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 guided, seasonal nature walk that invites you to slow down and notice the details of the landscape. Led by experienced naturalists, this walk focuses on plants, wildlife signs, and the subtle changes happening along the trails at Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve.
Programs & Activities
Quarterly Birding Trips
Join local birders each season to observe birds at popular birding destinations and learn what’s present throughout the year. These guided outings are welcoming to all experience levels and highlight seasonal movements, habitats, and identification tips.
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.
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 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/
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 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)!