Who Is Julia Butterfly Hill? Age, Biography and Wiki
Julia Butterfly Hill, born on February 18, 1974, is a renowned American environmental activist and author. She gained fame in the late 1990s for her two-year tree-sit protest in a California redwood tree named Luna, which she undertook to prevent it from being cut down. Hill's perseverance and advocacy for environmental protection have made her a symbol of grassroots activism. As of 2025, she is 51 years old and continues to be a powerful voice in the environmental movement.
| Occupation | Motivational Speaker |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 18, 1974 |
| Age | 51 Years |
| Birth Place | Mount Vernon, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Julia Butterfly Hill's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at an estimated height of 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm), Julia Butterfly Hill maintains a healthy and active lifestyle. While her exact weight is not publicly disclosed, she is known to promote well-being and sustainability, encouraging others to connect with nature and live healthily.
Originally, Hill was not officially affiliated with any environmental organization, deciding by herself to undertake civil disobedience. Soon, she was actively supported by Earth First!, among other organizations, and by volunteers. On December 10, 1997, Hill ascended a 1,000-year-old lightning-struck redwood tree to a height of 180 ft.
The tree had previously been nicknamed “the Stafford Giant" because of its proximity to the small community of Stafford. Since the Moon was rising at the time, activists chose to name the tree “Luna” (Spanish for “Moon”) to commemorate the event:
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In terms of her personal life in 2025, Julia Butterfly Hill prefers to keep her relationships private. However, she has been known to share her thoughts on love and commitment to nature as being the foundation of her activism. There have been speculations about her dating life, but as of now, she is not publicly confirmed to be in a serious relationship.
Hill's father was a traveling minister who went from town to town, bringing his family with him. Until she was about ten years old, Hill lived in a 32 ft camper with her father Dale, mother Kathy, and brothers Mike and Dan. Julia is the middle child. While traveling with her family, Hill often explored rivers by campgrounds.
When Hill was seven years old, she and her family were taking a hike one day when a butterfly landed on her finger and stayed with her for the duration of the hike. From that day on, her nickname became "Butterfly". She decided to use that as her nickname for the rest of her life.
Net Worth and Salary
Julia Butterfly Hill's net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 as of 2025. Her income primarily stems from her work as a motivational speaker, author of several books, and her involvement in various environmental organizations. Despite coming from humble beginnings, her dedication to the environmental cause has enabled her to accumulate a modest fortune over the years.
"I actually take the money that the IRS says goes to them and I give it to the places where our taxes should be going. And in my letter to the IRS I said: 'I'm not refusing to pay my taxes. I'm actually paying them but I'm paying them where they belong because you refuse to do so.'"
Career, Business and Investments
Hill's career is marked by her commitment to environmental activism. After her tree-sit ended in 1999, she founded the non-profit organization, Circle of Life Foundation, focusing on sustainable living and protection of forests. She has also authored books such as The Legacy of Luna which chronicles her unique experiences and mission for environmental conservation. In recent years, Hill has invested in green businesses and continues to advocate for eco-friendly practices in both corporate and community settings.
Julia Lorraine Hill (born February 18, 1974), best known as Julia Butterfly Hill, is an American environmental activist and tax redirection advocate. She lived in a 200 ft-tall, approximately 1,000-year-old California redwood tree for 738 days between December 10, 1997, and December 18, 1999.
Hill lived in a tent near the top of a tree, affectionately known as Luna, to prevent Pacific Lumber Company loggers from cutting it down. She ultimately reached an agreement with the lumber company to save the tree. Hill is the author of the book The Legacy of Luna (2000) and co-author of One Makes the Difference.
Social Network
Julia Butterfly Hill is actively involved in various social networks where she shares her messages of environmentalism and sustainability. She has a significant presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where she connects with followers and inspires them to engage in environmental activism. Her posts often highlight current environmental issues, encourage responsible living, and provide insights into her ongoing projects.
Education
Julia Butterfly Hill graduated high school in the early '90s and later attended several workshops and seminars on environmental science and activism, although she did not pursue formal university education. Instead, her real-life experiences and challenges served as her ultimate education, positioning her as a leader in the environmental movement.
When Hill was in middle school, her family stopped traveling and settled in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In August 1996, at age 22, she suffered a near-fatal car crash. At the time, Hill was acting as the designated driver for a friend who had been drinking. Her friend's car was hit from behind by a drunk driver.
The steering wheel of the car penetrated her skull. It took almost a year of intensive therapy before she regained the ability to speak and walk normally. She said:
