Fern Hollow Fall Music Festival breaks records

Fern Hollow Nature Center’s 25th annual Fall Music Festival was a record-breaking success on Sept. 6, drawing the largest crowd in the event’s history. Despite a gloomy forecast, more than 450 people enjoyed a perfect fall evening filled with music, community and celebration.

The festival raised nearly $30,000 in support of Fern Hollow’s general operating fund, providing essential resources to sustain educational programs, community events and stewardship of the Center’s 33-acre property.

“We are overwhelmed by the turnout and generosity of our community,” said Sam Capezzuto, executive director of Fern Hollow Nature Center. “The Fall Music Festival is one of my favorite nights — it’s a celebration of nature, music and community.”

During the evening, Fern Hollow announced a new fundraising milestone: a $25,000 matching challenge grant from a former board member and her family in support of the Fern Hollow Nature Center Capital Campaign.

To date, $5,000 has been raised toward the $25,000 needed to unlock the full match. Every gift during the challenge will be doubled, bringing Fern Hollow closer to its $2.5 million goal to renovate and expand its facilities for the next generation.

The project will create safe, accessible spaces for all ages and abilities, as well as flexible indoor and outdoor classrooms, and gathering areas for families and community groups. It will incorporate eco-friendly features, including a green roof, solar panels and energy-efficient systems.

“This project isn’t just about bricks and mortar — it’s about creating a space that reflects the values of our community,” said Jenn Nastasi, president of Fern Hollow Nature Center‘s board of directors. “We want Fern Hollow to be a place where every child, every family and every neighbor can feel welcome, connect with nature and be inspired for generations to come.”

Fern Hollow invites the community to help meet the $25,000 Capital Campaign match. Donations can be made at www.fhnc.org, through stock or Donor-Advised Fund gifts, or by contacting Capezzuto at sam@fhnc.org or 412-818-5536.

“Now is the time to step forward,” Capezzuto said. “With every gift doubled through this challenge, your support will have twice the impact in helping us build a stronger, greener Fern Hollow for the future. I hope we can count on the support of the entire community.”