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Hilltown Land Trust

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
Mar 13th, 2024    
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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Maple Farm Tour and Tasting
Maple Farm Tour and Tasting
Mar 16th, 2024    
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Two Mamas Farm
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Join Two Mamas Farm, the Hilltown Land Trust, the J.S. Bryant School, and the High Five Books team for a very special family-friendly tour of [...]
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Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Senior Snowshoe with All Out Adventures
Mar 20th, 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 [...]
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Mapping Stormflows at Home and Work
Mapping Stormflows at Home and Work
Mar 30th, 2024    
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Meekins Library
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Learn simple backyard flood interventions you can do yourself in this practical, five-part workshop series introducing strategies for addressing climate impacts at the residential scale. [...]
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Volunteer for the Earth Cleanup Challenge
Volunteer for the Earth Cleanup Challenge
Apr 1st, 2024 - Apr 16th, 2024    
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As part of our annual Give Back to the Land 24-Hour Fundraiser, we invite you to a trash cleanup challenge to help keep our public lands and [...]
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