With the rapid urbanization of our area, we are losing our ties to the land. Careless disposal of trash and poorly designed businesses, residential developments and sewage treatment plants are significant contributors to the degradation of local waterways. This has implications for our health and the health of the natural systems we depend on. Lake Creek and its associated watersheds contain some of the few water bodies in the area that meet national standards for contact recreationPicture7_sm and aquatic life. Situated in one of the fastest developing parts of Texas, these bottomlands and riparian areas offer local recreational and ecological services not easily replaced. Preservation of these floodplains and wise development practices will yield dividends in resident health, local recreational and business opportunities as well as reduced future remediation costs. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to nature and/or natural settings have measurable positive effects on recovery from illness, performance in schools and behavior. Creating accessible natural areas adjacent to or within population centers makes it more likely that residents will use them. At the same time, natural areas in combination with sustainable development and land use practices help preserve water and air quality and have a monetary value. Finally, these forests and related stream in association with the uplands at Jones State Forest offer opportunities for birding, hiking and boating can be promoted as a tourist draw that will improve local business opportunities. The Lake Creek Greenway Partnership was formed to work with area property owners, businesses, developers, government, other non-profits and residents to help preserve floodplain systems, improve recreational and business opportunities while improving understanding of the benefits of wise development practices and the services provided by the creek and adjacent floodplain.