P.O. Box 65  Villa Grove, Colorado  81155-0065
 719-256-4315
Office / Phone Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Mountain Time every day
Day visitors (not staying overnight) must arrive by 8:30 pm
Open to the Public 7 days a week except closed  December 1st - December 28th
Web address: www.olt.org

Welcome to Orient Land Trust
Orient Land Trust is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to the preservation of natural and biological resources, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, open space, and historic and geologic features of the northern San Luis Valley for the enjoyment of current and future generations. 100% of unrestricted donations go towards open space and land conservation.

*** New rates took effect on January 1, 2010. See 2010 Rates Here ***

Learn more about Land Conservation...
See here for a good overview of land trusts, conservation easements, tax credits, and how Orient Land Trust
works with land owners to preserve land here in the San Luis Valley.
The serenity of winter at the Everson Ranch...
See what Orient Land Trust is all about - protecting the land, water, and clean air of the San Luis Valley.
View two pages of images of our peaceful rural beauty here and here. (large files - long download)
 

See the DRAFT version of the new Vendor Policy that will be put in place as of May 1, 2010.
We are posting this in order to give Vendors (Massage Therapists, Jewelry sellers, etc.) a chance to read and respond to this tentative policy. However, EVERYONE is welcome to provide input and comments and we encourage you to do so. Feel free to e-mail feedback or suggestions to info@olt.org. See here for complete details of the OLT Vendor Policy.

Important - Terry and Neil Seitz's response to the "Concerned OLT Membership" online petition
Straight talk from the former owners of Valley View Hot Springs (since 1979) and the founders of Orient Land Trust.
See Neil and Terry's point-by-point response to the recent online petition posted by the "Concerned OLT Membership" group.

Important - Orient Land Trust "Naturist Deed Restriction"
This is the legal document - part of the Seitz donation of Valley View Hot Springs to Orient Land Trust - that will protect Naturist / Clothing Optional use of Valley View forever! See the Naturist Deed Restriction page for all the details.

Features of the lands protected by Orient Land Trust include a large bat colony, hot springs, alternative energy use, high altitude dark skies for astronomy, an exposed active geological fault, limestone caves, numerous trails into a wilderness area, historic buildings, town sites at an abandoned iron mine and a working ranch. Visitors to Orient Land Trust experience these features in a naturist (clothing-optional) setting and may camp or stay in rustic lodging.  The number of visitors is limited based on space available and environmental impact.

~ Late January ~
Sunset alpenglow on the Sangres, looking towards Black Canyon and the Orient Mine from County Rd GG.
See What's New and Mission for other January views of Orient Land Trust.

See the Orient Land Trust page on Facebook and add yourself as a "fan" to join our online community.
This is a great way to connect with other fans of OLT / Valley View and start discussion groups, share experiences, post photos, and stay in touch with the place you love.

* New * Cell Phone policy at Orient Land Trust effective February 1, 2010.
In response to a new cell phone tower recently erected just a few miles from Valley View, Orient Land Trust is updating our Cell Phone Policy in order to preserve our peaceful atmosphere while allowing reasonable access to phone usage. See Cell Phone Policy page for details.

Specific Oak House Dorm beds now reservable!
Do you have a preference for a top or bottom bunk? You can now reserve one and be assured it will be waiting for you when you arrive!
This change takes effect immmediately. Beds A-B-C are lower bunks, and beds D-E-F are upper bunks.

Press Release - Seitz Donation to Orient Land Trust!
See our official press release regarding the incredibly generous donation of the Valley View Hot Springs parcel to Orient Land Trust.
This is the completion of perhaps the biggest step OLT has taken to preserve this land for future generations - Thank you Neil and Terry!

December 2009 Mini Newsletter.
See the .pdf version of the 2009 Year-End Letter currently being mailed to all Orient Land Trust guests and supporters.
Great news about upcoming projects for 2010, plus a new land acquisition by OLT to protect the "3-Mile View"!

Important - Moratorium on Outside Vending at Orient Land Trust effective November 1, 2009.
Important news for massage therapists, jewelry sellers, and other vendors who have sold goods or services at OLT / Valley View.
In order to address the questions and problems arising from the lack of a comprehensive policy regarding independent vendors working on OLT grounds, the Board of Directors approved a moratorium on all outside vendors at the October 17th Board meeting. A comprehensive policy will be developed by May of 2010, but in the meantime outside vending at Orient Land Trust (including massage and other energy or bodywork) will not be permitted from November 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010. We will be soliciting feedback in early 2010 to gather input and ideas to help us better formulate our new vendor management plan. See Vendor Moratorium page for the complete text of the moratorium.

Important information on Caver access to the Orient Mine.
Due to the White Nose Syndrome affecting bat colonies in the eastern US, the Orient Mine will be closed to caver access until further notice.
See Orient Mine Closure Information page for details. Note - this does not affect summer hikes to the cave to see the bat outflight.

We have an opening on our Board of Directors. See here for information on becoming a board member and helping to guide the future direction of OLT.

	How to get here - See Directions and Maps
	2009 Rates for Hot Springs Use and Lodging
	New to OLT / Valley View Hot Springs? See First-Time Visitor Information
	Why donate? A summary of Annual Contributor Benefits available to OLT members
	See What's New for current weather and road conditions, fire ban, and bat information
	A History and Overview of Orient Land Trust
	Everson Ranch in the autumn - See why we are more than just a clothing-optional hot springs resort!