AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dozens of volunteers showed their love for an Austin creek this Valentine’s Day. They helped plant 1,000 seedlings along Buttermilk Creek in east Austin as part of a continuing effort to restore the area.

“It’s important because it beautifies the neighborhood and it makes the better quality for the animals,” Kenyuan Porter said. “All in all, it makes for a better environment.” Porter is part of a group of Reagan High School students who helped out Saturday.

The students participate in a program called River Watch. They monitor water quality along Buttermilk Creek and work with the city and groups like Tree-Folks and Keep Austin Beautiful to keep up the area.