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| J. David Bamberger / 1993 |
More than 300 people gathered Saturday afternoon, March 14, 2026, to celebrate the iconic life of conservationist J. David Bamberger. I was honored to be among them. I represented both myself and the Texas Master Naturalist program. Though I did not volunteer on his Selah-Bamberger Ranch, I knew Mr. Bamberger through the years, starting with a profile I wrote on him in 1993 for Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. He was 65 at the time. I’m now 67 and wish I had the energy he had at 97 when he left for heaven. Since we first met, his work – Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve – has grown exponentially and in amazing ways, as is shared on the ranch’s website.
More than 30 years ago, he told me: “I’m the steward, not the owner. That’s what we all are – stewards. And I hope my legacy will not be that he made a lot of money or accomplished things in a business sense, but that he sustained a movement that influenced enough people to ensure that the coming generations will be able to live richer, fuller lives.”
Mission accomplished, sir. Well done, Mr. Bamberger, well done.
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| We gathered in front and around Hes’ Country Store for the memorial. |
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| So many hugs among friends, many long-time and some new. |
Andy Samson spoke about his long-time friend and colleague, J. David Bamberger. It was very windy that afternoon so the audio’s not good.
Per his wishes, J. David Bamberger’s ashes were spread across his beloved land via helicopter. It was very moving to witness.
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Here is the profile I wrote about Mr. Bamberger in the August 1993 issue of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine.
