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Monday, 08 April 2013 21:32

Land Conservation

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Monday, 08 April 2013 21:16

History of Success

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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.

Thursday, 04 April 2013 13:38

News

Sign up for our mailings and we'll keep you in the loop with semi-annual newsletters, volunteer opportunities, and membership updates. Naturally, the best way to stay in the loop is come visit us here at the Ranch, Hot Springs, and Mine. We've got something for everyone! Click here to Manage Your Subscriptions and add to your address book to ensure delivery.
Thursday, 04 April 2013 01:08

Questions and Feedback

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Thursday, 04 April 2013 01:02

Magic of Discovery

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Thursday, 04 April 2013 00:45

Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan

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Vision Statement

Orient Land Trust (OLT) is a unique place of peace, community, and soothing waters
that nourish the environment and inspire us to preserve it.

Mission Statement

Orient Land Trust is a nonprofit land trust
dedicated to the preservation of Valley View Hot Springs (VVHS) and its viewshed—
including natural and biologic resources, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat,
open space, and historic and geologic features

of the northern San Luis Valley—
for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Objectives, Goals and Strategies

Visitor Space Protection and Management: Maintain and protect Valley View Hot Springs as an affordable, peaceful and family-friendly clothing-optional recreational facility that enhances the visitor experience year round.

  • Maintain rustic lodging and camping opportunities for all visitors.
  • Maintain capacity and group size limits to mitigate the impact of human use the the environment
  • Provide a welcoming family-friendly environment.
  • Promote naturism along with social and environmental awareness.

Conservation and Preservation: Follow the highest possible standards for land preservation, agricultural practices, and energy and water conservation.

  • In Orient Land Trust’s geographical area of concern, protect the view, wildlife corridors, dark skies and open space by utilizing appropriate conservation tools.
  • Promote land stewardship with an emphasis on conservation, preservation and education over revenue priorities
  • Strive for off-grid energy use and a small carbon footprint for all components of OLT. 
  • Protect water resources.

Research and Education: Facilitate scientific research around OLT resources, and promote educational programs and activities suitable for adults and children.

  • Encourage collaboration with scientists, universities, government agencies and others for scientific studies of OLT resources including geology, biology, hydrology and energy.
  • Develop and demonstrate conservation models and programs that teach thoughtful use of limited resources, including energy, water, material goods and land, to reduce each individual’s impact on these resources and to adjust for environmental changes such as drought.
  • Provide regular educational programs and activities for guests of all ages.

Staff Development and Community Relations: Maintain OLT as a responsible citizen of the San Luis Valley.

  • Maintain a professional staff with expertise in conservation practices, agriculture, energy, finance and accounting, fundraising, and resort management.
  • Provide an organizational structure that facilitates accomplishment of OLT’s mission and objectives.
  • Follow sound fiscal and project development practices that facilitate accomplishment of OLT's mission and objectives.

Complete Strategic Plan

Thursday, 04 April 2013 00:32

Mindful Approach

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OLT was founded by Neil and Terry Seitz in 2001, building upon the legacy of the Everson Ranch, Valley View Hot Springs, and the Orient Mine. Its founders, owners of Valley View Hot Springs for thirty-five years, knew that the resources of the northern San Luis Valley and specifically the environs surrounding Valley View were simply too valuable to be owned by any person. They needed to be put into trust for everyone, for all time. In 2009 and 2010, the Seitz' donated Valley View Hot Springs and the Orient Mine to OLT. Thus, they created the foundation for the protection of vast, uninterrupted landscapes against ever-increasing usage and development pressure, while preserving the natural, agricultural and historic values of the lands. With their guidance and member support, OLT increased this open space to thousands of protected acres.

Today, OLT's resources include:

  • Open space shared among wildlife, agricultural livestock, and over 11,000 visitors annually
  • Thousands of acres of protected lands with conservation easements held by The Nature Conservancy and Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife
  • Free flowing natural spring water for soaking, drinking, heating, electricity generation, endangered fish habitat, and natural irrigation for OLT's Everson Ranch
  • The Everson Ranch Education and Agriculture Center, a historic ranch homestead being transformed into a community center that models sustainable agriculture, conservation of natural resources, promotion of responsible alternative energy, wildlife habitat, historic preservation, open space, and is dedicated to education of all.
  • Valley View Hot Springs, a beautiful, natural, historic hot springs village that provides a safe and natural place for people to discover nature and active conservation of natural resources, showcasing a thirty-five year history of low-impact, off-grid hydroelectric generation system (today produces 40 ~ 65kW), geothermal heating and cooling
  • Historic Orient Mine and ghost towns showcased by a Colorado Historic Society self guided tour
  • Over 250,000 Mexican Free-tailed bats, Colorado's largest migratory colony
  • A strong community of dedicated members, with little more in common than the nature of being human
  • Over 1500 annual members, donating an average of nearly $100 each and totaling approximately $150,000 per year
  • A vibrant, creative and dedicated volunteer program
  • Late 18th- and 19th-century historic structures with fascinating stories and heritage
  • Flourishing partnerships with local stakeholders including governmental agencies such as Bureau of Land Management, U.S. and Colorado Forest Services, Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Saguache County Commission, local schools; regional higher education institutions including Colorado School of Mines, Regis University, Colorado College, Adams State University, Western State College, Colorado Mountain College; local ranchers and farmers; local businesses; local Valley View Hot Springs enthusiasts

OLT's community is non-exclusive and open to all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. All that is expected of visitors is their commitment to our values of Recognition, Respect, and Responsibility. Membership is not required to visit. Coupled with an active volunteer program, costs are kept to a sustainable minimum, ensuring diverse access and inspiring tremendous charitable support.

Wednesday, 03 April 2013 23:58

Conservation Efforts

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Lands [map] Species [photo slides] History [photo slides] History of Success [slides]

Wednesday, 03 April 2013 23:46

People

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Tuesday, 02 April 2013 19:42

Staff Openings

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Orient Land Trust is a great place to work! We have a dedicated and friendly staff who work year-round to promote the mission of the land trust, maintain this beautiful property, and assist guests with their visit.

Job Openings

Housekeeping

We currently have an opening for a housekeeper. Please email a letter of interest and the completed application to Housekeeping Manager Robin Shumway.


Position Type: Part time, or temporary depending on OLT need and applicant circumstance. This position is an non-exempt, hourly position.
Pay Range: $14.00 to $15 per hour starting wage based on qualifications and experience.
FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Benefits include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage the first of the month after 60 days of employment depending on the hours worked and for Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits after 120 days of employment depending on the hours worked.
Location(s): Any OLT property as required

Job Relationships: Housekeeping Staff cleans, stocks supplies, does laundry, keeps grounds clean and picks up trash and recycling. Works closely with facilities and front desk, as well as volunteers to keep the infrastructure in good shape and ready to provide amenities to visitors.
Position Overview: Under the supervision of the Facilities Manager, Facilities Staff  is responsible for the maintenance of the Visitor Services facilities, including structures, utilities and grounds. The Facilities Manager also supports the construction of improvements on OLT properties.

Responsibilities include:
●    Safety of visitors and employees is a primary concern at all times
●    Be constantly observant of the condition of all facilities and equipment including buildings, pools, ponds, vehicles, trails, electrical generation, plumbing; report any concerns or questions to the ED
●    Clean all public areas daily, including restrooms, pool deck, saunas, and public areas of Oak House and Sunset Rooms
●    Clean private accommodations following visitor departure
●    Work with volunteers as appropriate

As directed by Maintenance staff:
●    Monitor grounds including campsites (both vehicle and tent), pools, ponds, trails, saunas, fire pits, recycling and trash areas
●    Shampoo carpets in cabins and other public use buildings
●    Clean area rugs and mats with pressure washer on pool cleaning days
●    Defrost freezers

Housekeeping Daily Duties   
●    Clean the Sauna (inside and out)
●    Sweep the Swimming pool deck
●    Pick up trash from Parking areas
●    Clean around Ponds
●    Clean the Restroom
●    Clean the Oak House
●    Clean Sunset kitchen and bathroom
●    Clean Cabins/ Sunset Rooms as used
●    Check mousetraps in all buildings
●    Clean around the Campsites & Pavilion
●    Keep Laundry areas clean/neat
●    Bring Lost & Found to the Welcome Center
●    Clean Welcome Center (weekly or as needed) including general office area, public areas and restroom
●    Make sure cleaning items/sheets, etc are restocked DAILY
●    Clean around trash trailer and recycle aluminum, glass, plastic & cardboard
●    

Detailed Cleaning List for Restrooms:
●    Clean:    Sinks / faucets
●            Tub
●            Shower / Shower curtains
●            Mirrors
●            Countertops
●            Soap dishes
●    Floors / Rubber mats
●            Toilets / urinals
●            Baseboard and corners
●    Drinking fountain
●        Change bath mats and towels
●        Install toilet paper (beginning and end of day)
●        Replace soap as needed
●        Empty Wastebaskets
●        Sweep sidewalk
●    Always check that all lights work

Weekly or As Needed
●    Thorough, in-the-corners cleaning of
●     floors, walls, ceiling
●        Wash cabinets and walls
●        Wash light fixtures
●    Stock pads and tampons in
●    "Personal Supplies" cabinet
●        Water plants
●        Wash windows and shower curtains
●        Vacuum ceiling lights
●        Wash skylights (inside)
●        Give rugs to Rick on pool-cleaning day

Detailed list for Cabins, Sunset Rooms and Oak:
Daily
●    Vacuum/mop floor
●    Change sheets
●    Put out clean towel and dishrag
●    Replace napkins and facial tissue as needed
●    Put away dishes
●    Wipe/dust all fixtures including tables, stoves, shelves, base-board heaters, light fixtures,window sills, bed frames, chair rungs, etc.
●    Clean sofas & under cushions on sofas
●    Empty wastebaskets
●    Empty and wash ashtrays
●        Clean out refrigerator
●        Sweep porch and steps
●        Pick up trash around outside
●        Always check:
●         All lights work *
●             Smoke alarms (check at least every Friday)
●             Thermostats (should be left on low)
●             Fire extinguishers present
●             Sunset: Outside light switch on
●          * Outside lights
●             Inside lights with dimmers
●             Inside lights without dimmers

Weekly or As needed
●    Thorough cleaning of    floors, walls, ceiling
●    Wash curtains and all bedding
●        Wash windows
●        Wash wastebaskets
●        Shampoo carpets several times per year
●    Rotate mattresses
 

Required skills and experience:
●    Organization of tools and equipment
●    General use of a computer
●    Employee, workplace and visitor safety
●    Open to learning new skills and knowledge
●    Self-motivated
●    Excellent communication with others
●    Keenly observant
 

Needed skills (to be acquired on the job if not already current):
●    Complete understanding, support and enthusiasm for Orient Land Trust and its mission
●    Knowing emergency procedures and able to instruct others

How to Apply: Contact Orient Land Trust by phone or email for application
Phone: 719-256-4315.
Email: Robin Shumway
Closing Date: July 31, 2023
For information on Orient Land Trust and our company culture, visit our website at www.olt.org.
Orient Land is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Front Desk

Supervisor: Visitor Services Manager

Job Relationships: Visitor Services staff work closely with the Visitor Services Manager, Office Manager, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and the Executive Director

Position Type: Part-time, seasonal or temporary depending on OLT need and applicant circumstances. This position is a non-exempt, hourly position.

Pay Range: $14.00 to $16.00 per hour starting wage based on qualifications and experience.

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Benefits may include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage after 60 depending on the hours worked and for Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits after 120 days of employment depending on the hours worked.

Job Overview: The Visitor Services staff has the important role of being the primary personal connection and first point of contact for most visitors to OLT/Valley View. This includes phone conversations answering questions, establishing memberships, making reservations, canceling reservations, check-ins, and educating visitors.
This is a part-time position, 3-4 days per week,7-hour shifts. You may be asked to fill in on days when needed.

Required Qualities and Skills:

  • Interest and connection to Valley View and  OLT property
  • Committed to the goals and mission of OLT and capable of communicating these clearly
  • Reliability
  • Flexibility in scheduling (we are a small team and need to cover for each other on occasion)
  • Very good communication skills
  • Self Confidence
  • Enjoy working as part of a team and with a diverse clientele, respectful of all
  • Comfortable with nudity
  • Detail-oriented, and able to stay on task under pressure and with lots of distractions
  • Good keyboard and data entry skills
  • Ability to handle face to face challenges with grace and patience
  • Clear communication with your co-workers, volunteers and guests
  • Able to prioritize and organize during busy periods, self-motivated to find work during slow times
  • Comfortable walking steep, rough terrain at 8,600+ ft. elevation


Description of Duties:

  • Answering telephones is our primary contact with most guests, email is secondary. Be available and willing to answer questions, educate and guide guests through the membership, reservation, and cancelation processes. People don’t like surprises, the more you can prepare and direct them the more likely they are to have a good experience.
  • When a guest arrives for check-in you must make sure all required paperwork is completed, scan ID’s, payment is complete and correct, and give a clear comprehensive orientation.
  • Entering and updating guest information accurately.
  • Communicating any pertinent information by leaving clear notes in a reservation, verbal if it pertains to an immediate need or situation  and written and posted on the whiteboard if for the general public.
  • Printing and restocking brochures and educational materials, registration forms, and maps.
  • Valley View has a capacity limit. On days when we have reached capacity, walk-in visitors are turned away. Finding a gracious way of doing this is key.
  • Listening to any complaints or concerns from guests, resolving the issues, or communicating the problem to a manager, housekeeping or maintenance staff.
  • Reconciling all of your financial transactions at the end of each shift.


How to Apply: Contact Orient Land Trust by phone or email for an application
Phone: 719-256-4315.
Email:

Closing Date: July 31, 2023

For information on Orient Land Trust and our company culture, visit our website at www.olt.org.

Orient Land is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.