An unfamiliar birdsong. A set of tracks beside the trail. A child’s question that makes everyone stop and look. At Ramble by Hillwood in Celina, small discoveries like these are part of the idea behind the community’s “art of slow living.”

Ramble is making room for curiosity in everyday life, with places to wander and people who help neighbors feel at home outdoors. Among them is Amy Massingill, known around the community as Ranger Amy.

That’s the idea behind a new chapter of Lifestyle by Hillwood at Ramble, a master-planned community in Celina where nature and wellness are woven into the design—and now, into its daily programming.

Massingill brings more than two decades of outdoor education and recreation experience to help residents build a deeper, everyday connection with the land they call home.

Why make nature part of the lifestyle?

For Hillwood, Ramble’s lifestyle began taking shape before the first home was built. By bringing in Lifestyle Director Jenny Laible and Ranger Amy early, the team established a culture of connection, nature and wellness.

At Ramble, that means making nature an integral part of everyday life rather than just a backdrop. The community’s planned 7-plus miles of multipurpose pathways will connect homes to lakes, public parks, amenity centers, planned schools and a future regional bikeway, winding through the surrounding forest and natural landscape.

But Hillwood wanted those spaces to be more than amenities.

Spending time outdoors can support physical and mental well-being, while giving families opportunities to step away from screens, spend time together and connect with their neighbors.

“Our goal is to build trust and real connection in this community before people even turn the key to their new home,” Jenny said. “I focus on the social gatherings, and Ranger Amy brings the wellness and outdoor expertise. Her programming helps families step into nature comfortably, whether that’s a Friday Sunset Sip and Stroll on the trails or learning about local wildlife together.”

That thinking helped lead to Massingill’s role, giving residents an expert who can help them better understand, experience and appreciate the land around them.

Who is Ranger Amy?

For Massingill, that deep connection to the outdoors started on a farm, where camping and fishing were simply part of growing up. That passion turned into a 14-year career running an outdoor education program at a YMCA camp, using nature as a living classroom for school-age children.

A certified Texas Master Naturalist with a master’s degree in recreation, Massingill brings a warm, approachable style to the neighborhood.

“Having someone in the community who can actually teach and educate makes all the difference,” Massingill said. “People won’t naturally step outside their comfort zone without a little prompt. Whether it’s identifying animal tracks or helping someone feel safe around local wildlife, I’m here to give residents the exposure and confidence they need to explore.”

What will residents experience?

Massingill’s role is designed to bring Ramble’s natural spaces to life, blending outdoor wellness with everyday community programming. Working alongside Jenny, Ranger Amy brings a nature-focused approach to gatherings throughout the community, from forest trails to neighborhood gathering spots and Ramble Coffee House, now open and operated by 1418 Coffee.

Residents do not need outdoor experience to join Amy. Her walks and nature activities offer an easy place to start, whether someone arrives with a wildlife question, a curious child or simply an interest in spending time outside.

That collaboration is already creating connections before the first move-in date. Future residents are gathering through events such as the Friday Sunset Sip and Stroll, where Jenny brings future neighbors together and Massingill leads them along the forest paths for an evening outdoors.

The programming also extends beyond the neighborhood through relationships with Celina Parks and Recreation and Celina ISD, creating opportunities for outdoor education and future field trips.

For younger residents, the upcoming Ramble Rangers program will offer a hands-on Junior Ranger experience. Monthly outdoor adventures will encourage children to swap screen time for trail time, explore the woods and learn about the environment around them.

“Nature has an incredible way of bringing people together, so some of life’s best moments happen outside—whether it’s watching a child discover wildlife for the first time, meeting a neighbor on a trail or simply slowing down long enough to appreciate the world around you,” Massingill said.

What happens when residents connect with the land?

For Massingill, the vision extends beyond simply getting people outdoors. It’s about creating a lifestyle where nature supports daily well-being and gives families opportunities to slow down, spend time together and appreciate their surroundings.

“I really want people to develop their own passion for nature,” Massingill said. “When residents understand and enjoy the landscape right outside their back door, it creates a genuine culture of stewardship. They care for the land because it’s an active, restorative part of their daily lives.”

That is the everyday possibility behind Ramble’s art of slow living. It means knowing a little more about the place you call home, finding something that makes you pause and having someone nearby to share it with. Ranger Amy helps residents begin making those connections, one walk at a time.

Ready to explore Ramble?

Ramble’s nature-focused lifestyle continues to take shape in Celina. With more than 7 miles of planned trails, outdoor programming and community events, the neighborhood is creating opportunities for families to explore, connect and enjoy the outdoors.

Here are more ways to check out Ramble:

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of a director of Wellness in Nature at Ramble by Hillwood?

Amy Massingill, known as Ranger Amy, serves as Hillwood’s director of Wellness in Nature at Ramble. She works alongside Lifestyle Director Jenny Laible to lead nature-focused programming, guided trail walks and outdoor education, helping families feel comfortable outdoors and build connections with nature.

Where is Ramble by Hillwood located and what are its features?

Ramble by Hillwood is a master-planned community at 2287 Preston Road in Celina. Focused on nature and wellness, the community features more than 7 miles of planned multipurpose pathways, lakes, neighborhood gathering spots and amenities designed to encourage outdoor activity and connection.

What is the Ramble Rangers program?

Ramble Rangers is a planned Junior Ranger-style youth program led by Ranger Amy Massingill. The program will offer hands-on outdoor learning and forest exploration to help children discover nature and develop an appreciation for their community’s natural spaces.

How does Ramble’s lifestyle programming support health and wellness?

Ramble combines social connection with opportunities to spend time outdoors. Events such as the Friday Sunset Sip and Stroll encourage families to explore the trails, meet future neighbors and enjoy nature together.

How is Hillwood building community before Ramble residents move in?

Hillwood introduced its lifestyle and nature directors early in Ramble’s development, allowing future residents to begin forming relationships before the neighborhood is fully occupied. With families gathering for community events, Ramble is creating opportunities for connection from the start.