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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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All About Beavers: a Beaver Ecology Walk in Conway
All About Beavers: a Beaver Ecology Walk in Conway
Nov 11th, 2018    
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Bullitt Reservation
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This event is full! To be added to the waiting list, contact Susan at 413-628-4485, ext 4 or email HLToutreach@thetrustees.org Join Hilltown Land Trust and [...]
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Gorge apres Gorge 5k trail run and family fun walk!
Gorge apres Gorge 5k trail run and family fun walk!
Nov 25th, 2018    
9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Chesterfield Gorge
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Join us for this year's Gorge après Gorge 5k Trail Run and Free Family Fun Walk on November 25th! This annual event is entering its [...]
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Giving Tuesday - Support HLT and you could win $1,127!
Giving Tuesday - Support HLT and you could win $1,127!
Nov 27th, 2018    
All Day
Your contribution to Hilltown Land Trust on Giving Tuesday, November 27th, helps protect the rural beauty of our wildlands and woodlands. This region is defined [...]
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Honoring Conservation Activist Tony Borton
Honoring Conservation Activist Tony Borton
Nov 30th, 2018    
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
  • Celebration
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Please note the new date: Friday, November 30th. Hilltown Land Trust and Franklin Land Trust are collaborating to bring hikers the opportunity to visit another [...]
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Events on Nov 11th, 2018
All About Beavers: a Beaver Ecology Walk in Conway
All About Beavers: a Beaver Ecology Walk in Conway
11 Nov 18
Ashfield
Events on Nov 25th, 2018
Gorge apres Gorge 5k trail run and family fun walk!
Gorge apres Gorge 5k trail run and family fun walk!
25 Nov 18
Chesterfield
Events on Nov 27th, 2018
Giving Tuesday - Support HLT and you could win $1,127!
Giving Tuesday - Support HLT and you could win $1,127!
27 Nov 18
Events on Nov 30th, 2018
Honoring Conservation Activist Tony Borton
Honoring Conservation Activist Tony Borton
30 Nov 18
  • About
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