Building Texas - #144 - James Rice

Welcome to Building Texas,

Guest: James Rice

Host:  Justin McKenzie

James Rice, the Superintendent at the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area, joins us to talk about the creation and history of the ABKSNA. Enjoy a conversation that explores how parks come to be, and creating a career in outdoor education. From anywhere in Texas, you have the opportunity to experience the wild, visit your Texas State Parks and Natural Areas.

Hill Country Preserve

The Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area will protect a very special piece of the Hill Country. You’ll be able to see wildlife in natural settings, hear coyotes in the distance, view stars to the northwest, and go camping and hiking.

Family ranch

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.

Unique features

A state natural area is a piece of land with unique natural, cultural and historical features. Protecting and managing these features is our highest priority.

Conservation

We have found several rare or endangered Hill Country species here. These include the golden-cheeked warbler, alligator lizard, sycamore-leaf snowbell, big-toothed maple,  Boerne bean and Texas spring salamander.

The site also features interesting geology due to several springs and weeps.

Recreation

When this site opens, you’ll be able to camp, backpack and hike. We’ll also offer limited mountain biking.

Pictures Courtesy of ©Chase Fountain, TPWD.

Air Date: April 27th, 2023 on Boerne Radio 103.9FM in Boerne Texas.

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