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MNC News Archive...

Mt. Nittany Night Grows in Second Year - Oct 10, 2011

More than 50 people gathered to celebrate the second annual Mount Nittany Night on Friday, September 30, at the Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery.

The event raised nearly $3,000 to support new erosion suppression efforts at the Mike Lynch Overlook.

MNC thanks these event sponsors:

Guests sampled delicious wines and appetizers, and, during its 30th anniversary, the board honored the significant contributions of long-time Mountain steward Tom Smyth with its second Friend of the Mountain award. The award honors a person or group based on contributions of talent, time, and resources on behalf of the Mountain. Earlier, the board had recognized Smyth by renaming the Nittany Mall overlook in his honor. Smyth has led numerous efforts to preserve and conserve many of Mt. Nittany's attributes, most recently helping the Conservancy fend off the 2008-2009 gypsy moth outbreak.

Tom Smyth, 2011 Friend of the Mountain Awardee

Donations to Mount Nittany Night increased by more than 50 percent over last year. The funds will go to provide significant erosion prevention measures that are sorely needed to protect the Lynch Overlook-the most-frequented destination on the Mountain. New water bars using wood harvested from the Mountain and a redirected trail will be put in place during the coming year.

For more information, visit www.mtnittany.org or send email to: info@MtNittany.org.

For more pictures of the event, click here.


Lynch Erosion - Sept 16, 2011

MNC is deeply concerned about the current state of the iconic Mike Lynch Overlook on Mt Nittany. Due to increasing number of hikers, along with our wet weather this year, the soil at the Overlook is becoming increasingly eroded.

You can help support our efforts to stabilize the Overlook by becoming a Friend of the Mountain. You can also attend our second annual Mount Nittany Night to be held Friday, September 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. To learn more and make your reservation, go here. Or just download the Mount Nittany Night Reservation Form.

Evidence of the erosion can be seen in the below photos. While the Conservancy and volunteer groups have worked to place water bars (logs that cut across the overlook to re-direct water), more actions are needed. In order to make this happen, we do need your support!


As you approach the Lynch Overlook


Looking down at Lynch from first water bar (notice the erosion around the tree roots)


Wide swath of use on the right side of descent to Lynch Overlook


Evidence of erosion as seen from right side of Lynch Overlook


View of the Lynch Overlook from the left side of the descent


Looking back up at the right side of descent


Looking back up at the left side of descent


Circle K Attacks - Sept 4, 2011

Led by Graham Ginder, this intrepid group from Penn State Circle K worked on clearing back trails and installing water bars at the Lynch Overlook.

Thanks go out to Graham and Ben Szoch, Steven Candito, Lisa Boudeman, Erin Kitzmiller, Scott James, Julia Kelsey, Michelle Morelli, Lindsay Manson, Mary Jo Dubina, Jorathan Duffy, Micth Clarke, and John Larimer.

Also pictured above are MNC board members Gary Gentzler and Bob Andronici.


Mount Nittany Night at Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery - Sept 30, 2011

Our second annual Mount Nittany Night will be held Friday, September 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. Held at the Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery in Linden Hall, the event will feature delicious wines and appetizers, good company and the presentation of our second Friend of the Mountain Award.

Tickets are $30 apiece, and all proceeds will benefit the Mountain.

For coverage of last year's Mount Nittany Night, click here. To purchase tickets, email event organizer Erich May at <erichmay@yahoo.com> by September 26.


Mt. Nittany Viewing Station at the Mt. Nittany Elementary School

If you live and work in Happy Valley, you can gaze out upon Mt. Nittany every day. As described on our Facebook page, Mt. Nittany is our Plymouth Rock, our Old Faithful, our Gibraltar. The moment we see her, we know we are home.

But Mt. Nittany is more than an iconic geographic feature, it is also a place to hike and explore. In order to tell that story, the Mount Nittany Conservancy (MNC) is reaching out to the community with a planned series of interpretive stations throughout the valley.

The "front yard" of the Mt. Nittany Middle School received the first of these viewing stations this summer. The stations are designed to be attractive, educational, and informational. Each viewing station will include:

  • brief history of the Lion's Paw Alumni Association (the group who first worked to protect the Mountain from lumbering and other development threats) and the formation of the MNC
  • how Mt. Nittany is used for recreation purposes
  • the etymology behind the word Nittany
  • pictures and a trail map of Mt. Nittany from the current location of the viewer

Images of the Mt. Nittany Elementary School viewing station are below. We hope that everyone can take the time to visit the site and see the final product. Your support of the Conservancy is what makes this new outreach effort possible. Thank you! And a special tip of the hat to Ameron Construction for installing the viewing station.

 

 

 

Print Version (open in new window)


Mountain Cleanup - Aug 13, 2011

Volunteers from South Hills School of Business and Technology recently spent 5 hours on the Mountain picking up trash and removing fire rings. Our THANKS go out to:

Rachel Breon
Donny Houtz
Brian Cox
Ryan Gallaher
Jonathan Inhoof

 

 


Mt. Nittany Guided Hike - July 3, 2011

A small group of enthusiastic hikers (Carol, Renee, Cathy, and Cory) went up Mt. Nittany with MNC board member Vince Verbeke on Sunday, July 3rd. They were led up the Mountain to the Mike Lynch Overlook. Then the group continued on along the Blue Trail to the Mount Nittany Middle School/Boalsburg Overlook, then to the Deeded Square Inches site. Along the way, they heard from the "The Legend of the Valley" as well stories about Lions Paw and Conservancy history.

Each of the hikers who joined the guided hike commented on what a great idea this was. We agree and plan to do more. To keep up with plans for future hikes, you can follow us on Facebook.


The Conservancy has established this series of seasonal guided hikes in memory of Director Emeritus Pat Farrell, who frequented the mountain and traditionally climbed each New Year's Day. Since 1981, Mount Nittany Conservancy has worked to conserve more than 825 acres of Mt. Nittany, the Centre Region's most prominent landmark. It maintains more than ten miles of hiking trails and eleven overlooks on the mountain for visitors to enjoy.


Conservancy to Host Guided Hikes of Mt. Nittany - June 1, 2011

The Mount Nittany Conservancy will begin a series of seasonal guided hikes with an Independence weekend hike on Sunday, July 3 at 10 a.m. The hikes are free and open to the public.

The leader for this inaugural guided hike will be the Conservancy’s immediate past president, Vince Verbeke. Vince will lead hikers to the Mike Lynch Overlook and back. We expect the hike to take about 90 minutes. Those wishing to attend should meet at the main trailhead at the end of Mt. Nittany Road in Lemont fifteen minutes before the hike begins.

The Conservancy has established this series of seasonal guided hikes in memory of Director Emeritus Pat Farrell, who frequented the mountain and traditionally climbed each New Year's Day. A guided hike is planned for New Year's Day 2012, and a fall and spring date will be announced as well.

Since 1981, Mount Nittany Conservancy has worked to conserve more than 825 acres of Mt. Nittany, the Centre Region’s most prominent landmark. It maintains more than ten miles of hiking trails and eleven overlooks on the mountain for visitors to enjoy.

No reservations are required! We hope to see you at 10 a.m. on July 3rd. You can contact Vince via email if you have any questions, vcv1@psu.edu.


Penn State Homecoming 2011 logo - April 25, 2011

During halftime of the Blue-White game, the Homecoming 2011 logo was revealed. We really think that you'll love it since it includes something we all care very deeply about.


The Centre County Community Foundation Looks at MNC - April 20, 2011

"Most people think of Sunday as a day of rest and relaxation. But when John Hook and his wife have some extra time to kill on a Sunday, their first instinct isn’t to lie on the couch watching TV. It’s to climb Mt. Nittany. And when John asks his wife what she’d like to do on her birthday, the answer is simple: climb Mt. Nittany."

To read the rest of the CCCF blog post, check out:

http://centrecountycf.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/mt-nittany-conservancy-looks-to-protect-preserve-iconic-feature-of-centre-county/


Circle K Works on the Mountain - March 19, 2011

A strong team of 10 Circle K members, http://www.clubs.psu.edu/up/circlek/, did yeoman's work on the Mountain yesterday.

The group helped remove several fire pits, removed downed trees across from trails, picked up trash, and put in place a large log to help stabilize the soil at the Mike Lynch Overlook.

Note: Fires are not permitted on lands owned or managed by MNC. See Safety Notes.) Please pass the word along to other who love and use the trails on Mt. Nittany.


Ready to head up the Mountain


Safely removing a fire pit (Fires are not permitted on lands MNC manage)


Let's bury the fire and not use them here


Replacing a water bar at the Lynch Overlook


November 2010 Mount Nittany News

Members and friends of the Conservancy recently received in the mail our Fall newsletter from the Conservancy. A link to the newsletter is below.

The following are excerpts from the Grand Reopening Promotes Safety, New Wayfinding System Aims To Keep Hikers On The Right Path article.

On an absolutely gorgeous spring day, the Mount Nittany Conservancy hosted a Grand Reopening of Mt. Nittany’s blue and white trails to celebrate installation of a new wayfinding system as well as a new trailhead map and brochures, purchased with a tourism grant through the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The wayfinding system is a series of sign posts placed at key intersections to keep
hikers from getting lost. Twelve wayfinding markers located at important intersections and additional signs will allow hikers to more easily see where they are and how to get back.

November 2010 Mt Nittany News (PDF)

Please consider clicking the Support Us link and offering a donation as well in order that you too can receive future hard copy newsletters.


Slide Show of the Seasons

Members and friends of the Conservancy recently received in the mail our Fall newsletter from the Conservancy. A link to the newsletter is below.

The Conservancy commissioned Penn State grad Doug Bauman's photos, and director Bob Frick helped create the following slide show of the seasons on the Mountain The soundtrack was donated by local bluegrass group Murphy's Junction. The song, New York to Knoxville, was composed by Gwen Stimely. Slideshow programming was done by Penn State grad Julio Negron.

Note: The show may take as long as a minute to load. We appreciate your patience. The slide show is worth the wait!

Click Here to View Slide Show

 


StateCollege.com Looks at Impact of Hikers on Mt. Nittany

Adam Smeltz from StateCollege.com interviewed Mount Nittany Conservancy board members for a compelling look at the increased impact that hikers are having on the Mountain.

Read his article here:

http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/conservancy-more-hikers-apparently-flocking-to-mount-nittany-617041/

To take a look back at 2010 highlights, you can check out these links:


Nov 2010 MNC Board Meeting - Nov 22, 2010

The Mount Nittany Conservancy board meets four times a year. Meetings are held on Sunday mornings from 9-11 AM at the Centre Region COG Bldg. All are welcome. For a list of 2011 meeting dates, send an email to info@mtnittany.org.

We'd like to welcome and THANK the following board members for agreeing to serve as officers for the upcoming term. Special thanks to John and Doug for stepping into officer roles.


2011 - 2012 Officer Team
Left to Right: John Hook, President; Doug Wion, Secretary; Bob Andronici, Vice President; Blake Gall, Treasurer

Too see more pictures, please go here:

http://www.mtnittany.org/News_2010_11_22.htm


Mike Lynch Overlook Plaque - Nov 17, 2010

In 1981 the Lion's Paw Alumni Association formed the Mount Nittany Conservancy to acquire additional land with community and Penn State alumni support. As the Conservancy reaches its 30th Anniversary in 2011, we are honoring those leaders that paved the way for our present as well as the future that we write each day.

Mike Lynch: Linchpin of Mount Nittany’s First Stewardship was published in the June 2007 Mt Nittany News. It states in part:

This much is clear: before there was a conservancy, another body was steward of the mountain, and his name was Mike Lynch. “He loved that mountain,” recalled John Black, a 1962 graduate of Penn State. “He was synonymous with the mountain.”

Mike was a frequent climber of Mount Nittany, even before Lion’s Paw bought its tract in 1946. Later, Mike would serve as chair of Lion’s Paw’s Mountain Committee. In that capacity—and he held the post for decades—Mike would organize mountain cleanups.

Mike was awarded the prestigious Lion’s Paw Medal in 1980, for, among other things, “his constant glorification of Dear Old State,” and “his reverent watch over Mt. Nittany.” In the pamphlet written for the occasion, Mike described his work on Lion’s Paw’s Mountain Committee: “Our main objective there is to keep Mount Nittany free from construction and ruin, so that old grads can see the symbol of Penn State like it was when they were in school.”

On November 7. 2010, a large group of Lion Ambassadors volunteers assisted the Conservancy with a number of trail projects. One group of Ambassadors (Vinnie Amendolare, Brian Edling, Gary McMillen, Katie Perugini) were asked to be the ones to install a memorial rock with an inset plaque in honor of Mike Lynch.

The plaque reads:

 
The Mike Lynch Overlook


Dedicated to the memory of Michael Lynch,
whose reverent watch over this Mountain
helped keep it a pristine landmark and a
proud symbol of Penn State.


Presented by the Mount Nittany Conservancy
2010

 

The memorial is on the left side of the trail as you approach the Lynch Overlook. It was placed to allow visitors to read the dedication to Mike and catch a first glimpse of the view to the valley floor below.

You can help us keep Mike's passion and dream alive for a green Mt. Nittany by visiting our Support Us page.


Lion Ambassador Team
Left to Right: Gary McMillen, Vinnie Amendolare, Katie Perugini, Brian Edling


Plaque Close-up


Too see more pictures, please go here:

http://www.mtnittany.org/News_2010_11_17.htm


In Memorial - Patricia "Pat" Farrell - Nov 5, 2010

Our former President, Pat Farrell, passed away Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010, from complications of Parkinson's Disease.

Pat served on the Mount Nittany Conservancy board from 1998 - 2007 and as our President from 2004 - 2005. As noted by Bill Jaffe, MNC Director Emeritus and former MNC President, "Pat was a special person, who did much for MNC during a difficult period."

Pat was a lifelong volunteer, to highlight just two of Pat's many accomplishments:

In 1975, Pat was the spokesperson for a group that convinced the Penn State Board of Trustees to revise the Alma Mater to use "childhood's gate" rather than "boyhood's gate" and "Dear old State" rather then "into men." Pat was also an active member in the State College Mortar Board Alumni group. Brenda Frawley Walsh, President of the group, said "One of our most remarkable State College Mortar Board alumnae members has left a lasting legacy that death cannot take away. I am personally grateful that we have included a tribute to Pat's leadership in our Mortar Board Initiation ceremony. By changing the Penn State Alma Mater to reflect author Fred Pattee's original intentions Pat quietly honored women at her beloved alma mater. When we conclude our annual Mortar Board Initiation ceremony with the Alma Mater we will always honor Pat, as well."

In 1998, Pat was named by Penn State their Renaissance Honoree in recognition of a lifetime of service to the Penn State and State College communities.

The Centre Daily Times Cliff White wrote an article entitled "Leader Farrell left a lasting legacy on the region." In the article, MNC Director Emeritus and Penn State trustee Anne Riley is quoted as saying:

She would climb Mount Nittany every New Year’s Day, according to Riley. “She loved the mountains,“ Riley said. “She used to say, ‘Hills are our friends.’ She mean that jokingly, of course, especially when she was crossing the Rockies on her bike. But she loved a challenge, and I think that statement could be a great metaphor to describe her life.”

You can read the full article as here as a PDF.

Pat's obituary from the Centre Daily Times can be viewed here as a PDF.

Mere words nor a few pages of text can capture Pat's life, so we won't try. We can be sure that she would want us to move onward and upward. Her love of Mt. Nittany must be with us now. Her spirit has joined so many others like Bill Ulerich and Mike Lynch who keep a silent watch from the Mountain down on Penn State in the valley below.

"Hills are our friends."


Paternoville's "Sweet Tooth" - Oct 29, 2010

Since Paternoville students are the rabid Penn State supporters of this generation, the Mount Nittany Conservancy (MNC) board wanted them to be aware of who actually is protecting the Mountain that they look out upon from the tents and chairs.

To get their attention, we showed up on Oct 28th during Penn State - Michigan game with with a little something sweet ... cookies with the image of Mt. Nittany on them!

As we gave out the early Halloween treats (to the very appreciative Paternoville residents), we Here were the points we raided with them.

  • MNC is an all-volunteer board that maintains the trails and protects Mt. Nittany
  • MNC was founded in 1981, so 2011 is our 30th anniversary!
  • We need student and community support to keep the Mountain "green and growing"
  • Visit the website, http://www.mtnittany.org, to learn more
  • Pass the message along to others. Ask them "Who 'owns' and protects Mt. Nittany?"

We had a great team of 10 people passing out the Mt. Nittany cookies that included student helpers, Friends of the Mountain, and MNC Board Members. We also passed out our brochure, A Symbol of our Pride, as well as a brief fact sheet about the Conservancy.

We did have a few extra cookies, so we headed off to the HUB to spread the word even further. And if you're reading this, please do the same. Mt. Nittany is OUR Mountain. We need to be here to conserve it for future generations, 30 years and counting so far.

Update: StateCollege.com had a photographer at Paternoville as well (we had clued them in beforehand). You can see more picture here. Paternoville Campers Pass Time with Cookies and Trashcan Football. We have a close-up of one of Nathan A. Smith photos on our Mountain Pics page as well.

Note: The cookies (and they were excellent) were purchased locally from the Sweet Tooth Bakery & Cafe of State College.


MNC Volunteers Ready to Go!


MNC President Vince Verbeke & Paternoville VP John Tecce


We Arrive Bearing COOKIES!


Wake Up Please...


Paternoville Residents Doing Schoolwork (Yes, Really)


Thank You Thank You


Mt. Nittany on YouTube Fall 2010 - Oct 22, 2010

We noticed these videos posted to YouTube during the month of October 2010. We're reposting here for the enjoyment of all of the Mountain's friends and supporters.

Update: Too see the videos, one from the Penn State Women's Gymnastics team, please go here:

http://www.mtnittany.org/News_2010_10_22.htm


1st Mount Nittany Night - A Rousing Success! - Oct 2, 2010

Donors, neighbors and board members enjoyed the first annual Mount Nittany Night on Friday, October 1, at the Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery.

During the fundraising event, guests sampled delicious wines and appetizers, and the board honored the significant contributions of neighbor Wilhelm Kogelmann.

MNC thanks these event sponsors:

As the Conservancy approaches our 30th anniversary in 2011, a new tradition was started with the establishment of a Friend of the Mountain award.

The award will honor a person or group based on their contributions of talent, time, and resources on behalf of the Mountain.

Wilhelm (Willy) Kogelmann was the Mount Nittany Conservancy's unanimous first choice to receive the inaugural 2010 Friend of the Mountain Award for Outstanding Contributions to Mt. Nittany. Willy was there as the Mount Nittany Conservancy was first formed. His lands on Mount Nittany were one of the first acquired by the fledgling group in 1985.

MNC President Vince Verbeke presents Willy with his own piece of the Mountain below.

Left-right: Willy Kogelmann, 2010 Friend of the Mountain Awardee; Vince Verbeke MNC President.


Left-right: MNC Directors Erich May and Jeff Deitrich; Mount Nittany Night Co-chairs

Additional photos from the evening can be found here.


Mount Nittany Night at Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery - Oct 1, 2010

You are cordially invited to the first-ever Mount Nittany Night! to support the conservation of Mount Nittany.

Friday, October 1
6 to 8 p.m.
at Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery

Join us for a special presentation
and to sample the vineyard's wines and light refreshments

Cost: $30 per person

Please RSVP your reservations by September 27 via e-mail to
Erich May <erichmay@yahoo.com>


Grand Reopening Photos - May 21, 2010

We have more grand reopening photos to share here.


Central Region Emergency Strike Team (CREST) - May 17, 2010

The Mount Nittany Conservancy hosted a grand reopening of Mt. Nittany's blue and white trails to celebrate installation of a new wayfinding system as well as a new trailhead map and brochures, purchased with a tourism grant through the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Central Region Emergency Strike Team (CREST) was on hand at the grand reopening providing information to hikers. To learn more about CREST, go to their website:

http://www.teamcrest.org


CREST at the Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting

Certified search and rescue personnel from CREST: From L to R - Eric Prescott and K-9 Shasta, Dr. Clifford Neal, DO, Rosemarie Stover, Tracy Reagan, Nikki Hamilton, Kathleen Neal, Jennifer Williams, Mark Milliron


CREST Information Booth and Vehicle

CREST Members meet and greet the public and show one of their rescue vehicles and equipment: In photo: Tracy Reagan, Megan Gilbert, Mark Milliron, Jennifer Williams, Kathleen Neal and Eric Prescott


Getting Information on Safety


Grand Reopening of Mt. Nittany - May 16, 2010

On an absolutely gorgeous spring day, the Mount Nittany Conservancy hosted a grand reopening of Mt. Nittany's blue and white trails to celebrate installation of a new wayfinding system as well as a new trailhead map and brochures, purchased with a tourism grant through the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Central Region Emergency Strike Team (CREST) was on hand at the reopening providing information on hiking safey and much more.

MNC Secretary John Hook was on hand to provide a Welcome Tailgate for grand reopening visitors with hamburgers and hot dogs. MNC Board Member Jon Brooks trekked to the Mike Lynch Overlook and told the story of the Overlook to hikers. Jeff Deitrich, MNC Board Member, organized the ribbon cutting and with help from other MNC Board members in attendance (Erich May, John Mentzell, Tom Smyth, and Doug Wion) passed out free magnets, the new brochures, and answered questions about the Conservancy. Several MNC Director Emeritus were also on hand for the celebratory day (Ben Bronstein, Bill Jaffe, Ralph Mumma, and Ken Reeves).

The wayfinding system is a series of sign posts placed at key intersections to keep hikers from getting lost. Twelve wayfinding markers located at important intersections and additional signs will allow hikers to more easily see where they are and how to get back. Read more about the project and the people and groups involved here.

CentreDailiy.com and State College.com covered the event as well. Be sure to click the pictures on both sites to see pictures on the event and the new trail signs.

MNC Board Member Jon Brooks has pictures on Picasa. A reporter from WJAC-TV was there to cover the event. You see her filming hikers looking over one of the new wayfinder signs.


Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting


Left-right: Jeff Deitrich, MNC Board Member, Cory Trimm, Penn State Circle K, Dave Fryer, College Township, Blake Gall, MNC Board Member, Willy Kogelmann, Mountain Neighbor, Gary, Gentzler, MNC Board Member, Nathaniel Gray, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Jon Brooks, MNC Board Member.
MIssing from the photo are MNC Board Members Bob Andronici, Bob Frick, Tim White as well as Eli Zigon from Phi Mu Delta fraternity.


Key Contributors to the Project

Left-right: Dave Fryer, College Township, Blake Gall, MNC Board Member, Willy Kogelmann, Mountain Neighbor, Gary, Gentzler, MNC Board Member.


Dedication by MNC President

MNC President, Vince Verbeke, dedicates the new wayfinding system, as well as new trailhead map and brochures for the Mount Nittany Conservancy at Grand Reopening of Mt. Nittany on May 16, 2010.

Here is the text of Pesident Verbeke's remarks:

In 1945, the Lion's Paw Alumni Association saved 525 acres from lumbering with a fundraising campaign among its few hundred members. However, encroachment on the Mountain continued. In 1981 , the Association formed the Mount Nittany Conservancy to acquire additional land. With community and alumni support, Mount Nittany Conservancy has obtained, through purchase or donation, more than 300 acres that faced detrimental uses. Today, the Conservancy manages both Lions Paw and Conservancy lands.

We continue to build and maintain trails and overlooks, conduct clean-up projects, and spray for gypsy moths when they threaten the trees of our beloved Mt. Nittany, most recently in 2008 and 2009.

To read from the mission of the Conservancy, we desire to acquire and conserve lands on and around Mount Nittany, a symbol of Penn State and the source of its legends. To benefit the public, the Mount Nittany Conservancy practices conservation, protection, and management of these lands as historic, scenic, recreational and environmental resources.

On Labor Day 2008 a State College woman and her three children - ages 6, 4, and 2 - were reported lost on Mt. Nittany at about 9 p.m. It was almost 2 a.m. on Tuesday by the time State College police, assisted by a search team from Central Region Emergency Strike Team (CREST) found them - uninjured but lost - on the backside of the Mountain and off the marked trails.

The Conservancy took this as a call to action. We want the Mountain to be safe and enjoyable for all.

We stand here today, May 16 2010, to dedicate twelve wayfinding markers located at important intersections along with additional signs that identify false trails to prevent the 2008 Labor Day incident as well.

One note about safety, don't underestimate Mt. Nittany. It's a tough mountain with a steep ascent to the Mike Lynch Overlook, know your physical limits. As with any hike, you should take have additional clothing, food, water, and if starting a hike at the end of the day, flashlights.

Finally, before there was a Conservancy, another body was steward of the mountain, and his name was Mike Lynch. A native of Somerset County, Mike was a student body president at Penn State. Mike was a frequent climber of Mount Nittany, even before Lion's Paw bought its tract in 1946. Later, Mike would serve as chair of Lions Paw's Mountain Committee. In that capacity-and he held the post for decades-Mike would organize mountain cleanups.

Mike was also a poet. To honor Mike (and I can feel him over our shoulders now smiling) I'd like to read his poem entitled Our Mountain.

Across the silent valley stands our Mountain old and strong,
Part of our college heritage in story and in song.

Through all the natural seasons, we watch her change her face,
Shedding the white of winter to green with gentle grace.

In the heat of the summer, she grows new leaves and wood,
In the golden glow of autumn, her beauty is understood.

What is it about this Mountain, with rugged rocks and rills,
That gives we Penn Staters a thousand prideful thrills.

It's a sense of belonging to a school that's part of us,
In the annals of our lives, we mark it as a plus.

Today, we pledge our loyalty to our Mountain and Old State,
By doing this, we join our founders, strong and great.

Today, walk the trails of Mt. Nittany as if for the first time. Enjoy Mt. Nittany and its vistas over these valleys. Treasure it. Help us to conserve it.

Why? Because, Mt. Nittany is OUR Mountain.


To learn more about the Conservancy (and see a trails map), download our brochure "A Symbol of our Pride" here:

MNC_Brochure.pdf (3.1 Mb)


Grand Reopening of Mt. Nittany Set for May 16

Mount Nittany Conservancy will host a grand reopening of Mt. Nittany's blue and white trails to celebrate installation of a new wayfinding system on Sunday, May 16 from noon to 4 p.m. beginning at the trailhead on Mt. Nittany Road in Lemont.

The wayfinding system is a series of sign posts placed at key intersections to keep hikers from getting lost. About two years ago, several hikers did get lost on the mountain and were rescued well after dark, so the Conservancy decided to make the improvements. Twelve wayfinding markers located at important intersections and additional signs will allow hikers to more easily see where they are and how to get back.

A new trailhead map and brochures, purchased with a tourism grant through the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau, will be in place as well. Both contain updated trail distances as well as GPS coordinates at twelve points along the trails.

The new signs, purchased in cooperation with the Central Region Emergency Strike Team (CREST), have been designed to blend in with the surrounding environment as much as possible to keep the landscape beautiful.

The event is on Penn State's graduation weekend, so students and family members in town are welcome to join the community to hike the trails. Students will have one last chance to check off a climb of Mt. Nittany from their to-do lists. A brief ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at noon, and volunteers will be stationed at several points along the trail to help explain the history of the mountain and the goals of the conservancy. The first 200 hikers will receive a free gift courtesy of the Mount Nittany Conservancy.

To learn more about the Conservancy (and see a trails map), download our brochure "A Symbol of our Pride" here:

MNC_Brochure.pdf (3.1 Mb)


November 2009 Mount Nittany News

Members and friends of the Conservancy recently received in the mail our Fall newsletter from the Conservancy. A link to the newsletter is below.

The following are excerpts from the Trail Signs and Maps to Help Hikers by MNC Director Jeff Deitrich.

Visitors to the Mountain this fall began to see the fruits of a long-awaited project that will help them navigate for years to come. MNC began installing a wayfinding system of trail signs at critical intersections and points on the paths.

While this project has been in mind for many years, reports of people becoming lost on the Mountain have increased in recent years. MNC decided it was time to move forward after it found new models of metal signs that are extremely resistant to vandalism.

November 2009 Mt Nittany News (PDF)

Please consider clicking the Support Us link and offering a donation as well in order that you too can receive future hard copy newsletters.


Penn State Circle K does Mountain Clean-up

On Sunday, Spetember 6, a group of student volunteers from Circle K spent the day doing some great work on the hiking trails of Mt. Nittany.


PA Land Conservation Conference/Confluence 2009

On May 7 - 9, MNC President Vince verbeke attended the 7th Annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference/Confluence 2009 co-hosted by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

http://www.landandwater.org/conf09index.html

The conference them was Working Together to Protect Our Land, Water & Communities.

He reports that he is still trying to process everything that he heard and learned over the three days of the conference. He said, "This was my first true immersion into the preservation and conversation areas. It's amazing what others are doing across the Commonwealth."

Vince also reports that "Most importantly, I've met others who we can know reach out to and ask for help as we go forward with plans to work with our Mountain neighbors on conservation easements. For example, I had the chance to meet and talk with Bill Hilshey from Clearwater Conservancy and Norm Lathbury from the Centre County Farmland Trust.

I also met Paul Lumia and Rick Koval from the North Branch Land Trust as well, http://www.nblt.org/index.html. They have a long, and detailed, page on their site about easements, http://www.nblt.org/easements.html."

MNC also had an information table setup at the Conference as well.


State College City-Serve does Mountain Clean-up

Can we serve you now?

This is the rallying cry of a group of dedicated volunteers from the State College City-Serve project, http://www.sc-cityserve.org. On Sunday, April 27, a group of City-Serve volunteers spent the day picking up trash and removing debris from the hiking trails on Mt. Nittany.

The 17 volunteers split into 4 teams that covered all nine-miles of hiking trails and a couple miles of four-wheel drive roads on Mt. Nittany. They picked up garbage, re-blazed faded blue and white trail markings, and did trail maintenance such as cutting dead-falls that were the obstructing the trails. They also picked up trash from the parking lot and the upper part of road leading to Mt. Nittany hiking trail parking lot.

Matthew McKinney, the project team leader, sent us the following picture with this statement.

I've attached one photograph of the trash collected off the Mountain, 4-wheel drive road and parking lot. It's disconcerting and I wish there was a way to educate, enforce and regulate littering - but I am glad we live in a community that's fortunate enough to have such a great place for hiking! I will email some actual work photographs as they filter in to me and again, thank you for the opportunity to serve!

Trash Collected on the Mountain

Please, with the picture of the above garbage left on the Mountian in full view, if you do take the opportunity to use the Mountain, please note that we have a Carry in, Carry Out Trash Policy; NO trash receptacles are located along the trails!

Enjoy the trails. Leave What You Find! Take OUT what you bring in!

To learn more about City-Serve, please watch these promotional videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWuSzjyyGgU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmbHKueNO5c&NR=1

To see additional Trail Cleanup Pictures from City-Serve, click here.


November 2008 Mount Nittany News

Members and friend of the Conservancy recently received in the mail our Fall newsletter from the Conservancy. A link to the newsletter is below.

The following are excerpts from Vince Verbeke's Presidents message.

The MNC Board would like to thank everyone who supported our drive to pay for aerial spraying in Spring 2008 to combat the gypsy moths.

As we had hoped, the spray was effective in minimizing defoliation. A more detailed report on the current status of the Mountain can be found later in the newsletter. However, we do have areas on the Mountain that should be sprayed again in 2009.

So we ask that you renew your annual “Friends of Mt. Nittany” commitment once
again. We’d also like all of our Friends to tell one other person about the Conservancy and its goals.

November 2008 Mt Nittany News (PDF)

Please consider clicking the Support Us link and offering a donation as well in order that you too can receive future hard copy newsletters.


Follow Mt. Nittany Updates via Twitter

Do you Twitter? If yes, you can follow our MtNIttany Twitter account for news and notes from the Conservancy.

http://twitter.com/MtNittany

Need to learn more about Twitter? See Twitter in Plain English.


College Township has our Thanks and a Piece of the Mountain

When the Conservancy's 825 acres was included in the 2008 PA Bureau of Forestry spraying program, we needed time to raise the $13,005 to cover the cost.

College Township stepped up to advance the funds before the county payment deadline of mid-December until the Conservancy was able to raise the funds. The MNC Board of Directors would like to express our sincere appreciation for their generosity. After the successful completion of our Spring Challenge Grant Campaign, we were able to reimburse the College Township Council.

At the June 19, 2008 College Township Council meeting, the Conservancy presented David Fryer, Township Council Chair with a framed Mt. Nittany Life Estate deed in thanks for the support.

Left to right is Adam Brumbaugh, Township Manager/Secretary; David Fryer, Township Council Chair; MNC Board member Erich May; MNC Board member Jeff Dietrich.


Donors during the Spring Challenge Grant Campaign

The MNC Board of Directors would like to express our sincere appreciation for the $5,000 Challenge Grant from the Centre County Community Foundation www.centrecountycf.org and to report our success in meeting that challenge.

We were fortunate that the spraying was completed in mid-May for the entire mountain, and we are optimistic that the effectiveness of the spray will minimize defoliation. Since we were included in the County/State spraying program, our cost for spraying our 825 acres was $13,005. The $5,000 Challenge Grant provided by CCCF was a key part of MNC being able to meet that cost.

Overall, community and alumni interest in protecting the trees on Mt. Nittany from gypsy moth damage was very high. This level of interest was also reflected in media coverage about the Gypsy Moth threat, and Mt. Nittany provided a well-known reference that would perhaps host a "Perfect Storm" of damage by these insects. Our fundraising efforts focused on the need to keep our Mountain green by meeting the Challenge Grant from CCCF.

The "official" months to match the Challenge Grant were April and May. Thanks to the support of our Friends $6,630 was donated during these months.

The remaining funds have supported our communications efforts and have been designated to beginning a reserve fund for future preservation of the Mountain.

See the Honor Roll of Donors who have supported our efforts during the Challenge Grant. You can become a Friend of the Conservancy or purchase a deed at any time.

James Anderson William A. Jaffe
Dennis & Margaret Anspach Kevin Jud, Philadelphia PA
Appalachian Outdoors Mel S. Klein
Richard Betts Edward H. Klevans
Patrick M. Bisbey
Ned J. Kocher
Bill & Angela Boor Daniel Land
Emory Brown John and Gretchen Leathers
E. Alan Cameron Herberta M. Lundegren
Andrew Carson Samuel J. Malizia
Tom M. Cavalier Vincent L. Marino
Karen Hargleroad Clautice Patricia E. McMullen
Michael Cooper Ralph Mumma
Charles Culnane Sue Obal
Carl and Martha Deitrich Allan and Bobbie Ostar
Donald Devorris David M. Pellnitz
Melbourne DeYoung PSU Interfraternity Council
Robert Dix Paul Pilgram
Kevin Donlon Ralph E. Pilgram
Martin Duff James W. Powers
David W. Dulabon Joseph Rahalewich
John Dutton Alexander H. Raye
Harry J. Endres Catherine Rein
Barry W. Fisher Mary Jane Roelofs
Robert M. Fisher Vincent Tedesco
Stuart Forth Theodore C. Schmidt
Robert E. Fry Richard S. Schweiker
Gary & Ralphine Gentzler Daniel & Roseann Sieminski
Carolyn Grundy Garen Smith
William T. Grundy Richard Verity
Michael F. Hamel S. Jeanine Vermillion
Martin L. Heavner John & Annabelle Wenzke
Thad L. Hecht John & Kathleen Winter
Robert S. Hodder Jr. Robert S. Zakos Jr.
William & Wendy Hudson
   

Blue & White Society and Circle K work on the Mountain

The Blue & White Society and the Circle K organization from Penn State's University Park campus worked on the Mountain on May 6, 2008. The group did an OUTSTANDING job. They repaired water bars and steps, and they positioned a very large new log seat at the popular Mike Lynch Overlook at the top of the Mountain.

Blue & White Society members included:

  • Amy Weixel, Director of Community Service
  • Lucy Ruetiman, Treasurer
  • Caity Rogowski. Director of Public Relations
  • Noelle Smith, Director of Membership
  • Dan Foxx, Attendance Chair

Circle K members included:

  • Bucky Vogt, Co-Projects Director
  • Scott Wilson, President
For pictures, see the complete news release.

Challenge Grant Announced to benefit Mt. Nittany

The Centre County Community Foundation www.centrecountycf.org has announced a $5,000 Challenge Grant to the Mount Nittany Conservancy www.mtnittany.org to assist with short-term and long-term conservation efforts, including the spraying of naturally occurring bacteria for Gypsy Moths this spring. Spraying the Mountain in May is expected to cost $13,000, but the Conservancy is also preparing for spraying and continued conservation efforts in future years. The Challenge Grant will be dependent upon the Conservancy also raising $5,000 in donations during April and May, and the Conservancy is set to launch a fund raising campaign to meet the challenge.

Recent surveys have shown that Mt. Nittany is the region's most recognizable landmark. The Mount Nittany Conservancy was formed in 1981 to preserve and maintain 825 acres on Mt. Nittany, including the lands owned by the Lions Paw Alumni Association. The Centre County Community Foundation, founded in 1981 by Judge R. Paul Campbell, is a collection of over 125 individual endowments dedicated to improving the quality of life by their support of a variety of charitable objectives.

Tax-deductible donations to the Mount Nittany Conservancy may be made online at www.mtnittany.org, or checks made out to the Mount Nittany Conservancy may be mailed to their clearinghouse at P.O. Box 7007, Albert Lea, MN 56007-8007.


November 2007 Mount Nittany News - Nov 30, 2007

Members and friend of the Conservancy recently received in the mail our Fall newsletter from the Conservancy. A link to the newsletter is below.

The following is an excerpt from Ron Woodhead's Presidents message.

 

We are all very fortunate that concerned alumni and community members have worked to acquire and protect Mt. Nittany over the past 60 plus years. The Conservancy now asks your assistance to continue those efforts. We are asking everyone who has enjoyed viewing or hiking Mt. Nittany to please support the future of Mt. Nittany by:

  • making a generous, tax-deductible donation,
  • joining each year as a “Friend of Mt. Nittany,” and
  • purchasing one or more Life Estate Deeds to honor family and friends.

Thank you for helping the Conservancy to keep Mt. Nittany green forever.

November 2007 Mt Nittamy News (PDF)

Please consider clicking the Support Us link and offering a donation as well in order that you too can receive future hard copy newsletters.


Gypsy Moths Threat to the Mountain - Nov 6, 2007

Gypsy Moth Larva(e) E. Bradford Walker, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

As you may have read in the Nov 6, 2007 Centre Daily Times article called "Gypsy moths threaten Mt. Nittany", the stage is set for heavy defoliation not only on top but also on the highly visible sides of our beloved Mountain in 2008.

As indicated in the article, MNC is taking action to spray as much of Mount Nittany as possible. Look for more information on our plans in the upcoming November newsletter.

11-16-2007 UPDATE: The PSU Student newspaper The Daily Collegian has printed an article as well called "Conservancy prepares for gypsy moth damage by 'selling' Mt. Nittany." This articles starts: "A menacing creature is lying in wait on the branches of trees lining Mount Nittany, and Penn State alumni could help fend it off."

Can you accept the sight of a bare Mt. Nittany? We earnestly hope that all of our friends will contribute to help us meet our financial needs and achieve our goals.

To receive the Conservancy newsletters and e-mail communications, please click the Support Us link and join the Friends of the Conservancy.

For more information on the Centre County Gypsy Moth Program, you can visit this website: http://www.co.centre.pa.us/gypsymoth/default.asp. Their site includes a link to Health Facts. Here they explain that biological insecticide called B.t. or B.t.k for Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki will be used in the spraying program.

For more images of the gypsy moth, see the Gypsy Moth section of the Forestry Images website. Be sure to scroll down to the "damage" photos.

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