Events
UPCOMING
Oct. 1, 2025 – 1 pm
Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning
Thompson Conference Center (TCC)
University of Texas - Austin
Lecture: As the world approaches an environmental tipping point and leadership devolves into demagoguery, conservationist Andrew Sansom stands as a model of enlightened wisdom. Author Laura Raun explores the lessons of Sansom’s life as chronicled in her biography Andrew Sansom: A Life in Conservation.
2025
April 19
Earth Day at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University
Spring Lake
San Marcos
Laura and Andy were interviewed by Robert Mace, Executive Director of the Meadows Center, in Robert’s singular style – irreverent and informative. The panel discussion drew a standing-room only crowd as part of the 12th annual Earth Day San Marcos Festival held at the Meadows Center.
April 17
The Bookmark, PBS
Laura was interviewed on The Bookmark, a PBS program that showcases the work of authors and delve into the stories behind their books, often going beyond a simple summary. The program host was Christine Brown of Texas A&M University Press.
March 12
Houston Book Signing
How would Andy’s approach to conservation and leadership hold up amid today’s rollback of environmental law, budget cuts to national parks, climate change denialism? Those questions made for a lively conversation between Laura, Andy, friends and colleagues who were hosted by Emily Todd, a longtime supporter of public parks in Houston.
January 25
Texas Hill Country Book Signing
J. David Bamberger and his wife Joanna hosted a book signing at the Bamberger Ranch Preserve that deeply inspired Andy’s understanding of regenerative land management and its role in environmental protection.
The salon conversation covered groundwater shortages in the Hill Country, growing fears of unmet water needs across the state and budget cuts to national parks.
2024
December 11
Austin Book Signing
Laura and Andy had a thought-provoking conversation with friends and colleagues about water policy ahead of the Legislative Session that convened in January.
The soiree was hosted by David Todd, executive director of the Conservation History Association of Texas, and his wife Wendy.
November 16 – 17
Texas Book Festival
Austin
The book was launched at the Texas Book Festival, where Laura’s Panel Discussion drew a standing-room-only crowd. Laura highlighted Andy’s approach to environmental conservation as a counterpart to that of Monika Maeckle, book author and activist.
October 24
Houston Book Signing
Laura and Andy signed books at a smart and stylish party given by Pam Harte, philanthropist and environmental supporter, to promote The Gulf Trust and Ben Masters – who wrote the Foreword for Andrew Sansom: A Life in Conservation.
The party was held at the trendy Armadillo Palace.
