Fischer Woods Forest Preserve
Location
Located on Church Road one block north of Grand Avenue approximately three-quarters mile east of Route 83. Public parking is unavailable at this preserve.
Fischer Woods currently stands as an undeveloped, natural area. It is open to the public daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset; however, parking facilities are not available.
Preserve History
Fischer Woods Forest Preserve is the site of a mature basswood and red oak forest. Because of the clay subsoil and subsequent poor drainage, this forest differs from those in other preserves that are more inclined to contain white oak and shagbark-hickory. This forest is one of only a few wet forests in DuPage County. The area acts as a natural drainage basin during heavy rains, thus relieving local residents from the effects of severe flooding. The preserve is named for Julia Fischer, who sold the District 72 acres in 1971.
Fischer Woods is divided into two portions; Fischer Woods north and south. The 7-14-acre northern portion, along Route 83 near Bensenville, was acquired in 1921 at a cost of $300 per acre. The 110-1/4-acre southern portion, at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Church Road, was acquired from 1969 to 1973. The southern area contains a cattail marsh that acts as a resting spot for a variety of migratory birds that pass through the county.
The Bensenville Park District, through a lease with the Forest Preserve District, operates the Fischer Farm complex on the frontage road section of Old Grand Avenue. Parking for this operation exists in a small lot in front of the old farm house.
Accessibility
For special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857