Members of the Santa Maria High School Alpine Club help maintain local trails. (Courtesy photo)
After working to maintain local trails, 26 members of the Santa Maria High School Alpine Club watched the nature documentary ‘100 Summits.’ (Courtesy photo)

The Santa Maria High School Alpine Club recently provided a day of community service for the city of Santa Maria, then enjoyed an outdoor movie night with a film that highlighted scenic beauty, perseverance, dedication and teamwork.

Twenty-six club members helped to maintain and repair trails at Los Flores Ranch, a 1,778-acre open space with more than 20 miles of multi-use trails. The students were accompanied by club co-advisors Amy Hennings and Oscar Velasco, and teacher Omar Gonzalez.

Following their trail work, the students viewed the documentary film “100 Summits,” which was shown on a big outdoor screen at SMHS. The film highlights the beauty of the Cascade Mountains in Washington state; and the challenges, endurance and commitment of Andrew Okerlund’s quest to climb all of Washington’s 100 highest peaks, known as The Bulgers List, in one season.

“It was an amazing experience, from going on hikes and walking on trails, to actually working and making those trails,’’ said Wendy Buenrostro, a 12th grader.

“The Los Flores Ranch trip was a great experience. It was fun,” said 10th-grader Anthony Agustin Martinez. “We got to help the community and it was an opportunity to talk to people that I haven’t talked to before and get to know more about them.’’

“We have had a partnership with Los Flores Ranch and the city for many years now. Our club enjoys giving back to the community and learning from the wonderful staff at Los Flores Ranch. Students learned about the environment, nature, and trail maintenance. It’s a great experience for our students,” Amy Hennings, club co-advisor.

The Alpine Club, which has been active on the SMHS campus since the 1960s, is dedicated to teaching students about the beauty of nature, healthy outdoor activities, and team-building.