Rhys Dyer, '26
December 10, 1977, Julia Hill began the ascent up a 180-foot tall redwood tree, reaching two small 6-by-6 foot platforms near the top. Julia Hill made this decision thinking she would protest for just a couple of days before coming down, when nothing happened because of it, she waited. With a fierce determination and unbreakable will, Julia waited for 738 days.
The year before Julia’s protest began, Julia was in a fatal car crash. She was hit by a drunk driver from behind; it took almost 10 months of physical therapy to fully recover from this incident. She could barely walk for the better part of a year, and she was in constant pain. This traumatic near-death experience caused Julia to look within herself and reevaluate her priorities. Upon this reevaluation, Julia decided that she would make environmental activism her life’s purpose. In 1997, the Pacific Lumber Company announced that they had a new initiative, which involved the mass reduction of trees in the redwood forest. This is what set off Julia’s protest. The tree she stayed in was nicknamed “Luna,” because the moon helped shine light while the 6x6 ft platform was being built for Julia. Initially, Julia and two others made the ascent, but within weeks, she was the only one left. Originally, she was sponsored by Earth First, but Julia remained in protest long after they pulled their resources. Julia’s only lifeline became a friend who brought her supplies periodically. In order to live at the top of Luna, Julia was forced to learn some survival techniques.
She learned to cover her feet in Luna’s sap in order to maintain a stronger grip on the tree. She endured many days of pouring rain, thunderstorms, and even survived a 70mph windstorm that completely destroyed her tarp. During the time Julia spent up on Luna, she survived alone with little to no entertainment at all, in extremely harsh living conditions. Contrary to popular belief, there was no Wi-Fi at the top of the redwood tree. Julia could not watch Netflix, browse the internet, or play games. In the uncomfortable weather conditions, Julia was never truly dry, warm, clean, or rested. In addition, the Pacific Lumber Company imposed intimidation tactics such as stationing guards at the base of the tree and flying helicopters near Julia. To most people, Julia’s tree-sit could be considered torturous.
Her impenetrable determination, although borderline psychopathic, is something to be admired. In December of 1999, Julia reached an agreement with the company to preserve Luna and all trees within a 200 meter radius. Trees that had already been cut down remained the property of the Pacific Lumber Company. In the years that followed, Julia continued her environmental activism in other parts of California. One of her other famous protests occurred in 2006, where she waited in another tree. Julia was attempting to save a farm in Los Angeles. She became an avid speaker on the environment and an outspoken vegan. Today, she is 49-years-old and enjoys a more private life away from activism.