But she also struggled with isolation, physical discomfort, and the psychological toll of such an extreme protest.
Finally, in December 1999, after 738 days—more than two years—Pacific Lumber agreed to negotiate.
On December 18, 1999, Julia descended from Luna.
The agreement: Pacific Lumber would permanently preserve Luna and a 3-acre buffer zone around it (approximately 200-foot radius). The company received a $50,000 payment (donated by supporters) as compensation.
Luna was saved.
When Julia's feet touched the ground after 738 days, she could barely walk. Her body had adjusted to constant swaying—on solid ground, she felt dizzy and unbalanced.
But she'd won. One person, one tree, 738 days of determination—and an ancient redwood was permanently protected.
Julia Butterfly Hill's tree-sit became one of the most famous acts of environmental activism in modern history.
It demonstrated the power of nonviolent direct action. She didn't destroy property or harm anyone. She simply refused to move—putting her body between a tree and destruction.
Her action inspired environmental movements worldwide. It showed that individuals could make a difference against powerful corporations.
Luna still stands today—over 25 years since Julia climbed it. The tree survived the logging era, and its protected buffer zone remains intact.
Luna itself has faced challenges—in 2000, someone vandalized the tree with a chainsaw, cutting through about half its diameter. But the tree survived, reinforced with steel cables, and continues growing.
Julia Butterfly Hill went on to become a prominent environmental activist, author, and speaker. She's written books, given talks worldwide, and continued advocating for environmental protection.
But nothing she's done since has matched the symbolic power of those 738 days in Luna.
Because Julia proved something fundamental: sometimes saving the world requires one person willing to take an extraordinary stand.
December 10, 1997: Julia Butterfly Hill climbed a 180-foot redwood tree.
December 18, 1999: She came down—738 days later—having saved Luna and inspired millions.
One person. One tree. 738 days.
Luna still stands—a living monument to what's possible when someone refuses to give up."
Finally, in December 1999, after 738 days—more than two years—Pacific Lumber agreed to negotiate.
On December 18, 1999, Julia descended from Luna.
The agreement: Pacific Lumber would permanently preserve Luna and a 3-acre buffer zone around it (approximately 200-foot radius). The company received a $50,000 payment (donated by supporters) as compensation.
Luna was saved.
When Julia's feet touched the ground after 738 days, she could barely walk. Her body had adjusted to constant swaying—on solid ground, she felt dizzy and unbalanced.
But she'd won. One person, one tree, 738 days of determination—and an ancient redwood was permanently protected.
Julia Butterfly Hill's tree-sit became one of the most famous acts of environmental activism in modern history.
It demonstrated the power of nonviolent direct action. She didn't destroy property or harm anyone. She simply refused to move—putting her body between a tree and destruction.
Her action inspired environmental movements worldwide. It showed that individuals could make a difference against powerful corporations.
Luna still stands today—over 25 years since Julia climbed it. The tree survived the logging era, and its protected buffer zone remains intact.
Luna itself has faced challenges—in 2000, someone vandalized the tree with a chainsaw, cutting through about half its diameter. But the tree survived, reinforced with steel cables, and continues growing.
Julia Butterfly Hill went on to become a prominent environmental activist, author, and speaker. She's written books, given talks worldwide, and continued advocating for environmental protection.
But nothing she's done since has matched the symbolic power of those 738 days in Luna.
Because Julia proved something fundamental: sometimes saving the world requires one person willing to take an extraordinary stand.
December 10, 1997: Julia Butterfly Hill climbed a 180-foot redwood tree.
December 18, 1999: She came down—738 days later—having saved Luna and inspired millions.
One person. One tree. 738 days.
Luna still stands—a living monument to what's possible when someone refuses to give up."
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