DuPage forest preserve OKs Fischer Farm improvements

A plan to improve the historic Fischer Farm in Bensenville has received the blessing of the land's owner - the DuPage County Forest Preserve District.

Forest preserve commissioners this week gave Bensenville Park District permission to pursue a list of projects at the farm along Grand Avenue. The work will include installing lights, security and making the site more accessible.

"I'm glad that we were able to get their formal approval," said Jonathan Sebastian, Fischer Farm Museum supervisor. "We think we can maximize the potential of this site by working together with the forest preserve."

Believed to be one of the oldest remaining homesteads in DuPage, Fischer Farm draws thousands of people each year through special events, private rentals, group tours and individual visits.

The park district leases the 5-acre farm from the forest preserve district and has operated it since 2001.

Through the years, all nine of the farm's structures - including a log house built in 1836 and a farmhouse constructed in 1919 - have been restored.

Recently, a kitchen garden was planted, and bees, chickens and sheep have been added.

Now the park district is planning to spend $50,000 to $100,000 on projects that will further enhance the property.

Topping the list are several ADA upgrades, including the addition of ramps, paved driveways and crushed limestone paths.

"The accessibility is a major issue," Sebastian said. "By improving accessibility, we can get more people to be able to visit the farm."

The plan also calls for a security system and additional lights to be installed on the property.

For example, officials said, lights are needed in the parking lot, at the front and back door of the farmhouse, and near the oldest barns.

In addition, there are plans to create gardens, remove invasive plants, and grow corn and other crops.

"There's a lot that can be developed at this site," Sebastian said. "We just want to reach as many people as we can."