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Daughter Of Maryland’s First State Forester To Celebrate 100th Birthday By Officiating At
Maryland State Forest & Park Service Centennial Time Capsule Ceremony
WHAT: Helen “Holly” Overington, daughter of Maryland’s legendary first State Forester, Fred W. Besley, will officiate over the Maryland State Forest & Park Service Centennial Time Capsule Ceremony.
WHEN: July 31, 2007, 2:00pm
WHERE: Tea Room at Gambrill State Park
8602 Gambrill Park Road
Frederick, MD 21702
BACKGROUND:
The Maryland Forest Service originated in April 1906 when Mrs. Overington’s father, Fred Besley, was named Maryland’s first State Forester. Besley served as State Forester for 36 years under seven of Maryland’s Governors. He still holds the national record for the longest continuous service of a State Forester (1906-1942).
Besley took his children all around the State of Maryland as he performed his duties as State Forester; thus Mrs. Overington is an eyewitness to the very beginnings of forest conservation in Maryland.
On July 31, 2007, Helen “Holly” Besley Overington, daughter of Maryland’s legendary first State Forester, Fred W. Besley, will celebrate her 100th birthday by officiating at the Maryland State Forest & Park Service Centennial Time Capsule Ceremony. Holly will throw the first ceremonial hand-full of dirt to help bury the Time Capsule at Gambrill State Park, just outside of Frederick.
The Maryland Forestry and Parks Centennial is a year-long celebration of our public forest and park lands, recognizing the accomplishments and milestones made over the past one hundred years. The Centennial Celebration gives Marylanders an opportunity to think about future generations and how our environmental stewardship will benefit them.
For more information about the Maryland Forestry and Parks Centennial visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/centennial/.
July 23, 2007Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov