Fullerton Grounds Maintenance (FGM), a provider of landscape services in central and northern New Jersey for the past 25 years, has launched a two-year apprenticeship program in conjunction with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

“We wanted to give our employees a chance to grow and develop their careers, while also getting paid. We truly believe in investing in our employees and their professional goals. We are aiming to develop the next generation of leadership in this industry,” said FGM owner Scott Fullerton.

The apprenticeship program provides hands-on career training provided by an experienced mentor. Participants can also earn college credit (paid for by FGM) and a landscape management certification that can be used anywhere in the United States. FGM is one of the three landscape companies in New Jersey to offer employees the opportunity to participate in the new NALP program.

During the apprenticeship program, participants will have one-on-one interaction with Scott Fullerton. They will finish the program with a certificate in Landscape Management and options on where they want to focus their careers in one of the company’s divisions: grounds maintenance, design/build or residential services.

FGM’s inaugural apprentice class, which consists of five team members, began field training in January. The program requires 2,000 hours during a two-year period.

The Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) named the recipients of its 2020 Elite Awards. The Elite Awards recognize landscape companies and professionals who demonstrate unparalleled professionalism, excellence, management practices, sustainability and innovation.

“Our finalists and award winners reflect the key values of our Colorado landscape industry,” said ALCC CEO John McMahon. “This includes a commitment to environmental stewardship as well as sound business practices and community service.”

This year, The Awards were presented by ALCC and sponsored by Colorado Materials. More than 100 landscape professionals gathered to celebrate Colorado projects (before Colorado banned community events) that placed in the awards, and the organizations that created or maintain them.

Find a full list of the award winners here:

Community Stewardship

• Award Recipient: Phase One Landscape – outdoor memorial garden for Sawyer Dow at Mullen High School, Denver

Customer Service

• Award Recipient: BrightView Landscape – customer service in Parker and offices across metro Denver

Design/Build Over $150K

• Award Recipient: Lifescape Colorado – revitalized grounds at Richthofen Castle in Denver
• Finalist: Environmental Designs and Marpa Design Studio – outdoor entertainment space, fire feature and courtyard in Boulder
• Finalist: TLC Gardens – native, low-maintenance landscape for residence in Longmont

Design/Build Under $150K

• Award Recipient: Native Edge Landscapes – innovative raised garden and landscape in Boulder
• Finalist: LID Landscapes – modern, sustainable yard renovation in Boulder, CO
• Finalist: Tree of Life Landscapes – low-water, Japanese Zen garden in Westminster

Innovation

• Award Recipient: Scythe Robotics – self-driving robotic mower used at Tom Watson Park in Boulder
• Finalist: BestYard.com – retail holiday lighting store in Centennial

Landscape Construction

• Award Recipient: Singing Hills Landscape – innovative residential landscape and entertainment area in Denver
• Finalist: Western States Reclamation – stream and wetland restoration at Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project in Littleton
• Finalist: Changing Landscapes – transformed residential landscape in Boulder

Maintenance

• Award Recipient: Lifescape Colorado – revitalized grounds at Richthofen Castle in Denver
• Finalist: Terracare Associates – extensive upkeep of Arapahoe Parks and Recreation District, Centennial
• Finalist: Designscapes Colorado – meticulous maintenance at Cherry Hills Park HOA, Cherry Hills Village

Sustainability

• Award Recipient: Western States Reclamation – stream and wetland restoration at Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project in Littleton
• Finalist: Rocky Mountain Trees & Landscaping – Cement Creek Hugelkultur in Crested Butte
• Finalist: Designscapes Colorado – nature discovery zone for kids in Lafayette

Use of Color

• People’s Choice Award Recipient: Environmental Designs – seasonal color beds and containers for Hilltop Club in Aurora
• Judge’s Choice Award Recipient: Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes – vibrant and productive gardens in Vail
• Finalist: Tree of Life Landscapes – low-water and low-maintenance, colorful garden in Longmont

MVP

Award Recipients:

• Nicolas Caballero, Colorado Stoneworks, Colorado Springs
  Anthony Velazquez, Phase One Landscapes, Denver

Volunteer Service Awards

• Outlook Emerging Leader: Anne Campbell, Colorado Stoneworks Landscaping
• Stan Brown Distinguished Associate Member of the Year: Leo Degenstein, The L.L. Johnson Distributing Company
• Bob Cannon Lifetime Achievement: Marie Peacock, previously with Gardenz
• John Garvey Person of the Year: Patrick O’Meara, High Country Landscape