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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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An Inside Look at Hilltown Land Trust
An Inside Look at Hilltown Land Trust
Feb 5th, 2026    
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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Get the inside scoop on how we evaluate and select land conservation projects, care for conserved lands, and engage volunteers in our work.
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Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Feb 11th, 2026    
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
DAR State Forest
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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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Biodiversity Monitoring Training: Tree Bark & Wildlife Tracking
Biodiversity Monitoring Training: Tree Bark & Wildlife Tracking
Feb 14th, 2026    
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
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Contribute to community science and learn about ecology in a supportive environment at HLT’s new biodiversity monitoring program series.
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Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Mar 4th, 2026    
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
Events on Feb 5th, 2026
An Inside Look at Hilltown Land Trust
An Inside Look at Hilltown Land Trust
5 Feb 26
Events on Feb 11th, 2026
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
11 Feb 26
Goshen
Events on Feb 14th, 2026
Biodiversity Monitoring Training: Tree Bark & Wildlife Tracking
Biodiversity Monitoring Training: Tree Bark & Wildlife Tracking
14 Feb 26
Events on Mar 4th, 2026
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
4 Mar 26
Goshen
  • About
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    • Affiliation with The Trustees
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    • Agricultural Preservation Restrictions
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      • Big View Trail
      • Bradley
      • Breckenridge
      • Clary Hill
      • Conwell
      • Hilltown Boulders
      • Historic Dam Trail
      • Locke’s Loop Trail
      • Robert’s Meadow Brook Trail
      • Round Top Hill
      • Stevens
      • Two Mamas Farm Waterfall Trail
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