Just seven miles from Boerne, nearly 3,800 acres of Hill Country terrain are preparing for a historic transformation. Across rolling ridges, autumn brings a quiet shift in the landscape, where golden light filters through native hardwoods and expansive views offer a serene sense of place. For 80 years, this untouched stretch of vibrant flora, rugged limestone, and local wildlife remained a private retreat. Now, after 15 years of state planning and conservation development, the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area (ABK) is finally scheduled to open.
“By the end of this year, we hope to be open,” says Stephanie Kwiatkowski, who became the superintendent for ABK State Natural Area in June. So far, her tenure has focused on finalizing updates and preservation efforts to bring the long-awaited space to the public. For Kwiatkowski and her staff, the final work is in the details and the finishing touches that will make it a great experience for all visitors. “My main focus for the last 90 days has been learning what’s been done already, seeing where the need is, and just trying to help facilitate the operation so that we’re ready to go by the time we open the doors.”
The land's history dates back to 1946, when the Kronkosky family purchased the acreage. Recognizing the major development spreading through Boerne and the surrounding Hill Country, Albert and Bessie wanted to protect their land so future generations could experience their piece of nature unspoiled. The estate eventually donated all 3,800 acres to the state for long-term conservation, and in 2011, a focused effort was launched to preserve the area, with many volunteers collecting and documenting data on this natural resource.
Major development took several years to begin, but finally, the opening is quickly approaching. “We’re going to open it to the public so we can connect people to the land and build that conservation mindset,” Kwiatkowski says. “We’ll provide some opportunities for recreation, like overnight camping and trails, but really show folks that conservation is important and build excitement around it.”
Visitors exploring ABK will encounter a rich ecosystem. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, including white-tailed deer, jackrabbits, raccoons, spring salamanders, and alligator lizards. Bigtooth maples, sycamores, madrone trees, and sycamore leaf snowbells line the landscape. Among the plant life is the Boerne Bean, a rare wild vine in the legume family native to Central Texas. “That’s part of what makes this site really unique,” Kwiatkowski says. “Some of our trails go right near some of those bigtooth maples and just have really amazing views. As the trees start to change colors, I think it’s going to be really exciting for folks to come out and experience it for the first time.”
For families, the natural area offers interactive ways to explore outdoors. Features include miles of stroller- and wheelchair-accessible trails, a nature center filled with exhibits on local history and ecology, and a playscape built from trees, rocks, and large stumps. “There’s just a lot of really great opportunities for families and kids,” Kwiatkowski says. “The people of Boerne will be pleasantly surprised with what this state natural area has to offer.” That includes an on-site interpreter who is available to guide children and families during their visits.
Preparing a massive natural area takes constant behind-the-scenes effort. The staff has been working out of a temporary office while final touch-ups are completed on permanent buildings. The team spends its days building standard operating procedures for new equipment and learning how to best serve the community. The Friends of ABK SNA, a nonprofit group of passionate local volunteers, has also played a crucial role in bringing the project to life. The group helped state officials balance physical development with habitat preservation, ensuring the acreage is accessible to visitors while ensuring its historical beauty remains intact. “It’s really cool to look back over the last 100 days and see all we’ve accomplished,” Kwiatkowski says. “It’s just awesome to see all the hard work pay off.”
The Boerne area already offers beloved outdoor destinations like The Cibolo Center for Conservation and Cave Without A Name. The addition of ABK expands opportunities for residents to explore and appreciate nature, giving local residents a chance to experience a pristine piece of Hill Country history right in their neighborhood. “It’s an awesome way to connect with nature right in the backyard of Boerne,” Kwiatkowski says. “It just offers a wonderful complement to the outdoor amenities that Boerne already has. I think it’ll get folks excited about conservation and nature, and we’re excited to share that with them.”
As Kwiatkowski and her team prepare to open the gates to this long-awaited chapter, the park stands as a living gift to the region, one that honors the family who protected it while offering a fresh horizon for the community. “ABK State Natural Area is a window to the past and a beacon to the future,” Kwiatkowski says. “It’s a hidden gem, and you wouldn’t know it until you go in and see all it has to offer.”
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/albert-bessie-kronkosky | 7754 Hwy. 46, Pipe Creek
friendsofabk.com
“ABK State Natural Area is a window to the past and a beacon to the future. It’s a hidden gem, and you wouldn’t know it until you go in and see all it has to offer.”