Society Receives Coquitlam Foundation Grant

HSWS president, Kyle Uno received the cheque from Coquitlam Foundation executive director, Carol Brodie.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is honoured and deeply grateful to announce that we have been awarded a $3,500 Community Grant from the Coquitlam Foundation.

This generous investment will help us refresh and enhance many of the resources we use to engage with our community and support our incredible volunteers. The funding will be directed toward new marketing and outreach materials, including an updated trade show display, signage, high-visibility volunteer vests, and volunteer recognition initiatives.

As a volunteer-driven charitable organization, we rely on strong community partnerships to continue protecting and restoring the Hoy and Scott Creek watershed. Whether we're welcoming visitors to the Hoy Creek Hatchery, attending community events, delivering educational programs, or working alongside volunteers in the watershed, these new resources will help us present a more professional and engaging presence while recognizing the dedicated individuals who make our work possible.

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Kyle Uno, HSWS President, stands second left with other awardee representatives. Photo courtesy of the Coquitlam Foundaion

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Coquitlam Foundation for its continued commitment to strengthening our community. Through its guiding vision—Invest. Enrich. Inspire.—the Foundation enhances the quality of life in our community by encouraging residents and organizations to create lasting legacies through endowment funds that support a broad range of local charitable organizations.

Grants like this have a meaningful impact, allowing organizations like ours to expand our reach, build stronger connections with the community, and continue our mission of environmental stewardship, education, and salmon conservation.

On June 3rd, we were also honoured to be invited to attend the Coquitlam Foundation's Annual Awards Night Celebration at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, where local organizations and community leaders came together to celebrate the positive impact of philanthropy throughout the Tri-Cities. It was an inspiring evening that showcased the incredible work being done by so many organizations dedicated to making our community a better place.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, volunteers, members, and the thousands of visitors who enjoy and learn from the Hoy Creek Hatchery each year, thank you, Coquitlam Foundation, for believing in our work and investing in the future of our watershed and our community.

Together, we are investing in a healthier watershed, enriching our community, and inspiring future generations of environmental stewards.

Volunteer of the Month: Kevin Elliott

Kevin representing at our Open House in 2023.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is proud to recognize Kevin Elliott as our Volunteer of the Month.

Kevin has been volunteering with the Society for the past three years, serving as one of our dedicated daily fish feeders. Since retiring, he has been looking for meaningful ways to give back to the community, and volunteering at the hatchery has provided that opportunity.

As a daily feeder, Kevin plays an important role in raising the next generation of salmon. His commitment helps ensure that thousands of young fish receive the care they need before being released into Hoy Creek and beginning their journey to the ocean.

For Kevin, one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering has been watching several generations of salmon grow and develop throughout their lifecycle. He has also gained a deep appreciation for Hoy Creek Linear Park, which he describes as "a jewel in our city."

One experience that left a lasting impression on Kevin occurred during his first year as a volunteer. He witnessed the impact of pollution after someone cleaned paint equipment into a neighborhood storm drain, affecting the watershed. The incident highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and gave him firsthand insight into the collaborative efforts between the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, the City of Coquitlam, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada when responding to threats to the creek.

Through his volunteer work, Kevin has developed a greater understanding of how fragile urban watersheds can be. He has seen how climate change, including summer droughts and heat waves, can affect salmon habitat, as well as the challenges posed by invasive species and the dumping of harmful substances into the environment.

When asked what advice he would offer to prospective volunteers, Kevin encourages people to consider daily feeding.

Kevin in the Capilano trough room feeding the fish.

"Daily feeding provides an incredible opportunity to develop a relationship with each brood, seeing their growth from egg to returning adult fish. Seeing the wonder and happiness in children and adults as they observe the annual cycles of the hatchery and fish is very rewarding."

Thank you, Kevin, for your dedication, stewardship, and commitment to protecting and enhancing the Hoy Creek watershed. Volunteers like you help make our work possible and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from this remarkable urban salmon stream.

Kevin speaks to a group passing by.

Kevin receives his 3-year service pin on June 26, 2026, presented by Anne Woosnam, Assistant Hatchery Manager.

Volunteers Complete Streamkeepers Level 1 Training

Streamkeepers pose with their certificates

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is proud to congratulate five of our dedicated volunteers who successfully completed Streamkeepers Level 1 Training on May 16 in Port Moody.

Hosted by the Port Moody Ecological Society in partnership with the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, the full-day training provided participants with valuable knowledge and practical skills to help protect and restore local waterways.

A special thank you goes to ZoAnne of the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation for leading the training and sharing her expertise. Participants explored topics including water quality monitoring, riparian vegetation, aquatic invertebrate sampling, juvenile fish identification, and stream stewardship principles—all essential tools for anyone passionate about protecting salmon habitat and healthy watersheds.

We are incredibly proud of our volunteers:

• Amy Skulj

• Katelyn Crothers

• Katherine Wang

• Mya Cohen

• Richard Chen

By completing this certification, they have strengthened not only their own knowledge but also the capacity of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society to continue our conservation, education, and habitat restoration efforts throughout the Hoy and Scott Creek watershed.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Port Moody Ecological Society for hosting this valuable learning opportunity and to the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation for providing such high-quality training. Opportunities like these help build a stronger network of environmental stewards working together to protect our local streams and salmon for generations to come.

Congratulations once again to Amy, Katelyn, Katherine, Mya, and Richard on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to seeing the knowledge and skills you've gained put into action throughout our watershed!

Chum Salmon Send-Off a Community Success

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society's April 4 Open House at the Hoy Creek Hatchery became an unforgettable celebration of conservation, community, and salmon stewardship.

What began as our annual Open House quickly turned into something even more exciting. With our chum salmon ready ahead of schedule, it was time to give them an early send-off into Hoy Creek.

Before the public arrived, our dedicated volunteers were hard at work. They spent the morning completing weight sampling and fish counts, providing the salmon with their final meal, and preparing everything for a safe and successful release. Their commitment behind the scenes ensures that every release is carried out with the utmost care.

Before the release, HSWS volunteers conducted a final weight sample to report to DFO.

Once the community gathered, it was all hands on deck. Families, children, and visitors eagerly rolled up their sleeves to help release more than 35,000 juvenile chum salmon into Hoy Creek, sending them on the first stage of their incredible journey to the ocean. Watching thousands of young salmon begin their migration is always a memorable experience, and sharing it with so many enthusiastic community members made the day even more meaningful.

Adding to the excitement, we were blessed with beautiful spring weather and welcomed the CBC News crew, who visited the hatchery to capture the story and help share the importance of salmon conservation with a wider audience.

Events like this are a wonderful reminder that protecting our local waterways is truly a community effort. Every volunteer, every family, and every visitor who participated played a role in giving these young salmon the best possible start on their journey.

On behalf of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, thank you to our incredible volunteers, our supportive community, and everyone who joined us for this special day. Together, we're helping ensure a brighter future for salmon in Hoy Creek and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the hatchery for future events and continuing our shared commitment to protecting the Hoy and Scott Creek watershed.

After a post or two on social media, the community showed up to support and help release the chum!

Note: Our coho smolts were released on May 16 by our volunteers.

Students Release Salmon into Hoy Creek

Congratulations Panorama Heights!

There were plenty of smiles and excitement on March 1 as students, parents, and staff from Panorama Heights Elementary School gathered at Hoy Creek to release the young salmon they had been raising in their classroom over the past several months.

The release marked the culmination of the Salmon in the Classroom program, an inspiring educational initiative that gives students the opportunity to experience the salmon life cycle firsthand while learning about the importance of healthy watersheds and environmental stewardship.

From carefully monitoring water conditions to feeding and observing the developing fry, the students demonstrated remarkable dedication and responsibility throughout the program. Their care and attention ensured the young salmon were healthy and ready for their journey into Hoy Creek and, eventually, the Pacific Ocean.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society extends its sincere thanks to the students, teachers, staff, and families of Panorama Heights Elementary for their commitment to this important program. Your enthusiasm and dedication are helping foster a deeper appreciation for salmon, local ecosystems, and the role each of us plays in protecting them.

Watching the salmon swim into their natural habitat is always a special moment, but seeing the pride and excitement on the faces of the students makes it even more meaningful. We hope this experience has inspired many of them to become the next generation of Streamkeepers and environmental stewards.

Thank you, Panorama Heights Elementary, for helping ensure a brighter future for our salmon and our watershed. We look forward to welcoming you back to Hoy Creek in the years ahead.

Volunteer of the Month: Katelyn Crothers

Katelyn holds a bucket to release water from a heath tray of the Chum incubation stack.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is proud to recognize Katelyn Crothers as our Volunteer of the Month for her dedication and ongoing commitment to the Hoy Creek Hatchery.

Katelyn has become a familiar and valued presence at the hatchery, consistently stepping up to support a wide range of activities. Whether assisting with fish care, engaging with visitors, or lending a hand wherever needed, she brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic to every task.

Her willingness to learn, ask questions, and share her knowledge with others has made her an important part of our volunteer team. Katelyn’s enthusiasm for environmental stewardship and salmon conservation reflects the very spirit of what our organization stands for.

Here are Katelyn’s responses to a recent interview:

How long have you been a volunteer with HSWS?

I began my time at Hoy Scott Salmon Hatchery in May of 2025, however I became a regular volunteer later that year in October.

What inspired you to start volunteering with us?

In December 2025 I graduated from Douglas College with an Associates of Environmental Studies. While I was there, I developed a thorough understanding of our ecological and social environments. This knowledge, fostered by a life-long passion for the protection of crucial local watershed and salmon habitat, led me to seek out how I could make an impact myself.

What kinds of activities or roles have you taken on in your volunteer work?

The activities our team of volunteers carry out are very dependent on the time of year. In October my Saturday mornings looked like gearing up in waders, walking down the trails to our trap area, and catching healthy, wild salmon for broodstock collection. From November onward I spent many days maintaining incubation trays and recording sensitive data on coho and chum population at the egg, fry and smolt stages. Along with other projects like revegetating our creek banks to provide shade in the next hot upcoming months.

What has been the most rewarding part of volunteering here?

The most rewarding aspect of my volunteering has been the connection I have been able to make with the surrounding community. That has looked like taking newer volunteers and those passing by for a tour of the hatchery to show them first-hand what goes into local salmon conservation efforts. I feel that this helps bridge the gap between humans and the natural world, because we often forget how incredible our metaphorical backyards are.

Katelyn and some of the crew during broodstock collection in fall 2025.

Can you share a memorable moment or challenge you’ve experienced while volunteering? Or, what are you most proud of?
One of the most memorable moments in my time at Hoy Scott was during a day we were collecting salmon for spawning. I was freezing cold, water down my waders as I netted off the mouth of the creek bed where they would be swimming up. Then suddenly, I had these 2-foot-10-pound fish launching at my feet, in all of their glory. To be so close to a keystone species that has so much ecological and cultural significance was a reminder of the “why” behind my education and career path.

How has volunteering with us influenced your understanding of watershed stewardship or conservation?
If I have learned anything from my time at Hoy Scott regarding watershed stewardship and conservation, it would be how every little action counts. So much goes on behind the scenes,

whether that be scheduling school tours, reorganizing our facility areas, trail clean ups, or putting up fencing. Though supporting our Coho and Chum salmon populations involves hands on work with a really cool species, all those efforts are needed to make that possible.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering volunteering here?

Just show up! At Hoy Scott Salmon Hatchery our team is filled with people from all walks of life and knowledge levels. The one characteristic we all share is caring about conservation and the community around us. When I began here I was given so much support in navigating our facilities and participating in the daily routines. You learn so much over time and get to be a part of an awesome group of people. Whether that means you show up bright and early at 8:30am every Saturday or drop in when you get the chance!

Volunteers like Katelyn play a vital role in helping us care for the thousands of salmon that pass through the hatchery each year, while also educating the community about the importance of protecting our local waterways.

We are incredibly grateful for Katelyn’s time, energy, and commitment. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition!

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.

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.

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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.

• Facebook, Instagram

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

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