to Steeleês development as one of the leading American landscape architects in the first half of this century. Steele created a series of outdoor rooms at Naumkeag that stand today as a testament both to that collaboration and to the aesthetic and practical sensibilities with which Steele designed.

The central task for Copley Wolff Design Group was to research and document the evolution, significance, and integrity of Naumkeagês designed landscape, as expressed in Steeleês writings, drawings, and on the land. This task included:

« Providing an historical overview of the property.

« Providing visual and written documentation of current site conditions to be used as a benchmark for further research and study.

« Outlining the development of individual features within the larger landscape.

« Establishing the significance and integrity of Naumkeagês designed landscape.

« Providing general recommendations for the management of the propertyês landscape.

CWDGês goal was to provide The Trustees of Reservations with interpretation and analysis of the information available in the propertyês archives and through the survey of existing conditions. From these analyses, CWDG assessed the propertyês historic significance and evaluated its historic integrity. The Statements of Significance and Integrity now provide a basis for future research and study and lay the groundwork for the propertyês designation to the National Registry. The information gathered and synthesized in this project will also form the basis for a working master plan to guide Naumkeagês future. To summarize this effort, CWDG compiled a Cultural Assessment Report.