Passion for astronomy leads to Dark Sky preserve
Mike Couvrette's work with Fort Smith astronomical society has its challenges, rewards
Andrew Livingstone
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 19, 2015
THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
Mike Couvrette doesn't get a paycheque for this job, nor does he get a gavel while presiding over meetings.
Mike Couvrette is the driving force behind the Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society. - NNSL file photo |
But chairing the Thebacha and Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society is a job that the Fort Smith resident is happy to do for free, even if it comes with a lot of work and challenges.
Couvrette said he didn't set out to chair, or even build, an astronomy society. But when he approached Parks Canada in 2011 about designating Wood Buffalo National Park as a dark sky reserve, there was a catch - a local astronomy organization had to exist for this to happen.
Four years later, the 54-year-old Fort Smith resident is the motivation that has helped build the society's membership and community interest in perusing the heavens.
"It's something I enjoy doing and I find it relaxing," he said, adding he puts in about 10 to 15 hours a week, maybe more, of work on society projects.
"It takes quite a bit of time to do this and keeping track of who is doing what."
With planning underway for the fourth annual Dark Sky Festival, the society working on two projects with Aurora College, as well as regular meetings and community involvement initiatives, Couvrette said his leadership role takes a lot of organization on his part.
"A lot of it for me is that it's a passion to be able to take something from conception to, 'Hey, there are 60 people out here having a good time and enjoying the night sky,'" he said.
"There is a lot of personal satisfaction in making it happen."
With a limited pool of potential volunteers to draw from, being clear about organizational goals, passion and motivation are key attributes Couvrette brings to the table.
"Volunteers don't mind being busy as long as its organized," he said.
"It's important to provide motivation and demonstrating that it's organized and a definite objective in mind and somebody has thought out the process so it's not trying to manage chaos.
"I think it's a bit of a challenge for me to be able to demonstrate to volunteers the work they are doing is going to be fruitful."
As chair, Couvrette is the first point of contact for things like other groups looking to supplement their activities, so being the face of the organization at times can have its challenges - but can also be rewarding.
"I'm one of those types that likes to see things organized and from the beginning we've had clear objectives for what the society is about," he said.
"It's been a great society to work with and it's a great group of people."
