Copeland Forest is one of the largest, intact forests in Southern Ontario and supports a variety of bird species that prefer forest interior habitats, including Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Veery and Eastern Wood Pewee among many others.
The size of Copeland Forest allows for a large diversity of vegetation communities and habitat types. Even though the forest was a ‘working forest’ for a number of years, there has been limited resource-management activities taking place, resulting in relatively undisturbed, and high-functioning ecological systems.
The Ducks Unlimited Pond is a hotspot for avian diversity during both migration and breeding season. Wood Ducks and Belted Kingfisher are commonly observed around the pond.
Plant species such as Maidenhair Fern and Blue Cohosh are indicators of a healthy, mature forest and are abundant in suitable habitat throughout the forest. Visitors to the forest always take a pleasure in experiencing the diversity of species in the forest.
All users of Copeland Forest should recognize that it is a large tract of land and is easy to get lost. All visitors should take precautions prior to their visits, including letting someone know where they are going and what time the expected return is. Bring a map or other navigation support. And, specifically for naturalists, your favourite field guide, and review the species lists for Copeland Forest.
These lists are helpful to beginners to provide guidance on the species that they may come across. Copeland Forest Friends Association (CFFA) also regularly leads tours in the forest, including during spring bird migration and for spring ephemerals.
Visitors who are more advanced can easily expand their fields of study. Come for the birds, stay for the lichens. Resource guides are an excellent way to expand your interests.
When visiting Copeland Forest, follow standard code of conducts, including the Ontario Field Ornithologists Code of Ethics and the Field Botanists of Ontario.