Mt. Nittany Night Grows in Second Year

More than 50 people gathered to celebrate the second annual Mount Nittany Night on Friday, September 30, at the Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery.

The event raised nearly $3,000 to support new erosion suppression efforts at the Mike Lynch Overlook.

Guests sampled delicious wines and appetizers, and, during its 30th anniversary, the board honored the significant contributions of long-time Mountain steward Tom Smyth with its second Friend of the Mountain award. The award honors a person or group based on contributions of talent, time, and resources on behalf of the Mountain. Earlier, the board had recognized Smyth by renaming the Nittany Mall overlook in his honor. Smyth has led numerous efforts to preserve and conserve many of Mt. Nittany’s attributes, most recently helping the Conservancy fend off the 2008-2009 gypsy moth outbreak.

Donations to Mount Nittany Night increased by more than 50 percent over last year. The funds will go to provide significant erosion prevention measures that are sorely needed to protect the Lynch Overlook-the most-frequented destination on the Mountain. New water bars using wood harvested from the Mountain and a redirected trail will be put in place during the coming year.

MNC thanks these event sponsors: