From the Conservancy
Ross Lehman, director of the Penn State Alumni Association from 1970-83 and one of the great bards of the Nittany Valley, wrote that Mount Nittany “displays a personality of its own in all its seasonal colors, from green to gold to brown to white.” Hear, hear! As a lifelong Pennsylvanian, I embrace the virtues of experiencing four seasons, Winter included.
Nevertheless, the “warmer” temperatures finally arriving last month were welcomed by even the hardiest denizens of Happy Valley. With that sunshine and those above-freezing afternoons came the melt that erased all but a few lingering traces of the massive January snowstorm that had slammed the East Coast.
Decades living in State College have taught me that March conditions in Central PA are nothing if not unpredictable, but when circumstances allow, make some time for a leisurely hike up Mount Nittany. The fresh air and activity will be perfect remedies for cabin fever. The experience of hiking the Mountain’s trails, absent the leafy canopy of late Spring through the end of Fall, offers a unique vibe. So too are the views from the scenic overlooks unique this time of year.
So emerge from hibernation, stretch those limbs, and reconnect with the Mountain. Whether you’re heeding my advice and enjoying Mount Nittany up close or simply admiring from afar, remember that the place, this symbol of our home that inspired Lehman’s poetic admiration, is diligently tended by the Mount Nittany Conservancy for the benefit of all. As always…
For The Mountain,
Chris Buchignani, Vice President
MeetUp Hiking Group Already Active in 2026
At nearly 400 members, the Mount Nittany Hikers group on MeetUp has been a great way to bring people together around one of Happy Valley’s greatest hikes, and they’re already active this year, despite the conditions. With the bitter cold finally breaking, group organizer and Conservancy director Leon Kolankiewicz led a wintry Valentine’s Day hike. A dozen enthusiastic participants had a great time in the very wet snow. It was so warm and sunny that it was even slushy in places.
There’s never a bad time for a self-guided encounter with Mount Nittany, but for a more social experience, join our MeetUp group to participate in future guided hikes.
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, with Penn State celebrating its first gold medal-winning Winter Olympian Tessa Janecke, we highlight the University’s strong track record of supporting women’s sports.
Women’s Sports at Penn State: A Story Worth Celebrating
Penn State’s record on women’s athletics, in its entirety, has got to be among the most consistently impressive of any institution in the nation. Dedicated, dynamic personalities, working within the right conditions, yielded a culture that continues to bear fruit today. Penn State blends a rare commitment to opportunity and excellence and succeeds in both. While many universities prioritize wins and national championships, and some emphasize offering a range of competitive opportunities, only an elite few excel in both areas.
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 Birth of the Craft Brew Revolution
by Ben Novak
Our featured book this month is ‘The Birth of the Craft Brew Revolution,’ preserving the timeless whimsy of America’s first recurring craft beer newspaper columns — ground-breaking, forward-thinking, and published here in Happy Valley. Available in print and digital.
Today, it is not unusual to enter a bar and find a laundry list of exotic beers on tap or to hear news of a local brew pub or microbrewery opening up. Such was not the case in 1984 (only five years after the legalization of homebrewing) when the editor of the Centre Daily Times approached local lawyer Ben Novak about writing a bi-weekly beer column for the paper. Collected here and available for the first time since their original publication are those newspaper columns, the very first of their kind in the United States. They harken back to a time when only a small American subculture had discovered the endless, delicious possibilities of good beer.
Hike Mount Nittany
As the “lion” gives way to the “lamb,” this month offers a rewarding opportunity to reacquaint yourself with the Mountain. 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!
