Situated just moments from downtown Centralia, the Seminary Hill Natural Area offers a serene, forested escape with deep roots in community activism and environmental stewardship. Thanks to the tireless work of the Friends of Seminary Hill Natural Area, this natural gem remains a thriving habitat for native species and a peaceful haven for residents and visitors alike. The nonprofit volunteer organization continues to preserve, protect, and promote this beloved forested hillside through education, restoration, and community connection.
Protecting Seminary Hill Natural Area for Future Generations in Centralia
Friends of Seminary Hill Natural Area was founded in the 1980s with a clear mission: to protect the hillside. “Originally, this group was formed to save the area from logging,” Communications Coordinator Cindy Garibay explains. “At the time, the city didn’t have the resources to maintain a park or create another alternative, so it was suggested we keep it as a natural area for people to hike through and enjoy.”
Since then, the area has remained under the ownership of the city of Centralia while being stewarded by dedicated volunteers. “All of us love the forest for a variety of reasons, whether that’s having a calm, restorative place to hike through or a deep passion for helping the local plants and animals thrive,” says Garibay. The group’s mission continues to center on protecting the forest’s biodiversity, maintaining public trails, and providing low-barrier access to nature for the entire Lewis County community.
Community Events, Trail Restoration, and Education in Lewis County
From hands-on conservation work to educational programming, Friends of Seminary Hill has created a calendar full of opportunities for residents to engage with nature in meaningful ways. “We offer several kinds of events for the community to get involved in,” Garibay notes, “These include regular work parties, wildflower walks, bilingual plant walks and picnics, and even live music events like Music on the Hill.”
The group’s efforts are visible in recent projects, such as the restoration of the Arroyo area near the parking lot. A previous mudslide introduced clay-heavy soil that stifled plant growth. “Though it’s only been a couple of months since we began our project of planting a total of 500 trees and shrubs… we are seeing many of these plants take hold and grow,” says Garibay.
The organization also offers a Mobility Friendly Trail, designed with a wider gravel path for accessibility. This small but vital enhancement reflects the Friends’ inclusive vision of nature for all.
Fighting Invasive Species and Partnering with the City of Centralia
Much of the group’s work involves managing invasive plants like English ivy and English holly. Judy Bell, a long-time volunteer leader, spearheads weekly ivy-pulling sessions every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. “The team is currently very small, but mighty!” Garibay shares. “Many areas previously covered in ivy are now free of it and thriving.”
The Friends also benefit from a strong relationship with the city of Centralia. “The city locks and unlocks our gate each morning and night, provides bark and gravel, empties garbage, and supplies port-a-potties on our work days,” Garibay says. “This 40-year partnership ensures the site is maintained and welcoming year-round for residents and visitors.”
Despite these successes, ongoing challenges persist. “One of the biggest challenges is that much of our work is ongoing,” explains Garibay. “There is no finish line to getting rid of invasive species, just a steady pursuit to manage as much as we can.” Limited funding and volunteer bandwidth also impact how much the group can take on. “Some areas of the hill are just too tricky to work on and require a professional hand,” she adds.
Volunteers and Members Power the Heart of Seminary Hill in Centralia
“Our volunteers are our main workforce,” says Garibay. “Whether pulling ivy, spreading gravel, or attending events, their contributions are essential to the organization’s success. We really couldn’t do it without them.”
Volunteering is open to all, and people can stay informed by joining the group’s email list at goseminaryhill@gmail.com, following Friends of Seminary Hill on Facebook, or @goseminaryhill on Instagram. Those who want to support but can’t attend events can become members. Memberships start at just $10 per year for individuals and $20 for families. “Current perks include discounts on our merch and the joy of supporting a beautiful Washington forest,” Garibay adds.
Garibay shares a personal reflection: “Working with FSHNA has given me something to be excited about and make a direct difference… Even my independent trips to the Hill have a deeper appreciation now that I know all the effort that goes into it.”
Whether you’re a long-time Centralia local or a new resident of Lewis County, a walk through the Seminary Hill Natural Area is a reminder of what a community can accomplish when it cares deeply about a place. As Garibay puts it, “Without the Friends, this area could look vastly different… It’s a much less pleasing alternative to what we have now.”
