Programs, Activities, & Events
Upcoming Events and Programs
From Walk on the Wild Side and Young Naturalists to seasonal programs and special events, Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society offers unique opportunities to get learn, be in nature, and connect. Here’s what’s coming up!
Walk on The Wild Side
A monthly, guided nature walk that invites you to slow down and notice the details of the landscape. Led by experienced guides, this walk focuses on plants, wildlife signs, and the subtle changes happening along the trails at Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve.
Programs & Activities
Birding & Beyond
These curated workshops, outings, and programs offer participants an opportunity to dive deeper into the natural world. Participants explore birding, ecology, and other related topics in workshops led by our guest naturalists and visiting experts.
Audubon Around Town
Audubon Around Town brings nature learning beyond the preserve through talks, walks, and events held in the Bemidji area. These programs connect community spaces with local conservation stories, wildlife, and ways to get involved.
Audubon Around Town: Spring Garden Party
The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is excited to be part of the Spring Garden Party hosted by the Beltrami County Extension Master Gardeners!
Come find our table, chat with us, and enjoy a morning of learning, connection, and celebration with fellow gardeners.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Check-in begins at 7:45am
Program: 8:30am - 12:00pm
Location: Evangelical Free Church, 115 Carr Lake Rd SW Bemidji, MN 56601
Guest Speakers
Phenology – John Latimer, Phenology Show host on Northern Community Radio.
For over 40 years, John has tracked seasonal changes in plants and animals and worked with major universities to share his data. He also inspires students across MN to explore nature and share their observations. Learn to pay attention to the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate.
Embracing Climate Change – How to Prepare for Weather Whiplash – Tarah Young, Hubbard County Extension Educator.
How do we embrace climate change to establish resilient gardens? Learn 8 strategies to help prepare your gardens for extreme weather conditions in every growing season.
My Bonsai Journey – Dave Severson, Bonsai Specialist.
Bonsai is a living tree art form. Over the last 30 years Dave’s backyard Bonsai collection has grown to almost 70. Each tree has its unique story. Dave will speak of his Bonsai journey with several of his trees on display.
Details
Cost: $20 (scholarship options available)
Registration: To register online, visit: https://tinyurl.com/GardenParty2026
Questions? Call (218) 444-7916 or visit Beltrami County Master Gardeners on Facebook.
Location: Evangelical Free Church, 115 Carr Lake Rd SW Bemidji, MN 56601
Walk on the Wild Side April: Early Migrating Birds Nature Walk
Hooded merganser at Spearhead lake. MHAS photo.
Celebrate the return of spring as early migrating birds arrive at the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve. Guided by local birders, all birding enthusiasts from expert to beginners welcome. This walk focuses on spotting early songbirds, waterfowl, and other spring arrivals. It is perfect for families and beginners who want to connect with nature as the woods come alive again.
Location: Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Fee: Free, Donations appreciated
Register Here: https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-chapters/event/921993
Please note that trails at the preserve may be muddy during this season. We recommend wearing sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear.
Audubon Around Town - Staff Earth Day Event at Sanford Bemidji
The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is pleased to participate in the Earth Day staff event at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, hosted by the Go Green Committee.
Sanford staff are invited to visit community booths in the East Lobby to learn more about local sustainability initiatives and organizations.
🗓 Wednesday, April 22
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m
Walk on The Wild Side March: Early Signs of Spring: Birdsong Walk
Awaken your ears to the lively soundscape of early spring! This guided nature walk introduces participants to the captivating world of bird songs and calls, teaching how to locate good listening spots and distinguish species by their unique sounds. Learn how tools like the Merlin app can enhance your identification skills while exploring the preserve’s trails and natural beauty.
Learn more about Walk on The Wild Side
Location: Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
Length: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free, Donations accepted
Register Here: https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-chapters/event/878811/
Walk on The Wild Side February: Bird Discovery Walk & Great Backyard Bird Count
Experience the preserve in its quietest season on this guided winter walk focused on birds and wildlife. Participants will learn to identify common winter birds using eBird and the Merlin Bird ID application. We will discover how to read tracks and other signs left by birds and animals that remain active throughout the colder months.
Snowshoes are welcome, and the group will explore the landscape at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to observe, ask questions, and enjoy the beauty of winter.
This walk will take place during the Great Backyard Bird Count. During our walk, we will have the opportunity to listen for and count birds together as a group, with the group leader submitting the observations as a single group count. To learn more about how group counts work, visit www.birdcount.org/group-counts/. You may also count in your own backyard! Learn more about the bird count here.
Learn more about Walk on The Wild Side
Location: Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
Length: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free
Register Here: https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-chapters/event/878789/
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Global Bird Count in February. Share your birds with us February 13-16, 2026 and be a part of this global event.
In as little as 15 minutes, notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. If you already use eBird or Merlin, your submissions over the 4 days count toward GBBC.
Watch the instructional video to learn more about the count. https://youtu.be/6RdXDGcqHTg
How to Participate: https://www.birdcount.org/participate/. Spend time in your favorite places watching birds, then tell us about them!
Or, join a group count! MHAS is hosting a guided walk and group count on February 14, 2026, at Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve, with the group leader submitting observations as a single group count.
More information: https://www.birdcount.org/
Walk on The Wild Side January: Winter Birds and Tracks
Bundle up and step into the winter woods with us! Winter Birds & Tracks is an outdoor program where participants explore the snowy trails of the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve to discover the birds that thrive in our coldest months.
Learn to identify common winter birds, site animal tracks in the snow, and understand the stories they tell about behavior, survival, and the rhythms of the forest. Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or simply curious about the winter world around you, this program offers guided exploration, expert insights, and a chance to connect with nature in its quiet, snowy season.
Itasca Christmas Bird Count
This holiday season take part in the annual winter bird count at Itasca State park! This event, organized by Itasca State Park, is part of the nationwide Audubon Christmas Bird Count, a 126-year citizen science project organized by the National Audubon Society.
126th Annual Christmas Bird Count-Bemidji
The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society invites you to participate in the 126th Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC)!