Fitzsimmons Woods in Franklin

 

This 43-acre woodland is designated an Isolated Natural Resource Area and a Natural Area of Local Significance by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and protected by the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy (MALC). There are many wetlands and natural drainageways in Fitzsimmons Woods, which are headwaters to Oak Creek and Root River. The site is a southern mesic beech-maple woodland with a heavy composition of oak species also present. It is host to 145 native Wisconsin plant species as well as 13 ephemeral wetlands (vernal pools).

 

There are 25 species of trees (all native), 20 species of native shrubs, and approximately 100 native herbaceous (groundlayer) plant species. The groundlayer includes an extremely diverse mix of spring ephemeral species that peak in their display in May and early June. Only seven (7) exotic plant species have been recorded within Fitzsimmons Woods, making it one of the most intact and undisturbed woodlands in Southeastern Wisconsin.

 

Although the property is open to the public, only a single rudimentary trail cuts straight across the property. Otherwise, there are no trails and no amenities. The trailhead, marked with a MALC sign, is at the dead end of W. Fitzsimmons Road.

 

For more information go to the MALC website.

 

Story links:

Beth Stoddard: Artist in Residence in Fitzsimmons Woods.

An Autumn Odyssey of Discovery

 

 

Gallery (click to enlarge)