[1] The island included the largest stand of royal palms (Roystonea regia) in the state, as well as orchids, ferns and other rare tropical plants.

[3]: 687–688 Scientists requested that Paradise Key be protected from development, but they were mostly ignored until May Mann Jennings and the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs (FFWC) took up the cause.

Her political connections and those of her fellow Women's Club members secured a grant from the legislature of 960 acres (390 ha) to the FFWC but without initial or continuing financial support.

"[7] Safford, a noted botanist, gave this description of Paradise Key in 1919: Paradise Key, an island in the heart of the Everglades of Florida, is almost unique from a biological point of view, presenting as it does a remarkable example of a subtropical jungle within the limits of the United States in which primeval conditions of animal and plant life have remained unchanged by man, and thus offering a striking contrast to the keys along the coast of Florida as well as to other Everglade keys in which normal biological conditions have been greatly disturbed by destructive fires, clearing of forests or the construction of drainage canals, which not only affect the original conditions, but at the same time permit aquatic animals and plants previously unknown to penetrate into the Everglades.

On this account and from the fact that it offers a virgin field for collectors in most branches of natural history, it seems of the highest interest and importance that a careful study of its biological features should be made.

[7] In his report, Safford thanked Royal Palm State Park warden Charles A. Mosier, whom he described as a "born woodsman and accomplished naturalist".

[5] John Umphrey began construction of the lodge;[6] park improvements including trails and picnic tables were added.

[10] Trail improvements and the laying of a telephone line into the park were important accomplishments of the ECW camp.

Additional structures built included a deer yard, a concrete pond and various park support buildings, such as a garage.