News

News (378)

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Monday, 16 May 2016 06:51

Call Ahead!

Last year, 2015, we experienced the most visitors ever at the hot springs. For the first time, this February and March we reached our capacity limits almost every weekend. We have limitations on overnight visitors and for day visits. Because of the way our society is set up, weekends, holidays, and summer are the times that most people can take their vacations. The effect here is that the springs are…
Monday, 16 May 2016 06:40

Walk Gently and Leave No Trace!

Use less paper! We recognize that we are a conservation organization with the intention of being conscientious stewards of this revered land. In the spirit of making Every Day an Earth Day, we would like to encourage everyone to bring their own dish cloths, dish towels, and clean-up supplies. Using less paper products will take some fresh thinking and willingness to put in a little effort.. Here are some suggestions:…
Monday, 16 May 2016 06:37

Truck!

Orient Land Trust has a new-to-us vehicle in the fleet (if that's not too optimistic a word). It's a 2002 Dodge 3500 (1 ton, dual rear wheels) with a Cummins Diesel engine. We'll be using it as the workhorse for all the hauling chores. It's a flatbed so it will be nice to use as a work truck. Many thanks to Mike O'Donal, the ranch manager, for letting us beat…
Tuesday, 12 April 2016 01:40

Healthy Soil, Healthy Climate

Soil health is at your feet. Carbon sequestration to many people means trees. Another way to sequester atmospheric carbon and improve soil fertility as well as improve absorption of water is by increasing the carbon content of soil. As carbon content in the soil increases there are many benefits. Carbon depleted soils don't absorb much rainfall. The ground crusts over and the rain runs off and causes flooding in low…
Tuesday, 12 April 2016 01:35

Volunteerism At Orient Land Trust

The tasks at hand that are needed to run OLT smoothly are myriad. Though the Staff here is ever capable, there is just so much that we can accomplish in a day. Orient Land Trust relies on a long standing tradition of volunteerism. Through the years, many noble souls have come forward and brought their many talents to bear on improving our systems, grounds and infrastructures. I have found that…
Tuesday, 12 April 2016 01:04

Fighting Houndstongue - June 23 - 24

Help Protect Valley View Hot Springs! Do you love the wildlife of Valley View Hot Springs? Please help prevent this special place from being taken over by houndstongue. We are continuing our fight to prevent houndstongue, an invasive and toxic weed, from taking over here. This plant does not provide food for wildlife and will displace native vegetation. By pulling houndstongue in the early summer we prevent it from spreading.…

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.