“Yes, I’m a tofu-eating, granola-eating, peace-loving, tree-hugging hippie. But I’m also a lot more,” said Julia Butterfly Hill in a presentation to a full Driscoll Ballroom last night.

Hill lived in a 1,000-year-old redwood tree named Luna for two years and eight days in order to protect it from loggers.

During her time living in the tree, Hill faced hardships from both nature and the logging companies, included a blaring air horn for eight days and nights (one of the corporation’s attempts to remove her) and the worst recorded winter in California’s history.

But to her, the worst part of the experience was watching an active logging process. She said it was like watching a loved one being tortured for weeks on end.

“It makes me cry every time I talk about it,” said a teary Hill.

The purpose of Hill’s presentation was to convince the audience that one person can make a difference. When she was faced with the difficulties of living in a tree and trying to raise awareness, Hill discovered that love gave her the power to continue.

“If you’re not angry at the world today, you must not be awake. Yes, I was angry but that’s not where my power comes from. My power comes from love,” said Hill.

During her stay in the ancient tree, she learned lessons from the earth including how to deal with confrontation and even Tai-Chi.

During storms, the trees that bend with the wind are the ones that stay standing. Those that refuse to sway, break.

“Just because something doesn’t have a mouth, doesn’t mean it can’t communicate.”