This large landscape painting was created to remind us of how important trees are in our environment, particularly the Okanagan Valley, and in their natural habitat on the planet. These majestic ponderosa pines have been cherished since ancient times. In the foreground you see the connection point between the stronger more resilient pine, and the way in which it supports the weaker older pine through the attachment of its roots. These impressive, mature Ponderosa Pines not only look beautiful with their beautiful yellow-orange, red bark, but also capture carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thereby improving our air quality. They stabilize the soil, and they support the wildlife. Trees are revered for their hidden power of improving the lands capacity to adapt to climate change. As an artist that loves the outdoors, I find that hiking through the forest, or along a pathway, is like entering a sanctuary under the protection of the trees.