The National Collegiate Landscape Competition returns to Colorado State University for the fourth time ever on March 20-23. The Fort Collins campus last hosted the event in 2014.
Lawn & Landscape magazine previewed the event in our February issue.
The event, sponsored by landscape industry leaders including STIHL, John Deere and Caterpillar, is a four-day affair featuring collegiate landscape students from 70 universities across North America.
Roughly 1,500 students will visit the campus to compete in events like 3D Exterior Landscape Design, Irrigation Assembly, Plant Problem Diagnosis, and Sales Presentation. More than 30 competitions cover the aspects a working landscape professional would encounter out in the field.
“This event brings the best students in the industry across the nation and Canada for an exciting networking competition and event,” says Zachary Johnson, professor of landscape business, landscape design and contracting at CSU. “It’s just a great opportunity for students to experience what’s out there.”
The event itself began back in 1977 as a challenge among three professors at Mississippi State, Michigan State and Ohio State to see whose students were the most talented. That challenge became the first “Field Days” in 1977, with five schools participating. The event has grown dramatically since then and is now organized by the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Last year, the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation presented more than $107,000 in scholarships to 75 students at the NCLC.
Aside from spirited competition and scholarship opportunities, two major draws of the event are workforce development and recruiting. This year, 140 companies will pack into Lory Student Center Ballrooms for a networking event. A series of career development presentations also helps students get a handle on opportunities after graduation.
“Participation in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition has grown dramatically since its inception, which demonstrates increased enthusiasm for the profession,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NALP. “We are continually reminded of just how much industry professionals are in demand when hundreds of employers arrive each year eager to add skilled professionals to their rosters.”
Highlights throughout the week
Open to the public, the NCLC has a number of exciting events for local green thumbs, landscape enthusiasts, and fans of fun competitions. The opening ceremony is on Thursday, March 21, from 8-9 a.m. at the Lincoln Center. After welcoming remarks from CSU College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Ajay Menon, schools are announced in alphabetical order to much fanfare.
By the end of the competition, the 70 student teams find themselves scrambling to assemble an attractive landscape on a small plot, according to a “client’s” plan, with provided materials and just 2 hours to build out the design. It’s the perfect combination of knowledge, attention to detail, and teamwork, all while under a material and time budget.
The NCLC is currently looking for members of the public to help volunteer. If interested, visit a Sign Up Genius page here. Volunteer registration is open until March 16.