ALCC news center
Matt Akabane brings 35 years' experience to Hughes Landscaping Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Matt Akabane, operations manager at Hughes Landscaping, Inc., Parker, recently moved to Parker from California with the hope of applying his extensive knowledge of plants and trees to landscapes in Colorado. He and his family were attracted to the state for its scenery, culture and lifestyle.

Akabane grew up in his father’s landscape business, working along with his brother and mother. His father, who immigrated from Tokyo, was a Bonsai specialist. “My father taught me about designs and creativity” Akabane shares. “He always said to make sure plants have dimension, vibrant color at different times of the year, and balance.”

After attending California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo, Akabane continued to work in the family business where he operated the retail, and landscape and maintenance divisions. He credits his experience in this business with gaining his extensive knowledge of plants and trees that enables him to create beautiful landscapes. He has designed more than 2,500 projects for clients, friends and companies.

After 40 years of providing quality plants and knowledge to the community, the family sold the land and business in 2019, prompting Akabane to consider new options.


Adopting another ‘family’ – family business that is

With Hughes Landscaping, Akabane is working for another family-owned and operated business. Hughes Landscaping has been in business since 1988, installing landscapes and providing the year-round maintenance services to sustain their beauty.

Coming from the industry, Akabane’s 35 years’ experience seemed like a great fit for owners Angie and Kurt Hughes, who thought his skills were well-suited for the company’s landscape division where Akabane could help with design and sales. He began his work at Hughes Landscaping in July 2022.

“I love what I do and wanted to get back into landscaping and create beautiful landscapes for clients,” he says. He now realizes that the Hughes family owns and operates other businesses including Pine Lane Nursery, Bonnie Blues Wedding Venue, and The Sod Guy, now in Parker and Colorado Springs.

“I want Hughes Landscaping to be a household name and for people who need landscape design or installation to think about Hughes Landscaping first for consultations, professional designs, installation, irrigation, hardscapes and maintenance. Visit www.hugheslandscapinginc.com to learn more.

 

 

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Legislative Wins

Women In Green Committee update

 
Women in Green Committee update Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Women in Green committee hosts inspiring speaker & What's next

“We’re sprouting,” claim those on ALCC’s Women in Green (WIG) committee. WIG continued their momentum with a second networking event in late April 

Megan Townsend, COO and Co-Founder of Altitude Arborist in Broomfield, was the guest speaker. Townsend presented a condensed version of her presentation, How to take 50 vacation days a year. Charlene Chacon, WIG committee member and residential team manager at Designscapes Colorado, Inc. shares, “Megan was very inspirational as a business owner, mom, and someone who knows what it is like to be a woman in the landscape industry. 


This event had a great turnout including several students from CSU’s Design and Contracting program. Event sponsors Ewing Irrigation &Landscape Supply and Designscapes Colorado, not only sponsored but also were represented by women in attendance 

What's next?

Join ALCC's Women in Green Committee for A Networking Luncheon Event!

Date: Tuesday, September 19
Time:  11:30- 1:00 PM
Location: Fisk Lawnscapes
7135 Templeton Gap Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80923 

The Women in Green networking series is designed to celebrate women's contributions to the industry while creating a space for women in landscaping to come together, network, and acknowledge the unique attributes and skills that women bring to the industry. 

This event is designed for women working in any role within the green industry. Dress is casual, please come as you are. Boxed lunch will be provided. Las hispanohablantes son bienvenidas!

Register and watch for new event postings on alcc.com/events-calendar.  

 
Legislative Wins Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Legislative wins for GreenCO in 2023  

Hicks & Associates reviewed every bill that was introduced to determine the possible effects it could have on GreenCO and business.  

GreenCO tracked over 40 bills this session and with the help of the Legislative Committee were able to take a deep dive into the bills and take positions on multiple pieces of legislation.  

GreenCO collaborated closely with the General Assembly but also with the agriculture industry, construction industry, and general business groups, throughout the session on multiple pieces of legislation.    

This session the top priority for GreenCO was the Pesticide Applicator Sunset bill. Pesticides has been a hot topic at the Capitol for the past few sessions, especially as it pertains to local preemption. GreenCO continues to work with CRPA (Coloradoans for Responsible Pesticide Application) and other industry partners on all things pesticide related. As we continued to be proactive, GreenCO helped host a Pesticide Applicator Advocacy Day at the Capitol, where we spoke with members of the legislature to discuss the Sunset bill/pesticide regulation as well as educate them on who we are. This proved to be very beneficial as we were engaged on the two pieces of legislation regarding pesticides.    


SB23-192 Sunset Pesticide Applicators’ Act was up for renewal this year. GreenCO and CPRA have been working on this sunset over the last year. In working with the coalition, we kept our messaging pointed and fact/science-based on the issues. As we stood together, we attended multiple stakeholder meetings, both prior to the session and during the session, and were able to get this bill passed without local preemption. 

The conversation around water has been ongoing over the past few years but the General Assembly hasn’t passed a great deal of legislation to address the ongoing water issues in the state. Coming into the session water was a top priority and there were multiple bills introduced and passed to try and get a grip on the water issues throughout the state. 

SB23-178 Water-wise landscaping in Homeowners’ Association Communities will remove barriers to water-wise landscaping in HOA communities. This will allow for more landscaping options within HOA’s along with helping with the water issue by allowing drought tolerant plants and landscaping. The bill requires an association to permit the installation of at least 3 garden designs that adhere to the principles of water-wise landscaping.  

Each year there are more and more pieces of legislation that address climate change and our greenhouse gas emissions within the state. Thank you to all the members on the GreenCO Legislative Committee for your hard work and involvement in this session. 

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

 
Lifescape designs patios with superb views Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 08, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Staying nimble was the constant challenge for the Lifescape Colorado team as they navigated this project’s evolving commercial codes for rooftop outdoor living spaces. “The final outcome of this rooftop double-patio project with its outdoor living amenities and beautiful plants is impressive,says Mike Ransom, project manager. “The plants are like the frosting on the cake.” Of course, as with most complex projects, the beauty and functionality mask the behind-the-scenes challenges. As Rachelle Folsom, Lifescape marketing director noted, “The plant design had to address many challenges not related to the beauty of the finished project, yet many of the solutions enhanced the beauty. 

Commitment to communication 

A complex mix of people and organizations were involved in creating the evolving design, submitting permits and researching codes, as well providing input for ideas to modify designs to meet approval and codes. Players included the homeowners, general contractor, Lifescape team – including the landscape architect, Ariel Gelman, who partnered with Lifescape the builder and builder subcontractors, the city and more.  

“The commitment of the diverse team to coordinate communication through multiple means – email, phone, in person – was crucial to project success,” shares Ransom. “Issues were resolved as quickly as possible. I give credit to all the players. People had their tasks and deadlines they made it happen!” He likens the coordination to an ant farm. Everyone knew their role and what to do, and were committed to the same outcome. 

Penthouse neighbors shared a goal 

Owners of both penthouse condos shared the vision of creating “a crown jewel of mountain, stadium and city views from this new condo tower,” according to Folsom. Since owners of both units were Lifescape clients, they and the Lifescape landscape professionals were excited to team up and turn a 600 square foot space into an overall 2,200+ square foot container landscape with seating areas, outdoor cooking areas, firepits and the desired views.  

Almost weekly, new, updated presentation materials kept clients informed of evolving code changes to help them understand both the limitations of some design components, but more importantly, the possibilities and options for overcoming the limitations. Throughout ongoing design tweaks, the clients came to trust the Lifescape team’s expertise and understanding of the complexities they were working through.  

Plant selection and other rooftop challenges 

Plants were container-based and there were weight restrictions and city ordinances. Much of the plant material used in the design was dictated by multiple and evolving codes for rooftop landscapes. Of course, all plants – tree, perennials and annuals – had to be hardy enough to withstand conditions including harsh winds at the top of a 14-story building, as well as provide beauty and vibrancy. The design also needed to address codes and ordinances including solar reflection, night sky requirements, permeable ground, and weight restrictions.  

Getting supplies to the roof required ongoing coordination. Whereas some material could be brought up the service elevator to 14th floor and taken up the stairway to the roof, containers and trees has to be craned to the roof. 

Creating cohesion with two designs 

Though the singular vision of creating “the view was shared by the two homeowners, they had differing goals for their separate spaces. The spaces have a “cohesive aesthetic thread” beyond the mountain and city views. They both have containers filled with plants and blooms, and some hardy trees chosen to create shade. 

A four-foot wall of metal containers with boxwoods creates a natural privacy screen, yet the spaces can be connected, if desired. 

Riding the wave of challenge 

When Ransom, who has been in the industry of a long time, reflects on this project, he says, “I loved it! There were new challenges for all. We need to ride the waves of challenge, not fight them. It’s how we learn the possibilities.” 

Lifescape Colorado received ALCC’s Gold ELITE Award for Residential Plant Design for this project, Rooftop Doubleheader. 

 
ALCC awards 2023 student scholarships Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 08, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Each year Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) grants scholarships to students pursuing careers in the green industry who attend Front Range Community College (FRCC), Colorado State University (CSU) or University of Colorado.  


Ben Stickland received the JBK Scholarship in 2023. Ben Stickland is a junior at CSU, double majoring in horticulture with a specialization in landscape design and contracting and environmental horticulture with a floriculture concentration. He hopes one day to own a business using locally sourced materials and native plants to design sustainable landscapes.  

Ciera Clawson received the Todd Williams Memorial Scholarship in 2023. Ciera is a sophomore at CSU, majoring in horticulture with a specialization in landscape design and contracting. Ciera is a member of the SOLDAC organization (Student Organization for Landscape Design and Contracting) and recently competed with the CSU team at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition. She is interested in working with sustainable landscapes in the future.  

Stephanie Fewsmith received the Tom Trench Memorial Scholarship in 2023. Stephanie attends FRCC majoring in horticulture. After moving of from the nonprofit sector and overcoming health challenges, Stephanie is pursuing a new career in horticulture focusing on growing food and sustainability.  

Olivia Mosbarger received an ALCC scholarship. She is a sophomore at CSU majoring in horticulture, with a specialization in landscape design and contracting. She competed with the CSU team at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition earlier this year. Olivia is interested in a career in landscape management and design.  

Emily Beeson also received an ALCC scholarship. She is a graduate student in the landscape architecture program at the University of Colorado-Denver. She would like to pursue a career in sustainable landscape architecture.  

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

 
Why the Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force? Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 08, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

The following is a statement from Kat Weismiller, deputy section chief for Colorado Water Conservation Board’s Water Supply Planning Section. 

The Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force (CWCB) was created to help the state think about how we, at CWCB, build and support climate-appropriate landscapes. Colorado is getting warmer with projections of up to 4.2oF (2.3oC) warmer by 2050.  

We live in a semi-arid state and are heavily dependent on annual snowmelt and runoff from the mountains to the plains for our water supply. Colorado averages only 17 inches per year of precipitation with high variability across the state. Climate change is making our water supply more variable, and less dependable and predictable. As a result of climate change and longer term aridification, we are increasingly weighing the value trade-offs regarding water use and how we want to allocate it across competing community needs like economic development, housing, parks, river health, recreation and more. Outdoor water use, including the functionality and aesthetic design of urban landscapes, is at the crux of this discussion. Irrigation of outdoor landscapes accounts for 40-50% of Colorado’s municipal water demand. The 2023 Colorado Water Plan notes the need for “transformative landscape change” water conscious and attractive urban landscapes that can be sustained on as little as one-day per week watering. Though past water conservation measures have decreased statewide per capita water use by 5% between 2008 and 2015, we have a long way to go to meet the ambitious goals of the Water Plan. 

Water-wise landscaping and land use practices can play a critical role in providing substantial and permanent water savings while minimizing water waste in Colorado communities. Urban water conservation requires water providers and other groups to work together in ways that extend beyond turf removal to advance the broader concept of landscape transformation to provide lasting water savings, while sustaining healthy communities.  

The Task Force arose at the direction of the Governor who charged CWCB with facilitating a task force discussion to evaluate the best practices for advancing outdoor water conservation. Recognizing that this topic is critical, and several efforts are currently underway to find policy solutions and best practices for urban landscapes, the Task Force plans to offer leadership and guidance at the state level by exploring where there are both opportunities and challenges for achieving sustained outdoor water savings. The Task Force will look into ways of implementing practical landscaping changes that increase water use efficiency and achieve sustained water savings, while supporting vibrant and beautiful communities.  

The 21-member task force includes eight water utilities, two water conservation and/or conservancy districts, two environmental nongovernmental organization representatives, and several single seats including a seat dedicated to the landscaping industry filled by ALCC president, John McMahon. McMahon will represent ALCC membership interests in these critical conversations. The team aim plans to meet four times in 2023, aiming to wrap-up provide a set of concepts to be considered by January 2024.  

 
 
Call for presentations NOW OPEN Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Submit your 2024 ProGreen EXPO session proposal now

We invite you to submit your session proposal for the 2024 ProGreen EXPO in Denver, Colorado, taking place January 30 - February 1, 2024. This annual conference allows green industry professionals in the Rocky Mountain region to gain vital knowledge and skills to improve business, educate employees and discover the latest trends for the upcoming season.

Submissions will be accepted through August 15, 2023.


 

We are working hard to make the 2024 ProGreen EXPO the best professional development experience that is available to green industry professionals. Please consider the session types that will be offered at ProGreen and submit your proposal for the type that fits best. Once you begin the application you will be able to select the topic(s) that best align with your session content.

Concurrent Sessions - formal presentations that can be 30 or 60 minutes in length. If desired, 60-minute sessions can be considered for CE/CLE credits.

Roundtable Sessions - conversation-style setting in which you lead the discussion on a topic of your choosing. Interactivity is key in this session format. 60 minutes in length (not eligible for CE/CLE credits).

Please note ONE SESSION per SUBMISSION.
Questions?
If you have any conference or program questions, please contact:
[email protected]
web: www.progreenexpo.com

 

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Help needed - Instructor for Fall semester

Tis the season!

 

 
Tis the season! Email
Written by Troy Sibelius   
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Tis the season! No… not for mistletoe and holly, but sunburns and dehydration!  

By Troy Sibelius 

In hot weather, our body’s natural cooling systems are not enough. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke pose a real threat to outdoor workers. Heat stress has a significant negative impact on employee production and attendance that can cause project schedules and budgets go into disarray as companies scurry to complete the work. Let’s take a closer look what is really going on. 


Reality and myth 

You know the controls for working in the heat: provide plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, allow regular breaks, etc. Unfortunately, a persistent myth is that production is hampered by adding more controls. Not only does this myth present a disregard for safety, but it’s also just plain wrong! In addition to preventing heat illness, proper controls can also prevent mental/physical fatigue and employee runoff. The myth assumes on-site downtime and precautions decrease employee output has a negative impact on your budget 

Let’s examine the effects heat has on productivity. Extensive research on human performance reveals a recurring statistic; for each degree above 80o F (roughly) productivity decreases anywhere from 2%-3%. This means on a 100o F summer day, without controls in place, production can be reduced by up to 50%. Under these conditions employees move slower, regularly forget equipment and materials, and produce lower quality work, possibly requiring rework. Studies also indicate that people working in these conditions on a regular basis (e.g., landscaper workers) showed tendencies toward increased absenteeism, conflicts, safety and HR complaints, and attrition. 

These issues have not been resolved by demanding that workers to “toughen up” or to “handle the heat or stay out of the kitchen.In the current labor market, employees are asking, “why should I prove I’m tough when the crew across the street has water, shade and regular breaks? Employees today are very aware of their value and other available job opportunities. Employers who make concessions to put controls in place simple to meet employees’ requests, trying to keep them happy, may still see them leave for an extra $0.25 per hour. Rather than making concessions, why not create an environment where people want to take pride in the quality of their work and have input into the conditions that allow them to perform well? 

Employee concessions or strategic decision? 

To address the topic of heat illness ask yourself and your employees, what could we correct that would make it easier to work in the heat? You might think, “that sounds like you’re making a concession,” and you would be correct if we stopped here. If we add the analysis of impact on the organization, instead of wasted time adding scheduled breaks to keep employees comfortable, we’re instead adding ‘concessions’ to reduce employee fatigue, attrition and negative impacts on production. Now you are making a strategic decision that managers can support because they see the direct impact. 

Here are few things you can do now to build a culture that honors employee value and promotes commitment to quality and production. 

  1. Create a list of project requirements when temperatures exceed 90o F. Select cost effective and high impact methods including shade tents, hardhat insert/ brims, wearing loose, light colored clothing and providing coolers stocked with ice, water, and electrolyte drinks. 

  1. Avoid overexertion during peak temperature hours. Work to implement more breaks and/or rotate workers when temperatures are high. If production is decreased due to heat, and adding more breaks improves the impact, you can have a net positive gain on production and increase employee morale. 

  1. Meet with employees to discuss what has been done and why and ask them for additional suggestions 

Now is the time to emphasize that employee culture and morale are valued assets, AND quality and production are expectations of the job. Everyone desires to show up, be treated respectfully, have contributions recognized, and go home injury and illness free. Under strong leadership, everyone can have shared goals, creating a successful company and culture where people want to show up AND take pride in their work.  

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

 
Help needed! Instructor for Fall semester Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Front Range Community College is currently looking to hire an instructor for the Landscape Design I fall semester Larimer Campus. One of their long-time instructors is relocating but willing to help the new instructor navigate the content. The course shell is already built, so no need to re-invent the wheel. The fall semester is coming up fast, so please send out feelers or apply for this position if interested. Please email Molly McDonald directly for more details. 

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Tis the season!

Call for Presentations - NOW OPEN

 

 
H-2B Fly-in Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

ALCC led the Colorado 12-person delegation on the D.C. Fly-in on June 14 and met with all the representative’s offices. Rep Petterson and Neguse signed a letter supporting RWE language being pursued with the judicial committee. Crow and Caraveo provided staffing challenges to making the deadline given for June 17 deadline. Still awaiting responses from the rest of the Colorado house representatives. A one-year returning workers exemption, with a three year look back, was added to FY 24 DHS Appropriations via a manager’s amendment (meaning non-controversial). 

  • It is unclear if this will go across the full House floor (very unlikely) but if it does have to go through the full House this will likely present some additional roadblocks that we will need to overcome just because of the narrow Republican majority and extremely volatile policy issues in DHS Appropriations.
  • We now will shift gears to the Senate appropriators, which conversations have already begun.  The question will be, “What will it take to garner Dem. Support for RWE?” There are several provisions that the coalition can support that are in the SEA bill, which is based on coalition positions we made last November/December.
  • Having an RWE now does not ensure that’s what we will have in December and is the best position we have been in since 2018.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Help needed - Instructor for Fall semester

9News backyard renovation

 
9News backyard renovation Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Landscape companies volunteer to renovate 9News backyard

 Since about 2002, ALCC has had a relationship with 9News that features industry experts appearing on Friday afternoon gardening segments to promote horticultural practices for water savings and sustainable landscapes. ALCC volunteer Peter Millstein pitched the concept of the demonstration garden to 9News and constructed the first water-wise garden which was maintained by ALCC volunteers over the years. For 20+ years, ALCC volunteers have worked closely with the 9News team to bring valuable tips to 9News viewers. This partnership also led to many "on-demand" segments featuring ALCC members, creating a win/win for ALCC and 9News.

This year, from May 18-19, ALCC member companies and their employees donated time and talent -- a "Day of Service" -- to demolish and rebuild the backyard. Designscapes Colorado designed the much-needed makeover. The 9News backyard renovation is an opportunity to showcase some of the sustainable landscape practices implemented in the backyard and to show the public how the landscape industry is doing its part by reducing water use and plant attrition, while still providing beautiful, outdoor spaces. The renovated backyard will also help promote landscape best management practices (BMPs) and ALCC's Sustainable Landscape Maintenance (SLM) program.

A big thank you to Designscapes Colorado's Phil Steinhauer, CEO, and Char Chacon, residential team manager, for donating company time and resources. Thanks also go to Diggable Designs Landscape Construction, LLC., Brightview Landscape, and to Ellen Becker, of Floral Culture, LLC, for donating time and material. Thank you to Alameda Wholesale Nursery, Inc. and Arbor Valley Nursery for the plant donations, DBC Irrigation Supply for donating irrigation parts, and Birdsall & Co. for donating flowerpots.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Help needed - Instructor for Fall semester

H-2B Fly-in

 
Changing Landscapes, Inc., received Gold ELITE Award Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Rural openness inspired design

“The clients came to us already sharing our company philosophy of sustainable landscaping. They agreed to a dryland, native, xeric plan,” says Paul Hartman, owner at Changing Landscapes, Inc., Longmont.

This new Boulder home is surrounded by farmland and pasture grasses, and the homeowners wanted the design to blend into the existing rural area. “The footprint of the house and the openness of this rural property allowed for a unique design, different from most landscapes we create,” says Brian Rasmussen, landscape architect and project manager for this project.

The client was very engaged with the Changing Landscapes team through design and construction. “They expressed their needs and concerns and were open to solutions we suggested,” says Rasmussen.

Read more...
 
Calling all change makers Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Colorado State University’s (CSU's) Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture is hosting a series of mixers – “Come to the Table with HLA” – to promote Colorado’s horticulture and landscape industry. The four events will feature opportunities to learn more about the department’s teaching, research and outreach activities, network, and sample local food and drinks. 

April and September events will be hosted on campus in Fort Collins with a focus on undergraduate and graduate programs and will include interaction with faculty from other academic units on campus. Summer events will be held at Designs by Sundown event space in Littleton and Green Valley Sod Farm in Platteville will focus on building stakeholder and alumni relationships.  


CSU College of Agricultural Sciences has a seat at the table for all students, faculty and partners who want to become global change-makers. CSU is connecting your meaningful lived experiences to agricultural innovation and optimizing our impact to our global community. Become part of our agricultural community and experience hands-on learning while building relationships. Bring your creativity, ideas and lived experiences. Leave with the confidence to collectively solve the grand challenges of sustaining our natural resources and feeding the world.

Join students and faculty of the HLA Department for a series of industry mixers to promote Colorado horticulture and green industry and enjoy local food and drinks. For questions, please email [email protected]

The events are hosted in partnership with the Colorado State University Alumni AssociationColorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers AssociationColorado Association of Viticulture and EnologyASLA ColoradoRocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass AssociationColorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association and Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado. The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture is looking for partnerships for future events. 

Click here for more information.


Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
SLM Initiative

Changing Landscapes, Inc., received Gold ELITE Award

 
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