Join the Illinois Forestry Association for a free spring field day at Antler Ridge, a 245-acre privately owned property in east-central Illinois that blends active forest management, prairie restoration, and wildlife habitat enhancement.
Owned by Alva and Elsie Miller since 2001, Antler Ridge includes approximately 70 acres of tillable ground — much of which is now managed as Native Warm Season Grass (NWSG) prairie — along with bottomlands, woodland managed under a forest management plan, and a stocked pond near a rustic log cabin built in 2005. Shortly after acquiring the property, the Millers reforested 14 acres of bottomland and have since used prescribed fire and intentional habitat management to control invasive species and support diverse wildlife populations.
The property supports a wide variety of species, including Wood Ducks, Mallards, Canada Geese, Pileated Woodpeckers, Wild Turkeys, and Quail. Visitors may also learn about habitat features that attract deer, small game, and other wildlife — and, depending on timing, may even see the famous spring display of bluebells across the bottomlands.
What to Expect
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Check-in ends by 9:15 AM (coffee and donuts provided)
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Tour begins promptly at 9:15 AM
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Guided walking tour (no more than 2 miles)
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Well-groomed trails, relatively flat terrain with a few short, steeper sections
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Easy hike — please dress for the weather and field conditions
Doug Brown, former Illinois Department of Natural Resources District Wildlife Biologist for east-central Illinois, will discuss wildlife management strategies implemented on the property and broader principles of open woodland and habitat management.
Jay Gingerich of Gingerich Tree Farm will also be on site to share expertise on selecting and establishing mast-producing and wildlife-focused tree species for long-term habitat enhancement.
This field day offers a valuable opportunity to see how forest management plans, prairie restoration, prescribed fire, reforestation, and wildlife-focused planting strategies can work together on a single property to create resilient, diverse habitat.
Directions
Access should be gained from 900N to 2150E, then left (east) on 800N until arriving at Antler Ridge. Signage will be posted.
Do not attempt to access from 2275E via 800N, as that section is steep dirt road and often impassable in wet conditions.
