Just as we have done for many years, we are closing the hot springs to guests for the 4 weeks of December 1 through December 28. We will be open again on December 29. This December we plan on implementing the new database and reservation system. Therefore, we will not be answering the phones for one week, December 4 through 11. Please don't call during this week and wait until after that time frame to call for reservations.

Everyone here has an obligation to communicate their expectations and extend the inclusive sense of community. If someone in the pool with you asks you to speak more softly, that is the person directly impacted by your behavior. OLT has deliberately avoided a long list of specific rules and regulations; we don't want to be that kind of place and we don't enjoy the role of enforcer. Simply stated, the main rule is the good old Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." There are instances that have been brought to our attention in which someone has tried to make polite requests of others and been told that it is none of their business. We are all together in this and what happens around me is my business. The best solutions are those that involve people communicating respectfully and working out the conflicts quickly and at the moment. Most of the confrontations involve noise level, smoke, pets, and alcohol. A few are more serious trespasses into another person's physical space through unwanted advances and boundary crossing. OLT staff responds quickly when people come to us to communicate their discomfort. Please tell us in the moment rather than waiting for a few days to go by to let us know there was a problem. In a social utopia, the behaviors and mis-steps would be self-regulated; folks simply let their affronts be known and the ones doing that affronting work it out with those whose experience is disrupted. Are we reasonable people and half-way decent human beings? Is this too much to ask?

"The Pumpkin is a uniquely American plant, widely regarded as one of the most magical plants in all the world." -Seth Adams, Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern.

Plenty of pumpkins from the garden are still available for purchase. Only $2 each!!

Also, fresh from the ranch kitchen and sold in the welcome center throughout the cold months- A variety of yummy pumpkin foods including baked goods and hummus!

Front Yard Concert and Picnic with Chimney Choir at OLT's Everson Ranch

Saturday October 14, 2017 2 pm-4 pm

You are invited to Scott and Cynthia's twist on the "house concert" with Chimney Choir, one of our favorite bands.  Join us in the picturesque front yard of the the ranch house for great music under the big tent.  Bring your own picnic-food and drink, blankets or chairs, we'll provide the wonderful music and atmosphere.  The suggested donation of $10 per person will benefit the Everson Ranch program.  This concert is open to the public.  Bring friends and family. No tickets necessary.  Letting us know you are coming is helpful.  Hope to see you there.  Thank you.

*Take Hwy 17 to Co Rd GG.  Turn East

  Go South on Co Rd 61 and next Left is the Historic Everson Ranch

 http://chimneychoir.com/watch/

Chimney Choir gave us permission to use their music for this video about the new OLT telescope. 

http://www.olt.org/news/item/337-new-telescope-see-for-yourself

This years Harvest Dinner was a wonderful event with great food & music. The Flying W Wranglers performed their traditional cowboy music to an appreciative crowd. RustingRam Catering served an incredible farm to table dinner showing off the bounty of the ranch garden, greenhouse and fields. Thank you to all our Everson Ranch Staff and Volunteers who worked throughout the year taking care of the animals, tilling the soil, planting the seeds, weeding and harvesting the garden, and giving tours to our visitors. If you haven't experienced the ranch yet, be sure to check it out on your next visit!

Recently, the following review appeared on the OLT Facebook page.

I had been coming here for over 10 years. My wife has accompanied me ever since we met, 5 years ago. It is a beautiful place, the bats are amazing, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It was such a special place that I chose to propose to her here two years ago. Important word in that sentence is 'was.' It is no longer a place we can go to relax. The people who now pack in here no longer respect some level of peace and quiet, or personal space. We often feel pushed out of already crowded pools by people who think they can squeeze in just one more, or that join a very serene soak only to spark up a loud conversation. If you expect every moment to be full of socialization, then this is your place. If you want peace and serenity, unfortunately it's not.

This is discouraging. We have long promoted the ideas of Respect, Recognition, and Responsibility. Respect other people and their experience, respect the pools, respect the water, respect the ecosystem. Recognize that not everyone wants the same thing, Recognize the differences. Recognize that some come for quiet, reflection, peace while others come to socialize and make friends. Obviously, the two are not always compatible and it takes some willingness to be sensitive and thoughtful. Be responsible in how you behave and how response-able you are in a variety of situations. Do the dishes - even if they're not your own, pick up the trash - even if you didn't put it there, share the best spots, be aware. Smoking of any substance is allowed only at the Smoke Hut or in your vehicle. Don't force people that don't like smoke to remind you that the pools are smoke free. If you have a beverage, be responsible and careful. Thanks for being considerate and helping create a space in which we all can flourish.

Orient Land Trust is a unique place of peace, community and soothing waters that nourish the environment and inspire us to preserve it. Our goal is to create awareness of environmental issues, resource sustainability, land and habitat conservation. We provide our youth with the opportunity to experience this unique environment, to expand their knowledge of the natural world through our educational programs and to instill a sense of stewardship and personal responsibility. This September we hosted directors and youth from Conejos Clean Water's (CCW) Adventure Program. They participated in several of our educational programs including a Bat Tour, Hydro-electric Tour, Astronomy Tour and Everson Ranch Tour. The group camped over at the ranch, helped in the garden and hiked to the reservoir. Thank you to our volunteer tour guides and to CCW for a wonderful experience. OLT is very happy to sponsor your Adventure Program!

It has been an exciting summer for bodyworkers and the tipi offers a calm relaxation. As the weather cools we will offer sessions in the small Amish Cabin.

You will find details on our website 

A variety of therapies are offered to include various massage techniques, aquatic therapy and reflexology

Happy Autumn Equinox and blessings of joy and inspiration.from our dedicated team of therapists.

Cynthia L Nielsen LMT RYT
OLT Bodywork Coordinator

719.298.0360 text

Get your tickets now for Orient Land Trust's second year Ranch Celebration event on Sept 16, 2017.

Join us at the Historic Everson Ranch for a wonderful Chuckwagon Dinner Concert/Dance, ranch tours and more. This year's entertainment will be provided by the preeminent western music pioneers, The Flying W Wranglers. The wonderful folks at Rustingram Catering are preparing the food again this year.

The Flying W Wranglers have been performing music for over 63 years, making them the second oldest Western Music group in the world. Riding with the Wranglers promises the experience of classic country, western swing and gospel music with a bit of Cowboy wit. Expect unique western harmonies, fantastic yodeling, superb instrumentation and great songs of the American West. The Flying W Wranglers are a Colorado tradition and we're proud to have them in these parts for this special occasion. http://www.flyingwwranglers.com/

The Chuckwagon Dinner will include all the fixin's, with vegetarian and gluten free options. The dinner will feature meat and vegetables from the ranch served in true farm-to-table fashion. Help us celebrate the wonderful efforts and successes at the ranch this year as we harvest the best that the San Luis Valley has to offer.

A few tickets may be left.  Call the office before 2:00 pm today to check availability and pay for your tickets. 719-256-4315. Tickets for the dinner and concert are $50 per adult, $25 for minors aged 13-17 and there is no extra charge for kids under 12. All kids and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Camping will be available at the the ranch on Saturday night for an additional $10 per campsite.

Saturday, September 16 2017 

at OLT's Everson Ranch
Dinner begins at 4 pm
Concert and Dance from
4:00 to 6:30 pm

The Everson Ranch is part of the Orient Land Trust's Land Conservation Program which protects over 2200 acres. We engage in historic ranching operations with the goal of soil and water restoration. Other ranch projects improve riparian areas and eliminate invasive weeds. The reservoir at the ranch is also protecting Rio Grande Chub and Rio Grande Sucker fish species.

We look forward to seeing you there. Contact us for more information and to purchase tickets.

Online ticket Sales Closed.  Call the office to check availability. 719-256-4315.  Thank you.

The next time you're rumbling up County Road GG after a long drive, your eyes fixed on paradise, clothes already starting to come off, slow down and take a look around. That ranch off to the south is the Everson Ranch and the hot springs you love wouldn't exist as it is if not for the Everson family.

Thanks to the efforts of the Orient Land Trust, its employees and volunteers, the Everson family's historic ranch – you see it off to right at the junction with County Road 61 about halfway up from the highway – is being restored to a working farm and ranch; a living, breathing example of sustainable agriculture and environmental practices.