Founding Member Acknowledged at Salmon Leave Home

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Founding member and the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society’s first president was acknowledged at Salmon Leave Home on May 14, 2023. From left to right: Fin Donnelly, MLA; HSWS president, Kyle Uno; and founding member, Keith Kozak holding his certificate of acknowledgement.

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society was formed and registered in 2002 with a mandate to promote watershed restoration and help raise awareness of our shared responsibility for the care of the creek and its surrounding habitat. Founding members who signed the Society document were: Keith Kozak, Linda Gorsline, Chris Hamming, Andrea Tubbs, and Shawn Tubbs.

Twenty-one years later, on May 14, 2023, during the Society’s Salmon Leave Home festival, Keith Kozak was honoured for his major contribution. Setting up a society from nothing is an arduous task and we’re grateful for the time and commitment put in by our founding members.

Keith was the Society's first president. So much goes into the operations of a society, and Keith put in countless hours leading stream cleans, tree planting, salmon rearing, and time networking with the City, DFO, and environmental groups, as well as checking that area developers were ensuring the safety of the salmon.

Keith speaks about the formation of the Society and the work of the group in educating the public on the sensitivity of the habitat, as well as ensuring the return of Coho and Chum salmon to Hoy Creek.

Keith was acknowledged and thanked by the current president, Kyle Uno. “We would not be here today without your efforts. As a token of our appreciation, we present you with this certificate and gift.”

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This photo was featured on the cover of The Tri-City News. Seen left is Keith Kozak, holding a Coho salmon, as a family looks on on the shore of Hoy Creek, Coquitlam.

Founding Member, Linda Gorsline Acknowledged for Her Contributions

Linda Gorsline outside the hatchery office during Salmon Come Home 2011. (HSWS Photo)

In November the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society honoured Linda Gorsline. A gift and a certificate of appreciation were mailed to her to thank her for her many years of service and the work she did to help form and keep the Society together. Linda moved away from Coquitlam in May 2014 after being a volunteer at Hoy Creek for twenty years.

“Honouring Linda and her role with the Society is most fitting because she was part of the group that founded the Society,” said past-president and former hatchery manager, Rodney Lee. “She served as secretary and treasurer at various points over the time she volunteered. Linda’s sole dedication and commitment is the reason there is a Society still here today. When I joined the group, she always worked hard to ensure the Society and hatchery were operating. Whether it was the administrative aspects, coordinating with the City of Coquitlam, helping manage relations with our DFO community advisor or helping with the day-to-day tasks with rearing salmon, Linda would be there to ensure the work was completed! The last thing Linda would want is recognition but there is no one more deserving!”

Society History

Linda, who now lives in Ontario, sent us her reflections on her time in Coquitlam and on how she became involved. “I moved into the Jefferson building in September of 1993. Almost every day I walked at least part of the trail, which at that time was a simple narrow path. Sometimes alone and sometimes with a neighbour – up the trail, across Pinetree, around Lafarge Lake, and back down to Hoy Trail.”

“It was in the fall of 1994 that the City of Coquitlam and the DFO held a small gathering and had displays where the hatchery building now sits. There was a list, and they were asking people interested in helping with the creek to sign up. I was later contacted and met with a small group of like-minded people.”

“The rearing pond had been repaired and we were given salmon fry from the Port Coquitlam Hunting and Fishing Club to place in the pond. The building was not completed (or started) at that time. The food and the key to enter the pond were kept in a locked, walk-in dumpster. I started feeding with other volunteers, but only on weekends when I was not working in Burnaby.”

“During either 1994 or 1995 the City combined two volunteer groups, ours at Hoy Creek and one from the Scott Creek area to become Hoy/Scott Watershed Streamkeepers. Eunice Hodge was a member of the Scott Creek group.”

“We did not work on becoming a society until late 2000 or early 2001. Keith Kozak was the new Society’s first president and Chris Hamming, Eunice Hodge, Keith and I met several times at Keith's home to complete the forms to become a society.”

At the time our financial position was in a disorganized situation. The president before Keith Kozak had also been the treasurer. We found no paper trail to support the lack of funds. Once I had retired I took over the duties of secretary and treasurer and we changed banks, required two signatures on cheques, cancelled the debit card and reestablished good relations with the DFO - our main source of funding.”

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The Hoy Creek Hatchery building was completed in 1997.

HSWS’s First President Reflects on Linda’s Contribution

Keith Kozak, who became president in February 2002 shared the following, “I first met Linda in about 1999, who at that time, was regularly contributing her energy and personal time to the group's growth, our community outreach programs, not to mention, regular visits to the hatchery for day-to-day maintenance. Her volunteer efforts and dedication were nothing less than impressive and inspiring. Linda put in countless hours to the enormous task of forming the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society. She was also a vital support system for the group. Other volunteers, such as Chris Hamming, Tim Tyler, Shawn and Andrea Tubbs, Evelyn Anderson, Eunice Hodge, and Suzanne Richards (high school teacher education coordinator) contributed significantly as well.”

“Linda Gorsline was a visionary, “ Kozak continues, “and like myself, felt the Hoy/Scott Streamkeepers group had the potential to expand its involvement with the community through education, environmental preservation, and establish effective bonds with local government. Linda Gorseline was incredibly motivated, but nonetheless, calculated and well prepared in terms of reasonable mandates, funding, and costs.”

“Before 2002, the streamkeepers group was in difficult times in terms of its financial status. and existence, and had relied on municipal funding to support portions of its operational expenditures. In November 2001, the City of Coquitlam officially requested elections for president and other executive positions, as well as restructuring. As usual, Linda worked with these challenges becoming a focus of motivation towards other volunteers so to improve and rebuild our group. Following our elections in February 2002, Linda worked tirelessly dedicating her accounting skills, to designing fiscal strategies for hatchery projects, including planting programs, sensitive riparian protection projects, and contributed dozens of hours in creating the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society’s constitution and bylaws.”

“Linda regularly attended meetings with Fisheries and municipal officials. She contributed enormously her thoughts and ideas towards a variety of projects involving the group. I relied on Linda as a significant support system with the group's new beginning following 2002. Linda was difficult to keep up with, her energy and motivation towards the greater good of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is truly admirable.”

Thank you, Linda!

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The concrete salmon that sits adjacent to Hoy Creek at Hoy Creek Hatchery was put in place in the early 2000s.

For further history on the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society check our fonds held at the City of Coquitlam Archives.

Grade 12 Volunteers Recognized

Left to right: Steven, Maiya, and Maya

On July 25, our society recognized the efforts of five of our student volunteers who have been assisting with us for quite some time, one since she was eight years old!

The celebration, organized by Hoy/Scott Watershed Society director, Lani Lehun took place in front of the hatchery and a handful of other HSWS members came out to salute the following before they start their education in college or university this fall:

• Maya Uno

• Steven Wang

• Leo Li

• Maiya Callister

• Calvin Sui

Only three of the students were able to attend as some had already moved away.

What started for most as a way to earn volunteer credit hours at school, has turned into an interest in caring for the environment.

Hatchery manger and HSWS director, Rodney Lee provides comments to the students as HSWS vice president, Tyler Storgaard looks on.

Hatchery manager, Rodney Lee provided the following comments, “Congratulation on high school graduation. It’s a big step to get to this point. But it’s really only the beginning of better things to come.”

“This past season didn’t go fully as expected. I was looking forward to collectively celebrating your graduation and achievements. We came up 3 months short. I will however remember experiences with each one of you that makes me smile or gives me a laugh. Like the work you did at the kid's crafts at our festival, pulling the tangled net through the pool, seeing you handle (or try to handle) adult salmon. “

“You counted bugs, dissected fish carcasses, counted fish, and pulled invasives. These were all good things. As you move on in your lives, I’ll leave you with one thought – as a young adult you may be eager to get to the next thing but as you continue on life’s journey, take a moment to reflect. Enjoy each moment as it occurs. Don’t take anything for granted. Savour each day as it comes because tomorrow can end up being very different from today.“

“It has been my privilege to work with each one of you. I wish you all the success with your future work and studies. And you will always be welcomed out on a Saturday morning!”

The Society would like to thank the Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada for providing merchandise to present with the certificates.

Volunteer grad ceremony on July 25 at Hoy Creek Hatchery.

See more photos on our Facebook page .

Students interested in volunteering with the society can sign up to volunteer HERE. Saturday work sessions will hopefully recommence in late September.

HSWS Volunteer Maya Uno Wins REACH Award

Maya in front of Hoy Creek Hatchery ready to lead a tour.

As a part of the 2020 Youth Week, the Tri-Cities held the REACH Awards virtually to recognize those working to significantly empower, celebrate and impact youth in the community. REACH stands for Recognizing Efforts and Achievements across Community and Home, and nominations for this year’s awards were accepted in March and April.

We are pleased to report that Maya Uno of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society won in the youth category. The press release by the City of Coquitlam states that, “Maya Uno, is an active volunteer at Hoy Creek Hatchery’s salmon enhancement program whose dedication sets an example for the hatchery’s other youth volunteers.”

All recipients were congratulated by the mayor of Coquitlam, Richard Stewart.

“Maya is well-deserving of this award,” said HSWS president, Robbin Whachell. “She has been helping the Society since she was 12 years old and will graduate high school this year.”

The following is from our nomination:

For over 7 years, Maya has been actively volunteering at the Hoy Creek Hatchery with the salmon enhancement program. She's led tours of the hatchery for visiting judges of the annual Communities in Bloom competition that the City competes in and leads summer tours for children from schools, daycares, as well as city programs. Maya also sits on the local committee on invasive species. Currently, she's a weekly salmon feeder at the hatchery and is leading the development of a new 'salmon talk' to be provided to children and adults at the society's annual Salmon Come Home event, formerly done by salmon educator, the late Chris Hamming.

Maya led 25 tours over the summer months, continues to assist with weekly hatchery monitoring and fish feeding. She's also assisting in the society's historic record transfer to the City Archives and leading the reorganization of the hatcheries office and supply area. She manned the society's booth at the City's Welcome to Coquitlam event answering questions and educating the public about the society and the watershed. She helped with the annual stream clean in August helping remove trash from Scott Creek. She is currently working on reestablishing the 'Salmon Talk' which she is developing for the next 'Salmon Come Home' event in fall 2020. Maya often helps lead hatchery open houses.

The Society has watched Maya grow up and mature over the past seven years and is extremely proud of the work Maya continues to do. She's setting an example for the other youth members in the group (and our community), and takes it upon herself to show up at monthly Society meetings and provides constructive input which often leading to positive change. She's comfortable speaking to the public during tours or at our Society events or city events. She has a keen interest in sharing her knowledge. 

In 2015, and at the age of 12, Maya was acknowledged for her work with the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society by the City of Coquitlam for her environmental work. That same year Mia organized a half-day field trip for her school class to the Hoy Creek hatchery and watershed, where they learned about the salmon and the enhancement program with hands-on actives. They also learned about invasive and non-invasive plants species and did some planting along Hoy Creek.

Congratulations Maya! We are fortunate to have your support.

(Other articles related to Maya.)

Earl Elliott recipient of inaugural Hatchery Manager's Award

Left to right: Hoy Creek hatchery manager, Rodney Lee; recipient Earl Elliott and his wife Lilian Elliott, Hoy/Scott Watershed Society director.

On Oct. 20 during the Salmon Come Home event, Hoy Creek Hatchery manager, Rodney Lee awarded the inaugural Hatchery Manager’s Award created to recognize the unparalleled contribution of an individual to the Hoy Creek hatchery.

The distinct honour went to Earl Elliott who has been a Society volunteer since 2006 as well as a past Society Vice President.

Earl working at the Hoy Creek Hatchery in earlier days.

In presenting the award, Rodney Lee said, “Earl has been a valued contributor to the operation of the hatchery. Most importantly, whenever I have needed help with the hatchery, Earl has been there to offer his assistance.”

This has included:

• Routine feeding and maintenance duties

• Bucketing coho smolts in prep for public release at our Salmon Leave Home festival

• Support during our fin clipping sessions

• Sandbagging work to reinforce our lower pond

• Support during annual pond cleanouts

Hatchery Manager Award recipient Earl Elliott (holding his certificate) surrounded by some of the HSWS volunteers at Salmon Come Home.

In addition, Earl has helped with staffing and mentorship for other Society activities such as:

• Manning our display table at public events

• Manning the wheelbarrow during our first series of stream clean-ups and

• Helping with the various weed pulls where we’ve worked with student groups.

“As you can see, it’s not typically the most glamourous work, however, it’s all work that needs to be done to the benefit of the hatchery and our watershed.

Lastly, but most important to me, his involvement kept me going during a critical juncture in the survival of the Society. This has enabled our Society to continue to raise salmon, engage the public and advocate for the Hoy/Scott Watershed.”

Left to right: Rodney Lee, Hoy Creek hatchery manager and HSWS Vice President; Chief Ed Hall, Kwikwetlem First Nation; Lilian Elliott, Director, HSWS; and recipient of the Hatchery Manager’s Award, Earl Elliott. Photo taken during Salmon Come Home on Oct. 20.

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society Loses Founding Member

Chris Hamming in 2018 during Salmon Come Home.

Our society is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our founding members, Chris Hamming who passed away this month. Chris was a beloved retired school teacher and salmon educator; and a hard-working volunteer of not only the Hoy Creek Hatchery but Tynehead Hatchery as well. Chris also volunteered for many years at Science World.

In 2018 the Society honoured Chris for his many years of service. The photo above was taken during Salmon Come Home in 2018.

“Chris was such an extraordinary person,” said Keith Kozak, founding member of the Society. “His energies, inspiration, and dedication to his passions, and teaching was something to be admired. Chris was an invaluable resource for the formation of HSWS. When I was president, and our group decided to officially form a society, the time and numerous meetings with Chris for his feedback were extremely vital to our agenda.”

“I am sure that all Hoy members who knew Chris will miss his warm smile and positive attitude,” said founding member Linda Gorsline who now lives in Ontario. “He was a natural teacher, a lover of nature and was always interested in the opinions and ideas of others. He was always willing to help in Hoy projects. I am sad to know he has left us, but will always have happy memories of him and I am very pleased that I was lucky to know him.”

"Chris was one of the original members that encouraged me to get involved," said Tim Tyler, a former HSWS president. "He led with that smile and by doing, and was a pleasure to deal with: funny, enthusiastic, practical, optimistic and always willing to ‘lift his end of the log’ so to speak. A runner and rower, it was not widely known that as an educator he was also involved in the Science Fair on a regular basis. He was one of the good ones and his passing is a loss to us all. My condolences to his family."

His memorial service was held at Tapestry Mundy Park Church in Coquitlam on June 5. Hoy-Scott Watershed Society president Robbin Whachell spoke on behalf of the society. Read her remarks here.

Chris Hamming was knows as the “Salmon Educator” (seen here in 2015 at Salmon Come Home)

Chris being interviewed on radio in 2015.

In Memory of Dulce Paulino

Dulce helping with invasive plant removal at Hoy Creek in 2015

In October our society lost a valued member and dear friend. Dulce Paulino had been serving Hoy-Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) for over 2 years, and was always there to lend a hand. She was involved in salmon feeding, hatchery maintenance, fin clipping, riparian work along Hoy and Scott Creeks, trail and stream cleaning, as well as representing our society at public events. She also took the Streamkeepers certification training course offered by the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation.

"Dulce loved the hatchery and her work with the Society," said hatchery manager Rodney Lee. "She was one of the warmest, kindest people that I know of and I will miss her enthusiasm as part of our group.  She always wanted to get involved regardless of how she was feeling.  She told me it was always 'better than staying at home.'  Weed pull - Dulce was there.  Fin clipping - she was there too.  In the few years she had been with the group, she participated - feeding, staffing our booth at events, stream keeper's course.  It didn't matter.  And to wrap up each event 'okay, it's time for a picture!' Dulce would say.  Her willful spirit will live on among us."

Dulce representing HSWS with colleagues Malcolm and Kyle at the Hyde Creek Salmon Festival in 2015.

"Dulce was always great at remembering to take photos of our activities," said HSWS president Robbin Whachell. "She was also very proud of her husband Ed's photography and would send us his photos for use on our website, posters and banners, and our Facebook page. Thanks to Dulce we have been able to document much of our efforts."

"Dulce was always willing to help out for any event, especially the weed pulls and the stream cleanups ," said HSWS treasurer Kyle Uno. "I will always remember how proud she was of her son Daniel.

Dulce during our Scott Creek cleanup in 2015.

"Dulce always struck me as a positive person.  She never hesitated to volunteer for anything, and was always smiling," said HSWS director Chris Hamming.

Dulce Lagdameo Paulino was born June 8, 1961 in Quezon City, Philippines. Her Celebration of Lifewas held on October 28th at the St. Claire Assisi Parish in Coquitlam.  The program booklet said, "As a volunteer, Dulce loved nature and enjoyed helping in the community and in her church and in any type of organization where her service was welcomed. She was a selfless woman who dedicated her life to doing charity work..."

The Society extends our condolences to Dulce's family, in particular to Ed, Monique and Daniel.

Dulce clearing garbage from Hoy Creek.

We thank Dulce for her years of service to our Society. She will be greatly missed.

A Book of Memories for Dulce was set up by her family for people to offer condolences and can be viewed HERE.

Dulce with the Coquitlam Bear during the City of Coquitlam's Environment Awards in 2015.

Long-serving HSWS member acknowledged at Coquitlam Environmental Achievement Awards

Some of our current members in attendance from left to right: Chris Hamming, Ducle Paulino, Lilian Elliott, Robbin Whachell, Kyle Uno and Nathen Blower. (Photo: Ed Paulino / HSWS)

On June 11th the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society attended the annual awards night put on by the City of Coquitlam at Dogwood Pavillion to honour and thank local groups and recognize individuals, organizations and educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to promoting, conserving and enhancing Coquitlam’s natural environment.

It was an extra special evening for us as our one or of society's longest-serving members, EARL ELLIOTT (Seen below, right), was honoured in the individual category. Earl happened to be out of town on a kayaking trip, but his wife Lilian accepted on his behalf.

Earl Elliott joined the Hoy Scott Watershed Society in November 2006, starting as one of our daily feeders, which he still continues to this day.  Earl is a conscientious and committed volunteer and is always there to lend a hand where needed. He participates and helps out at our annual Salmon Come Home and Salmon Leave Home Festivals, our annual stream clean ups, as well as assists with our invasive plant removals and hatchery maintenance, now contributing close to 1000 man hours.

Lilian Elliott accepted her husband Earl's award certificate on his behalf.

In 2012, the Society was at a crossroads, with a decline in volunteers and/or those retiring from active service.  Earl stepped up and assumed the Vice President role, as well as assisted hatchery manager, Rodney Lee, in a new weekly public engagement activity that boosted membership and commitment levels.  Without Earl’s commitment and active role in operations, the Hoy-Scott Creek Watershed Society might not exist today. He even recruited his wife, Lilian to join the Society, and they are a solid fixture at meetings and events. Thank you Earl!

As always the city put on a lovely evening full of great food, fun environment-themed trivia, and there were lots of special guests and raffle prizes.

A big THANK YOU to Ed Paulino for taking these photos to capture our night.
See MORE PHOTOS on our Facebook album.

The two Hoy-Scott Watershed Society tables 9 and 10. (Photo: Ed Paulino / HSWS)

Long-serving member, Len Meneghello honoured by Hoy-Scott Watershed Society

Hatchery manager, Rodney Lee presents Len Meneghello with a certificate of appreciation for his service to the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society. (Photo: Robbin Whachell / HSWS)

This year's Salmon Leave Home was the perfect opportunity to invite long-serving member, Len Meneghello, who recently hung up his hip-waders to come out and enjoy the day with former colleagues on May 1st at the Hoy Creek Hatchery.

After the event was officially open with words and a ceremonial salmon release by members of Kwikwetlem First Nation, society members surprised Len with a special tribute and presentation which took place by the concrete salmon adjacent to the creek.

Society director, Robbin Whachell read a tribute written by long-standing member and salmon educator Chris Hamming; and hatchery manager, Rodney Lee presented Len with a certificate of appreciation.  HSWS member, Lilian Elliott presented a metal salmon gift from the society. It was perfect that Len's wife Donna and his two children, Martin and Tricia Lynn were also present.

The society takes this opportunity to wish Len the best on his retirement!

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Honouring Len!  From left to right: Ed Hall, Earl Elliott, Beverley Mrockowski, Lilian Elliott, Donna Meneghello, Tricia Lynn Meneghello, Len Meneghello, Martin Meneghello, and Rodney Lee. 
 

A tribute for Len, written by Chris Hamming:

Len has been a community volunteer for many years. After having been a volunteer driver for elderly patients, Len joined the Hoy/Scott Creek Watershed Society. Len was gung-ho, participating in all the activities of the group.

Weekly, without fail, he would be feeding the fry and cleaning in and around the pond. You could count on Len when there was trail work to be done. Removing invasive species and replanting with native species was no problem for Len. With great enthusiasm, he helped with the major public events Salmon Leave Home in the spring and Salmon Come Home in the fall. Early in the morning of the day of the event, he would cheerfully set up the event signs in the neighbourhood and take them down again at the end of the day-no sweat. He would supply the volunteers with cream/sugar/coffee.

If things were broken, Len would be the first to try to fix it. As a no-nonsense guy, his manner was straight forward and to the point.

There is a great legacy at the creek, close to the hatchery building, that has Len’s stamp on it - the Salmon Statue. It took a great deal of planning, maneuvering, leveling and adjusting skill to get the mold to be set up just so. Len's practical knowledge and directing was of great help. There was only one thing that Len did not like, that was attending meetings. Len is a man of action. Len, you are going to be missed!

See more photos of our Salmon Leave Home event.

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Left to right: Ed Hall, Councillor, Kwikwetlem First Nation; Len Meneghello, honoured reitiree of HSWS; and Beverley Mrockowski, Elder, Kwikwetlem First Nation (Photo: Robbin Whachell / HSWS)