Friends of Wyalusing State Park

Concession Stand opening in May

Needless to say, and an understatement at best, it seemed like a lo-o-ng cold winter. A delightful spring season is coming to Wyalusing State Park. Soon wildflowers will be springing up and the bird migrations will be greeted by hundreds of birders who come to Wyalusing State Park. It also brings the opening of The Friends of Wyalusing State Park concession stand – known as The Bluff Top Shop.
The Bluff Top Shop 2018 grand opening will be May 4. It will be open during the weekends in May – Friday from 4 PM-8:00 PM, Saturday 9AM-8PM, and Sunday 9AM-1PM. The concession stand will also open for school groups renting canoes by special appointment. The Spring hours will continue through mid-June.
Summertime hours are 9Am-8PM seven days a week.
This year, park visitors will experience many positive changes Once again, the concession stand will offer certified wood for campers. The hardwood bundles are stored inside, assuring a welcome campfire in the evening or excellent heating source for the creation of campfire culinary delights. ALL PROFITS FROM THE BLUFF TOP SHOP ARE RETURNED TO THE PARK.
The concession stand also offers other camper supplies like eating utensils, batteries, tarps, matches, etc. Some food items like marshmallows can also be purchased at the concession stand. Candy bars, chips, and soda pop are also available. Frozen treats and hot items is a favorite among park visitors.
Canoe rental is available through the concession stand. Canoes are large enough for three adults or two adults and two children. Single person kayaks are also available. All canoe/kayak rentals include paddles and life jackets.
The concession stand staff will look forward to your visit. Each staff person is knowledgeable about the area and is here to serve everyone.
** The small symbol of a mobile device scanning an image on the lower left of the logo indicates that it is a "target image" for augmented reality. Click here for more information about augmented reality.

Wisconsin state parks, forests, recreation areas, and trails offer some of the best scenery in the Midwest. Visitors escape the reality of the work-a-day and enjoy the natural wonders of state parks.
Visitors to Wyalusing State Park, in the driftless area of southwest Wisconsin, can even add a little extra - Augmented Reality(AR). Augmented reality has long sounded like a wild, futuristic concept, but the technology has been around for years. AR is all about superimposing computer-generated images on top of your view of reality, thus creating a composite view that augments the real world.
Today, handheld web-enabled devices are used to find a decent coffee shop, to make shopping less of a chore, to meet up with friends, or whatever it may be. Using the online information to enhance real life has come to Wyalusing State Park.
Wyalusing State Park was one of four areas recommended for state park status in 1911, by the Nolan Commission. It formally became a state park in 1917. At that time, it was called Nelson Dewey State Park – named for Wisconsin’s first governor. It was renamed Wyalusing State Park when Nelson Dewey State Park, near Cassville, Wi, became a State Park.
The Civilian Conservation Corps and the Work Progress Administration have played a very important part in the development of Wyalusing state park. In 1935, Camp Nelson Dewey began operations. The camp consisted of officers quarters, barracks, mess hall, latrines, infirmary, recreational hall, and supply depot.
There are many informational signs commemorating the feats of the CCC and WPA at Wyalusing state park. With the assistance of an Augmented Reality App for your handheld web-enabled device- HP Reality (formerly Aurasma) these signs “come to life”. Watch and listen as Don Kasparek describes life in a CCC camp, or Neal Kephart, a former superintendent of Wyalusing, tells about the influence of the CCC and WPA.

What do you need?
Al that is needed is an internet capable mobile device and an APP. The name of the free app is HP Reveal. The app was formerly called Aurasma. The second thing needed is to know when and where to point the camera. The app has small icons showing the locations in the park. The third thing needed is maybe a little patience. “This is not a perfect system. The app is dependent on having an internet connection to work. Additionally, the viewfinder can be finicky. Although we have tried to choose objects that work 100% of the time, a change in lighting or another uncontrollable factor can cause the app to be unable to recognize the image. When the app is unable to recognize the image the overlay will not appear.” said Paske
“We hope you visit as many of our Wisconsin state parks, forests, and trails as you can. Experience the reality and the Augmented Reality.”
Here is a link to a brochure: https://goo.gl/TTPBu8

Our Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreational areas offer a variety of experiences for each visitor. Overlooks, majestic trails, and areas of solitude can be enjoyed in any season. Building on incredible visitor experiences is essential to a destination’s success. Augmented reality(AR) can enhance that experience through mainstream technologies.
Wyalusing state park is the first state park in Wisconsin to provide visitors with the option of augmented reality. Augmented reality allows the park’s visitors to become engaged in the total experience. They watch and listen as the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration worked to improve park roads, trails, and buildings. Park visitors view interactive maps of trails. “It’s almost as though each visitor has their own naturalist with them,” said Randy Paske.
Paske, is the vice-president of the Friends of Wyalusing and a board member of the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks. He became interested in the concept of using augmented reality and tourism in a recent seminar held by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in Madison, Wisconsin. “I looked for the most economical way to bring the augmented reality experience to our state parks, forests, trails, and natural areas,” he said. “”It’s implementation had to be easy for our visitors with a minimum amount of technological expertise “
Wyalusing State Park became the first state park to implement augmented reality. The program has been approved by the DNR and The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks. The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks also is a sponsor. “The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks hope to add additional state parks this summer”, said Paske.
How does it work?
Each park visitor receives a park newspaper highlighting the park’s history, trails, and must-see places. Finding your way around the trails and roads, although marked with signage, can be challenging. AR elevates the typical navigation maps by adding digital elements such as arrows, pointers, and simulated fly-overs showing the typography of trails.
AR enhances the informational signage. Imagine, pointing your internet capable mobile device camera at the sign and a movie with narration appears in place of the sign. “It is exciting to see how AR enhances the experience,” said Paske.
At Wyalusing State Park, one can find more than 25 places, where augmented reality can be used.
What do you need?
Al that is needed is an internet capable mobile device and an APP. The name of the free app is HP Reveal. The app was formerly called Aurasma. The second thing needed is to know when and where to point the camera. The app has small icons showing the locations in the park. The third thing needed is maybe a little patience. “This is not a perfect system. The app is dependent on having an internet connection to work. Additionally, the viewfinder can be finicky. Although we have tried to choose objects that work 100% of the time, a change in lighting or another uncontrollable factor can cause the app to be unable to recognize the image. When the app is unable to recognize the image the overlay will not appear.” said Paske
“We hope you visit as many of our Wisconsin state parks, forests, and trails as you can. Experience the reality and the Augmented Reality.”
Here is a link to a brochure: https://goo.gl/TTPBu8

Augmented reality(AR) will not replace a personal visit to Wyalusing State Park. No photograph or a change in reality can top the feeling of standing on an overlook 500 feet above the Wisconsin River, watching Turkey Vultures soaring and circling on currents of wind.

Crawling through a cave located within a bluff can not be replaced by augmented reality. Listening to the echo of a waterfall can never be replaced by augmented reality.

Using an internet enabled device app equipped with a camera, visiotrs can walk through Wyalusing State Park, see videos, historical photographs, trail information, and park information presented as an overlay on their live screen. These applications use GPS and image recognition technology to look up data from an online database called HP Realty.

Almost all of our readers have seen augmented reality. The lines on a football field showing how many yards to go is augmented reality. Perhaps some of our readers participated in the Pokemon craze; that was augmented reality.

The future has arrived at Wyalusing State Park. Get the free app called HP Reality for your internet enabled device. Come out to the park and enjoy the sights and sounds of reality. Maybe, try out a bit of augmented reality on your visit. Either way, enjoy your state park.

For additional infoarmation please follow this link: https://goo.gl/TTPBu8

As with most visits to Wisconsin State Parks, the first sign park visitors see, is a sign designating the area as a Wisconsin state park. New visitors often stop at the welcome sign to photograph family members next to the sign.

Some new visitors enter the park having looked at the Wisconsin State Park Website. Some might even have researched further by looking at The Friends Website.

But what would happen if a park visitor focused the camera of their mobile device at the state park sign

and, not only saw the sign but superimposed over the sign, a small directory appeared and deer appeared?

That’s what augmented reality is! When the “physical world” and “digital information” are combined, an “augmented reality” is created. This combination is called an “aura”. The aura is triggered by a sign, a photo, or an object.

Wyalusing State Park is excited to be the first Wisconsin State Park to offer our park visitors a tour using augmented reality.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP).

Throughout the park, the Friends of Wyalusing membership pamphlet, and the park newspaper you will find several areas in which to experience augmented reality with “HP Reveal”. Wyalusing State Park currently has over 20 auras. Click here download brochure.

HP Reveal is a free mobile app for any web-enabled device that helps to create an “augmented reality”.

It’s easy to get started

Download the free app “HP Reveal” for your wireless device. (https://www.hpreveal.com/)
After the free app has been downloaded, view the five(5) window tutorial.
Next, it will ask you to either sign in or create an account. If you do not want to create an account at this time you can choose to skip this step by tapping “skip”.
When you see the screen with the dancing dots....click on the bottom "A" Icon.
In the "Explore" screen, select the magnifying glass on the bottom icon bar.
On the "Search HP Reveal" type in “fwsp”; then, select "Done".
Select "fwsp’s Public Aura's".
On the next screen, select "Follow".
On the bottom icon bar, select the middle icon; it looks like a window.
You are done. You can now use HP Reveal to view Wyalusing State Park’s auras.

Test Augmented Reality Out!

Open HP Reveal on your mobile device.
Click the view button at the bottom of your screen to take you back to the viewing screen. The view button looks like the corners of a square.
Aim the HP Reveal viewfinder at the image below. Watch what happens.

Does a small orange rectangle appear? Now tap on the rectangle. If all goes according to plan you should be viewing a map with locations of most triggers.

Please note: This is not a perfect system. The app is dependent on having an internet connection to work. Additionally, the viewfinder can be finicky. Although we have tried to choose objects that work 100% of the time, a change in lighting or another uncontrollable factor can cause the app to be unable to recognize the image. When the app is not able to recognize the image the overlay will not appear.

It’s So-o-o Quiet!

Something magical happens during the winter at Wyalusing State Park. Simply put, it’s quiet.

The summer weekends and days bring families to the park. Sitting next to a fire in the evening, listening to children and adults telling stories, making Some-Mores, and the evening sounds were magical. However, the winter brings a solitude, that one can only enjoy by being here.

A breeze through the pine plantation, the cry of winter birds, are magnified ten fold. Gone is the high-pitched drone of the mosquito!

Gaze through the open branches up the Wisconsin River Basin. One can see for miles since the foliage is gone for the winter.

Winter camping is still available at Wyalusing State Park. Wisconsin Ridge campground roads are plowed. A winter camper will have to clear the snow from a camp site. Water is available.

By Bruce Klang
Friends of Wyalusing President
2017 marks the centennial year as a state park here at Wyalusing. The Friends of Wyalusing State Park would like to welcome all visitors to explore and enjoy your park and appreciate its history.
We are a private nonprofit organization dedicated to .enhancing the interpretive and recreational experience of visitors to the park. We provide funding for much of the interpretive projects, information, and programming here at Wyalusing.
As we look back we know that this beautiful park would not be possible without the dedication of many people over the years.
Starting in the l860's, a young man named Robert Glenn not only dreamed of but strived to make this a special place for future generations. The forward-looking Wisconsin state legislature decided, in the first decade of the 20th century, that this area needed to be preserved. Paul Lawrence, the first park manager, worked his entire career to make that dream a reality.
On to modern day where many dedicated professionals and volunteers continue to preserve and protect that heritage and your park.
You can be a part of the next 100 years at Wyalusing. We welcome you to join our efforts to give back to your park. Please pick. up a brochure at the park visitor center or visit us online at http://www.wyalusingfriendsorg.
Your support will help Wyalusing State Park continue to be an inspiration to future generations of visitors like you. While you are here at the park please drop by the concession stand located adjacent to the Peterson shelter building. The concession is operated by the Friends of Wya1using State Park and proceeds from sales go back into the park for interpretive needs. We are also the first state park friends group to establish an endowment fund with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. Your contributions to this fund will live on indefinitely, providing growth to be used for interpretive activities. You can learn more by picking up a brochure at the visitor center, the concession or our Website.
Many people come to Wyalusing and leave inspired. A few turn that inspiration into assistance for this magnificent place. It is our sincere hope that you truly enjoy your stay here at Wyalusing and hope that our efforts have enhanced your experience. (To enlarge image, click on it.)

screenshot-dnr.wi.gov-2017-05-31-09-03-05

Below, is an excerpt from the article written by Paul Holtan. Paul Holtan works for the DNR Office of Communications, editing the DNR’s weekly news and outdoor report packets and serving as public affairs manager for the Bureau of Parks and Recreation.
“Standing on the bluffs overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers 500 feet below, it’s pretty easy to see why John Nolen recommended Wyalusing as one of four locations for Wisconsin’s first state parks in a 1909 report to the State Parks Board. “ (Click to read PDF article)
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Wyalusing State Park is located over 500 feet above the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin River. The park contains 2600 acres including stunning bluff views, river wetlands, bluff-top forests, and home to hundreds of species of plants and animals including 284 distinct bird species.
The logo for Wyalusing State Park and The Friends of Wyalusing State Park features the Kentucky Warbler and Chinquapin Oak tree.
Within the park boundaries, three threatened species: Cerulean and Kentucky Warbler and Acadian Flycatcher can be seen throughout the summer. All are more southern species that nest along the steep slopes of this park.
During the spring and summer, the rolling song of the Kentucky Warbler can be heard throughout the forests. The Kentucky Warbler spends most of its time on the ground in moist, leafy woodlands in search of insects. Despite its bright colors, it can be surprisingly hard to see in the shadows of the deep forest interior.
The Kentucky Warbler winters in the tropics of central Mexico and the Yucatan Penninsula. A group of Kentucky Warblers is collectively known as a "Derby" of warblers, perhaps, because it is named for the state in which it was first discovered in 1811, by Alexander Wilson.
The Chinquapin Oak, a Wisconsin Special Concern plant. It is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Vermont west to Wisconsin and south to South Carolina, western Florida, New Mexico, and northeastern Mexico from Coahuila south to Hidalgo. It is very rare in Wisconsin, barely reaching the southwestern corner of the state on a few very dry sites near the Mississippi River. Chinkapin oak is generally found on well-drained upland soils derived from limestone or where limestone outcrops occur. Occasionally it is found on well-drained limestone soils along streams.