Melbourne is a City of Trees and a council initiative to help protect trees during the years of drought uncovered an unexpected response from the general public. Not only were inhabitants willing to help the council, they also  displayed a strong emotional connection to the trees, sending them warm personal messages. This was recognised as trees giving people a “sense of place”. Trees are vital for our survival and yet we are cutting them down at an alarming rate, right on our doorstep. Instead of using sustainable tree plantations, loggers are clearing the equivalent of 8 Melbourne Cricket Grounds a Day of old growth trees from the Toolangi Forest near Healesville, threatening the imminent extinction of the Leadbeater Possum. The trees of this forest, whose rivers contribute to Melbourne’s Water supply, need help now from the people of Melbourne, as they are not able to speak for themselves.