Here’s the latest on Boerne’s future state natural area
If you’ve driven west on Highway 46 recently, you may have noticed a new sign and more visible construction activity at the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area. While work has been underway for some time (design plans were unveiled in December 2024), recent progress marks one of the clearest signs yet that the long-planned park is moving closer to reality.
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Most people know Nature’s Presence as a supplement store, but their natural grocery selection continues to grow. The shop now carries locally raised beef, frozen produce, and clean household staples like all-natural laundry detergent, all carefully vetted so shoppers don’t have to read labels.
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Located just west of Boerne and spanning roughly 3,800 acres across Kendall and Bandera counties, the state natural area has been in development since the land was donated to Texas Parks and Wildlife in 2011. The project has been in the build-out phase for months, but new activity along the highway is making that progress easier to see.
What’s happening on site right now
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Superintendent James Rice, crews are currently focused on interior and infrastructure work across the property.
“A lot of finish work is going on right now,” Rice said. “The buildings are being completed on the inside, the trails are going in, concrete work is going at a fast pace and campsites are being completed. There is still a lot more to do, but with the good weather we’ve been having, good planning on the front end, and a great work crew, we are knocking it out!”
Progress on the structures within the park’s main day-use area is now visible from Highway 46, offering a tangible look at progress that previously happened largely out of sight.
Nature Center and day-use area taking shape
The Boerne Chamber of Commerce recently shared updated details on the park’s Nature Center, which will anchor the main day-use area. Plans also include a group pavilion, amphitheater, classrooms, and picnic areas designed for educational programs and community use.
Inside the Nature Center, interactive exhibits are being fabricated to tell the story of the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area, from its origins through its future. Interpretive panels, visual displays, and hands-on elements are already in development.
A conservation-first park
Because of the ecological sensitivity of the land, high-impact recreational use will not be permitted. Rice has confirmed that equine use will not be allowed, emphasizing the importance of protecting habitats throughout the site.
The natural area is home to endangered species such as the golden-cheeked warbler, as well as rare plants and intact creek systems. Similar to Government Canyon State Natural Area, the Kronkosky park is being developed with conservation as the primary guiding principle, with public access designed to support long-term preservation.
Volunteer opportunities already available
Although the park is not yet open to the public, volunteer opportunities are available. Interested residents can visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website and look for the Volunteer Opportunities section or contact park staff directly. Volunteers will play a key role as the park moves closer to opening.
Part of a larger moment for public land in Kendall County
When completed, the Kronkosky State Natural Area will be one of the largest publicly accessible natural spaces in the region. In addition, Kendall County is also moving forward with plans for a separate county-owned natural area along the Guadalupe River on the eastern side of the county.
Together, these projects reflect a growing investment in conservation and public access to Hill Country landscapes.
The Kronkosky State Natural Area remains closed for now, but with trails, buildings, and campsites actively taking shape, progress is becoming increasingly visible for those passing by on Highway 46. The park is expected to be open before the end of the year.