2012 Apple Tree Pools built featuring hotter and deeper soaking pools with easy access for all.
2012 Willow and Elm cabins renovated, now with geothermal heat.
2012 Aspen and Cedar cabins renovated, now with geothermal heat.
2011 Meadow Pond deck and bridge built to protect the surrounding delicate wetland.
...
2008 The 350-acre Orient Mine property was donated to Orient Land Trust by Neil and Terry Seitz.
2008 A community fire hydrant was installed on County Road GG through a generous grant from the Saguache County Sales Tax Grant program.
GOAL OF $180,000 FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES UPGRADES
OLT members are the greatest people in the world! They believe in and have made a commitment to keeping Orient Land Trust and its holdings, among them our crown jewel – Valley View Hot Springs – the special place that it is forever. From the soaking ponds, the wildlife, the landscapes and pristine environment at the hot springs village, the nature trails, the bat out flight at the Orient Mine and the Everson ranch -- what's not to love? Our members have taken the important step to make sure that these things, and more, are preserved for future generations by becoming Members. Large capital infrastructure expenses, however, like the Wastewater Treatment upgrades, stretch OLT's Operational Budget to the max, thus our need for an Annual Appeal campaign to help fund these additional expenditures. Thank you for supporting this year's "Let's Potty" Annual Appeal by contributing to our mandated Waste Water Treatment upgrades. Your gift will help keep the Orient Land Trust/ Valley View Hot Springs debt-free from this large wastewater expenditure project that, while not glamorous, undergirds your OLT experience of serene landscapes and soothing waters with much needed renovations for life's basic necessities! Thanks for partnering with us.
Any Annual Appeal gift for the WWTP project on top of your Annual Membership Fee will increase your Membership Level and its related Member benefits accordingly (see Member Benefits).
Goal updated 4/11/2014
In 2004, with generous donations from its members and other local stakeholders, OLT purchased 760 acres of the historic Everson Ranch from developers to protect the open space and agricultural heritage forever. OLT has since purchased several other parcels to secure the view scape from small scale development and securing it for agriculture, a historic and cultural mainstay of the San Luis Valley.
The Orient Land Trust protects and shares 2,200 acres of open space located 4-1/2 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado and 7 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17 on Saguache County Road GG (a gravel road). This high-mountain, rural oasis is far removed from gas stations, grocery, and other services. OLT stocks a small selection of local foods and snacks. It is a 175 mile drive from Denver (over 3-1/2 hours), 146 miles from Colorado Springs (over 3 hours), 198 miles from Santa Fe (over 3-1/2 hours) and 260 miles from Albuquerque (4-1/2 hours). The closest towns with services are shown on the maps below.
The Orient Mine is located approximately 2 miles north of the the Welcome Center and Valley View Hot Springs. Free guided tours hike there from the Welcome Center a couple hours or so before dusk. Bat outflight times vary so call the Welcome Center with correct times for that day so you arrive with plenty of time to make the hike.
Orient Mine and Bat Caves at the Orient Land Trust
via OLT Welcome Center
64393 County Road GG
Moffat, CO 81143-9723
719-256-4315
The Orient Land Trust protects and shares 2,200 acres of open space located 4-1/2 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado and 7 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17 on Saguache County Road GG (a gravel road). This high-mountain, rural oasis is far removed from gas stations, grocery, and other services. OLT stocks a small selection of local foods and snacks. It is a 175 mile drive from Denver (over 3-1/2 hours), 146 miles from Colorado Springs (over 3 hours), 198 miles from Santa Fe (over 3-1/2 hours) and 260 miles from Albuquerque (4-1/2 hours). The closest towns with services are shown on the maps below.
Please check in at Welcome Center before visiting the Everson Ranch and Reservoir. Be careful to close all cattle gates behind you. Do not enter the historic structures without a guide.
Everson Ranch at the Orient Land Trust
29398 County Road 61
Moffat, CO 81143
719-256-4315
informal
formal
[calendar listing including who's offering each]
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.