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Did You Know?earned a master’s degree in Environmental Science from UTSA, had learned much more about the historical and environmental significance of the canyon, and knew it was worth preserving.In the summer of 1991, Cunningham quit her job at the Health Science Center to devote her attention to assembling a coalition that would be able to purchase Government Canyon as a public nature preserve. Danielle Milam, then water chair for the League of Women Voters and a member of the Edwards Aquifer Protection Trust, was brought on as co-chair. Another significant team member was David Sutton, then of the Santa Fe, New Mexico branch of the Trust for Public Land. He was so impressed by Kyle’s presentation that he made a special trip to meet with the group here.For the next three years, they worked diligently to gain public and financial support. In March 1993, the Trust for Public Land purchased the first parcel of land, 4,714 acres, from the Resolution Trust Corporation for $2 million, money acquired from the Edwards Underground Water District, the San Antonio Water System, and Texas Parks and Wildlife, which took over the title and assumed management of the park. InOctober 2005, Government Canyon State Natural Area, which today encompasses 12,244 acres, opened its gates to the public.Ultimately, it was Cunningham’s vision that was a guiding force for all of them. According to Sutton, “Government Canyon would never have happened without Kyle’s leadership, determination, and tenacity. It was quite a heroic effort.”There are no plaques or monuments dedicated to her at canyon headquarters. When I mentioned this, she smiled. “This is the monument,” she said, gesturing at the rugged landscape surrounding us during a fall hike at the canyon. “It’s not about us. It’s about this land that we were able to save for future generations. When I am long gone, this land will still be here, and that’s what matters.”Patricia Kylene “Kyle” Cunningham passed away on May 19, 2025, at age 73, after a 30-year career with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District Environmental Division, 20 years served as the Environmental Health Manager. She continued her support of the canyon as board co-chair of the Government Canyon Coalition and founding chair of the Government Canyon Natural History Association (dba Friends of Government Canyon). Survived by her husband Hank, Kyle and her legacy live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and in the land she so loved and worked so diligently to save.freedom to embrace life.I have always been proud of our Helotescitizens as we have largely set the standard for right living in community. This is seen in how we respectfully debate, are willing help each other, and share our beliefs in earnest with each other. These are the true benefits of freedom. But freedom is always coupled with responsibility. The responsibility to use our freedoms wisely. To remember that just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should. Wisdom, kindness, and thoughtfulness for others should always take precedent over selfish desires.As we celebrate July 4th this year on July 3rd at the Helotes Festival Grounds, I pray that you remember in earnest the price that was paid for your freedom and to not take it for granted. Accept the challenge toBy Cynthia Leal Masseyy the time I met Kyle Cunningham in 2006, she was already a legend among conservationists. I knewshe was responsible for the Texas Historic Landmark subject marker for the Helotes Settlement installed in front of the Gugger homestead in 1992. What I didn’t know was that she was the powerhouse behind the founding of Government Canyon State Natural Area.A barrel racer in her youth, Kyle and husband Hank moved to San Antonio Ranch from Beaumont in the late 1970s. By 1981, the couple had moved to Helotes, where Hank opened a bicycle shop in the historic Gugger homestead, built in 1881. The Cunninghams spent many weekends hiking through the wilderness of Government Canyon. At the time, they didn’t know the history of the canyon, but they knew it was special.Kyle learned the canyon was in danger of being swallowed up by development and was heartsick. When the property came on the auction block, Kyle, who held a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism from Texas A&M University, and who laterKyle Cunningham on the Joe Johnston route in Government Canyon, September 2006.To read the full story of the founding of Government Canyon, you may download the article, “Kitchen Table Activists, The Story Behind Government Canyon State Natural Area and the people who made it happen,” published in the January 2007 issue of Scene in SA magazine, from cynthialealmassey.com under the gallery tab.Cynthia Leal Masseyis the author of several books on the historyof Helotes. For more information, visit her website, cynthialealmassey. com, and her Facebook page, CLM Books.build a better world around you as opposed to demanding entitlements. In the same manner as JFK stated “...ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country”, I encourage you to ask “What can you do for your community?”. Look for ways to get involved and invested in your neighbor’s lives. Mow someone’s lawn, visit someone who is sick, get involved at your local church, or volunteer in a community organization. Build lasting and meaningful relationships that mean more than just survivinglife. Sincerely,Rich WhiteheadRich Whitehead Mayorear Residents,Mayor’s CornerFamily, Fun And FreedomDAnyone who has reached ‘a certain age’ has become painfully aware that your time is worth morethan your money. Regardless of how much or little you have, you only have so many days on this earth for which to spend your money. Unfortunately, most of us don’t come to this realization until we are too old to do the things we once dreamed of doing. This cruel irony of life is a reminder to embrace every opportunity to convert the fleeting trappings of this life into meaningful experiences. Whether that be family memories, spiritual growth, or the expansion of your exploration of the world,we can be assured that we live in one of the best countries in the world to allow thePBy Sally Kaloslease look carefully on each and every page, scanning up and down, left and right, from front toback, and then back to front. Don’t give up! If you can find the Fourth of July grille, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win $50! Just email the page number and location where you spotted the Fourth of July grilleto contest@highlightspub.com.The deadline is July 9, 2025.We hope you’ll have fun with our versionof a mini-scavenger hunt within our pages. Good luck!I Spy With My Little Eye... Contestyour local geico agent makes bundling simple.Home + Auto = easyLOCAL OFFICERod Musslewhite210-673-2391¡Hablamos Español!Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_633312129Congratulations to our June I Spy winner Denia Geiger4www.heloteshighlights.comJuly 2025