Stone in tree along Hoy Trail, Coquitlam

These have been challenging times with the COVID-19 epidemic. The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society appreciates the pressures put on parents and children to remain active, and we have enjoyed spotting many painted stones along the watershed trails which we began noticing around the Easter weekend.

Since then there has been an increase, and we expect to see more and take delight that families are enjoying the forest while leaving a painted stone behind to be marveled upon by the next passerby.

That said we do find concern in the number of stones now being spotted in our creeks. Please enjoy your walks, and also take this opportunity to teach your children about the wonders and fragility of our ecosystem.

Painted stones and trash collected from Hoy Creek

We’d like to offer a few tips about painted stones that could help our forests and our creek-life:

Ensure the paint you use is non-toxic
Do not use glitters or sparkles
Do not use stickers
Place your stone away from waterways. (You may have placed your stone along the trail, but someone may toss it into the creek if it’s a ‘stone’s throw away.’)

If we can ensure we’re all doing our best to protect nature, we’ll get twice as much enjoyment from walking our trails and finding these wonderful stones left by unknown and well-intended woodland fairies!