About Us

Family Get Out in Rental Kayaks at Pennekamp

How It Started

In January 2019

Pennekamp park manager Paul Rice organized a series of outreach meetings to establish the first community support organization (CSO) at the park. An incorporation committee of volunteers was formed in April and the CSO was established in December.

Our Mission

The FOJP is a volunteer non-profit corporation supporting conservation and stewardship and enhancing exceptional environmental, educational, and recreational experiences at your John Pennekamp and Dagny Johnson State Parks.

In just five years the Friends have supported important projects and initiatives including:

Raising $55,000 for design and development of the Coral Cam underwater video camera system which provides 24 hour livestreaming of a park reef area. Access to view Coral Cam is provided free and is enjoyed world wide
Raising $140,000 to support the installation of mooring buoys in the park to encourage environmentally friendly usage by visitors and commercial dive and fishing operators
Partnering with the Wild Bird Rescue Center to create the first of an innovative series of interactive learning kiosks to be part of a proposed new playground. These stations will educate children on topics including the coral reef ecosystem and endangered species of both native animals and aquatic dwellers of the Florida Keys

Raising $120,000 to purchase and donate a Marine Resource Protection Vessel to the park, which will be delivered and dedicated in January 2025
Initiating sponsorships of community programming including the annual Earth Day student poster competition to encourage local K-8 students to create art work focusing on conservation and preservation as well as an annual community Halloween event to support a fun, safe and educational experience
Partnering with the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center to develop and support environmentally focused curricula and on-site programming for K-12 and university level education

You Can Help!

Be a friend of the parks today!

The Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park was formed to generate and employ resources to support the recreation and conservation efforts of two of the state parks in the upper Florida Keys. We do this through events and activities, special work projects, outreach programs, educational activities and communications, and through fund raising activities such as memberships, donations, and grants to seek additional funds to augment the state parks’ existing funding to maintain, enhance, and expand the parks’ services to the public and the conservation of the natural areas of the two parks.

Your Membership and Donations Support this Project!

Help us preserve and protect the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of Pennekamp State Park. Your donation supports vital conservation efforts, educational programs, and park improvements.