FRIENDS OF HODGES GARDENS FINAL UPDATE
The Act of conveyance of Hodges Gardens by the State of Louisiana to the A. J. and Nona Trigg Hodges Foundation (Foundation) was signed on February 20, 2018 and recorded at the Sabine Parish Clerk of Court’s office on February 22, 2018. The Gardens remain closed with no current plans for reopening.
Since the Park closure on October 1, 2017, two proposals to continue the operation of the Gardens were developed. The first between the Foundation and the Sabine River Authority (SRA) and the second between the Friends of Hodges Gardens and the Foundation. These proposals were unsuccessful due to the parties being unable to find common ground on what it would take to operate the gardens. The Foundation has made clear it “has no interest in resuming operation of the Gardens in whole or in part”. The Foundation also stated “Once the foundation got out of the business of operating the Gardens in 2007, it shifted its mission and pledged the remaining endowment to the Ecological Forestry Center, the wildlife conservation entity the foundation presently operates. As we concluded in 2007, our current focus simply does not allow the foundation to resume operation of the Gardens.” Any future requests for information on Hodges Gardens should be directed to the A. J. and Nona Trigg Hodges Foundation, P. O. Box 1832, Shreveport, LA 71166.
With no plan to maintain the formal Gardens, Friends looked for a way to save the roses. With the support of the Foundation, the Friends Board of Directors voted to establish an A. J. and Nona Trigg Hodges Memorial Rose Garden at a site where the public could continue to enjoy them. The SRA offered such a site at Cypress Bend Park. Approximately 180 roses have been moved to this site. Friends of Hodges Gardens are using their remaining fund balance to establish this Memorial Garden. Once the funds have been expended, the Friends of Hodges Gardens will dissolve the organization.
The Friends of Hodges Gardens has nominated Hodges Gardens to the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation’s Most Endangered Places List. If accepted, this nomination will provide a platform for state and national recognition of the plight of Hodges Gardens. It is our hope that such recognition might bring the financial support and professional expertise needed to save and restore the Gardens for future generations.
HODGES GARDENS STATE PARK
Hodges Gardens State Park is nestled in the tall pines of West Central Louisiana along Hwy 171 between Many and Leesville. Known as "Louisiana's Garden in the Forest”, the Park is one of the most unique additions to Louisiana’s State Parks system. Famous for its botanical gardens and cultural events since 1956, the Park is part of the original 107,000 acres of clear cut land purchased by A.J. Hodges, Sr. between 1937 and 1940. Mr. Hodges replanted 39,000 acres in pine seedlings and became the leader of the reforestation movement. He and his wife, Nona Trigg Hodges, saw the potential of the land and began building the gardens, which were opened to the public in 1956 and formally dedicated in 1959.
In 2007, the Hodges Foundation donated 948 acres to the State of Louisiana to become a state park. In addition to the formal and natural gardens, the 225 acre crescent shaped lake is a peaceful place to fish, canoe or kayak. The 5.3 mile loop road, with its hills and curves is a challenge for bikers and walkers. If you can make the loop, you are considered a “super looper”! There is an abundance of wildlife, including white tail deer, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, otters, snakes, beavers, geese and ducks. Rustic cabins and tent sites are perfect for the weekend getaway.
Admission is $7 per person, free for seniors 62+ and children under 3 are admitted free. Annual passes are available for $80 and admit the cardholder and any passengers in the vehicle. The gates open at 8:AM daily and close at 9:PM Sunday through Thursday and 10:PM on Friday and Saturday. The Gardens close at sunset.
The Park is a quiet and serene atmosphere, with winding paths and trickling streams throughout the gardens. The sunrises and sunsets are beautiful across the lake. An inspirational and picturesque place that is sure to renew the soul and refresh the spirit.
In 2007, the Hodges Foundation donated 948 acres to the State of Louisiana to become a state park. In addition to the formal and natural gardens, the 225 acre crescent shaped lake is a peaceful place to fish, canoe or kayak. The 5.3 mile loop road, with its hills and curves is a challenge for bikers and walkers. If you can make the loop, you are considered a “super looper”! There is an abundance of wildlife, including white tail deer, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, otters, snakes, beavers, geese and ducks. Rustic cabins and tent sites are perfect for the weekend getaway.
Admission is $7 per person, free for seniors 62+ and children under 3 are admitted free. Annual passes are available for $80 and admit the cardholder and any passengers in the vehicle. The gates open at 8:AM daily and close at 9:PM Sunday through Thursday and 10:PM on Friday and Saturday. The Gardens close at sunset.
The Park is a quiet and serene atmosphere, with winding paths and trickling streams throughout the gardens. The sunrises and sunsets are beautiful across the lake. An inspirational and picturesque place that is sure to renew the soul and refresh the spirit.