Stepping off sharply at 10 a.m. Tuesday under a beautiful sky, seven Pine Bluffs youngsters along with members of the Pine Bluffs Recreation Department headed to the archeologocial site located in the bluffs for the first of four summer hikes.

The four-hike series was conceived by Pine Bluffs Recreation director Sonja Fornstrom.

"We’re tying to do a lot of little things to help get the kids up in the Bluffs and on the trails," said Fornstrom.

In addition to visiting the archeological site, the summer trail series will visit Leaning Rock, the End of the Trail monument and will culminate with a trip to the Lynn Hull observation site.

"These bluffs really are a great asset to this town and one that we don’t use often enough," Fornstrom said.

Fornstrom added that she also hoped to provide parents with a bit of a break during the summer months as children take to the trail and weren’t in front of the television.

"Once we get out to the archeological site, we’ll have a small class by Bob Simkins who mans the location and snacks and drinks will be provided," Fornstrom explained.

In addition to getting kids out of the house, Fornstrom noted that she hoped that by exploring, children would take an active role in protecting the land.

"For so many years these bluffs have been misused and abused," she said. "I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone walking up there and found trash strewn about," Fornstrom added. "Hopefully as the kids spend more and more time up there they’ll sort of take an ownership role and help keep this area beautiful."

While the walks are primarily intended for children, Fornstrom noted that anyone was welcome to come out and participate. There is no cost to join the walk and snacks and drinks are provided.

If you interested in attending one of the summer trail series, contact Sonja Fornstrom at the Pine Bluffs Recreation Department at 245-3301. For a listing of upcoming hikes, please keep an eye on the Pine Bluffs Post’s community calendar.