Registration is now open for this summer's 2021 Young Naturalist Program! Click here for more information...
Learn about nature. Hike our trails. Paddle Spearhead Lake. Enjoy the solitude...
​The mission of the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is to foster personal connections to and stewardship of our natural world.

​​What we do...
  • Manage a 466 acre preserve located 11 miles southwest of Bemidji called the Neilson Spearhead Center and Preserve (NSC).
  • Host a summer nature camp, the “Young Naturalist Program", where kids get a hands-on, outdoor nature experience.
  • Host educational events and programs at NSC and in the community to connect people with nature.
  • Advocate for local conservation of important habitats and ecosystems. 
 ​Come explore nature with us, or participate in one of our community-based initiatives like Birds, Bees & Butterflies - Bemidji, or Bird City Minnesota.
Become a MHAS member and help protect the natural legacy of north-central Minnesota.
Birding Is the Perfect Activity While Practicing Social Distancing!
If you’re feeling cooped up, get out and explore nature. While the Lehman Lab building is currently closed, trails at our Neilson Spearhead Center and Preserve are open!   
Folks have been coming out to enjoy the wonderful signs of the seasons. Bring your camera, binoculars, field guides, and curiosity. Handled responsibly, open space and wildlife observation might be just the balm you need.
Masks are required for not fully vaccinated people if you encounter others on the trail, or if you are hiking with people other than your household members. Click here to see our MHAS Covid Preparedness Plan.  
Our Annual MHAS Local Membership Drive has begun! ​Please support MHAS as a new or renewing member in 2021. Our goal is to build an even stronger base of local chapter members and continue to improve programs and facilities for you including: 
  • More canoes and paddles for the YNP program
  • Collaborating with Bemidji Park and Recreation department to offer ‘Forest Bathing’ at Neilson Spearhead Center & Preserve. 
  • Providing ‘Grab & Go’ nature-study backpacks at Neilson Spearhead Center & Preserve for visitors to take and explore our forests and trails. These back packs would have field guides, trail maps, binoculars, magnifying glasses, activity sheets, and other supplies to give a family or individual more ways to learn about the outdoors. 
  • Improve trail markers at the Neilson Spearhead Center & Preserve. Build additional boardwalk sections over wet areas. 
  • Continue support for BBBB, Monarch Festival, Eagle Day Celebration, and other community initiatives.
Send us an email and give us your ideas about what you would like MHAS to do for you!
The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is a Chapter of the National Audubon Society. 

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mhas@spearheadmhas.org
​©2019 Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society. All rights reserved.