Hill Country Preserve

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

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

Several rare or endangered Hill Country species live here. These include the golden-cheeked warbler, alligator lizard, sycamore-leaf snowbell, big-toothed maple,  Boerne bean and Texas spring salamander. See photos of some of these species.

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.

Creating a park

Opening a park requires multiple steps and takes several years. Many factors impact the length of this process. 

Baseline surveys are the first step. These surveys determine sensitive areas as well as areas to be developed. The surveys also identify the scenic and interesting places at the site.

With that information in hand, TPWD creates a Public Use Plan to guide the park’s development. We have already held public hearings to gather input on the draft of this plan.

Once we finalize the plan, the design phase begins. Park planners design the look of the buildings, placement of parking, and other types of park infrastructure.

Construction has begun at this state natural area! TPWD has not set an opening date. Check back here for updates.

Volunteer!

We need your help. Volunteers help with plant and animal surveys as well as maintenance, outreach, and more. Visit our Volunteer page to sign up.