Sheboygan – The new building at Sheboygan Broughton Marsh Park & ​​Campground was recently dedicated after being under construction for over a decade.

On September 7, Friends of Sheboygan Marsh welcomed local dignitaries and large donors to an open house reception at the new Kohler Center for Marsh Education at 7039W County Road SR, Elkhart Lake.

Real tree trunks were used in the construction to support the log and natural stone structure roof, according to Friends Group secretary Marjan Pounten.

Large windows throughout the building let in natural light, and the interior offers views of the marshes, surrounding parks, and campgrounds.

The building is LEED certified. This means they are designed to reduce stress on the environment and to be more energy and resource efficient than your average structure.

There are multi-purpose rooms in the main wing of the building that are used as classrooms, but can also be rented by people of Sheboygan County for private events such as family reunions, anniversaries, or gatherings of less than 100 people.

The other wing has toilet and shower facilities for campers.

The two wings are connected by a soaring atrium filled with natural light. A large ash tree, felled about 1,000 feet from where the Wetland Park structure stands, features and supports the atrium ceiling.

Friends of the Marsh has worked hard over the years to raise much needed funds from many businesses, sportsmen, conservation groups and individuals. The donation provided a mechanism to benefit future generations. Sheboygan County will fund some of the infrastructure and maintain the structure.