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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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7:30 AM - Beginning Birding - session 1
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10:00 AM - RESCHEDULED 04/26 - Hike at Bear Swamp - Hilltowns Hiking Series
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Beginning Birding - session 1
Beginning Birding - session 1
Apr 21st, 2018    
7:30 am - 9:30 am
  • Hands-On
  • Hike
  • Workshop
Are you interested in birdwatching but maybe feel a little intimidated by how much there is to learn? Or perhaps you have started identifying birds [...]
More Info
RESCHEDULED 04/26 - Hike at Bear Swamp - Hilltowns Hiking Series
RESCHEDULED 04/26 - Hike at Bear Swamp - Hilltowns Hiking Series
Apr 26th, 2018    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bear Swamp
  • Hike
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 26TH. PLAN TO AVOID ROUTE 116/MAIN ST IN THE CENTER OF ASHFIELD DUE TO ROAD [...]
More Info
Smile! Capturing Critters with Wildlife Cameras
Smile! Capturing Critters with Wildlife Cameras
Apr 28th, 2018    
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Bullitt Reservation
  • Hands-On
  • Hike
  • Partnership Event
  • Training
  • Workshop
If you are curious about the wildlife living in your woods, come to this workshop to learn how to capture them with a wildlife or [...]
More Info
Edible Native and Invasive Plants with Russ Cohen
Edible Native and Invasive Plants with Russ Cohen
Apr 29th, 2018    
1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Hands-On
  • Hike
  • Partnership Event
  • Workshop
Learn how to identify, responsibly harvest, and prepare edible invasive plants in this partnership event with Hilltown Land Trust and Kestrel Land Trust, co-sponsored by [...]
More Info
Events on Apr 21st, 2018
Beginning Birding - session 1
Beginning Birding - session 1
21 Apr 18
Events on Apr 26th, 2018
RESCHEDULED 04/26 - Hike at Bear Swamp - Hilltowns Hiking Series
RESCHEDULED 04/26 - Hike at Bear Swamp - Hilltowns Hiking Series
26 Apr 18
Ashfield
Events on Apr 28th, 2018
Smile! Capturing Critters with Wildlife Cameras
Smile! Capturing Critters with Wildlife Cameras
28 Apr 18
Ashfield
Events on Apr 29th, 2018
Edible Native and Invasive Plants with Russ Cohen
Edible Native and Invasive Plants with Russ Cohen
29 Apr 18
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