By TTF intern Jason Quach
Hello! My name is Jason and I’m excited to join the TTF as an intern this Summer!
I’m originally from South Jersey but now live in Northeast Philadelphia. Growing up in South Jersey, I was lucky that most of the environment that surrounded me was forested. Nature was a big part of my childhood, I had several cousins that lived nearby so when we would go out to play, we would often walk through the woods to get to each other’s houses. In high school, my friends and I would also visit the local Nature Preserve to go on walks, take photographs, skip rocks on the lake or just sit on the benches and relax. These experiences were the foundation of my relationship and appreciation for the outdoors.
I graduated from Rutgers University, majoring in Environmental Planning & Design. Many of my courses included field trips out to forests, parks and other green spaces to learn about how they were maintained for both ecological health and public use. My favorite visit was to the Ecological Preserve on campus. The Preserve is an approximately 316 acre lot of land which was previously used as an army base during World War II which was then purchased in 1976 by Rutgers University. Walking through the forest, it would almost be impossible to tell that it previously used to be an army base until you came across scattered remnants of bunkers, fences, and barracks. I appreciated that the fragments of the old base were there, I was able to use the space as I intended to, while also seeing how the space was previously used. These interactions with nature deepened my interest in how sustainable planning can protect natural spaces while making them more accessible and enjoyable for people.
In my free time I like to relax by playing video games, watching movies and spending time with friends and family. I enjoy watching thrillers, horrors, action movies or anything that keeps me on the edge of my seat.
During my time at the TTF, I hope to learn more about stormwater management and how public involvement can make a positive lasting impact on watershed health. I hope to contribute my skills in planning and GIS while also gaining hands-on experience working on green infrastructure and community based projects.
