User:OlympiaBuebird/Seminary Hill Natural Area

Seminary Hill Natural Area is a nature preserve and park in Centralia, Washington.

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Seminary Hill Natural Area
Type	Preserve, hiking
Coordinates	46°42′34″N 122°56′44″W
Area	71 acres (29 ha)
Designated	1981
Status	Open
Hiking trails	2.25 miles (3.62 km)
Terrain	Flat to moderate inclines, cliffs
Vegetation	Natural forest
Parking	Vehicle parking
Facilities	None

History

The hill, located east of Centralia's downtown district, was first used as the site of a seminary by the Northwest Convention of Missionary Baptists in 1884. The founder of the city, George Washington, donated a large amount for the construction of the divinity school and the building became a well known landmark in the community. The seminary, from which the park is named, was eventually torn down in 1938.^[1]

The grounds were purchased by the city in the 1900s and was used for military exercises and Girl Scout activities. The area was protected as a natural area in 1981.^[2]

The surrounding area once contained the Armory Hills Golf Course.^[3]

Seminary Hill is the resting place of the ashes William "Bill" Moeller, a longtime Centralia resident and public servant who died in 2024 at the age of 96. Moeller requested the disbursement of his ashes at the park due to his love of the area.^[4]

Description

The 71.0-acre (28.7 ha) park contains over 2.0 miles (3.2 km) of trails through mixed forest and views of the Chehalis River Valley.^[2][1] The looping trail system, often designated with granite markers,^[1] begins with an uphill verge and hikers are able to choose between the Indian Pipe Trail, or the Canyon Trail, which heads to the Centralia reservoir. Benches are located along the trails, and there are minor picnic and bathroom facilities.^[2]

As of 2024^[update], leashed dogs are allowed but camping and biking is forbidden. No fees for access to the area, or parking, is required.^[2][1] A volunteer group, the Friends of Seminary Hill, provides educational trail walks during the year.^[1]

Environment and ecology

The natural area contains sword ferns that grow from nursing logs, as well as various types of flora in the park's valleys.^[2] The biome contains a mixture of big-leaf and vine maples, and alder, and most of the canopy is Douglas fir and western red cedar.^[1] There are no large animals, but smaller creatures and birds are to be found in the forest.^[2]