Friends of Horicon Marsh International Education Center Receive BDACF Grant

On May 6, 2025, the Friends of Horicon Marsh International Education Center received a $1,000 grant award from the Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation (BDACF). The Friends of Horicon Marsh along with the Wisconsin DNR will be conducting a surface restoration of the large concrete patio map on the west exterior of the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center at the State Wildlife Area.
There is a large map of Horicon Marsh that is currently painted onto the patio with some points of interest. It is used in many of our programs as a reference to the size and scope of the marsh. This map was originally created when the pre-existing building was remodeled in 2009. The current map was created using a concrete paint and sealant which has since broken down and began to weather away. The restoration will utilize concrete staining as opposed to paint to significantly extend the life of the map surface.
Keeping in line with the Friends of Horicon Marsh organizational mission, through this project we hope to further encourage the use of outdoor spaces by our visitors, particularly adolescents. Currently there is a lack of sufficient space targeting this user group within our outdoor property boundaries. This project will meet adolescent outdoor needs in conjunction with the Children’s Discovery Area located inside the education and visitor center. The project proposed is projected to be completed in September 2025.