AMBER AHRNS GOSSELIN
Preserve Director
Amber Ahrns Gosselin, Preserve Director at Westcave, grew up with an intrinsic love of the outdoors and educating people about the natural world. She attributes her love of nature to her parents who raised her at Westcave Preserve. Her father John Ahrns, was Westcave’s first Preserve Manager. At the start of Amber’s career, she helped manage Hamilton Pool Preserve for the better part of a decade. She received her BS from Texas State in Geography and Planning. Amber then was promoted to Natural Resource Specialist with Travis County Natural Resources. She managed both the Balcones Canyonland Preserve and Park systems by protecting natural resources, monitoring biological species, coordinating habitat restoration and enhancement for endangered species and managing non-native and invasive species control.
After decades at Travis County, Amber was offered the unique opportunity to honor her father’s legacy to continue protecting the Hill Country gem that is Westcave Preserve. As Preserve Director at Westcave, Amber relies on her vast knowledge of natural resources and park management experience to execute the best land management practices and to provide meaningful connections to the outdoors for all visitors. This includes oversight of land management, creation of valuable research projects, connection with neighbors, engagement with staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders, and providing valuable education experiences for school-aged kids to adults.