Storm Recovery Update from Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve

7/2/2025

Storm Recovery Update from Neilson Spearhead Nature Preseve
The month has now turned over and we are still in the thick of clearing downed trees and branches from the access points and trails at Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve (formerly Neilson Spearhead Center).
 
We want to thank everyone who has reached out to check in and offer help after the severe storm on June 21. The preserve sustained a lot of damage, and we are in the early stages of cleanup and recovery. We know many of you are eager to get back on the lake and trails, and we’re working on a plan to make that possible.

Storm Response
A number of our local board members bring years of experience in forestry and tree work from their professional backgrounds. We are very lucky to have active board members who spend hours volunteering for the preserve. They are helping lead the effort to assess safety concerns and remove hazard trees. Contractos are also helping to deal with the most dangerous and technical work. Please give them time and space to work safely.

For now, we’re focused on clearing our most accessed areas.  There has been some great clearing done by our contractors; but the entire property, driveway, and main parking lot are closed to all visitors. We have had numerous inquiries for help and people have even showed up already with their chainsaws. We are please asking everyone to hold off on independent cleanup for now. With increased use of the preserve, significant storm damage, and the need to keep everyone safe, it’s important that recovery efforts are planned and managed, and will be planned by the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society. 

Currently, closed signs are posted on access roads and we are grateful for the community’s tremendous support. Amidst each of your own challenges and losses, your care for Spearhead in this time has been truly inspiring for all of us working to return to normalcy. Thank you, Headwaters! We will be putting out a call for volunteers soon and we would love your help when the time is right.

Facilities & Access 

• The driveway and main parking lot are closed. 

• The Lehman Lab and the Jeep Shed both sustained damage and are currently closed. They are not available for booking at this time.

• The Tent Cabin sustained little damage, but is among many fallen trees. It is not available for booking at this time.

• The fire pit is also closed.

• The south access point to Spearhead Lake has not been cleared, it is closed for safety reasons.

Programs & Events

• All session for the Young Naturalist Program have been cancelled for the summer.

• On-site summer programs, including "S’mores at Spearhead," and "Walk on the Wild Side" are currently on hold. We hope to hold pop-up events in the Bemidji area during the summer and hope to to resume regular on-site programming later in the season, depending on progress. We will post all programming on our website and Facebook page. 

• Look for us at the Beltrami County Fair later this August! We are still planning to be there.

• The MHAS Annual Celebration has been set for September 27 & 28, 2025. 

We know how much this place means to so many of you, and we are doing everything we can to get it back to a safe and welcoming condition. We’ll continue to share updates as the work moves forward.
Thank you for your patience, your support, and your love for this special place.

— The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society