This past Saturday morning (June 28), a group of dedicated volunteers gathered once again to help care for Mount Nittany — continuing a series of seasonal maintenance hikes that began in late April. These ongoing efforts are part of the Mount Nittany Conservancy’s long-standing commitment to preserving and protecting then Mountain’s more than eight miles of trails.
Over the course of three recent hikes, roughly a dozen volunteers — including current and emeritus board members , local supporters, and students from the Penn State Lion Ambassadors — worked together to identify and address problem areas throughout the trail network. From Blue-White Weekend through the early days of Summer, their shared efforts have helped ensure that Mount Nittany remains open and accessible for all who make the journey.
Thanks to the respectful habits of most visitors, very little litter was found. But a series of windstorms had left significant trail obstructions. Volunteers have worked diligently to clear more than 70 downed trees that had fallen on trails across the Mountain. Trail markers were also refreshed with a fresh coat of paint, helping hikers to stay on course while exploring.
While maintenance work is ongoing throughout the year, the impact of these early-season hikes is already being felt. From casual hikers to lifelong Penn Staters, everyone benefits from the care and attention shown by those who give their time to steward this beloved landmark. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took part in these efforts — and to the broader community, whose support over the decades has allowed the Conservancy to protect Mount Nittany as a living symbol of our region’s cultural and environmental heritage.
If your team or organization is interested in joining us for a future maintenance hike, we’d love to hear from you! Trail care is a fun and meaningful way to give back — and a great team-building activity for anyone with ties to the Nittany Valley. Reach out to us at volunteer@nittany.org to learn more.
