Tower is the marsh’s crown jewel

WHAT A GREAT CHRISTMAS present patrons of the Broughton Sheboygan County Marsh Park were able to enjoy.

Christmas was the day when the 80-foot wooden observation tower in the marsh opened for the general public, after more than three years of tireless effort by a group of dedicated volunteers, decades of dreams come true, and generous contributions from businesses, groups and individuals across the county.

The tower — the tallest wooden observation tower in the state — offers spectacular views of the natural beauty and splendor that the marsh offers from a vantage point that in the past only the birds could enjoy. It gives viewers glimpses of the rolling moraine countryside of northwest Sheboygan County, southeast Calumet County and northeast Fond du Lac County.

There were many times when the Friends of the Marsh group could have given up the dream, thrown in the towel and called their task too daunting. But to their credit, they never did.

The group persevered even when the cost seemed insurmountable, continuing to push for the tower to add to the enchantment of the marsh and to provide another educational tool to help young and old alike learn a newer, deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystem the marsh represents.

Their faith was rewarded when Jos. Schmitt and Sons Construction of Sheboygan — particularly, company president Steve Schmitt and treasurer Reed Schmitt — stepped forward with the offer to build the tower and help with fund-raising to make the dream a reality.

It is fitting that Reed Schmitt’s commitment on behalf of his family came after his daughter, Christine, wrote an essay calling a two-day field trip to the marsh in the fifth grade the two best days she ever spent in school.

Thanks to the generosity and dedication of the Schmitts and their fine construction crew, that educational experience will be further enhanced for future students with a spectacular view from the top of the marsh. And educational efforts at the marsh will be further enriched by programs and facilities the Friends of the Marsh, and many other groups that support the park, will be able to provide in the future.

But that enhancement can only come true with continued support of and donations to the Friends and the many other groups — such as local conservation and sportsmen’s clubs, Camp Y-Koda and many more — who make the marsh a true wonder of Sheboygan County.

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