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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 2024
Gorge après Gorge 5k Run/Walk 2024
Dec 1st, 2024    
9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Chesterfield Gorge
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It's that time of year again! Join us for this year’s Gorge après Gorge 5k Trail Run and Free Family Fun Walk on December 1st. [...]
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Mill River Flood Resilience: Community Public Forum
Mill River Flood Resilience: Community Public Forum
Dec 11th, 2024    
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Anne T Dunphy School
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A watershed is an area of land that drains all the streams and rainfall to a common outlet. It consists of surface water like lakes, [...]
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Silent Solstice Sunset Hike
Silent Solstice Sunset Hike
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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 along the Upper Highland Lake at the [...]
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Gorge après Gorge 5k Run/Walk 2024
Gorge après Gorge 5k Run/Walk 2024
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Chesterfield
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Mill River Flood Resilience: Community Public Forum
Mill River Flood Resilience: Community Public Forum
11 Dec 24
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Silent Solstice Sunset Hike
Silent Solstice Sunset Hike
21 Dec 24
Goshen
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