Seminary Hill Nears Season’s First Events

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As the first flowers come into bloom on Seminary Hill, volunteers are planning the first educational and clean-up events of the year on the forest that overlooks downtown Centralia.

On April 30, the Friends of the Seminary Hill Natural Area — a nonprofit that handles much of the maintenance in the 72-acre forest — will be hosting a wildflower walk. The walk will be preceded by an event to honor the group’s longtime volunteers, as well as dedicate the new informational signs at the trailhead that were put together by the Washington State Military Department. 

“They did an incredible job (on the signs),” said Brian Mittge, the president of the Friends group. “They look absolutely tremendous.”

The signs outline the geologic history of the forest, the plants and animals that can be found in the refuge and the human history that has taken place on the hill. After the dedication at 5 p.m., the wildflower walk will begin at 6 at the Barner Driver entrance. 

Lisa Carlson, a Centralia College botany professor, will lead the expedition, teaching attendees about native wildflowers amid their springtime bloom. 

The group’s annual springtime clean-up event — usually held on Earth Day — will fall on May 4 this year, after the wildflower walk. Volunteers will be able to choose from a variety of tasks. 



“It’s a hoot just to get together and do whatever you want on the hill,” Mittge said. “We have projects laid out — it’s whatever sort of thing suits your fancy.”

Tools and work gloves will be available, but those who have tools should bring their own. Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy shoes. According to Mittge, attendees often range from 5-year-olds to octogenarians. 

“The volunteers who created our group and successfully saved the hill 40 years ago are our inspiration,” Mittge wrote in a release. “We’re excited to honor them with a party on April 30, and with a work party on May 4.”

Future events this year will include a photography workshop, art outing, live music and a fall work party. More information on the group and upcoming activities can be found at facebook.com/seminaryhill.