I’m in a training session learning how to blog. So, while I’m away, check back often for updates as I move through Tanzania & our design project!
Getting very excited!
A little bit about me – my name is Katie Hess-Reichard. I’m from the fruit region of Pennsylvania, near Gettysburg. I went to college in the outskirts of the Metro area in Maryland & am a true East Coaster. I’ve traveled internationally a few times before but only to “western” countries (Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, and Australia).
I never, ever, thought I would find myself at Penn State University Park as a Graduate student studying design in Landscape Architecture. Never. But, here I am…and very, very happy.
The Project – is in Tanzania, eastern coast of Africa, just below the equator. This is the first year for the project. In recent times, villages were able to use land that is now protected for their needs. However, since the land has become protected the villages no longer have access. In addition, commercial farming has blocked them in on the other side. Land ownership in Tanzania is kinda a mystery…we don’t really know how it works.
Our objective will be mainly to observe daily life & learn what these villages want & need. They don’t have enough land on which to garden & raise animals. They are growing. To grow successfully, they have attempted to develop a growth plan. We will examine their wants & needs (their existing plan) & compare that with Tanzanian government regulations. After, we will address additional issues…perhaps sewer, road & building planning, economics, etc…we don’t really know yet. And that is our job – to find out.
Our group of 13 will travel from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, into the country via a few stops along the way. Our base is in a newly constructed research camp in a very large national park. The WWF is already there & many universities & other Tanzania government agencies are working there. As Landscape Architect, Marketing & Communication, and Biology students, our group has much to offer.
Location: Curtain Road, University Park, PA