The Donald E. Miller Wildlife Area is a 6.64 ha (16.5 ac) area located on the north bank of the White River, on the west side of Muncie (Figure 1, Maps & Figures).  Access to the Miller Area is off White River Blvd, and is by permission only.  The Miller Area is a remnant of White River bottomland that was isolated when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers straightened the river channel and constructed a levee. 

 An oxbow pond, created when the old river channel was isolated by the levee, is located within the preserve. The pond is shallow, has high organic matter level, and due to extensive duckweed in the growing season, has low oxygen levels. Turtles and amphibians inhabit the pond area, as well as a few fish species that are tolerant the conditions.  A mature bottomland forest of predominantly sycamore and hackberry trees occupies a relatively flat river terrace east of the pond.  The transitional status of the woods along a topographic moisture gradient, and the presence of the oxbow pond, creates a diverse habitat conducive to the presence of a large number of bird species.  This preserve contains a diversity of plants, animals and habitat types, all located within a small area that is easily accessible to the university and local community. 

In recent years the understory of the bottomland woods has become choked with dense growth of exotic shrub species. Current plans include removal of these exotic species. Miller Wildlife Area is a site for nature study and environmental science field experiences, including scientific research, for students at levels Pre-K through college.  Visitation is by permission only.