Volunteer of the Month: Amy Skulj

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is pleased to recognize Amy Skulj as our Volunteer of the Month for January. Since joining us in December 2024, Amy has become a dedicated and enthusiastic presence at the hatchery and along the creek, contributing her time, energy, and passion for watershed stewardship.

Amy was encouraged to volunteer through an acquaintance at Flowlink Environmental, and from her very first visit, she knew she had found a place where her values and interests aligned. An environmentalist at heart, Amy brings both commitment and curiosity to every task, embracing the ever-changing nature of watershed work.

Her volunteer roles have spanned a wide range of seasonal activities, including assisting with Coho and Chum salmon care, invasive species removal, water quality monitoring, and whatever else is needed week to week. As she notes, duties change with the seasons—and she’s always ready to step in where help is required.

For Amy, the most rewarding part of volunteering is witnessing and supporting the life cycle of Coho and Chum salmon. Being able to see firsthand how volunteer efforts contribute directly to habitat health and salmon survival is what keeps her coming back, Saturday after Saturday.

One of the moments Amy is most proud of is seeing the strong participation of young volunteers who commit their time despite busy schedules. “Teamwork makes the dream work,” she says—a sentiment that captures the collaborative spirit of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society.

Volunteering has also strengthened Amy’s role as an advocate for conservation. Working on the ground has deepened her understanding of watershed stewardship and reinforced the importance of protecting waterways while educating others about their value.

When asked what advice she would give to someone considering volunteering, Amy doesn’t hesitate. She describes it as a meaningful learning opportunity that offers fulfillment, camaraderie, and the chance to work alongside a knowledgeable and dedicated Board. “I don’t like missing any Saturday,” she adds, “since I am so committed.”

We are grateful to Amy for her dedication, positivity, and ongoing support of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society. Volunteers like her make our work possible.

If you’re inspired by Amy’s story and would like to get involved, we invite you to visit our Support page to learn how you can volunteer or contribute to our efforts to protect and restore Hoy and Scott Watersheds.

Thank you, Amy, for everything you do.

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society Is Now a Registered Canadian Charity

Hoy Creek in December (Coquitlam, BC)

We are proud to share an important milestone for the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society: as of July 2025, we are officially a registered Canadian charity.

Our charitable registration number is: 863285847RR0001

This achievement reflects years of dedicated volunteer effort, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to protecting and restoring the Hoy and Scott watersheds.

What Does Charitable Status Mean?

Becoming a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency confirms that the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society operates for the public good and meets rigorous standards for governance, accountability, and transparency.

It also strengthens our ability to:

  • Protect and enhance salmon habitat

  • Deliver environmental education and outreach

  • Support monitoring, restoration, and stewardship initiatives

  • Build partnerships that benefit the entire watershed and community

How This Helps Our Supporters

With charitable status, we can now issue official donation receipts for income tax purposes.

This means:

  • Individuals can receive tax credits for their donations

  • Businesses can make charitable contributions with formal documentation

  • Supporters can give with confidence, knowing their contributions directly support local environmental stewardship

Every donation helps us continue hands-on work in the watershed — from habitat protection to hatchery education and community engagement.

A Milestone Built by Volunteers and Community

This accomplishment belongs to our volunteers, members, partners, and supporters. Your time, expertise, and belief in the importance of healthy waterways made this possible.

From creekside monitoring to public education events, your efforts have helped position the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society as a trusted steward of our local environment.

Looking Ahead

Charitable status opens new opportunities for growth, funding, and collaboration. As we look ahead, we remain committed to:

  • Protecting salmon and aquatic ecosystems

  • Educating the public about watershed health

  • Working collaboratively with Indigenous partners, community groups, and local residents

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can continue to care for the creeks that sustain our community.

👉 Learn how you can support our work or make a donation on our support page.

Society Members Tour Kwikwetlem Sockeye Hatchery

The kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Sockeye Hatchery

Members of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society were treated to a truly educational and inspiring experience on December 14, touring Kwikwetlem First Nation’s new sockeye salmon hatchery located high above the Coquitlam River watershed.

A huge thank you goes to HSWS volunteer Rodney Lee, who led the tour and generously shared his knowledge throughout the morning. The state-of-the-art facility is currently incubating sockeye salmon eggs, and Rodney provided a fascinating overview of both the technical aspects of the hatchery and the long, determined journey taken by Kwikwetlem First Nation to bring this important project to life.

Participants learned about the unique life cycle of sockeye salmon and the special care required to successfully rear this species—knowledge that deepened everyone’s appreciation for the complexity and importance of hatchery work in supporting healthy salmon populations.

The tour started with an informative talk from Rodney Lee.

Following the hatchery visit, the group toured the surrounding area, taking in views of the Coquitlam River running at high flow, as well as the spawning grounds, dam, and lake reservoir. The broader landscape offered valuable context for understanding how habitat, water management, and salmon stewardship are closely connected.

HSWS members were pleased to be joined by friends from the Hyde Creek Hatchery, making the tour an excellent opportunity for shared learning and collaboration among watershed stewards.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society extends its sincere thanks to Kwikwetlem First Nation for welcoming us and allowing us to learn about this vital work. The hatchery represents a significant achievement in salmon restoration and Indigenous-led stewardship in the region.


More photos


For more information about the hatchery and its opening, you can read Kwikwetlem First Nation’s 2022 announcement here:
👉 Sockeye Hatchery Announcement (Kwikwetlem First Nation)

Wrapping up the tour at the Coquitlam mountain reservoir. (Coquitlam Lake) Watershed

Announcing Our New Volunteer of the Month Program

Celebrating the people who keep our watershed thriving

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society. From monitoring returning salmon to caring for our hatchery, maintaining trails, leading tours, and supporting community events — our work simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of people who give their time, energy, and passion to local stewardship.

To honour these contributions, we’re excited to launch a new Volunteer of the Month initiative. Each month, we’ll shine a spotlight on one outstanding member of our volunteer community, sharing their story and recognizing the meaningful impact they have on our watershed.

It’s our way of saying thank you — and of showing how individual actions can strengthen an entire ecosystem.

Matt came back from college in November for short visit to help with broodstock collection!

And now, we’re thrilled to introduce our very first recipient.

🌟 Volunteer of the Month: Matthew Watts

Matthew began volunteering with us in 2021 as a Grade 12 student eager to gain hands-on experience in fisheries. From the beginning, his curiosity and enthusiasm stood out. He quickly immersed himself in hatchery operations, learning about the salmon life cycle, improving his technical skills, and becoming a reliable member of our team.

When Matthew turned 18, he took his commitment even further by joining our Board of Directors, where he continues to contribute his insight, leadership, and enthusiasm for educating the next generation of salmon stewards.

His passion for stewardship didn’t stop at the creek. Inspired by his time at Hoy, Matthew pursued post-secondary studies in the Fish and Wildlife Program at Selkirk College, further expanding his knowledge and field experience. That dedication helped him secure a summer position with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the North Fraser Region — a milestone he still speaks about with pride.

Matthew’s journey shows how volunteering can open doors, build skills, and inspire lifelong stewardship. We are incredibly grateful for everything he brings to our watershed community.

Follow Along & Stay Connected

We’ll be highlighting a new volunteer each month — and you won’t want to miss these inspiring stories.

Follow us on social media and stay connected with everything happening at Hoy Creek.

Thank you, Matthew, and thank you to all our volunteers who protect and care for the Hoy/Scott watershed. Together, we make a difference.

Matt home during the summer of 2025 and involved with invasive species removal on Hoy Trail.

Coho and Chum Broodstock Collection Complete

A beautiful Coho salmon specimen!

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is pleased to announce that our 2025 Chum and Coho broodstock collection at Hoy Creek Hatchery is now complete! This annual effort is a key part of sustaining healthy salmon populations in our local watershed, and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication and teamwork of our volunteers.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to learn, help, and support the process—whether in the creek, in the hatchery, or behind the scenes. We also extend our appreciation to our DFO Community Advisor, Eric, for his continued guidance and expertise.

A Chum salmon held up by HSWS director, Matt Watts after other volunteers assisted in broodstock capture using a net in Hoy Creek.

2025 Broodstock Summary

Chum

  • 17 pairs spawned

  • Estimated green egg total: 42,578

  • All trays have now been shocked, marking an important milestone in the early development phase.

Coho

  • 8 pairs spawned

  • Estimated green egg total: 18,381

These numbers reflect a successful season and the hard work of everyone involved in broodstock collection and spawning.

Hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard with Coho eggs in a heath tray, ready for incubation.

Hatchery Leadership & Daily Operations

Hoy Creek Hatchery continues to operate under the leadership of hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard, and assistant hatchery manager, Anne Woosnam, who guide our volunteers through each step of this important work.

A big thank you goes out to our daily feeders, who—on top of their regular feeding duties—are now:

  • Minding filters

  • Monitoring water temperature

  • Recording Accumulated Thermal Units (ATUs)

These tasks are essential for tracking egg development and ensuring optimal conditions in the hatchery.

Salmon season may be winding down in the creek, but inside Hoy Creek Hatchery, salmon are hard at work—and so are we.

Thank you to everyone helping us protect and restore our local watershed. Stay tuned for updates as our eggs develop and hatch in the months ahead!

Chum salmon hanging in Hoy Creek Hatchery ready for egg and milt take.

Tyler and Amy performing an egg take at Hoy Creek Hatchery.

Buckets of salmon eggs ready for incubation!

Niall Williams Thanked for Years of Stewardship at Hoy Creek

Dennis Marsden, City Councillor; Rodney Lee, former HSWS hatchery manager; Niall Williams, tributee and former HSWS member and hatchery manager; and Kyle Uno, HSWS President.

At this year’s Salmon Come Home event on October 26, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society had the pleasure of recognizing one of our earliest and most dedicated members, Niall Williams.

Former hatchery manager Rodney Lee joined us to present Niall Williams with a Certificate of Appreciation for his many years of commitment and leadership at the Hoy Creek Hatchery. Joining in the presentation were Kyle Uno, President of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, City of Coquitlam Councillor Dennis Marsden, and several of our newest volunteers, who listened with great respect as Rodney shared stories of Niall’s lasting influence.

Rodney reflected on Niall’s deep roots within the Society and the stewardship community:

“I started with the Society back in 2008. To me, Niall was synonymous with all things hatchery. He was the hatchery manager and dealt with all aspects of running the hatchery and coordinating with Maurice and Scott from DFO. He had wonderful knowledge of the history of the area as well as the value of the various locations in the Tri-Cities. For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out if he was a naturalist who raised salmon, or a salmon hatchery guy who was a naturalist. I’ve come to understand his love for nature as well as the love for the community that he lives within.”

“To those who don’t know him well, Niall might appear very quiet and reserved. For those of us who had his friendship, we got to know a very thoughtful, intelligent, generous, and kind man. I’m thankful for the gifts of knowledge he shared — from conducting invertebrate salvage prior to pond cleanouts, to managing the fish fence, weirs, and water levels. There was nothing better than working side by side, getting our hands dirty, and working with fish!”

Niall Williams in Hoy Creek during Salmon Come Home back in the early days. (HSWS Fonds)

Rodney also emphasized the foundational role that both Niall and Linda Gorsline played in keeping the Society active during its earlier years.

“During my early years with the Society, it was Linda who managed the affairs of the organization, and Niall who had the technical knowledge to make the hatchery run. To me, through that time period, if not for Niall and Linda, there would not have been a Society and hatchery for us to enjoy today.”

Members of the local stewardship community — including Dave Bennie (Noons Creek Hatchery), Ruth Foster (Mossom Creek Hatchery), and Elaine Golds (Burke Mountain Naturalists) — have also expressed their shared recognition of Niall’s tremendous contributions to watershed and habitat stewardship across the Tri-Cities.

We are deeply grateful for Niall’s many years of dedication, mentorship, and passion for salmon and nature. Thank you, Niall, for everything you’ve done to support the health of Hoy Creek and inspire future stewards!

At Salmon Come Home 2025 | Rodney Lee (HSWS), Niall Williams (HSWS Honouree), and Dave Bennie (Noon’s Creek Hatchery)

Tips for Spotting Salmon in Local Streams

Can you spot the salmon? (Photo: HSWS)

Nature has its own timing…

Each year there is an increase in the number of phone calls and emails the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) receives about the salmon return.

We’re often asked, “Can you tell me what day the salmon are returning?” or “Is there a less busy time to see the salmon?” or “I went to look in the creek but could not see any salmon. What is the best day to come?”

Rain is the most important ingredient. Once the rains return, the salmon follow.

While we know that chum salmon generally return in early October after the first heavy rains, there is no set date, and it fluctuates year to year. Our usual response to this question is to check our website or social media pages.

The good news is, chum and coho salmon have been spotted in Hoy Creek since Oct. 19, 2025.

Wait for the rain to subside and the water levels to lower to spot salmon. Heavy rain results in fast and high-moving water making it difficult to see the salmon.

Hoy and Scott creeks run through urban. private and public lands. You can view salmon any time you like from public areas like the Hoy Creek Linear Park, or beside Guildford Way or off Lansdowne Drive for Scott Creek.

A chum salmon in low creek water on a dry day may not be seen on a heavy rain day when water is rushing and the level is higher. (Photo: HSWS)

Tips for when and how to view:

  • Check first. It’s best to go once you’ve heard that the salmon have returned and have been spotted in the creeks (check our website or social media channels: Instagram or Facebook page).

  • After a rain, or on a clearer weather day. When the rains subside, creek depths lower, and this allows for the water to be quieter and more clear to see through.

  • Listen! You may often hear a salmon before spotting it. They move over shallow waters, or up over rocks or logs by flashing their tails making a splashing sound.

  • Look carefully. Salmon, in particular chum salmon, have similar colours to the rocks or stones in the stream and are therefore naturally camouflaged. Coho are even better at hiding than the chum. If you are expecting to see bright red salmon, you’ve come to the wrong creeks.

  • Sunglasses may help. Fishermen often wear polarized sunglasses to better spot fish in the water.

  • Resting places. Salmon have an arduous journey upstream. They can often be spotted under bridges or hanging branches or fallen logs to build up strength for their next climb.

  • Patience! Salmon may be right where you are looking, but they can be very hard to spot. Take lots of time. It’s often best to stay in one spot for some time to observe before moving further up or down the creek to try another area.

  • Don’t be discouraged. Salmon may not be out every day in the exact spot you are standing during the time you are there. The creeks are long. Try to come another day. When you finally do spot a salmon, you’ll be glad you did! 



Salmon Come Home Map & Scavenger Hunt

Location via Google maps.  The Hoy Creek Hatchery is located on Hoy Creek Trail, west of the City Centre Aquatic Complex at the corner of Pinetree and Guildford Way. Simply Google "Hoy Creek Hatchery" to locate.

Hoy Trail has several entrances:

- Walk-in from Princess Cres. west of City Centre Aquatics Complex
and Lafarge-Lake Douglas Station;
- Walk-in from behind Douglas College and head south;
- Walk-in from Guildford Way (between Johnson and Pinetree) and head north;
- Walk-in from Walton Avenue, or behind Walton Elementary and head south;
- Walk-in from the foot of Lasalle Place and head northeast.

Salmon of Hoy and Scott Creeks:

Chum salmon begin to arrive in early to mid-October through to early November.  Generally, the peak of the run is around the 3rd week of October. They have dark red and black stripes.

Coho salmon arrive in late October through to late December.  Typically, the peak of the run is the 2nd or 3rd week of November.  There are very few fish around into December but there has been the occasional year with good numbers of fish in the stream through to mid or late December.

During odd-numbered years (e.g. 2021), Pink salmon may be found in Hoy and Scott creeks from September to early October.  They are not typically found in large numbers.

Although they don't favor smaller streams like Hoy Creek and Scott Creek, occasionally, Chinook salmon from the Coquitlam River find their way into the creeks.  This may happen under heavy rainfall conditions when the water levels in our streams and rivers are high.  The occasional fish find the current in the creek attractive and detour away from the heavier flows in the Coquitlam River.

Learn more about the lifecycle of the salmon.

Enjoy your salmon spotting!


"The salmon runs are a visible symbol of life, death and regeneration, plain for all to see and share ... The salmon are a test of a healthy environment, a lesson in environmental needs. Their abundant presence on the spawning beds is a lesson of hope, of deep importance for the future of man."
-- Haig-Brown, 1974 (The Salmon)

NOTE: It is illegal to remove any aquatic life (dead or alive) from local streams.

Salmon Celebrated and Eggs Incubating at Hoy Creek Hatchery

The annual Salmon Come Home celebration brought the community together on October 26 at Hoy Creek Hatchery to witness the wonder of the salmon returning home. Despite the forecast, the rain held off, and the trails were alive with visitors, families, and friends who came to learn, connect, and celebrate the salmon’s incredible life cycle.

This year’s event was a partnership between the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, the City of Coquitlam, and numerous community environmental organizations and sponsors who share a passion for local conservation. From salmon education to hands-on activities, the day was filled with opportunities to learn about watershed health and the vital role salmon play in our ecosystem.

A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteers, who made the day possible. They spoke with visitors about the hatchery’s work, shared insights on the Coho salmon fry currently rearing on-site, and assisted Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) with egg and incubation demonstrations during the salmon talks. Approximately 11,000 eggs incubated, and it was wonderful to share this process with the community.

Hoy Creek Hatchery manager and HSWS Vice President, Tyler Storgaard (left) and DFO Community Advisor, Eric Kukulowicz during Salmon Talks where the community witnessed egg take, fertilization and preparation for incubation.

The hatchery is now busy with egg incubation, marking the start of a new generation of salmon that will one day return to Hoy Creek to continue the cycle. The next two months will be key for Chum and Salmon egg incubation.

The festival also served as a special occasion to honour a past member of the Society, Niall Williams, a former hatchery manager and long-time advocate for the watershed. Rodney Lee made the presentation, sharing stories of Niall’s tireless work and dedication in the Society’s early days. His leadership helped shape the foundation of what Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is today — a thriving community of volunteers committed to education, stewardship, and salmon conservation.

Dennis Marsden, City Councillor; Rodney Lee, former HSWS hatchery manager; Niall Williams, tributee and former HSWS member and hatchery manager; and Kyle Uno, HSWS President.

As another spawning season unfolds, the Society extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate and support this meaningful event. Your enthusiasm and participation keep the spirit of stewardship alive at Hoy Creek.

👉 View our Facebook photo gallery and relive the highlights from Salmon Come Home!

Thank you Volunteers! Just some of the volunteers who helped prepare the hatchery for broodstock and incubation as well as prep for Salmon Come Home!

Celebrate the Return of the Salmon at Hoy Creek Hatchery

Tyler Storgaard, Hoy Creek Hatchery Manager and Hoy/Scott Watershed Society Vice President holds a live Chum salmon for the public to view up close. (HSWS photo)

It’s that special time of year again when salmon return home to Hoy Creek — and we’re thrilled to welcome the community back for Salmon Come Home 2025!

Join us on Sunday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hoy Creek Hatchery in Coquitlam for this free, family-friendly celebration co-hosted with the City of Coquitlam. This annual event brings people of all ages together to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary journeys — the return of the salmon to their home stream.

Visitors can tour the hatchery, see salmon up close, and learn about the incredible salmon life cycle through hands-on displays and interactive exhibits. Our volunteers will be on site to share stories, answer questions, and guide you through the many stages of our work — from raising fry to releasing young salmon into Hoy Creek each spring.

The day will also feature live entertainment, storytelling by Well-Worn Trail, the ever-popular Nylon Zoo costume parade, and an Explore Nature Passport Contest with great eco-friendly prizes. You’ll even have the chance to witness a salmon dissection demonstration, providing a fascinating look at the biology and resilience of these remarkable fish.

Whether it’s your first visit or a yearly tradition, Salmon Come Home is a wonderful way to connect with nature, celebrate our local watershed, and learn how each of us can help protect salmon habitat.

🐟 Event Details
📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025
🕚 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
📍 Hoy Creek Hatchery
💲 Free admission

RSVP to Facebook event

Come say hello to our volunteers, meet our community partners, and share in the excitement of the salmon’s return. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Hoy Creek!

Learn more at coquitlam.ca/SalmonComeHome.

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society Announces 2025 Board of Directors

President Kyle Uno (right) delivers a Year in Review at AGM on Sept. 24. The meeting was hybrid for society members.

The Hoy-Scott Watershed Society held an annual general meeting on Sept. 24, 2025, at the Coquitlam library and voted in the following president, treasurer and directors:

  • President – Kyle Uno (second term)

  • Treasurer – Sandra Uno (second term)

  • Director - Anne Woosnam (past secretary, assistant hatchery manager)

  • Director - Kim Mayes (reappointment)

  • Director - Matthew Watts (reappointment)

The above mentioned join the existing board members:

  • Vice President – Tyler Storgaard (final year of second term, and hatchery manager)

  • Secretary – Robbin Whachell (final year of first term, past director, past president)

The AGM highlighted a Year in Review for the society which highlighted:

  • 20K chum fry/smolts; 17K coho fry

  • Salmon in the Classroom releases

  • Habitat restoration project on Hoy Creek 

  • Public education and awareness: Festivals and Tours

  • Instream water quality monitoring

  • Invasive species removal: Touch-me-knot, Policeman’s Helmet 

  • Spawner survey data

  • Challenges: Break-ins, poaching 

  • New charity status

A Year in Review at our AGM on Sept. 24 at the Poirier Branch of the Coquitlam Library.

Through stewardship, community outreach, education and advocacy, we are dedicated to protecting the Hoy/Scott Watershed.

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, (HSWS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run environmental stewardship group, that conducts a year-round salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Treasurer, Sandra Uno delivers the Financial Overview. In 2025 the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society became a Canadian Registered Charity: 863285847RR0001




Stay Connected!

Canadian Registered Charity: 863285847RR0001