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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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Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Feb 7th, 2024    
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Bullitt Reservation
  • Hike
  • Partnership Event
Hilltown Land Trust is pleased to once again be partnering with All Out Adventures in offering a series of senior snowshoe treks this winter. Join us [...]
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Winery Bingo Night
Winery Bingo Night
Feb 15th, 2024    
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Glendale Ridge Vineyard
  • Celebration
  • Family Fun
Molly Keehn the Bingo Queen is back at Glendale Ridge Vineyard! February’s all-ages bingo is in support of Hilltown Land Trust. Delicious local wines available, [...]
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Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Feb 21st, 2024    
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
DAR State Forest
  • Hike
  • Partnership Event
Hilltown Land Trust is pleased to once again be partnering with All Out Adventures in offering a series of senior snowshoe treks this winter. Join us [...]
More Info
The Clues Animals Leave Behind: Wildlife Tracking with Jess Applin
The Clues Animals Leave Behind: Wildlife Tracking with Jess Applin
Feb 24th, 2024    
10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fare-Thee-Well Wholeness Center
  • Hike
  • Workshop
Experienced tracker and HLT staff member, Jess Applin, will lead two 2.5 hour sessions of wildlife tracking and reading the landscape. Jess will take a [...]
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Events on Feb 7th, 2024
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
7 Feb 24
Ashfield
Events on Feb 15th, 2024
Winery Bingo Night
Winery Bingo Night
15 Feb 24
Southampton
Events on Feb 21st, 2024
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
21 Feb 24
Goshen
Events on Feb 24th, 2024
The Clues Animals Leave Behind: Wildlife Tracking with Jess Applin
The Clues Animals Leave Behind: Wildlife Tracking with Jess Applin
24 Feb 24
Huntington
  • About
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    • Affiliation with The Trustees
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    • Contact
    • Open Positions
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    • Agricultural Preservation Restrictions
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      • Bradley
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      • Conwell
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      • Two Mamas Farm Waterfall Trail
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