Volunteers

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.

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.

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.

Society Participates in Gleneagle Secondary Volunteer Fair

Maya Uno speaks to a student of Gleneagle Secondary School.

Thank you to Gleneagle Secondary in Coquitlam for hosting the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society at their Volunteer Fair held on November 24. Special mention to Aiden Lee who extended the invite and is a student of the school and has been a volunteer at the hatchery for many years.

The Society was represented by Maya Uno and Anne Woosnam.

The students had lots of great questions, and the Society relies on student volunteers to help meet its mandate.

Students who are interested in becoming volunteers can review information on our Support page and complete a registration form.

Society Acknowledged at Coquitlam Environmental Volunteer Celebration

Environmental Volunteer Celebration

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society was acknowledged by the City of Coquitlam at their Environmental Volunteer Celebration held on June 4 at Blue Mountain Park. Thanks to Robbin Whachell and Adela Chen for attending and representing the Society.

Words were provided by the mayor of Coquitlam, Richard Stewart as well as Caresse Selk, Environment Manager.

Along with lunch, attendees enjoyed a tree walk through Blue Mountain Park as well as live music and displays and activities. It was a perfect time to connect with other community environmental leaders.

Our highlights from 2022 were on display!

Hoy-Scott Watershed Holds AGM and Planning Session

Our annual general meeting was held on December 12th, 2015 at the Coquitlam Public Library.

We use this annual get=-together to review our past year's work, to brainstorm new ideas and projects, and set goals for the coming year.

It's always followed by our Christmas social at a local restaurant.  See more photos (thanks to Dulce) in our Facebook album.