On April 22, 2016, ALCC carried on its Day of Service tradition, held each year on Earth Day, with service projects in three chapters. But this year, the chapters added a new dimension to the projects by working with area schools to create living classrooms for the next generation of the industry. In addition to the environmental benefits of Day of Service, and the beautification of the community that the gardens provide, these projects have created ongoing learning opportunities for youth.

In the Denver Chapter, ALCC members worked alongside students in the Landscape Career Pathways Program at Green Mountain High School in Lakewood. The project involved renovating beds at the main entrances and creating an outdoor learning lab garden.

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 about horticulture. Students will complete installation of pollinator-friendly plants that they cultivate in the school greenhouse classroom.

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 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.

Each of these projects will help raise awareness of career opportunities in the landscape industry. Using these new labs and gardens will also allow students to develop hands-on skills so that they can be job-ready upon graduation from high school. For the ALCC members who participated, it was a one-day investment that will pay dividends for years to come.

To see a list of businesses that donated time, materials, or equipment to the projects, visit www.alcc.com/day-of-service. 

Read more in this issue:
Bill Johannsen receives Stan Brown Award
Media coverage helps sell pollinator-friendly landscapes
The ELITE Award for Installation/Construction: Outdoor Craftsmen
Better by nature: Safety is part of Zak George Landscaping culture