On April 19, 2014 we’ll walk the Perimeter trail at St Edward State Park, meeting  by the ranger’s office at 10:00 AM.  April 19, 2014 is a free day for state parks, so you will not need to pay parking or display your Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year).

Plan on about 1 to 1  1/2 hours for the 1.5 mile loop (because we stop and point out interesting aspects of the park), although there are many opportunities to quickly cut back to the parking lot. Children (including those in strollers) and on-leash friendly dogs are  welcome.

UPDATE…we met new neighbors, we learned

What a great walk around the seminary building perimeter. 15 people walked away more knowledgeable and more connected to St Ed State Park nestled on top of Finn Hill. We learned about the native garden, stood in the grotto, heard facts such as the seminary building was built in 6 months and all the gutter drainage runs out through the inside of the building not the outside. We toured rooms inside the seminary. We live so close to this diverse forest, trails, gardens, playground, picnic area, and majestic building, with greater appreciation, we walked away richer for the experience!

George Meredith Led the St Ed Walk

George Meredith Led the St Ed Walk

Winner of the Cap guessed the correct number of picnic tables and benches are in the park

Winner of the Cap guessed the correct number of 159 picnic tables and benches in the park

If we are very lucky, resident Ranger Mohammad Mostafavinassab (Mo) will give us a 10 minute history of the Seminary building.

Jeanette Leach

Jeanette Leach

The Perimeter trail goes around the edge of the grassy area at St Edward State Park, allowing us to observe the seminary from every angle, check out the native plant area, explore the grotto, see the extraordinary playground created by volunteer efforts,  observe the apple orchard with 100 year old trees, and participate in the contest.  Contest?  What contest?
There will be a prize of a state parks baseball cap for the best answer on a quiz question, but you won’t know the  question unless you join us.  We’re looking forward to seeing you.    Jeanette and George
George Meredith

George Meredith

 

P.S.  FHNA is planning  several walks in parks in Finn Hill this year, if you wish to suggest one or lead one, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

 

 

 

 

St Edward Grotto

St Edward Grotto

St Ed Apple Orchard

St Ed Apple Orchard

St Edward Seminary building

St Edward Seminary building

 

The “Walk in the Park” series started in 2013.  Come join us for an introduction to the great forests we have the privilege to live with on Finn Hill.  Previous walks included the Madrona Grove and both East and West side of Big Finn Hill Park:

Big Finn Hill Park East side walk: http://www.kirklandviews.com/blog/archives/36312

Big Finn Hill Park West side walk: http://loqq.net/2013/11/complexities-of-life-simplified-with-a-walk-in-the-park/

Madrona Grove in Big Finn Hill Park: http://loqq.net/2013/03/big-finn-hill-park-madrona-grove/?preview=true&preview_id=4202&preview_nonce=e5859b4f50