Society Receives Coquitlam Environmental Achievement Award

Receiving the award fromma

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is honoured to have received an Environmental Achievement Award from the City of Coquitlam on June 13, recognizing the contributions of our volunteers and the ongoing work to protect and enhance the Hoy and Scott Creek watersheds.

Representing the Society at the awards ceremony were President Kyle Uno, Secretary and Past President Robbin Whachell, and long-time volunteer Adela Chen. The event brought together community groups, organizations, and individuals who are making a positive environmental impact throughout Coquitlam.

We are grateful for this recognition, but the true credit belongs to the many volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to our mission throughout the year.

Unlike many seasonal programs, our work continues 12 months of the year. From operating the Hoy Creek Hatchery and raising salmon, to monitoring the watershed, providing educational tours, and participating in community outreach, there is always work to be done.

Much of this effort takes place behind the scenes. Our dedicated daily fish feeders ensure that thousands of young salmon receive consistent care every day. Volunteers maintain equipment, support hatchery operations led by Tyler Storgaard and Anne Woosnam, assist with special events, and help educate the public about the importance of healthy watersheds and salmon habitat.

We are also proud of the many students who volunteer with us. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to environmental stewardship help ensure that our organization remains strong and that the values of conservation continue to be passed on to future generations.

This award serves as a reminder that meaningful environmental stewardship is a community effort. Every volunteer hour, every educational tour, every fish fed, and every stream enhancement project contributes to the health of our local waterways.

Thank you to the City of Coquitlam for this acknowledgement and to every volunteer, supporter, and community partner who helps make our work possible.

Together, we will continue protecting and enhancing the Hoy and Scott Creek watersheds for future generations.

Volunteer of the Month: Jiaming Sun

Jiaming holds a HSWS t-shirt and toque gifted to him as our April Volunteer of the Month

At the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do—and this month, we’re excited to recognize Jiaming Sun as our Volunteer of the Month.

Jiaming has been volunteering with us for the past year, bringing a positive attitude and a willingness to learn that has made him a valued part of our hatchery team.

Getting Started

When asked what inspired him to volunteer, Jiaming shared a refreshingly honest answer—he was looking for something meaningful to do and felt inspired seeing his friends getting involved in volunteer work. That decision led him straight to the hatchery, where he quickly became part of the team.

Hands-On Experience

Over the past year, Jiaming has taken on a variety of important tasks, including feeding fish, cleaning tanks, and helping with counting and measuring salmon. These hands-on activities are essential to the success of our hatchery operations and the health of local fish populations.

Learning and Growth

One of the most impactful parts of Jiaming’s experience has been how much he’s learned along the way.

“Before I came here, I knew nothing about salmon and creeks… now I have learned a lot.”

Through volunteering, he’s gained a deeper understanding of watershed stewardship and the important role community volunteers play in protecting local ecosystems.

Why It Matters

For Jiaming, volunteering has been both fun and rewarding—not only gaining valuable experience in a working hatchery, but also contributing hours toward school requirements while making a real difference in the environment.

Words of Advice

Jiaming keeps it simple for anyone thinking about getting involved:

“Stop considering and come—it’s really fun to volunteer here.”

We’re grateful for Jiaming’s contributions and enthusiasm over the past year. Volunteers like him help make the work of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society possible, and we’re proud to have him as part of our community.

Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you join us!