Award-winning author Jeffrey Greene provides a portrait, by turns lyrical and provocative, of J. David Bamberger's unlikely transformation from first, a vacuum cleaner salesman, then to co-founder and CEO of Church's Fried Chicken, to an internationally recognized conservationist. In fact, Greene tells two integrally related stories: the evolution of one man's business sense, applying profit incentives to land restoration and nature conservancy; and the creation of a Texas Hill Country preserve where he effectively demonstrates his own principles. Growing up in rural Ohio during the Great Depression and World War II, Bamberger learned at an early age to shun waste, grow food productively, and admire the Amish for living in harmony with the land. His mother taught him to love the natural world and gave him a book that would set the course for his life: Pleasant Valley, by Louis Bromfield, a visionary American advocate for land restoration. Inspired by his new role model, Bamberger would say, "If I ever make money, I want to do what Bromfield did." After finding that financial success, Bamberger bought what he describes as "the sorriest piece of land in Blanco County" and entered upon his decades-long effort to restore the ecological balance of 5,500 acres that had been virtually destroyed by more than a century of misuse. Naming his preserve Selah--from the Old Testament term meaning "pause and reflect"--Bamberger dedicates himself and his resources to protecting species and educating school children, conservation groups, government officials, and everyone else who will listen to his central message, delivered with evangelical zeal: We must take care of the earth, and anyone can help. Today, David and his wife, Margaret, have received many awards, and he has been featured in The New Yorker, in Audubon, and on CNN and network news. But until now, no one has fully told the story of how a man with vision transformed a place--and in doing so, transformed himself.
I was so impressed by J.David Bamberger's compelling story! People like him--hard working, resourceful, personable, inspirational--are such a rarity these days. He has done some amazing environmental work, and has cared enough to share what he has learned with others. The strikingly beautiful illustrations in this book, done by his wife, Margaret, have a simple, timeless quality.
My purchase was Water from Stone by J. David Bamberger
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I am totally satisfied with the service. It seemed to some almost before I'd realized that I had actually order it! BTW it is a great read!
Insightful look at the transformation of Selah, the Bamberger's Ranch
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Water from Stone is an insightful look at the transformation of Selah the Bamberger's Ranch in Blanco County from a worn out piece of the hill country into an impressive environmental and sustainable conservation teaching facility. It is an enjoyable story with a truth is stranger than fiction quality that blends humor with the writer's adept insight. Water from Stone inspires one to go out and improve our land in ways that are practical and sustainable for generations to come.
An inspiring story
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account of David Bamberger's life and the experiences that led him to become one of the foremost conservationists and environmental educators in Texas. I have heard him speak numerous times and come away each time inspired to take better care of our planet and influence others to do the same. Water From Stone made me more aware of all the work that Mr. Bamberger has done to make our environment safer and healthier for all of God's creatures.
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