An important component of the Iris Griffith Field Studies and Interpretive Centre Complex will be an Observatory housing a 16" telescope. "This is an extremely large telescope capable of seeing into deep space," says Bill Clark, spokesperson for the Sunshine Coast Astronomy Club. "The Observatory will be a great teaching facility for coast students and a year-round attraction for both local astronomers and for astronomers from all over the Lower Mainland."

Bill Clark says that the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve is a perfect location for an Observatory. "First, the location of the Centre faces southwest which is an ideal positioning. Also, being in the wilderness, the Reserve is what we call a "dark sky environment"- meaning we don’t have any extraneous light interfering with the Observatory."

Dr. Michael Jackson, Director of the Lagoon Society, is excited too. "The Observatory is a perfect complement to the Field Studies and Interpretive Centre. People will be able to enjoy the Nature Reserve during the day and observe the galaxies at night!" - this will be great for the local economy. After all, if people come to the Coast for the Observatory they will have to stay the night, which means of course they'll need accommodation, they’ll eat in local restaurants, and will hopefully do some shopping etc."

On September 25th, 2004, the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society hosted a Gala Event to launch their Legacy Program. Members of the Astronomy Club trucked in a giant telescope so guests at the event were able to observe the stars during the evening’s festivities.

Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society RR#1 Site 20 C16 Madeira Park, BC, V0N 2H0 Phone/Fax: 604-883-9893 Email: info@lagoonsociety.com

Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre 15386 Sunshine Coast Highway 101 North (1KM south of Ruby Lake) Phone: 604-883-9201 Open Daily 10AM to 4PM