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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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Gorge après Gorge 5k Run/Walk 2021
Gorge après Gorge 5k Run/Walk 2021
Nov 28th, 2021    
9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Chesterfield Gorge
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Gorge après Gorge is back in person this year! Join us for this year’s Gorge après Gorge 5k Trail Run and Free Family Fun Walk [...]
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Phenology/Seasonal Changes Series - December
Phenology/Seasonal Changes Series - December
Dec 11th, 2021    
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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What happens in a landscape as the temperature, weather, and light change over the course of a season? This fall, join Hilltown Land Trust and [...]
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Silent Solstice Sunset Hike
Silent Solstice Sunset Hike
Dec 21st, 2021    
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DAR State Forest
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Enjoy the shortest day of the year with a meditative hike. We will take a short, silent walk on the accessible trail along the Upper [...]
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Gorge après Gorge 5k Run/Walk 2021
Gorge après Gorge 5k Run/Walk 2021
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Chesterfield
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Phenology/Seasonal Changes Series - December
Phenology/Seasonal Changes Series - December
11 Dec 21
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Silent Solstice Sunset Hike
Silent Solstice Sunset Hike
21 Dec 21
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