Layer One

Designing for History

Engineer by day, environmental activist by night

- Kimberly Chapple

There is a group of volunteers on the banks of the Rio Grande who aren't too concerned about Y2K (or as they say: "Y2 Que?") as we close this millennium. Okay, so maybe it's because they've got an expert automation controls engineer on their team who can turn back time (or at least reprogram any machine's date to make sure it never reads "00"). But more likely, it's because this group of individuals from diverse backgrounds knows what it's like to make a difference and save a little piece -- their little piece -- of the world in El Paso, Texas.

Engineer Larry Holland is a volunteer member of the Keystone Archaeological Protection and Preservation Association (KAPPA). Holland joined KAPPA as a concerned community member who wanted to save the site and its surrounding wetlands from becoming an industrial park. And, according to KAPPA vice president Carol Miller, "He's also volunteering his skills to design walking paths and biking trails through the heritage and wildlife park we've proposed. As an avid cyclist and engineer, there's really no one better to do it. We're lucky he decided to get involved."

Holland spends his days as an automation controls engineer for electrical and electronic product manufacturer Leviton Manufacturing Co. Told of Miller's comments, he responds, "They're lucky? I'm the one who's lucky," as he realizes the work he does inside and out-

side of the OEM world truly makes a difference in the lives of others. By day, Holland programs automated assembly systems, designs graphics, and links human machine interfaces to the automated machines, amongst other duties. By night, he enjoys the sensation of turning back time 4,500 years during his efforts to preserve this piece of land.

"It's history," Holland says. Ancient history to be exact. About the same time as the Egyptians were erecting pyramids on the other side of the planet, hunter-gatherer bands were building mud-plaster huts on the banks of the Rio Grande. This organized village -- a social development traditionally thought to be dependent on a farming way of life -- actually predates the introduction of crops into the Southwest. The site contains evidence that could require a major revision of the way we think about the development of complex societies.

"By preserving the past, I can live in the moment while affecting a positive future," Holland reasons. "I'm just doing my part and will continue to do so, as there are still funds to be raised to protect the site's surrounding wetlands. But while other people fund-raise, I design bike paths." Looks like volunteer engineers get to have all the fun.

For more information, contact KAPPA, pasonorte@aol.com

Readers, we're thankful to hear from more and more of you who are "doing your own part" in your own way in your own backyard. Thanks for making a difference.

-- Dfx editors