Inspired by Louis Broomfield’s Pleasant Valley, the restoration story of worn-out abandoned farms in his native Ohio, entrepreneur J. David Banberger set out in 1969 to purchase the worst piece of property he could find… in Blanco County - over-grazed, juniper-choked acreage which was devoid of water. Massive Ashe Juniper clearing, grass seeding and tree planting, complete with protective cages, have returned the 5,500-acre ranch to a state of natural abundance. Countless springs seep from the hills, supporting a healthy ecosystem that is able to sustain a diverse array of plants and animals.
Once described as the largest habitat restoration project on private land in Texas, the Bamberger Ranch Preserve is an operating ranch that also serves as a natural research laboratory. Because education and “people ranching” are priorities, J. David and Margaret Bamberger share the ranch and their experience in habitat restoration through workshops, seminars and field trips.
The master promoter and motivator has turned his focus to marketing conservation. Accordingly, Bamberger Ranch Preserve offers educational workshops and models for all seven Wildlife Management Use Requirements for Agricultural Tax Appraisal. Selah is accredited with the Texas Education Agency to provide appropriate environmental education to schoolchilcren. The preserve is maintained and operated by a dedicated staff and loyal volunteers.
