I nearly fell out of my chair when I came across a feature article about Brad Pitt doing a shoot in Humboldt Redwoods State Park for Details Magazine. My first thought was, “Okay, why wasn’t I invited?” And second, “Who knew he loved the outdoors so much?!”
Pitt is well known for his work on social and political issues both in the United States and abroad. I didn’t know of his love for nature, and I’ve followed his career since he played a cowboy hitchhiker in the road movie Thelma and Louise… okay, I think I’ve just dated myself.
According to the article, the 50-year-old actor spent much of his youth outdoors, enjoying the woods, bluffs and lakes of the Ozarks. Pitt also says he’s “quite reverential when it comes to a tree.” He has a tattoo of the measurement “94.9m (311.4ft),” the height of the largest giant sequoia, on his forearm. I think that’s the General Sherman tree, but we have it measured at 274.9 feet (83.8 m), so maybe his is a coast redwood measurement. I would need to see it in person to truly know — now that would be some legitimate redwood research.
After reading the article, I have a newfound respect for Brad. Now don’t get me wrong — I’ve always admired his work (and his face), but this is totally different. It is refreshing to know that Brad is well grounded in nature and the redwoods. We at the League (especially me) would love the opportunity to take him on a hike in the redwoods so that he understands the challenges of the forest today and the opportunities to reimagine our outdoor playgrounds and sanctuaries of the future.
And Brad, if you are reading this, we’d also love to feature you in our calendar, even if it’s just for the ladies at Save the Redwoods League.
