Antioch Ducks Unlimited recognized nationally

The Antioch chapter of Ducks Unlimited has been recognized as one of the top 100 fundraising chapters in the country.

The group raised nearly $60,000 last year and has been named to the elite list by DU President Bruce Lewis. The money is used for waterfowl and wetland restoration projects.

Based in Tennessee, DU has nearly 4,000 chapters across the country. Making it to the "President's Top 100," is no easy feat. There are 175 chapters in Illinois.

"They've done an amazing job of raising money," said DU Regional Director Gary Erickson. "They raised enough money to restore 230 acres of wetland habitat."

Founded in 1937, DU has conserved more than 12 million acres of waterfowl habitat in North America, according to their Web site. Their mission is to slow the loss of habitats in order to preserve areas for hunting ducks and other waterfowl.

Erickson said the Antioch group holds two major fundraising events annually. Along with a yearly banquet, they also have a "Green Wing" event for children under 17 years old.

The fun and educational event teaches kids how to shoot air rifles, bows and arrows, and learn fishing techniques as well. They also have dog retrieval demonstrations and a raptor display.

For more information about joining Ducks Unlimited locally, call (815) 675- 9684