Grand Reopening of Mount Nittany

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.

• New Mount Nittany trail signs guide the way (Centre Daily Times)
• Mount Nittany Conservancy Reopens Mountain Trails (State College.com)

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.

Vince being presidential. Left-right: Vince Verbeke, MNC President, Jeff Deitrich, MNC Board Member, Dave Fryer, College Township, Blake Gall, MNC Board Member, Willy Kogelmann, Mountain Neighbor, Gary, Gentzler, MNC Board Member.

Ready, Set, Welcome! Left-right: Dave Fryer, College Township, Blake Gall, MNC Board Member, Willy Kogelmann, Mountain Neighbor, Gary, Gentzler, MNC Board Member, Nathaniel Gray, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

We love our volunteers. Left-right: Gary, Gentzler, MNC Board Member. Erich May, MNC Board Member, John Mentzell, MNC Board Member.

Enjoying a great day. Hikers getting ready to head up the Mountain.

The Man. John Hook, MNC Board Member, directs the tailgate / information booth.

Folks who helped make it happen. Left-right: 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.

Why do you love Mt. Nittany? Left-right: Cory Trimm, Penn State Circle K, Jon Brooks, MNC Board Member.