Thanks Tyson!
Growing a Passion for Salmon Conservation
Heritage Woods Secondary student Tyson Morris is discovering the rewards of giving back to his community.
The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is pleased to recognize Tyson Morris as our latest Volunteer of the Month!
A student at Heritage Woods Secondary, Tyson began volunteering with HSWS in January 2026. His interest in fishing and curiosity about the salmon life cycle brought him to Hoy Creek Hatchery, where he found an opportunity to learn, contribute and connect with others who share an interest in the environment.
"I enjoy fishing with my friends. When I found out about the Hatchery I felt it was a good place for me to start volunteering. I also wanted to learn more about the salmon life cycle," Tyson explains.
Pitching In at the Hatchery and Beyond
Volunteering at a hatchery involves much more than working with fish. It takes a dedicated team of volunteers to keep the facility operating, maintain the surrounding environment and support community education.
Tyson has taken on a variety of responsibilities, including removing invasive plants, collecting garbage and helping with general hatchery maintenance. His contributions also include cleaning the filtration system, sweeping, organizing supplies and lending a hand at community events.
These behind-the-scenes tasks are essential to the Society's work and help ensure the hatchery remains a welcoming and productive place for volunteers and visitors alike.
Learning Through Experience
When asked about the most rewarding part of volunteering, Tyson points to two things: seeing the complete life cycle of a salmon and making new friends.
His experience has also helped him develop a greater appreciation for environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting our local watersheds.
"That we need to be more aware of the environment and how we treat it. It's important that more people are aware of this," he says.
It's an important lesson, particularly for young people who are developing their understanding of how everyday actions can affect the natural environment around them.
Tyson helps hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard catch Coho fry for a weight sample.
A Message to Other Young Volunteers
We asked Tyson what advice he would give to someone thinking about volunteering at the hatchery. His answer was refreshingly straightforward:
"Give it a try. If you don't like it, it's okay; it doesn't have to be permanent. It's okay if you don't know how to do something; there are people there to help you."
That's exactly the kind of welcoming spirit we hope new volunteers experience at Hoy Creek Hatchery. No previous experience is necessary. There's always something to learn, and our volunteer community is here to help.
Thank You, Tyson!
We're grateful to Tyson for the time, enthusiasm and effort he brings to the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society. His willingness to pitch in, learn new skills and contribute to the care of our local environment is appreciated.
It's wonderful to see young people taking an interest in their local watershed and becoming part of the community working to protect it.
Congratulations, Tyson, and thank you for being part of the HSWS volunteer family!