Norris Woods Nature Preserve

Norris Woods is a 75-acre nature preserve protected by the St. Charles Park District. The preserve provides a buffer to the Fox River and protects a high-quality, dry-mesic forest with many old-growth red and white oak trees from 100-150 years old. During the springtime, visitors can view a rich display of spring wildflowers. Along the river are small local mesic communities dominated by sugar maple, while floodplain communities support willow and silver maple. Other notable plants include twinleaf, cancer-root, shinleaf, poke milkweed, ferns, and blue ash. The area's rich diversity of plant life provides excellent habitat for many woodland animals. Sightings have included squirrels, woodchuck, American toad, and 41 species of nesting birds. Several threatened and endangered species have also been recorded. Norris Woods has been recognized as one of the highest quality natural areas in the region, 62 acres of which were dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1978.