CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 2, 2026 – Registration is now open for the Cultural Heritage Institute, a new professional development event hosted by the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR). The one-day, in-person institute will take place Sept. 17, 2026, in Cheyenne and is designed to equip cultural heritage employees, historic site and museum staff, and volunteers with practical skills in preservation and collections care.

Hosted in partnership with the Laramie County Library System, the Institute will bring together emerging and experienced professionals, as well as dedicated volunteers, working in Wyoming’s cultural fields to share ideas, exchange knowledge, and build lasting connections. The event will feature sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities centered on preserving and promoting the state’s shared history, arts, and culture.

“This Institute is an opportunity to invest in the people who care for Wyoming’s history and culture,” said Sara Davis of the Wyoming State Archives. “By bringing people together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and build lasting connections, we’re strengthening the collaboration needed to preserve and promote Wyoming’s cultural heritage for generations to come.”

The Cultural Heritage Institute will offer a foundation in core practices across museums, archives, historic sites, and arts programs. The event will emphasize practical learning, professional growth, and opportunities to connect with mentors and peers across Wyoming’s cultural community. Participants will learn how cultural collections and programs are cared for, interpreted, and shared within the state’s vibrant cultural network.

This initiative is made possible through funding from State Parks and Cultural Resources’ Spark Tank Program, an internal fund that supports SPCR staff in developing and testing innovative ideas to advance the department’s mission. The event is being organized collaboratively by SPCR programs, including the Arts Council, State Archives, State Historic Preservation Office, State Museum, State Parks, and Historic Sites.

Attendance will be free, with registration required and limited to 50 participants. Register at Bit.ly/WyoCulturalHeritageInstitute-Register. 

The event will be held at the Laramie County Library located at 2200 Pioneer Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001. 

For future updates, please visit Bit.ly/WyoCulturalHeritageInstitute or follow SPCR programs on social media by using #WyoCulturalHertitageInstitute2026.

Contact: Sara Davis, (307) 777-7826; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SINCLAIR, Wyo. – April 1, 2026 - Despite lower-than-average water levels at Seminoe Reservoir, Seminoe State Park remains open and continues to offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors this spring and summer.

While conditions at the reservoir look different this season, park staff emphasize that Seminoe continues to offer many of the experiences that draw visitors to the area year-round. Shoreline fishing remains productive, with anglers catching walleye, trout, and perch from accessible bank locations. 

Beyond the water, Seminoe State Park offers a wide range of land-based recreation. Visitors can explore miles of open terrain on foot or by off-highway vehicle, take advantage of quiet camping opportunities, and enjoy wildlife viewing and photography across the park’s expansive high-desert landscape. 

“Even with lower water levels, the North Red Hills Boat Ramp remains open and accessible,” said Lonnie Porter, superintendent of Seminoe State Park. “There is still a great deal to experience at Seminoe. This is an opportunity for visitors to explore more of the park beyond the water and enjoy a broader range of recreational opportunities.”

Visitors are encouraged to use caution near shorelines and be aware of exposed hazards. Boating access may be limited, and Wyoming State Parks recommends checking current conditions and ramp availability prior to arrival.

Seminoe State Park is part of Wyoming’s system of reservoir parks, where water levels can vary seasonally. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, recreate responsibly, and follow Leave No Trace principles while enjoying the park.

For the latest updates and visitor information, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/seminoe or contact the park directly.

Figure 1: Boating at Seminoe State Park. 

Contact: Lonnie Porter, (307)-320-3013; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – March 31, 2026 – Wyoming Writers, Inc., the Wyoming Arts Council, and the American Heritage Center have launched a statewide writing contest in conjunction with America’s 250th anniversary.

The contest invites writers across Wyoming to reflect on the state’s history, culture, and future through original work inspired by Wyoming’s official semiquincentennial theme:

• Honoring our past: Commemorate Wyoming’s history, places, and people.
• Examining our present: Review Wyoming’s role in America today.
• Imagining our future: Plan for Wyoming’s leadership in America’s future.

“The semiquincentennial is a chance for reflection and imagination, and we’re excited to see how writers of all different ages and genres address these themes,” says Rachel Clifton with the Wyoming Arts Council. 

The submissions are open through April 15, 2026. Entries must be submitted online through the Wyoming Writers, Inc. website at wyowriters.org/250. Mailed or paper submissions will not be accepted.

Writers may submit work in one of three categories: poetry (traditional or free verse), flash fiction (up to 1,000 words), or nonfiction (up to 2,500 words). Submissions will be judged in three age divisions: children (age 12 and under), young adult/new adult (ages 13–22), and adult (age 22 and older).

Winning entries will be selected in each category and age division, with three winners recognized in each group. Winners will receive a monetary prize and complimentary registration to attend the Wyoming Writers, Inc. annual conference, scheduled for June 5–7, 2026, in Casper. Those who attend the conference will have the opportunity to read their work at a public reception on Friday evening, June 5.

Prizes are sponsored by the American Heritage Center and the Wyoming Arts Council. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available through Wyoming Writers, Inc. by contacting  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Full contest guidelines, including formatting requirements and eligibility details, are available at wyowriters.org/250.

For more information, visit wyomingartscouncil.org or contact Rachel Clifton, executive director of the Wyoming Arts Council, at (307) 256-0500 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Contact: Rachel Clifton, (307) 256-0500; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – March 31, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and Wyoming State Trails Program are honored to bring the second-annual Mountain West Trails Conference, which debuted in Utah in 2024, to Wyoming this May. 

The two-day conference will take place on May 19-20, 2026, at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, WY, bringing together trail enthusiasts, professionals, and leaders from eight Mountain West states: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Day 1 is centered on hands-on workshops and field tours; attendees will choose between experiencing recreational opportunities firsthand and giving back to the trail community through restoration and signage projects across the Rock Springs area. The day will wrap up with a Wyoming-themed dinner and networking. Day 2 is jam-packed with engaging keynote, general, and breakout sessions. 

Joe Stone and Quinn Brett of Dovetail Trail Consulting will deliver the keynote address, offering a personal perspective on access, resilience, and the outdoors. Chris Perkins, vice president of programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, will present the organization’s Health Vision, “America’s Outdoor Era,” which positions outdoor recreation as a solution to some of the nation’s most pressing health challenges.

Breakout session topics will include the e-bike landscape in 2026; the evolution of off-road vehicle trail systems; trail tourism readiness; recreation mapping in rural Nevada; the potential of the Great American Rail-Trail through the Mountain West; trails and mining partnerships for local economic development; connecting youth to the outdoors through state policy; and celebrating federal partnerships.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome our partners and trail advocates from across the Mountain West to Wyoming,” said Frances Schaetz, outreach coordinator for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “This conference is an opportunity to highlight the important role trails play in our health, economies, and quality of life, while planning for their future success.”

Registration is $200/person and available online at http://wyorec.info/MWTC_Registration. 

Local businesses, organizations, and agencies are invited to support the event through sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. Sponsorship levels and benefits are outlined in the sponsorship packet located at http://wyorec.info/MWTC_SponsorshipPacket. 

For sponsorship information, contact Sarah Kyle with Powerhouse Events at http://This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (626) 660-6320.

The conference is a vital forum for exploring best practices and innovative ideas in trail development, effective stewardship, and community engagement. With an anticipated attendance of around 300 individuals from across the country, especially from the neighboring Mountain West states, it’s a key opportunity for networking, learning, and collaborative planning for the future of our region’s expansive trail systems.

For updated information regarding the conference, please refer to the event website, MountainWestTrailsConference.com, and the conference’s Facebook event page.

The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Wyoming State Trails program look forward to welcoming you to the heart of the Mountain West. 

Contact: Frances Schaetz, (307) 388-8748; http://This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – March 30, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council has received a $77,500 Creative Aging, Creative Futures grant from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy to support and expand creative aging programming in Wyoming.

Creative aging programs are designed to provide older adults with opportunities to build social connections while learning new artistic skills. In recent years, the Wyoming Arts Council and its partners have worked to develop and support creative aging programs across the state.

The Creative Aging, Creative Futures program is a joint initiative of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. The initiative builds on previous investments that have strengthened leadership among state arts agencies, expanded arts opportunities for older adults, and integrated the arts into state aging services. The Wyoming Arts Council is one of 28 state arts agencies receiving funding through this program.

Funding from the grant will support continued development of the Wyoming Arts Council’s creative aging efforts, including direct programming at senior centers in rural communities. The grant will also support a branding and strategic planning process for the agency’s Creative Aging program as it continues to grow.

“We’re grateful for the support we are receiving from NASAA and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy to bolster our creative aging program,” said Josh Chrysler of the Wyoming Arts Council. “The interest in and demand for Creative Aging programs has continued to grow over recent years, and this support will help us provide more opportunities for older adults in Wyoming, specifically those in rural communities where programming has not previously been available.”

For more information about NASAA’s Creative Aging, Creative Futures initiative, visit nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/creative-aging/#cacf. 

For more information about creative aging programs in Wyoming, contact Josh Chrysler, folklorist and health and wellness specialist for the Wyoming Arts Council, at (307) 256-2010 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Learn more about the Wyoming Arts Council at wyomingartscouncil.org.

Figure 1: Hilary Camino leads a creative aging harmonica class at St. John’s Health Sage Living in Jackson, where older adults learn new musical skills while connecting through shared creative experiences.

Contact: Josh Chrysler, (307) 256-2010; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – March 27, 2026 – The Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is inviting the public to help shape the future of our state’s cultural heritage. Starting March 27, 2026, through May 28, 2026, Wyoming residents, stakeholders, and preservation partners are encouraged to review and comment on the draft of the 2027 – 2037 Statewide Historic Preservation Plan.

Every ten years, the SHPO updates this comprehensive plan to identify goals, evaluate past goals, and strategically plan for the future related to preserving Wyoming’s unique cultural, archaeological, architectural, and historical legacy. This iteration of the Statewide Historic Preservation Plan will guide state and local efforts for the next decade, helping to ensure places that define Wyoming’s past remain an important part of its future.

“As we look toward the next ten years, it is important to remember our state’s history is more than a collection of objects or buildings; rather, our shared cultural heritage is the backbone of our communities,” says Gwendolyn Kristy, chief of planning and historic contexts for WY SHPO. “We need to hear from the people who live and work across our state to help ensure the plan reflects the actual needs and values of Wyomingites.”

The public is invited to read and submit comments on the draft plan located on the WY SHPO’s website. There are three ways to submit comments to the WY SHPO: via email, Google Form, or by mail. Please send written comments to http://This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. via our Google Form, or by mail to: 

Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office

Att: Gwendolyn Kristy
1000 E University Ave, Dept. 3431
Laramie, WY 82071

If a physical copy of the draft plan is required, please contact Gwendolyn Kristy. All comments must be submitted no later than May 28, 2026. 

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 Brian Beadles, deputy historic preservation officer 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 Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, 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:  Cover of the draft 2027 – 2037 Charting a Course for Preservation: Wyoming’s Statewide Historic Preservation Plan 2027 – 2037.

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – March 27, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation facilitates 12 Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives throughout the state. These Collaboratives bring together local community members, recreation stakeholders, businesses, conservation groups, federal and state agencies, and elected officials to identify and prioritize grassroots opportunities to grow and enhance outdoor recreation in Wyoming.

Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings via Google Meet, with some meetings also offering in-person attendance. Near the end of each meeting, a designated time will be allocated for public comments. 

Dates, times, and call-in information for upcoming Collaborative meetings are as follows:

The Cloud Peak Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (CPORC), representing Sheridan and Johnson Counties, will meet on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the Sheridan College Broadway Center, located at 243 Broadway St, Sheridan, WY 82801. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/civ-vtoj-dju or dial in: ‪(US) +1 614-948-6267‬, PIN: ‪834 487 570‬#.

The High Plains Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (HPORC), representing Platte, Goshen, Niobrara, and Laramie Counties, will meet on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the Laramie County Library, located at 2200 Pioneer Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/dnh-wryf-ecv or dial in: ‪(US) +1 763-317-6350,‬ PIN: ‪420 445 879‬#.

The Sweetwater County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SCORC), representing Sweetwater County, will meet on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at Western Wyoming Community College, Room 211, located at 1 College Way, Green River, WY 82935. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/vqc-kvtr-uoh or dial in: ‪(US) +1 732-800-6749,‬ PIN: ‪603 412 337‬#.

The Lincoln & Uinta County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (LUORC), representing Lincoln and Uinta Counties, will meet on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the Lincoln County Library, located at 519 Emerald St, Kemmerer, WY 83101. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/jyr-bqbm-fcv or dial in: ‪(US) +1 347-509-7342‬, PIN: ‪350 806 567‬#.

The Park County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (PCORC), representing Park County, will meet on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at Northwest College, located at 231 W 6th St, Powell, WY 82435. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/vfr-sgjd-vou or dial in: ‪(US) +1 304-402-6319,‬ PIN: ‪684 179 131‬#.

The Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (BBORC), representing Hot Springs, Washakie, and Big Horn Counties, will meet on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the Worland Community Center, located at 1200 Culbertson Ave, Worland, WY 82401. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/psg-ganv-yvi or dial in: ‪(US) +1 513-666-2949,‬ PIN: ‪833 083 256‬#.

The Teton County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (TCORC), representing Teton County, will meet on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the Teton Public Library, located at 125 Virginian Lane, Jackson, WY 83001. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/qqq-askz-atm or dial in: ‪(US) +1 508-779-6069,‬ PIN: ‪260 317 530‬#.

The Northeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (NEWORC), representing Crook, Weston, and Campbell Counties, will be meeting virtually on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the George Amos Memorial Building (GAMB), located at 412 S. Gillette Ave. Gillette, WY 82716. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/bze-esxb-xfb or dial in: ‪(US) +1 609-447-1426,‬ PIN: ‪589 683 161‬#.

The Natrona/Converse Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (NCORC), representing Natrona and Converse Counties, will be meeting virtually on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the First Northern Bank, located at 800 S 4th St, Douglas, WY 82633. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/nif-ttqg-wvr  or dial in: ‪(US) +1 785-414-8049,‬ PIN: ‪393 386 323‬#.

The Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SWORC), representing Albany and Carbon Counties, will be meeting virtually on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the Wyoming Territorial Prison Horse Barn, located at 975 Snowy Range Rd, Laramie, WY 82070. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/rfi-zcti-eig or dial in:  ‪(US) +1 631-769-5323‬, PIN: ‪188 029 494‬#.

The Mountain Men Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (MMORC), representing Sublette County, will be meeting virtually on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the Sublette County Weed and Pest building, located at 12 S Bench Rd, Pinedale, WY 82941. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/bxs-cagv-pxx or dial in: ‪(US) +1 346-702-4062‬, PIN: ‪141 399 006‬#.

The Wind River Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (WRORC), representing Fremont County, will be meeting virtually on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the Alpine Science Institute of Central Wyoming College, located at 44 Central Wyoming College Way, Lander, WY 82520. Join virtually through a video call: http://meet.google.com/gny-gozk-qgb or dial in: ‪(US) +1 470-485-9806,‬ PIN: ‪439 900 926‬#.

The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation champions responsible outdoor recreation to improve communities and diversify Wyoming’s economy.

Learn more about the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation’s Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives by visiting wyorec.com.

To stay informed about the latest developments and ongoing work of these Collaboratives, subscribe to the monthly newsletter, The Collaborative Connection.

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – March 26, 2026 –  The Wyoming Arts Council hosted the annual Poetry Out Loud State Finals Competition on Monday, March 2, at The Lincoln in Cheyenne. Dovelynn Martinson, a senior from Buffalo High School, was named Wyoming’s 2026 Poetry Out Loud state champion and will represent Wyoming at the national finals in Washington, D.C., in April.

Daniela Garcia Madrid of Worland High School placed second in the competition, followed by Nyah Herrera of Cheyenne East High School in third place.

The state champion receives a $200 prize and a $500 stipend for their school to purchase poetry books. This year’s panel of judges included Wyoming poets Chad Hanson, David Romtvedt, Catherine Reeves, and Wyoming Poet Laureate Barbara Smith.

Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation. Developed by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, the program is a free national contest for students in grades 9–12 attending public, private, or home schools. Schools and local community organizations host their own competitions, with winners advancing to the state contests before competing at the national finals.

In addition to the Poetry Out Loud competition, the fourth annual Poetry Ourselves Competition was held Sunday, March 1, at the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne. Poetry Ourselves provides a platform for students to write and recite their own original poetry.

Winners of the 2026 Poetry Ourselves Original Written Word category were:

• First place – Aubrey Lemon (Buffalo High School), “The Park Bench: Keeper of Stories”
• Second place – Nyah Herrera (Cheyenne East High School), “There is a Forest”
• Third place – Zoey Mellor (Cheyenne East High School), “Foampools”
• Winners of the 2026 Poetry Ourselves Spoken Word category were:

Tie for first place – Josalyn Anderson (Moorcroft Secondary School), “The End of a Mourning,” and Kaylee Ann Caturia (Buffalo High School), “The Definition of Time”

• Second place – Daylynn Schutt (Moorcroft High School), “The Flower of Society”
• For more information, contact Ismael Dominguez, programs specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit wyomingartscouncil.org.

Figure 1: Dovelynn Martinson of Buffalo High School, Wyoming’s 2026 Poetry Out Loud state champion.

Contact: Ismael Dominguez, (307) 275-4476; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LANDER, Wyo. – March 26, 2026 - The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) is announcing a pause on a possible visitor center project at Sinks Canyon State Park following public engagement efforts conducted in late 2025.

On Dec. 1, 2025, Wyoming State Parks, in partnership with Sinks Canyon WILD,  hosted a public forum and gathered feedback from park visitors, community members, and stakeholders regarding the possibility of a new or enhanced park visitor center. Input received through that process helped inform the agency’s decision to pause the project at this time.

“We appreciate the thoughtful feedback shared during the public engagement process,” said Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “Community perspectives are an important part of our planning process and help ensure that future projects reflect the needs and values of the people who care about Sinks Canyon.”

Comments received during the engagement process highlighted several areas for further consideration, including the need for additional community and tribal engagement, further justification for a new or expanded visitor center, and additional evaluation of potential locations for such a facility. Some participants also suggested exploring alternative settings outside of the state park.

This pause presents an opportunity for interested citizens and stakeholders to work with park staff to develop a vision for such a facility.  The agency hopes that a community-driven consensus will emerge in the months and years ahead regarding future visitor services and opportunities at Sinks Canyon State Park, which continues to see high visitation each year

For more information on Sinks Canyon State Park, visit http://wyoparks.wyo.gov/sinkscanyon. 

Figure 1: Exterior of the Sinks Canyon State Park Visitor Center. 

Contacts: 

Carly-Ann Carruthers, (307) 777-6968; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jessica Moore, (307) 332-6333; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.