THF Realty is planning a new development in Columbia, MO, and is taking great measures to protect Stephens Lake Park. THF is also planning many environmental improvements for Hinkson Creek. THF proposed a project focusing on a 4.4 acre portion of Stephens Lake Park. This project will beautify and stabilize a section of the bank of Hinkson Creek. It will involve rock stabilization along a bend in the creek, the planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses and monitoring the plantings.

"There are a lot of environmental groups that have complained bitterly about Hinkson Creek not being environmentally protected," Red Oak representative Craig Van Matre said. "Hinkson Creek has been neglected for years. This will probably be the first project of many that will restore it to ecological health."

THF Realty will contract and pay for the project with no cost to the city, and it will complete by June 30, 2006. The project will cost about $250,000.

The plan calls for the planting of about 1,000 mature trees, 4,000 younger trees and 1,500 native shrubs. Tree selections will include common species such as red oaks, white oaks, shagbark hickory, dogwood and Eastern redbud. Shrubs to be planted include witch hazel, American holly, smooth sumac and arrowwood.

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