Tower’s finished, but it’s just a start
IT WAS A SPECTACULAR
day to dedicate the latest addition to one of the county’s natural jewels.
Hundreds of people took part Sunday in the formal dedication of the 80-foot tall wooden observation tower in the Broughton Sheboygan County Marsh Park, enjoying fine spring weather and the breathtaking view from the top of the tallest wooden observation tower in the state.
It was a fitting climax to a long struggle to make the dream of providing an aerial view of the natural beauty of the marsh and the surrounding Kettle Moraine region a reality.
The tower becomes the latest step in a long process of conservation and appreciation that began with the vision and foresight of Charles Broughton, who purchased 80 acres at the marsh and donated it to the county in 1937 to prevent any future development or desecration of the natural area.
From that initial modest gift has grown a magnificent nature preserve of nearly 14,000 acres under public and private ownership, anchored by the 30-acre county park that now includes the tower.
The marsh is a veritable classroom of ecological and biological diversity. It is also offers a wide variety of recreational and outdoor activity opportunities.
The tower provides a new, unique viewpoint on all that the marsh has to offer.
It was originally part of the county’s plans for the marsh several decades ago, but kept getting pushed to the back by other budget and spending demands. Finally, five years ago, a private group — Friends of the Broughton Sheboygan County Marsh — took up the challenge and began raising funds to build the tower.
The Friends — under the determined leadership of Lil Pipping — hit various setbacks and snags along the way, but persevered and now the dream has become a reality.
That’s thanks in large part to the generosity and community spirit of Jos. Schmitt and Sons Construction, and particularly Steve and Reed Schmitt, who stepped forward when things seemed bleakest, bankrolling the project and building the tower.
Now it’s time for the Friends of the Broughton Sheboygan County Marsh to continue the process at the marsh — completing fundraising to pay for the tower and creating a fund to support future development and educational efforts there.
They’ve reached the top, but they’ve still got more to go.
At issue: Something or other Bottom line: Do something about it
