3,814-Acre Kronkosky Natural Area Targets Late Fall 2026 Opening Between Boerne and Bandera

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Albert & Bessie Kronkosky site classified as a state natural area instead of a state park?

Kwiatkowski explains that while both fall under the Texas Parks and Wildlife State Parks Division, natural areas sit further toward the conservation end of a spectrum, with parks typically leaning toward recreation. The Texas Admin Code ties the natural area designation to unique species or features warranting extra protection, which ABK's sensitive habitats qualify for, prompting a smaller, more centrally located development footprint.

When will ABK open to the public and what will visitors find there?

Texas Parks and Wildlife is targeting late fall 2026, with no exact date posted. Visitors will have access to 28 miles of multi-use trail for hiking, mountain biking, jogging, and strollers, plus cabins, screened shelters, tent sites, and backcountry camping across the 3,814-acre site along Highway 46 between Boerne and Bandera.

Who is Stephanie Kwiatkowski and how did she arrive at ABK?

Kwiatkowski is the new ABK superintendent, promoted into the role in June 2026. She holds an environmental science degree with a minor in environmental sociology, worked in GIS and consulting, then served seasonally with City of New Braunfels parks, as park operations trainee at the Lost Pines Complex (Bastrop and Buescher), and as assistant superintendent at Pedernales Falls State Park.

How did the July 2026 flooding event affect ABK before opening?

The flood washed out landscaping, eroded trails, and damaged campsites and roads. Kwiatkowski called it a silver lining because it happened before public visitation, letting staff observe how water moves across the site, update emergency plans, and reconsider campsite placement without any public safety incidents, since ABK has no historical operational data to draw on.

What ecological features make ABK worth protecting?

ABK contains bigtooth maples Kwiatkowski says may rival those at Lost Maples, riparian corridors along Red Bluff Creek and Pipe Creek, and transition zones between ash juniper woodlands and creek bottoms. The site owns both sides of its canyons, permanently safeguarding the viewshed and sheltering species of conservation concern that justified the natural area designation.

What role did volunteers play in getting ABK ready to open?

When James Rice was the sole staff member on nearly 4,000 acres, he recruited community volunteers—including former professors and scientists, plus others who learned surveying on the job—to help gather baseline data. Kwiatkowski called those relationships integral to the site's success and expects volunteers to transition into interpretation and public-facing education once the gates open.