The roots of Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis go back to January, 1915, when Mr. Ernest Harold Baynes came from New Hampshire to speak to the Minneapolis Woman’s Club on “how to attract winter birds”.  As a result of that presentation, Minneapolis Bird Club was formed, initially as part of the Woman’s Club. However, men and women who were not members of the Woman’s Club joined by paying  $1.00 annual dues.  In 1920, the club affiliated with the National Audubon Society and became Minneapolis Audubon Society.

Although there are ambiguities in the historical documents, it appears that in 1939, the Minneapolis Public Library organized seven science clubs for citizens interested in various aspects of the natural environment.  One of these, Minneapolis Bird Club, met monthly and went on birdwatching field trips.  In 1949, Minneapolis Bird Club also became a branch of the National Audubon Society and in 1975, the name was changed to Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis. At least as late as 1963, Minneapolis Audubon Society and Audubon Chapter of Minneaplis was were both members of National Audubon.  For several decades, however, Minneapolis Audubon Society has not affiliated with National Audubon Society nor with its regional or statewide offices. Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis continues its relationship with Minnesota and National Audubon.