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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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Forest Carbon and Land Management
Forest Carbon and Land Management
Apr 28th, 2020    
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
What role does carbon play in the forest? And what impact do forest conservation and management have on carbon storage within a forested landscape? Learn [...]
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Native Bees Webinar - Diversity, Decline, and Conservation
Native Bees Webinar - Diversity, Decline, and Conservation
May 7th, 2020    
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
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Fourteen native bee species are in decline in the northeast, but why is this happening and what can we do to keep these important pollinators [...]
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Solar Development Webinar
Solar Development Webinar
May 27th, 2020    
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
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Solar Development in MA: State Incentives and Municipal Planning This webinar will provide a brief overview of solar development in Massachusetts to date, explain the [...]
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Black Bear Research Webinar
Black Bear Research Webinar
May 29th, 2020    
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
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Interested in learning more about black bear behavior in Massachusetts? Join us for a webinar with Kathy Zeller, a post-doctoral researcher in the Mass Cooperative Fish [...]
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Events on Apr 28th, 2020
Forest Carbon and Land Management
Forest Carbon and Land Management
28 Apr 20
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Native Bees Webinar - Diversity, Decline, and Conservation
Native Bees Webinar - Diversity, Decline, and Conservation
7 May 20
Events on May 27th, 2020
Solar Development Webinar
Solar Development Webinar
27 May 20
Events on May 29th, 2020
Black Bear Research Webinar
Black Bear Research Webinar
29 May 20
  • About
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