OLT has made progress on the irrigated hay fields project at the Everson Ranch (pronounced "ee-vur-son"). The project, when finished, will provide water to over 50 acres of hayfields that have been dried up for many years. In 2014, Mike O'Donal, the ranch manager, was able to irrigate and harvest 8 acres of hayfields. This year, we purchased and installed over 1100 feet of ten inch pipe that will supply five more gated pipe laterals. We also bought enough gated pipe to run two of those five laterals. We are adding some 6 inch pipe that will irrigate a few acres at the ranch house that will bring water to some new trees as well as grazing pastures for the Black hogs. With the abundant rains of this spring, we will be able to increase the hay harvest and provide lush grazing for the Scottish Long-haired Cattle from Arrowpoint, our organic beef partners.

Science Camp in July. If you're interested in providing a wonderful week for your child with an emphasis on Science, check out the information letter and registration form. The young scientists will be free ($50.00 deposit refunded after camp ends). Parents can make normal reservation arrangements for the week. Ask for more information at the Welcome Center.

Everyone has heard about the WWTP and the long process involved; including recommendations, designs, permits, and the construction process. What may have been lost in the tale is the accumulating cost of the thing. Construction costs were about $180,000. We also paid the design firm and we paid the State of Colorado for permits. Altogether, the WWTP has cost more than $300.000. The good news is that we only borrowed $100,000. The rest has been paid as charges occurred through our admission and accommodation income. Thanks you to everyone that donated to the fund and thanks to everyone who has visited! Your support makes it possible.

If you have considered working on a committee supporting the OLT Board, now is the time to volunteer. If you are considering applying to be on the OLT Board, please send a letter of interest, a resume and references to the Governance Committee Chairs by June 15th. We look forward to hearing from you.

Fri Jul 31 – Sun Aug 2, 2015

Each year, OLT opens its gates to celebrate its devoted members and all their support. Anyone can become a member and no members are turned away. With so many fun-lovin' folks, we ask everyone to park off-site and be especially mindful of one another and our delicate space. Our supply of ice is limited and we encourage sharing tent spaces whenever possible.
Enjoy live music at the Pavilion.

The Gumbo Jets will play Friday night

and

Hippies with Blondes perform Saturday night

MORE DETAILS COMING...

Stay tuned!

by Scott McCumber

Friday, April 10, in the late afternoon, the crew of Weaver’s Level Best, connected the waste water pipe from the Valley View bathrooms, showers, and sinks to the new system. After more than six years of planning, permits, engineering, and coordinating, the new waste water treatment plan is now operational. The engineer has been here for his final inspection, the contractors pulled all their equipment out and peace and quiet returned to the neighborhood.

Working with the crew, Clayton, Steve, and Eli, was a pleasure. Their diligence, attention to detail, and knowledge helped the job go smoothly and quickly. The hillside is a bit raw, but with some spring rain or snow, the newly planted grass will green things up and it won’t be long until the recovery takes hold. OLT wants to extend hearty thanks to Weaver’s Level Best for a job well done. Attaboy!

We appreciate your patience and tolerance during the dust and noise. The weather was nice this spring and we had quite a few visitors come to soak. Hopefully, it was not too disruptive. The project that we worked so long and hard to implement is now complete and summer will be free of the hum and aroma of the old system. Thanks to everyone for the donations that help pay for the project! The OLT community is strong and healthy.

Friday night, April 24, 2015, there was a party at the Denver Art Society at Seventh and Sante Fe in Denver. The space that we had was big, had scuffed hardwood floors, and high ceilings with old tin panels. The walls were covered with the works of the artists whose studios are at the Denver Art Society. There was beer on tap, generously provided by Renegade Brewery of Denver. My favorite was the Coffee Oatmeal dark beer, although the pale ale was also very good. There was wine provided by Vino Salida; two reds, a rose, and a chardonnay. We also had a table laden with food, some from the Ethiopian Restaurant next door and some vegetable trays and chips with salsa and guacamole. Caravan X, a band from Salida provided some great music. We had a great time and enjoyed visiting with artists, pedestrians passing by, as well as familiar faces from Valley View. Thanks to everyone who ventured out into the Friday night traffic to spend some time celebrating the completion of the big project and enjoying the artwork of the Denver Art Society.

OLT would like to give many thanks to the generous people and organizations that participated. Special hats off to: Renegade Brewery and Laura Vande Zande, Ambassador of Beer Enjoyment, Vino Salida and their delicious wines, Caravan X for great music and good humor, and the Denver Art Society for the venue and the prolific, stimulating, and intriguing art work that gave the room such a creative flair. Attendance at this fun event was less than hoped, but it was a great OLT “community builder!” Thanks again to all those OLT members who did come!

Kids! Science Camp is coming. This year the dates will be July 19 – 24. Bring your curiosity, your scientific method, and your sunblock. Monday – Friday half the day will be spent learning from the 4 scientists: geologist / hydrologist; plant and animal specialist at the ranch; biologist; and bat specialist. The other half will be day-camp type experiences for discovery, fun, and relationship building with the organizer of the science camp. Normal hours will be from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., except for a bat tour one evening and star gazing with the astronomer with the telescope one evening.

There is a registration fee of $50, which will be returned on Friday. OLT is not trying to make money on this, but we do want to know for sure who is coming, and we want to know that participants will be there for the whole event. Families will need to make normal arrangements for camping or lodging. You can download a registration form below or phone the office with your information.

Join OLT at Poor Richard’s Back Patio in Colorado Springs, June 7, 2015 from 4 – 9 pm when musician and OLT board member John Standish will be playing the piano with accompaniment by OLT volunteer Mark Allen and others. Advance tickets on sale now, please RSVP to or call 719-298-2289. Tickets are $10 and we are suggesting a donation of $40 per person to support all of OLT’s programs. Members are encouraged to bring a friend or prospective OLT member. The back patio at Poor Richard’s is a great place to relax and enjoy the summer weather but it is small so capacity is limited. This will be OLT’s first Colorado Springs event (that I can remember). Thank you John and Mark!

Poor Richard's Downtown
324½ N. Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-578-5549

“SHAPES OF VALLEY VIEW”

ART BENEFIT FOR ORIENT LAND TRUST
At the Denver Art Society

Unique body sculptures of Valley View members formed out of painted packing tape (believe it or not) will be on display. The artists will mold your personal body sculpture at the Event for a small donation.

We are inviting all musicians to bring their instruments and talents to jam in between sets by a local favorite Salida band, Caravan X.

The OLT Land Conservation Program will receive all donations.

Beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase.

Y'all come. Invite many, please.