The Carolyn Herff Kennon Malakof Preserve sits atop one of the highest points in Kendall County with a majestic 360-degree view of Boerne. The hill includes a monument with a Texas Historical Marker honoring Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig von Herff and his wife Mathilde for their civic leadership and contributions to the region in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In November, on what would have been Dr. Herff’s 200th Birthday, Carolyn Herff Kennon (100-year-old Herff Twin), along with her son Bill Kennon, officially donated the Malakopf land to the Cibolo so it may be preserved as open spaces to conserve wildlife and natural resources.
Bill Kennon lives on the adjoining property and is deeply committed to preserving the property’s history and natural beauty with shady live oaks, native grasses and cedar. Each year, Bill offers a ranch walk of the property to demonstrate the value of conserved lands and educate others about the management of cedar or Ashe juniper on the property. He has judiciously nurtured certain old-growth cedars on his property, recognizing their history and shade value. Complementing his stewardship of trees, Bill has worked hard to conserve rainwater by diverting it, slowing it down and selecting and encouraging native grasses. He has spent many years personally restoring the land to its fullest natural potential so others may know what is possible when they put in a little sweat equity and care toward Mother Nature.
When you see the invitation for a ranch walk (Oc. 15) in the months and years ahead, you will not want to miss this unique opportunity to learn a little something and take in the views of our beautiful growing community.
Another donor that had the wonderful foresight and leadership in donating land to the Cibolo is Jerry Knippa. Jerry has habitually given remarkable gifts and comes from a long line of landowners. The Knippa family immigrated from Germany in 1854, traveling in a wagon train toward Mexico, settling on the “Camino Real” (now Highway 90 West), and generations lived at the Knippa homestead. The little town of Knippa is still there. His ancestors planted the seeds for conservation deep in his heart.
Jerry received finance, accounting and law degrees from St Mary’s University and UT. He enjoyed successful careers in finance, insurance, restaurants, cattle ranching and music. In San Antonio, he worked at Gross National Bank for a few years and then with Texas Savings and Loan Association for 30+ years. But his heart remained outside the city, in the woods. In 1968, he decided to find a country home that led him to the 100-plus-year-old home of Dr. John Herff, grandson of Dr. Ferdinand Herff, on Old San Antonio Road in Boerne. It was named “Suitsus” by the Herffs, meaning “It suits us.” Of the 52 acres, 7 acres fronting Cibolo Creek were the watershed for the Cibolo Fern Bank – a rare ecological treasure. He moved to Boerne and began restoring the house, outbuildings and grounds.
Years later, Jerry became interested in the Cibolo Nature Center when the idea of purchasing Herff Farm, which included Dr. Ferdinand Herff’s original homesite, came about. This resonated with his passion for Texas history. Jerry donated funds to the Cibolo for the earnest money to acquire Herff Farm.
In 2019, Jerry put 45 acres of his land into a conservation easement with the Cibolo Conservancy Land Trust, ensuring it would be forever protected. Then together with his family, they donated the property to the Cibolo as part of a life estate. Inclusive of the home, barns and buildings, the property will become a future campus for the Cibolo that can be used as a retreat center and meeting place for program collaboration, leadership training and youth development. The unique home called “Suitsus” was built for John and Florence Herff in 1910 on Old San Antonio Road and is one of the six parcels that Dr. Ferdinand Herff set aside for his sons along the Cibolo Creek. Jerry still lives on his beloved ranch and constantly maintains and upgrades the house and grounds. Being over 110 years old, this homestead saves Jerry from having too much free time. What an incredible legacy to pass on to the future of our community. Landowners wishing to create a legacy can partner with the Cibolo Center for Conservation, other nonprofits and the state, county or city parks departments. A donation of land is a gift to the future, ensuring the survival of a living and breathing part of our natural world. Partnerships and philanthropy can make the magic happen. And every donor feels a certain tingle of excitement knowing that their very prized possession will be enjoyed for a long, long time.
If you are interested in protecting the future of your place in the natural world, contact [email protected] regarding land donations. You can contact the Cibolo Conservancy Land Trust regarding Conservation Easements at brent@ciboloconservancy. org. On Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Celebrate the Cibolo Gala: Barn Dance at Herff Farm, we are pleased to celebrate the generosity of the donors featured in this series. The joyous occasion is a fun gathering of old and new friends coming together for Hill Country fare while supporting the Cibolo’s education and land stewardship efforts. The event is sold out, but donations can be made to support these efforts and more at www.cibolo.org.
Comment
Comments