San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

Video Aims to Foster Environmentalawareness

A documentary organized by the Student Environmental ActionCoalition last Wednesday raised environmental awareness to more than20 students, faculty and staff in attendance.

The 80-minute video documented the efforts of Julia ButterflyHill, who gained national attention after she lived for two years ina tree in northern California because it was in danger of being cutdown by a logging company.

The video was also showed to introduce viewers to Hill, who willbe speaking at San Diego State University on May 11.

From way up here

Hill lived in the branches of the 200-foot ancient Redwood tree,affectionately named Luna, from December 1997 to December 1999.

It wasn’t until Pacific Lumber, the company who owned the landwhere Luna grew, agreed to spare the tree and the surrounding200-foot buffer zone that Hill descended the massive tree.

“My spirit led me up here and my spirit will lead me when it’stime to go down,” said Hill in the video. “I gave my word to Luna, tothe forest, to all the people that I wouldn’t let my feet touch theground until I felt like I had done everything I possibly couldwithin my power to stop what’s happening.”

For the two years Hill lived in the tree, a team of about eightpeople would take a 2-mile hike to the tree, bringing food, tarps,blankets and writing supplies for Hill. Her living area accommodatedher sleeping bag, one pot to cook with, a single burner stove, asolar powered radio, a cell phone for interviews and a journal so shecould respond to all the mail she received.

Hill remained in the tree despite winter storms that blew throughnorthern California.

“I heard the wind roaring in the distance, until it came in andcompletely overwhelmed me,” Hill said in a journal entry. “I clenchedmy teeth so hard, I swear I wore them down. The wind was howling likea crazy, wild animal — the most intense noise I’ve ever heard.

“The sound of the tarps magnified it because there is no way forthem to stand up against 90 mph winds. I can handle anything butlosing my tarps, because then I’m exposed to the weather which hasbeen horrendous.”

Two weeks ago the tree was vandalized. The crime had the biggesteffect on Hill, who broke down in tears at the sight of the largegash cut into the base of the tree by a chainsaw.

After the vandalism was discovered, Hill described the act as apersonal blow.

“Luna is the greatest teacher and best friend I have ever had,”she said. “I gave two years of my life to ensure that she could liveand die naturally. But two years is nothing compared to the thousandyears she has lived, providing shelter, moisture and oxygen to forestinhabitants.

“I feel this vicious attack on Luna as surely as if the chainsawwas going though me.”

The motive behind the vandalism is under investigation. –

Going Green

Hill’s visit next semester will be made possible by members of theSEAC, Sierra Club and private businesses in San Diego. She charges$5,000 for appearances plus transportation and lodging. However, allof her fees go to the Circle of Life Foundation to promote efforts toprotect and restore the Earth.

Geography junior and SEAC member Kelli Balow said Hill speaking oncampus next spring is a great way to raise environmental awareness tostudents and the community.

“She is a very inspirational person,” Balow said.

Geography senior Sara Pile said she felt the video gave a goodmessage about Hill and her mission to save Luna.

“If we completely destroy everything that we have, it will only bea matter of time before we have nothing,” Pile said.

For more information regarding Julia Butterfly Hill’s appearance,or about the SEAC organization, feel free to contact Michelle orKelli at 286-6089 or kbcoconut@hotmail.com.For more information about Hill’s personal efforts to save Luna, read”Legacy of Luna” by Hill.

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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Video Aims to Foster Environmentalawareness