Since 2013, the Mill Creek Watershed Association has planted 1,007 trees along the stream banks, engaging 164 volunteers and completing 359 volunteer hours. Thanks to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry's Riparian Buffer Program grant, MCWA has been able to plant hundreds of trees in the watershed. To find out how you can plant riparian buffers in your yard, visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Riparian Buffer Program website.

Healthy creeks, streams, and rivers are dependent on healthy forested stream banks, often referred to as riparian buffers. Forested riparian buffers offer various benefits and have been proven to:

• Help stabilize eroding stream banks

• Filter out sediments and chemicals before they reach the waterway

• Help recharge groundwater

• Preserve or improve wildlife and aquatic habitat

• Add scenic and economic value to the land

• Reduce flooding and erosion by stabilizing shorelines and absorbing high velocity flows

Mill Creek Watershed Association has planted trees along riparian buffers on Whittemore Branch, Mill Creek and Sevenmile Creek near Benzing Road, Brook View Estates Drive, Mill Creek Greenway/Ezell Road Park, and the Edmondson Pike Library.