The Eden Wood Center provides recreational, educational and therapeutic programs for children and adults with special needs. Throughout the year, physically and mentally challenged persons from around Hennepin County enjoy an "up north", but right in town getaway, including treks through the Birch Island Woods.

Friendship Ventures which operates Eden Wood Center and the City of Eden Prairie agree that a protected and enhanced Birch Island Woods would significantly contribute to both the Eden Wood mission and the Hennipin County mandate for use of the historic, lakeside camp. The north east corner of the property is ideal for a wheel chair-friendly, deep woods tented camp site -- an experience for which Birch Island Park is not suited. The existing trail (an old railroad bed) and future loops with board walk segments, bird watching blinds and maple sap collecting areas would also be wheel chair accessible (see a map later in the in the tour in the site vision section).

Eden Wood provides a unique north woods experience that is beyond the means of many of its users. The need for Eden Wood Center and the value of the Birch Island Woods in contributing to the Center's programs will surely increase as our population grows.