SPRING BRANCH, Texas — Environmental conservation in Texas is taking another major step forward.
Texas Parks and Wildlife used state funds and private donations to buy $25 million worth of land to expand a natural area just north of San Antonio by more than 500 acres.
The area will be part of the existing Honey Creek State Natural Area located in the Texas Hill Country. The purchase will protect the "pristine land and water" in the rapidly growing area for future Texans.
"This acquisition is a wonderful example of what we can achieve through public-private partnerships and conservation-minded landowners who want to preserve the last, best places in Texas for future generations," TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said in a statement.
Officials hope to use the area for more outdoor recreation and nature education while using the existing facilities for special events like weddings and family reunions.
If you're interested in visiting Honey Creek, TPWD offers two-mile nature hikes of the area at least once a week. The area is only accessed through guided tours and does not allow pets in the protected area.
For more information on planning a visit to Honey Creek, visit the TPWDs website or contact the adjacent Guadalupe River State Park.