Penny Pines at Hillsborough River State Park

On a recent trip to Hillsborough River State Park, I spied two stone markers. From across the parking lot, they looked like tombstones, so morbid curiosity led me to take a closer look. Turns out they are commemorative markers for the Penny Pines and Millenium Forest projects at the park.

















"A Penny Pines Forest
Planted by the
Florida Society,
Daughters of the American Revolution
Dedicated to Posterity
1940"

The Penny Pines program was a national program to raise money to plant trees in national forests. The program was the brainchild of Margaret March-Mount, who is also credited for getting the support of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The second marker is an update on the status of the Penny Pines at Hillsborough River
















"In 1940, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution the Florida State Society DAR planted at this site a 'Penny Pine Forest,' comprised of commercial timber.

"Starting in 2002, the Florida State Society DAR began the project of replanting this forest among the descendants of the 'Penny Pines' using native trees and shrubs typical of a long leaf pine habitat. the goal of this reforestation project is to create a natural forest that would have existed centuries ago.

"Forest dedicated on February 22, 2003"

Further reading: "Planting plan blends forestry, genealogy" Brandon Times, February 21, 2003