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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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Woodland Connections for Women
Woodland Connections for Women
May 5th, 2019    
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Hike
  • Workshop
With support from UMass Extension and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, HLT is hosting an event for women landowners about conservation options for [...]
More Info
Windsor Jambs Hike
Windsor Jambs Hike
May 17th, 2019    
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Windsor State Forest
  • Hike
  • Partnership Event
We are partnering with The Trustees to enjoy one of the Westfield River’s headwater tributaries. We will hike the recently-cleared Windsor Jambs Trail from the [...]
More Info
Hike & Plant ID in the Williams' Forest
Hike & Plant ID in the Williams' Forest
May 24th, 2019    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Hike
We will be exploring the springtime forest and beaver ponds on this privately owned land in Plainfield. Nancy Goodman will lead hikers in identifying plants [...]
More Info
Events on May 5th, 2019
Woodland Connections for Women
Woodland Connections for Women
5 May 19
Events on May 17th, 2019
Windsor Jambs Hike
Windsor Jambs Hike
17 May 19
Windsor
Events on May 24th, 2019
Hike & Plant ID in the Williams' Forest
Hike & Plant ID in the Williams' Forest
24 May 19
  • About
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