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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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What’s in a Forest Assessment? Meet a Forester Woods Walk
What’s in a Forest Assessment? Meet a Forester Woods Walk
Oct 29th, 2024    
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Unquomonk Town Water Land
  • Hands-On
  • Hike
  • Workshop
Join us on a walk at Williamsburg Town Water Department land with Licensed Forester Ry Patton (Bay State Forestry) and Hilltown Land Trust land stewardship [...]
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What Does Long-Term Forest Stewardship Look Like? Meet a Forester Woods Walk
What Does Long-Term Forest Stewardship Look Like? Meet a Forester Woods Walk
Nov 11th, 2024    
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Hands-On
  • Hike
  • Workshop
“Forest resilience” is a big buzzword right now, especially in the face of climate change. But what does a resilient forest – or farm or [...]
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All About Moose
All About Moose
Nov 16th, 2024    
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Stevens Property
  • Hands-On
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Uncover the mysteries of the majestic moose on this autumn hike! The largest terrestrial mammal in Massachusetts, these massive herbivores are a conservation success story [...]
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Hilltown Boulders Trail Opening Hike
Hilltown Boulders Trail Opening Hike
Nov 23rd, 2024    
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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Celebrate the opening of HLT’s and Ashfield Trails’ newest trails at the Hilltown Boulders with a 2-mile hike! We’ll tour the massive glacial boulders that [...]
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Events on Oct 29th, 2024
What’s in a Forest Assessment? Meet a Forester Woods Walk
What’s in a Forest Assessment? Meet a Forester Woods Walk
29 Oct 24
Williamsburg
Events on Nov 11th, 2024
What Does Long-Term Forest Stewardship Look Like? Meet a Forester Woods Walk
What Does Long-Term Forest Stewardship Look Like? Meet a Forester Woods Walk
11 Nov 24
Events on Nov 16th, 2024
All About Moose
All About Moose
16 Nov 24
Huntington
Events on Nov 23rd, 2024
Hilltown Boulders Trail Opening Hike
Hilltown Boulders Trail Opening Hike
23 Nov 24
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