Michael Watts

Exciting!

That is the word to describe the involvement of Cuyamaca's College Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (CSAC-ASLA) in the upcoming ASLA National Convention to be held here in San Diego at the San Diego Convention Center, Oct. 29-Nov. 2.

We were chosen along with USC, UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and NewSchool of Architecture & Design to provide the student support for the programs, seminars and networking events. Students from these landscape architecture and horticultural programs have signed up as greeters, booth assistants and program facilitators, and to assist with the awards and ceremonies programs.

National is estimating that between 7,000 and 8,000 landscape architects and their affiliates will attend this year's convention, along with 600+ exhibitors and vendors. It promises to be a fabulous venue of education, networking, social interaction and cutting-edge technology.

Cuyamaca's Student Affiliate Chapter is also working with ASLA National and our sponsoring local ASLA-San Diego Chapter to make student membership more open, available and exciting. Local chapter membership is free. If one should decide to become a student member of ASLA National, there is a $50 fee, but the benefits outweigh the cost: Membership includes a one-year subscription to Landscape Architecture magazine, access to members-only sections of asla.org, free resume posting and more. For additional information on membership and the convention, go to asla.org.

To learn more about our chapter, our school and the local ASLA San Diego Chapter, go to Cuyamaca's Horticultural Department web page, cuyamaca.edu/ohweb, and follow the links to all the information.

Michael Watts is president of the CSAC-ASLA. He is currently studying Landscape Design.  

The 15th Annual Aggie Open Golf Tournament will tee off at noon on Friday, Oct. 21, at the Bonita Golf Course. This event attracts more than 130 industry professionals from the landscape, golf and related green industries along with students from the Cuyamaca College Ornamental Horticulture Department. The 2010 tournament raised more than $9,000 for the Cuyamaca College Botanical Society Scholarship Fund and OH Department programs.

Horizon is once again the corporate sponsor, with many other companies, organizations and individuals joining in to support the tournament. The four-person scramble is open to the public and is billed as a fun day on the links.

The event includes lunch, dinner, golf and free range balls, along with other special activities on the course and during the awards dinner. Please join us in supporting the Cuyamaca College Ornamental Horticulture Department and Cuyamaca College Botanical Society.

Registration and sponsor information is available at cuyamaca.edu/ohweb.

Louise Parks

After 31 years, the Cuyamaca College Botanical Society (CCBS) is still going strong, serving the students and the Ornamental Horticulture Department! The CCBS is a dedicated group of students who assist in the department's annual events, raising funds for student scholarships. I am pleased to serve as the club's 35th president and to represent a department dedicated to excellence.

Every OH student is a member of the CCBS, and there are no membership fees. Once students have completed three units in the horticulture program, they are eligible to apply for a scholarship as continuing students. I don't know what the founding CCBS members had in mind in 1980 when they formed this club, but I believe its greatest benefit is that it offers a great way for students to be involved, which in turn keeps us going strong in our efforts.

The success of the OH Department didn't happen by chance; it took many hands and great support from our loyal donors to make it what it is today. I encourage students to see for themselves all that the department offers.

Volunteering is a great way to meet and network with fellow students and leaders in the industry. Not only does the club offer an opportunity to get involved, the department also presents many opportunities. Students learn through hands-on experience when working with the growers, retail nursery staff and landscape technicians. Everyone is welcome to get involved and attend the monthly CCBS meetings. We love seeing new faces! Please join us in our efforts to continue the tradition of excellence.

2011-2012 CCBS Officers

Louise Parks, 35th President

John Hervan, First Vice President

Pete Nowell, Second Vice President

Gail Ballard, Treasurer

Megan McCurty, Secretary

Edwina Perez, Activities Coordinator

Mannah Gbeh, Activities Coordinator

Barbara Bender, Assistant to the Board

Cari Johnson, Assistant to the Board

Damien Rosales, Assistant to the Board

The Irrigation Association is coming to San Diego in November for its annual trade show, the only show of its kind for irrigation industry professionals. Some 6,000 attendees are expected to attend the 2011 Irrigation Show and Innovations in Irrigation Education Conference, scheduled for Nov. 3-8 at the San Diego Convention Center.

According to the association's website, the show brings together manufacturers, dealers, distributors, wholesalers, contractors, designers, installation and maintenance professionals, consultants and growers to:   

• Increase productivity and profitability with targeted education and technical training.
• Find smart solutions for agriculture, golf and turf/landscape applications.
• See the latest products, technology and services.
• Meet with current business partners and potential suppliers.
• Monitor critical water management issues and irrigation best practices.