With strong credentials and a deep, personal connection to the Hill Country, April Sansom is Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve’s new executive director.
A PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Experiences in Ecuador, the Philippines and Bolivia. Service through the Peace Corps and Conservation International.
Oh, and did we mention she’s an Aggie, too?
Yes, her credentials are remarkable.
But, more importantly, Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve’s newest executive director, April Sansom, has a deep passion for – and commitment to – one of the Texas Hill Country’s most famous preserves.
To learn more about her, her role and how the preserve staff is moving forward in the wake of the current pandemic, we undertook a digital interview.
TW: April, what can you tell us about your first encounter with the property?
I first saw Selah when I was in high school, and I thought it was one of the best places I had ever visited.
I remember the beauty of the land, the rolling hills, and the wide-open spaces. I remember feeling the history of the land as I learned about it and I remember admiring and respecting the land stewardship that brought it back to its natural beauty and splendor. I remember the rain machine that taught the all-important message of healthy grass in the place of all those ashe juniper trees!
Since that first experience, I have enjoyed every opportunity to revisit the preserve when I came home to central Texas. Over the years I have watched it grow and blossom under competent leadership and a wonderful staff. It is a joy to see children and families from throughout central Texas visit and learn about ecology, wildlife, and about love and respect for the land.
Now, I am beyond thrilled to be helping to lead the preserve and work with the fantastic staff and board members on expanding the programs and the reach of Selah’s mission and vision.
TW: What makes the preserve special?
There are so many aspects of Selah that make it very special.
First and foremost, it is a story of the power of grass-roots conservation. The ecological restoration activities conducted through the hard work of J. David Bamberger and staff, plus a small town’s worth of volunteers are a model for other land owners practicing land stewardship on their own lands.
The landowner outreach and workshops that have benefited so many people across Texas and the nation is unparalleled in its efficacy. The environmental education programs and summer camps through which so many Central Texas children have become inspired to engage with nature and in some cases embark on careers in conservation are making a difference for the future of our state.
The story of the ranch and J. David’s vision weaves all of the hard work and passion together, and the story of Selah provides a beacon of hope in the increasingly challenging times.
TW: What are some of the challenges and opportunities you see for the preserve?
Currently, like all nonprofit organizations, we face a huge challenge in terms of the global health crisis and its implications. The staff have responded with resilience and creativity, and we are proud to be hosting our first ever Selah Spectacular Virtual Picnic-a-Thon on July 2.
In the coming months and years, Selah faces many of the same challenges that central Texas in general faces. Population growth and development have significant impacts on the preservation of open spaces.
We aim to be a leader in collaborations with landowners, communities, and organizations with a common goal of assuring that central Texas in the generations to come have the opportunity to visit Selah to pause and reflect on the beauty of nature.
We also plan to address conservation challenges with a community-based, collaborative approach that brings people together to solve problems.
TW: Ten years from now, what would you like to see in the rearview mirror, both as a professional and a steward of the preserve?
This is a great question for a bit of reflection.
In ten years, I hope to see that the future of Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve is secure through financial stability and support. I would like to see that the programs are still dynamic, powerful, and inspirational. I would also like to see the on-going ecological restoration and threatened species management activities fully funded so that the natural condition of the land is protected in perpetuity.
In addition, I see Selah as a leader in community-based conservation initiatives that bring people and groups together to address conservation challenges with respect, integrity, honesty, and positive collaboration.
TW: Although your the preserve’s new executive director, we imagine that the current historical moment has given you a swift, deep appreciation for the property and the people who tend it.
Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve is one of the most inspiring places in Texas and the world.
In these challenging global times, we consider the importance of allowing ourselves a moment to pause, reflect, and understand that we must take good care of each other and of the natural environment on which we all depend.
Our team of dedicated board members and volunteers makes up a large family of people who care deeply about the land, the value of natural areas, and the importance of sharing knowledge about the importance of open space and conservation of natural resources. Our staff are an exceptionally talented group of professionals who are passionate about the landscape and the experiences that Selah has to offer. I’m so proud of the team, and of the legacy, and I know that the future of Selah is very bright.
To learn more about Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve, see BambergerRanch.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
