Gilman G White Conservation Area

Discover Gilman G White Conservation Area in Ionia

Gilman G. White Conservation Area is a 218-acre wildlife refuge established on land donated specifically to support youth hunting opportunities. Public hunting is not permitted, except during organized youth hunts sponsored by Floyd County Conservation.

Former crop fields have been restored to diverse native prairie, creating expansive habitat where wildlife can easily move between food, water, nesting areas, and protective cover. The prairie is managed through prescribed burning and features big bluestem, Maximilian sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, thimbleweed, milkweed, bee balm, clover, and other native plants.

Visitors may observe pheasants, deer, songbirds, butterflies, frogs, amphibians, and many pollinating insects throughout the property. Wet areas provide an important water source, while the tall prairie vegetation offers excellent nesting and resting habitat for wildlife.