volunteering

Hoy and Scott Creeks Get a Clean at Two Busy Locations

Near the trailhead at Scott Creek Linear Park, before the team split up into two groups.

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society volunteers were out in good number on Sept. 5, so we were able to clean along two Coquitlam streets.

It was a return visit to Scott Creek Linear Park (off Runnel) after a two-year gap, but the crew was able to get a good haul of trash and remove the remains of a homeless camp.

Over at Aberdeen Ave., the crew working there were surprised to see the amount of trash since it had only been one year since the last clean in the area.

“It always amazes us to see the amount of trash being dumped in our parks and streams,” said society president, Robbin Whachell. “It’s rewarding to come out as a group to alleviate what we can.”

The stream clean exercise is conducted annually prior to the fall rains and return of the salmon.

The haul on Aberdeen Ave, Coquitlam.

The City of Coquitlam supported the exercise by having a truck and driver available between both sites for a quick collection of the rubbish.

The haul included a foot soaker, various car parts, part of a bike, a scooter, a ski, a license plate, a pitchfork, a bed frame, garden hose, rope, plastic storage container, ceramics, syringes, carpeting and underlay, a rug, a quilt, clothing, a cooking pot and pan, and the usual fast-food containers. Face masks and cigarettes were the most common item.

The team plans to return to Runnel to get a mattress out of Scott Creek which was well up from the road, and a shopping cart and dresser out of the tunnel below Runnel in Hoy Creek.

View our Facebook photo album.

Volunteers and part of the haul from Runnel Drive.

Mattress in Hoy Creek south of Aberdeen.

Carpet from the Scott Creek Linear Park.


Hoy Creek Hatchery Volunteer Activity Returns

Hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard explains procedures to new and returning volunteers in front of the rearing pond at Hoy Creek Hatchery.

Hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard explains procedures to new and returning volunteers in front of the rearing pond at Hoy Creek Hatchery.

After the pandemic shut down most of our volunteer work in the spring of 2020, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society has sorted out ways to safely get volunteers back to work in small groups in preparation for the 2020 broodstock season.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, Tyler Storgaard began reviewing operational procedures and got new volunteers repairing nets, and cleaning the rearing pond floor, as well as feeding fish.

Rodney Lee has started a spawner survey group which will count salmon in stream once they return. That group is familiarizing themselves with a chosen section of the creek and reviewing their process once the salmon return.

The first Saturday of every month the Society hosts an open house, which provides time for the public to come by, have a tour, and learn about the work of the Society. Robbin Whachell led this area, and several families stopped by, as well as curious walkers who were out enjoying Hoy Trail.

The society is always looking for support from the community, whether you wish to make a donation, or become a volunteer and work hands-on. Learn more HERE.

Youth volunteers repair nets for upcoming broodstock collection.

Youth volunteers repair nets for upcoming broodstock collection.

A youth volunteer clears debris from the bottom of the rearing pond which houses approximately 5000 coho salmon fry.

A youth volunteer clears debris from the bottom of the rearing pond which houses approximately 5000 coho salmon fry.

Volunteers repair nets which are used to catch salmon in stream for broodstock.

Volunteers repair nets which are used to catch salmon in stream for broodstock.

Rodney Lee is leading a group who will be involved in an upcoming spawner survey in Hoy Creek.

Rodney Lee is leading a group who will be involved in an upcoming spawner survey in Hoy Creek.




HSWS Salutes our Dedicated Volunteers!

Spring 2020 riparian work

Spring 2020 riparian work

April 19 through 25 is National Volunteer Week in Canada, and we would like to take this time to thank our dedicated volunteers who make up our Society. 

We come together to make our community and our environment a better place.

From our daily feeders to our youth group and Saturday morning work session members, to those who lead and work administratively; collectively, we all make it happen!

Maya, Earl and Lilian representing HSWS at a Coquitlam city hall event.

Maya, Earl and Lilian representing HSWS at a Coquitlam city hall event.

Saturday morning youth volunteers in the winter after gathering cuttings to later plant in spring.

Saturday morning youth volunteers in the winter after gathering cuttings to later plant in spring.

Summer 2019 creek clean.

Summer 2019 creek clean.

Ririka and Steven mark storm drains with yellow fish in summer 2019.

Ririka and Steven mark storm drains with yellow fish in summer 2019.

Broodstock collection 2019/20

Broodstock collection 2019/20

Salmon Come Home 2019

Salmon Come Home 2019


Tree Planting and Invasive Species Removal Volunteer Opportunities in Coquitlam

The City of Coquitlam has advised of the following volunteer opportunities as it relates to removal of invasive species and native tree planting:

If you are able to volunteer please see the details below:

Sunday, September 18th – blackberry root removal and native tree/shrub planting. Hoy Creek near Johnson Street and Guildford Way

The City is working with the Lower Mainland Green Team to remove the roots of invasive Himalayan Blackberry along the salmon-bearing creek edge. The area will then be planted with native trees and shrubs to restore it to a functional riparian habitat. If you are interested in this event, you can sign up for either the blackberry removal (in the morning) or the native tree/shrub planting (in the afternoon) or both! Please see the links below to sign up.

Blackberry Removal 9:45am - 12:00pm
http://www.meetup.com/The-Lower-Mainland-Green-Team/events/232900219/

Native tree and shrub planting 12:30pm - 4:00pm
http://www.meetup.com/The-Lower-Mainland-Green-Team/events/232900479/

Sunday, September 25th, 1pm - 4pm: Native tree and shrub planting. Hoy Creek near Johnson Street and Guildford Way

Through a generous grant from the TD Tree Days program, the City is working with TD to plant over 300 native trees and shrubs along the salmon-bearing creek edge in an area previously covered with invasive Himalayan blackberry. If you are interested in this event, you can sign up for it at the link below.

TD Tree Days Event https://www.tdtreedays.com/en-ca/events/539-hoy-creek-at-guildford#.V8n2Nmf2amR

Saturday, October 15th - blackberry root removal and native tree/shrub planting. Hoy Creek near Guildford Way and Pacific Street

The City is working with the Lower Mainland Green Team to remove the roots of invasive Himalayan Blackberry along the salmon-bearing creek edge. The area will then be planted with native trees and shrubs to restore it to a functional riparian habitat. If you are interested in this event, you can sign up for either the blackberry removal (in the morning) or the native tree/shrub planting (in the afternoon) or both! Please see the links below to sign up.

Blackberry Removal 9:45am - 12:00pm
http://www.meetup.com/The-Lower-Mainland-Green-Team/events/232900754/

Native tree and shrub planting12: 30pm - 4:00pm http://www.meetup.com/The-Lower-Mainland-Green-Team/events/232900850/