This year, the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) was held on home turf at Colorado State University, giving Designscapes Colorado the unique opportunity to play a significant role in the event. NCLC is a premier annual competition that brings together top landscape and horticulture students from colleges and universities across the country. The event provides students with the chance to showcase their skills, learn from industry professionals, and connect with potential employers.

“Supporting students through events like the National Collegiate Landscape Competition allows Designscapes Colorado to share knowledge, mentor emerging talent, and inspire the next wave of landscape leaders,” explained Phil Steinhauer. “Whether through hands-on demonstrations, networking opportunities, or educational sessions, we are passionate about providing students with real-world insights that will help them thrive in their careers.”

As part of our commitment to supporting the next generation of green industry professionals, Designscapes Colorado hosted multiple events throughout the week to engage with students, share industry insights, and provide hands-on demonstrations.

Engaging with Future Landscape Professionals

One of the highlights of our involvement was hosting a luncheon for students from Mississippi State University. This event allowed students to learn about the different teams within Designscapes Colorado, including our design, maintenance, and construction teams. Our goal was to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of career opportunities in the industry and how our company operates.

Additionally, we conducted several presentations and demonstrations to give students a closer look at the latest innovations in landscaping:

• Scythe Autonomous Mower Demonstration: A hands-on look at how cutting-edge technology is transforming lawn care and sustainability.
• Landscape Lighting & Audio Presentation: An in-depth session on how lighting and sound can enhance outdoor environments.
• Landscape Design Plan Walkthroughs: A chance for students to explore real-world design projects and understand the creative process.
• Shop and Yard Tour: A behind-the-scenes look at where our equipment is housed and maintained.
• Aspire Software Overview: A demonstration of how we use Aspire to streamline operations and project management.

Building Connections Before the Competition

Before the competition officially kicked off, Designscapes Colorado hosted a dinner on Tuesday night at Ginger and Baker with CSU’s Landscape Design and Contracting staff and students. This gathering allowed industry professionals, educators, and students to connect in a more relaxed setting, fostering relationships that will continue to grow beyond the event.

Career Fair and Industry Networking

Another key component of the NCLC is the career fair, which saw over 700 students in attendance this year. Our team met enthusiastic students from across the country, all eager to launch their careers in the landscape industry. It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss potential career paths, internships, and job openings within Designscapes Colorado.

"I love seeing the talent in the future of our workforce," stated Residential Team Manager Char Farley Chacon." The energy, the passion, and the determination to succeed. You can feel it when you are talking to the students whether they are talking about the competitive events they are studying for or during the career fair. It is so uplifting and motivating!  I’m really proud of the collegiate programs working to elevate themselves and for all the industry professionals supporting this event and the profession as a whole." 

Giving Back as Competition Judges

In addition to hosting events and networking with students, several of our team members volunteered as competition judges, helping to evaluate the talented students as they showcased their skills in various landscaping disciplines. It was an honor to support these students as they demonstrated their knowledge and passion for the industry.

Looking Ahead

The National Collegiate Landscape Competition is an invaluable event that brings together the best and brightest in the industry. Being able to host events, provide learning opportunities, and engage with students on such a large scale was an incredible experience for Designscapes Colorado. We are excited to continue our involvement in future competitions and to support the next generation of landscape professionals.

A big thank you to all the students, faculty, industry professionals, and our team members who made this year’s event a success. We look forward to seeing many of these talented individuals become future leaders in the green industry!