The 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

Closing the Loop
Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019

Closing the Loop

To begin to understand the concept of closing the loop of an ecosystem, follow the water. The streams that leave the top ponds, the party pool, the apple ponds. Where do they go? To find the answer, find the box. Each stream feeds into the collection box, a concrete vault in between the Oak House and the Welcome Center. There the water feeds into an underground pipe that leads to…
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Bat Outflight at Sunset
Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019

Bats Back June 24, 2019

The bats that inhabit the Orient Mine are Brazilian Free-tail bats. This is a migrating species and they are here only during the summer. The time of their arrival depends on many factors. One of those factors is the bug population. The bats feed on insects and if there are no bugs to eat, there will be no bats. This spring was cool and the bug population was slow to…
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Working the Everson Ranch Garden
Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019

Everson Ranch Needs You

VOLUNTEERING IN THE GARDEN? Should you ask yourself: Can I contribute by volunteering in the OLT garden at the Everson Ranch? The answer most likely is yes, if you like physical outdoor activities, want to give your mind a break, help grow healthy, pesticide free, fresh food and flowers. It does not matter what age your are, or whether you are a newbie or do not have a green thumb.…
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San Luis Valley looking North
Saturday, June 15th, 2019

2018 Annual Report

Treasurer's Report - Patrick Comiskey At the April board meeting, Wall, Smith, Bateman Inc., the new auditors presented their report and reviewed the audited statements with the board. Previously, Doug Bishop-OLT Executive Director, Scott McCumber-OLT Bookkeeper and I participated in a conference call with the auditors to review the preliminary draft. The audit opinion was unqualified indicating that there were no material issues relative to generally accepted accounting principles. Net…
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Old Recycling Bins
Saturday, June 15th, 2019

Recycling

The recycler that OLT has relied on for the past several years has gone out of business. Recycling has become very difficult. Therefore, we are asking that you take your recyclables home and use your local recycling service providers. This is akin to the idea of pack-it-in/pack-it-out that characterizes camping in many areas. We are looking for a solution to the problem as recycling is a fundamental part of sound…
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Bat Outflight at Sunset
Saturday, June 15th, 2019

Reminder for Summer

Winter was cold and snowy. The number of visitors during the cold weather months was less than in recent years. Now the weather is warming up. We expect to see more pressure on the use of the hot springs during the summer months. If people are trying to make up for the times that they didn't come this winter, then we will have more people at the gate this summer.…
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OLT Ranch Hand, Jacob Marsh
Saturday, June 15th, 2019

Everson Ranch

There is a new face at Everson Ranch this summer. Meet our new ranch hand, Jacob Marsh. Jacob's passion for working on the land started in his own backyard. After purchasing a home in Aurora in 2009, Jacob quickly began the process of urban homesteading. He made two garden plots for veggies and herbs, another bed in the front yard to grow strawberries and raspberries, another for mint around the…
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Oct
19

10/19/2019 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Jan
25

01/25/2020 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

  • 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.

Orient Land Trust is a nonprofit land trust 
dedicated to the preservation of Valley View Hot Springs (VVHS) and its viewshed—
including natural and biologic resources, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, 
open space, and historic and geologic features of the northern San Luis Valley—
for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.

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.