The formed in 2005 to help protect and promote the Marsh. The Friends set their sights, literally, skyward.

In 2006, soon after formally becoming an entity, the Friends started to raise money to construct the State of Wisconsin’s tallest wooden observation tower. The kickoff began by hoisting local media and interested citizens up 100’ in a fire truck bucket. Fundraising started by collecting spare change in buckets at local events. However, progress soon began in earnest when many large donations from local foundations and employers became a reality.

In 2008, the Friends applied for and were granted official non-profit status to help further the fundraising efforts, but soon after, the economic downturn of the time period took its toll on donations. Fortunately, the local construction company, Jos. Schmitt & Sons, found it in their heart to build the Tower with the promise of the Friends repaying them as they could.

With much fanfare, the Tower opened to the public Christmas Day 2009 and stands at an impressive 80’ above the surrounding landscape offering expansive views of the jewel that is the Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park & Wildlife Area.

In 2020/2021 the Friends of the Sheboygan Marsh (Friends) raised $2M in funds to construct a multipurpose educational facility.  The Kohler Center for Marsh Education will truly be suited to fostering a conservation ethic in our future generations at the Sheboygan County Broughton Marsh. The building itself will be a learning tool for both energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The facility will serve students, families, and many additional organizations throughout the community and beyond.  The Friends believe the building will plant a seed in the community that will bring to life their mission of protecting and promoting the Sheboygan County Marsh.

Friends of the Marsh website

*Note that donations can be for Tower maintenance and/or for the new multi-purpose building.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer