The final stage of the restoration is to plant hardwood trees and spread straw along the disturbed areas that are still exposed. The planting of hardwood trees will create a riparian forest buffer. A riparian area is the land that is adjacent to a waterway or water body. If these areas are forested then a number of benefits will be realized. The forest buffer will help to improve water quality by filtering stormwater runoff from the adjacent agricultural fields. The trees will also remove carbon from the environment and store it in their trunk and branches providing long-term storage for a harmful greenhouse gas. The forest will also aid in flood control through slowing the water and allowing more water to soak into the soil. In addition, the wildlife habitat, both in and out of the creek, will be improved and in turn will enhance recreational opportunities at this site.