Saving the Redwoods Subject of October 26 Lecture 

SALISBURY, MD--Julia Butterfly Hill, who spent two years atop a redwood as a protest against the clear cutting of the ancient trees, speaks on Friday, October 26, at 7 p.m. in Salisbury University’s Holloway Hall.  Admission is free and the public is cordially invited. 

“Hill is on tour to talk about her experience and deliver a powerful message of hope and respect for all life,” said Dr. Joan Maloof, environmental studies coordinator.  “She is an inspiration in that she is a youth who is making a difference.”   

In honor of Hill’s visit and in hopes of creating awareness for the need to protect indigenous tree species on the Shore, SU is naming the oldest and largest tree on campus, a scarlet oak, “Luna Too.”  

The day to day details of Hill’s incredible story are captured in her book, The Legacy of Luna: The Story of a Tree, A Woman and the Struggle to Save the Redwoods, which will be available at her talk.   

Through her courage, Hill has become a symbol of the difference one individual can make.  She descended from her two-year vigil only after successfully negotiating permanent protection for the tree she calls “Luna” and a 3-acre buffer zone. 

“Julia gives such special shine to the word ‘possible.’  I think better and with sweeter resolve knowing such as she dances in the trees,” said renowned physician Patch Adams.  “Julia answers the question: ‘Can one person make a difference?’” 

Hill climbed the 1,000-year-old, 200-foot tall redwood tree “Luna” on December 10, 1997 to protest the clear cutting of the old-growth redwood forest in Humboldt County, CA, by the Pacific Lumber Company.  When Hill couldn’t ensure the future of the breathtaking tree, she simply stayed in her leafy perch, an action of hope and defiance which touched hearts around the world.  Hill’s lone vigil, surviving wild weather and harassment from her opponents, drew international attention to the plight of the redwoods. 

Hill has helped form the Circle of Life Foundation, a non-profit organization with which she continues her activism to create a sustainable culture rooted in respect for the interconnectedness of all things.  Circle of Life Foundation aims to promote, support and network with individuals, communities and organizations in developing heightened awareness of environmental issues. 

“We can make a positive difference through our actions,” said Hill.  “By standing together in unity, solidarity and love we will heal the wounds in the earth and in each other.”

The Environmental Studies Association, an organization of proactive students whose goal is an environmentally conscious community, is sponsoring her visit along with the Fulton School of Liberal Arts, the Henson School of Science and Technology, the Student Organization for Activity Planning, the Provost Office, the Outdoor Club, the Student Affairs Office and the Office of Student Activities, Organizations and Leadership.  For more information call the Office of Public Relations at 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.