Our Premises
The Loon Foundation is proud to own and operate a number of establishments that help us to carry out our diverse community, scientific, and educational initiatives. Our premises include the Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (PODS), the EarthFair Store, the Iris & Billy Griffith Nature Centre, and the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve.
PODS
The Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (PODS) will be an innovative marine and freshwater research and education facility located at Irvines Landing, Pender Harbour, on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of BC. PODS aims to be a place where science, arts, culture, and community come together to inspire visitors about the wonders of nature!
EarthFair Store
The EarthFair Store is run by the Loon Foundation in the heart of Madeira Park. Offering a curated selection of novels, field guides, resources, and a large and ever-changing selection of local and sustainably sourced gifts, the EarthFair Store greatly enhances the shopping experience in the town and attracts visitors and locals year-round. The property, purchased by the Loon Foundation in 2020, offers versatile indoor and outdoor space and also serves as offices, an information centre, and a meeting place for the Foundation's operations.
All proceeds from the EarthFair Store go to the Foundation and our various projects and initiatives.
Iris & Billy Griffith Nature Centre
The Iris & Billy Griffith Nature Centre houses a collection of displays and exhibits on our natural world and serves as a base for the many exciting community and education programs run by the Loon Foundation! These include tours for the general community, our innovative Nature School program for young students, along with interpretive programs, workshops, and presentations for students, professionals, hobbyists, and amateur naturalists. The facility has green building elements and is surrounded by beautiful acreage featuring a pond, walking trails, and a restored wetland.
Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve
In 2002 the Loon Foundation – known then as the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society – helped purchase a ten-hectare plot of unique forest and wetland with the goal of protecting the land in perpetuity, made possible thanks to community donations, including one extremely generous donation from long-time supporters Denise and Ken Cargill. In 2005 a sizeable grant from Western Economic Diversification Canada allowed us to build the Iris Griffith Field Studies & Interpretive Centre, an innovative education and interpretive facility on the nature reserve.
