A volunteer association
To promote, assist and support Texas Park and Wildlife Department in the development of the Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area through research, conservation and preservation of all natural and historic resources in this 3,857 acre area located in Bandera and Kendall counties.
Albert and Bessie Kronkosky began buying property in this area in 1946. By 1973, they were hunting, taking photos, and entertaining guests on their 3,814-acre ranch. The couple willed their beloved land to the state of Texas to protect it from development. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department accepted the donation of the ranch in March 2011. [Source: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/albert-bessie-kronkosky]
Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area (ABK), located about 45 miles northwest of San Antonio, boasts classic Hill Country terrain and a variety of native plants and animals. Scenic hills and canyons, oak-juniper woodlands and clear-running streams harbor wildlife — foxes, ring-tailed cats, Texas alligator lizards and golden-cheeked warblers — among the big-tooth maples and sycamore-leaf snowbells.
“This place was never ranched, so those impacts are not present,” says James Rice, ABK superintendent. “That leaves us with a slice of the Texas Hill Country that is rare and rapidly disappearing, quite impressive to see and experience.”
ABK visitors can traverse miles of hiking and biking trails (including an all-accessible trail), and stay overnight at cabins, screened shelters, campsites and backpacking sites. A nature center will offer answers to all “What is that?” questions; groups can gather at an outdoor pavilion.
“I am most looking forward to sharing this special place with the public, with hopes that an appreciation for the importance of wild spaces will be realized,” Rice says. [Source: https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2023/may/ed_8_futureparks/index.phtml]