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.