News Archives - 2002

Julia Butterfly Hill brought international attention to the plight of the world's last remaining ancient forests when she climbed 180 feet up into the branches of a 1,000-year-old redwood tree and refused to come down. Her historic protest to the environmental destruction caused by the clear-cutting of ancient redwoods culminated after 738 days with a negotiated agreement that provided permanent protection for the tree known as Luna and a buffer zone around it. She has authored two books, The Legacy of Luna and One Makes the Difference and has been the recipient of numerous awards for activism.

The 29-year-old daughter of an itinerant preacher, Julia earned her nickname as a child when a butterfly landed on her during a family hike and then remained with her the rest of the day. After being home-schooled, she began college classes at age 16, majoring in business. A vegetarian since her teen years, she started her own restaurant at age 18. Her two-year vigil informed the public that only 3% of the ancient redwood forests remain and that the Headwaters Forest Agreement, brokered by state and federal agencies and Pacific Lumber/Maxxam Corporation, will not adequately protect forests and species.

Julia and other forest activists founded the Circle of Life Foundation to inspire, support and network individuals, organizations, and communities to create environmental and social solutions and promote efforts to protect and restore the Earth.