HSWS Executive Remains Unchanged after Annual General Meeting

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HSWS Executive in front of the rearing pond at Hoy Creek Hatchery. From left to right: Lani Lehun, Tyler Storgaard, Anne Woosnam, Robbin Whachell, Kyle Uno, Emily Rossi and Kim Mayes (Missing from the photo was Rodney Lee and Sandra Uno)

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society held its annual general meeting on May 19. The meeting, with elections, were held virtually through Zoom conferencing.

Congratulations to returning directors: Kim Mayes, Rodney Lee, Lani Lehun, Anne Woosnam, and Emily Rossi. Also to returning treasurer, Kyle Uno who moves into his third term.

The newly elected join current executive, secretary Sandra Uno, vice president Tyler Storgaard, and president Robbin Whachell.

"I want to thank you all for staying on as our HSWS executive!" said Society president Robbin Whachell. "We're an engaged team. These continue to be very interesting and trying times. It's great to be working together to keep our momentum going as a society and the hatchery operating."

While the society is currently not engaging in any group activities due to the pandemic, the fish are being monitored by daily feeders, the hatchery has weekly check-ins by management, and all is being overseen by the Department of Fisheries & Oceans.

Hoy - Scott Watershed Society, (HSWS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run environmental stewardship group, that conducts a salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

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.

New Executive Voted in at HSWS AGM

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To commemorate the new executive, we met at Hoy Creek on the weekend to pose for this group (distanced) photo. Left to right: Anne Woosnam; Tyler Storgaard, Emily Rossi, Kim Mayes, Lani Lehun and Robbin Whachell. Missing from the photo is Kyle Uno, Rodney Lee, and Sandra Uno (see bottom photo).

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society held its annual general meeting on May 20. The meeting, with elections, were held virtually through Zoom conferencing.

Stepping down and thanked after serving 3 terms was secretary Emily Rossi. Rodney Lee was also thanked for his ongoing service and leadership. He stepped down as vice president but both he and Emily remain on the board.

The new vice president is Tyler Storgaard who has also been acting as the assistant hatchery manager since September 2019. Sandra Uno is the new secretary, and new directors are Kim Mayes, Rodney Lee, Lani Lehun, Anne Woosnam, and Emily Rossi.

The newly elected join current executive, treasurer Kyle Uno, and president Robbin Whachell.

Sitting in on the AGM was Member of Parliament for Coquitlam / Port Coquitlam, Ron McKinnon, and coordinator of the Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable  Sharee Dubowits.

May 20 AGM over Zoom. HSWS treasurer, Kyle Uno delivers the financial report for the year.

“I’m excited about our continued growth as a Society,” said president Robbin Whachell. “We have moved from strength to strength and this would not be possible without the spirit of this dynamic and extremely motivated group of volunteers.”

While the society is currently not engaging in any group activities due to the pandemic, the fish are being monitored by daily feeders, the hatchery has weekly check-ins by management, and all is being overseen by the Department of Fisheries & Oceans.

Hoy - Scott Watershed Society, (HSWS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run environmental stewardship group, that conducts a salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Unable to make the group HSWS executive board photo at the creek in the top photo, here are Rodney Lee (Director), Kyle Uno (Treasurer) and Sandra Uno (Secretary).

Salmon Come Home to Coquitlam Creeks

Families look on at the Maple Creek Streamkeepers table, ready for a salmon dissection demonstration. (HSWS photo)

The annual event Salmon Come Home event hosted by the City of Coquitlam and the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) took place on a very wet Sunday (Oct. 20). Approximately 1300 residents geared up and came out anyway to take part in learning about their watershed and about the salmon lifecycle.

The heavy rain and high water flow dampened the ability to see salmon in the stream for the most part, but several chum salmon were spotted throughout the day in the lower-lying creek areas along Hoy Trail.

The event’s expanded area, allowed for families to enjoy a ‘watershed walk’ between two festival sites, the main site behind Pinetree Community Centre situated next to a Hoy Creek Linear Park trailhead, and the feature site, the Hoy Creek Hatchery. Along the watershed walk between both locations, HSWS put out interpretational signage for the public to enjoy information about plant-life, insects, birds and other animals of the watershed.

Naomi Higo, Institute of Urban Ecology Coordinator for Douglas College provided hourly guided tours along Hoy Trail between the two sites assisted by Lani Lehun of Hoy/Scott Watershed Society.

A welcome with Chief Ed Hall. (HSWS photo)

Chief Ed Hall of Kwikwetlem First Nation offered words of welcome and acknowledged the Society’s loss of HSWS founding member, Chris Hamming in 2019.

HSWS members gathered to pay tribute to Earl Elliott, the recipient of the inaugural Hatchery Manager’s Award presented by Rodney Lee.

Angela Brown’s coho tent provided fun and dry retreat from the rain, as children’s gathered inside the inflated fish to hear stories before suiting up in nylon zoo costumes for a parade along the trail.

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society volunteers had the hatchery on full display and provided talks in front of the rearing pond which houses the young coho fry which will be released this coming May at Salmon Leave Home.

The expanded layout focused on the ‘watershed walk’ which is Hoy Trail, between Pinetree Community Centre and the Hoy Creek Hatchery. (HSWS photo)

Maple Creek Streamkeepers provided salmon dissection for all to view the inside of the fish up close.

The Wild Salmon Creative Cafe kept hearts warm with music provided by several local performers, and hands and bellies warm with Spirit Bear Coffee. Food trucks, BC Taco and Bannock Queen kept everyone well fed. Creative Cafe musical performers were Elaina Buenaventura, Julia DePieri, and Bobby Ravensdaughter,. Metis artist, Pat Calihou gave a carving paddle demonstration.

Creative Cafe artists helped brighten moods on the wet cool day!

Other contributors to the event were: Articipation; Burke Mountain Naturalists; City of Coquitlam Urban Forestry (Bad Seed); City of Coquitlam Environmental Services; Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable; Coquitlam Riverwatch; Friends of DeBoville Slough; Hyde Creek Watershed Society; Maple Creek Watershed Streamkeepers; Port Moody Ecological Society; VanCity Pinetree Branch; Kwiketlem First Nation; and the Minnekhada Park Association.

An event favourite! Angela Brown’s inflatable coho provided a dry spot to hear stories before children and parents suited up in the nylon zoo costume for a parade along the trail. (HSWS photo)

Thank you to all of our youth volunteers that assisted to make this day a success! (HSWS photo)

Interpretational signage along the ‘watershed walk.’ This exact location is where several salmon were spotted on the day. (HSWS photo)

With the heavy rain behind us and current cool clear weather, it makes for idyllic conditions for salmon spotting at both Scott and Hoy Creeks.

Hatchery volunteers have begun their broodstock collecting. Salmon spawning time runs through to mid-December.

(View our Facebook photo album)

A chum salmon spotted in Hoy Creek on Oct. 27, 2019 (Photo: Lilian Elliott)

“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. ”

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society Announces 2019 Executive

Voted in from left to right: Lilian Elliott, Director; Robbin Whachell, President; Lani Lehun, Director; and Sandra Uno, Director. The four join the existing executive already serving terms: Rodney Lee, Vice President & Hatchery Manager; Emily Rossi, Secretary; and Kyle Uno, Treasurer.

The Hoy-Scott Watershed Society held an annual general meeting on May 15, 2019 at the Coquitlam City Centre library.

Congratulations to the new and returning executive. Voted in was:

President - Robbin Whachell
Director - Lilian Elliott
Director - Sandra Uno
Director - Lani Lehun

The fore-mentioned join existing executive already serving terms: Rodney Lee, Vice President/Hatchery Manager; Emily Rossi, Secretary; and Kyle Uno, Treasurer.

"Our team of dedicated volunteers are to be commended for their time spent in keeping this Society progressing in our initiatives,” said re-elected president Robbin Whachell.  “This is not the time to take things lightly when it comes to our salmon. As a city grows, the environment must be at the top of our priorities.”

The Society is always seeking new membership and assistance. To get involved check our sign up page; or email hoyscottwatershed@gmail.com.

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, (HSWS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run environmental stewardship group, that conducts a year-round salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. We are actively involved in watershed restoration, public awareness, education, and preservation. Find us on Facebook.

HSWS Attends Wild Salmon Policy Seminar

The Wild Salmon Policy: Canada’s Policy for Conservation of Wild Pacific Salmon guides Canada and its partners in protection and conservation actions for the 5 iconic wild Pacific salmon species and their habitats.

We'd like to thank the North Shore Streamkeepers for the invitation to the workshop, the 'Wild Salmon Policy Implementation Plan: From Policy to Action' held on February 23 in North Vancouver. Attending on behalf or HSWS was president Robbin Whachell and assistant hatchery manager Lani Lehun.

Opening remarks were given by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Jonathan Wilkinson, with talks by ZoAnn Morten of the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, and Sarah Murdoch of the DFO.

An interesting panel discussion rounded off the afternoon with both speakers and fellow panelists David Patterson and Steve McDonald of the Pacific Science Enterprise Centre (DFO).

You can read the policy HERE.

Opening remarks by Jonathan Wilkinson MP Minister for Fisheries and Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard.

What partners can do. Areas of focus…

A talk by Sarah Murdoch (DFO).

Presentation by ZoAnn Morten, Pacific Streamkeepers Federation

Hatchery and watershed tour provided to Douglas College

Dubbed, "A Walk to Remember - Hoy Creek Salmon Hatchery Tour" students, faculty and friends of the IUE – the Institute of Urban Ecology of Douglas College in Coquitlam were given a casual and interactive 2-hour tour of the Hoy Creek salmon hatchery and surrounding area on July 19.

Led by hatchery manager, Rodney Lee, who was assisted by Hoy-Scott Watershed Society director, Lani Lehun, the tour provided information on the year-round operations of the hatchery, the salmon raised there, and the processes. 

The tour was concluded with a walk along Hoy Creek Trail were the riparian area, and invasive and non-invasive plant life were observed and discussed. 

Hoy - Scott Watershed Society, (HSWS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run environmental stewardship group, that conducts a salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. We are actively involved in watershed restoration, public awareness, education, and preservation.

Tour at Hoy Creek Hatchery on Hoy Trail, Coquitlam.

Rodney shows the salmon rearing pond. 

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society acknowledged at City environmental awards

Members of Hoy-Scott Watershed Society with their certificate of appreciation pose with Hucklebeary at Coquitlam city hall. 

The City of Coquitlam held its fourteenth Environmental Achievement Award celebration on Sunday, June 24 recognizing community volunteers who excel in the areas of conservation, public awareness, environmental education, habitat enhancement and sustainable living.  In addition, the award recipients show initiative and leadership while volunteering for projects that have long-term environmental benefits for the community.

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) received a certificate of appreciation for the volunteer work that we do. 

Representing the Society at the event held at City Hall, was the president, Robbin Whachell; director Lani Lehun; past director, Nathen Blower; longtime members Earl and Lilian Elliott; and newcomers, Steven Wang, and Leo Li. 

"It's wonderful to connect with like-minded groups at this annual event and learn about the wonderful things others are doing," said Robbin Whachell. "It's definitely motivation for our team, and, while not everyone was able to attend, they are appreciated. It means a lot to be recognized for the effort we put in." 

Below is a video produced by the City of Coquitlam showcasing local environmental groups. 

For a full list of recipients, check out the City's press release HERE.

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society announces 2018 executive

Left to right: Robbin Whachell, President; Lani Lehun, Director; Chris Hamming, Director; Kyle Uno, Treasurer; Sandra Uno, Director; and Rodney Lee, President. (Missing from photo: Emily Rossi and Arno Hazebroek)

The Hoy-Scott Watershed Society held an annual general meeting on May 15, 2018 at the Coquitlam library and voted in the following executive: 

Vice President - Rodney Lee
Director - Chris Hamming
Director - Sandra Uno
Director - Arno Hazebroek
Director - Lani Lehun

On June 19, Emily Rossi was voted in as secretary... 

"We have a great group of dedicated individuals on our executive, who volunteer their time to keep this Society going and progressing in our initiatives," said Robbin Whachell, the current president of the Society.  

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, (HSWS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run environmental stewardship group, that conducts a year-round salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. We are actively involved in watershed restoration, public awareness, education, and preservation.

HSWS attends JOTT 21 - Jamboree on the Trail

Boy scouts check out creepy crawlies from Hoy Creek at the Jamboree in Belcarra Regional Park. 

A big thank you to Scouts Canada for inviting Hoy - Scott Watershed Society to participate in JOTT 21, the Jamboree on the Trail event held at Belcarra Park on Saturday, May 12.

HSWS members, Rodney and Lani brought along some very cool friends we found in the pond - 2 Lamprey, a Crayfish and some Caddisfly bugs. Yes, those are in our creeks!

It was a really fun day with the kids. All the creepy crawlers were returned to Hoy Creek that afternoon!

A crayfish from Hoy Creek

A lamprey from Hoy Creek

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.  Learn more at our website: hoyscottcreeks.org

Vice president and hatchery manager for Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, Rodney Lee talks to boy scouts at JOTT21 - Jamboree on the Trail in Belcarra Park.