watershed conservation

Volunteer of the Month: Ian Hu

At the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, our work simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers. Each month, we take the opportunity to recognize someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting our mission to protect and restore local watershed ecosystems.

This month, we’re proud to recognize Ian Hu as our Volunteer of the Month.

Getting Started

Ian has been volunteering with us for nearly nine months, bringing energy, consistency, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.

When asked what inspired him to get involved, Ian shared:

“I'm interested in helping protect the local environment, especially salmon habitat. Since Hoy Creek and Scott Creek are important to salmon, I wanted to be part of a campaign to help protect them.”

Hands-On Impact

In his time with us, Ian has taken on a wide range of roles, including:

  • Propagation and planting

  • Fixing pipes and filters

  • Salmon health checks

  • Event support and promotion

  • Cleaning up creek and pond areas

Through this hands-on work, Ian has contributed directly to improving habitat conditions and supporting the health of local salmon populations.

Why It Matters

For Ian, the most rewarding part of volunteering is simple but powerful:

“The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we do helps support salmon and their habitat. It feels rewarding to contribute to something that has a real impact on the ecosystem.”

That sense of purpose is something many of our volunteers share—and it’s what drives meaningful, lasting impact.

A Lasting Impression

One of Ian’s most memorable experiences has been seeing the results of that work over time:

“The most memorable part was seeing the creek improve over time after our work was done. I'm most proud of being consistent and contributing regularly, even when the work is tiring.”

Consistency is at the heart of watershed stewardship, and Ian’s commitment truly stands out.

Learning Through Action

Volunteering has also deepened Ian’s understanding of how delicate and interconnected watershed systems are:

“It helped me understand how sensitive salmon habitat is and how small actions like cleaning ponds and caring for salmon can make a difference. I also learned how everything in the watershed is interconnected.”

Words for Future Volunteers

For anyone thinking about getting involved, Ian offers this advice:

“Give it a try. This is a great way to help protect salmon, learn about the environment, and make a positive impact in your community.”

Thank You, Ian!

Ian’s dedication, consistency, and passion for protecting salmon habitat make him a valued member of our volunteer community. We’re grateful for the time and effort he contributes—and proud to recognize him this month.

If you’re inspired by Ian’s story, we invite you to join us and be part of the work to protect our local waterways.

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society Is Now a Registered Canadian Charity

Hoy Creek in December (Coquitlam, BC)

We are proud to share an important milestone for the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society: as of July 2025, we are officially a registered Canadian charity.

Our charitable registration number is: 863285847RR0001

This achievement reflects years of dedicated volunteer effort, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to protecting and restoring the Hoy and Scott watersheds.

What Does Charitable Status Mean?

Becoming a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency confirms that the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society operates for the public good and meets rigorous standards for governance, accountability, and transparency.

It also strengthens our ability to:

  • Protect and enhance salmon habitat

  • Deliver environmental education and outreach

  • Support monitoring, restoration, and stewardship initiatives

  • Build partnerships that benefit the entire watershed and community

How This Helps Our Supporters

With charitable status, we can now issue official donation receipts for income tax purposes.

This means:

  • Individuals can receive tax credits for their donations

  • Businesses can make charitable contributions with formal documentation

  • Supporters can give with confidence, knowing their contributions directly support local environmental stewardship

Every donation helps us continue hands-on work in the watershed — from habitat protection to hatchery education and community engagement.

A Milestone Built by Volunteers and Community

This accomplishment belongs to our volunteers, members, partners, and supporters. Your time, expertise, and belief in the importance of healthy waterways made this possible.

From creekside monitoring to public education events, your efforts have helped position the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society as a trusted steward of our local environment.

Looking Ahead

Charitable status opens new opportunities for growth, funding, and collaboration. As we look ahead, we remain committed to:

  • Protecting salmon and aquatic ecosystems

  • Educating the public about watershed health

  • Working collaboratively with Indigenous partners, community groups, and local residents

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can continue to care for the creeks that sustain our community.

👉 Learn how you can support our work or make a donation on our support page.