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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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9:00 AM - Art Exhibit: Mushroom Spore Prints by Madge Evers
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Art Exhibit: Mushroom Spore Prints by Madge Evers
Art Exhibit: Mushroom Spore Prints by Madge Evers
Oct 1st, 2017 - Oct 31st, 2017    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Bullitt Reservation
  • Celebration
Come to the Bullitt Reservation to view an exhibit of Madge Evers' mushroom spore prints. Spore printing is the technique of taking the millions of [...]
More Info
Hilltowns Hiking Series - Keystone Arches Bridge Trail
Hilltowns Hiking Series - Keystone Arches Bridge Trail
Nov 19th, 2017    
9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Chester Railway Station & Museum
  • Hike
Join Hilltown Land Trust and Friends of the Keystone Arches for a hike along the Keystone Arches Bridge Trail in Chester. David Pierce of the Friends of the Keystone Arches will guide us on this moderate 5-mile hike along the Westfield River.
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Gorge après Gorge 5k trail run and family fun walk!
Gorge après Gorge 5k trail run and family fun walk!
Nov 26th, 2017    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Chesterfield Gorge
  • Celebration
  • Family Fun
  • Hike
  • Kids
  • Partnership Event
Join Hilltown Land Trust for the 13th annual Gorge après Gorge 5k trail run and family fun walk! Preregister now for the 5k or the [...]
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Events on Oct 29th, 2017
Art Exhibit: Mushroom Spore Prints by Madge Evers
Art Exhibit: Mushroom Spore Prints by Madge Evers
1 Oct 17
Ashfield
Events on Oct 30th, 2017
Art Exhibit: Mushroom Spore Prints by Madge Evers
Art Exhibit: Mushroom Spore Prints by Madge Evers
1 Oct 17
Ashfield
Events on Oct 31st, 2017
Art Exhibit: Mushroom Spore Prints by Madge Evers
Art Exhibit: Mushroom Spore Prints by Madge Evers
1 Oct 17
Ashfield
Events on Nov 19th, 2017
Hilltowns Hiking Series - Keystone Arches Bridge Trail
Hilltowns Hiking Series - Keystone Arches Bridge Trail
19 Nov 17
Chester
Events on Nov 26th, 2017
Gorge après Gorge 5k trail run and family fun walk!
Gorge après Gorge 5k trail run and family fun walk!
26 Nov 17
Chesterfield
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