Friends of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden celebrated 40 years on Saturday 24 January.
Friends' members, volunteers, Council representatives and guests got together with a cake cutting and the presentation of correa plants - a signature native of the Garden, to mark the milestone.
The non-profit group also unveiled a commemorative illustrated timeline capturing key moments in the Garden's history. The artwork will be permanently displayed in the Visitor Centre foyer.
Eurobodalla Council Mayor Mathew Hatcher congratulated Friends on reaching 40 years.
"This milestone is a credit to the passion and commitment of Friends members and volunteers who have supported one of the region's most loved places for four decades," Mayor Hatcher said.
"Their work helps the Garden continue to be enjoyed by over 100,000 locals and visitors who visit each year. There's always something new to learn and appreciate when you visit."
The Friends group formed in the mid-1980s after a community push to protect local native flora was adopted by Council. Friends president Derek Anderson said the group has more than 400 members and a handful of its volunteers work closely with Council to support the Garden's conservation, education and recreation.
"Not all our members are botanists - we all come from different backgrounds, and all love the place and what it's trying to achieve," Mr Anderson said.
"Some volunteer on site, others support through membership and fundraising - every contribution counts."
Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden manager Michael Anlezark said the Garden has always been about helping people connect with and care for the region's native plants.
He said Friends have played a part in making that happen - supporting work across the nursery, herbarium and visitor services.
"Through fundraising and hands-on volunteering, Friends have supported major projects including the Herbarium and Visitor Centre and helped the Garden recover after the 1994 and 2019 bushfires," Mr Anlezark said.
"Members also play an important role in the community, particularly in disseminating information about what's going on in the garden, which was very important after the fires."
Mr Anlezark said Friends will continue to play a key role in the Garden's future, including committing funds to a planned upgrade of the Garden's nursery.
"The nursery upgrade will allow our team to grow more plants for revegetation and landscape rehabilitation projects across the region, delivering environmental benefits that go well beyond the Garden fence," he said.
Friends of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden meet monthly and welcome new members and volunteers. Membership supports conservation work and includes discounts and invitations to special Garden activities and events.
Friends also have a full year of activities planned, including guided founder walks, themed events such as Eucalyptus Day, exhibitions, a speaker series with leading botanists and a book swap. Keep an eye on the Garden's website for upcoming events.
