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Mount Nittany Re-Opening Dedication
MNC President, Vince Verbeke, dedicates the new wayfinding system, as well as new trailhead map and brochures for the Mount Nittany Conservancy at Grand Reopening of Mt. Nittany on May 16, 2010.
Here is the text of Pesident Verbeke’s remarks:
In 1945, the Lion’s Paw Alumni Association saved 525 acres from lumbering with a fundraising campaign among its few hundred members. However, encroachment on the Mountain continued. In 1981 , the Association formed the Mount Nittany Conservancy to acquire additional land. With community and alumni support, Mount Nittany Conservancy has obtained, through purchase or donation, more than 300 acres that faced detrimental uses. Today, the Conservancy manages both Lions Paw and Conservancy lands.
We continue to build and maintain trails and overlooks, conduct clean-up projects, and spray for gypsy moths when they threaten the trees of our beloved Mt. Nittany, most recently in 2008 and 2009.
To read from the mission of the Conservancy, we desire to acquire and conserve lands on and around Mount Nittany, a symbol of Penn State and the source of its legends. To benefit the public, the Mount Nittany Conservancy practices conservation, protection, and management of these lands as historic, scenic, recreational and environmental resources.
On Labor Day 2008 a State College woman and her three children – ages 6, 4, and 2 – were reported lost on Mt. Nittany at about 9 p.m. It was almost 2 a.m. on Tuesday by the time State College police, assisted by a search team from Central Region Emergency Strike Team (CREST) found them – uninjured but lost – on the backside of the Mountain and off the marked trails.
The Conservancy took this as a call to action. We want the Mountain to be safe and enjoyable for all.
We stand here today, May 16 2010, to dedicate twelve wayfinding markers located at important intersections along with additional signs that identify false trails to prevent the 2008 Labor Day incident as well.
One note about safety, don’t underestimate Mt. Nittany. It’s a tough mountain with a steep ascent to the Mike Lynch Overlook, know your physical limits. As with any hike, you should take have additional clothing, food, water, and if starting a hike at the end of the day, flashlights.
Finally, before there was a Conservancy, another body was steward of the mountain, and his name was Mike Lynch. A native of Somerset County, Mike was a student body president at Penn State. Mike was a frequent climber of Mount Nittany, even before Lion’s Paw bought its tract in 1946. Later, Mike would serve as chair of Lions Paw’s Mountain Committee. In that capacity-and he held the post for decades-Mike would organize mountain cleanups.
Mike was also a poet. To honor Mike (and I can feel him over our shoulders now smiling) I’d like to read his poem entitled Our Mountain.
Across the silent valley stands our Mountain old and strong,
Part of our college heritage in story and in song.Through all the natural seasons, we watch her change her face,
Shedding the white of winter to green with gentle grace.In the heat of the summer, she grows new leaves and wood,
In the golden glow of autumn, her beauty is understood.What is it about this Mountain, with rugged rocks and rills,
That gives we Penn Staters a thousand prideful thrills.It’s a sense of belonging to a school that’s part of us,
In the annals of our lives, we mark it as a plus.Today, we pledge our loyalty to our Mountain and Old State,
By doing this, we join our founders, strong and great.Today, walk the trails of Mt. Nittany as if for the first time. Enjoy Mt. Nittany and its vistas over these valleys. Treasure it. Help us to conserve it.
Why? Because, Mt. Nittany is OUR Mountain.
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Trail Signs and Maps Help Hikers
In the summer of 2009 the Mount Nittany Conservancy (MNC) began installing a wayfinding system of trail signs at critical intersections and points on the paths. In total, we have placed 19 signs on the Blue and White trails to help guide our visitors on the Mountain.
Several directors were instrumental in advancing the project, and, with the help of a grant from the Centre County Community Foundation, the signs were purchased this summer. Bob Andronici, chair of the Mountain Committee, led the charge, and Gary Gentzler researched and recommended the type of signs to use. The project was completed with tremendous help from MNC directors Vince Verbeke, Tim White, Bob Frick, and Blake Gall, who also donated use of his four-wheeler to haul cement and other materials up the mountain. MNC was granted access through the property of neighbor Wilhelm Kogelmann. Andronici said the project would have taken two years to complete without the ability to get heavy materials to the top and Mr. Kogelmann’s granted access.
Likewise, the project would not have happened without the help of many Penn State groups who volunteered. Circle K, Phi Gamma Delta and Phi Mu Delta fraternities, and the Blue and White Society spent significant time digging holes through mountain rock and erecting the signs in deep cement footers. In addition, these groups helped clear the trails of a significant number of trees that came down during the freak 2009 Homecoming snow storm in mid October.
Many thanks go to those organizations for hours upon hours of hard labor. To see images frm the project, click here: Wayfinder Images
Concurrent with this project, MNC has developed a new map. The map includes distances between major points on the trails and numbered markers where the new trail signs are and will be erected, including GPS coordinates for those locations. MNC would like to thank Michael Hermann of Purple Lizard Maps for completing the map project.
Station Signs
Sample Station Sign 
Station Sign Map 
Distances between Wayfinder Stations 
Notice: Traveling in the back country can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site may contain errors or omissions. Please use common sense when hiking, and follow all rules & regulations as well as Leave No Trace principles when recreating in the out of doors. The Mount Nittany Conservancy takes NO responsibility for any injuries, accidents, mishaps, etc. that might take place on the grounds of the Conservancy.
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Grand Reopening of Mount Nittany’s Blue and White Trails Set for May 16
Mount Nittany Conservancy will host a grand reopening of Mount Nittany’s Blue and White trails to celebrate installation of a new wayfinding system on Sunday, May 16 from noon to 4 p.m. beginning at the trailhead on Mt. Nittany Road in Lemont.
The wayfinding system is a series of sign posts placed at key intersections to keep hikers from getting lost. About two years ago, several hikers did get lost on the mountain and were rescued well after dark, so the Conservancy decided to make the improvements. 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.
A new trailhead map and brochures, purchased with a tourism grant through the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau, will be in place as well. Both contain updated trail distances as well as GPS coordinates at twelve points along the trails.
The new signs, purchased in cooperation with the Central Region Emergency Strike Team (CREST), have been designed to blend in with the surrounding environment as much as possible to keep the landscape beautiful.
The event is on Penn State’s graduation weekend, so students and family members in town are welcome to join the community to hike the trails. Students will have one last chance to check off a climb of Mt. Nittany from their to-do lists. A brief ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at noon, and volunteers will be stationed at several points along the trail to help explain the history of the mountain and the goals of the conservancy. The first 200 hikers will receive a free gift courtesy of the Mount Nittany Conservancy.
To learn more about the Conservancy (and see a trails map), download our brochure “A Symbol of our Pride” here:
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November 2009 Mount Nittany News
Members and friends of the Conservancy recently received in the mail our Fall newsletter from the Conservancy. A link to the newsletter is below.
The following are excerpts from the Trail Signs and Maps to Help Hikers by MNC Director Jeff Deitrich.
Visitors to the Mountain this fall began to see the fruits of a long-awaited project that will help them navigate for years to come. MNC began installing a wayfinding system of trail signs at critical intersections and points on the paths.
While this project has been in mind for many years, reports of people becoming lost on the Mountain have increased in recent years. MNC decided it was time to move forward after it found new models of metal signs that are extremely resistant to vandalism.
Please consider clicking the Support Us link and offering a donation as well in order that you too can receive future hard copy newsletters.
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PA Land Conservation Conference/Confluence 2009
On May 7 – 9, MNC President Vince verbeke attended the 7th Annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference/Confluence 2009 co-hosted by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The conference them was Working Together to Protect Our Land, Water & Communities.
He reports that he is still trying to process everything that he heard and learned over the three days of the conference. He said, “This was my first true immersion into the preservation and conversation areas. It’s amazing what others are doing across the Commonwealth.”
Vince also reports that “Most importantly, I’ve met others who we can know reach out to and ask for help as we go forward with plans to work with our Mountain neighbors on conservation easements. For example, I had the chance to meet and talk with Bill Hilshey from Clearwater Conservancy and Norm Lathbury from the Centre County Farmland Trust.
I also met Paul Lumia and Rick Koval from the North Branch Land Trust as well. They have a long, and detailed, page on their site about easements.
MNC also had an information table setup at the Conference as well:
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November 2008 Mount Nittany News
Members and friend of the Conservancy recently received in the mail our Fall newsletter from the Conservancy. A link to the newsletter is below.
The following are excerpts from Vince Verbeke’s President’s message.
The MNC Board would like to thank everyone who supported our drive to pay for aerial spraying in Spring 2008 to combat the gypsy moths.
As we had hoped, the spray was effective in minimizing defoliation. A more detailed report on the current status of the Mountain can be found later in the newsletter. However, we do have areas on the Mountain that should be sprayed again in 2009.
So we ask that you renew your annual “Friends of Mt. Nittany” commitment once
again. We’d also like all of our Friends to tell one other person about the Conservancy and its goals.Please consider clicking the Support Us link and offering a donation as well in order that you too can receive future hard copy newsletters.
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College Township has our Thanks and a Piece of the Mountain
When the Conservancy’s 825 acres was included in the 2008 PA Bureau of Forestry spraying program, we needed time to raise the $13,005 to cover the cost.
College Township stepped up to advance the funds before the county payment deadline of mid-December until the Conservancy was able to raise the funds. The MNC Board of Directors would like to express our sincere appreciation for their generosity. After the successful completion of our Spring Challenge Grant Campaign, we were able to reimburse the College Township Council.
At the June 19, 2008 College Township Council meeting, the Conservancy presented David Fryer, Township Council Chair with a framed Mt. Nittany Life Estate deed in thanks for the support.
Left to right is Adam Brumbaugh, Township Manager/Secretary; David Fryer, Township Council Chair; MNC Board member Erich May; MNC Board member Jeff Dietrich. -
Donors during the Spring Challenge Grant Campaign
The MNC Board of Directors would like to express our sincere appreciation for the $5,000 Challenge Grant from the Centre County Community Foundation and to report our success in meeting that challenge.
We were fortunate that the spraying was completed in mid-May for the entire mountain, and we are optimistic that the effectiveness of the spray will minimize defoliation. Since we were included in the County/State spraying program, our cost for spraying our 825 acres was $13,005. The $5,000 Challenge Grant provided by CCCF was a key part of MNC being able to meet that cost.
Overall, community and alumni interest in protecting the trees on Mt. Nittany from gypsy moth damage was very high. This level of interest was also reflected in media coverage about the Gypsy Moth threat, and Mt. Nittany provided a well-known reference that would perhaps host a “Perfect Storm” of damage by these insects. Our fundraising efforts focused on the need to keep our Mountain green by meeting the Challenge Grant from CCCF.
The “official” months to match the Challenge Grant were April and May. Thanks to the support of our Friends $6,630 was donated during these months.
The remaining funds have supported our communications efforts and have been designated to beginning a reserve fund for future preservation of the Mountain.
See the Honor Roll of Donors who have supported our efforts during the Challenge Grant. You can become a Friend of the Conservancy or purchase a deed at any time.
- James Anderson
- Dennis & Margaret Anspach
- Appalachian Outdoors
- Richard Betts
- Patrick M. Bisbey
- Bill & Angela Boor
- Emory Brown
- E. Alan Cameron
- Andrew Carson
- Tom M. Cavalier
- Karen Hargleroad Clautice
- Michael Cooper
- Charles Culnane
- Carl and Martha Deitrich
- Donald Devorris
- Melbourne DeYoung
- Robert Dix
- Kevin Donlon
- Martin Duff
- David W. Dulabon
- John Dutton
- Harry J. Endres
- Barry W. Fisher
- Robert M. Fisher
- Stuart Forth
- Robert E. Fry
- Gary & Ralphine Gentzler
- Carolyn Grundy
- William T. Grundy
- Michael F. Hamel
- Martin L. Heavner
- Thad L. Hecht
- Robert S. Hodder Jr.
- William & Wendy Hudson
- William A. Jaffe
- Kevin Jud, Philadelphia PA
- Mel S. Klein
- Edward H. Klevans
- Ned J. Kocher
- Daniel Land
- John and Gretchen Leathers
- Herberta M. Lundegren
- Samuel J. Malizia
- Vincent L. Marino
- Patricia E. McMullen
- Ralph Mumma
- Sue Obal
- Allan and Bobbie Ostar
- David M. Pellnitz
- PSU Interfraternity Council
- Paul Pilgram
- Ralph E. Pilgram
- James W. Powers
- Joseph Rahalewich
- Alexander H. Raye
- Catherine Rein
- Mary Jane Roelofs
- Vincent Tedesco
- Theodore C. Schmidt
- Richard S. Schweiker
- Daniel & Roseann Sieminski
- Garen Smith
- Richard Verity
- S. Jeanine Vermillion
- John & Annabelle Wenzke
- John & Kathleen Winter
- Robert S. Zakos Jr.
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Challenge Grant Announced to benefit Mt. Nittany
The Centre County Community Foundation has announced a $5,000 Challenge Grant to the Mount Nittany Conservancy to assist with short-term and long-term conservation efforts, including the spraying of naturally occurring bacteria for Gypsy Moths this spring. Spraying the Mountain in May is expected to cost $13,000, but the Conservancy is also preparing for spraying and continued conservation efforts in future years. The Challenge Grant will be dependent upon the Conservancy also raising $5,000 in donations during April and May, and the Conservancy is set to launch a fund raising campaign to meet the challenge.
Recent surveys have shown that Mt. Nittany is the region’s most recognizable landmark. The Mount Nittany Conservancy was formed in 1981 to preserve and maintain 825 acres on Mt. Nittany, including the lands owned by the Lions Paw Alumni Association. The Centre County Community Foundation, founded in 1981 by Judge R. Paul Campbell, is a collection of over 125 individual endowments dedicated to improving the quality of life by their support of a variety of charitable objectives.
Tax-deductible donations to the Mount Nittany Conservancy may be made online, or checks made out to the Mount Nittany Conservancy may be mailed to their clearinghouse at P.O. Box 7007, Albert Lea, MN 56007-8007.
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November 2007 Mount Nittany News
Members and friend of the Conservancy recently received in the mail our Fall newsletter from the Conservancy. A link to the newsletter is below.
The following is an excerpt from Ron Woodhead’s Presidents message.
We are all very fortunate that concerned alumni and community members have worked to acquire and protect Mt. Nittany over the past 60 plus years. The Conservancy now asks your assistance to continue those efforts. We are asking everyone who has enjoyed viewing or hiking Mt. Nittany to please support the future of Mt. Nittany by:
- making a generous, tax-deductible donation,
- joining each year as a “Friend of Mt. Nittany,” and
- purchasing one or more Life Estate Deeds to honor family and friends.
Thank you for helping the Conservancy to keep Mt. Nittany green forever.
Please consider clicking the Support Us link and offering a donation as well in order that you too can receive future hard copy newsletters.
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Gypsy Moths Threat to the Mountain
As you may have read in the Nov 6, 2007 Centre Daily Times article called “Gypsy moths threaten Mt. Nittany“, the stage is set for heavy defoliation not only on top but also on the highly visible sides of our beloved Mountain in 2008.
As indicated in the article, MNC is taking action to spray as much of Mount Nittany as possible. Look for more information on our plans in the upcoming November newsletter.
11-16-2007 Update: The Daily Collegian has printed an article as well called “Conservancy prepares for gypsy moth damage by ‘selling’ Mt. Nittany.” This articles starts: “A menacing creature is lying in wait on the branches of trees lining Mount Nittany, and Penn State alumni could help fend it off.”
Can you accept the sight of a bare Mt. Nittany? We earnestly hope that all of our friends will contribute to help us meet our financial needs and achieve our goals.
To receive the Conservancy newsletters and e-mail communications, please click the Support Us link and join the Friends of the Conservancy.
For more information on the Centre County Gypsy Moth Program, you can visit this website: http://www.co.centre.pa.us/gypsymoth/default.asp. Their site includes a link to Health Facts. Here they explain that biological insecticide called B.t. or B.t.k for Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki will be used in the spraying program.
For more images of the gypsy moth, see the Gypsy Moth section of the Forestry Images website. Be sure to scroll down to the “damage” photos.