The Nature Trail follows a small stream that originates at a spring-fed pond on HumanKind property, meanders through the valley behind Westminster Canterbury’s main building, and runs into Pigeon Creek when it exits the Westminster Canterbury campus. At its longest, the walk is about one-third of a mile from one end to the other.

The idea for a nature walk along the stream originated with Warren and Priscilla Light in 2000, and the path took shape in three stages: The oldest part, completed in 2007, forms a loop that begins at the crossover connecting the cottages on Westminster Way to the main building. It then proceeds southward along the creek, crosses it via a bridge, and returns to the crossover. Along the east bank, a deck with benches overlooks the creek, while a small overlook provides a view from the opposite bank.

Two years later, in 2009, the longer, northern section of the trail was added, linking the original loop to Westminster Way near the playground. This part of the path features a gazebo, and passes by a wetland area that may flood during periods of rainy weather.

The most recent component of the walk was finished in 2012. It proceeds from the bridge in the original loop to the culvert that channels the stream under Linden Street, after which the water flows into Pigeon Creek.  This section includes a small picnic area, a second bridge that leads the walk back over the creek, and a second deck overlooking the stream as it leaves the campus.

 A rope railing runs along the whole length of the trail, good footing is provided by flat pavers, and benches are placed at intervals, encouraging walkers to sit a while and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Twenty-six trees along the Nature Trail are numbered and identification information is available at distribution boxes found at the Westminster Way (playground) entrance and the Woods Edge ramp.

The Nature Trail was made possible by generous gifts from residents and friends of Westminster Canterbury, and from local businesses. The residents’ Nature Trail Committee coordinates with groundskeepers to maintain the trail, and has the use of a small endowment fund for this purpose.  Every effort is made to preserve the area in a natural state for the continued enjoyment of the Westminster Canterbury community.