{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F82c9b9aa-2634-4786-83a5-53abefb18a50","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Building Texas - #144 - James Rice","description":"Welcome to The Building Texas Show,\nGuest: James Rice\nHost:\u00a0 Justin McKenzie\nJames 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.\nHill Country Preserve\nThe Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area will protect a very special piece of the Hill Country. You\u2019ll be able to see wildlife in natural settings, hear coyotes in the distance, view stars to the northwest, and go camping and hiking.\nFamily ranch\nAlbert 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.\nTexas Parks & Wildlife Department accepted the donation of the ranch in March 2011.\nUnique features\nA state natural area is a piece of land with unique natural, cultural and historical features. Protecting and managing these features is our highest priority.\nConservation\nWe have found several rare or endangered Hill Country species here. These include the golden-cheeked warbler, alligator lizard, sycamore-leaf snowbell, big-toothed maple,\u00a0 Boerne bean and Texas spring salamander.\nThe site also features interesting geology due to several springs and weeps.\nRecreation\nWhen this site opens, you\u2019ll be able to camp, backpack and hike. We\u2019ll also offer limited mountain biking.\nPictures Courtesy of \u00a9Chase Fountain, TPWD.\nAir Date: April 27th, 2023 on Boerne Radio 103.9FM in Boerne Texas.\nhttps://www.buildingtexas.co/\nhttp://www.dasgreenhaus.org/\nSupport the show: http://buildingtexasshow.com/\n\u00a0","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/7bd496ed-a523-4096-bdb8-8184e5f74d57/b89d367cc1056135f525d6643018fe59.jpg"}