Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society

2024 Give to the Max Campaign for the Neilson Spearhead Center

Our 2024 Give to the Max goal is to raise funds for updates to the Neilson Spearhead Center nature preserve in 2025. One of our main goals is to improve the visitor experience at the preserve. Making it easier for visitors to know where to go and what to do during their time at the Neilson Spearhead Center. These updates will include:

1. KIOSKS: An updated kiosk at the main Visitor Parking Lot and a new kiosk at the south boat launch. These will allow us to provide more frequently updated information and to engage visitors with hands-on citizen science activities they can engage with at the preserve.
   
2. TRAIL MAPS: Updated trail maps will provide clearly named and color-coded trails, to make it easier to find your way around the preserve. This, combined with updated trail signs, will greatly improve accessibility.
   
3. TRAIL SIGNS: "Where should I start my hike? Which way should I turn at this fork in the trail? How much farther to the bog walk?" These questions, and more, will be answered by new trail signs placed at frequent intervals across the trail system. All major intersections will be clearly marked.
   

By donating today, you help support a more welcoming and accessible visitor experience at the Neilson Spearhead Center nature preserve in 2025. Thank you for supporting increased access to this amazing resource for the Bemidji community. We greatly appreciate your donation!

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Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society

The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society (MHAS) is one of Bemidji’s most enduring environmental conservation organizations. We were founded in 1977 as a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization through the efforts of concerned Bemidji citizens who saw the need for a strong environmental voice in the area. Today the chapter represents over 250 members living throughout north central Minnesota. 

The mission of MHAS is to “foster personal connections to and stewardship of our natural world”. 

We do this by:

1. Managing a 466 acre preserve and education facility called the Neilson Spearhead Center.
2. Hosting a nature camp called "The Young Naturalist Program" each summer where kids get a hands-on nature experience! Approximately 100 youth per year attend YNP.
3. Providing opportunities for nature-inspired study and research.
4. Leading community projects and events that connect people with nature.
5. Advocating for local conservation of important habitats and ecosystems.

The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is a fund in the family of funds at Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

The Neilson Spearhead Center

Nestled alongside beautiful Spearhead Lake, the 466 acre Neilson Spearhead Center nature preserve is a jewel in the forest. The entire shoreline of this tranquil lake is natural. From the lake's emergent vegetation to the forested uplands, bogs and wetlands, there is truly something for everyone; something to discover, to appreciate, to cherish, and to preserve. 

Vision:  The Neilson Spearhead Center is a place for experiential nature education, scientific research, quiet reflection, and contemplation; where one develops a sense of wonder and joy for nature and the importance of wild places.

Goals: 

1. To maintain the integrity of the natural communities present on the NSC property. 
2. To provide and be a resource for education in environmental science, nature-based experiential learning, and personal growth.
3. To conduct and be a resource for research in areas of environmental science.
4. To provide opportunities to create personal connections and a sense of place with nature.

NSC was deeded to MHAS in 1985 for ecological research and environmental education. Since then, our Young Naturalist Program has reached hundreds of area young people with a unique combination of experiential learning activities and nature education. Many other school, youth groups, and community organizations use the Center for programs. 

Come explore nature with us! Hike our trails; paddle Spearhead Lake; enjoy the solitude; or attend an educational program.

The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is a fund in the family of funds at Northwest Minnesota Foundation.