I have lived on the edge of the Copeland forest. Since 2011 and have been skiing in the forest since 1978.
An avid XC skier and Mountain biker, I also snowshoe and hike through the entire range of the forest. A father of 3 grown children, they too have had the pleasure of spending time in this wonderful resource.

Meghan spent the early part of her career in academic research studying how insects interact with environment and mostly studied be pollinators and invasive species like the emerald ash borer. She is originally from the US, completed a PhD in Biology at Arizona State University, and worked at the University of Western Ontario before leaving research for Conservation. She lives in Barrie and works as the Conserved Lands Manager for the Couchiching Conservancy where she directs the stewardship of over 58 nature reserves and conservation easements, community science programs, and grant funding from private, government, business, and foundation sources.

She regularly hikes and spends time birding and naturalizing in Copeland Forest with her family. It is an incredibly valuable place for plants, wildlife, and everyone to spend time in nature. Meghan aims to ensure it remains protected and wild.

I had enjoyed occasionally hiking in Copeland Forest and discovering its beauty over the last few years. When I retired from full-time work in accounting in 2023, I was looking to rekindle my interest in biology from my university years. Voila, this opportunity presented itself; to be part of a group dedicated to being stewards of the forest with an aim to protect its ecological health and to ensure the continued enjoyment by its many users.

As the Director of the Residents’ User Group and Secretary, I will listen to the community’s suggestions and concerns and bring them to the Board for consideration. It will also be my great pleasure to learn more about Copeland Forest through participation in the mustard garlic pull, water testing and the various informative events that are offered.

Kim has recently joined the Copeland Friends Board as a Naturalist Director

It is with great pleasure and passion that I take on the role of Mountain bike Director for the Copeland Forest Friends. I have been an active volunteer since becoming a member of this dedicated group in 2018 helping with the garlic mustard pulling and assisting with keeping trails clear of forest debris when necessary.

Having lived abroad for many years I knew when I returned to Ontario that I wanted to live close to a natural environment to enjoy my various outdoor pursuits such as hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing and my greatest passion, mountain biking. I have had the pleasure of riding in many different places and feel very privileged to live close to the natural beauty of Copeland Forest to enjoy this and other activities in all seasons with like-minded friends.

I look forward to continuing to make a positive contribution as an active board member bringing my experience, skills and knowledge in keeping the integrity of the forest sustainable for future enjoyment.

Don and his wife moved from the GTHA to Horseshoe in Summer 2021. He is a Registered Professional Planner and semi-retired environmental planning consultant.
Don spends most of his leisure time in the outdoors and is an avid cyclist (mountain, gravel and fat), hiker, dog walker, and “bushwhack” skier. He enjoys exploring new areas and getting “lost” in the woods. He has travelled throughout North America and other places in the world to bike and hike on trails.

I have lived full time in the neighbourhood for 12 years now and part time for another 7 years.  I love the Copeland for the biking and even more so for snowy bushwhacks on skis, off the trails, in the deep snows of winter.  The beautiful forests, streams and quiet meadows of the Copeland are great places to unwind from the urban world.

Pat Tuero and her husband recently bought a condo at Horseshoe Valley Ski Resort (Copeland House) as a weekend/vacation property after having fallen in love with Copeland Forest.  Though her "official" primary residence is in Newmarket, since retiring at the end of January 2023, she has been spending the majority of her time at the condo and can be seen hiking, biking, xc skiing, snowshoeing and trail running in the forest.  She and her husband also road bike throughout Oro-Medonte.  Pat is actively involved in the Trail Committee and has participated in the Garlic Mustard pulls.

After years of coming up from Toronto on weekends to xc ski, mountain bike, and hike in Copeland Forest, my wife and I finally bought our retirement home in Horseshoe Valley in 2010. Even back then we knew that Copeland Forest was a special place.

Since retiring in 2016 I have tried to give back to the Forest by water testing, garlic mustard pulling, and most recently as a member of the Trail Committee.  I will now do my best to preserve and protect the Forest by serving on the board.