Julia ‘Butterfly’ Hill’s 2-Year Fight To Save A Forest, Defying Gravity For A Good Cause

Julia Hill, popularly known as “Butterfly,” stood tall against the timber industry’s efforts to clear California’s redwood forest. For two years, Hill lived atop a towering 180-foot tree, enduring fierce weather and threats to her safety.

At 23, Julia “Butterfly” Hill made headlines when she spent 738 days living in a tree dubbed Luna to protect California’s Redwood Forest from clear-cutting. Her civil disobedience inspired people across the globe and brought awareness to the devastating effects of excessive logging.

Hill’s childhood was marked by constant moves and homeschooling, leading to feelings of loneliness as she grew older. But her life took a dramatic turn after a hiking trip at age seven when a butterfly landed on her finger and gave her a nickname that stuck.

In 1996, Hill’s life took a sharp turn when a drunk driver crashed into her car on a late summer night. The near-death accident left her with difficulty speaking and walking for almost a year. However, instead of basking in despair, Hill used this situation to re-examine her priorities and uncovered a passion for environmental activism.

After recovering from the near-death accident, Hill journeyed to California. There, she felt an “instant connection” to the redwood trees, according to Swarthmore College’s account of Hill’s tree sit. After relaxing with like-minded activists at a protest in Eureka, California, Hill was allowed to participate in a tree sit on a 1,000-year-old tree named Luna, along with two others. Earth First!, an organization that shared her zeal for preserving redwoods, supported the ambition.

In her book, Hill explained how she survived a 70 mph windstorm that lasted for 16 hours and destroyed the tarps that sheltered her. According to the Chronicle’s Glen Martin, Hill’s living situations were wet and cramped. Martin further stated that she was never truly dry during her stay in Luna.

In 1999, Hill captured the world’s attention with her two-year-old tree-sit on Luna. Her perseverance paid off when she reached an agreement with the Pacific Lumber Company to preserve the tree and its surrounding area.

In 2000, Hill captivated the world with her daring act of living in a redwood tree named Luna. Her stunning story was chronicled in the acclaimed documentary Butterfly, directed by Doug Wolens, and aired on PBS. With a 7.6 rating on IMDb and 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film showcases Hill’s persistence in preserving the majestic forests of California.

After her historic tree-sit atop Luna, Hill refused to rest on her laurels. In May 2096, she once again put an effort to save the 14-acre South Central Farm in Los Angeles, California. Joined by fellow high-profile activists like Daryl Hannah, Joan Baez, and John Quigley, Hill persisted on scaffolding high above the farm, fighting for its survival and the rights of its farmers.

Hill’s love for healthy and ethical food is noticeable in her unreserved veganism. In a 2006 interview with Grist, she announced her joy in preparing healthy food for people, animals, and the planet.

At 49, Hill has moved towards a more private lifestyle; nonetheless, her passion for environmental causes still shines bright. Recently, on her website, she stated her intention to withdraw from the public eye but confirmed that her mission to preserve the globe remains unchanged.