Environmental writer inspired community Annapolis (August 21, 2009) - County Executive John R. Leopold announced today that he has signed a proclamation declaring August 22 Bill Burton Day in honor of the longtime environmental writer. Flags will be flown at half mast at all County buildings in conjunction with a public memorial in Pasadena. "Bill Burton told the story of our Chesapeake Bay and encouraged everyone to partake in its beauty and life," County Executive Leopold said. "He served his country in war, and also in the pages of so many newspapers writing about the outdoors. This is a tremendous loss for our community." Burton wrote columns for the Baltimore Sun, The Capital and Bay Weekly. He inspired countless people to get out and experience nature, and in turn played a significant role in shaping our strong desire to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. Next month, the pier at Fort Smallwood Park will be named the Bill Burton Fishing Pier. A fishing derby will be held in his honor. A storyboard of Burton’s life will be installed at the pier with the following message from County Executive Leopold: "Bill Burton was an iconic figure in Maryland's environmental movement. As an outdoor editor and reporter for over fifty years, Bill connected with generations of nature enthusiasts through print, radio and television. Bill fished with presidents, governors, senators, sports stars and other celebrities. Yet, he got the biggest pleasure from watching children get involved with fishing and other outdoor activities. I am proud to commemorate Bill’s legacy by dedicating this fishing pier in his honor, as it was my honor to know this warm and unpretentious man." | 
