On a sunny Saturday morning in the mountains of Los Angeles, Pierce students experienced the lush green trees and the serenity of one of LA’s few waterfalls.
Healthy living and an emphasis on nature have been the core principles for the Pierce College Hiking Club, which meets every other Saturday.
William Yeromian, the founder of the Hiking Club, promotes a healthy lifestyle through the organization.
According to the Hiking Club, membership in the club will change your life for the better, and is a club that explores nature and living healthy which combined offers a greater well-being.
The club was established last year. Yeromian was part of a hiking club at his alma mater. He enjoyed the club so much that he decided to create one of his own at Pierce.
Hikes take place all over Los Angeles and explore waterfalls, scenic views, and campsites. Last semester the club visited the Malibu area and saw a 50-foot waterfall.
“The most beautiful thing that hikers get to experience is a waterfall. The club has been to quite a few waterfalls in the past and we hope to go to even more in the future.” Yeromian said.
Rocio Barrera, a member of the Hiking Club, described her experiences with the club. Barrera believes that every student that joins the club will not regret their decision.
“I have found that this club is my safe place. I really enjoy all the people,” Barrera said.
Club meetings occur every Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in BUS 3201. Fundraisers and future hikes are planned during the meetings.
There are no requirements to join the club. Yeromian encourages that Pierce students bring their friends and families along with them on the hikes.
The club encourages members to have the correct hiking supplies when hiking the Valley of Flowers Trek. This includes hiking shoes, hiking sticks, water, snacks and a hiking backpack.
Each semester starts with easy hikes but progresses to more challenging hikes throughout the semester.
“I love nature and I love to hike,” said Kris Edwards, who joined the club in support of his boyfriend William.
“We went on a hike and stumbled upon a puddle. In the puddle were two frogs. I told everyone to be quiet and we all just listened to them and took in all the nature,” Barrera said.
This semester the club hopes to raise enough money to fund a camping trip at Point Mugu State Park. They will be hosting a fundraiser on March 19 at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Woodland Hills, located at 20968 Ventura blvd. 10 percent of the proceeds will go to the Hiking Club.
“I’m sure you’ve all seen beautiful pictures of Los Angeles from a distance or just the ocean, but imagine yourself actually seeing it. That’s what the Hiking Club shows our hikers. We show the best of what Los Angeles has to offer by simply showing you beautiful nature in and around it,” Yeromian said.
The club will also be involved in the community. It plans to participate in beach cleanups and walks for good causes. The club hopes to grow and become an outlet for students who want to live a healthy life and have fun while doing so.
“Our mission is the collaboratively promote good health through hiking and to take in the splendor that nature has to offer.” said Yeromian.
