Floyd and Jane Wray came to Florida in 1925 and were deeply
intrigued with the horticultural possibilities of the
subtropical locale. They purchased 320 acres of land on Long Key
in the Everglades, and on January 2, 1927, Floyd L. Wray
incorporated Flamingo Groves, beginning what was to become one
of the first botanical gardens and tourist attractions in South
Florida. Flamingo Gardens is owned and operated by the Floyd L.
Wray Memorial Foundation, Inc. The Floyd L. Wray Memorial
Foundation was established in 1969 by Mrs. Wray in honor of her
late husband to preserve the core property for future
generations and emphasize the history of the Florida Everglades.
The name was changed to Flamingo Gardens, the botanical gardens
was preserved and expanded, and the Everglades Wildlife
Sanctuary was added in 1990.