Treasuring Our Trees Inc.

Treasuring Our Trees Inc. is a community-driven charity that emerged in response to the devastating storms of June 2021, which saw around 25,000 trees fall across the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Rather than letting this loss go to waste, the organisation saw an opportunity to transform tragedy into hope by repurposing fallen timber into meaningful projects that enrich local schools, kindergartens, and the broader community. Founded by passionate locals, Treasuring Our Trees Inc. brings together volunteers, artists, craftspeople, and educators to ensure that every salvaged log contributes to a lasting, positive legacy.

From Fallen Giants to Community Treasures

The flagship activity of Treasuring Our Trees Inc. is the creative repurposing of storm-damaged trees into durable, beautiful, and functional items for schools and community spaces. Fallen timber is transformed into indoor furniture, sustainable garden projects, sports equipment, imaginative play spaces, adventure trails, bush cubby houses, outdoor yarning circles, veggie gardens, erosion control structures, bush tucker gardens, and even fairy houses. This initiative not only preserves the memory of lost trees but also fosters environmental stewardship and community connection.

Mission and Vision

Treasuring Our Trees Inc. is dedicated to turning environmental loss into community gain. Its mission is to salvage, repurpose, and celebrate fallen trees by creating projects that benefit schools, kindergartens, and local organisations. The vision is a resilient, connected community where every tree lost to storms continues to give back through education, play, and sustainable living.

Main Objectives

• Salvage and repurpose timber from storm-damaged trees to minimise waste and maximise community benefit.
• Create educational and recreational resources for schools and community groups.
• Promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices through hands-on projects.
• Foster community engagement and volunteer participation in local environmental initiatives.

Benefiting Groups

Treasuring Our Trees Inc. primarily serves primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, and community organisations across Victoria. The projects also benefit local families, artists, craftspeople, and volunteers who participate in the creation and installation of repurposed timber items. By involving diverse groups, the charity strengthens social bonds and ensures that the legacy of fallen trees touches as many lives as possible.

Types of Services or Activities

• Salvaging and milling fallen trees for community use.
• Designing and building indoor and outdoor furniture, play equipment, and garden structures.
• Creating yarning circles and teaching spaces for schools and community groups.
• Supporting habitat restoration and erosion control projects.
• Engaging volunteers and local artists in collaborative projects.
• Providing educational resources on sustainability and environmental care.