Since you’re taking the moment to read this article I think it is safe to assume you have an interest in Orient Land Trust and perhaps the broader picture – the northern San Luis Valley.  I’m curious about your impetus for visiting Valley View and would love to hear from you with stories of your motivating connections.  Please email me at dan@olt.org.  My personal reasons include the obvious: the water, community, peacefulness and views.  Now that I’ve begun volunteering with the organization there is more significant connection.  My roots are extending and strengthening through the relationship with the land.  The fulfillment is reward unto itself yet the emotion runs deeper.  It is personally satisfying to know my energy is being put into land that will exist in perpetuity and nourish the spirits of future generations.

   Orient Land Trust is much more than hot springs and volunteers are making it possible for us to continue expanding our horizons and opportunities for visitors.  This past summer season many people have given of their time to help inform new visitors (thanks to Discovery hosts Lisa Mott, Jay Sims, Elaine Agee, Ruth Steen and Jennifer Moreland), to be ambassadors to visitors (thank you Camp Hosts Dan Hayes, Michael Blevins, Katie and Jess Koski (and kids!), Elaine and Bill Agee, and Jennifer and Scott Moreland) and as informative guides and educators (thank you to astronomy and bat volunteers Robin Baker, Tom and Ilene Preble, Mark Cunningham, Lisa Mott, Michael Blevins, the Koskis, Karen Johnson, Bob Steen, and Scott Moreland).  If you have volunteered in the past and you would like to share your experiences with others please email Greg at greg@olt.org. 

   Opportunities run well beyond positions which require a month of your time (and free camping during that time!) to minimal commitments from home or while visiting Orient Land Trust for a few days.  See our Volunteering web page for more information.  And this isn’t a complete list.  Do you have skills that you think would be helpful?  Let us know at greg@olt.org!  You can serve on a board committee (without being on the board) and help us shape the future of Orient Land Trust and the land we are preserving.

   Anyone that has volunteered here will be quick to tell you that the rewards are more than tangible. The deep satisfaction and serenity of the valley will infiltrate you and make your day-to-day life that much richer.  Join me in sinking your roots into the land – as well as your butt in the water!