Collingbourne participates in National Collegiate Landscape Contest

2018 Apr 10

Matthew Collingbourne tested knowledge of landscape and horticulture at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) at Alamance Community College in North Carolina March 14-17, 2018.

The competition is made up of 30 real-world contests that have an average of 60 participants in each. Students may participate in more than one contest and some contests are in small teams.

Collingbourne placed 15th in Hardscape Installation. This contest involves a two-person team tasked with constructing a small paver patio and freestanding wall as shown on plans provided to contestants. Collingbourne also participated in Irrigation Troubleshooting, placing 7th. The contest focuses on water conservation and irrigation efficiency. Contestants are required to have a working knowledge regarding measuring key system parameters, proper operation and repair of irrigation components, electrical components within an irrigation system, basic diagnostic devices, and scheduling based on system and site date. Irrigation Assembly was a third contest in which Collingbourne participated, placing 7th. This contest involves a two-person team tasked with assembling, adjusting and operating according to a provided plan and details, an irrigation system consisting of pipe, sprinkler heads, valves, and a controller or other water conservation equipment.

The team from Iowa State was among the more than 700 top landscape and horticulture students from two- and four-year colleges around the country. As a whole, the group placed 30th out of 62 schools, a fine achievement with 14 of the 15 team members being new to the competition.

In addition to the contests, attendees had the opportunity to network with some of the top industry companies and dozens of the biggest industry manufacturers and suppliers.

Lisa Orgler, senior lecturer in horticulture, is the adviser for the group.