From the Conservancy
At the beginning of the year, I wrote about 2026 as the 45th anniversary of the Mount Nittany Conservancy. From the audacious initial fundraising efforts that saw Penn Staters and community members rise to the challenge of buying the Mountain to the many years of countless volunteer hours that followed, it has been a “story of pride, determination, and action born of love.“
I’m excited to tease that as the Conservancy turns 45 this year, we will embark on some of our most ambitious undertakings to date. In addition to our recent collaboration with several community organizations to envision an exciting future for the Rockview land, we will soon announce even more progress in our ongoing mission to steward Mount Nittany for the enjoyment of all. I look forward to offering many reasons to earn some of our generous community’s financial support during Centre Gives next month.
In the meantime, Blue-White Weekend offers one of the best opportunities to get up on the Mountain and encounter the spirit of the Valley. So whether you’re coming back to reconnect with Penn State football as the Matt Campbell era begins or simply taking advantage of the improving weather, make a hike up Mount Nittany part of your April plans.
For The Mountain,
Chris Buchignani, Vice President
The Future of Rockview
Last month, the Mount Nittany Conservancy proudly joined with 11 local community groups in signing a letter sent to Governor Shapiro and other PA officials about the future of the former SCI Rockview property. Our message outlines an ambitious, but achievable vision that includes safeguarding the Valley’s water quality and prime agricultural soils, protecting its status as a destination for anglers, and creating a new public access trail linking Mount Nittany with the Spring Creek Canyon through a forested corridor.
Check out the extensive media coverage of the growing local coalition aligning behind this “generational opportunity” to maximize the natural resources and distinctive character of Happy Valley.
StateCollege.Com: https://www.statecollege.com/articles/local-news/centre-county-organizations-call-for-community-driven-planning-for-future-of-rockview-property/
Centre Daily Times: https://amp.centredaily.com/news/local/community/article315133000.html
Altoona Mirror: https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2026/03/future-of-rockview-lands-under-scrutiny/
Lewistown Sentinel: https://www.lewistownsentinel.com/news/local-news/2026/03/centre-county-leaders-urge-public-input-on-future-of-rockview-lands/
Stay tuned for more information about this exciting opportunity for our community as it develops.
From the Archives
Over the years, the Conservancy has accumulated a wonderful collection of original writing and archived photos and documents from the rich past of Penn State and State College. Each month, we will highlight one of these recovered gems.
This month, we look back at the 2024 planting of Penn State’s fourth-generation Old Willow, a celebration of the University’s “oldest tradition” in which the Conservancy was honored to take part.
Penn State Celebrates Old Willow, the University’s Longest Living Tradition
On May 23, 2024, Penn State hosted a ceremony for the official replanting of the fourth generation of Old Willow, Penn State’s longest living tradition dating back to the 1859 planting of the first generation of the tree. The April ceremony was streamed by the Mount Nittany Conservancy on X and speakers included Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. Penn State News covered the event, publishing photos of the ceremony and the Old Willow sapling now taking root. Conservancy vice president Chris Buchignani recited “The Willow,” a poetic tribute to the first generation of Old Willow that appears in the 1894 edition of the La Vie student yearbook…
Own a Piece of Mount Nittany
Every square inch counts when it comes to conserving Mount Nittany, and you can help us do just that by making a gift to the Mount Nittany Conservancy! In recognition of your gift you will receive a Mount Nittany Square Inch Marker, a beautiful proclamation of your role in Mount Nittany’s conservation. Every dollar goes directly to supporting our mission to protect and preserve the Mountain for all to enjoy.
Looking to surprise the Penn Stater or outdoor enthusiast in your life? Mount Nittany Square Inch markers are an unforgettable gift for birthdays, holidays, and graduations.
The Pennsylvania State College 1853-1932: Interpretation and Record
by Erwin W. Runkle
Our featured book this month is ‘The Pennsylvania State College 1853-1932: Interpretation and Record,’ the first history of Penn State. Available in print and digital.
Although Dr. Erwin Runkle wrote this history of Penn State during the 1930s, only recently has it become widely available through Nittany Valley Press. His meticulous reconstruction of the University’s birth and growth—from the revolution in American education that sparked its founding to its establishment as Pennsylvania’s land-grant college—brings the Penn State story to life with a rare blending of keen attention to detail and uncommon warmth. Runkle’s opinionated, but affectionate narration offers a revealing vision of the Nittany Valley’s rich past. Virtually every page holds a new treasure for any heart that truly loves the name of Dear Old State.
Hike Mount Nittany
Spring time is a wonderful time to experience Mount Nittany. Get prepared before you go with our Hike Mount Nittany page; find all the maps, tips, and guidelines you will need to make your trip a safe and memorable one!
