Board of Directors

Since 1994, the MRWA has been a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.  The directors of the MRWA are responsible for planning for the future of the organization, as well as managing and participating in regular activities. Each director has a duty to act honestly and in good faith, with a view to the MRWA’s bylaws and best interests.

Alice Morgan, President (Fergusons Cove)  Alice Morgan is a conservationist, mother, hiker, and biker who lives in Fergusons Cove. Alice brings over 10 years of experience working  in conservation and environmental advocacy in Nova Scotia. She joined the board of the McIntosh Run Watershed Association in 2016 as a way to help steward the diverse ecosystem in her backyard. Alice is inspired by the inclusive and positive approach undertaken by MRWA.

Andrew Warkenton, Vice-President (Armdale) I’m a Mechanical Engineering Professor at Dalhousie University.  In 2016, I found out about the great work that MRWA has been doing preserving the watershed and all the creatures living in it by promoting it as a community resource and making it more accessible to the public.  Immediately, I decided to learn how to mountain bike and have spent countless hours exploring the watershed on foot and by bike. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the local community by helping to maintain and grow the trail network and by serving on MRWA’s Board of Directors.

Peter Dodge, Treasurer (Williams Lake)  I’m a retired engineer and former global program manager, enjoying the benefits of living near the watershed since my return to Nova Scotia in 2011. A regular hiker, new mountain biker and frequent volunteer trail builder, I joined MRWA because of its commitment to providing public access along with strong stewardship of this unique wilderness area.

Liz Spence, Secretary (Green Acres)  Liz Spence works in the field of environmental education. She moved to the area of Green Acres in 2015 and joined MRWA to learn more about the area, as well as contribute to the community and stewardship of the watershed. Liz enjoys exploring the watershed by foot or bicycle, and sharing the area with others.

Lawrence Plug, Director of Trails (Herring Cove)  I moved to Herring Cove in 2002, and joined the MRWA board in 2012 because I love the river and wild lands in the watershed.   I am a professor at Dalhousie (Earth and Environmental Sciences) and also bring experience in forestry and construction relevant to the trail project. I’ve benefited from wild places and outdoor adventure through much of my life, as a mountain biker, hiker, climber and natural scientist. There is something special about moving through natural landscapes under your own power –whether it’s on foot, tires, crampons, or skiis–  and I believe this experience should be available to more people, even in urban areas.  I’m inspired by MRWA’s vision of conservation coupled with a community-driven,  ‘backyard wilderness’ trail system which is fun and grows stewardship.  I contribute to the trails through planning, design, mapping, hands-on rockwork and carpentry, working with volunteers and trail crew, and swinging a pulaski.

Bruce Lusby, Director (Springvale/Fairmont) I feel that we are so fortunate to have the McIntosh Run Watershed area at our door step.  So thankful to those who have led the charge to steward the watershed and work with the various levels of government to get the trail network approved and plan for its growth.  The McIntosh Run Watershed is an absolute gem and adds so much to our city. Being in the woods is my happy place.  I like to hike, however I LOVE to mountain bike!  The McIntosh Run trails are a first in our region, making mountain biking accessible to all with trails for ALL skill levels from beginner to expert.  The landscape surrounding the McIntosh Run is so beautifully unique!  Being on the MRWA board is such a privilege.  I truly feel that in a small way I’m making the world a better place.  When I’m not hanging out with my family (Heidi, Cameron, and Megan) or mountain biking I’m working as an Independent Mortgage Broker.

Kaarin Tae, Director (Herring Cove)  I have enjoyed exploring wild places on trails my whole life and now I am happy to be building trails in the McIntosh Run watershed to share this wild place with others. Soft forests, spongy bogs and stunning barrens surround the ponds, pools and riffles of the river that flows in the back yard of Halifax. I love hiking and mountain biking, I studied plant ecology, and I’ve had the privilege of being the President of MRWA from 2009-2018. It’s a great group of dedicated people.

Sarah Sherwood, Director (Halifax)  In my work life, I am a former geologist that shifted toward operations and getting things done. I am also a mom of young kids who loves running and biking and adventures outside. I have always lived in places with abundant access to nature, and have come to appreciate how wilderness can transform communities and help people lead happy, active lives. I joined MRWA to contribute to the amazing grassroots effort that creatively brings conservation and outdoor recreation to the HRM.

Andy MacCallum, Director (Fergusons Cove).  I have lived and played in the watershed for almost 10 years, mostly biking, hiking and canoeing. I have a passion for the protection of unique wilderness areas and ecologically responsible development. Professionally, I have an environmental science background and I currently run a US based renewable energy company. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside MRWA’s dedicated and knowledgeable board members, and I hope to contribute meaningfully towards MRWA’s mission while I am here.

Stewart Hayne, Director (Armdale)  I live in the area and am an avid user of the MRWA trail system, on my mountain bike, and walking with my family or my dog.  Like others, I joined the MRWA board because I support the vision of conservation combined with public access through active recreation. I was inspired when one of the Board members said, at a public meeting, that the best way to conserve these lands is to have people using them, enjoying them, and being invested in their preservation. I bring more than 20 years of experience as a lawyer to MRWA and am very happy to be a part of this great organization and initiative! See you on the trails!

Natalie Chavarie, Director (Halifax) I am an avid user of the MRWA trail system as a trail runner and by bike. In my professional life,  I work with French community organisations to help preserve language and culture. Throughout my career in the federal public service, I have developed strong analytical and organisation skills that I love to apply to my role on the MRWA board. 

Andrea Bradshaw (Halifax)  Andrea Bradshaw is an engineer with over 10 years of construction management experience, predominantly in the renewable energy sector.  She is a lifetime environmental advocate and outdoor enthusiast and is thrilled to have such a great network of trails and conservation areas on her doorstep.  Andrea joined the board of directors to help support the conservation efforts in this amazing ecosystem.