This month, Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) received a Power of A Gold Award from American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The honor, bestowed in the category "The Power to Create a Competitive Workforce," recognizes ALCC’s Day of Service/Landscape Career Pathway Program.

In addition to beautifying the school campus by installing plant life, the landscapes built at Day of Service will become part of the school curriculum. Students at each school will learn about horticulture and landscape and be exposed to the opportunities for a lifelong career. They'll be able to acquire skills for a career immediately after high school, or be aware of the career path if they choose to pursue an industry-related college degree.

“What makes the award so special is that it was created to recognize exactly what makes our association great: a group effort on a project within the community that elevates our industry,” said ALCC Executive Director Kristen Fefes. “One business owner or one educator could not have accomplished this on their own. With the experience and dedication of our members, we have spread our ideals and shared our passion about what we do with students and teachers across the state. Together, we turned three one-day volunteer projects into local, long-term training opportunities for youth that will prepare the next generation of landscape professionals.”

The Denver Chapter worked alongside students in the Career Pathway Program at Green Mountain High School, Lakewood. The project involved renovating beds at the main entrance and creating an outdoor learning lab garden. Students will use the lab in classes that help them build skills to be job-ready for the landscape industry upon graduation.

The Northern Chapter installed a pollinator garden at Walt Clark Middle School in Loveland. The garden will support students learning about the importance of butterflies and horticulture. One of only a few middle schools in the nation with a working greenhouse classroom, the students will complete installation of pollinator-friendly plants that they cultivate in the greenhouse.

The Southern Chapter installed a landscape lab for the Career Readiness Academy Construction Class at Sierra High School in Colorado Springs. The goal of this project is to foster awareness that leads to employment in the landscape industry. The school will use the site to augment curriculum so students can engage in hands-on learning opportunities which include plant identification, grading and drainage, and paver installation. The neighboring grade and middle schools will also be able to use the site for various labs.

Colorado landscape companies are busier than ever but are often unable to take on more work due to a labor shortage. By working with members and with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), ALCC developed a career pathway program to bring high school students from schools statewide into landscape industry jobs. These projects--and the entire program--make young people aware that the green industry is more than a job--it's a viable career opportunity that improves our everyday lives. ALCC members are not just teaching skills; they are training young people to be effective stewards of the environment by protecting pollinators, conserving water, and understanding how to design a built environment that benefits humans while respecting the ecosystem. The program demonstrates that the green industry contributes not only to the economy but also to a better quality of life.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Brant Zirker, Lifescape's Most Valuable Player
Metco celebrates 30 years
Giving back is part of JBK culture
ALCC pollinator pages support Pollinator Week