Adela and Anne seen near a hedge of Smallflower touch-me-not on Hoy Trail.
This summer, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society continued its important work tackling invasive plant species in Hoy Creek Linear Park — efforts led by our dedicated volunteers Anne Woosnam and Robbin Whachell. Invasive plants such as Himalayan balsam and Smallflower touch-me-not can quickly spread, outcompeting native plants and altering the habitat that salmon and other wildlife rely on. With the help of our volunteers and community partners, we’ve made great strides in reclaiming space for native species to thrive.
June: Smallflower Touch-Me-Not
Our summer work began in June with a focus on Smallflower touch-me-not (Impatiens parviflora), an invasive balsam species we first encountered along Hoy Trail last year. Despite last year’s efforts, it was clear how aggressively this plant can return — spreading quickly through the same areas.
Thanks to the persistence of Anne, Adela, and Robbin, we were able to pull large amounts from the trail edges before they could set seed. Early intervention is key, and each pull helps prevent further spread. (Learn more about this invasive balsam here: BC Invasives – Smallflower Touch-Me-Not)
July: Himalayan Balsam
Anne helps fill bags and the wagon with tall Himalayan balsam along Hoy Trail.
End of June and into July, attention turned to Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), another invasive species that thrives in moist riparian areas like Hoy Creek. With its pink flowers and explosive seed pods, it may look beautiful, but it can quickly dominate streambanks and crowd out native plants.
This pull was a true community effort: together we filled nine large bags of balsam, with even more left in piles for collection. Volunteers included Anne, Tyler, Dylan, Matt, Rhyann, Lucas, and Robbin — along with Alex from Broombusters Coquitlam, who brought energy and expertise. A big thank-you as well to residents Jen and David, who jumped in after seeing us at work. That’s community stewardship in action!
We are grateful to the City of Coquitlam Natural Areas team for coordinating pickup, and to Broombusters Coquitlam for donating collection bags to support our efforts.
Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)
Why It Matters
By removing invasive plants, we’re giving native species — the plants that provide food and shelter for insects, birds, and salmon — a better chance to flourish. Every bag pulled means less seed dispersal next season, and a healthier creekside ecosystem for years to come.
Thank You Volunteers
A huge thank you to Anne and Robbin for leading this summer’s invasive species pulls, and to every volunteer and community member who joined in. Your hands-on work is helping protect Hoy Creek and its surrounding habitat.
Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier watershed.