When DJ Forest Green is spinning, her fans say she is the backbone of the nightclub, the breath of the party, and the ultimate dance evoker.

“Forest takes the time to really dig deep in her genre for the eclectic selections and soul bouncing sound that few can reproduce," said avid fan and veteran music producer Mark Danielson, 34.

But unlike other saturated, commercial DJ's, Green strives to do more than whip the dance floor into a sweaty groove.

Through a smooth combination of techno, break beats, and house mixes, she attempts to take the listener on a musical journey where time and space seem to disappear — using the language of music to unite audiences and celebrate the earth and humanity.

"[DJing] is a great way for me to share my love with so many. People don’t necessarily think about the earth as our mother or home, but through DJing, there’s an energy exchange where I can show people a way to cope, heal, love and feel, and remind them that the earth is our mother and we need to take care of her," said Green, 37.

An alumnus of SF State and veteran of San Francisco's underground rave scene, DJ Forest Green has been spinning electronic dance music since 1996, using nature as one of her inspirations to weave intricate soundscapes in clubs, bars and under full moons, to promote the love and protection of the Earth.

Forest was born Melissa Green but took the name "Forest" when she began spinning.

"There are so many Melissas in the world. I wanted a name that was special and would stand out — something catchy, to do with the love of our mother, earth, one another, and being green," said Green.

Born in Vallejo and raised in Fairfield, Calif., Green's interest in music, art and the environment spawned from an early age.

"My dad was a landscape painter, so he used to tie a lot of things, like color and the land, to nature and the earth. He would go out and spend two or three days, just painting all day. I was involved in the arts in many ways my whole life, be it dance, music, painting, ceramics, theater, drawing, puppets, you name it," said Green.

Following an artistic path, Green went to Cal State Northridge in 1988 where she studied music. On the brink of graduation in 1992, she transferred to SF State where she developed an interest in computers and technology.

"At the time, SF State was offering an interdisciplinary arts program. It only lasted for two years but it allowed me to be experimental and creative, while using whatever medium I wanted to express myself," said Green, who graduated with an emphasis in music, video, film, computer arts and theater.

Green had been buying records and attending clubs since the age of 14, but it wasn't until after college that she began teaching herself the craft of spinning and creating mix tapes.

"After years of buying tons of music, going out to clubs and events with dance music, and then all of the music, digital film and video editing schooling that I had, I realized that this was what I was supposed to be doing with my life," said Green.

In 2000, Green was one of the few DJ's featured in "Groove," a film about the San Francisco rave scene. The acclaimed film created buzz that helped put her on the map and now she is featured globally, at clubs, raves, parties, bars and campouts, a venue where she feels most connected to her audience and mother earth.

"It's just amazing to play outdoors, when people are camping. It lets me help others get in touch with nature and the beauty of this planet," said Green.

For Earth Day, the DJ plans on “hugging trees,” and “planting loving seeds for peace and harmony” with her closest green friends Andy Highland and Sandy Reyes.

Aside from her dedication to the environment, Reyes says it's truly Green's positive attitude that spills into her music.

"She is probably the most sparkliest person I've ever met,” said Reyes. “She has this way of affecting people in such a positive manner.”

Green is passionate about her music and her planet, and plans on "healing" her audience for as long as she can.

“I’m not 'miss perfect green person,' but I try to constantly improve. There are areas we can all do better in, but it starts with each one of us taking responsibility for this earth,” said Green.

She is currently working on a music track for SustainLane.com, an eco-friendly company dedicated to empowering the nation to go green, and hopes to launch her first independently produced album by the end of 2007.

"I seriously feel like DJing is a calling to me," said Green. "It's my job on this earth, and I have to answer it.”