We are Central Minnesota Audubon Society (CMAS)
Central Minnesota Audubon Society encompasses an area covering all of Benton County and parts of Stearns, Morrison, Sherburne, Wright, Meeker, Todd, Mille Lacs and Isanti counties. There are many beautiful areas in central Minnesota to explore – county parks, state parks and many other public lands with diverse populations of plants and wildlife.
We love . . .
Birds
Birds & Birding
We present and participate in many birding activities from local birding walks to national bird counts. Birding can be enjoyed by all people of any age or ability. Check our Calendar to find an event and join us!
Nature
Nature & Conservation
Those who love nature are naturally inspired to preserve the health and beauty of our environment. Our Projects page features a few of our conservations projects for birds and their habitats.
Making a Difference
Making a Difference
We invite anyone interested in making a difference in your backyard, in your community or in the world to:
• Learn more about CMAS and sign up for our newsletter to learn about volunteer opportunities
• Join CMAS and become a part of our community
• Donate – an especially valuable way to contribute to the conservation efforts
The Green-Backed Gazette
Sign up for our newsletter which comes out 8 times a year. Read the latest newsletters
Have a
Question?
Let us know if you have a question or ideas to share.
I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.
John Burroughs, American naturalist and nature essayist
Current News
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Community Science Opportunities
CMAS is participating in the Chimney Swift Roost Monitoring Project, a joint effort of the MN DNR, the Urban Bird Collective, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Community volunteers observe and report on chimney swift roost locations and roost use to help scientists understand the geographic distribution of chimney swifts in Minnesota. If you…
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Intro to Birding class at Avon Hills Folk School
led by Jim Millard from CMAS with assistance from: Herb Dingmann, Jean Johnson, Kyle Woitalla on 25 April, 16 / 23 / 30 May, 2026 Spring migration brings the largest variety of breeding plumage birds. As we move into late spring / early summer, migrants have moved on and resident breeding populations have paired off…
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Tamarack Bog Tour
We have a treasure in our area: The St. Wendel Tamarack Bog Scientific and Natural Area. Mike Lee from the DNR’s Minnesota Biological Survey led a group from CMAS and Wild Ones to observe some of those treasures. Slogging through a bog with many downed trees and plenty of mud is no easy task, but…
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Grebe Outing
May 27th was a beautiful day to be out on Lake Osakis with Let’s Go Fishing of Alexandria to hopefully observe the Western Grebe’s mating dance. We filled two big pontoon boats. Even though it was toward the end of the mating season and the nesting season had started, we were rewarded with mating behaviors!…