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BEMIDJI — The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society will host a variety of outdoor events this August at the Neilson Spearhead Center nature preserve, 48851 County 29.

Walk on the Wild Side: Using Your Field Guides will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3. Participants will go on a hike and learn how to get the most out of field guides with Bemidji area Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Janet Nelson.

This is a free program; donations are accepted.

Plein Air Painting will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10. Instructor Gillian Bedford will lead participants in techniques for painting outside, using acrylics to capture the landscape. Bedford's approach as a teacher is to offer simple techniques as tools and to encourage her students to find their own artistic voice, a release said.

Supplies will be provided. Attendees should bring a water bottle and a folding stool or chair if needed.

The cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members

A Young Naturalist Program Reunion is set for 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16. Students and parents who have participated in the Young Naturalist Program this summer, or in past years, are invited to come visit with old friends, walk the trails, roast a s'more and paddle a canoe on the lake, the release said.

This event is free.

Boreal Book Club will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18. This month's book is "The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession" by Mark Obmascik. These monthly meetings, held the second to last Sunday of each month from May to October, will begin with a short hike followed by a discussion of the book of the month.

Books are selected with the goal of including Minnesota-specific topics, Indigenous voices, memoirs, humor and adventure and information about the natural world that provokes awe and a closer connection to the earth, the release said.

The cost is $5 per month.

An Outdoor Movie Night featuring a screening of "The Big Year" (2011) is set for 8 to 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18. Attendees can enjoy a family-friendly evening under the stars.

This is a free program; donations are accepted.

Mindful Yoga: Stretch and Flow will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, led by instructor Ann Gorman. These monthly classes, held the last Tuesday of each month from April through September, invite participants to engage their senses and relax in their practice while taking in the sights, sounds and smells of nature, the release said.

Participants are asked to dress in comfortable layers suited to the outside temperature the day of class and bring a water bottle. Yoga mats will be available or you can bring your own.

Weather permitting, classes will be held outdoors. The cost is $15 per class or $75 for the series. Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society Members receive a discount.

For more information or to register, visit