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

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

Please note that trails at the preserve may be muddy during this season. We recommend wearing sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear.

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

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking

with Guest Presenter, Robert Daun

All Ages.

The art and science of Wildlife Tracking can give us an extraordinary window into the secret lives of our local wildlife. Whether you are a naturalist, hiker, or just someone who appreciates wildlife this class is for you. We will spend some time in the field discovering and identifying tracks and sign left by our wild neighbors, what we find that day is what we get to learn from.

This basic wildlife tracking course is open to all skill levels and every student is guaranteed to learn something about the art and science behind wildlife tracking.

Topics covered in the course will include:

• Wildlife track and sign identification

• Mammal and bird foot morphology as an identification tool

• Wildlife behavior and local ecology

• Utilizing tracking field guides as tools for continuing education

We offer this program on a pay-what-you-can basis because we believe the outdoors belongs to everyone. Removing barriers to access is a value we share. If you’re able to contribute, your support helps us continue offering meaningful outdoor learning experiences, like this, and grow opportunities for our community. After you click “Register For This Workshop,” you’ll have the option to make a pay-what-you-can contribution.

Bird Language 101

with Guest Presenter, Robert Daun

Come spend a day exploring the language of the birds. Whether you're a seasoned birder or don’t know an owl from a chickadee, this course is for you.

Interpreting bird language is an ancient skill, one that has helped humans survive and thrive for thousands of years. Birds act as the “news media” of the ecosystem, revealing where food, water, shelter, and danger are found. Highly aware and often vocal, they provide an audible and visible map of what’s happening on the landscape around us.

You’ll learn to identify and distinguish between bird songs, companion calls, territorial calls, juvenile begging, and alarm calls. Through this awareness, you’ll gain insight into the immediate environment, including predator movement and subtle ecological shifts.

Along the way, you will:

• Improve pattern recognition of sounds and behaviors

• Refine your understanding of local ecology

• Deepen your listening and awareness

• Move through the woods with a quieter mind

• Minimize your disturbance on the landscape

• Strengthen your connection to place and nature

In a time of increasing disconnection, bird language offers a way back—to awareness, relationship, and a deeper sense of belonging in the natural world.

We offer this program on a pay-what-you-can basis because we believe the outdoors belongs to everyone. Removing barriers to access is a value we share. If you’re able to contribute, your support helps us continue offering meaningful outdoor learning experiences. After you click “Register For This Workshop,” you’ll have the option to make a pay-what-you-can contribution. Thank you.

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking

with Guest Presenter, Robert Daun

The art and science of Wildlife Tracking can give us an extraordinary window into the secret lives of our local wildlife. Whether you are a naturalist, hiker, or just someone who appreciates wildlife this class is for you. We will spend some time in the field discovering and identifying tracks and sign left by our wild neighbors, what we find that day is what we get to learn from.

This basic wildlife tracking course is open to all skill levels and every student is guaranteed to learn something about the art and science behind wildlife tracking.

Topics covered in the course will include:

• Wildlife track and sign identification

• Mammal and bird foot morphology as an identification tool

• Wildlife behavior and local ecology

• Utilizing tracking field guides as tools for continuing education

We offer this program on a pay-what-you-can basis because we believe the outdoors belongs to everyone. Removing barriers to access is a value we share. If you’re able to contribute, your support helps us continue offering meaningful outdoor learning experiences, like this, and grow opportunities for our community. After you click “Register For This Workshop,” you’ll have the option to make a pay-what-you-can contribution.