Who Julia ("Butterfly") Hill
Claim to fame Environmentalist and author of a new book, Legacy of Luna, which tells the story of her fight to save the redwoods.
Q You spent 738 days living in a giant redwood tree to prevent it from being cut down by loggers. How did you feel when your feet finally touched the ground last December?
A It was a tidal wave of emotions. I felt a great sense of sadness, because I was leaving the best friend I ever had. I was also elated that the 1,000-year-old redwood tree was saved from being turned into someone's deck.
Q How did you survive in the tree, which you named Luna, for so long?
A I lived on a 6-foot-by-8-foot platform that was laid across a few branches. It was my bedroom, kitchen and office. I had a solar-powered phone and a radio to stay in touch with the world. Friends brought me food every few days. I'd climb the tree for exercise.
Q What advice do you have for kids who want to make a difference?
A All of us are activists, whether we realize it or not. It's up to us to decide if we will take positive actions. You can make a difference by just offering whatever it is that you do best.