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Hilltown Land Trust

Dedicated to protecting the working lands, native habitats and rural beauty of the Hilltowns since 1986

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You are here: Home / Announcements / Member Spotlight: James Thomson

Member Spotlight: James Thomson

April 14, 2026

A photo of James Thompson at the edge of a field kneeling and smiling with his dog.

James grew up visiting, and now lives on, conserved land in Williamsburg. We spoke to him about why he supports conservation through Hilltown Land Trust.

Why does conservation matter to you?

Living on conserved land is great! I feel lucky to be surrounded by all these woods and fields. It’s hard to appreciate how special it is, because it’s just where I’ve lived for so long. It’s not just our land that’s conserved, either – the fact that we back up on thousands of acres of woods is even more amazing!

What helps you feel connected to the land?

I try to walk on our land pretty regularly – it’s also an excuse to take the dogs out. There’s something valuable in walking the same path multiple times even if you’ve done it many times before. Time in a place makes you feel connected.

A black-and-white warbler and tree fungus, photographed by Bobby Wilcox on the conserved land where James lives.

Why do you support conservation?

I believe that wildlife and wild areas are important. Conservation is important to sustain the planet and ourselves. It’s a gift to future generations.

If you have the ability and the opportunity to give back in some way, I think that’s meaningful for today, and will become more and more meaningful as places continue to become developed and as climate continues to change.

Hilltown species need support from the people who share their habitats.

You can help us sustain a vibrant Hilltown community with a gift to Hilltown Land Trust. Renew your membership or make an additional gift to sustain the planet and ourselves.

Give for healthy habitats
Silhouettes of the HLT logo bear and cub.

Filed Under: Announcements, Newsletter

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7:00 PM - Moonlight Snowshoe with the Trustees of Reservations
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8:30 AM - Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
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10:00 AM - Bullitt to Chapel Brook Hike
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8:30 AM - Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
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10:00 AM - Moose Ecology Talk & Snowshoe
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8:30 AM - Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
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1:00 PM - Trustees Event: Community Sew at Bullitt
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8:30 AM - Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
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Moonlight Snowshoe with the Trustees of Reservations
03 Jan
Jan 3rd, 2015    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Bullitt Reservation
  • Hike
  • Partnership Event
Come enjoy the night sky on a guided moonlit snowshoe hike at Bullitt. Pre-registration required. Snowshoe rentals available - quantities are limited. TTOR Members: $5; Nonmembers: [...]
More Info
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
06 Jan
Jan 6th, 2015 - Feb 14th, 2015    
All Day
Notchview Reservation
Come volunteer with the Snowshoe Shenanigans team of folly-makers! This annual event is for anyone who loves playing in the snow and is up for [...]
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Bullitt to Chapel Brook Hike
07 Jan
Jan 7th, 2015    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bullitt Reservation
  • Hike
Come explore the Trustees’ Bullitt Reservation and Chapel Brook on a guided hike on Wednesday, January 7th. We will begin at the Bullitt Farmhouse and [...]
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Moose Ecology Talk & Snowshoe
16 Jan
Jan 16th, 2015    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Stevens Property
  • Family Fun
  • Hike
Come enjoy a lovely winter hike and learn about moose ecology, habitat and other wildlife critters from Dr. John E. McDonald, Assistant Professor at Westfield [...]
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Trustees Event: Community Sew at Bullitt
24 Jan
Jan 24th, 2015    
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Bullitt Reservation
The Bagshare Project is a group of volunteers who sew reusable shopping bags for local business - this sew will be to support Elmer’s Store. [...]
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Events on Jan 3rd, 2015
03 Jan
Moonlight Snowshoe with the Trustees of Reservations
3 Jan 15
Ashfield
Events on Jan 6th, 2015
06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
07 Jan
Bullitt to Chapel Brook Hike
7 Jan 15
Conway
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
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Windsor
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Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
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Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
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Windsor
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06 Jan
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
16 Jan
Moose Ecology Talk & Snowshoe
16 Jan 15
Huntington
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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06 Jan
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Windsor
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6 Jan 15
Windsor
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06 Jan
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Windsor
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
Events on Jan 23rd, 2015
06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
Events on Jan 24th, 2015
06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
24 Jan
Trustees Event: Community Sew at Bullitt
24 Jan 15
Ashfield
Events on Jan 25th, 2015
06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
Events on Jan 26th, 2015
06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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06 Jan
Seeking Volunteers for Snowshoe Shenanigans on February 14th
6 Jan 15
Windsor
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