The Friends of the Kettle Moraine (FOTKM) began in the mid 1980's, when the DNR, Bureau of Parks and Recreation, initiated a "Friends Group" program for the Wisconsin State Parks and Recreational Forests. The general goal was to develop a greater appreciation and environmental awareness of Wisconsin natural resources.  
Specific goals were to enlist public involvement in the activities and future direction of the Forest and to provide financial assistance directly to the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit  for new programs and activities.

The first meeting of the FOTKM, held in July 1984 at the Ice Age Center, was hosted by William Moorman of the DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation.  Local press releases resulted in a large turnout of local citizens who were very receptive.  The group elected Gus Christ, Byron Gessner, Jerry Ninnemann, William Stoffel, Irene O'Laughlin, Jerry Schanen, and John Zillmer as board members.

Attorney John Zillmer developed the by-laws and in 1986 the FOTKM obtained tax-exempt status as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

FOTKM signed a cooperative agreement with the DNR in 199l receiving the authority to sell books and other items and participate in Forest activities.  As a result, profits from sales and contributions  could be donated  to the Forest  to be used for facilities, programs, and activities. In addition many projects qualify for the Wisconsin stewardship matching grant program , which matches the FOTKM donations.

Some Friends paid $100 to become charter members. Those contributions along with other membership dues provided startup money to purchase books and other items to sell. Sales started in 1993.

Some of the more significant activities of the Friends include an annual state forest cleanup and candlelight ski, as well as funding the Saturday Evening Events presented by the Forest’s naturalist. The Friends have also funded a number of development efforts in the Forest including prairie plantings, playground equipment, invasive species control, construction of trail shelters and maintenance buildings, natural landscaping, interpretive signage, and the purchase of educational equipment, along with a number of others. In addition, FOTKM members annually provide thousands of volunteer hours to the Forest.

The FOTKM publishes a newsletter to keep members informed of about Forest issues and activities and volunteer opportunities.

People and organizations that have helped the FOTKM develop over the years include:

James and Sharon Porfilio, Editors of the FKM newsletter
Bill Millonig, Newsletter artist & past president
Gust Christ, Past president
Jerry Ninnemann, Past president
Mike McFadzen, Past president
Mike Krueger, Past president
John Cooper, Treasurer
Jerry Leiterman, Current Forest Superintendent
Walt Adams. Retired Forest Superintendent
Jackie Scharfenburg, Forest Naturalist