CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 24, 2026 – The Wyoming Monuments and Markers Program preserves and interprets significant historic places, people, and events through a statewide system of monuments and roadside markers. The program highlights Wyoming’s diverse heritage, from Indigenous history and historic trails to community development and notable individuals, helping residents and visitors connect with the stories that shaped the state’s landscape.

A major focus of the program today is expanding public access through digital tools. The recently refreshed interactive Monuments and Markers Map modernizes how users explore Wyoming history by providing updated locations and improved usability. The map revamp strengthens heritage tourism, educational outreach, and public engagement, allowing users to discover historic sites across Wyoming anytime, anywhere. View the interactive map at Bit.ly/WyoMM. 

The program operates through collaboration with key partners, including Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation, the Wyoming Office of Tourism, local governments, tribal nations, historical societies, tourism organizations, and community volunteers. These partnerships support research, installation, and long-term stewardship of monuments and markers while ensuring historical interpretation remains accurate, accessible, and representative of Wyoming’s shared history.

Learn more about the Monuments and Markers program or other Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources programs and initiatives at wyospcr.wyo.gov. 

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Figure 1: Custer Expedition Monument in Sundance, Wyoming. Figure 2: Sheep Mountain near Greybull, Wyoming. Figure 3: Art Gallery of Time in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.

Contact: Savannah Daniels, (307) 777-6314; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 23, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council, in partnership with the Piatigorsky Foundation, announces the Spring 2026 statewide tour featuring mezzo-soprano Katherine Calcamuggio Donner and pianist Gabriel Evens. From May 2–7, the duo will present a series of free public concerts and school outreach programs in communities across Wyoming.

The Piatigorsky Foundation is dedicated to making live classical music accessible to all, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Since its founding in 1990, the foundation has brought music to more than 3,700 communities nationwide, engaging seniors, students, and general audiences. This tour is made possible by the generous support of the Muriel & Seymour Thickman Family Charitable Trust in Sheridan.

This spring tour offers residents across Wyoming an opportunity to experience live classical music in their own communities. Performances will take place in community spaces and schools, reinforcing the Wyoming Arts Council’s commitment to statewide access and community engagement.

“What’s meaningful about this tour is the opportunity to experience live classical music in a setting that feels familiar,” said Amara Fehring, community development and arts learning specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council. “The Piatigorsky Tour brings high-level performances directly into places like schools, senior centers, libraries, and museums, making classical music more accessible and ensuring that cultural experiences aren’t limited to major cities.”

Spring 2026 Piatigorsky Tour Schedule

Unless noted as a school show, performances are free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 2, 5 p.m.
Douglas Baptist Church, Douglas
135 Pearson Road

Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m.
Laramie County Public Library, Cheyenne
2200 Pioneer Ave.

Monday, May 4 — School show only
Trail Elementary School, Torrington

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m.
Congregational Church, Lusk
120 E. Fifth St.

Wednesday, May 6 — School shows only
Boal Auditorium, Upton
Rural Homeschoolers Association, Newcastle

Thursday, May 7 — School show only
Moorcroft Secondary School, Moorcroft

About the Artists

Katherine Calcamuggio Donner, mezzo-soprano, is an award-winning performer known for her powerful voice and compelling stage presence. She has appeared in opera productions, recitals, and symphonic works throughout the country, earning praise for her expressive interpretation and technical skill.

Gabriel Evens, pianist and composer, brings rich musicality and improvisational flair to classical performance. In addition to his work as a collaborative pianist, he has performed as a jazz artist and composer across the United States and internationally.

For more information about the Piatigorsky Tour in Wyoming, contact Amara Fehring, community development and arts learning specialist, at (307) 630-3918 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additional information is available at wyomingartscouncil.org.

Figure 1: Mezzo-soprano Katherine Calcamuggio Donner and pianist Gabriel Evens will tour Wyoming this May through a Wyoming Arts Council partnership with the Piatigorsky Foundation.

Contact: Amara Fehring, (307) 630-3918, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 21, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council will hold a panel review meeting for Community upport Grant applications on Monday, May 4. Applicants and members of the public are invited to listen to the panel’s review and discussion.

The review of applications requesting operating support, project support, and arts learning funding will begin at 9:30 a.m. The public may listen by calling (240) 903-4221 and entering PIN 668 582 782#. All callers will be muted for the duration of the meeting and will not be able to comment.

During the meeting, panelists will discuss trends across applications, including strengths and weaknesses by section, such as community impact, evaluation, and project or operational support. 

“We encourage applicants to listen to the panel discussion as a form of professional development in grant writing,” said Cashmere Balland, grants and administration manager for the Wyoming Arts Council. “Even if you have listened in years past, you can always learn something new from the feedback provided.”

The Wyoming Arts Council board will review panel recommendations during its quarterly meeting in Lusk on May 18–19. The board meeting is the only opportunity for applicants to provide public comment. Additional information, including call-in details and public comment times, will be available at wyomingartscouncil.org under the “News” tab as the meeting date approaches.

For more information, contact Amara Fehring, community development and arts learning specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council, at (307) 630-3918 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Participants observe a demonstration of traditional sinew sewing techniques during a hands-on workshop at By Western Hands in Cody.

Contact: Amara Fehring, (307) 630-3918; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 20, 2026 – The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund (ORTTF) board will meet on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MDT) and Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MDT) at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, located at 601 Pic Pike Rd, Saratoga, WY 82331.  

The ORTTF will support outdoor recreation infrastructure projects across Wyoming through funds generated from the statewide lodging tax.

The nine-member board was appointed by Governor Mark Gordon and confirmed by the Wyoming Senate. Its members reflect a broad spectrum of outdoor recreation perspectives, interests, and experiences statewide.

The board will oversee the ORTTF and award competitive grants from the fund for outdoor recreation infrastructure projects across the state. The board accepted applications from February 25 through April 11 for the inaugural funding round. During this meeting, the board will review submitted applications to determine which projects warrant additional evaluation through site visits, with final grant awards to be determined at the board’s July meeting.

Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings. An online attendance option will be available for virtual attendees; however, the ORTTF board will benefit from your in-person attendance.  A designated time will be provided for public comment. 

To join the meeting virtually, register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PDOjb9nyTOWkM4bYAlxL6g 

For more information about the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, please visit wyorec.com. 

Contacts: 

Mark Tesoro, (307) 679-2507; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brynn Hirschman, (307) 701-5011; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 17, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails has officially released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional appraisal services to evaluate concession facilities at Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

These appraisals are mandated by 2026 Senate Enrolled Act 27, Section 335, which requires appraisals of the “capital investment” and “ongoing concern” for the businesses known as the Star Plunge and the Hot Springs Hotel and Spa. 

Qualified professional appraisers are encouraged to review the full requirements.  Proposals must be submitted through the State’s Public Purchase online bidding system by 2:00 p.m., May 18, 2026. To view the full RFP (Number 0270-M), please visit https://www.publicpurchase.com/gems/wyominggsd,wy/buyer/public/home. 

For additional information, contact Wyoming State Parks' Visitor Services Manager Stephanie Dillmon, or learn more about Wyoming State Parks at wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Contact: Stephanie Dillmon, (307) 777-5734; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 17, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources is excited to announce the lineup of talented musicians for the 2nd year of the Tunes on the Trail summer series. This unique initiative combines live acoustic music with the stunning outdoor scenery of Wyoming's state parks and historic sites, offering an unforgettable experience for music lovers and nature enthusiasts.

The four selected Wyoming-based artists are Shawn Hess (Laramie), Box of Rocks (Laramie), The Tinderwoods (Lander), and Pathfinder (Casper). 

"We are beyond excited for the second year of Tunes on the Trail. This program saw incredible success last year, and we have amazing artists selected for 2026," stated Jamie Hansen with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. "It was a difficult selection process, and we greatly appreciate everyone who applied. We look forward to getting people outside and introducing them to Wyoming music and culture.”

Each artist will perform a 90-minute set, made unique by the custom backdrop of Wyoming's beautiful landscape. The experience begins with an optional guided hike, allowing attendees to explore the area before settling in for live music.

The summer concert series will kick off on June 6, 2026, with a performance by Shawn Hess at Guernsey State Park. Attendees are invited to join a hike at 4:30 p.m., followed by the performance from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. 

On July 11, 2026, Seminoe State Park will feature the band Box of Rocks. The schedule includes a 5:00 p.m. hike and a performance from 6:00 to 7:30p.m.

South Pass City State Historic Site will host The Tinderwoods on August 15, 2026. Participants can enjoy a hike at 4:30 p.m., with the performance set from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The concert series will conclude at Hot Springs State Park on August 22, 2026, with the band Pathfinder performing. Hikers can start at 5:30 p.m., with the concert running from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

While standard day-use fees apply for park entry at Guernsey State Park and Seminoe State Park ($7 per vehicle for Wyoming residents and $12 per vehicle for non-residents) and general admission applies at South Pass City State Historic Site ($4 for Wyoming residents, $8 for non-residents, with free admission for kids 17 & under) the Tunes on the Trail events are free to attend. Entry to Hot Springs State Park is always free. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and explore the park to make the most of their visit.

Tunes on the Trail is a program created in partnership by the Wyoming Arts Council, the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, and Wyoming State Parks, programs within the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

The Tunes on the Trail program is partially supported by the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Spark Tank program, an internal funding initiative for innovative agency projects and events, and is part of the Wyoming Arts Council's Wyoming Independent Music Initiative (WIMI), which aims to promote local artists and facilitate their performances throughout the state.

To stay updated on upcoming events, follow us on our Facebook pages: @WyomingArtsCouncil, @WyoRec, and @WyomingStateParks. You can also learn more about the diverse programs offered by Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Shawn Hess of Laramie, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 2: Box of Rocks of Laramie, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 3: The Tinderwoods of Lander, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 4: Pathfinder of Casper, image courtesy of the artist. 

Contact: Jamie Hansen, (307) 460-8794; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LARAMIE, Wyo. – April 16, 2026 - The University of Wyoming’s Jay Kemmerer Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Institute and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation have released their annual report on outdoor recreation and its positive impact on Wyoming’s economy. This report documents several key elements of the industry's contribution to the state.

“We’re excited for the release of our annual report,” said Mark Tesoro, manager for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “It showcases how essential it is for agencies, businesses, and organizations to collectively invest in keeping outdoor recreation an important part of our culture, community, and economy.”

Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’s recently released data showed that outdoor recreation’s positive impact on Wyoming’s economy in 2024 included generating 16,545 jobs and contributing $2.3 billion to the state’s GDP (gross domestic product), a 0.5% increase over 2023.

Visitors and residents of Wyoming enjoyed hunting, shooting, and trapping, bringing in $109 million and ranking as the state’s top economic contributor in the outdoor recreation sector. In a close second, RVing brought in nearly $90 million, underscoring the state as a premier destination for travelers and recreationists. 

“The 2024 BEA data further validates outdoor recreation as a long-term economic development strategy for Wyoming,” says Dan McCoy, director of the University of Wyoming’s Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute. “Sustained expansion of this sector strengthens economic resilience, broadens revenue streams, and supports the vitality of communities throughout the state.”

  The report also includes updates from the twelve existing regional Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives. The Office of Outdoor Recreation convenes these quarterly group meetings to coalesce supporters of outdoor recreation in communities across the state.

Updates about the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Trust Fund are also featured in the report. The fund was finalized during the state’s 2024 legislative session, and its intent is to promote, preserve, and enhance Wyoming’s outdoor recreation and tourism infrastructure.

Details about the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit, Mountain West Trails Conference, and the Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo are discussed, all of which promise to unite and encourage outdoor recreation enthusiasts and experts in the state and beyond. 

Visit wyorec.info/WYORECReport_2026 to access the digital version of the report. 

For more information about the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, please visit wyorec.com. For more information about the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, please visit www.uwyo.edu/worth.

Contacts:

Mark Tesoro, (307) 679-2507; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dan McCoy, (307) 766-5009; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 15, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation (WYOREC) is proud to announce the launch of its 12th and final Outdoor Recreation Collaborative, expanding its network to include Teton County. With this addition, every county in Wyoming is now served by a WYOREC Collaborative, strengthening coordination and opportunity across the state’s outdoor recreation sector.

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives help WYOREC advance its mission to champion responsible outdoor recreation to improve communities and diversify the state’s economy. Collaboratives, like the newly established one in Teton County, bring together a wide range of local stakeholders, including outdoor recreation businesses, nonprofits, clubs, community members, advocacy groups, conservation organizations, and elected officials. Additionally, each group has guidance and participation from state and federal agency advisors.

An initial informational session will be held on April 21, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at the Teton County Public Library, with a virtual attendance option available. A second meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2026; additional details will be announced soon. 

Topics covered during the initial session will include the history and processes of the statewide Collaboratives, introductions of the members, identification of the outdoor recreation components that Teton County prioritizes, and recognition of the challenges they are facing. Three testimonials from other statewide Collaborative members will also be shared. 

Community members and interested participants are encouraged to attend and get involved. These meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, please see below:

• Tuesday, April 21, 2026
• 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (MDT)
• Teton County Library, located at 125 Virginian Lane, Jackson, WY 83001, Auditorium A.
• Join virtually through a video call: meet.google.com/qqq-askz-atm
• Dial in: ‪(US) +1 508-779-6069, PIN: ‪260 317 530‬#

Stay informed about the latest developments and ongoing work of our Collaboratives by subscribing to the monthly newsletter, The Collaborative Connection, visiting WyoRec.com, and joining the TCORC Facebook Group. 

Contacts:

Amy Crawford, (307) 777-6925; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jamie Hansen, (307) 460-8794; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LARAMIE, Wyo. – April 15, 2026 – Voting is now open for the annual Society for American Archaeology (SAA) State Archaeology Celebration Poster contest. Wyoming has been participating in this contest since its inception in 1996 and has a remarkable track record. 

The Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has submitted a poster to the competition each year, for a total of 29 submissions. Of those submissions, 13 have received first prize, eight have received second prize, and six have received third prize.

Show your support for this program and for Wyoming Archaeology by heading to this link to vote online. Alternatively, navigate to SAA.org > Education & Outreach > Poster Contest to vote. Online voting will remain open until Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Voting in person will also take place at the SAA conference in San Francisco from April 23 to 26. You do not need to be a member of the SAA to vote. 

“The poster program is the shining star of Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month each year. Wyomingites really love the posters. Folks from all over our state come to my office asking for them on a regular basis,” says State Archaeology Month Coordinator Gwendolyn Kristy. 

The posters are distributed statewide, nationally, and internationally to over 1,500 people and organizations each year. The posters are designed to generate interest in and understanding of archaeology among the public.

The 2025 poster, for which voting is now open, is titled “Threads through Time: Bone needles in Wyoming’s Archaeological Record,” features a bone needle fragment found at a site in Wyoming known as the La Prele Mammoth Site and is over 13,000 years old. The poster is available free of charge and may be picked up at the State Historic Preservation Office, Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne, or at the Anthropology Building in Laramie, located at 12th and Lewis, Room 312. If you wish to have a poster mailed to you, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

The Wyoming SHPO documents, preserves, and promotes Wyoming’s heritage with our preservation partners and through programs such as the National Register of Historic Places, Federal Review and Consultation, Site Stewardship, and Planning and Historic Contexts. For more information about the WY SHPO, contact Deputy Historic Preservation Officer Brian Beadles at (307) 777-8594 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information about the Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month, please contact Gwendolyn Kristy at (307) 766-5366 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Image of the 2025 Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month Poster "Threads through Time," which is entered into the national contest. 

Contact: Gwendolyn Kristy, (307) 766-5366; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.