J. David Bamberger transformed a barren stretch of the Texas Hill Country west of Austin into a thriving natural sanctuary, demonstrating the power of dedicated land restoration. Once an unwanted expanse of overgrazed, degraded terrain, Bamberger’s property, purchased in 1969, has evolved into a celebrated example of environmental stewardship.
Initially spanning 3,000 acres, the land was devoid of active water sources, suffered from poor soil quality, and supported very little wildlife due to decades of neglect. Over a span of 25 years, Bamberger invested profound effort in reviving the ranch, now expanded to 5,500 acres, fostering springs, creeks, and flourishing native grasslands.
The Selah Ranch Preserve, as it is now known, has garnered multiple accolades for its conservation success. Its grounds serve not only as a sanctuary for abundant wildlife but also as a research center for scientists and an educational resource for children and landowners eager to apply similar restoration techniques to their own properties.
Restoring the nature of things
The diversity of bird species at the Selah Ranch illustrates the dramatic ecological turnaround. From fewer than 50 species at the outset, the preserve now supports 221 species of birds, including threatened species such as the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo, which has recently been removed from endangered status.