Volunteers from the Legacy of Greenery Committee and the Heartland Tree Alliance recently joined 15 city staff members in sprucing up a section of Tomahawk Creek near the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, 138th and Switzer.

Fourteen species of trees, including Pecan, Black Willow, Bur Oak and Sycamore, were planted, for a total of 100 trees.

As these native trees begin to mature, their deep roots will help stabilize the streambank.

In Overland Park, there are more than 70 miles of streams. Riparian forests along these streams help maintain the water quality, regulate water quantity, provide wildlife habitat and recreational activities.

Residents can improve stream buffers in their neighborhood by composting or disposing of leaves and grass clippings properly and by leaving a 15 to 25 feet buffer along the edge of a stream when mowing.