Mississippi Headwaters
Audubon Society
Who Are We?
The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society (MHAS) is a local chapter of the National Audubon Society located in the Upper Mississippi River region. Our membership area spans a broad swathe of Minnesota, from Bagley through Bemidji and Grand Rapids, north to Upper Red Lake, east to Floodwood, and south to Remer.
Our Purpose
The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society (MHAS) protects birds and the places they need, inspires lasting connections between people and nature, and stewards the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve.
We serve our community through place-based conservation, education, and opportunities to connect with nature.
We strengthen our impact through chapter membership, volunteerism, and lasting partnerships.
“We envision a thriving, inclusive conservation community where people of all ages connect with nature, learn from the land, and protect the unique landscapes and biodiversity of the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve.”
-2025 Strategic Visioning
Meet the Team
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Peter Buesseler
President
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Sam Duerksen
Vice President
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Larry Voltz
At-Large Board Member
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Chris Tower
At-Large Board Member
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Brian Hemmelman
At-Large Board Member
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Andrea Szabo
At-Large Board Member
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Chris Weir Koetter
At-Large Board Member
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Gail Dockendorf
At-Large Board Member
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Beth Drost
Outreach Coordinator
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Jenna Claypool
Grounds Caretaker, Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
Our Vision
Destination: Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
The Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve is a living laboratory and community hub. With maintained trails, interpretive signage, and welcoming gathering spaces, it hosts hands-on education, ecological demonstrations, and community events. Rentals also provide public access while supporting the long-term care of the preserve.
Youth at the Center
Youth environmental education drives everything we do. We offer hands-on, field-based learning for children and families, emphasizing local ecology, bird conservation, and ecosystem connections. Our programs inspire scientific curiosity and cultivate lasting stewardship in the next generation.
Science & Stewardship in Action
We use research-driven management and ecological best practices to protect and restore habitat for birds and wildlife. From habitat restoration and invasive species control to long-term monitoring and adaptive strategies, our work is guided by science and local ecological knowledge, ensuring meaningful, lasting impact.
Community Connections
We bring local residents, educators, and conservation partners into the heart of our work. Through hands-on volunteer opportunities, citizen science projects, and collaborative programs, we deepen ecological understanding and build a stronger, more engaged community dedicated to bird and habitat conservation.
Building Capacity & Momentum
We are strengthening MHAS every day, by growing our team, improving our systems, and securing sustainable funding, so we can have an even greater impact. By sharing our work through research, community engagement, and partnerships, we ensure MHAS is recognized as a leader in place-based conservation and environmental education across northern Minnesota.
Get Involved!
Anyone can help take care of the preserve and the birds that live here! There are opportunities to get involved on your own or with a group of people.
On Your Own
Citizen Science & Bird Monitoring: Record sightings, track species, and contribute to Audubon projects.
In a Group
Habitat Restoration Projects: Plant native vegetation, maintain trails, or remove invasive species.
Volunteer Events: Participate in activities that support the preserve and its wildlife.
