Vince Verbeke

  • Day of Caring – Oct 1, 2015

    Day of Caring – Oct 1, 2015

    The Conservancy extends a THANK YOU and JOB WELL DONE to the volunteers who came out to Mt. Nittany during the annual Day of Caring.

    Volunteers from the following organizations donated their time and efforts on the Mountain.

    • Penn State Federal Credit Union
    • Thermo Fisher Scientific
    • HRG, Inc

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    2015 Day of Caring – Penn State Federal Credit Union, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and HRG, Inc.

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    2015 Day of Caring – Thermo Fisher Scientific

  • Work Party Aug 29, 2015 (Venturing Crew 21)

    Work Party Aug 29, 2015 (Venturing Crew 21)

    MNC was assisted by a great group of 15 volunteers from the Venturing Crew 21 on Saturday August 29th.

    The Venturing Crew volunteers worked to replace storm damaged water bars on both the White and Blue trail. In addition they cut back brush at top of Mountain that was heavy due to spring rains.

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    Venturing Crew 21

  • Pasta Pass Restaurants

    PASTA PASS PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS:

    • Allen Street Grill
    • Bill Pickles Taproom
    • Carnegie’s Inn and Spa
    • Corner Room Restaurant
    • Noodles & Company
    • P.J. Harrigan’s
    • The Tavern Restaurant
    • Zeno’s Pub

    Click HERE for a printable list of the Restaurants

    The Pasta Pass is graciously provided by:

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  • Participating Hotels

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    Mt. Nittany Marathon Special!!
    PER NIGHT Rates for Friday, September 4th – Monday, September 7th, 2015

    PARTICIPATING HOTELS
    __________________________________________________________

    The Atherton Hotel
    124 S. Atherton St., State College, PA 16801; (814)231-2100
    $109 + Tax and Parking
    www.athertonhotel.net

    Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites
    115 Premiere Drive, State College, PA 16801; (814) 234-8393
    $85.00  + Tax
    www.nittanyhotel.com

    Comfort Suites
    132 Village Drive, State College, PA 16801; (814) 235-1900
    $79.00  + Tax  Promo Code: Mount Nittany Marathon
    www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa276

    Country Inn & Suites
    1357 East College Avenue, State College, PA 16801; (814) 234-6000
    $79.00  + Tax  Promo Code: Mount Nittany Marathon
    www.countryinns.com/statecollegepa

    Courtyard by Marriott
    1730 University Drive, State College, PA 16801; (814) 238-1881
    $129.00  + Tax
    www.marriott.com/scecy

    Days Inn – Penn State
    240 South Pugh Street, State College, PA 16801; (814) 238-8454
    $104.00  + Tax
    www.lioncountrylodging.com

    Fairfield Inn & Suites
    2215 North Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801; (814) 238-3871
    $119.00  + Tax  Promo Code MNMG
    www.mariott.com/hotels/travel/sceco

    Hampton Inn & Suites
    1955 Waddle Road, State College, PA 16801; (814) 231-1899
    $109.00  + Tax  Promo Code MNM
    www.photowebusa.com/hampton/statecollege

    Hilton Garden Inn
    1221 East College Avenue, State College, PA 16801; (814) 272-1221
    $89.00  + Tax  Promo Code NSR
    www.statecollege.hgi.com

    Ramada Conference & Golf Hotel
    1450 South Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801; (814) 238-3001
    $65.00 + Tax  Promo Code Mt Nittany Marathon or group code (MNIT)
    www.ramadasc.com

    Residence Inn by Marriott
    1555 University Drive, State College, PA 16801; (814) 235-6960
    $139.00 + Tax
    www.residenceinnstatecollege.com

    Sleep Inn
    111 Village Drive, State College, PA 16801; (814) 235-1020
    $69.00 + Tax  Promo Code: Mount Nittany Marathon
    www.sleepinn.com/hotel/pa421

    Super 8
    1663 South Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801; (814) 237-8005
    $85.00 + Tax
    www.lioncountrylodging.com/super8

    The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
    215 Innovation Boulevard, State College, PA 16801; (814) 863-5050
    $94.00 + Tax  Code: PROMO
    www.pennstatehotels.com

    Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center
    One Country Club Lane, State College, PA 16801; (814)234-8000
    $99 + Tax Code: NITTANY
    www.toftrees.com

    All rooms are subject to availability and applicable taxes will be applied. Pricing is PER NIGHT. 

    With Special Thanks to the
    Central PA Convention & Visitors Bureau

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  • Marathon Volunteer Information

    Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the 3nd Mt. Nittany Marathon on September 6, 2015.  Happy, smiling faces along the race route are the best motivation for our runners.  We need 200 volunteers to successfully manage the race — if you can help, or know someone who can, please volunteer

    For a complete list of all our volunteer needs, click to open our Volunteer Packet.

    NOTE as of 8/20/15: All Water Stations and Pre-and Post-Race Help Opportunities are filled.  We NEED  course marshals and bicyclists!  See below for the Course Marshal spots still available.  Maps are in the Volunteer Packet linked above.  Thank you!

    Decide which opportunity best suits you and email me your name and preferred location and we’ll get you set up!

    Thank you for volunteering and supporting the Mount Nittany Conservancy! 

    John Hook
    President, Mount Nittany Conservancy
    John@MtNittany.org

    CM# COURSE MARSHALS MIN. # OF VOLUNTEERS TIME PERIOD REQUIRED
    23 Rock Hill Rd  & Linden Hall Rd 1 7:30 – 10:00 AM
    30 Brandywine & Scenery Dr 1 8:00 – 10:30 AM
    31 Scenery Drive & Windmere Dr 1 8:00 – 11:00 AM
    32 Windmere Dr & Windmere Dr 1 8:00 – 11:00 AM
    33 Windmere Dr & Rolling Ridge Drive 1 8:00 – 11:00 AM
    34 Rolling Ridge Dr & S. Atherton 1 8:00 – 11:00 AM
    36 S. Atherton & Branch Rd 1 8:00 – 11:00 AM
    63 Bike Path at end of Hillcrest Ave. 1 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    64 Bike Path at end of W. Park Ave 1 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Oak Hall Regional Park Viewing Station

    Oak Hall Regional Park Viewing Station

    The Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority and Centre Region COG held a Grand Opening of Oak Hall Regional Park, located at 120 Linden Hall Road, Boalsburg, PA on Saturday, May 2. Joining in the celebration, the Mount Nittany Conservancy also unveiled their 5th viewing station in Happy Valley.

    In addition to the first station at the Bryce Jordan Center, viewing stations are also placed at the Mt. Nittany Middle School, the Penn State Arboretum, and inside Lubrano Park.

    MNC Director Alan Stewart is the person leading this effort for the Conservancy. Alan was honored to be a part of the Oak Hall Grand Opening. Pictured below with Alan is Ron Woodhead. Ron is the Centre Region Parks & Recreation Authority Director. Ron is also a Past President of the Mount Nittany Conservancy and serves as a Director Emeritus of the board.

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    Alan Stewart speaking with Ron Woodhead also on the dias.

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    Alan Stewart next to the Oak Hall Regional Park Mount Nittany Viewing Station.
  • Work Party May 2, 2015 (Alpha Phi Omega)

    Work Party May 2, 2015 (Alpha Phi Omega)

    On Saturday, May 2, 2015 a volunteer group from Alpha Phi Omega National Service Sorority assisted the Conservancy with some trail maintenance. The group was led by MNC Directors Chad Bell and Doug Wion as well as Mt. Ambassador Steve Lyncha.

    The group focused on blocking off of the “closed due to erosion” former trail leading to the Mike Lynch Overlook.  The trail was recently blocked off again shortly after the removal of the replanting/regeneration fencing. Hikers had begun to “flank” the log barricades making new trails on both sides. Volunteers blocked off the top and the bottom of the former trail to the point where it no longer looks like a trail.

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    Alpha Phi Omega members closing off old section of trail.

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    Job well done!
  • Centre Gives 2015

    From Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 at 6:00 am to Wednesday, May 6th, 2015 at 6:00 pm, the Centre Foundation will hold its fourth-annual 36-hour Centre Gives fundraiser during which you can go online to https://www.centregives.org/ and use your computer or mobile device to make an even larger contribution to the Mount Nittany Conservancy.

    Your donation goes further when made during Centre Gives because it qualifies organizations like the Conservancy for their $100,000 stretch pool and $25,000 in additional prizes. Anyone making a secure, online gift with a minimum donation of $25 will have their donation increased during Centre Gives.

    To donate to the Mount Nittany Conservancy, click here between 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 5 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6.

    You can also go directly to https://www.centregives.org/ and click the LEADERBOARD tab at the top to find the Mount Nittany Conservancy in the list of participating organizations.

    To learn more, go to Centre Gives FAQ’s.

    Thank you!
    The Mount Nittany Conservancy

    Update 5/7/2015: CentreGives‬ 2015 raised $765,916.09 from 5,684 gifts for local nonprofits. MNC received $3,275 from 25 donors. THANK YOU!

  • Work Party Apr 25, 2015 (Multicultural Greek Council)

    Work Party Apr 25, 2015 (Multicultural Greek Council)

    MNC Directors Blake Gall, Bob Andronici and Eric Loop were assisted by an energetic group of 30 volunteers from the Multicultural Greek Council on Saturday April 25th.

    The group installed 2 new waterbars, removed a number of dead falls over trails, and worked to reduce erosion at the Mike Lynch Overlook.

    In addition, they worked to close off the old path to the Lynch Overlook that goes straight down the slope to the Overlook. This path has been closed for several years due to extreme erosion due to over use.

    Thanks MGC for your support!

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    Teamwork required to move a dead fall to close off old path at Lynch Overlook.

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    Group that cleaned trails on Oak Hall side or Mt. Nittany.

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    Cooperation and harmony flourishing with MGC!

  • Work Party Apr 19, 2015 (Alpha Phi Omega & Sigma Nu)

    Work Party Apr 19, 2015 (Alpha Phi Omega & Sigma Nu)

    Bob Andronici and Eric Loop led a group of 40 volunteers from two groups, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Sorority and the Sigma Nu Fraternity, to Mt. Nittany on Sunday.

    The groups repaired over 6 damaged waterbars, removed 6 trail obstructing blow downs, cut down / moved 6-8 standing dead trees that threatened trails, cut back brush encroaching on trails and had fun doing it!

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    Working to remove winter blow down

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    We are here to serve!

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    Job well done!

  • Mt. Nittany 5K

    THANK YOU FOR RUNNING!
    RACE RESULTS ARE HERE.

    NEW FOR 2015 — The Mt. Nittany 5K!  Want to support the Mount Nittany Conservancy but running a Marathon is a bit much?  Run the 5K!   The 5K course starts and finishes at the same place as the marathon and the last mile of the 5K is the same course as the marathoners — all the excitement but only 12% of the distance!  When you’re done you can hang out and cheer on the marathoners.

    Start & Finish: Medlar Field Baseball Stadium on the Penn State University main campus (near Beaver Stadium) — State College, PA.  Google map HERE.  The Stadium is a beautiful new facility with plenty of restrooms and a covered concourse in case of inclement weather.  Post-race food and refreshments will be available here.

    Date: Sunday, September 6, 2015

    Start Time: 9:00 AM

    Course Map: Click HERE to link to the MapMyRun map.    

    Entry Fee: $20.00 (Note: T-shirts not guaranteed after 8/20/15)

    REGISTRATION:
    Online registration is now closed.  Day of race registration (no t-shirt) available on Sunday, September 6, 2015 from 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM at Medlar Field.

    5K Entry Fee Includes:

    • Commemorative T-Shirt (T-Shirts not guaranteed for registrations after August 20th)
    • On-Course Refreshments (Water and “ade” drink)
    • Post-Race Food and Refreshments
    • Souvenir ChampionChip timing chip and Racing Bib

    Eligibility: Open to all ages.

    Packet Pick-Up Location & Times:

    • Saturday, September 5, 2015: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, Centre County/Penn State Visitor Center, 800 Park Ave., State College, PA 16803 (corner of Park Ave. & Porter Road – enter parking lot from Porter Road)
    • Sunday, September 6, 2015: Race site (Medlar Field at Lubrano Park) starting at 5:30 AM.

    Race Day Parking: There is plenty of free parking in paved lots around Beaver Stadium, the Bryce Jordan Center and Medlar Field, all within a hundred yards of the Start/Finish line.

    Cancellation PolicyRegistration fees for the 2015 Mt. Nittany 5K are non-refundable and non-transferable.

    Safety Reminder: For the safety of yourself and the other participants, baby joggers, strollers, baby carriers, baby backpacks, inline skates, motorized scooters, bicycles, skateboards, canes, crutches, walkers, walking sticks and animals of any kind are prohibited from starting the course. Headphones are HIGHLY discouraged due to traffic patterns throughout the course that require complete attention to ensure your safety.

    Bib Numbers: Each runner will be issued a bib number at Packet Pick-Up. It is the responsibility of the runner to wear the bib number during the race. The bib identifies you as a runner to volunteers, law enforcement, and safety officials.

    Timing & Results: The Mt. Nittany Marathon is a timed event. The disposable ChampionChips timing system will be used with both a start and finish sensor to provide an accurate result for every participant and to eliminate a need to rush the start. A link to results will be posted on this page following the conclusion of the race.

    Weather: The race will be held rain or shine. If there is lightning in the area the race will either have a delayed start or, depending on the intensity of the weather, be cancelled. The determination will be made by the Marathon organizers. Runner and Volunteer safety will not be compromised.

    Awards: Top 3 Overall Male and Female winners will receive certificates.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION or QUESTIONS: Contact John Hook, President of the Mount Nittany Conservancy at John@MtNittany.org.

  • 3rd Annual Mt. Nittany Marathon – September 6, 2015

    3rd Marathon is in the Books!
    Race Results HERE! 

    NOTE: Due to a number of circumstances there will not be a 2016 Mt. Nittany Marathon. 

    The Mt. Nittany Marathon is a scenic 26.2 mile certified course (a “Boston Qualifier”) winding around the area of its namesake – Mt. Nittany. Utilizing local bike paths and roadways, the marathon is the Sunday of Labor Day weekend when historical temperatures range from a low of 50 degrees to a high of 77 degrees Fahrenheit.  Start time is 7:00 AM.  Read comments from runners of the Inaugural Marathon HERE.

    marathon1Start & Finish: Medlar Field Baseball Stadium on the Penn State University main campus (across Porter Road from Beaver Stadium) — State College, PA.  Google map HERE.  The Stadium is a beautiful  facility with plenty of restrooms and a covered concourse in case of inclement weather.  There are lots of seats with a great view of Mt. Nittany for those waiting for runners to finish.  Post-race food and refreshments will be available here.

    Date: Sunday, September 6, 2015

    Start Time: 7:00 AM     Course timing stops at 1:00 PM.

    Course Map: The course is a challenging certified course (USATF Certification Code: PA14045WB).  Click HERE for a complete map with turn-by-turn directions.  For an elevation profile of the course, click HERE to access a map on MapMyRun.com.  If you would like to read the Race Director’s thoughts on the course, click HERE.  As it is a certified course, this race is a “Boston Qualifier.” We report all results to the Boston Athletic Association after the race.    

    Entry Fee:  The marathon has concluded — thank you!

    Registration is closed.
    Thank You for your interest.  

    Hotels: Need a place to stay?  Many local hotels are offering SPECIAL RATES for Marathon weekend.  Click HERE to be directed to the list.

    Pasta Meal before the race! — Saturday, September 5, 2015 in downtown State College!  Registered Marathon Runners receive a coupon for a FREE pasta meal consisting of a pasta dish, bread and a non-alcoholic beverage (or a $7.50 credit towards a higher-priced meal) at a participating restaurant. The list of participating restaurants is available HERE.

    Marathon Entry Fee Includes:

    • Long-Sleeve Synthetic Shirt
    • Pasta meal the day before the race
    • Finisher Medal
    • On-Course Refreshments (Water and “ade” drink; Gels at selected Stations)
    • Post-Race Food and Refreshments
    • Souvenir ChampionChip timing chip and Racing Bib

    New for 2015 – 5K Option at 9:00 AM!  Click HERE to go to the Mt. Nittany 5K page.

    Eligibility: To compete in the Mt. Nittany Marathon you must be at least 18 years of age.

    Pacing Requirements: All athletes entering the Marathon must maintain a 14-minute per mile pace or faster throughout the entire race and finish within 6 (six) hours. Anyone not able to maintain a 14-minute per mile pace may continue the course, but be there is no guarantee of aid station, course marshal or police officer availability. Click HERE for a chart of the mile and water station splits necessary to maintain this pace.

    Packet Pick-Up Location & Times:

    • Saturday, September 5, 2015: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, Centre County/Penn State Visitor Center, 800 Park Ave., State College, PA 16803 (corner of Park Ave. & Porter Road – enter parking lot from Porter Road)
    • Sunday, September 6, 2015: Race site (Medlar Field at Lubrano Park) starting at 5:30 AM.

    Race Day Parking: There is plenty of free parking in paved lots around Beaver Stadium, the Bryce Jordan Center and Medlar Field, all within a hundred yards of the Start/Finish line.

    Cancellation PolicyRegistration fees for the 2015 Mt. Nittany Marathon are non-refundable and non-transferable.

    Safety Reminder: For the safety of yourself and the other participants, baby joggers, strollers, baby carriers, baby backpacks, inline skates, motorized scooters, bicycles, skateboards, canes, crutches, walkers, walking sticks and animals of any kind are prohibited from starting the course. Headphones are HIGHLY discouraged due to traffic patterns throughout the course that require complete attention to ensure your safety.

    Bib Numbers: Each runner will be issued a bib number at Packet Pick-Up. It is the responsibility of the runner to wear the bib number during the race. The bib identifies you as a runner to volunteers, law enforcement, and safety officials.

    Timing & Results: The Mt. Nittany Marathon is a timed event. The disposable ChampionChips timing system will be used with both a start and finish sensor to provide an accurate result for every participant and to eliminate a need to rush the start. A link to results will be posted on this page following the conclusion of the race.

    Weather: The race will be held rain or shine. However, if there is lightning in the area the race will either have a delayed start or, depending on the intensity of the weather, be cancelled. The determination will be made by the Marathon organizers. Runner and Volunteer safety will not be compromised.

    Awards: Top 3 Overall Male and Female winners will receive awards at a presentation at approximately 11:00 AM inside Medlar Field.

    Previous Results: 20142013

    VOLUNTEERS!!   We need YOU!!  NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!   Water Stations, Course Marshalls, Bicyclists, Loaders — we have an opportunity to fit you.  Volunteer for the marathon, help preserve Mt. Nittany, AND get a FREE T-shirt!  Download a packet with all the volunteer opportunities HERE or visit the Volunteer webpage HERE .  Email John Hook at John@MtNittany.org and we’ll get you signed up!

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION or QUESTIONS: Contact John Hook, President of the Mount Nittany Conservancy at John@MtNittany.org.

    Marathon too short for you?  Try the Tussey Mountainback 50-mile ultramarathon on October 25, 2015. 
    Just want a Half-marathon? Try the Nittany Valley Half-Marathon on December 6, 2015.

  • December 2014 Mount Nittany News

    Members and friends of the Conservancy recently received in the mail our Fall newsletter from the Conservancy. The following articles were included in the newsletter:

    Rain Can’t Dampen 2014 Mt. Nittany Marathon
    Fast becoming known as “The Toughest Little Marathon in the East”

    Mount Nittany Podcasts Released by Conservancy Group
    Podcasts highlight mountain history, mythology and geology, and can accompany hikes

    Conservancy’s Social Media Outreach
    Conservancy sees success connecting online via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

    Centre County United Way Col. Gerald Russel Day of Caring
    Mount Nittany deeded square inches site receives brand new look

    Volunteers Work To Maintain Mount Nittany
    This fall work parties cleared trails, removed debris and improved overlook views

    Honor Roll of Donors
    We are pleased to recognize the individuals and groups that have recently supported the Mountain.

    Click this link to read the newsletter!

    Please consider clicking the Support drop-down menu at the top of the page. Choose Friends of the Conservancy. If you offer a donation, you can receive future hard copy newsletters as soon as they are printed.

  • Day of Caring Work Parties Oct 2, 2014 (PennStateWLAX & HRG)

    Day of Caring Work Parties Oct 2, 2014 (PennStateWLAX & HRG)

    Members of the Penn State Women’s Lacrosse team energetically and enthusiastically scoured Mount Nittany during the Col. Gerald Russell United Way Day of Caring.  Led by Head Coach Missy Doherty and Assistant Coaches Amy Altig and Brooke Matthews this crew hiked almost five miles picking up trash and clearing trails, demonstrating a wonderful esprit de corps. And then went back to campus for practice!

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    Ready to “rock” with Penn State Women’s Lacrosse team

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    Please come to visit, but take away your trash!

    Volunteers from HRG Inc., a local State College Engineering Firm, led by MNC directors Chad Bell and Doug Wion did work at the Deeded Inches site as well.

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    HRG cleans up at the Deed site

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    After the cleanup

    The Conservancy extends heartfelt thanks to the Penn State Women’s Lacrosse and Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. for all their efforts in support of the Mountain.

  • Work Party Oct 5, 2014 (Penn State Panhellenic)

    Work Party Oct 5, 2014 (Penn State Panhellenic)

    Brian Stouffer and Chad Bell took a group of energetic volunteers from Penn State for the Panhellenic Day of Service on the Mountain. The group cut up a very large tree that was blown down and made 3 benches on the White trail, then took the dead limbs and spread them throughout the woods to get rid of the eyesore of the downed tree. 5 water bars were also installed on the White trail.

    The Conservancy would like to thank the Panhellenic members for their work to keep the Mountain ready for all our visitors and friends.