Remembering Mae – fundraiser keeps a girl’s love for nature alive

Mae Helgeson, top center, with her family during a nature outing, including parents Matt and Julie and brothers Oscar and Henrik. Mae’s family is remembering her with a calendar of her photos to benefit the Hanson Nature Center.

By Andrew Shaw

Mae Helgeson loved nature, and that love lives on through the many photos she enjoyed capturing of birds and other local wildlife. Julie and Matt Helgeson of Lake Mills are honoring their late daughter and sharing her photography with the world with a special 2026 calendar that will benefit the Hanson Nature Center in Winnebago County.

Mae lost her life last year in an ATV accident when she was just 11 years old. Her family wants to make sure her lifelong commitment to the natural world continues, and this calendar fundraiser will help to improve and expand exhibits at the Hanson Nature Center so many more people can share in Mae’s love of nature.

“Mae’s legacy continues to inspire through the beauty of her photography, her love for nature, and the cherished memories she left behind,” said her mom, Julie. Each month of the calendar will feature one of Mae’s photographs, along with a quote that resonated with her. The back page will feature a written tribute to Mae and a photo of her.

This picture of a cedar waxwing by Mae Helgeson is among her nature photos that will be featured in the 2026 calendar “A Life Well Lived Mae’s Way.”

The Helgesons are now taking preorders for the calendar, and information and an order form can be found by visiting Julie’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/julie.helgeson. Calendars preordered before the end of November cost $20, and the cost beginning December 1 will be $25.

Calendars will be available for pickup or purchase at the Hanson Nature Center and at the Lake Mills Chamber of Commerce. Julie says they expect the calendars to arrive the week of December 8. Shipping is also available – call or text Julie at 515-290-1000 to make shipping arrangements.

Mae Helgeson loved drawing wildlife in addition to taking pictures.

Earlier this year, a fundraiser at Matt’s workplace also honored Mae. The employees at Albert Lea Seed House raised money for a Motus wildlife tracking system for the Hanson Nature Center. The tracking system is used to study the behavior of birds, bats, and insects. The tower was named in her honor as the Mae’s Way Migration Tower.

Mae’s birthday is coming up on December 3, and Julie says she thinks the 2026 calendar is a great tribute to her to mark the occasion.

“If you are searching for a meaningful gift, this calendar is the perfect choice. Whether you knew Mae personally, are a fellow nature-lover, or simply wish to donate towards a good cause, this calendar is sure to spark joy and inspiration throughout the year,” said Julie.