Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve Reopens After Major Storm Damage
BEMIDJI, Minn., October 17, 2025. After nearly four months of closure due to catastrophic storm damage, the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society (MHAS) has announced that the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve is once again open to visitors, with limited trail access.
The decision to reopen the preserve was made during the MHAS Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, October 15, when board members voted unanimously to reopen after reviewing extensive cleanup efforts and safety assessments.
The June 21, 2025, storm left a lasting impact on the preserve, toppling massive pines and transforming the landscape. Since then, volunteers, community members, and local organizations have worked tirelessly to clear debris and restore trail access. “This summer tested us,” said Beth Drost, Outreach Coordinator for the MHAS. “Even with the preserve closed, the Spearhead community has never been stronger. So many people gave their time to help restore these trails, even while dealing with their
own damage. Their love for this place shows through immensely.”
MHAS officials emphasize that while some trails are now open, many others remain impassable due to fallen trees and damaged areas. Open trails are posted on the Preserve’s website. Visitors are urged to exercise caution and respect all signage. “There are still dangerous trees and debris in the woods,” Drost noted. “Hiking always carries an inherent level of risk, but that danger is intensified this year due to recent storms, rainfall, and high winds. Visitors should stay alert and be prepared for uneven or obstructed terrain.”
The public is encouraged to visit the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve responsibly and witness firsthand the resilience of both the forest and the people who care about it.
About the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society:
As a local chapter of the National Audubon Society, the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society has spent nearly five decades fostering a deep respect for the natural world in northern Minnesota. Through its programs at the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve and, in the community, MHAS promotes education, conservation, and a deeper understanding of the ecosystems that sustain us all.
Learn more:
For interviews, or group visit inquiries, contact:
Beth Drost, Outreach Coordinator
Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society
Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
info@spearheadmhas.org
http://www.spearheadmhas.org
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