Orient Land Trust is a non-profit land trust created around Valley View Hot Springs, its unique culture and environment.

With the Orient Mine and Everson Ranch, we now protect 2,200 acres, its wildlife corridor, pristine spring waters, hiking trails, rustic cabins, and camping. Visitors of all ages and walks of life enjoy free educational programs, clothing-optional naturist open space, geothermal warmth, hydroelectric energy, and Colorado's largest bat colony.  Read more...

Guidelines Rates and Reservations Bat Tours

Litter Cleanup Volunteers 2024
Monday, September 30th, 2024

Litter Free GG

Sixteen volunteers had a great morning doing our Adopt-A-Roadway clean-up of County Road GG on Saturday, September 21. Sponsored by the Conservation Committee, the group met at the Welcome Center for coffee and pastries (provided by Crystal - thanks!), and then loaded up for the drive to Highway 17 to begin. With positive attitudes and a party atmosphere, teams of four walked both sides of the road back toward Valley…
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San Luis Valley looking NW
Monday, September 30th, 2024

Villa Grove News

There has been some controversy in the town of Villa Grove regarding the installation of a new cell tower. Many of the townspeople do not want this 195 foot cell tower on the north edge of town. About a third of the town residents have joined together to sue the county over the proposal. County commissioners are advised not to speak about the project because of the lawsuit. Interested people…
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Flying over Valley View
Monday, September 30th, 2024

Year of Transitions

As mentioned in a previous newsletter, Crystal England is our Executive Director-Select and is working closely with Doug Bishop in preparation for his retirement. Kelley Michelle will be retiring in mid-October and moving to Southern New Mexico for the next chapter of her life journey. Amory Reed is our Visitor Services Manager-Select. She has worked at the front desk for over two years and has loved Valley View for nearly…
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Members Appreciation Weekend 2014
Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

Members Appreciation Weekend

Members are invited July 19th-21st for our annual members appreciation weekend! Potluck Saturday afternoon 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Bring something delicious to share. OLT staff will serve breakfast Sunday morning starting at 9:00 am. Live Music on Friday and Saturday nights from 8-midnight at the pavilion. The River Arkansas Friday night we welcome The River Arkansas The four-piece each skillfully showcases their craft while seamlessly bonding together as a…
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Crystal England
Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

OLT Board Chooses New Executive Director

Welcome to summer OLT members, The board of directors of Orient Land Trust is excited to announce that Crystal England has been selected as the new Executive Director-Select, taking over when current Executive Director Doug Bishop retires at the end of the year. Crystal worked as part of our front desk team for years before serving as Deputy Director for the last year. Preparation and planning for our Executive Director's…
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Adopt a Highway
Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

Conservation Committee News

Seeking help with Adopt-A-Roadway cleanup on Sept 21. OLT's Conservation Committee is sponsoring a cleanup of County Road GG on Saturday, Sept 21, 2024, in accordance with our participation in the Saguache County Adopt-A-Roadway program. All members are invited to help us out - we will gather at 9:00 am at the Welcome Center. Equipment and transportation will be provided by OLT. Several OLT Board members and staff will be…
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Worm Casting Workshop 2024
Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

Worm Wrangling!

Saturday August 10th, from 10am-1pm. The Everson Ranch is hosting the Wyoming Worm Wrangler! Last year's hands-on worm casting workshop was a lot of fun and very educational for everyone. We will gather again this year for this workshop. Join us to learn how to set up a worm bed, how to maintain the worm bed, and how to sort out the worms from their castings. We will look for…
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  • Naturism by Neil & Terry Seitz, FoundersHistory of Naturism at OLT
  • Words of Wisdom by Neil & Terry Seitz, FoundersSharing experience and wisdom that helped sustain this special place through the decades.

For the education, enjoyment, and well-being of current and future generations, Orient Land Trust: 
promotes a positive clothing-optional experience at all properties including Valley View Hot Springs, Orient Mine and Everson Ranch;
preserves the viewshed, including land acquisition; 
protects natural, wild, agricultural, and historic resources, in the northern San Luis Valley.

Values

  • Dedication to inclusiveness and the public good
  • Accountability to a diverse public community and maintaining their trust
  • Social and environmental justice beyond mandates
  • Respect for the worth and dignity of individuals and nature
  • Embracing naturism through practice and education
  • Modeling collaborative pluralism, transparency, integrity and honesty
  • Pledging excellence and responsibility in stewarding resources
  • Encouraging lifelong learning

Goals

  • Visitor Space Protection and Management: Maintain and protect Valley View Hot Springs as an affordable, peaceful and family-friendly clothing-optional recreational facility that enhances the visitor experience year round.
  • Conservation and Preservation: Follow the highest possible standards for land preservation, agricultural practices, and energy and water conservation.
  • Research and Education: Facilitate scientific research around OLT resources, and promote educational programs and activities suitable for adults and children.
  • Staff Development and Community Relations: Maintain OLT as a responsible citizen of the San Luis Valley.