On March 12, 2005, the Lagoon Society hosted an Open Public Forum to gather feedback from the local community about educational programming for the Iris Griffith Field Studies and Interpretive Centre. Speakers included Dr. Michael Jackson (Lagoon Society Chair), Dr. Gillian Kydd (Nature School Coordinator), Dr. Kurt Grimm (Lagoon Society Education Committee Member), Vivian Johnston (Pacific Ecoventures), and Rebecca Porte (Coast Mountain Field Institute).

The Open Forum was attended by over 50 community members. They were able to hear first-hand about the most recent progress in construction of the Interpretive Centre building and about the various community educational and interpretive programs planned for the Centre.

Students from the UBC Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences led brainstorming sessions to answer questions and gather ideas and suggestions from community members. Questionnaires were also distributed to gather feedback from attendees. This community input is now being collated and summarized in a report by the UBC students.

Community members left the Forum feeling very excited and energized about the Iris Griffith Centre project. The Lagoon Society wishes to thank the Pender Harbour Music School, Jill's Place catering, and all the speakers, volunteers and attendees that made the Forum such a success.

The Lagoon Society is very grateful to the generous contributions of the many private individuals, businesses, foundations, community groups, corporations, and government agencies that make up our many sponsors. We gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia.

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