The competition is tough and sometimes so are the conditions under which it’s staged. Students in this hardscaping challenge during a prior year’s event had to overcome the rain and mud as well as the competition.Photo: NALP
What began four decades ago as a friendly competition among horticulture programs at Mississippi State, Ohio State and Michigan State universities is now the signature recruiting and career-building event in the landscaping industry, according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).
The National Collegiate Landscape Competition will return to Mississippi State for its 40th anniversary March 16-19. Approximately 800 horticulture and landscaping students from more than 60 schools will test their skills in real-world, competitive events. And just as important, those same young people will interview with landscape, lawn care, tree care, irrigation and other green industry companies at the event’s career fair, which will be held on March 17.
“Everyone will want to be at this year’s event because we have a number of surprises and special events planned,” said Sabeena Hickman, chief executive of NALP. “We are really pleased to celebrate the impact that this event has had on so many students who have built careers in the industry.”
The National Collegiate Landscape Competition is supported by the following sponsors: Stihl (Platinum); John Deere (Gold); Caterpillar, Gravely, Husqvarna and New Holland Construction (Silver); and Anchor, Belgard, Brickman, Toro and ValleyCrest (Bronze).
