Initiatorin & Projektgründerin

Initiator & Project Founder

Technik & Website

Technology & Website

Madeleine Felber (Felber means "coming from the silver willows")

Bäume und Menschen bilden auf Mutter Erde, dem blauen Planeten, eine Schicksalsgemeinschaft:

Das Kohlendioxid, das wir ausatmen, nehmen die Bäume über die Blätter und Nadeln auf, und speichern den Kohlenstoff in Ästen und Stämmen. Den Sauerstoff atmen die Bäume wieder aus, und wir atmen ihn ein. Der Sauerstoff bildet unsere Lebensgrundlage.

Ohne Luft, sterben wir. Bäume und Menschen – Menschen und Bäume – wir gehören unmittelbar zusammen.

Lasst uns einander respektieren und dafür sorgen, dass auch die Rechte der Bäume geschützt werden.

Trees and human being form a community bound by a shared destiny on Mother Earth, the blue planet:

The carbon dioxide we exhale is absorbed by trees through their leaves and needles, and the carbon is stored in their branches and trunks. The trees exhale oxygen, and we inhale it. Oxygen is essential to life. Without air we die.

Trees and people—people and trees—we are inextricably linked together.

Let’s respect one another and ensure that trees, too, have their rights protected.

This plane tree is a hybrid of Platanus orientalis and Platanus occidentalis and has stood in this square since around 1800

Here in my garden stands the cherry tree with the most delicious cherries in the world. Even as a small child, I used to climb it and look forward to its cherries every year. Now my children climb it, and we look forward to its cherries together. Every year, it’s also a welcome source of food for passing starlings. And I let them. There’s enough for everyone 💜

und kannst du auch nicht ahnen,
wer einst in seinem Schatten tanzt,
bedenke Mensch, es haben deine Ahnen,
eh‘ sie dich kannten, auch für dich gepflanzt!
Max Bewer

Plant a tree,

and even if you can’t imagine

who will one day dance in its shade,

remember, my friend, that your ancestors,

long before they knew you, planted trees for you, too!

Max Bewer

“Focus on Tree” is both a warning and a call for attention to the world's green heritage. A work by Stefano Steph Sibona

At the start of every year, I love the almond blossom in Mallorca – even though the trees in this orchard have been pruned to make harvesting easier.

This myrtle, which spent a long time as a potted plant on my balcony, has only become a full-fledged tree since it was allowed to take root in the ground. It now thrives on the southern side of the Alps at our vacation home.

In spring I count the days with restless longing,
And feel new life awakening inside of me.
I'm proud when I bear my very first blossoms,
Which soon the sun transforms into ripe fruit.

In summer I gather the rays of the sun,
And many a weary traveler
Rests beneath my shade.
When my leaves paint dancing shadows,
They sing within the wind,
And I listen to their songs.

I give the birds a place to call their home,
The bees come and go.
Whoever comes to me
Will not have made the journey in vain.
I need the earth, the air, and the light,
And until my final branch should break,
I am the Tree of Life for everyone.
I am the Tree of Life for everyone.

In autumn I let the storms
Bend my branches,
And I give this world
Its most beautiful display of colors.
I watch my leaves
Soar high upon the wind,
And I know their joyful dance
Makes farewell easier to bear.

In winter I carry snow
Upon my branches,
And feel eternity
In many a silent moment.
I gather new strength
Within my quietness,
Only to give it back again
A thousandfold.

I give the birds a place to call their home,
The bees come and go.
Whoever comes to me
Will not have made the journey in vain.
I need the earth, the air, and the light,
And until my final branch should break,
I am the Tree of Life for everyone.
I am the Tree of Life for everyone.

Peter Maffay

What a mighty tree!

*********

The courtyard formed by the three cypress trees standing close together was my ‘house of trees’ in my early childhood, until they had to make way for a berry garden. This is my declaration of love to them.

Unten zwischen Moosbach und Mühlgraben spendet er Schatten und ist auf dieser Seite vom Grundstück ein wichtiger Schutz für die Frauen, die Ruhe und Klarheit suchen bei einer Auszeit.

In the magical garden of the Little Village School, there are many trees; this is my favorite one.

Down below, between Moosbach (little river) and Mühlgraben (mill ditch), it provides shade and serves as an important refuge on this side of the premise for women seeking peace and clarity during a break.

“The Great Oak”: the place where I grew up - I still go back there today... I take a walk over there...

A 90-year-old free-standing small-leaved linden tree on the Forch near Zurich. Every year from the end of November until Epiphany, it is transformed into the “Christmas Linden” with 120 strands of lights, each 20 meters long. Drivers on the Forch Expressway also enjoy the sight, as the tree is illuminated at night. Free punch is served on Advent Sundays. But the tree also shines in all its splendor during the summer.

Questo è stato il mio lavoro di tesi presso l'Accademia di Belle Arti di Torino. L'opera faceva parte dell'installazione “Ci vuole un fiore ” in riferimento alla canzone di Sergio Endrigo ed era composta da tre alberi: “Albero della conoscenza (quadro) - Albero della speranza (video-progetto di un'installazione pubblica con carillon gigante) - Albero della vita (albero di melograno vivo) ogni visitatore ricevette in dono una primula”. Oggi il quadro si trova presso il Centro Studi Pavese. L'opera è stata realizzata interamente con materiali di recupero di origine lignea, richiedendo tre mesi di intenso lavoro.

---

Painting – Dimensions: 3 m x 2 m – Title: “The Tree of Knowledge – Western Perspective – Dewey Decimal Classification 0-999.”

This was my thesis project at the Academy of Fine Arts in Turin. The work was part of the installation “Ci vuole un fiore” (It Takes a Flower), a reference to the song by Sergio Endrigo, and consisted of three trees: “Tree of Knowledge (painting) – Tree of Hope (video project for a public installation featuring a giant music box) – Tree of Life (living pomegranate tree); each visitor received a primrose as a gift.” Today, the painting is housed at the Pavese Study Center. The work was created entirely from reclaimed wood materials and required three months of intensive work.

Nel post di fb trovate spunti per poter lavorare sia con i piccoli che con i grandi, allego anche il link del lbaoratorio di Munari.

---

“The Paper Forest,” inspired by Bruno Munari—an art workshop designed for children. A project that explores the theme of trees...

In the Facebook post, you’ll find ideas for working with both young and older children; I’m also including a link to Munari’s workshop.

Questo albero purtroppo non c'è più, ma è stato un progetto molto partecipato, portatore di un bel messaggio di condivisione. Eccolo nella foto insieme al mio cane Farfui, anche questo albero (come quello della conoscenza del centro studi Pavese) fatto con materiale ligneo di recupero. Vi invito a guardare il video nel link allegato. La musica è stata composta con delicata maestria dal mio caro amico musicista Rik Parato.

----

“The Tree of Suns” - During the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, this tree is no longer there, but it was a project that drew a lot of participation and conveyed a beautiful message of sharing. Here it is in the photo alongside my dog Farfui; this tree, like the “Tree of Knowledge” at the Pavese Study Center, was also made from reclaimed wood. I invite you to watch the video at the link below. The music was composed with delicate artistry by my dear friend, the musician Rik Parato.

----

“I MAKE THE DIFFERENCE” — a workshop held during the 2020 Rapulè Fair where visitors became creators of a collective artwork. On this occasion, the play on words ‘differenza’ (difference) and “differenziata” (recycling) raised awareness among passersby about the importance of viewing waste as a resource. The final artwork is this tree created by intertwining threads that started from people’s names, grew into the trunk, and ended in a canopy made of paper, plastic, mixed materials, glass, and “leaves of thought,” where everyone could add their own meaning of “difference.” This took place at Aunt Tina’s Crotin.

---

“Secular Prayer” - This project (which, unfortunately, has not yet been realized) is designed for an oncology ward: a large mural on wooden panels, a work in progress intended to engage viewers in active participation by having them write a message of hope on pieces of paper and pin them to the wooden panels. The photo shows only part of the work, and the pieces are currently scattered, but I hope to bring this project to life one day.

----

Until just a few years ago, this was a dense, dark, deep fir forest, just like in a fairy tale. Monoculture, storms, drought, and bark beetles have all taken their toll, and now the landscape looks like this. I hope that my children and grandchildren will be able to hike in that dark, beautiful forest again!

Forse dalla foto non si direbbe, ma il mio tronco è così grande che ci vogliono almeno due persone per abbracciarmi tutto. Chissà se sono già un centenario....

Una volta mi tenevano compagnia altri platani, ma con il passare del tempo sono rimasto da solo qui, e accanto a me passano tante macchine, camion, moto, e forse è per questo motivo che sono poche le persone che vengono a sedersi vicino a me per godere della mia ombra e della mia energia.

In compenso sono un perfetto rifugio per molte specie di animali.

Questo Albero è magnifico e mi auguro che venga preservato.

----

Let me introduce myself—I’m a plane tree.

You might not tell it from the photo, but my trunk is so big that it takes at least two people to wrap their arms all the way around me. I wonder if I’m already a hundred years old....

I used to have other plane trees keeping me company, but as time went by, I was left here all alone, and lots of cars, trucks, and motorcycles pass by me—and maybe that’s why so few people come to sit near me to enjoy my shade and my energy.

On the other hand, I’m a perfect refuge for many species of animals.

This tree is magnificent, and I hope it will be preserved.

Even the most intense heat is bearable in its shade.

----

Traveling from Lake Geneva to Lake Thun, you’ll find a fairytale landscape where the green is truly vibrant. On a small hill stands a perfect tree, taking in the view. I remember a wonderful vacation in Switzerland. This tree became a drawing, and the memory lives on.

----

Another picture inspired me to post my first watercolour here as well. I don’t know if this tree actually exists. I copied it from a reference picture at the time. I painted this watercolour in Friedrichsdorf.

Originalzitat: "Kunst darf auch schön sein."

*********

Three-dimensional wireframe model by Hanspeter Kamm.

Original quote: ‘Art is allowed to be beautiful, too.’

---

This work aims to celebrate the resilience of nature and, in particular, of all the trees that are so tenacious they can grow anywhere.

Seit über 50 Jahre lebe ich an der Ollenhauerstraße und bin mit diesen Bäumen groß geworden.

Im Oktober 2026 werden diese und über 100 weitere Bäume, die an dieser Straße stehen, gefällt. 😑

Warum?

Die Straße soll erneuert werden - neue Straßenaufteilung = Platz für Autos - und dafür müssen die Bäume weichen.

Im Zuge des Klimawandels und der aktuellen heißen Temperaturen, ist es kaum vorstellbar, dass dieses Projekt tatsächlich umgesetzt werden wird.

Aber der Plan steht und jede Initiative, die gegen diesen Plan kämpft, wird ignoriert und sogar beschimpft.

Eine traurige Entwicklund und traurig ist natürlich auch, dass diese groß gewachsenen Bäume "einfach so" verschwinden werden.

Ich kann mir die Straße ohne die Bäume gar nicht vorstellen....aber es wird passieren. 😭

Bianca 😑

----

Petition: https://www.openpetition.de/petition/online/berlin-reinickendorf-ollenhauerstrasse-kahlschlag-aller-116-strassenbaeume-fuer-luxus-strassen-neuba

----

When I look out my living room window, I see a beautiful tree-lined avenue...

I’ve lived on Ollenhauerstraße for over 50 years and grew up with these trees.

In October 2026, these trees and over 100 others lining this street will be cut down. 😑

Why?

The street is set to be renovated—a new road layout means more space for cars—and the trees have to make way for that.

Given climate change and the current heat wave, it’s hard to imagine that this project will actually go ahead.

But the plan is set in stone, and any initiative fighting against it is ignored and even vilified.

It’s a sad development, and of course it’s also sad that these mature trees will disappear “just like that.”

I can’t even imagine the street without the trees… but it’s going to happen. 😭

Bianca 😑

---

Listening to the voice of the eucalyptus forest—a magical moment

---

A giant baobab tree shelters us… like a mother

Manche Bäume sind mehr als Bäume.

Die weiße Birke begleitet mich seit meiner Kindheit in Brandenburg an der Havel. Ihre helle Rinde, ihr feines Blätterdach, dieses besondere Leuchten zwischen Wald, Wasser und weitem Himmel – all das fühlt sich für mich bis heute nach Heimat an.

Doch meine Verbindung zu ihr reicht tiefer.

Über meine mütterliche Linie führt sie mich zu meinen weiblichen Ahnen nach Russland. Zu den Frauen vor mir. Zu ihrer Stärke, ihrer Geschichte, ihrem Überleben, ihrer Weisheit und zu all dem, was sie weitergegeben haben, damit ich heute hier stehen kann.

Wenn ich eine Birke sehe, spüre ich deshalb nicht nur Natur.

Ich spüre Wurzeln. Herkunft. Weibliche Kraft. Erinnerung.

Vielleicht berührt mich dieser Baum genau deshalb so sehr:
Weil er mich daran erinnert, dass wir unsere Wurzeln nicht sehen müssen, damit sie uns tragen.

Und dass wir manchmal weit zurückgehen dürfen, um zu erkennen, wer wir heute wirklich sind.

🤍 Die Birke erinnert mich:
Wahrheit wurzelt tief.
Und aus unseren Wurzeln wächst unser eigener Weg.

#WeißeBirke #MeineWurzeln #Ahnenlinie #WeiblicheAhnen #BrandenburgAnDerHavel #Heimat #Ahnenkraft #WeiblicheKraft #Naturverbundenheit #SchamanischerWeg #ZurückZuDir #IchBinSilke

----

🌿 The white birch—my roots, my memories.

Some trees are more than just trees.

The white birch has been with me since my childhood in Brandenburg an der Havel. Its light-colored bark, its delicate canopy, that special glow where the forest, water, and vast sky meet—to this day, all of that still feels like home to me.

But my connection to it runs deeper.

Through my mother’s lineage, it leads me to my female ancestors in Russia. To the women who came before me. To their strength, their history, their survival, their wisdom, and to everything they passed down so that I can stand here today.

That’s why, when I see a birch tree, I don’t just sense nature.

I sense roots. Origin. Feminine power. Memory.

Perhaps that is exactly why this tree touches me so deeply:

Because it reminds me that we don’t have to see our roots for them to sustain us.

And that sometimes we need to go far back in time to recognize who we truly are today.

🤍 The birch tree reminds me:

Truth is deeply rooted.

And from our roots, our own path grows.