In 1969, J. David Bamberger bought 3,000 acres of damaged Texas ranchland; 50 years later, 11 springs flowed and 221 bird species thrived there

J. David Bamberger bought 3,000 acres of damaged ranchland near Johnson City in Texas in 1969. Notably, it had almost no grass. Its hills were also covered with cedar trees, and there were no flowing creeks, springs or ponds. Meanwhile, more than five years later, it became a big example of how damaged land can recover after careful restoration.

Bamberger wanted to do something different with his massive wealth. He made his fortune as a co-founder of Church's Fried Chicken reportedly. He did not buy a ranch with expensive houses and other lavish facilities. Instead, he asked the US Department of Agriculture to help him. He wanted to find some of the most degraded land in the Texas Hill Country.

Later, he purchased the property. It was known as Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve. After a few years, he added another 2,500 acres. This took the total area to 5,500 acres.

How did he begin restoring the land?

When Bamberger arrived, the ranch was largely bare ground. Overgrazing by cattle, sheep and goats had damaged the soil. Cedar growth had spread across the landscape.

Bamberger found a team of specialists and started removing cedar trees with a used bulldozer. They avoided clearing steep slopes where removing vegetation could worsen soil erosion. Notably, they planted native grasses to help hold the soil in place.

Results took time. Native grasses returned, and more rainwater started entering the soil, which helped recharge underground water supplies. It gradually brought springs back to life.

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Water was a big challenge for him. So, Bamberger drilled several wells, including seven deep wells, but failed to find usable water.

The restoration later changed the situation. 11 springs are now fitted for domestic or livestock use, according to the preserve. The property also has ponds and lakes, while Miller Creek begins within the ranch and flows for much of the year, except during extreme drought conditions. This also helped the land support a wider range of wildlife.

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A big legacy

Due to Bamberger's project, the preserve also became a centre for environmental education, research and wildlife conservation.

The ranch was established as a preserve to protect the property for the future. This showed how changes in land management can improve soil conditions, water availability and wildlife habitats.