Project Purpose

The development of individual forest preserve master plans was identified as an important initiative in the 2019 districtwide master plan. Master plans for each preserve will improve the quality of future projects and ensure support from the public, the District’s board of commissioners, and staff. The plans will also increase grant opportunities, assist with the budget process, and help prioritize and phase potential work.

The master planning process can be broken down into five phases:

• Phase 1: Information Gathering — Collect data, conduct site visits, and gather board, staff, and public input
• Phase 2: Analysis & Goal Development — Analyze site conditions and define goals and objectives
• Phase 3: Master Plan Development — Create draft plans, cost estimates, and potential project phasing and identify potential grant opportunities
• Phase 4: Plan Review & Refinement — Review draft with board, staff, and public; refine plans
• Phase 5: Final Plan Delivery — Finalize the plan document and obtain board approval

Once complete, each forest preserve master plan will include maps and cost estimates for all proposed improvements.

Public Input

There will be several opportunities for public input throughout the master planning process. Brief online surveys will be offered at different stages and shared on this webpage when available. Each survey will be open for approximately one month and promoted at the preserve with QR codes for easy access.

A public meeting will also be held at the preserve. The meeting date will be posted on this webpage once it is confirmed and is anticipated for June 2026.

Background

The area around Fullersburg Woods was originally known as Brush Hill but was renamed Fullersburg after Jacob Fuller, and his son, Benjamin, who platted the town in 1851. Fullersburg Woods opened to the public in 1920 and has a rich history. In the 1930s, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp was built here, and the visitor center and several of the shelters stand as remnants of that period. In subsequent years, the preserve was so heavily used that in 1969 picnicking was restricted and boating was prohibited because discharges and water runoff from surrounding communities polluted Salt Creek.

It was at this time that Fullersburg’s revival began. Dedicated to multiple-use land management, the Forest Preserve District implemented plans to restore and preserve the natural surroundings, improve flood control, and provide environmental education. As a result, the creek’s water quality has improved, trees and other plant communities are thriving, and a restored prairie adds to the preserve’s diversity.  

Today, Fullersburg Woods encompasses 220 acres of high-quality natural areas within an urban setting. The preserve offers miles of trails, boating and fishing access to Salt Creek, and numerous picnic areas and shelters. It is also home to the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, Graue Mill and Museum, and the Ben Fuller House.

Status

The master plan is currently in the information-gathering phase. After public input meetings are complete and online survey responses are collected, the District will compile the information and begin the analysis and goal development phase.

A draft master plan is anticipated in winter 2026 for review by the Board of Commissioners, staff, and the public, with final adoption by the board expected in late winter 2027. 

Questions?

Contact Matt Adams,  preserve project manager, at 630-871-6424 or madams@dupageforest.org