Despite all the value they provide, protections for forested land in Baltimore are minimal; municipal and individual action is needed. It's time to update Baltimore City's Forest Conservation Program to reflect the benefits of the smaller forest patches found in the city. Baltimore also should join the ranks of cities like Annapolis and Atlanta that have tree ordinances. And finally, the value of forest patches and their need for maintenance must be recognized by programs to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The forests need our help, and we need theirs.