Alex, Tyler, Matt and Thomas of Hoy/Scott Watershed Society

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society took part in a City of Coquitlam Earth Day event on April 22 at Town Centre Park, adjacent to the Inspiration Garden.

A big part of what we do is public education and bringing awareness to the local environment and to the fact that we have salmon-bearing streams in the midst of an urban setting.

The event provided an opportune occasion to highlight the challenges the Society faces, most often caused by man. Things like trash along the trails and in the streams, pollutants being dumped down storm drains, as well as natural challenges like invasive species.

Five-month-old coho fry were also on display providing a glimpse of how precious and fragile this species can be.

The Society would like to thank all of our volunteers who took part and answered questions from the public.

Left to right: Fin Donnelly, MLA, Coquitlam-Burke Mountain; Tyler Storgaard, Hatchery Manager; Matt Djonlic, Coquitlam Councillor; Maya Uno, HSWS volunteer; and Thomas, HSWS volunteer.

Stewart and Chris at the Walton Elementary Earth Day event.

Members of the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) participated in the Earth Day Swap Meet event put on by Walton Elementary School on April 28. The schoo is a short walk through the forest to Hoy Creek Hatchery.

"It's important for the students, parents, and teachers to be aware of the salmon sanctuary that is so close to their school," said president of the Society, Robbin Whachell. "Many of the families walk through the watershed along Hoy Trail on their way to and from school, so it's important that they have an awareness that each of us have a role to play in protecting our watershed, which in turn assists in the preservation of our salmon."

"It was wonderful to talk to parents who have observed changes in the watershed, or who have witnessed wildlife. The watershed is a wonderful place to explore."

A big thanks to Society volunteers, Chris Hamming and Stewart Brotchie who interacted with participants on Friday evening, and to Lani Lehun who represented the Society on Saturday with Robbin.

HSWS applauds the organizers for leading an important event that not only supports their school but helps open eyes and minds to the wonders and sensitivities of our environment.

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) is a volunteer-run non-profit society that operates a small salmon hatchery beside Hoy Creek and conducts a salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and with technical expertise from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The group stewards the Hoy and Scott Watersheds, promoting public awareness and education, and is involved in watershed habitat restoration and preservation.

Yvonne from Walton Elementary thanks the Society at Salmon Leave Home

Society attends Coquitlam Earth Day event

HSWS participates in Walton Elementary Earth Day event