Julia Butterfly Hill: The Woman Who Lived in a Tree for Two Years to Save a Forest
Julia Butterfly Hill amazed the world by living in a tree for over two years. She did this to stop the Pacific Lumber Company from cutting down a very old redwood tree in California. Here is her incredible story.
Early Life and Change of Heart
Julia Lorraine Hill, known as Julia Butterfly Hill, was born on February 18, 1974, in Mount Vernon, Missouri. Her father was a preacher, and the family moved a lot, finally settling in Jonesboro, Arkansas, when Julia was about ten years old.
When she was six, a butterfly landed on her finger and stayed there for a long time. Her family started calling her “Butterfly” because of this special moment.
Julia finished high school at 16 and went to college but didn’t know what she wanted to do. She opened her own restaurant at 18 and worked hard. But in 1996, a car accident changed her life. A drunk driver hit her car, and she was badly hurt. It took almost a year for her to get better. This made Julia think about what was important in life.
Discovering the Redwoods
After recovering, Julia traveled to California and met activists from Earth First! at a festival. They were protesting against the Pacific Lumber Company, which was cutting down ancient redwood trees. Julia felt a strong connection to these trees and wanted to help save them.
Living in Luna
On December 10, 1997, at 23 years old, Julia climbed a 1,000-year-old redwood tree she named Luna. She thought she would stay for a few weeks, but she ended up living in the tree for 738 days, which is more than two years.
Julia lived on a small platform 180 feet above the ground. She faced cold rain, strong winds, and other problems. She collected rainwater to drink and used a solar-powered phone to talk to people. Volunteers brought her food. The winter was very tough due to El Niño storms.
Workers from the Pacific Lumber Company tried to scare her. They flew helicopters close to her, shone bright lights at her, and cut down nearby trees. But Julia stayed strong.
Julia’s small platform was only about six feet wide. She had to endure harsh weather, including freezing rains and strong winds. Sometimes, she thought she might die. She even faced corporate harassment. Pacific Lumber employees tried to intimidate her by yelling threats and felling trees around her so they would knock against Luna.
Despite these challenges, Julia held on. She learned to sway with Luna during storms, holding the tree tightly and praying for safety. Her determination and resilience helped her survive through the difficult times.
The Impact of Her Protest
Julia’s story got a lot of attention. People learned about the harmful logging practices of the Pacific Lumber Company. In December 1999, after more than two years, the company agreed to protect Luna and the trees around it. Julia and her supporters raised $50,000, which was given to Humboldt State University for forest research.
Her protest not only saved Luna but also helped raise awareness about the destruction of ancient redwood forests. Julia’s tree-sit became a symbol of the environmental movement and inspired many people to take action against environmental destruction.
Life After Luna
Coming down from Luna was emotional for Julia. She felt very close to the tree. Her time in Luna changed her life, and she decided to continue helping the environment.
“I came down to a hurting world – constantly wanting and needing my help with everything they cared about. From their child’s book report, to trying to save local trees and community gardens, to ending animal cruelty for food, to creating the department of peace in response to endless wars. The issues and challenges were endless,” Julia wrote on her website.
In addition to her book, Julia co-founded the Circle of Life Foundation (CILF) in 1999. The foundation aimed to transform how people interact with nature, promoting sustainable living and environmental awareness.
Continued Activism
Julia kept working for causes she believed in. In 2002, she was arrested in Ecuador for protesting a pipeline project. In 2003, she refused to pay federal taxes to protest the Iraq War. In 2006, she joined a protest to protect a community farm in Los Angeles.
Her activism didn’t stop with Luna. Julia continued to fight for the environment and social justice. In 2002, she was deported from Ecuador while protesting Occidental Petroleum Corporation’s plan for a new pipeline through the indigenous communities of the Mindo-Nambillo Reserve. She also joined the war tax resistance movement in 2003 to protest the use of her federal taxes in the Iraq War. In 2006, she participated in a tree-sit at a community farm in South Central Los Angeles to protect working-class immigrant farmers.
Lessons from Luna
Julia believes her time in Luna taught her important lessons about how everything is connected. She started the “What’s Your Tree” project to help people find their own causes to support.
“While I was in Luna, I learned that many problems come from being disconnected from nature and each other,” she said. Julia encourages people to reconnect with nature and make better choices for the future.
The “What’s Your Tree” project helps people identify their passion and take action. Julia believes that everyone has a calling, something that can make a positive impact on the world.
Conclusion
Julia Butterfly Hill’s story shows how one person’s courage can make a big difference. Her two years in Luna saved an ancient tree and raised awareness about protecting the environment. Julia’s legacy continues to inspire people to take action for the planet.
Her journey from a life-changing car accident to living in a tree for over two years highlights the power of determination and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. Julia Butterfly Hill remains a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding us that every action, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on the world.
