Three of the four volunteers out on Aug. 20 at Runnel Drive. Left to right: Matthew Watts, Anne W., and Tyler Storgaard. (HSWS photo)
Volunteer work at the hatchery during the summer turns to focus on the riparian area and clean streams. It’s an optimal time of year to mark storm drains as well. It’s also a key time to review the creek system and look for jams which are often a mix of large trash items and fallen tree debris that could hinder salmon passage.
Hoy/Scott Watershed Society was out several times in August and early September working along Hoy Creek in Coquitlam at various locations. In total, nine large contractor bags of trash were removed, along with other large items, such as a bed frame and car muffler.
On August 20th, the area of the stream at Runnel Drive near Lansdowne was the focus. Collected were lots of loose plastics and fast food containers, as well as price tags. A baby playpen was pulled from the creek, along with construction signage, toys, clothes, needles and packaging. Four volunteers collected four large bags of trash that were removed in less than two hours. View more photos of the Runnel clean on our Facebook album.
Trash removed adjacent to the stream at Lansdowne and Runnel. (HSWS photo)
Matthew and Tyler unload bags of trash from truck into the wheel barrel after the Aug. 20 stream clean. (HSWS photo)
On Sept. 3 we worked on a section of Hoy Creek behind Mr. Lube. Three volunteers collected three large bags of trash in two hours. Wooden pallets, a muffler, and several two-by-fours were pulled from Hoy Creek just north of the Barnet Highway bridge. The rubbish haul included many clothing items, books, price tags, needles, stuffed animals, cans, bottles, face masks, and general plastic fast food carton waste.
Sofia and Anne stand in front just some of the trash removed in two hours along Hoy Creek, behind Mr. Lube in Coquitlam.
Robbin Whachell stands in Hoy Creek to break up debris and remove trash.