The Friends of Eden Gardens State Park was founded as a volunteer organization to assist the state park staff to repair, maintain and enhance the park. 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at Friendsofedengardens@gmail.com

Eden Gardens State Park has a historic home, extensive gardens and grounds, a picnic area on Tucker Bayou and an event pavilion, all of which require considerable “elbow grease” to keep in show condition. The Friends have contributed tens of thousands of lovingly given labor hours to Eden Gardens. Also we have raised the funds needed for maintenance and improvements throughout the park. 

On Tuesdays, our volunteers can be found working on the grounds pulling weeds, pruning shrubs and helping to keep the grounds beautiful. 

We also have a small nursery area where we grow and sell small plants that have been divided or propagated out of the park. We often have small ferns and lilies available for park visitors to purchase.

In April we begin the process of air-layering Camellias which continues into May. After harvesting them in the fall we will pot them up and let them establish roots before selling them as a fundraiser at the Camellia Festival.

​In addition to the daily maintenance tasks, several key long-term programs and processes are of important focus and attention:

• Upgrade and repair the irrigation and lighting throughout the park.
• Identify and formally label over 370 Camellia varieties on the park grounds.
• Organize community events that will increase attendance, membership, and awareness of our little gem that is Eden.
• Provide financial support towards the preservation and repair of the historic Wesley House.

Mission Statement 
The mission the The Friends of Eden Gardens State Park is to maintain and preserve the grounds and house of the park for the enjoyment of all area residents and visitors. Eden Gardens State Park and all of its physical assets are historically significant, having played an important role in the commercial and residential development of the Florida panhandle, thus it is imperative that they be protected and maintained in a manner which is conducive to perpetual benefit for all.

Read our code of ethics